Yeah, never mind that title, this is just another "GOTY" list.
I have not played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Persona 5 yet - two games quite likely to have made this list. Also, I don't play too many games - only the few that catch my fancy and have generally good buzz. Overall, a strong year for gaming, though not as remarkable as 2015.
#10 - Horizon: Zero Dawn
Horizon is the ultimate pastiche. It takes everything from everywhere, and you can't help but think there's hardly anything original in this game. Sure, there's a twist to every element, but it's mostly surface level stuff. The machines look new, but they are just wildlife / monsters with a new skin. The world looks pretty, but the design is quite banal. The characters look detailed, but boy are they boring. The story seems intriguing, but it's basically a rehash of Mass Effect and Enslaved. Even so, it's all packaged in an incredibly refined package. I'll always remember Horizon as the "poor man's Witcher", but that's not the worst label out there.
#9 - Assassin's Creed Origins
Much like Horizon, here's another game that struggles to innovate, but manages to be ultimate expression of the Assassin's Creed formula. Unlike Horizon, the world design is pretty stunning, and it's a pleasure to roam ancient Egypt. Quest design, narrative and gameplay take a step forward, but it still has some of the same flaws and clunkiness we have grown accustomed to in this series. It's a welcome return to form, but still lacks some of the magic and charm of the Ezio trilogy. I hope Ubisoft takes another couple of years off and really try and reinvent the series.
#8 - Cuphead
While I love 2D platformers, I'm not a fan of the shoot 'em ups. Yes, I do find them masochistically difficult, and my reactions are simply not used to this type of game. Yet, Cuphead is nothing like anything I have ever played. I mean, just look at the darn thing! The bosses are wild, bizarre but always amusing; and the music is just as enchanting as the visuals.
I made it through the game, managing to complete half the boss fights only in "Simple" mode. (The fights are just a little less complex, but no less difficult) Only to find out that to unlock the final boss, one has to complete everything in Regular mode. Too bad, I'm not patient or skilled enough for that.
#7 - F1 2017
Codemasters just keeps taking the F1 series to the next level every season. This is the best iteration yet, with a vast addition of strategic options to closer reflect the actual sport. Of course, I want it to be even more sophisticated. Currently, it lacks the sense of aerodynamics and loss thereof when following another car. The R&D points needs a more interactive minigame in the wind tunnel and such - the practice sessions get repetitive quickly. The classic cars are a welcome addition, as are the faster 2017 cars. It's hard to believe how fast these cars go round corners!
#6 - Prey
Those slimy Mimics are quite something! Be warned though, this game is much better on a PC at higher frame rates. I have tried it on a console, and it simply doesn't feel like the same game. I wonder if that is why it has been underappreciated? Prey is very much Dishonored in a sci-fi setting, but also, much more experimentation. There's a cornucopia of tools and powers which allow for various kinds of approaches and solutions to dealing with the aliens. At times, the dynamism of the gameplay allows for many revelatory moments. The design is enigmatic in typical Arkane fashion, but much more subtly so. It does get repetitive at some points, but there's some real magic here that future games will surely pick up.
#5 - Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
A rare game that focuses on its strengths without trying to do everything. An absolute focus on motion capture means this is the finest, most realistic character performance ever committed to a game. The facial design, graphical detail, animation - all of it sets a new bar for gaming. Given the relatively unexceptional level design, one would think an unusually high proportion of the graphics performance budget was devoted to the character model. A very clever trade off, indeed! Similarly, the narrative is where all the focus is, and the gameplay is only designed to be unobtrusive. A special mention for the surround sound design - must be played on headphones or a 5.1 system.
The end result is a game that goes for a unique experience, one that thoroughly exploits the interactive medium and achieves it.
#4 - Forza Motorsport 7
A motorsport fan's dream come true. It's been a massive year for driving games, but Forza Motorsport 7 is right at the top. The sheer quantity and variety in this game is overwhelming. Several months on, I still play this game frequently, and have not even tried every type of car, let alone every car! (Well, the latter is nigh impossible, but I hope to finish every type of series available.) Seven instalments in, Forza Motorsport 7 is finally the complete package, the driving game we have been wanting since forever. There's still a lot of scope for improvement, of course, but this is a brilliant starting point for the future of motorsport games.
