GOTY 2015: Local Multiplayer

Honourable Mentions

Why does Broforce make our local multiplayer list this year? Simply put, the co-op experience in Free Lives' action-platformer makes an enjoyable solo endeavour into an enormously fun co-op shooter. Players control a "bro" - a character based on an action movie character from the '80s or '90s - and using the unique powers of that character they go on a murderous rampage, scything down enemy henchmen and the like using special abilities and smile-inducing secondary attacks.

It's a one-hit-kill affair, but as you go you rescue new heroes from captivity, and there's regular character switching, so the dynamic is always changing. One minute you and your co-op buddy might be charging into battle with melee weapons at the ready, then a couple of deaths later you could be sporting rocket launchers and mini-guns. There's a great selection of "bros" and the developers have lovingly parodied the action heroes of yesteryear and realised them with superb pixelart and entertaining attributes.

It's carnage in single-player, and thus the action becomes increasingly chaotic with extra players on screen, which explains why there's a lot of inadvertent team killing. However, the additional risk of dying from friendly fire changes the dynamic and means that players need to exercise more caution as they approach each new challenge. Fully destructible environments, homage galore, excellent character design, and a wonderful sense of style ensures that Broforce is worth a look. It's fun alone, but to get the most out of it, bring a bro (or two).

FIFA 16
We could have quite easily put PES 2016, because this year both major football offerings were very good. That said, both have elements that hold them back from true greatness. FIFA 16 is pursuing realism sometimes to the detriment of fun, while Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 perhaps leans too far the other way, and lacks the authenticity of its main competitor (a late update for the offline squad lists didn't help). For footballing fun there's also the small matter of the vehicular-themed Rocket League, although that one didn't make this list because we like it better online.

But FIFA 16 earns its mention; EA Sports has once again crafted an excellent digital interpretation of the beautiful game. The level of authenticity that the series boasts is unparalleled, and that's surely part of the charm, with players able to take control of their team and then play the game in a variety of ways. There's a great selection of tactical options that offer the opportunity to tinker away to your heart's content, and a variety of gameplay settings that allow one to further adapt the experience.

Online modes appeal to some, and we can't deny the appeal of the sticker book-like FUT mode, but for us here at Gamereactor, FIFA 16 is at its best when played locally. Over the years we've switched styles; taking it in turns to play as different teams in the same tournament, or playing a season with a friend over an extended period of time with both players on the same team for every game, and of course there's also the simple enjoyment of picking your favourite team and playing a friend in control of their own (or trawling through the huge selection of fully licensed leagues that are included and picking out choice match ups). For fans of the sport there's so many scenarios to choose from, and the replay value on offer is pretty much endless (at least until next year's FIFA comes out).

It's been a great year for sports games, but we're football biased here at the office, hence FIFA 16 getting the nod, but much like the case with football, most of the major sports have been well served in 2015.

Fighting games have and will always be near or at the top of best local multiplayer game toplists. Beating your friends and family (in-game, not in real life) ensures vociferous bragging rights, ushering in untold levels of competition to the normal calm of the living room. This year, in our opinion, there was no better local multiplayer game than Mortal Kombat X.

The series has never looked as good, played as well, or flowed as smoothly as it does in Mortal Kombat X. Players have been able to play as their favourite characters in three different ways, this innovation thanks to multiple variations. They're a nice addition to the game and it spices things up somewhat. It also injects much needed variety to the multiplayer (although some are quite powerful when put in the hands of an experienced player).

There's an assortment of modes which are simply wonderful for local fisticuffs. You've got your basic one-on-one fighting, there's the living towers and 'test your might', the latter of which is great in multiplayer because you can just hand over the controller to another person ready for the next challenge (it can make for some rather comedic entertainment).

The competitive element in Mortal Kombat X is clearly evident. MKX is just as challenging in local multiplayer as it is online, although there's no internet connection to blame when you come undone when playing with a friend sat next to you on the couch. But then again, when you beat the person sitting next to you, victory is that much sweeter.

All of the above combines together in a blend that ensures a great local experience, but the cherry on top of this particular cake is undoubtedly the fatalities, and in the latest iteration of the game they are glorious, gruesome and extremely violent. Fatalities look spectacular and feel satisfying when they're executed, and pulling one off at the end of a hard fought victory ensures the ultimate bragging rights.