The 10 Best Games of 2017!

A largely fantastic year.

  Hello, everyone. This may seem like an odd departute from the yearly GOTY awards I used make, but I've been thinking of expreinmenting this year a bit by making a Top 10 list (since I haven't did much of them this year). 2017 was a fantastic year for gaming, initially. I've easily spent hours upon hours gaming to an unhealthy level this year. The year started out strong with hits from Japan such as Resident Evil 7, Super Mario Odyssey, Cuphead, and even Nintendo's latest console, the Nintendo Switch. However, it was until later this year with companies such as the likes of the infamous EA and Activison had to find new, malicious ways to force the widely-despised use of micro-transactions into mainstream games which negatively altered the way their games functioned and as a result, performed poorly commercially. On a lighter note, some governments are finally seeing the issue of loot-boxes and micro-transactions as a form of gambling and will perform some needed investigations in the meantime. However, one could wonder if they would add any unneeded regulation in the future, but that's unclear for now. Getting back to the topic at hand, there were a lot of great games this year, both big and small, obscure and widespread, and most importantly, fun. I'll be listing the 10 games that I've enjoyed playing this year with links directing to their reviews, should they interest you. Without further delay, here are my favorite games of the year:


10- Tekken 7 (Bandai Namco)

The best fights are personal.

 Kicking things off is Bandai Namco's latest entry in the long-running Tekken series, Tekken 7. The long-running Mishima saga comes to a close with an engrossing narrative, full of twists and over-the-top moments. Packing new gameplay elements, new playable characters, and a slick presentation, Tekken 7 is among the year's best fighting games. While lacking a bit in roster size, it compensates with solid gameplay and a various modes that'll keep you hooked for hours to come. 

9- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Ninja Theory)

Developer Ninja Theory delivered one

of the year's most unique experiences.

 Easily one of the most impressive titles of the year, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice proves that you don't need a big-budget to compete with some of the hottest AAA games around. Ninja Theory did a terrific job building the world of Hellblade and the themes of psychosis and mental illness in general were overall interesting. Senua and the sporting cast were interesting and the narrative was memorable as well. Hellblade is easily my favorite indie game of the year and I can't wait to see what Ninja Theory comes up next.


8- Sonic Mania (Chistain Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games)

A game made for fans, by fans.

 A love letter to the 2D games of old, Sonic Mania is a prime example of a game going back to its roots. Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest games did a fantastic job emulating the old-school feel of the Genesis games while adding some new twists to the formula. Colorful visuals, creative levels, catchy music, and solid gameplay makes Sonic Mania easily among the best platformers of the year and a strong rival of the old Genesis games as well. The team have put in a lot of care and effort that much of the recent entries lacked, and here's hoping they'll stick around for more Sonic games to come.

7- The Evil Within 2 (Tango Gameworks)

The psychotic mystery continues

in The Evil Within 2.

 As a huge fan of 2014's underrated hit, The Evil Within, I was excited when The Evil Within 2 was announced mid-this year. Continuing the narrative of its predecessor while revamping much of the gameplay mechanics, The Evil Within 2 improves over the original in terms of everything. The Silent Hill 2-like semi-open world was a main highlight since its full of secrets and weapons to collect as well as missions to undertake. The shooting and stealth mechanics feel refined this time around though that doesn't mean that enemies can't take you by surprise. The Evil Within 2 is my favorite horror game of the year and I can't wait to see what Tango Gameworks does with the series next.

6- Resident Evil 7 (Capcom)

Resident Evil 7 is one crazy ride for horror fans.

 One of the earliest games I've played this year, Resident Evil 7 was a satisfying return to form for the aging series after 2012's widely polarizing Resident Evil 6. A radical departure from the standard series tropes, Ethan Winters is on the look for his missing wife when his search takes him to the twisted estate of the Baker family. The new first person perspective and setting was a huge refresher after the action-heavy focus of the recent games, and it worked extremely well. Not only that, but the game also looks good thanks to a new game engine and the performances of the cast only adds more eeriness to the game. Capcom hit a home run with RE7, and here's hoping they'll keep the momentum going with future titles.

