My 10 Favourite Games of 2017

A year full of wonderfully executed, unanticipated games.

2017 proved game developers have more to offer than just gun blazing action. Games were not afraid to be powerful messages, tackle complex ideals or be a microcosm of our real world angst.

Developers proved that given the time and freedom they could bring their most ambitious creations to life.

Before we continue, I just wanted to clarify. These are not opinions they are 100% fact and completely objective. If you don’t like these games I fart in your general direction.

These are 10 of my favourite games from 2017.

 

10. Everything

Everything

Weird and wonderful, Everything is a game that sits us outside the box so we can examine ourselves. A unique take on philosophy as you are given the freedom to roam and explore as you delve into what makes up everything.

 

9. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

Punching Nazis in the face has never been more satisfying.

Delivering possibly the best video game villain of 2017, Wolfenstein is a culmination of a fantastic cast and direction, coupled with pure FPS antics.

 

8. Prey

Prey

Prey feeds of paranoia. An understated nod to the power of scientific ambition and the power of a player’s imagination. A refined balancing act of chaos and stealth makes Talos I feel every bit as unnerving as its System Shock roots.

 

7. What Remains of Edith Finch

What Remains of Edith Finch

If you slowly wandered through your family home, what memories would you stir up? This typically tragic exploration of family and memories is mesmerising to the last moment. It’s a gripping tale that contrasts the mundane and the astounding moments of life.

 

6. Destiny 2

Destiny 2

It just feels right.

The seamless slash of movement, the crunch of a melee and the precise pop of an aliens head. Bungie worked to ensure Destiny 2 was a more refined beast than its predecessor, streamlining systems and loot to create an accessible blend of first person shooter and role playing game.

 

5. Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey

Odyssey is a shameless celebration of Mario, bundled into the most refined Mario package to date. Whilst the game nods to the history of Mario it takes, a leap forward and expands on the seams of the Mario universe to create a genre defining modern platformer.

 

4. Cuphead

Cuphead

Masterful execution requires masterful execution. The 1930s artwork, the steamboat soundtrack, the razors edge precision; all the elements you do not have time to ogle at between each mounting demise.

 

3. Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Sensua’s Sacrifice

A blur of reality and illusion as you tackle grief and fear. Hellblade is an emotional roller coaster that few others have dared tried to achieve. Puzzles and combat accentuate Sensua’s decent down the rabbit hole, as you unravel the ruthless yet delicate ebb of her story.

 

2. Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds

Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds

Without Player Unknowns mods and eventual release of PUBG, the battle royal genre wouldn’t exist. PUBG has led from the outset of conception and with it created a tidal wave of fan base and following no one could have anticipated. The unique tension and anticipation in each game blend into something truly exhilarating.

 

1. Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn

A gorgeous yet vicious world unfurls as you and Aloy explore it for the first time, together. Horizon Zero Dawn is the pinnacle of character narrative and a triumph of and action adventure with the intelligence and bravado to boot. Guerilla Games have crafted a world and tale so captivating your time will wash away as you explore the expansive plains in Aloys shoes. The game is a tribute to the dedication and effort the developers have poured into it, and that’s what makes it my favourite game of 2017.

 

Games I wish I played: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pyre, Nier: Automata, Rumu, Persona 5, Assassins Creed: Origins.

My 10 Favourite Games of 2015

As the latest generation of consoles start to hit their stride, PC gamers continued to enjoy the vast array of storytelling and technology.

2015 was a great year for gamers as we embraced several significant sequels, new IPs, Indies and expansions alike.

Before we continue, I just wanted to clarify. These are not opinions they are 100% fact and completely objective. If you don’t like these games you’re stupid and have a dumb looking face.

These are 10 of my favourite games from 2015.

 

10. Tales from the Borderlands

Tales from the Borderlands

This hilarious take on Pandorian misadventure, throws some extraordinary characters into some outlandish situations. Telltale and Borderlands are a match made in heaven as the characters and story development draw you into one of the best written games I’ve played in a long time.

 

9. Her Story

Her Story

Sometimes a game comes along so profoundly different to anything else that you take notice. What’s truly special about this game is how much it achieves with so little. Interaction and theatre keep the audience enthralled as you try to unravel what ends up evolving into a gripping detective drama. Her Story is something special.

