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My top 10 games of 2017 (now 11?!)
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For the sake of this list I'm going to only count games that released in 2017, even though I finally got around to playing some cool stuff that released in earlier years (The Last Guardian, etc.) But I am going to count older games that released in 2017 on a new platform if that is how I first experienced them (Axiom Verge, etc.) 11. Splatoon 2 (NS) - I generally struggle to stay interested in online games, and I did fall off of Splatoon 2 after about 15 hours or so, but that's still a good chunk of fun to be had. And they just keep adding new stuff! 10. Sonic Mania (NS) - I'm not a fan of Sonic like... at all... but Mania hit all the right beats to keep me interested. This is the first time that I really felt like I "got" the gameplay, and it had a lot of variety to keep it spicy. 9. Golf Story (NS) - How did I forget this?! A golf sim with a goofy story, zany cast of characters and a wide variety of golf-based tasks. One of the more unique indie games I've played this year and it is Switch exclusive! 8. Axiom Verge (NS) - I haven't actually finished it yet (just started it recently), but near the end and really loving it. It's basically a Metroid clone that doesn't hide that it is a Metroid clone, but it's one of the best Metroid clones I have played, with a lot of neat weapons and functionality and a very weird story. 7. Nier: Automata (PS4) - To be honest I'm only about 8 hours into this game (also just started it recently), but loving it so far. It's basically an open world action RPG but with action that reminds me more of Devil May Cry type stuff than the typical action RPG. Has a very interesting world with a lot of unique characters as well. 6. Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS) - I don't have a particularly strong connection to Metroid II, but this remake is basically a brand new game. It's huge (maybe even too huge) and wonderful, a big and epic handheld Metroid game. A bit of variety in bosses would have been nice, but what can you do. 5. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PS4) - Ok, technically I haven't finished this game yet either (again, started it fairly recently), but I'm pretty far into it and man... it's so good. Capcom reinvented Resident Evil yet again, going back to the roots in how you progress (feels a lot like Resident Evil 1's mansion) but keeping an updated 1st person view. It doesn't quite touch 4 for me, but it's up there with the best of the rest. 4. Rocket League (NS) - I know this game is old news but it is new to the Switch and man, it's so much fun. It's basically soccer with cars and add in sweet online play and it gets addicting as heck. An online game that actually keeps me coming back! 3. Persona 5 (PS4) - Although it feels a bit more bloated than 4, Persona 5 is still an excellent sequel with an awesome cast of character, a great story, and a whole lot going on that kept me into it for the 100ish hour run-time. And that ending just... wow. 2. Super Mario Odyssey (NS) - I had some issues with it, but at the end of the day it was a breath of fresh air for a franchise that somehow seems to continue reinventing itself and the most packed Mario game to date. New Donk City might be one of the greatest areas ever created in a video game. 1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (NS) - What can you say about Zelda that hasn't been said already? Nintendo finally captured that feeling of exploration that they have been talking about for years now. The overworld is a freaking huge and amazing place to explore with tons to do. Shrines were pretty fun too. I hope I didn't forget anything. 2017 games I wanted to play but never got around to: Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Stardew Valley, Night in the Woods, etc. What is YOUR list?! Post your top 10! Or top 5! Or whatever you want! URL to share (right click and copy) |
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01/01/18, 23:55 Edited: 01/05/18, 07:46
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nate38's top 26 games played in 2017!
(that'd be all of them)
Games released in 2017 have ***Asterisks
Nintendo system games are in Red (including mobile Nintendo titles and games confirmed for Switch in the future)
26. Sonic: Lost World -- Played through the first two Worlds. Gotta give Sonic Team credit for trying something new. But that's about all this game has going for it, sadly.
***25. Spark the Electric Jester -- Finished Spark's story. It's got major elements of Sonic and Kirby and Mega Man X featured, and yet it somehow misses the appeal of all three.
24. Furi -- Beat the game and One More Fight (not Bernard). I like that it's focused and stylish. I don't like that it's restrictive and less varied than one would expect from the premise.
