Top 10 Video Games of 2017

Top 10 Video Games of 2017

Throughout 2017 not only did we get a ton of great games but also a new system in the form of the Nintendo Switch. So before this years ends here is the Top 10 Video Games of 2017. Now there are gonna be some games that didn't make the list. That'll be because I've either haven't played it, don't own it or didn't have interest in it. Also this is just my own personal opinion. So please be respectful and I'll respect your opinion in return. Anyway, on to the countdown.

10. Fire Emblem Warriors


Back in 2014 we got Hyrule Warriors for the Wii U. A Dynasty Warriors spinoff with characters and enviorments from the Legend of Zelda series. Fast forward to 2017 and we got another spinoff in the form of Fire Emblem Warriors. Which as the title implies, puts the player in the role of characters from the Fire Emblem series. The gameplay uses the traditional Dynasty Warriors mechanic of hacking and slashing enemies while defending forts and completing objectives. Graphics have a nice cel shaded look to it and runs at 30fps in performance mode. The game can run at 60fps if you switch to quality mode but the presentation takes a slight hit. The music consist of what I assume is remixes of Fire Emblem tunes. I could only reckonize a few due to not playing that many Fire Emblem games. The one negative I have is in the gameplay itself. While fun and enjoyable but like most Dynasty Warrior games(Main series or spinoff) the gameplay can get repetitive after awhile. So the game is best enjoyed in short bursts. So i you enjoyed Hyrule Warriors or other Dynasty Warrior spinoffs and like Fire Emblem, then this is definitely worth playing.

9. Sonic Forces 


The 3D Sonic games seem to have a bit of a mixed reaction among the fanbase. The last 3D Sonic game we got was a spinoff in the form of Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. Which was a terrible glitchy mess of a game. But the last main series 3D Sonic we got was Sonic Lost World. A passable but flawed game. But in 2017 we got a new main series game in the form of Sonic Forces. Dr Eggman has taking over the world and it's up to both Classic and Modern Sonic to help save the world along side with the third playable character, your own created character. So now you can fulfill your dream of bringing your DeviantArt Sonic OC to life which is easily the best thing about this game. Modern Sonic plays just like he did in Sonic Generations minus the ability to drift and Classic Sonic is the same but with the addition of the Drop Dash from Sonic Mania. Graphics look nicely polished and detailed and running at 60fps on PS4 and Xbox One. However if you're playing it on Nintendo Switch it only runs at 30fps. But it's still playable docked or on the go. But if you want the best framerate get one of the other versions. The music is catchy with a mix of hard rock and techno for the Modern Sonic and Avatar levels and Sega Megadrive style music for the Classic Sonic levels. The only negatives I have towards the game are the levels are pretty short and the story is a bit iffy in some parts with Classic Sonic's inclusion feeling like an after thought. While the game tries to be a successor to Sonic Generations it's not as good as said game. But with the avatar customisation and good gameplay makes it worth playing if you're a long time Sonic fan.


8. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy


2016 saw the finale of Nathan Drake's journey in Uncharted 4: A Thief's End. Just when we thought we've seen the end of Uncharted series a new game shows up that was originally ment to be a DLC chapter for Uncharted 4 but ended up being it's own game instead. This time round we play as a returning face in the form of Chloe Fraser who first appeared in Uncharted 2 and showed up in Uncharted 3 but was completely absent in Uncharted 4. But Chloe isn't alone though because former villian Nadine teams up with her throughout the journey. Gameplay is pretty much the same as Uncharted 4 but with a more even balance between action and puzzle solving giving it a bit of a classic Tomb Raider feel to it. Graphics like last time look georgeous and the music score is very cinematic like it's presentation and the online multiplayer is taking directly from Uncharted 4 so if you enjoyed the multiplayer in that game it's back here and still enjoyable. And also just like Uncharted 4, Single player is 30fps and the multiplayer is 60fps. And like one other games on this list, this game on retail is only £30. So you're a fan of the Uncharted series this is worth playing if you crave for another Uncharted game.


