Honorable Mention: Id
Id Software is responsible for crafting some the most iconic shooter series in existence, including Doom and Quake. 2016 saw Doom return in a big way, as Id reminded us all why we loved the insane gory action of the original titles.
After so long a wait since the last Doom game, fans weren’t sure what to expect in a modern title. Luckily, 2016 pumped up the action and speed to immensely gratifying levels. The game reboots the series and gives you control of another unnamed space marine on a Mars installation facility. After a few short opening moments, you’re already beating down creatures from hell with all manner of weaponry.
Rather than the survival horror approach of the last two Doom games, the new title focuses on amped-up action with explorable environments and arenas. Speed is the name of the game, as the new Doom Guy runs faster and employs double jumps and ledge climbs to his advantage. A new melee system, known as Glory Kills, lets you perform ridiculous execution moves on wounded enemies and recover health by doing so.
Id has also done a solid job of post-launch content, following Doom up with three different multiplayer DLC packs this year since its launch.
Doom 2016 really reminded us of why we love the series so much, bringing back ridiculously fast gameplay, enemies from the first game, a rocking metal soundtrack, varied and diverse weapons, and a disturbingly gorgeous rendering of Mars and hell. So much of the title feels like a natural modernization of the Doom formula, and a great return for the series.
There’s more good news for Id, however, as the company will also be working on a reboot of the Quake franchise, called Quake Champions. With Doom now back in action, we can only wait to see what Id does with this other prolific shooter series.
