King Lucas is a 2D platformer game developed by Raindance LX and released in 2016. While it follows the traditional side-scrolling gameplay mechanics found in many platformers, it distinguishes itself with its unique art style and narrative elements. The game's visuals are heavily inspired by the works of renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya, particularly his "Black Paintings" series. The dark, haunting aesthetics are complemented by a somber color palette, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere throughout the game's levels. King Lucas takes players on a journey through the twisted and distorted mind of the titular character, a once-powerful monarch who has descended into madness and despair. The game's levels are structured as surreal dreamscapes, each representing a different facet of King Lucas's psyche and the demons he struggles with. Gameplay-wise, King Lucas incorporates challenging platforming sections that require precise timing and execution. However, the real challenge lies in deciphering the symbolism and metaphors woven into the level design and enemy encounters, which serve as commentary on the human condition and the corrupting influence of power. The game's narrative is presented through fragmented vignettes and cryptic dialogue, leaving much of the interpretation up to the player. This ambiguity adds to the game's overall sense of unease and encourages multiple playthroughs to uncover the deeper meanings behind King Lucas's descent into madness. King Lucas also features a unique mechanic where the player's actions and choices throughout the game can influence the ending, adding to the game's replayability and encouraging players to explore different paths and moral decisions. Overall, King Lucas is a compelling and thought-provoking platformer that combines challenging gameplay with a haunting visual style and a narrative that delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Rabi-Ribi is a 2D Metroidvania-style platformer with bullet hell elements, developed by CreSpirit and published by Sekai Project. It was initially released for Windows in 2016, with later ports to PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch. The game follows the story of Erina, a rabbit who mysteriously transforms into a human girl with bunny ears. Players guide Erina through a vast, interconnected world as she searches for her missing master and uncovers the secrets behind her transformation. Key features of Rabi-Ribi include: 1. Non-linear exploration typical of Metroidvania games, with ability upgrades unlocking new areas. 2. A combat system that blends melee attacks with bullet hell-style projectile dodging. 3. An extensive boss roster featuring over 20 unique encounters. 4. RPG elements including leveling, equipment, and character customization. 5. Multiple difficulty settings and game modes, including a Boss Rush and speedrun-friendly options. 6. A chiptune-inspired soundtrack by composer Bunny Bandit. 7. An expansive map with over 9 main areas and numerous sub-areas to explore. Rabi-Ribi is known for its challenging gameplay, particularly in boss fights, which often require precise timing and pattern recognition. The game also features a unique "0% run" possibility, allowing skilled players to complete the game without collecting any items or powerups. For fans of the Metroidvania genre, Rabi-Ribi stands out for its bullet hell elements and its cute aesthetic, which contrasts with its often demanding gameplay.

Inexistence (2016) is a narrative-driven, first-person psychological horror game developed by Ninja Theory. Set in a surreal and ever-changing nightmare world, the game explores themes of trauma, mental illness, and the fragility of the human psyche. One of the game's standout features is its dynamic environment, which constantly shifts and distorts in response to the player's actions and emotional state. The game employs a unique "fracture" mechanic, where the very fabric of reality fractures and warps, creating unsettling and haunting scenarios that challenge the player's perception of reality. The game's narrative is non-linear and fragmented, reflecting the protagonist's fractured psyche. Players must piece together the protagonist's past and unravel the underlying mystery behind their harrowing experiences through environmental storytelling and cryptic clues scattered throughout the nightmarish landscapes. Inexistence is renowned for its atmospheric sound design and haunting score, which heighten the sense of dread and unease. The game's visual style is a blend of photorealistic and surreal elements, creating a disorienting and oppressive atmosphere that keeps players on edge. One of the game's most distinctive features is its lack of traditional combat mechanics. Instead, players must navigate the ever-changing environments and confront their deepest fears through exploration, puzzle-solving, and careful observation of their surroundings. Inexistence received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling, immersive atmospheric design, and thought-provoking exploration of mental health themes. However, some critics noted that its abstract nature and lack of clear objectives could be off-putting for players seeking a more traditional narrative experience.