#3 - What Remains of Edith Finch
Yeah, I get it, it's only 2 hours long, it's an, uhh "walking simulator". Doesn't matter, it's one of the finest stories ever told in games, and an entrancing experience from beginning to end.
#2 - Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
An absolute blast. Amazingly, every single cutscene in this game is utterly memorable. Between them lies gameplay that is uncannily in tune with the character of BJ. Yes, it's a corridor shooter, but boy are those corridors immaculately designed! Where this game truly shines are the ideas. They are wild and outrageous yet incredibly sophisticated and relevant. Far too often, you notice something strange and brush it off. But if you stop and think about it, it gives you the chills.
Special kudos to pissing off actual white supremacists; while reminding the rest of us to be compassionate. Oh, and getting it to run near-4K near-60 fps on a damn console, with cutting edge graphics. Also, another reminder why North Europe has the finest studios in the world currently.
#1 - Divinity: Original Sin II
I started this list with a poor imitation of The Witcher series, and we end with one that's just as profound. The key to DOS2 is - freedom. There's an unimaginable amount of ways that gamers can approach and compete their missions. When you succeed using bizarre methods, the dopamine rush needs to be felt to be believed. It looks beautiful, the music is evocative, the characters are wildly entertaining. But most of all, the narrative throws out every formula known to the fantasy genre - something even The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stumbles at - and turns every expectation on its head. It's searing storytelling, with no shortage of great moments. This is the closest gaming has got to the sense that there's a human inside your computer making up stories and experiences just for you as you go along. A wonderful preview to the future of gaming when AI and machine learning is smart enough to tailor-make stories for its gamers.
Edit: After giving it a thought, I'd probably replace Horizon with Nier: Automata. Both good, though.
I want it origins 😭
There, you can buy it with the SBD rewards from this comment :)
lol, what a time we live in. :D
Rofl 😂
Ohh my gosh,hahaha i will give a vide9 AC origins for you @liberorist 🤣🤣
Couldn't agree more with your number one. DOS 2 landed on the second place in my personal list (just slightly beaten by Breath of the Wild).
Good summary. The ways you discover and stumble upon stories and interesting situations in this game are simply amazing. You pick up some cryptic note from someone, turns out this points at something you come across a couple of hours later, simply by accident.
The world truly feels like (to use a huge cliché) a living and breathing world.
Have you finished it btw?
Yes, I certainly have. I usually play one game at a time, sometimes two if different types, and see it through before moving on. For the entire month of October, I only played DOS2 and Forza 7.
I do plan another replay, with a certain character I found out plays a significant role in the narrative. Would be an entirely different experience to play with said character! I'll wait for the inevitable "Enhanced Edition" before doing so.
I poured 86 hours into my playthrough. Don't think I can do that again in the near future. :-)
And, I think I know who you mean. Won't mention the name, because I don't want to spoil anything for other readers. But yeah, actually making some of those decisions at the end would be kinda neat if you play that character yourself.
Can't wait to play them!
You will really enjoy them. @liberosist is spot on with the finest games of 2017 - almost like a dream list of someone who is looking for the best. Best post in the gaming category.
I just published my post about the "Top 6 Games To Play in 2018" and stumbled upon this great post when I browsed through the gaming section.
Awesome! Great list!
I played horizon zero Dawn briefly and it blew my mind! don't have a PS4 so it was in passing, but wow, it's so cool!. A mix between enslaved and mass effect seems like a very cool mix hehe.
This year to me was really a high point for independent games, Cuphead, hellblade: senua's sacrifice, and what's left of Edith Finch make me feel like we are at a golden age for indie games and developers.
I would recommend a game called Last day of June, it has a truly incredible score (made by one of my favourite artists Steven Wilson), you could call it a "walking simulation" but it's all about the story and it feels like a work of art.
And just in case you haven't played it o heard of it I would recommend Torment: tides of numenera, an RPG with similar mechanics as Divinity:original sin II, it's main focus is the story, which is mainly written by one of my favourite authors, Patrick Rothfuss.
I haven't played the new Zelda or Persona 5 either, but given the fact that both made such an impact this year, I think I'll have to get them hehe ;)
Same here - I don't play all the cames, but the ones that catch my eye with its story, graphics. Some of the games listed here are on my "maybe i'll try" list, but this year felt kind of empty to me in gamesland.
For me maybe the most-waited game this year was Life is Strange: Before the Storm. Have you played Life is Strange at all?
