Second Runner Up: Final Fantasy XV
It has got its story problems, but Final Fantasy XV’s immersive open world truly shines when you take the time out to explore all that Eos has to offer. Final Fantasy XV offers up the best open world environment of 2016, hands down, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the multitude of side content there is to tackle in the game. The boss fights featured in XV are some of the best we’ve ever seen in the series, and they’re truly brought to life by their incredible designs and the game’s phenomenal soundtrack.
The storytelling itself could use a bit of work. but Final Fantasy XV also does a wonderful job of selling its core cast of four characters. It’s a bit of a slow burn, and you won’t even realize it till you’ve reached the end, but Noctis and his friends share some of the most convincing and heartwarming friendships/bromances you’ll see in a video game.
