Bookend Game Awards: Best Game Direction

So, how is game direction different from just being the best game? Like, could a game be game of the year with poor direction? Could the game that wins best direction not be in at least the top 5? Why would the game with the best direction not be the game of the year? Whatever, I’ve taken it to mean a game that does something truly noteworthy in the way it’s been presented or put together, even if it may be lacking too much in other areas to by “Game of the Year” by normal metrics, so this list may be a little out there.

• ICEY – Doing the Stanley parable meets the beginners guide with an action game is a pretty interesting idea, one that I don’t always think works, but it’s an interesting take from a Chinese studio.
• Inside – Really well presented second game from the limbo devs, some unexpected turns in this puzzler for sure.
• Killer7 – Madness incarnate, nobody has ever made a shooter quite like this before, and for good reason. If this was anyone other than SUDA51 this game would be a bizarre footnote of how not to make a game, but they manage to make it all come together. Hard to get into, but once you do, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
• OneShot – It does some interesting things, not unique by any means, but it works damn well in the package presented. Can’t really elaborate without spoilers unfortunately.
• Superhot – If it isn’t the most innovative shooter of 2016... But let’s be honest, the whole thing with the bullets moving when you do is still pretty genius.

And the winner is...

                Superhot

A unique concept, sublimely executed. I’m late on the train, but the game deserves some recognition in these lists.

Now we’ve just left with the actual game of the year to announce, but first, and interlude I think...