ShareThis
Famitsu has long been Japan’s premier source for video game news and reviews and, much like every other similar outlet around the world, it names the best of the best each year in an awards ceremony, even if it is somewhat belated compared to many other such awards. It should come as little surprise that Nintendo fared quite well, with several titles being honored, including the top prize.
The biggest news is definitely Splatoon taking home Game of the Year. Nintendo’s innovative and colorful shooter beat out a tough field of not only fellow Nintendo games (Super Mario Maker and Fire Emblem Fates), but also major titles from both Japanese developers (Metal Gear Solid 5, Bloodborne, Monster Hunter Generations, and Yo-Kai Watch Busters) and Western developers (Fallout 4 and The Witcher 3).
Considering how Splatoon is both groundbreaking and a new franchise, it managed to walk away with the Innovation and Rookie awards as well. In fact, the Innovation Award was swept by Nintendo, with the only other recipient being Super Mario Maker which, along with Fire Emblem Fates, managed to nab Excellence Awards.
Monster Hunter fans will also be happy to learn that Monster Hunter Generations claimed the Best Hit Award, though it is unclear if the word “hit” is used in reference to how successful it is or the fact that the franchise has pretty much become an addictive substance at this point– or maybe it’s both.
Personally, I feel Splatoon deserves each and every honor it receives and then some; not only did it bring about a clever and much needed change in the multiplayer shooter genre, but it is also fantastic support of how developers can continue building on and improving a game well after launch. It really is the most forward-looking title Nintendo has released in a long time. However, I am somewhat disappointed by the lack of love for Xenoblade Chronicles X, but you can’t win them all.
Chime in with your thoughts below.
Source: Nintendo Everything