Icey is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed by FantaBlade Network and released in 2016. While it follows the basic mechanics of the genre, it stands out with its unique visual style and challenging gameplay. The game's visuals are striking, with a minimalist aesthetic that utilizes a distinct color palette of cool blues and whites against stark black backgrounds. The character designs and environments are simple yet effective, creating a sense of contrast and depth within the game's icy world. One of Icey's standout features is its emphasis on precise platforming and challenging level design. The game requires players to navigate treacherous environments filled with hazards, such as spikes, traps, and environmental obstacles. Timing and precision are crucial, as even the slightest misstep can lead to failure. Icey also incorporates various mechanics that add depth to the gameplay. For example, players can manipulate the environment by melting or freezing certain elements, allowing them to create new platforms or remove obstacles. Additionally, the game features a unique mechanic where the character's movement speed changes based on the surface they're standing on, adding an extra layer of challenge to the platforming. The game's level design is noteworthy, with each stage presenting a unique set of challenges and puzzles that require creative thinking and mastery of the game's mechanics. Secrets and hidden areas are scattered throughout the levels, encouraging exploration and rewarding player skill. Despite its simple presentation, Icey offers a significant challenge, especially for players seeking a demanding platforming experience. The game's difficulty curve is steep, and mastering the precise movements and timing required can be a daunting task, even for experienced players. Overall, Icey is a standout indie platformer that combines a striking visual style with challenging gameplay and innovative mechanics, offering a fresh and engaging experience for fans of the genre.

Dark Souls 3, released in 2016, is the final installment in FromSoftware's critically acclaimed Dark Souls series. As a seasoned player of the genre, you'll recognize it as an action role-playing game that continues the series' tradition of punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and cryptic storytelling. Set in the kingdom of Lothric, the game tasks you with defeating the Lords of Cinder and linking the First Flame to prevent the apocalypse. The combat system refines mechanics from previous entries, introducing weapon arts and a focus bar that adds depth to the already challenging encounters. Dark Souls 3 is notable for its faster-paced combat compared to its predecessors, drawing some influence from Bloodborne, another FromSoftware title. The game features a diverse array of weapons, armor, and spells, allowing for various build options and playstyles. The interconnected world design, a hallmark of the series, is present but less emphasized than in the original Dark Souls. Instead, the game offers more linear progression through its beautifully crafted, gothic-inspired environments. As with previous entries, online elements are seamlessly integrated, allowing for cooperative play, PvP invasions, and the classic messaging system that lets players leave hints or misleading information for others. Dark Souls 3 is often regarded as a fitting conclusion to the series, combining elements from previous games while refining the formula that made the franchise so influential in the action RPG genre.

Hue, developed by Fiddlesticks and released in 2016, is a puzzle-platformer that stands out with its unique color-based mechanics and artistic style. While the game's premise of guiding a character through various levels may seem straightforward, its execution and innovative use of color make it a captivating experience. The game's puzzles revolve around manipulating the background colors to reveal or obscure platforms, obstacles, and pathways. Players must strategically cycle through the available color palette to navigate the levels effectively. This mechanic introduces a fresh dimension to the platforming genre, requiring players to think creatively and adapt to the ever-changing environmental conditions. One of Hue's strengths lies in its minimalist yet evocative visual design. The game's monochromatic color scheme, coupled with its striking silhouette-based aesthetics, creates a distinctive and immersive atmosphere. The art style, reminiscent of classic hand-drawn animations, lends a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the experience. Beyond the core gameplay, Hue also incorporates narrative elements that unfold gradually throughout the journey. The game's story, while not overly complex, serves as a backdrop for the character's motivations and adds depth to the overall experience. Notably, Hue excels in its level design, which becomes increasingly complex and challenging as the game progresses. The developers have meticulously crafted each level, ensuring a perfect balance between puzzling elements and platforming challenges. As players advance, they must master the color manipulation mechanics while also honing their timing and precision. Overall, Hue stands out as a unique and refreshing addition to the puzzle-platformer genre, offering a captivating blend of innovative color-based mechanics, striking visual aesthetics, and well-designed levels. Its ability to seamlessly integrate puzzles and platforming elements makes it a rewarding experience for fans of both genres.

The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human (2016) is a metroidvania-style action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has been entirely submerged underwater. As the name suggests, you play as the last surviving human, exploring the vast underwater ruins of a once-thriving civilization. One of the standout features of the game is its intricate and interconnected world design. The various sunken cities and biomes are seamlessly connected, encouraging exploration and backtracking as you acquire new abilities and equipment that grant you access to previously inaccessible areas. The game's combat system is engaging and challenging, requiring you to master various weapons and abilities to deal with the diverse array of hostile aquatic creatures and environmental hazards. The boss battles, in particular, are intense and memorable, often requiring you to employ specific strategies and techniques to emerge victorious. The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human also places a strong emphasis on storytelling and environmental narrative. As you explore the underwater ruins, you'll uncover fragments of the past, piecing together the events that led to the world's inundation and the downfall of humanity. The game's atmospheric soundtrack and stunning visuals contribute to the overall sense of melancholy and loneliness that permeates the experience. One notable aspect of the game is its emphasis on resource management and survival elements. You'll need to carefully manage your oxygen supply, as well as scavenge for resources to craft upgrades and consumables. This adds an extra layer of tension and strategy to the gameplay, forcing you to plan ahead and make strategic decisions. Overall, The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human offers a unique and immersive experience for fans of the metroidvania genre, blending engaging combat, exploration, and environmental storytelling into a cohesive and memorable package.

