Browse games from 2016
For the year 2016, you can choose games such as:
2048x2048
048x2048 is an implementation of the ubiquitous 2048 puzzle game, reduced to 2048 bits, that is, 256 bytes of executable code. Being a sizecoding exercise it is written in assembly language, and the source code is included with the game.
Like Gabriele Cirulli's original, it is a sliding block puzzle played on a 4x4 grid, with the tiles numbered in powers of 2. Cursor keys will move all tiles simultaneously in one of four directions, which also causes a new tile to appear in one of the unoccupied squares. Tiles with different values will block each other; if two identical tiles collide, the pair will merge into a new tile with twice the value. The goal is to keep merging these identical pairs into higher numbers, up to 2048 and beyond, before the grid is completely filled (which ends the game).
Aggelos
Aggelos landed on Windows in 2016 as a moody, old-school platformer that wears its inspirations openly yet still feels fresh. You play as a young hero moving through a chain of collapsing ruins, places where gravity, timing, and patience matter as much as brute force. The camera stays focused on the action, while the art direction leans toward hand-crafted charm: cracked stone, stubborn vines, and enemy silhouettes that read clearly even when the screen gets busy.
Combat and movement are tightly linked. Your weapon is simple, but your decisions are not: pogoing off hazards, dashing through narrow openings, and choosing whether to trade risk for momentum. Fights often resemble puzzle solving, since foes react predictably to your posture and spacing. Between encounters, traversal encourages exploration. Hidden passages reward curiosity with extra routes, useful items, and shortcuts that reshape how later sections are approached.
A major hook is the game’s world structure, built around a sense of momentum between zones rather than a straight hallway of objectives. You navigate from hub-like areas into themed stages, each with its own hazards and rhythm. Some areas ask for clean platforming lines, while others tempt you into cautious study of enemy patterns and attack arcs. When you stumble, the restart loop is fair, and that balance keeps frustration from curdling into quitting.
The soundtrack and atmosphere work as a steady hand. Music swells during tense jumps, then falls back to let footsteps and environmental echoes do their job. Even without flashy effects, the mood remains persuasive, with lighting changes and parallax backgrounds guiding your attention where it counts. As you progress, new mechanics and upgrades widen the toolkit, turning early lessons into strategies for bigger set pieces.
By the time the credits roll, Aggelos feels like a compact adventure with a grown-up understanding of difficulty. It does not chase trends or inflate promises with spectacle; instead, it prizes responsiveness, thoughtful level design, and that satisfying moment when a near miss finally becomes a clean run. For players who enjoy careful platforming and well-paced exploration, this title delivers a rewarding, characterful challenge on Windows.
Bloxinies II
Bloxinies II brings back the smiling ASCII protagonist from the first game and his ongoing hunt for gems. Once again, the action takes place in a world of puzzle rooms that must be cleared of precious crystals before evacuating through the exit door, but this time there are some improvements (plus the graphical upgrade from CGA to VGA). In addition to the moving boulders and prowling spiders, we now have several new elements: rampant rats and drifting demons, switches that cause doors to open and close, one-way corridors, and collectible bombs that can be used to clear rocky obstacles (and enemies).
The biggest change, however, is the addition of a new two-player mode: the black smiley face can be joined by his white neighbor at the ASCII table, for simultaneous cooperative play through the mysterious puzzle world. This leads them to a separate set of multiplayer levels, distinct from the single-player ones. Both sets of levels can be modified using an interactive editor and, for variety, the set of levels from the first Bloxinies is also included.
Shaw's Nightmare II
Shaw's Nightmare II, released in 2016, is a compelling addition to the retro gaming landscape, paying homage to the classic DOS era. This indie horror adventure immerses players in a haunting psychological thriller, filled with dark imagery and unsettling soundscapes. The sequel builds upon its predecessor’s premise while introducing new gameplay mechanics, richer storytelling, and an atmosphere that grips players from the outset.
Set in a surreal dreamscape, Shaw's Nightmare II invites players to explore the troubled psyche of the protagonist, Shaw. The game artfully balances between exploration and puzzle-solving, as players navigate through twisted environments that reflect Shaw's deepest fears and anxieties. Each level is intricately designed, with painstaking attention to detail, showcasing a blend of pixel art that manages to evoke nostalgia while feeling fresh and innovative. The meticulously crafted world communicates a sense of dread, keeping players on edge as they uncover the mystery woven into the fabric of the narrative.
