Atmosphere doesn’t always mean scary. The best atmosphere in a game sucks you in and makes you believe this world is or can be real. It makes you feel scared, sad, happy, or worried. It gives you chills or butterflies without you even knowing it. These kinds of games are rare and it can be one of the most difficult things to balance out in a game.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor
There were a lot of games with the great atmosphere this year but Mordor takes it home. This is the only game that really nails the Lord of the Rings feel. It’s not always about bright magic and fast-paced fantasy combat. Mordor brings you into the dark depressing cesspool that is caused by the Hand of Sauron and various other entities at play. It shows you the everyday life and struggle of the people of Middle-Earth. The game forgoes the heroes of the books and movies and drags you into the dark nightmare that is Mordor.
Runner-Ups
Dragon Age: Inquisition
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Wolfenstein: The New Order
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Far Cry 4
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The Evil Within
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