 

8. Cities: Skylines

Cities Skylines

City simulators often struggle to tow the line between depth and accessibility. This hits the target with a little extra charm. The initial building blocks and wealth of community mods help to make this game what it has become today. Whether you’re an experienced builder or a rookie town planner Cities: Skylines is right for you.

 

7. Life is Strange

Life is Strange

Life is Strange skilfully tackles issues that you wouldn’t expect. The narrative drives a compelling tale of friendship, crime and paranormal activity, whilst you delve deeper into the lives of Max and Chloe. The voice acting, combined with some of the most inspired art and soundtrack choices make this coming of age story a must play.

 

6. Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest isn’t revolutionary. It isn’t even a new concept. But it has to be one of the most emotionally compelling tales of 2015. The game difficulty and level design throw down a satisfying challenge, that’s well worth the reward. The terrific blend of story game play and art direction make this game unforgettable.

 

5. Halo 5: Guardians

Halo 5: Guardians

It’s the best game to share the Halo title since Halo 2. The story and game play are a refreshing change up from the last outing, breathing some much needed fresh air into the franchise. Where 343 really excels is multiplayer and free content. Warzone is the risk Halo needed to take, and the game type brings something to online FPS we haven’t seen before.

 

4. Kerbal Space Program

Kerbal Space Program

It’s as simple as rocket science. No really. When a game you’ve been following for this long lives up to your expectation you can’t help but applaud. Kerbal Space Program provides you with all the tools and space (literally) to do what you want. Which means you’re the only one to blame, when you blow up a family of Kerbals.

 

3. Destiny: The Taken King

Destiny: The Taken King

In light of conjecture and frustration, Destiny is a beautifully crafted drug. The Taken King offers something more than a new map or missions, it offers flesh to sturdy bones. The story and charm flourish as Destiny lets it’s wealth of lore and characters shine. With the Destiny community as healthy as ever this shows no signs of slowing down in 2016.

 

2. Fallout 4

Fallout 4

Not many games live up to their hype. This much hype seemed like an insurmountable task. Yet for all its flaws, Fallout 4 delivered. The visuals are dated and there are some typically Bethesda bugs. It borrowed game play and story elements from numerous different games and genres and followed the same formula as its predecessors. And yet somehow Fallout 4 delivered us a wasteland full or the story, game play and depth we wanted.

 

1. Rocket League

Rocket League

Soccer + Cars. Simple. Yet this game is the embodiment of why we love to play games. Entertainment, enjoyment and reward for skillful execution. Whether it’s your first time playing or 100^th you will always have a smile on your face as you bound endlessly after a giant soccer ball in your rocket propelled car. The game is equal parts accessible and masterful, and that’s what makes it my favourite game of 2015.

Halo 5 Guardians: Review

HALO 5: GUARDIANS (XBOX ONE)

Halo 5 perfectly encapsulates the finesse and destructive force of a super solider. The story feels unpolished but the revolutionary multiplayer is in a league of its own. 8 / 10

Call of Duty Advanced Warfare: Review

CALL OF DUTY: ADVANCED WARFARE (XBOX ONE)

The first real face lift the franchise has received in years and it’s a good one. 8 / 10

Halo Master Chief Collection: Review

HALO MCC (XBOX ONE)

A comprehensive refurbished collection of nostalgia and gaming in one neat box. 8.5 / 10

Far Cry 4: Review

FAR CRY 4 (XBOX ONE)

Enter the beautiful world of Kyrat and do everything you did in Far Cry 3. Now with added Elephants. 7 / 10

Sunset Overdrive: Review

SUNSET OVERDRIVE (XBOX ONE)

Technicolor chaos at its best. Nonstop action, as you grind your way through mutants, explosions and over the top every-thing. 7.5 / 10

 

Titanfall: Review

TITANFALL (XBOX ONE)

While it short changes itself in terms of scope, Titanfall offers some of the most exciting and chaotic online competition I’ve played in a long time. 7.5 / 10

Forza Motorsport 5: Review

FORZA MOTORSPORT 5 (XBOX ONE)

Whilst technically impressive, it feels lazy. It’s the racing launch title the Xbox One needed but not the one it deserved. 6.5 / 10