See those equals signs in the title? That's how you know this is totally official sincere stuff and you have to take it seriously, guys. There's roman numerals and everything!
Welcome to the Sixth Annual NG BBS Video Game Awards Thread!! (or TSANGBBSVGAT)
After a brief hiatus of about twelve years (adjusted for internet-time) I've decided to try bringing this annual tradition back. The userbase here has cycled out somewhat since last time and overall activity has picked up since the desolate wasteland of yesteryears, so lets give it a go ey.
But why?
Well, I figure this type of thing encourages a greater sense of community and recognition of the people who spend time here. Like previous years it also serves as somewhat of a time capsule, preserving our interests, tastes and what matters to us here in 2016. For many it's been a rough year overall but for gaming it's been solid. There's 525,600 minutes in 2016 and for whatever reason those of you reading this have dedicated some of those precious minutes to this very forum. Let's celebrate that, if only a little.
Previous Years
2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012
Helpful Links
Every Game Released in 2016 - Metacritic's 2016 Ratings - GameRankings' 2016 Ratings - TGS Awards Nominees
Rules and Guidelines (let's play nice now)
- Your choice of game needs to have been released in 2016. GOTY editions, HD remakes, ports and any other re-releases do not count. Old games are icky.
- Don't vote for yourself in the user award categories you big narcissist.
- If you don't know the users here just leave out those awards rather than picking someone arbitrarily.
- Likewise, if you don't have a suitable game for a certain category you can just leave it out.
- Try to keep your votes and discussion in separate posts. You can talk about someone else's choices and the awards overall but don't get bitchy about it either, if you try putting someone else down for their tastes you're just a fun-squashing gnasty gnorc and your own votes wont be counted.
- Voting will close toward the end of the month
- Only one vote allowed for each category, but you can indeed vote for the same game or user in multiple categories. Variety is always appreciated, however.
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(I'll be merciful, you don't have to read the rest of this to vote)
Award Explanations
Best Game
The best overall game released in 2016, in your eyes.
Best Narrative
The best story you experienced in a game this year. Not just the story itself, but how it's written and how it's told to the player should be considered.
Best Aesthetic & Sound Design
Graphics all the way fam. The game that made you go ooh and ahh at the scenery, take too many screenshots or lose yourself in the atmosphere. From the cartoonish visuals and hypnotic sounds of the Wyoming wilderness in Firewatch, to the deafening explosions and terrifying death cries of your teammates in Battlefield 1. These are the details that turn a game into an experience.
Best Soundtrack
Aka the Nobuo Uematsu award for making bleeps and bloops catchy. Whichever game had the most banging tunes. Not just the songs, but how they work within the game to heighten the scenes. Consider also linking your favourite tracks for others to hear.
Favourite Developer
Your overall favourite developer who's been active in the past year. Can be a big studio or a one-man indie dev. Consider not just the quality of games they put out, but their overall attitude as a company and their business practices. Do they care about you, as a gamer, or would they sooner sell out to a broader audience? Do they care about integrity are are they gaming for profit? Does their twitter account post quality memes?
Best Exclusive
Aka the Sony, please award. Any game that's been cruelly shackled to just one system. Where is the love?
Worst Game / Biggest Disappointment
Aka the Other M award. Whatever you consider the overall worst game of the entire year, be it a blatant disaster or just a failure to you personally.
Best Indie Game
Indie meaning independent. Any game made without the backing of a major company or the financial support of a publisher, usually by small teams. A list (though by no means an exhaustive one) of indie games released in 2016 can be found here.
The Best That's Yet to Come
Aka the Solid Snake award for looking like you're about to die but then actually turning out better than ever. What you're most looking forward to in 2017. Here's a list of games currently scheduled for 2017.
"The Gamers" (User Awards)
Best Poster
Best overall poster on the video game forum. If there's a user whose posts you always stop scrolling to read, consider giving them a shout here.
Most Helpful
The most helpful user. If you have a question or problem this guy will probably pop up.
Most Knowledgeable
For anyone who demonstrates significant knowledge of games and gaming, both retro and contemporary.
Funniest Poster
Whoever can give you a giggle on the regular.
"The Spotlight"
Consider this an experimental area, as there probably won't be enough of a consensus (or possibly votes) on these to declare a winner. This is more to acknowledge certain aspects of gaming that are more niche or may be more personal and subjective to each individual replying.
Defining Moment
The most notable real life event relating to games or gaming in 2016. Or perhaps he most notable in-game one.
Best Gamer
Critics, analysts, writers, let's players, podcasters etc. People who don't make games but make the medium more fulfilling. Not necessarily a celebrity.
Funniest Game
Anything that made you laugh.Comedy and gaming don't combine too often but plenty can make you laugh regardless. An underrated aspect of the medium, I find.
Best Gameplay/Concept
Something that made you go woah when you took control. Could be an old concept refined to precision or an entirely new mechanic you've never seen before. Something cool and unique.
Best Major Update, Expansion or DLC
Basically any significant additional content released in 2016. The game itself can be from an earlier year.
Most Important Game
Most "important", culturally or otherwise. Whatever that means to you.
Best Performance
Any vocal or possibly on-screen performance that really stood out to you.
Biggest Surprise
For the game or event that metaphorically broke in through your window at night and left a £20 note on your pillow. Any game that hit you when you weren't looking, be it for good reasons, bad ones or both. Can be something that showed up completely out of the blue or something that wasn't what you expected.
