While 2016 was as bland as dry crackers for gamers, some titles shone through the darkness brought upon by disappointing releases. Here are SHOUT's top 5 picks for 2016:

5. Forza Horizon 3 (Platforms: PC, XB1)

The reason why we picked Forza Horizon 3 is not because we just had to have a racing game on the list but because it's one of the best games of the generation. The accessible yet deep gameplay, the jaw-dropping graphics, and the overall presentation of the title make it the most polished racer we've played in this generation. Forza Horizon 3 has no equal and there seems to be none on the horizon either. 

4. Gears of War 4 (Platforms: PC, XB1)

The original Gears trilogy gave us closure but left us pining for more of the cover-based bro-shooter. Gears of War 4 does nothing revolutionary. Instead, it refines the gameplay that the series is known for and serves it up packaged in excellent storytelling. All the new characters have their own fleshed out backstory, agendas, and personalities which don't feel clichéd at all. The multiplayer and improved Horde Mode are excellent reasons for you to keep coming back as well. 

3. DOOM (Platforms: PC, XB1, PS4) 

Many were sceptical when id Software announced the reboot of the FPS series that started it all. The closed multiplayer beta also left distrustful gamers muttering "I told you so" under their breaths. However, come release day, DOOM exceeded all expectations because of its excellent single player which mixes in fastpaced, old-school arena based shooting gameplay with modern elements like weapon customization and simple-to-grasp level design. The multiplayer is also constantly being improved with regular free DLC. 

2. Overwatch (Platforms: PC, XB1, PS4)

A lot of people thought that Overwatch will be perpetually stuck in beta state. Blizzard finally released the title this year to much-deserved critical acclaim. The casual approach on MOBA mechanics appealed to many new players who had never tried their hand at a competitive title. The need for skill at higher levels of ranked play also ensured the presence of veteran players vying for the top positions. The expanding roster of diverse and interesting characters also keeps the game from feeling too stale. 

Before we reveal our number 1, here are some honourable mentions: Dishonored 2, Deus Ex Mankind Divided, Titanfall 2, Uncharted 4, and The Last Guardian. 

1. Battlefield 1 (Platforms: PC, XB1, PS4)

One of the very rare games which absolutely lived up to the hype it generated with its announcement. Battlefield 1 is one of DICE's finest accomplishments. While many fans were worried about how their favourite series would pan out after the disaster that was Battlefront, DICE put all those worries to rest. Pulling off a classic, chaotic WW1 atmosphere in single player is good but taking that atmosphere and dialling it all the way to 11 in multiplayer is something else. Battlefield 1 is the penultimate military shooter of the year. 

Shahrukh Ikhtear is a sub-editor at SHOUT who stresses himself out while trying to learn marketing. Send him pictures of Philip Kotler as blessings at fb.com/sr.ikhtear