Since I'm new here and I don't know if you did a GOTY post in 2016 as weel I'd like to ask, did you like Ghost Recon: Wildlands?
Yes, like I mentioned in another comment, I do like Life is Strange - made my list last year. I have put off Before the Storm because I can't imagine Chloe played by anyone other than Ashley Burch. I will get back to it though. As for GR:W - I haven't played it. Part of the "maybe I'll try" list, but never did :)
The new girl did an excellent job playing Chloe imo. At least me and many other fans can't really hear the difference. It's so good!
I really enjoyed Wildlands. As being a picky person of single player games, that was just perfect for me. I like the Bolivian narco cartel theme so much that I was hooked for many weeks.
I really enjoyed Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus for a single player game this year. But I'd have to say CS:GO, Overwatch and PUBG have been my main games this year.
Well compiled list, all of the games are top notch, but my favorite would be "hellblade", as you rightly put "the facial design, animation - all sets a new bar for gaming". There are some on the list I haven't played like the forza motor sport, would make sure to check it out. Happy New Year!
#3 - What Remains of Edith Finch
It looks really interesting! Also slightly reminiscent of The Vanishing of Ethan Carter. Loved that game, so hopefully this will be great!
Similar game, yes, but ultimately much more satisfying than Ethan Carter.
We still in 2017, but you already in 2018 or some other year I think
Fact Assassin's creed thought me much about history than any other history book.
All nice reviews but the graphics too much for my pc to handle.
Merry Christmas once more and a Prosperous new year. Oh! I forgot you already left 2017
2017 is 99% over :)
LOL I guess so and I no longer think any game will be released on the year 2017 again
Old nature great
I haven't touched most of these. Still mostly only play league of legends. However, I have played some Cuphead and it is a quite a fun game.
For whatever reason it brings some nostalgic emotions back for me of when games seemed a bit harder, or more based on timing and patterns.
Yes, a lot of old school gamers do feel that way. There's a lot more variety now, and games have evolved from being a sport or just a game, to an interactive storytelling medium.
The storytelling medium makes them a lot more interactive. Honestly that is quite enjoyable. But it is nice to go old school sometimes, I just started my attempt at finishing Cuphead and the play through thus far has been really fun.
Great list. Is playing the original Divinity: Original Sin necessary for the second? I'm debating whether I want to invest my time in another RPG after I finish my replay after Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines.
No, not necessary. Same world, but a long time after.
Thanks for the prompt response! :)
Guess I'll be picking this one up once I finish Vampire: Bloodlines.
Have a great, and safe new year's celebration if that's a thing you do!
The list is well made and described. But i think you missed Super Mario Odyssey. Its super fun to explore and take new challenges. Mario has new ability, his hat which thrown to other target swaps his body and gains control of the targeted character which unlocks new possibilty to explore. You should give it a try :)
I don't have a Switch, so I haven't played the new Mario or Zelda. But I'll try and borrow one for those.
Ya :D .. And keep posts like these coming please. Its nice to see someone write and debate on game topics.
I’m pretty excited about Star Citizen with VR for next year
I hope you have two Titan Vs ready for that...
I think the main thing I have to worry about is the potential divorce proceedings if I’m playing it too much. The other half is already a bit of a steemit widow.
Nice list, i would replace some games :) For me, "Life Is Strange: Before The Storm" would replace the "What Remains of Edith Finch". As for "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" it was a really great surprise of the year. 10/10 indie.
I hope the year 2018 will be as good for gamers as 2017 was.
I enjoyed Life of Strange. Haven't played Before the Storm as I'm a fan of Ashley Burch and can't imagine anyone else voicing Chloe. I'm sure it'll be OK though - I'll get around to playing Before the Storm next year.
If you like Ashley Burch (and dont we all!) Check this out. Its a different type of game but just as fun.
(Helps if you know who Wil Wheaton is but if you watch Big Bang Theory regularly you should do.)
Well, "new Chloe" is not as hella awesome than old one, but she is OK. There will be a special episode, when Ashly Burch returns as a Chloe.
I stuck with some of the games I regularly played with my friends but PUBG even with all it's flaws has been a lot of fun this year. Hoping it continues to improve in 2018.
