This is the Wildcard round. Any of these choices may be substituted for another pick in the initial five rounds. For all the rules and regs make sure you check out Round 1
The 2016 Player 2 Video Game Fantasy Draft – Wildcard Round
Paul James – Gears of War 4
I was dumbfounded when I discovered that Gears of War 4 was still available after 30 games had been selected in the draft – so naturally I snapped it up immediately. The Gears franchise is adored by its legion of fans, but has also reviewed well historically, so it became an obvious selection. I fully expect that Gears of War will score a Metacritic rating of 85+, and if this is the case then I feel quite secure. Should something go wrong with one of my previous five selections, Gears of War 4 will be fantastic substitute, and a game that I for one will most certainly enjoy upon its release.
Sarah Ellen – Star Fox Zero
1 It’s the same team that did Bayonetta 2, which scored a 91% on Metacritic.
2 It is not Metroid: Other M.
*drops mic*
James Swinbanks – FIFA 17
FIFA is my wildcard simply because I know it will be good. I picked a few risky games that I’m hoping will pay off, but in the off-chance they don’t, I wanted something that was going to be a sure thing, and the last few FIFA’s have been pretty darn good. Last year’s inclusion of Women’s International teams, as well as FIFA’s excellent feeling ball play and physics lay a groundwork that hopefully see even more improvement this year than in previous one’s. The team at EA Sports have been making these games on new hardware for a while now, so I expect to see them pushing it harder than ever before. If the time comes for FIFA 17 to step up to the penalty spot, I hope I’m right.
Matt Hewson – NBA 2k17
I have an obsession for the NBA 2k series. Having owned every entry since 2011 I feel I am somewhat of a knowledgeable voice when it comes to the franchise. This means I know for sure that NBA 2k17 will be a cracking game of hoops and considering the series has historically scored well with critics. Forget soccer NBA 2k17 will be the best sports game available on any system in 2016.
Adam Rorke – South Park: The Fractured But Whole
When the Stick of Truth hit our screens, it left us all gob smacked. It’s so utterly rare to find a game based off a popular non-gaming IP to actually be done well and compliment it’s beginnings as well as the new medium. But this game not only did that, it also felt like a love letter to all the South Park fans around the world. It sold exceedingly well as a result and warranted a sequel. Same Devs, same minds behind it … it’s going to be a fun, hilarious and enjoying experience when we see this one drop in 2016!
Stephen del Prado – NHL 17
NHL 15 on current gen consoles was a massive let down – EA Canada apparently couldn’t divide their attention between generations in the short development cycle they’re locked to in order to pump out annual releases. As focus shifted away from the PS3 and 360 and very little dev time was spent on those platforms, NHL 16 on PS4 and Xbox One was a significant improvement, becoming what I maintain is the most beginner friendly sports title I’ve ever played thanks to the On Ice Trainer. However, longtime fans were still disappointed by the lack of some features they had come to know and love in earlier entries. That said, I believe 2017 will be the year EA Canada finally get it right on current generation consoles – building on the solid base 16 offers, NHL 17 should be a must have title for Ice Hockey enthusiasts who have held off on current gen so far.
And that is it for the 2016 Player2 Video Game Fantasy Draft. Check back later in the year when we tally the scores and crown a winner!
Round 1 – Round 2 – Round 3 – Round 4 – Round 5