7. ARMS


On the Wii U we got the first new Nintendo IP in 14 years in the form of Splatoon. Fast forward two years later and we got another new IP from Nintendo in the form of ARMS. This is a stylized boxing fighting game where you move around attack your opponant by thrusting the Joy-Cons towards the screen. You can use a Pro Controller but the game was clearly made with motion controls in mind. The gameplay is fun and enjoyable, music is catchy and the graphics look amazing and colourful while running at 60fps. Though when playing in four player spit screen the framerate takes a hit and runs at 30fps. Using motion controls have a bit learning curve to it but it's the best way to plays ARMS. With nice graphics, memorable characters and catchy music ARMS is a must have for any Nintendo Switch collection.


6. South Park: The Fractured But Whole


Three years ago we got what is quite possibly the best licenced game in the form of South Park: The Stick of Truth. A fairly simple but very funny RPG. And now after two delays we finally got it's sequel, The Fractured But Whole. This time round the kids take up the roles of superheroes and like the first game you play as your own created character. But this time you can identify your gender and sexuality aswell as determine the game's difficulty by your skin colour with black being the hardest one. It dosen't affect battle but you get less money if you don't do some grinding. If you're shocked and appauled by this, it's South Park. This kind of stuff is regular for them. The battle system this time round is grid based where you move around and do attacks and use items. This adds more challenge compared to last time and in a way makes it better than Stick of Truth. And like the Stick of Truth the game looks just like the show and runs at a more stable framerate. Music consists of tracks from the show but with new ones added in. And even you don't have it or played Stick of Truth, you can get a free download code for it when you buy The Fractured But Whole. That's two great South Park games for the price of one. So this is a definite must have for any South Park fan.


5. Splatoon 2


After it's successful first installment on the Wii U despite the system not selling well Splatoon got a sequel on the Nintendo Switch. While gameplay is mostly the same as the first game but they're some new features to get invested. There's new weapon types to use such as the Duel Splatters which not only let's you duel weild but also gives you a dodge move. Single campaign makes a return and while sightly longer than the one in the first game, you'll likely beat in a day or two. There'a new mode called Salmon Run which kinda like tower defense but the Splatoon gameplay style. But once again the selling point of the game is the online multiplayer and like the first game new maps and weapons get added with each new updates. No microtransactions or loot boxes required(Suck it EA!). So if you enjoyed the first game, you love this.


4. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy


One of the biggest suprises and undoubtedly the best PS4 exclusive to come out in 2017 was the long awaited return of Crash Bandicoot. Granted it's just a remaster of the original trilogy but it's so worth the purchase. Each of the three games have been remade from the ground up with original gameplay intact. However there have been some tweeks. For example in the PS1 version of Crash 1 you have to beat a level and break all the crates without dying in order to get that level's gem. But here it only applies to the coloured gems. Grey gems you can die as many times as you want and still get the gem. So already, this is the definitive version of Crash 1. In addition to gameplay you also have the option to play as Crash's sister Coco. The graphics in each game look fantastic. The lighting and detail of the characters look amazing. The music has also been redone and it's sound really good especially the arabian levels in Crash 3. And the best thing about this game is it's price. As of this list it's only £30 and it's so worth it. And with this game selling well we can hope we can get a new original Crash Bandicoot in the near future.

3. Super Mario Odyssey


When this was first revealed it became one of the main reasons why I really wanted a Nintendo Switch. A new 3D Mario game with the exploration gameplay of Super Mario 64 with some Super Mario Galaxy thrown in for good measure. Speaking of the gameplay, it's solid for the most part as you use a new capture abilty with the assistance of Cappy, a hovering talking hat who can take control of just about anything from Goombas to Koopa Troopas to frogs to even a goddamn T-Rex! All of which are useful for collecting Power Moons, the game's main collectables. The graphics are fantastic and gorgeous to look at and all while running at a solid 60fps. The music is amazing even beating Super Mario Galaxy's soundtrack by a small margine with “Jump Up Superstar” sung by Pauline being super catchy to listen to. There's also costumes to unlock in each world with some being throwbacks to previous games. My only complaint I have this game is one particular part in it's gameplay. While solid there's one move I've had serious bother with. That being the Dive move. In this you have to press ZL + Y to perform it but half the time I end up doing a Ground Pound instead which is super annoying in some parts of the game. But other than that, Super Mario Odyssey is a superb game that must be in everyones Nintendo Switch collection.