Spaceport Hope, developed by Sampo Töyssy and Jouni Lahtinen and published in 2016, is a narrative-driven science fiction adventure game that takes place on a remote space station. While the game employs a point-and-click interface familiar to the genre, it distinguishes itself with its mature storytelling, intricate character development, and exploration of existential themes. The game's narrative unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, each with their own motivations and personal struggles. Players must navigate the complex web of relationships and political tensions that exist among the station's inhabitants, making decisions that shape the course of the story and the fates of the characters involved. Spaceport Hope excels in its atmospheric world-building, creating a sense of isolation and claustrophobia within the confines of the space station. The game's visual style, with its detailed pixel art and muted color palette, contributes to the overall sense of melancholy and introspection. One of the game's standout features is its emphasis on character development and dialogue. The writing is nuanced and thought-provoking, exploring themes of identity, purpose, and the human condition in the face of an uncertain future. Characters are multifaceted, with complex emotional arcs that challenge players to empathize and understand different perspectives. While not overtly challenging in terms of traditional gameplay mechanics, Spaceport Hope presents players with moral dilemmas and emotional conundrums that force them to grapple with the consequences of their choices. The game's pacing is deliberate, allowing players to immerse themselves in the narrative and contemplate the deeper philosophical questions it raises. Overall, Spaceport Hope is a narrative-driven experience that transcends the conventions of its genre, offering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of human nature set against the backdrop of a haunting and atmospheric science fiction setting.

Pharao Rebirth+ (2016) is a remastered and expanded version of the classic city-building game Pharaoh, originally released in 1999. Developed by Traxis Games, this modern iteration aims to capture the essence of the original while introducing various enhancements and new features. Here are some key aspects of Pharao Rebirth+ that go beyond the basics: 1. Expanded Campaign: In addition to the original campaign, Pharao Rebirth+ includes an all-new campaign set in the later periods of ancient Egyptian history. This campaign spans multiple missions and introduces new challenges, such as managing trade routes and dealing with external threats. 2. Enhanced Graphics and User Interface: The game's visuals have been overhauled, with higher-resolution textures, improved lighting, and a more modern and intuitive user interface. The updated graphics not only make the game more visually appealing but also improve readability and accessibility. 3. Modding Support: Pharao Rebirth+ introduces modding capabilities, allowing the community to create and share custom content, such as new buildings, scenarios, and gameplay modifications. This feature extends the game's longevity and replayability. 4. Scenario Editor: Players can now create and customize their own scenarios using the built-in scenario editor. This tool allows for fine-tuning various aspects of the game, including terrain generation, resource distribution, and objective settings. 5. Improved Pathfinding and AI: The game's pathfinding and AI systems have been enhanced, resulting in more efficient resource distribution, worker management, and decision-making by the game's non-player characters (NPCs). 6. Multiplayer Functionality: While not a core feature, Pharao Rebirth+ includes basic multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to engage in cooperative or competitive play over a local network or the internet. 7. Additional Quality-of-Life Improvements: The remastered version includes numerous quality-of-life improvements, such as hotkeys, camera controls, and the ability to pause and resume gameplay, making the overall experience more streamlined and user-friendly. Overall, Pharao Rebirth+ aims to breathe new life into the classic city-building game while staying true to its roots, catering to both nostalgic fans and newcomers to the genre with its expanded content, visual enhancements, and modern gameplay refinements.

Legends of the Universe - StarCore (2016) is a space combat simulation game that stands out for its intricate ship customization system and dynamic, emergent gameplay. While the game features a single-player campaign with a narrative-driven storyline, its true strength lies in the open-ended sandbox mode. The game boasts an impressive array of ship components and modules, allowing players to extensively customize their vessels' loadouts, from weapons and shields to engines and support systems. This level of customization enables players to tailor their ships to suit various playstyles, whether they prefer agile hit-and-run tactics or heavily armored juggernauts. StarCore's sandbox mode is where the game truly shines. The game's universe is procedurally generated, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique experience. Players can choose to align themselves with different factions, engage in dynamic faction wars, or even establish their own faction and shape the course of the galaxy. The game's combat mechanics are designed to be realistic and challenging, taking into account factors such as inertia, weapon ranges, and heat management. Players must carefully manage their ship's systems and resources during prolonged battles, adding an extra layer of depth to the combat experience. StarCore also features a robust economy system, allowing players to engage in various economic activities, such as trading, mining, and even piracy. The game's dynamic economy responds to player actions, creating opportunities for players to influence and manipulate the market to their advantage. Overall, Legends of the Universe - StarCore offers a deep and immersive space combat experience, catering to players who enjoy intricate ship customization, emergent gameplay, and the freedom to shape their own destiny in a vast, procedurally generated universe.