Looking back, I am surprised at how many games I was able to play and complete this year, and also how many of them were actually great. Sure, it’s easy to pick holes in even the best of them, but 2017 was truly one of the best years in Video Game history. I tried to trim list list down to 10, but I just couldn’t bring myself to cut down on the games I had an absolute blast with.
Even after removing games like Cryptark, Sniper Elite 4 and Endless Space 2 (which I am managing to subtly sneak in by mentioning them here), the list just wouldn’t go below 25. So I played around with the list, bunched games together and threw some in the honorable mentions. Screw it, these are great games, they need to be on this list. Play them, if you haven’t already!
Yakuza Zero
Come for the game, stay for the mini-games.
Elex
Probably the best RPG I have played in years, with the potential to dwarf Witcher and Divinity, if not for the jank.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
The scope of Divinity: Original Sin 2 is absolutely daunting. If you want a a rich choice driven narrative and a challenging gameplay system, look no further.
Torment: Tides Of Numenera
Played this at 15 FPS on the terrible PS4 port. Loved every second of it.
Thimbleweed Park
Really funny and clever point & click game.
Rime
It’s not Journey, but Rime takes you on quite the journey.
Prey
Hey, I love immersive sims, and they didn’t release another Deus Ex this year. Once the launch bugs were fixed, Prey was the Bioshock I needed this year.
Nex Machina
If arcade is dead, I am glad that Nex Machina was its last hurrah.
Horizon Zero Dawn
An intriguing story and setting that consistently builds up the mystery, and a lot of enjoyable combat.
Night In The Woods
There’s something in the woods, let’s spend an uncomfortable night there.
Pyre
Even the briefest e-mail conversation with Greg Kasavin only increases my respect for the way the man thinks. Pyre is a masterpiece. Also, what kind of monster would ask a dog to shave off his mustache?
The Sexy Brutale
The most fun I have ever had saving people in a video game.
The Long Dark
Atmospheric and evocative survival game set in the desolate Canadian wilderness.
Pillars Of Eternity
I love a good old CRPG. I love it even more on my PS4.
Steamworld Dig 2
Charming and challenging sequel that build up on the original game in almost every single way.
Assassin’s Creed: Origins
Never imagined another Assassin’s Creed game to win me back into the series. Enjoyable combat, fantastic setting, and a very likable protagonist.
What Remains Of Edith Finch
Fantastic presentation, powerful storytelling. Kudos to Giant Sparrow for crafting such a well told narrative, and to Annapurna (Gorogoa, Kentucky Route Zero) for having an eye for unique games like these.
Portal Knights / Yonder: The Cloudcatcher Chronicles
These two games filled the Minecraft shaped hole in my heart I never knew I had.
Styx: Shards Of Darkness
Styx is edgy in the dumbest ways possible, but the stealth and level design is excellent.
Nidhogg 2 / Windjammers / Aven Colony / Cities: Skylines
The games that I played the most in 2017, and will probably will keep playing for years to come.
Honorable Mentions
Nier: Automata – The game goes places, only a little too slow.
Fire Pro Wrestling – Never knew I could enjoy wrestling games this much.
Serial Cleaner – I like Hitman. Serial Cleaner seems like the obvious next stage in Agent 47’s life.
Persona 5 – If only they were willing to trim down on the first 20 hours of the game.
Lawbreakers – Loved the game, too bad no one’s paying it anymore.
Register with us for the best in gaming, and join us for video game discussions on our forums.
