2017 was definitely a landmark year for video games. For every loot box system argument there was a great game. We got the Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, and dozens of some of the finest, well tuned games to ever be released but I will only be covering 8 of them. These 8 games stood out from the rest by immersing me, a casual guy with no patience and zero attention span, in it’s world while also living up to the hype, or just being simple fun to keep me distracted when I needed some me-time. Also after you’re done reading my list, go check out the other countdowns from Joey and Chris.
Note: I would have added Hollow Knight although I am currently waiting for the Switch version.
8. Splatoon 2
Nintendo definitely had an astonishingly successful year in 2017. With the news of their new system, the Nintendo Switch, came Splatoon 2. A sequel to their 2015 shooter, Splatoon 2 offers more modes, content, and ways to play with your friends. If only the chat feature wasn’t so complicated.
7. Steamworld Dig 2
Another great indie title with a fresh take on the ‘metroidvania’ genre, Steamworld Dig 2 brings the player back to a much much MUCH larger world to find treasure, explore, and discover hidden secrets. It’s one of those games that you dive in when you’re bored and look up to find that you’ve just spent over an hour on it.
6.South Park: The Fractured But Whole
South Park The Fractured But Whole was a long time coming. A sequel to Stick Of Truth, Fractured But Whole offers a more refined battle system, a larger area of the city to cover, and a lot of dumb fun. If you’re a fan of the show then this is an entire season, on steroids, wrapped up in a solid rpg that will make you want to beat it in one sitting.
5. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Released in January, the hype for Resident Evil 7 was high. The advertising campaign was a great idea, giving players the chance to play a demo version of the house that changed throughout the months leading up to the game. Although very short, the game as a whole was definitely a well welcome return to survival horror. The nervous tension that came with some of the characters creeping around the house made me scream bloody murder a handful of times.
4. Super Mario Odyssey
Although being announced only 11 months ago, Mario Odyssey lived up to many as the next true title after Galaxy. The fact that collecting all 900 moon shines still feels fun and enjoyable makes this game a masterpiece.
3. Cuphead
Personally, I am a sucker for authenticity. The fact that the Studio MDHR was able to capture the tone and vibe of classic cartoons all within a challenging run and gun game is astonishing given the size of the team behind it. After a over a dozen hours and hundreds of deaths I finally completed the game, losing my sanity in the process. Pure classic joy.
2. Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Truly a defining game, words can’t begin to describe it. The wait for the game was long, but the payoff may be felt throughout gaming for a long time. Ditching the linear path of old, Breath Of The WIld changes up the formula by giving the player the option of where they would like to explore. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I spent over 100 hours playing with horses or collecting Korok seeds.
1. Sonic Mania
2017 was a year of resurgence for a lot of mascots and companies but none lived up as much as Sega with their return to 2d platforming. I was said fanboy of Sega in the 90’s, Sonic Mania had the hype that caused many past games to fall short of expectations and with that hype they exceeded expectations and then some. From the sights to the sounds, it’s hard to find anything that perfectly encapsulates the 90’s more than this game.
This past year has definitely opened my eyes to a lot more types of games given the ever-evolving ways that we as gamers are able to experience them. Whether we see another beloved series return, or a completely new experience altogether, I have no doubt that 2018 will give us more to talk about and even more time play.