23. Super Mario Run -- Got all black coins in World 1, played a few Toad Rallies. Didn't buy the rest. Fun enough, but a little too trial-and-error for my tastes. Nintendo made Mario work on smartphones, but in a way that mostly feels like a watered down console game.
22. Ys Seven -- Finished the game on Normal difficulty. For me the appeal of the Ys series is their brevity and simplicity. Ys Seven stepped away from both without going anywhere worthwhile.
21. ABZU -- Finished the game. I liked the pretty fishies.
20. Journey -- Played through it in one sitting with a friend. I liked hitting the hum button.
***19. Blaster Master Zero -- Beat the game, true ending. A more "faithful" remake than I expected, in that it didn't have a ton of notable improvements or additions. But the original was good, so this was good.
18. DOOM 2016 -- Played until the game crashed and corrupted my save file (on PC). Until then it was...fine, I guess.
17. Rhythm Heaven Megamix -- Finished all the story minigames with Superb ratings. A bit overstuffed and bloated, but it's hard to fault that in a game that's basically a "Best Of" album with some extras.
***16. Rivals of Aether -- Completed all character tutorials and story modes (no DLC). I can see why this is the top Smash clone, but I only have room for one Smash in my life, and right now that's Smash 4.
15. Rez Infinite -- Beat Rez and Area X. Rez was decent. Area X was awesome, and I wish it lasted more than 15 minutes.
***14. BYE-BYE BOXBOY! -- 100% completion. A slight step down from the previous two games (diminishing returns and all), but still great.
***13. The End is Nigh -- Got the Acceptance ending. 85% complete in the past, 57% in the future. A good spiritual sequel to Super Meat Boy.
***12. Metroid: Samus Returns -- Finished with 100% item completion in 11:44:40. A bit bloated, slightly stale, but mostly good.
11. Toki Tori 2+ -- Finished the story. I think there's more stuff to do, and I would like to do it, but it's kind of time-consuming. Surprisingly clever and elegant Metroid-style game.
10. Kirby: Planet Robobot -- 98%. Found all Code Cubes and Rare Stickers, Platinum every stage in Team Kirby Quest and Kirby 3D Rumble, finished Meta Knightmare Returns and True Arena. I'm really surprised that Robobot tickled my fancy after Triple Deluxe and even Return to Dream Land underwhelmed.
9. Inside -- Beat the game and got the secret ending. That was a weird one. In a good way.
***8. Cuphead -- Beat the game. I'm less enamored with the game than most, but that's the worst thing I can say about this obvious labor of love.
***7. Night in the Woods -- Finished the game. Apparently missed out on a lot of optional scenes. Feel like I missed out on a lot, even on the stuff I saw, but I liked the stuff I got.
***6. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment -- Beat the game, found all red skulls. Probably my least favorite Shovel Knight campaign so far, but it's still great. I almost feel bad that Yacht Club Games has given me so much Shovel Knight for the $10 I pledged on Kickstarter.
5. Her Story -- Took copious notes and got to the bottom of her story. Really unique "game" that hit me in exactly the right mood.
***4. Fire Emblem Heroes -- Kept up with the game through the year, completed just about all of the available content. Mixed feelings on this one. I like that Fire Emblem's history is being honored and updated (even if the 3DS games are the clear focus). And I think they did a good job of updating the game with new features and player-friendly changes regularly. But I really don't like that Nintendo is shamelessly fishing for whales in the waters of Free To Play gacha gaming, even if I've gotten a pretty "full" experience out of it without spending a dime. Finally, I'm not sure what to make of this game reportedly being the highest earning Fire Emblem game ever made. I don't think anything particularly good will come of it, though.
***3. Crypt of the Necrodancer: AMPLIFIED -- Beat the game as Nocturna, and again as Cadence with the new content. A great game made even greater with DLC.
***2. Sonic Mania -- Beat the game 100%...six times. I'm sure I'll be playing it over and over again for years to come. You guys don't understand how good it feels to feel good about Sonic again.
