1. I know this isn't the year ff16 came out... but it was the year I played it.... and I think it was reallly good, I really loved it. The graphics are amazing, I really liked the story and characters, the weapons probably could have used more variety but still I think out of all the games I've played this year, ff16 had me the most hooked.
2. Runner up would probably be Eiyuden chronicles. Especially when you consider it was made by a small indie studio funded by a kickstarter. Considering how most kickstarters turn out ( very badly, when they even deliver at all) and even though this one wasn't perfect, I thought the end result was very very good given the conditions. Felt very much like an old school jrpg. I was hoping it would be kind of octopath traveller but have a more focused narrative, and I feel like thats exactly what I got. So I was happy.
Those who wanted to relive their first playthrough of Suikoden II, I think, had their expectations a little too high. I think even Suikoden II would have trouble competing with our memories of suikoden II just because its been so firmly planted in the ground as this amazing game, and it is. But I do still think its just a game, and try not to let any game get too big in my head because, well, they are never perfect and we have a tendency to romanticize the past. I loved my playthrough of suikoden II. I also loved my playthrough of Eiyuden Chronicles. They are different games, and if you take them as such, I think you will like them both....
if you are okay with letting go of some modern QOL features that is, as the game did make several old skool design decisions. Which I was fine with. I'm talking things like limited bag space, limitted mana, no fast travel when you start the game. You can lessen these problems as the game goes on but I thought it was really nice to have resource management in a jrpg again. I can't remember the last time I'm sweating deciding if I can afford to use a healing herb I don't need so I have room to open a chest.
3. Also liked Veilguard, but haven't finished it yet... something is wrong with my safe file and I can't finish some quests and can't start others. They aren't vital or anything its just... I put a lot of time into doing every quest so getting stopped from finishing the heart of corruption side quest and ALL of lucanis' companion quests after he was hardened.... was kinda discouraging. So I'm just taking a break. I'll get over it. And then my next quest is the point of no return so I think things should go pretty quick from there, and then I'll have a reason to replay it later on. Maybe it was from one save going through so many updates idk. Damn though, the textures in that game, are some of the best I've ever seen. Here's an example:
I mean look at that.... looks like a photograph. If I didn't know any better... and didn't look too close, I would totally think it was.
EDIT: Forgot a couple honourable mentions!
4. Unicorn overlord
5. Sand Land