5- Gravity Rush 2 (SIE Japan Studio)

Gravity Rush 2 is full of charm, vibrancy, and fun.

 Gravity Rush was one of the cult hits of the ill-fated PS Vita. The gravity-shifting gameplay and cheerful aesthetic were some of the main highlights of the portable game. This time a PS4 exclusive, Gravity Rush 2 expands upon everything the original offered such continuing the narrative while introducing new leads, refining the gameplay while boasting new additions, and just looking damn impressive. Gravity Rush 2 certainly is one of the underrated games of the year. It's not for everyone, the game's abysmal sales made sure of that, but if one takes the time to experience what it has to offer, there'll lots of fun to be had.

4- Horizon: Zero Dawn (Guerilla Games)

Horizon is a standout hit for Guerrilla Games.

 A breakthrough hit for Killzone developer Gurerrila Games, Horizon: Zero Dawn is easily one of the year's best open-world games, only to be rivaled by the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. A hunter's quest to find her place of origin, Horizon is constantly full of surprises, both in its well-written story and involving gam world. Also, the performances by the main leads were commendable and the gameplay is slick. Exploring the dense game-world is a huge undertaking yet is full of many activities to partake in. I've had so much fun in the world of Horizon that I still haven't gotten around to the recently released expansion yet.


3- Persona 5 (Atlus)

Persona 5's charm will steal the hearts of many.

 The long-awaited Persona 5 ended up being well worth the wait as it's one of the best in Atlus' rather niche Shin Megami Tensei JRPG series. Flashy in nature, Persona 5 has the perfect blend of style and substance. The adventures of a group teens aiming to correct the wrongs of society was memorable thanks to the modern-day picaresque setting. Not only that, but the gameplay's better than ever. One can easily rake in countless hours undertaking many of the games activities and secret bosses. The production values are off the roof thanks to a stellar soundtrack courtesy of the legendary Shoji Meguro and rich cel-shaded visuals. Persona 5 is a landmark for JRPGs and is undoubtedly the among the year's best.

2- Nier: Automata (Platinum Games)

Deep themes, solid action, and a stellar soundtrack

are the finer points of Nier: Automata.

 A hidden gem of the seventh generation, the original Nier was a unique game due to its unconventional narrative and genre-blending gameplay. Nier: Automata, developed by the renounced Platinum Games, continues the tradition, only adding Platinum's signature over-the-top action. A huge surprise, I initially didn't know what to expected from the game. Lovable main leads, intriguing philosophical themes, challenging gameplay, and an outstanding score are just some of the reasons why I love Nier: Automata. Throw in some nice little Easter eggs and a stunning visual presentation, and it's easily one of the year's best offerings. Not only that, but Nier: Automata is an important game to Platinum Games as well since it saved them from possible financial troubles earlier this year. 

------- Game of The Year 2017 ---------

 Yakuza 0 (Sega)

Where it all began.

 Didn't see this one coming, huh? Where do I start with Yakuza 0? Serving a prequel to the entire Yakuza series, Yakuza 0 was also my first Yakuza game. I was in love with it to the point that I've been having fun with it for about two months trying to experience everything the game has to offer without ever getting bored, it's also part of the reason why there was little to no activity on the site earlier this year.  The well-written narrative accompanied by its stellar performances was memorable and engaging with many well-put set pieces. Yakuza 0 introduces new mechanics to the aging combat system to keep things fresh and stylish presentation is captivating. I easily sunk in around 85 hours in 80s Kamurocho partaking in all kinds of activities and side-missions. In short, I got every cent of my money's worth. Yakuza 0 got me in love with the niche series and is my game of the year, here's hoping Sega will re-release the other games on current systems and that Yakuza 6 will be just as good.

  There were definitely a lot of hits such as the Dark Souls-inspired Nioh and indie smash hit Cuphead that I missed, but it was pretty hard balancing between daily life and keeping up with many recent games. Nevertheless, I know that'll get to them eventually. That's all for this year, thanks for reading and here's to a relatively good year for games.