***1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild -- Completed the main quest and all the DLC (not Master Mode). 103 Shrines, 208 Korok seeds, 78 sidequests. 39.93% Completion. Looking back, BOTW's best feature isn't discovery, as the stuff you find in this game is usually a bit disappointing. But the ANTICIPATION of discovery is masterful. Maybe the best thing about Breath of the Wild is that, while it's an excellent game, it has so much room for improvement in a hypothetical sequel. I can't wait to see what comes next. I've never been more hopeful for Zelda's future.
2017 Games I plan to play later
Super Mario Odyssey
Golf Story
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
2017 Games I wish I had the time / money / energy for but probably never will :(
Persona 5
Nier Automata
Doki Doki Literature Club
ARMS
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Pyre
Nioh
Snake Pass
Tumbleseed
Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Steamworld Dig 2
SnipperClips
The Sexy Brutale
Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy
Yakuza 0
Gravity Rush 2
Horizon Zero Dawn
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Dang, what a year. |
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Keep in mind I've only played Nintendo system games, and even then haven't gotten around to all the ones I want to (like Golf Story). Will be playing Persona 5 soon. Here's my list:
10. Stardew Valley (NS) -- This is a solid Harvest Moon clone in an age where Harvest Moon has been stagnant for a while. It's polished, balanced, and has some good characterization, but I feel it's a little too same-y at times to the point where it's bordering on plagiarism. And for my money, it's not quite as good as something like Rune Factory.
9. Sonic Mania (NS) -- Definitely one of the most balanced and tightly designed Sonic games. The stages are a good mix of spectacle and challenge, managing to mostly feel fair and avoiding the bad enemy placement that has plagued the series in the past. Some questionable visual elements (like enemies causing damage even though they look safe to hit) bring it down a bit, but by and large this is one of the best games in the series.
8. Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap (NS) -- The core gameplay of TDT is about as good as any high-tier adventure/platformer from the late-80s would be, but the real star of the show is the game's unbelievably great visuals. In terms of art style, this is definitely one of the prettiest games I've ever seen; I just love its look. I think it deserved to get as much praise as Cuphead did for graphics, to be honest.
7. Splatoon 2 (NS) -- I poured a few dozen hours into this one thanks to its balanced gameplay and particularly its great new co-op mode, Salmon Run. I do think it played it a little too safely for a sequel, although the recent update with the gameplay tweaks, extra stages and new mode make it feel more fully fleshed-out.
6. Steamworld Dig 2 (NS) -- The sequel to one of my favorite indie titles went bigger and bolder in every direction, with a larger world, more variety, and new puzzle design to the point where it practically traversed into the adventure genre entirely. I think what it does, it does really well, but I do sort of miss the focus on digging that the first game had. That and I think the overall snarky tone of the game was a bit of a turn-off.
5. Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS) -- It sure was great to play a new (more-or-less) Metroid this year, particularly one that wasn't afraid to introduce some bold new concepts in an effective way. The emphasis on aiming and even the melee strike led to some outstanding boss encounters, and the combat never got old for me. The new abilities were clever as well and the game world was quite sprawling. I think some of the design could've been tighter and the soundtrack was sadly a little muted.
4. Fire Emblem Warriors (NS) -- Mixing the Warriors gameplay with Fire Emblem tactics made for a surprisingly great combo. I already enjoyed Hyrule Warriors, but FEW's gameplay is better in every way, adding in fun wrinkles like the weapon triangle, pairing up characters and being able to order multiple units all over the map. Solid visuals and sound help make going through all the content an enjoyable romp, even if the title does suffer a bit of repetition that the series is known for.
(large gap)
3. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS) -- My favorite 3DS experience of the year is a revisit to my favorite Dragon Quest game. While DQVIII looks and sounds worse than it did on the PS2, the gameplay tweaks and additions more than made up for it. This title was a joy to play through, with a large sprawling world, highly enjoyable characters and that unmistakable Dragon Quest charm that makes the series so appealing. DQVIII's story is more ambitious, its characters more richly-defined, its sidequests deeper and its world more vast and open than any in the series' past.
