Natalie Kipper’s Favourite Things Of 2016!
Can you believe that 2016 has come to a close? We’ve finally abolished that dreaded six for ten more years, and a cool, clean, sexy seven has taken its place.
2016 was an incredible year for everything aside from presidential candidates and celebrity deaths, so as always, we wanted to share our favourite games, movies, moments and more of 2016.
We’ve seen Adam’s favorite things, MCDave’s favorite films, Josh’s favourite games, and Derek’s favourite games too, and now it’s Natalie’s turn! Read on for some of her favourite video games, geek moments, and more from the past year.
Video Games
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (Review Here)
While it may not have been perfect, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past was one of my most pleasurable gaming experiences in 2016. The Dragon Quest series is one of the most colorful and whimsical in the RPG realm and VII was another lovely entry in the series. It somehow managed to escape the tedium that usually comes along with RPG battles. I actually found myself seeking fights in hopes of gaining mastery of over new jobs and potentially befriending the attacking monsters. And oh goodness, it is so darn pretty! The colors simply popped off the 3DS screen.
I also appreciated Square-Enix’s continuing support with DLC. It definitely took some time to be up able to survive those special dungeons but each one was worthwhile. If January’s release of Dragon Quest VIII is anything like VII, I think it is safe to say gamers will have a lot to look forward to.
Pokémon Sun/Moon
While Sun and Moon came out at the tail end of 2016, the titles were worth the wait. I know many longtime fans were tentative about the removal of the standard “Gym System” and its replacement with island trials but I honestly like this way much better. It added more variety to the experience and refreshed the series a bit. I also loved loved loved the introduction of ride pagers instead of relying on HMs to solve puzzles and traverse different environments. I just can’t get enough of the concept of riding on a Stoutland, sniffing out treasure. It cracks me up every time!
The island flavor of the twin titles was lovely and well-done. The details like malasada shops and people calling each other “cousin” were perfect. The overall world feels more fleshed out in my opinion. Regional variations of several Pokémon clinched it.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Welcome amiibo
Okay, this isn’t technically a new title but Animal Crossing: New Leaf’s 2016 update, entitled Welcome amiibo, is so brilliant that it deserves a spot on this list. Not only did it manage to reinvigorate a three year old game but also give a boost to the waning interest in amiibo. I even added some older amiibo to my gift list purely for this game. Plus it also introduced a new series of amiibo cards to fuel the collecting addiction. Very clever, Nintendo. Very clever.
Everything Else:
Yuri!!! On Ice (TV Show)
Never in my life did I think I would get interested in (and later obsessed with) an ice-skating anime. Sports-related anime just aren’t my style. Not even Haikyuu!! or Free! could pique my interest. But there is something about the human relationships and emotions in this show that seem so real and relatable that you can’t peel your eyes off it. The relationship between Yuuri and Victor is incredibly touching and one that you become invested in. The opening and ending themes are also super-beautiful.
I urge any anime viewer, sports fan or not, to give Yuri!!! On Ice a look. I am so glad I did. PS- Watch it subtitled, not dubbed. The dub is kind of, sort of, not that good.
https://youtu.be/qh-Olq7caGU
The Re-imagining of the Disney Wonder (moment)
The second of the Walt Disney Company’s fleet of cruise ships got a facelift this year. Featuring a upgraded kids area, re-themed adult hangouts, and the replacement of Parrot Cay, the weakest link in the trio of the ship’s restaurants that are included in rotational dining, with the gorgeous Tiana’s Place (of Princess and the Frog fame). The new eatery focuses on Southern cuisine (can you say beignets?) and features a live Jazz band along with an appearance from the owner herself, Tiana.
While many cruisers prefer the newer, bigger Dream and Fantasy ships, I always had a soft spot for the Wonder. With these improvements, I can see the ship becoming others favorite as well.
