Whether it be sat on the sofa with a few mates or connecting with legions of strangers over the internet, multiplayer is a cornerstone in many a gamer’s life. Although most of us enjoy becoming fully immersed in content rich, open world epics, interactions with others over the web can occasionally act as a palette cleanser. Then again, some multiplayer games are so refined and addictive that it might be the other way around.
One trend that really stood out in 2015, was the re-emergence of the multiplayer-only titles. PC gamers may be well acquainted, but on consoles it seems to be a growing space in the market. Although we can look back and remember games such as MAG and SOCOM: Confrontation, these are relatively outdated precursors, with Bungie’s Destiny having been one of the more successful champions of the online-exclusive movement.
Having only just celebrated its first full-fat expansion, Destiny is now joined by a slew of other games you can only get the most out of with an internet connection. These include Outstanding Audio Design award winner, Star Wars Battlefront, as well as Rainbow Six: Siege and the oft-forgotten Evolve. The trend will no doubt continue and it will be interesting to see how existing series may have their solo and multiplayer content divided in order to fully enhance one or the other.
With all this talk of change within the industry, you’ll be surprised to learn that none of the aforementioned games took home our award for best multiplayer. No, that accolade rests with the team at Psyonix and a masterful car football mash-up.
Despite its burgeoning popularity, only a portion of the game’s fanbase will know that it is in fact a sequel. When Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars launched in 2008, it won the hearts of many TSA readers who, like ourselves, had been waiting a long time for its successor.
Having launched for free on PlayStation 4, courtesy of PlayStation Plus, Rocket League became an overnight success for developer Psyonix, who also found a home on PCs and are now bringing the game to Xbox One. The most surprising thing about it all is just how little Rocket League innovates over the original game. Sure, there are dozens of customisation options and a much better progression system but, at its very core Rocket League is very much the same core game.
However, even compared to the likes of Battlefront and Black Ops III, that addictive concoction of physics-based goal scoring trumps all. There are few multiplayer games in the world that can put a genuine smile on your face and fewer that you can get all your friends involved with. Rocket League just happens to do both, snatching this year’s award by a landslide and running laps around the competition.
Runners up in alphabetical order:
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Splatoon
- Star Wars Battlefront
Avenger
Battlefront and Splatoon are well deserved runner ups. Looking forward to Rocket League next year.
Youles
I don’t think there will be a more deserving winner, of any of the awards.
Tomhlord
Agreed!
MrYd
“Best Removing Features in a Sequel” isn’t a category, I assume? The original had interesting shaped arenas.
Also, I assume there’s not a category to cover that time they updated the game and completely broke all multiplayer features for weeks. And then blamed it on Sky. And suggested DNS changes that would break all sorts of other things. (One of those services that lets you convince Netflix you’re in another country)
It’s a fun little game, but it’s got all sorts of issues. I still have a couple of quick games every couple of weeks though.
bunimomike
This is you in Christmas-spirit mode, isn’t it. :-)
MrYd
Aww, it’s so cute that you think I’m only like that for Christmas ;)
Tuffcub
IT’s not a sequel, therefore your claims are null and void. Nerr! :P
MrYd
Don’t you start! :P
What is it then? A remake? A reboot? Or a sequel. As the article I’m commenting on quite clearly calls it. 5th paragraph. Up there ^^^
Tuffcub
“successor” – not “sequel” :P :P :P
MrYd
And to quote that paragraph above (which I’m sure you can go and change anyway ;)
“Despite its burgeoning popularity, only a portion of the game’s fanbase will know that it is in fact a sequel.”
So it’s a sequel then :P
Tuffcub
I’m now going to find Jim and beat him round the head with a festive Yule log.
MrYd
Well, at least it’s festive. I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.
cam_manutd
@YD. It is a spiritual successor. They wanted to get a core base of players with symmetrical areas not arenas that are chaotic. Take it you had Sky then? ;)
Don’t be such a scrooge! ;)
MrYd
Yes, I’ve got Sky’s broadband, which is generally very, very good. In fact, Rocket League is the only thing that’s ever had any problems with it at all.
DividSmythe
A much deserved winner. As soon as it was announced on Xbone I decided I’m getting it on the system too.
Kennykazey
Suprised to see Rainbow Six siege there, I’ve not heard much of it.
Rocket League and Splatoon are definitely top of the crop this year.
I’ve had some great fun with Halo 5 as well, but the lack of objective-based Big Team Battle has been a downer. Thankfully Warzone can be a good alternative.
Stefan L
Well, we do have a review out there… It’s a good game, great even, but needs to be played with a good team and/or friends for it to be that.
Jim Hargreaves
We’ll hopefully have more on Rainbow Six Siege in the coming months. Due to the end-of-year congestion, it slipped to the bottom of my pile. However, since getting to grips with its tactical approach to gameplay, I’d say it’s close to being my favourite shooter of the year.
cam_manutd
Cannot agree more with this. Super addictive. Nearly at 1000 matches played its my favourite game this year.
Carrot381
Looks like it was only me who found it really dull then :(
TSBonyman
Not just you, i deleted once i realised it was just a novelty football game.
Forrest_01
I went a bit further… Got the plat, then deleted it! ;)
spurs78
Game of the year full stop i would say.
cam_manutd
I second this :)
citizeninsane45
Well done on the correct decision. Although I don’t play much multiplayer with this and FIFA 16 Ultimate Team being my only real ventures online.