The Best PlayStation 4 Games So Far in 2016

With the first quarter of 2016 at an end, it's time to point out the best Playstation 4 games released so far. I don’t believe you’ve missed these, but they’ve kept a controller in my hands for some time and they deserve to be mentioned here. Keep in mind, as short as this list is, it covers most game genres, or at least those I play or enjoy, and though it’s a bit early, it really represents my first candidates for the best PlayStation 4 games of 2016 overall.

Action – Tom Clancy's The Division

I am a Ubisoft fan, and pretty much everything they have released so far on PS4 is a hit. Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag, Watch_Dogs, Far Cry 4. and even Just Dance 2015 (my kids love it) are all top notch games, brilliantly executed with great gameplay and matching stories. So, it comes as no surprise to me that I’m so into The Division.

Like in most Tom Clancy games, the level of realism is overwhelming. This time, The Division's story is set in an open-world New York where you are able to explore a living and breathing city, combat in the urban jungle that's overrun by hostile groups and thugs, and gear up/customize and progress your character while trying to restore order to once proud city.

While you start slowly adapting to new ground and learning the basics of combat, remember it's only scratching the surface of the beginning. The Dark Zone—The Division's endgame area where PvP players are let off the leash is waiting for you to join in. So, that being said, I think The Division will keep me (and hopefully you) occupied for a long time to come. Oh, and don’t think I’ll spare you if I find you in the Dark Zone.

Adventure – Firewatch

A narrative-focused adventure, Firewatch is set in the Wyoming wilderness, with you playing as Henry the forest ranger, and you’re assigned the simple task of looking for smoke (and therefore fire) and keeping the wilderness safe. The only companion throughout the game is Delilah, your supervisor, and you can reach to her only via handheld radio.

All starts off well and then something happens and you step into the woods. No, it's not a horror-themed adventure, nor it is a puzzle nor action-adventure game. It sets the tone like no other game I’ve played, and it's one of loneliness that you might experience while taking care of these sorts of tasks in the wild. But in essence you spend most of your time exploring and talking, making this game, in a way, a tale of inaction and that's what makes it so interesting.

Platforming – Unravel

The story of Unravel follows Yarny. The character is made of a single thread of yarn that slowly unravels as you move. Your main objective is to fill an old book with photos that, over time and through levels, will reveal the life of the family that lived in the house. The story might be on the lighter side, but the game is surprisingly easy to play and you’ll get hooked on it quickly. Most of the platforming action and puzzles are simple enough for any level of gamer, and checkpoints are way too sparse, but overall the feeling is a good one, enough to keep you playing it.

Racing – Sébastian Loeb Rally Evo

Sébastien Loeb is the undisputed nine-time WRC (World Rally Championship) winner, and there is no one better in the world to give you lessons on rally techniques and help you become the best rally driver in the world in Rally Evo (on PS4 at least). With his professional guidance you will learn how to take corners, how to master gravel and/or snow and how to customize your car depending on the track ahead of you.

You can drive the best rally cars from the past and present (50 cars total) through the best off-road track around the world. But the best part of the game is the gameplay. From the very beginning you can notice it's no simple arcade racing game but a full rally simulator, often very hard to handle. Sebastian steps in with useful advices helping you up your driving. For all the genuine petrolheads, this one is for you.

Survival – This War of Mine: The Little Ones

This War of Mine begins in a war-torn shelter somewhere in Bosnia, and there is no heroism involved. You are playing normal people that are trying to survive a war. This time around you are not playing as an elite soldier, but rather as a group of civilians trying to survive in a besieged city and trying to save children. It’ll test you on how far you can go.

These are the best PlayStation 4 games I’ve played so far, what are yours? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.