2. Sonic Mania


That's right, we got two Sonic games in 2017! The previously aforementioned Sonic Forces which is 3D and this one, Sonic Mania a new 2D installment that pays homage to the classic Sega Megadrive games of the 90's. And out of the two this is the best one. The 2D graphics look superb, the music composed by Tee Lopes is catchy and a joy to listen to and the gameplay is fantastic playing just like the Megadrive games with a new dropdash ability for Sonic so you can keep your momentum as you speed through each level. The game littered with throwbacks to Sonic's history such as the Special Stages which uses 3D graphics that pay homage to the Sega Saturn, Blue Sphere for the Bonus Stages at checkpoints and one of the bosses being a game of Dr Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine. The levels are a mix classic and new though there's only four new levels where as the rest are classics. Which isn't a bad thing 'cause the classic level are remixed so there's some add flair to them which gives them a ton of replay value. If there's a Sonic game you must play this year then definitely get this one. 

And before I reveal the number 1 spot, here are a few quick honarable mentions:


HM 1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
While mostly the same game as the Wii U version there are new additions that make this the definitive version such as new characters, a more traditional battle mode, all the DLC and a new optinal brake assist system which makes 200cc a little less chaotic. A another must have for any Nintendo Switch owner.

HM 2. Pokkén Tournament DX
Just like with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe this is the definitive version of the game. With new added characters, daily challenges and a new 3 on 3 team battle mode. A very acceptable fighting game for the Switch that's worth playing till the next Super Smash Bros comes out.

HM 3. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Characters from Super Mario plus the Rabbids plus the gameplay of Xcom equals a fun and enjoyable game. As someone who has never played Xcom I found the game easy to learn. With colourful graphics and a great soundtrack composed by Grant Kirkhope I'm glad this crossover happened.

HM 4. New 'n Tasty: Oddworld Abe's Odyssey

As someone who only played a demo of the original PS1 game I thought this is a good remake and a neat puzzle platformer. But since this game came a few years ago so I decided to leave it off the list.


And my number 1 Video Game of 2017 is...



The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild


From the moment I got a Nintendo Switch I knew I had to get this game. Hell, the moment thIs game was first announced I knew I had to get it. What was originally revealed as a Wii U game ended up also coming out on the Switch as a launch title that made gamers invest in the system for this one game. And for great reason. The land of Hyrule is the largest it's ever been in a Zelda game. You can explore everywhere in this game discovering familiar areas from from previous Zelda games. And during this you can hunt for food to cooking recipes for better health recovery aswell additional stat boosts and search for weapons for survival. And you will need to obtain weapons as you travel in the game as weapons do break eventually. There are other things you can do but I'll leave them you for find out yourselves. The story involves Link waking up after a 100 year slumber and is tasked with saving Princess Zelda from an entity known as Calamity Ganon. While you can go straight to Hyrule Castle and fight Calamity Ganon right away if you don't mind being killed several times in the process but it's best doing other quests first to improve your health and stamina aswell as finding the Master Sword. The presentation is outstandingly breath taking. The cel shaded graphics look amazing blended realistic character models of Twilght Princess and Skyword Sword with the cel shading of The Wind Waker and for the first time in a Zelda game we have voice acting though it's only for cutscenes and certain gameplay moments. The music while mostly ambience while traversing Hyrule but the piano and orchestral pieces are perfectly composed and fit the tone of the game. So as you can tell, I love this game. And even after you think you're done there's still more to do if you exclude the DLC. So there's a ton of replay value. This is more than just a game. It's an experience that I can strongly reccomend taking part of. Weither be on the Wii U or Switch. And it's these reasons why The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is without a doubt the Number 1 Video Game of 2017.


That was my Top 10 Video Games of 2017. I know some may of expected the likes Horizon Zero Dawn and Resident Evil 7 to be on the list but like like I said at the start, there were games I either didn't play or didn't get round to owning. But either way, I hope you enjoyed reading this and feel free to let me know on facebook or twitter what were your best video games of 2017. So thank you all for reading, have a happy new year and I'll see you next time in another list. :)


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