Check out Dota2 bro. Basic graphics which don't require a fast computer but the strategy behind the game is genius. Also, it is one of the most competitive games in the world that has tournament prize pools that are over $20 million.
i have been playing dota for about 4 years now. Yea its a great game. Each hero with unique abilities playing along side 4 other heroes in a battle to destroy opposing enemy throne. You need skills and stratigies to prosper in this game . Even the basics will take months to practice and understand the game system. At first you dont enjoy it much but after some time it gets very addicrive. By reading this post i assume the writer is a casual gamer. I dont recommend him to play dota2. The community is cancer and there is so much hate between players. There are very few number of people who support each other throughout the game. You can enjoy other games which you can finish in a week or two. Dota2 is a long going game..
I couldn't have said it any better @sharmaprashant :)
#4 - Forza Motorsport 7 was fun @liberosist
Out of all, Assasin creed origin was the one that caught my attention mehm that game is awesome but still lacks alot. You really did a nice compilation @liberosist
Great list, considering what you played. Breath of the Wild was a big surprise for me. I expected to hate it but it ended up being easily in my top 10 games of all time. I haven't played Horizon Zero Dawn yet but I'm hearing rumblings of a "Game of the Year" edition which includes all of the DLC and whatnot. so I'm holding off in hopes to get that. Also, glad to see Cuphead and Forza get some love.
I noticed you only put 1 RPG. The game I have been waiting for a couple of years is the new the elder scroll. Skyrim was released in 2011!!
Either way I haven’t got the chance yet to enjoy the new generation. Perhaps next year I can afford a good PC to play new games. I hope steemit can help me with that!
Cheers!
Ps: do you play on pc, consoles, or both?
my favorite is Assassin's Creed Origins.thanks for sharing this
I have heard about cuphead but not the others. I have to check them out :)
thanks for sharing @liberosist these are games i have listen first time and looking forward to be play in the next year
Best regard @waqarsabir786
Prey was on another level...LOVED IT.
the game is very good and also the scenery..i want to try
Children have passion for games and you enlisted ten famous games which may be fun to play for my son. I will pick a few for him. Thanks.
first of all you are very beautiful .. and i am sure you are having a happy Christmas and ..advance happy new year be happy thanks for sharing loved it @bijoy123
felicitaciones me gusta tu post
yes that games was so great.!!!
Fortnite? Pubg? Overwatch?
All multiplayer, I'm not into multiplayer :) However, I do appreciate PUBG greatly.
Fair call
How isn't PUBG on this list? it broke all the records.
I should mention, I'm not into multiplayer. However, I did buy PUBG and yes, it's certainly brilliant.
It's all good, I'll try some of these games out today. thanks for sharing!
excellent post
nice info about games @liberosist
Only tried one of them. :( But looking forward to playing more games next year!!! Thanks for sharing, dude. :)
After reading everything, I can say that i'm 100% going to try "Assassin's Creed Origins" when i get my paycheck
Damn, I can't wait for Steem to go high so I can buy these games!
Thanks so much for compiling this list! :) many of these games are on my list! can't wait to see what comes in 2018 and try out some of these gems from 2017!
Thanks for sharing such an epic story. The pictures looks ancient, but they are beautiful. Your post is nice, keep it up. I follow and upvote.
nice post @liberosist
I don't really play games but these games are making me want to!
Zelda must be in this list! It's quite and incredible game. Assasins Creed it's awesome, the graphics are so amazing omg
@liberosist, amazing! I'm assassin from first part! My girlfriend and I were playing together and killed so much Tampliers ahah :)))
Want origin to play with PlayKey on MacBook, have you heard about PlayKey? :) It's remote gaming
Great list, personally I'd place cuphead a bit higher but everyone his/her own liking right ;-)
I totally forgot about wolfenstein II, I loved the first one and just checked and it's on sale :D Guesse I'll have something to play next weekend.
PUBG and Destiny need to GTFO
the post is very interesting and worth to read
Thank you for sharing this post
Thank you very much for sharing a game with you
After reading everything @liberosist
And this morning I was wandering what to play during the holidays...now prey and hellblade look like my cup of tea, but I will probably end in Tamriel online like every year :-(
Anyway, thank you for this list!
I have cuphead! And despite being a 2D shootah and all, I kinda enjoyed it a bit, just to take the cool off of from real life. I've been wanting to play Wolfie and AC Origins, but did not really find the time to yet. Hopefully I could relive these games after 2017 LOL.