After being the sole survivor of an animal attack in Far Cry Primal, one would think that Takkar would want nothing more to do with animals. Thankfully, missions from the shaman Tensay teaches him how to control animals to his advantage. It’s a turning moment for the game, uniting man and beast in a way not seen before in that time period. There’s not a product of gaming more divisive this year than Hello Games’ No Man Sky. All that said, there’s no denying the chills that come when you get your first ship and leave your planet to see a wide array of stars and planets for you to go to. As they say, space is the final frontier, and that’ll definitely have you believe it.
It’s a moment of chance, one that has no real logic to it. Some get it for being the best on their team, others just for doing something incredibly stupid, yet vital. Others may consider it their mission as they play game after game. But there’s been nothing more satisfying in gaming this year than to hear the music swell and see your character get the Play of the Game. After being the sole survivor of an animal attack in Far Cry Primal, one would think that Takkar would want nothing more to do with animals. Thankfully, the shaman Tensay teaches him how to control animals to his advantage. It’s a turning moment for the game, uniting man and beast in a way not seen before in that time period.
Insomniac’s sci-fi duo has been through a lot over the last 14 years, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Insomniac Museum. The virtual showcase has appeared in entries of the series before, but with the 2016 remake, it truly feels like looking back on all the moments that have made this series so special.
The legendary city of the gods was one of the best locations in the original Dark Souls, so it’s only fitting that players go back to where it all began for the third one. Returning feels like a true completion of the trilogy and a more than satisfying end for From Software’s opus.
World War I wasn’t a pleasant fight — no war is, especially one that’s called the Great War. Battlefield 1 takes this even further by opening the single player with a mission where all you do is die. Each time you pass on, you’re transferred to the body of another Harlem Hellfighter, and man, is it just bleak as all hell.
Recommended Videos
Spoiler warning
This run-through of gaming moments takes a look at the most memorable levels and missions this year. If you'd rather not know these things about games you have not played yet, this is your official warning.
The Insomniac Museum (Ratchet & Clank)
Insomniac's sci-fi duo has been through a lot over the last 14 years, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Insomniac Museum. The virtual showcase has appeared in entries of the series before, but with the 2016 remake, it truly feels like looking back on all the moments that have made this series so special.
Return to Anor Londo (Dark Souls III)
The legendary city of the gods was one of the best locations in the original Dark Souls, so it's only fitting that players go back to where it all began for the third one. Returning feels like a true completion of the trilogy and a more than satisfying end for From Software's opus.
Die, Die, Die Again--Battlefield 1
World War I wasn't a pleasant fight -- no war is, especially one that's called the Great War. Battlefield 1 takes this even further by opening the single player with a mission where all you do is die. Each time you pass on, you're transferred to the body of another Harlem Hellfighter, and man, is it just bleak as all hell.
The Clockwork Mansion (Dishonored 2)
Dishonored 2 has some trippy moments, but none quite like the Clockwork Mansion. Kirin Jindosh's home twists, turns, and reshapes itself like a rubix cube of floor plans. On their way to their target, players will pull lever after lever, turning the home inside out while avoiding its ruthless, metal protectors. It's a definite highlight of Arkane's throat slicing sequel.
Wrath of the Machine (Destiny: Rise of Iron)
Wrath of the Machine requires all the teamwork and cooperation longtime fans are used to, but what makes it so memorable is going up against a Siege Engine that looks like it got ripped right out of Mad Max: Fury Road. Now if only there was a guitar playing Captain...
There's a War Going On (Mafia III)
The third entry in 2K's period piece open world series Went There in a second act mission wherein Lincoln Clay takes the fight to a meetup of the Southern Union, a white supremacist group. Some may kill all the attendees in sight, others may focus only on the enemies. But either way, it leads to a grisly end for the ringleader and serves as a highlight of the game's violent tensions.
Hack teh World (Watch Dogs 2)
Everything in Watch Dogs 2 is ridiculous, but nothing is as quite ridiculous as the big act two set piece. Marcus and the DedSec crew hijack a Blume satellite to, in the words of a famous film, hack the planet. Is it stupid? Yep. But does that make it any less cool? Hell to the no.
Effect and Cause (Titanfall 2)
Titanfall 2's single player campaign took a lot of people by surprise, particularly the Effect and Cause mission. Players get to swap between the destroyed present and the shiny past at will, using it to clear the battlefield and solve puzzles. Switching between the time periods is cool as hell, and there's cute little touches like audio logs from the past with minor references to your actions back then. It leaves you wanting more, and if nothing else, Respawn succeeded on that front.
The First Takeoff (No Man's Sky)
There's not a product of gaming more divisive this year than Hello Games' No Man Sky. All that said, there's no denying the feeling that comes when you get your first ship, leave your planet, and head to the stars.
Going Home (Gears of War 4)
As the son of war hero Marcus Fenix, JD was never going to have an easy childhood. In the second act of Gears of War 4, every interaction between the two Fenix men makes that clear. The highlight, though, is watching Marcus get more and more annoyed as the COG blows up his home in their efforts to apprehend you.
Becoming the Champion (Pokemon Sun & Moon)
You beat Team Skull and the Aether Foundation. You traveled to the top of a volcano and conquered the Elite 4. Now, you're the first ever Champion of the Alola Region. You truly are the very best that no one ever was.
For Better or Worse (Uncharted 4)
To say that Nathan and Elena Drake have a complicated relationship is an understatement. Lying to her about his travels may have been what threatened their love life in Uncharted 4, but the two manage to reconcile during a level involving jeeps, shootouts and ancient machinery. The mix of emotion and action shouldn't work, but it very much does.
Connecting with Trico (The Last Guardian)
The connection between boy and beast is what makes The Last Guardian so special. In those opening moments, connecting with Trico is like establishing new ground with a pet you just got for Christmas. The subtle gestures and freakishly lifelike nature of Trico make these bonding moments unforgettable.
Surviving the Night (Final Fantasy XV)
The nights are getting longer in Final Fantasy XV. That typically wouldn't be a problem, save for the deadly monsters. Surviving the night can be tough, especially if a high level baddie comes across you and your friends.
Play of the Game (Overwatch)
Some get it for being the best on their team, others just for doing something incredibly stupid, yet vital. But there's been nothing more satisfying in gaming this year than to hear the music swell and see your character get the Play of the Game.
About the author
Justin Carter
Sometimes a writer, always a dork. When he isn't staring in front of a screen for hours, he's probably reading comics or eating Hot Pockets. So many of them.
