2016 was an interesting year in the gaming community, ranging from the Pokemon Go craze to the overwhelming disappointment in No Man’s Sky.  This is my last post for 2016, and I have decided to compile an annotated list of the top games from 2016 for teen gaming programs as well as circulating collections. I hope you enjoy, and I’ll see you all in 2017!

Gaming Programs:

FIFA 17 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3)
FIFA games are always a favorite if your teens enjoy competitive sports games or soccer. Up to 4 players. Rated E.

Lego Harry Potter Collection (PS4)
Give this long game to your Potter heads! You can read my full review here.  Up to 2 players. Rated E10+.

Lego Star Wars: Force Awakens (PS4)
Lego games are always fun to play in multiplayer mode, especially if your game nights have a smaller attendance.  Buy this one for your Star Wars fans, especially since Rogue One just came out. Up to 2 players. Rated E10+.

Madden NFL 17 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3)
Similar to NBA and FIFA, teens who are into football will enjoy playing as a career player.  Up to 4 players. Rated E.

Minecraft Wii U Edition (Wii U)
Minecraft is still a big hit for teens, especially teens who just want to create things rather than compete against one another or complete quests. Teens who play this game on the PC will have to adjust to different controls on the Wii U, but will enjoy it nonetheless. Up to 4 players. Rated E10+.

NBA 2K17 (Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, PS3)
Reviewed as one of the most “authentic” sports game this year, be sure to buy this for your teens who love basketball. Up to 4 players. Rated E.

Plants Vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
If you have teens who want to play shooter games, but your library doesn’t allow rated M games, this game is a great compromise. View full review here.  Up to 2 players. Rated E10+

Pokken Tournament (Wii U)
Give this title to teens who still have Pokemon fever, or who are looking for a fighting style game that isn’t dramatically violent. Up to 2 players. Rated E10+

Rocket League (Xbox One, PS4)
Rocket League combines soccer and race cars into a chaotic and incredibly fun game. Teens of all ages and gaming skills can compete in this absurd action-sports game. Up to 4 players. Rated E

*Street Fighter V (PS4)
Fighting games are a staple genre in the gaming community. *You should read my review and look at character costumes before purchasing for your program. Up to 2 players. Rated T.

Circulating Collection Suggestions for Teens: 

Attack on Titan (Xbox One, PS4)
This game is based off of the manga and anime show, although reviews have stated that the storyline isn’t as strong as its manga counterpart.  Still, teens who are obsessed with the fandom will want to play through this game. Rated M.

Dark Souls III (Xbox One, PS4)
This sequel takes place in the same apocalyp tic universe, although it is unclear if it is the last in the series.  Rated M.

Dishonored 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
Teens who enjoy a “choose-your-own-adventure” feel to their games will love this title . The video game  is long due to infinite choices that will impact your gaming experience, so be sure to have a few copies on hand. Rated M.

Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
Teens who are heavily invested in Dragon Ball will much prefer this title over its predecessor because this game features much more frenzied battles. Rated T.

Forza Horizon 3 (Xbox One)
Give this title to teens who wa nt a racing game, but aren’t interested or ready for Grand Theft Auto V.  Rated E.

Gears of War 4 (Xbox One)
If you have teens who like Star Wars or want a slasher game, this game is recommended. The characters are bulky yet nimble, and teens will find satisfaction in destroying an unknown enemy. Rated M.

Naruto Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 (PS4)
Teens who are fans of the anime or manga  will love to play through this title for the action and over-the-top battles. Rated T.

Ratchet and Clank (PS4)
This ongoing series is a fun third-person shooter that doesn’t have a lot of violence but a whole lot of gag  jokes. For my full review, click here. Rated E10+.

Ori and the Blind Forest (Xbox One)
While this game isn’t exactly new, the disc version of this beautiful platform jumper was released this year. Give this game to teens who like Super Mario and Metroid. Rated E.

Overwatch (Xbox One, PS4)
Arguably the best console game of 2016, this game is a multiplayer first-person shooter that heavily emphasizes teamwork and strategy.  This game would be excellent if there was any co-op mode, but sadly the game’s strength is playing multiplayer online.  Rated T.

Pokemon Sun and Moon (3DS)
Similar to Pokken Tournament, give this game to teens who still have Pokemon fever.  Read my full review here.  Rated E.

Star Fox Zero + Star Fox Guard (Wii U)
While this isn’t the best Star Fox Nintendo game, it will still attract teens who love the franchise or whom are looking for a space adventure game. Read my full review here. Rated E10+.

Titanfall 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
One of the best first-person shooters released in 2016, give this game to teens who are looking for something more complex and thorough than Halo. Rated M.

Uncharted 4: Thief’s End (PS4)
Nathan Drake is back in this sequel.  The series is known for its renowned storytelling and parkour. Rated T.

XCOM 2 (Xbox One, PS4)
Teens interested in strategy games like chess will enjoy this incredibly difficult turn-based game. For my full review, click here.  Rated T.

Question? Comments? Tweet them at me! @LannaLibrarian