The Player2 2016 video game draft continues with the final round. Make sure you check out Round 1 for all the rules and regulations to this epic contest.
The 2016 Player 2 Video Game Fantasy Draft – Round 5
Paul James – Overwatch
My final pick in the 2016 Video Games Draft is Overwatch and there’s one very simple reason for this, Blizzard do not make bad games. Overwatch is a massive departure for Blizzard, the studio renowned for their work on Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo is entering a brand new genre with Overwatch. A hero based, multiplayer FPS, Overwatch has generated significant buzz since it was unveiled last year, and that buzz became a roar after it’s closed beta played out in October/November. Coming to PC and PS4/XboxOne it’s hard to see Overwatch not reviewing exceptionally well.
Sarah Ellen – Bravely Second: End Layer
A lot of franchises are pitching their sequels in 2016, and the western release of the sequel to Bravely Default is another on the list. Bravely Second: End Layer is already out in Japan, and within the first week sold over half of its initial shipment. The first review mentioned in Famitsu is favourable, scoring 9/10 across four criteria. I had a calculating reason for this pick that went beyond the quality of the game itself (which we know is going to be fantastic). See, everyone and their ferret are going to review Overwatch, and you are going to have Blizzard strutting that Shooter through its paces to get more money in its coffers. However, I am making a hunch that handheld games do not often get the same review traction, which means potentially fewer reviews to average out. Not only does the averaging of the scores potentially work out in my favour, but the publications that will be reviewing it will be doing so with a higher level of expertise than the summaries that you see from time to time in the Technology section of News.com.au. These critics know what to look for, and with Bravely Default winning out Gamespots’ 3DS Game of the Year in 2014 and nominated for IGN’s Best 3DS Game of 2014? It is a safe bet that this is going to be a great addition to the 3DS library.
James Swinbanks – Firewatch
The narrative in Firewatch, or at least what they’ve portrayed of it to the public thus far, is what draws me closer to it. You play a man in an isolated tower in a vast woodland, whose job it is to keep an eye out for dangerous forest fires. Your only line of communication to anyone is via a walkie-talkie to the woman on the end, your head of command. Some weirdness starts to go down as he discovers his tower had been hustled whilst out on patrol. So whilst going through the steps to find out who might’ve done this, you’re also managing your relationship with your boss as the narrative choices you make will directly influence it going forward. It’s a great premise, and I’m feeling pretty hopeful that this is going to turn out to be a cool thing, and that’s why it’s snuck in as my 5th and final pick for our 2016 draft.
Matt Hewson – Quantum Break
This is looking to be a very interesting game. Not only does it combine the story of Alan Wake with the gunplay of Max Payne but it is also bringing a concerted effort to create a successful multi-media experience. There is no doubt that both Microsoft and Remedy have high ambitions for this game but with Remedy’s track record I would say they could pull it off. Every video I have seen for the game makes me want it more and I have a sneaky suspicion that when we look back at things this could be one of the most important Xbox exclusives in this generation. Quantum Break could be that killer new franchise that Microsoft has been looking for since Marcus and Dom began chainsawing Locust. I am excited to see the final product.
Adam Rorke – Far Cry Primal
The developers behind the Far Cry games have consistently knocked each game out of the park. Every single one of them has delivered, everyone loves them and they’re really hard to fault from an enjoyment and critical perspective. This game is my safe pick for this draft series … what could possibly go wrong?
Stephen del Prado – The Last Guardian
A joke! A travesty! I can already hear the sneering comments of naysayers who still view The Last Guardian as vaporware. You know what? They might be right, and I’ll end up having to mow Paul James’ lawn in my wife’s Sunday best or eat a hat of some description. But the sunk cost fallacy runs deep my friends, and there are hordes of Sony apologists out there waiting to heap praise upon this white whale. There is also the slim chance that The Last Guardian might capture a sliver of the magic found in both Ico and Shadow of the Colossus – whatever the case may be, I’m hoping Sony can make some magic happen and refrain from yet another delay.
Round 5 is over! Only the wildcard round to go so make sure you come back tomorrow to catch everyone’s pick that will hopefully save their scores when the year is over.
Round 1 – Round 2 – Round 3 – Round 4
