An outside observer might have expected Overwatch to be significantly higher on my game of the year list. The actual truth is that this game existing on my list at all is a testament to how well it does its job. I can count on one hand the number of multiplayer-focused games I’ve gotten into over the years. Blizzard takes any concept they work on and polish it to a high sheen and Overwatch is no exception. Not only are the characters tons of fun to see and play with, but the whole game feels a lot more friendly and inclusive than others of its kind. It’s easy to get into, difficult to master and celebrates all of the players without putting anyone down in the process.
There’s something to be said for a game that you can have a good time losing. Winning is still more fun though and I’m glad to report that I did quite a bit of both with Overwatch. In contrast to other games, I also managed to wrangle together some friends to enjoy some true teamwork. Blizzard has also consistently added new maps and characters to the game, keeping it feeling fresh well-past its launch. Though not generally my cup of tea, Overwatch managed to woo me with its charm and ease of entry making it a fantastic candidate for number eight in my top ten games of 2016.
