Incredible Games Turning 10 This Summer: A Look Back at Some of 2016’s Best

Traditionally, summer wasn’t a popular time for video game releases. When the weather was nice, most people preferred being outside instead of playing games indoors.

Eventually, the typical pattern began to shift. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when, but around the late 2000s and early 2010s, we started seeing big game releases throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

Over time, the focus of summer shifted from the E3 gaming conference and announcements to actually playing highly awaited new games. 2016 was especially great for summer gaming, with several fantastic titles celebrating their ten-year anniversaries this year.

For the purpose of this article, the summer months will be May through September.

9. Starbound

An Out of This World Experience

There’s just something so satisfyingly cozy about Starbound, even after all these years.

I first got into Starbound when it was in Early Access way back in 2013, and I’ve been hooked ever since! The main goal is to travel around tons of randomly created planets and try to fix up your spaceship. It finally had its full release in the summer of 2016, but even back then, the exploration was incredible.

Starbound successfully combines the relaxing aspects of cozy games with enough interesting content to appeal to players who don’t usually enjoy that style of game.

8. Monster Hunter Generations

A Decade of Being on the Trail

Today, Monster Hunter is incredibly popular, but that wasn’t always the case. Before Monster Hunter World came out, it wasn’t nearly as well-known, especially in the United States.

This isn’t to suggest older Monster Hunter games aren’t good – quite the opposite! Monster Hunter Generations is just one example of the many fantastic titles the series has offered.

Summer 2016 was a fantastic time for monster hunting! If you weren’t catching Pokémon outdoors, Generations offered a great alternative, building on the series’ classic gameplay in a really positive way.

7. Forza Horizon 3

Let’s Put a Shrimp on the Barbie

Building on the popularity of Forza Horizon 2, Forza Horizon 3 took the series to the next level.

Horizon 3 is set in beautiful and diverse Australian landscapes, from stunning beaches to dense forests. The game’s map is easy to navigate, but even if you wander off course, you’re sure to find something interesting.

Forza Horizon 3 offered so much content that it could feel a bit much at times, but it was all so engaging that exploring the Australian landscape was incredibly rewarding. Even with newer Forza Horizon games available, it remains one of the top racing games you can still enjoy.

6. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

The End of an Era

It’s hard to believe that we’re now a decade out from the conclusion of the Uncharted franchise.

Uncharted 4 isn’t flawless. The surprise appearance of a long-lost brother created some story inconsistencies. Plus, many fans still consider Uncharted 2 to be the best in the series, and that’s understandable.

Despite everything, Uncharted 4 is truly remarkable. Its heartfelt story is incredibly moving, and when paired with the exciting, movie-like action the series is known for, it makes for a perfect send-off to Nathan Drake and a fitting conclusion from Naughty Dog.

5. World of Warcraft: Legion

Somehow, Illidan Returned

Some players consider Legion, the sixth expansion for World of Warcraft, to be one of the best expansions the game has ever released.

The popularity is easy to understand – the Burning Legion always delivers a great experience. While the story in Legion was fantastic, the gameplay was equally strong. The recent popularity of Legion Remix clearly demonstrates just how well it holds up.

The final stages of the expansion brought exciting additions like Mythic+ dungeons, consistently high-quality raids, and the brand-new demon hunter class. What really stood out, though, was the continuous flow of amazing updates, including the Argus content patch.

4. Overwatch

The Dawn of the Hero Shooter

It’s hard to believe that Overwatch launched a decade ago.

No matter what you think of the game now, when Blizzard first released their team-based hero shooter, it was revolutionary. It all came together perfectly, and each hero felt unique with their own special abilities and playstyle.

Overwatch was incredibly popular, and for good reason. Though the world of first-person shooters has evolved since then, we’ll always remember the fun we had with it in the 2010s.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Toss a Coin

Look, the first couple of Witcher games were decent, I enjoyed them enough, but they didn’t really make a huge splash. Then The Witcher 3 came along and everything changed – it was a total game-changer!

The Witcher 3 truly excels at bringing everything together. It builds on the expansive world established in previous games, making it familiar and enjoyable for longtime fans. What really sets it apart is the quality of all its elements – the compelling side quests, memorable characters, strong writing, and beautifully crafted open world are all exceptional.

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The game really came into its own thanks to the increased power of the Xbox One and PS4 consoles, allowing it to finally deliver on its promise.

2. Inside

The Indie Darling

Playdead, the creators of Limbo, spent six years developing their next game, and the result was definitely worth the time and effort.

Okay, so Inside looks amazing – it’s a really cool 2.5D puzzle platformer and it plays exactly how you’d hope. But honestly, what really blew me away was the story and the whole atmosphere of the game. It’s not just fun to play, it’s genuinely impactful.

Indie games frequently lead the way in powerful storytelling, and Inside is a prime example. While its story is straightforward and leaves much open to your own understanding, it resonates with players on many levels. It’s a must-play experience and stands out as one of the greatest indie games ever created.

1. Pokémon Go

Wait, It’s Seriously Been a Decade?!

Pokémon Go quickly became a global phenomenon, achieving something remarkable: it motivated people who typically play video games to be active and explore the world around them.

The game’s popularity didn’t end with early adopters; it quickly reached a much wider audience. People were out exploring their cities – visiting parks, restaurants, and popular spots – to catch Pokémon, compete in battles, and spend time with friends.

As a huge Pokémon fan, I can tell you Pokémon Go wasn’t just a game – it was something really special. It got so many of us out of the house, exploring our neighborhoods and having our own Pokémon adventures with tons of other people. It was a totally unique experience!

2026-05-10 02:40