9 Fan Theories That Totally Change 2016's Best Video Games

For as much as video games have advanced from 2D pixel-clashers to Hollywood-rivalling extravaganzas of storytelling and character-building, there's something about gaming as an inherently nerdy venture, that provides some of the most well thought-out and interesting fan theories of them all.

I mean, just look at Star Wars Ep. VIII announcing its title as The Last Jedi, and all the fan-based theorising that continues to emerge. We ruddy love a good bedrock of plot potential, and we adore pulling it apart and re-stitching it just as much.

To that end, 2016's selection of titles were consistently outstanding across the year, resulting in a number of fantastic games that are absolutely worth playing on their own, but take on an even greater appreciation once you factor in a few fans' opinions.

Let me know in the comments which other games from last year have their own in-depth theories and mind-blowing perspectives, but not before you've checked this lot out first...

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9. Final Fantasy XV Has A Split Timeline For "Fans And Newcomers"

Final Fantasy XV's story is a spectacular mishmash of underused plot potential topped off by a pretty emotional finale, but user DeeVaughan2016 has worked up a theory that explains precisely why it's "A Final Fantasy for fans and newcomers".

Stating that the theory is "a little out there", DeeVaughan says that XV's events parallel those of the original Final Fantasy.

In that game, you defeated the evil Caos to remove him from time itself, saving the land in the process. Assuming that our band of heroes are the latest incarnation of the Warriors of Light - the name given to the protagonists in FF1 - when they defeat Ardyn and he mentions being "erased from history", the ending flashbacks and scenes of Noctis and Luna being happily married now exist in a different timeline. One where Ardyn never existed.

This ties in directly with the "A Final Fantasy for fans and newcomers" messaging, as if you know the franchise's history, you get a far more positive ending. Noct and Luna are happily married (and the other party members would be alive in Altissia for the wedding itself) as oppose to the 'canon' ending, where everyone dies and these scenes take place in the afterlife.

Further confirmation comes from a loading screen mentioning Ardyn's usage of time loops to deceive the crew - something the evil Caos also did - meaning that if this is true, there's a whole new way to look at FF XV overall.