The game’s narrative unfolds through cryptic clues and dialogues, urging players to piece together Shaw’s tragic backstory. This depth of exposition adds layers to the gameplay that extend beyond mere survival horror tropes. As players delve deeper into the dreamscape, they encounter nightmarish creatures that serve as manifestations of Shaw's internal struggles. Each entity presents its own unique challenges, requiring players to strategize and adapt to survive.
In addition to its immersive storytelling, the soundtrack of Shaw's Nightmare II plays a crucial role in enhancing tension and mood. The sound design is hauntingly beautiful, with eerie melodies accompanies by unsettling ambient noises that elevate the overall experience. Players often find themselves holding their breath as they navigate the darkness, fully engrossed in the brooding atmosphere created by its audio-visual synergy.
Shaw's Nightmare II is more than just a chilling experience; it pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling within the gaming medium. Its ability to evoke genuine emotions and provoke thought about personal traumas resonates with players long after they’ve emerged from their digital descent. Indie developers have indeed shaped a distinct space in gaming, and with Shaw's Nightmare II, they have masterfully conjured an experience that pays tribute to the horror genre while still offering something novel.
In a landscape filled with sequels and remakes, this game stands out, not only for its rich narrative and vibrant art direction but also for its craftsmanship in gameplay mechanics. As players guide Shaw through the labyrinthine nightmares, they are reminded of the intricate relationship between fear, memory, and identity. Shaw's Nightmare II deserves recognition for successfully blending retro aesthetics with modern storytelling, ensuring that it will be remembered as a striking testament to the evolution of independent gaming.
Tailwind: Prologue
Tailwind: Prologue, released in 2016, is a highly anticipated action-packed Windows game that has captured the hearts of gamers all over the world. Developed by One Man Army Games, this game takes players on a thrilling journey through a post-apocalyptic world where survival is the ultimate goal.
Set in a time where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner, Tailwind: Prologue puts players in the shoes of a young survivor on a mission to find a safe haven. With stunning graphics and an immersive sound design, the game immediately transports players into a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
What sets Tailwind: Prologue apart from other survival games is its unique gameplay mechanics. True to its name, the game utilizes wind as a crucial element in its gameplay. Players must constantly monitor the direction of the wind to make strategic decisions, such as using it to navigate through obstacles or using it to their advantage in combat.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter various challenges and obstacles that test their survival skills. From solving puzzles to fighting off dangerous creatures, every decision players make will have an impact on their journey. This adds an element of unpredictability and keeps players on the edge of their seats.
One of the highlights of Tailwind: Prologue is its open-world exploration. The game allows players to freely navigate through its vast and diverse landscapes, each with its unique challenges and mysteries waiting to be discovered. This feature promotes a sense of freedom and adventure, giving players the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the game's world.
The game's storyline is also worth mentioning. As players progress through the game, they uncover the dark secrets of the post-apocalyptic world and the events that led to its demise. This adds depth and intrigue to the game, making it more than just a mindless action game.
VOID
There is not enough air or fuel to recover from a failure or to explore all the ruins in orbit. As our lives run out, we jump from ruin to ruin, finding what we seek or dying in the beautiful light of a dying star.
Badge
Void is a slow-paced stage suffocation simulator, with painterly graphics, eerily tense breathing, and haunting music. Perhaps you can contemplate dedication, risk, goals, and the meaning of real life. What would you give your life for? Would you dedicate yourself to it, even if you don't succeed?
Gameplay
You will fight a battle against the diminishing air and time, while consuming fuel and adding a force vector. Physics students may enjoy this game. Optimize your style by consuming fuel to move quickly or conserve fuel and change direction repeatedly to blast your way through a space debris field. Choose your path wisely and collect more air and fuel resources floating in the environment.
You will play two missions, each a turning point in the protagonist's life. Gamers can get the meaning of the protagonist's life and win the game.
The pace of the puzzle is controlled by the player's knowledge and skill. A 'speedrun' player can finish the game in a few minutes, but it can take hours to learn and master the ruins.