(large gap)
2. Super Mario Odyssey (NS) -- Mario's latest can hang with his absolute best, although if pressed, I'd place it a hair below Galaxy. Odyssey is massive and fun throughout its whole 70-hour-ish adventure (assuming you're getting all the Moons, and why wouldn't you because it's crazy fun). The game is packed with variety in both your actions and in its worlds, subverting expectations on what a Mario game is all the way through the bizarre ending sequence. Odyssey really finds a great balance between exploring large worlds and completing tightly-designed tasks, and the Cappy abilities really help with the variety. While the soundtrack is very good, it's implemented in a weirdly muted way, and a few of the Moons could've been tweaked (looking at you, Volleyball), but overall, I loved it.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (NS) -- It's not every game--particularly of the single-player variety--that can occupy over 270 hours of my time in less than a year. Not since--yep--Ocarina of Time have I been this engrossed in a title, this drawn in to explore every corner of its vast, inviting world. BotW gives you the tools you need, teaches you the rules of the world, then sets you off on your way to explore with nary a Navi in sight to interrupt your gameplay. Puzzles can be approached in a myriad of ways, as can the combat, which despite the limited variety of foes is constantly engaging thanks to all the different options at your disposal. The world is incredibly massive but you can conquer it however you please, following the traveler's paths or shooting straight through mountains if you wish. After so much hand-holding in the recent games, BotW respects the player to a degree I didn't think possible for the series (after the original game anyway), letting you get absorbed into the adventure in a fully unobtrusive way. It's not a perfect Zelda game (I would've liked more traditional dungeons and a better soundtrack), but any game that can crack my Top Ten in this day and age has to be something special. And special BotW is, going above and beyond even its series' high caliber to become my favorite game of the entire millennium. A game this good comes around maybe once a decade, if we're lucky. |
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My Top-Ten is comprised of games I beat this past year. Though all did release this year too. Some of my Honorable mentions are from yesteryear though.
10.) Sonic Mania
Developer: SEGA of America (with Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and PagodaWest Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: August 15th, 2017
Date Beaten: August 24th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 5+ Hours
This game was a pretty solid Sonic game in the end. It did it's job well and I had fun. It's this far down the list because I didn't have an urge to replay it after I beat it though. Well made and will be fondly remembered overall.
9.) Golf Story
Developer: Sidebar Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 28th, 2017
Date Beaten: December 23rd, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 15+ Hours
Golf Story looked neat from the trailer and then upon release. I had a lot of fun with the gameplay, which in some respects there wasn't enough. However, at the same time, it overstayed it's welcome story-wise a little bit. I was happily accomplished though anyway. I would be interested in more golf-gameplay in this kind of fashion but I wouldn't quite want a sequel either.
8.) Stardew Valley
Developer: Eric Barone
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 5th, 2017
Date Beaten: November 30th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 90+ Hours
Ah, the long-awaited Stardew Valley. I patiently waited a long time for this to release on a Nintendo console and the Switch was perfect for it. I played it through the full two years, kicked ass at my overall rating, had one kid and another on the way, made friends with weird creatures, got caught eating out of the trash, etc. Did it all. It scratched an itch that I've wanted since the Harvest Moon series got stale and I stepped away. I feel this is quite complete at over 90 hours of gaming.
7.) Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: August 29th, 2017
Date Beaten: September 10th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 50+ Hours
The surprise hit nobody realized was coming. The rumors didn't incite hate in me and I stayed optimistic. I was happy to find that I LOVED this game upon release. For what it's trying to do, it's damn near perfect. I think all it needed as a hidden character or two to spice things up. I hope to get my nephew playing this soon. It'll be good for his brain. Plus the Ubisoft Milan team seem so damn happy, especially Davide Soliani. A great 'underdog' tale for this one.
6.) Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Developer: Yacht Club Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: March 3rd, 2017
Date Beaten: May 1st, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 20+ Hours
I had beaten Shovel of Hope and tested out Plague of Shadows on the Wii U. However once the Zelda gaming wore down, I needed something else early on to play on my new Switch. I played through the Treasure Trove and beat all three games. Spectre Knight's campaign was fun but it was me giving Plague Knight another chance that blew me away. I had so much fun with his weird movements. It required a whole new way of thinking. I loved it. Still love it. Damn this is a stellar package. Plus King Knight is still on it's way!
