I wanted to get this done much earlier, but I just didn’t feel up to it. Unlike the list I made for 2015, compiling a list 2016 wasn’t as straight forward. There wasn’t always a clear choice for each category for one reason or another. Besides, let’s face it, 2016 was kind of a dumpster fire in general, and I don’t need to go into detail as to why.  Still, there were some great things that came out which I enjoyed, and will likely keep enjoying for years to come, so they’re worth talking about in spite of all the stupid stuff that happened last year. Let’s get to it then.

Favorite Game – The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD I haven’t played this very much and I have been meaning to get back to it. I just don’t know what else to pick. I haven’t played most of the other big 2016 releases that everyone else went crazy over. Maybe someday I will, but for now I’ve got a backlog of games to play, including this one, which I’ll enjoy until I get a chance to play Breath of the Wild.
Favorite Book – The Art of Atari Actually, I don’t have this book yet, but it’s been on my wish list since being announced and I have taken a brief look at it. The artwork on the packaging and marketing materials from this era of video games is so unique and special. I’m glad that this book exists to help chronicle video game history, and can’t wait to give it an in depth read.
Favorite Toy – Transformers Combiner Wars Generation 2 Bruticus There were a lot of great options, in and out of the world of Transformers, for this category. Not the least of which was Fortress Maximus. But what can I say? I’ve just got a soft spot for this crazily colored combiner. He’s so eye-searingly ridiculous, and yet so powerful and menacing. Plus, he comes with a bonus Shockwave! There’s a more in-depth look at him on my Tumblr, so check that out.
Favorite TV Series – Stranger Things Another great series from Netflix, which is proving that intelligent and creative programming can find an audience. This show is like an all new 80’s movie, but as a series, and I love how it’s keeping that 80’s spirit alive. Definitely full of surprises and suspense. It’s no wonder this show captured so many people’s imaginations and I am looking forward to seeing more.
Favorite Anime – Cyborg 009 vs Devilman I thought I’d have to wait forever to see this, but, out of nowhere, Netflix came to the rescue back in April and released this ass-kicking crossover between two of Japan’s most awesome old-school anime franchises. Love the modernized designs while still keeping that retro flavor. Hoping so see more love for Go Nagai and Shotaro Ishinomori franchises on these shores in the future.
Favorite Movie – Captain America: Civil War There were some really great movies this year. Deadpool, Doctor Strange, and Rogue One could have topped the list. But this movie, to me, is on another level. It could have been a disaster, with so many characters, but the story and action were all expertly executed. I’ve seen it at least 4 times and could still watch it over and over again. Not only is this my favorite movie of the year, but it’s also got to be my most favorite thing of the year.

So there’s a look at the things I liked. I was thinking about maybe posting more about all the disappointments and things that were not as good as they should have been, like Batman v Superman and Mighty No.9. But who has the time or the patience for that when actual real important things in the universe have turned so mind-numbingly moronic? So, let’s just move forward and try to enjoy whatever cool things manage to happen in 2017.

Sayonara.