5.) Splatoon 2 (Single-Player)
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 21st, 2017
Date Beaten: July 30th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 235 Hours in Total; probably 30-40 in Single Player
Splatoon. My lover. My muse. This sequel is fantastic. I disagree with those who feel it's not a true sequel. There really isn't grounds to justify that but I guess I see where people wish for more. Clam Blitz and new stages have been stellar additions, not to mention Salmon Run itself. However it's in this list as 'beaten' because of the stellar single-player campaign I beat this year. I 100%ed that thing. Meaning... all levels, with all weapons. That's hundreds of level-weapon combos. It was fun enough to do IMO. Splatoon is such a tight package. Splatoon 2 continues the trend.
4.) BYE-BYE BOXBOY
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Release Date: February 2nd, 2017
Date Beaten: December 30th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 16.5 Hours
With my 3DS dead in the water due to the busted-B-button... I was surprised this made it here. It only did so because it was something I picked up for Christmas after I received my New 2DS XL. The BOXBOY series is stupendous. This one is no different, though the main game seemed easier than others. I guess because I can think of solutions better now. However 100%ing it was tough. The post-game is taking no prisoners.
3.) SteamWorld Dig 2
Developer: Image & Form
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: September 21st, 2017
Date Beaten: September 28th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 20+ Hours
What can I say? I love this developer and the SteamWorld series. The games are always well made and really fun. So a sequel to one of my favorite games OF ALL TIME was a godsend for me. Turns out, it was a grand success. Another game I 100%ed... I had so much fun with this for a mere week but I still put in half a work-week's worth of time into it. I can't wait for the next from I&F.
2.) Super Mario Odyssey
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: October 27th, 2017
Date Beaten: October 29th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 70+ Hours
Mario. What can I say that hasn't been said? It was a really well made package of a lot of moons to find. Unique levels. Fantastic music. Fun transformations. A great camera system! This was Mario in his Prime! Though I'm sure the future holds more. Nintendo made something special here. It had a few minor hiccups which prevented it from reaching the top spot but all in all I had so much fun for my 70 hours with it. I got to share this experience with my nephew also which was nice. He was playing and beating it along-side me. It was great hearing of his discoveries.
1.) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Developer: Nintendo EPD
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: March 3rd, 2017
Date Beaten: March 26th, 2017
Gameplay Hours: 245+ Hours
I'm still playing this technically as I haven't beaten the second DLC pack. This game is a game changer. Nintendo and Zelda are forever changed with one of the greatest transformations of a franchise in gaming history. The sense of discovery was unmatched by Nintendo before. They've set their own bar once again and it sets a lot for the future of gaming. Even though open-world like this has been done, Breath of the Wild pioneered the world and feel that this game exerts. I can NOT wait to go back in to a new Zelda game if it's even half like this one. I spent time investigating and finding all the Korok Seeds even. Wasn't truly blind in the find but I didn't just watch some YouTube video either. Detective work lead to a fun post-game exploration-fest after I beat the main game and now the DLC adds even more. The whole thing is a beautiful masterpiece.
Honorable Mentions:
Splatoon 2 (Multi-Player) - As you can see above I've put hundreds of hours into this. This will surely double and beyond before the generation is done. I just didn't want to count Multi-Player in my ranking system.
Super Mario World - One of my all-time favorites. I 100%ed it when the SNES Classic released. It's a game I can do that from memory over the course of a few hours. A special gem. Just an oldie so I kept it off the list.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - I really enjoy the Shantae series. This entry was a bit more playing it safe than I wanted so it didn't make the list but I don't regret playing it or 100%ing it. Well.. maybe that latter point a little.
Kid Tripp - I nabbed this over #IndieXmas and while I was frustrated by it's challenge, it was actually fun! I played it over a couple of hours and beat all the stages. I'm not interested in the post-game score-attack stuff but it was a cute game for what it was and how I received it. |
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