Game of the Year Watch 2017

We are already over half way through with 2017 and it has been a great year for gaming so far! Nintendo launched the Switch, there was a great E3 expo full of big game reveals for 2017, and a new 4k Xbox launching later this year. We know what’s officially coming out in the next 5 months, and it all looks great, but there’s still plenty of games to play right now. I know I’ve still got a few games on my list, specifially NieR: Automata, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, and Kingdom Hearts HD Remix.

Of course, by the end of the year, the same question is on the minds of every gamer, journalist, and developer out there: what is the best game of the year? By early January, Culture of Gaming plans to cover every major release as we gain feedback from every staff member and also you, the reader, to crown the coveted title of “Game of the Year 2017”. But with only 5 more months to go, it’s a great time to reflect on the critically acclaimed games released earlier this year.

Without further ado, here are the games to watch out for Game of the Year 2017!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Release Date: March 3, 2017
Genre: Action/Adventure
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
Metacritic Score: 97

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild captivated gamers when it released back in March for the Switch and Wii U. At one point in time, more copies of the game were owned than the console it was made for. You couldn’t go on a single gaming news outlet without seeing praise for this incredible game. Breath of the Wild took everything we love about Zelda games and turned it into a truly remarkable open world experience. It is also one of the highest rated games on Metacritic of all time, for good reason.

Action/Adventure Contenders:
Assassin’s Creed: Origins 

Persona 5

Persona 5

Release Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: RPG
Platforms: Playstation 4
Metacritic Score: 93

After almost a 9 year wait since the last iteration, fans were finally given Persona 5 on the Playstation 4 this year. Persona 5 takes everything from their classic formula and improves it, but it also added a slew of likable characters, an in-depth story, and interesting environments.

RPG Contenders:
Torment: Tides of Numenera
South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Action/RPG
Platforms: Playstation 4
Metacritic Score: 89

Horizon: Zero Dawn brought a new character into the Playstation universe, along with a beautiful and intriguing world and story. It is arguably the best looking game on the current generations of consoles. It also took several elements of game play from games like FarCry, Uncharted, and Mass Effect, and combined them all in a fashion that was both addicting and fun.

Action/RPG Contenders:
Nioh
NieR: Automata
Middle Earth: Shadow of War

Injustice 2

Injustice 2

Release Date: May 16, 2017
Genre: Fighting
Platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC
Metacritic Score: 88

Injustice 2 caught everyone off guard this Spring. Injustice: Gods Among Us was a great fighting game that took the gaming wold by storm. It had graphical cut scenes, interesting single player story, and accessible game play. NetherRealm Studios took everything from the original game and fine tuned each and every element to deliver a fantastic brawler that’s better than the first in almost every way.

Fighting Contenders:
Tekken 7
Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite
Arms

Dirt 4

Dirt 4

Release Date: June 6, 2017
Genre: Racing
Platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC
Metacritic Score: 87

We haven’t seen a lot in the Racing genre this year, but Dirt 4 definitely made a mark in 2017. Codemasters knocked it out of the park with a thrilling off-road racer that brings back the excitement from the old school days of rally-themed games. It also helps that the game is gorgeous to look at.

Racing Contenders:
Forza Motorsport 7
Gran Turismo Sport

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre: Survival Horror
Platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC
Metacritic Score: 86

Everyone was stunned after the fantastic Resident Evil 7 reveal at E3 2016. The seventh iteration in the series brought back the thrill of the classic survival horror gameplay, except now with a first person perspective. The enthralling story of a man fending for his and his wife’s life against a psychotic, mutant family was exactly what fans needed in the survival horror genre.

Survival Horror Contenders:
Outlast 2
Friday the 13th
The Evil Within 2

MLB The Show 17

MLB The Show 17

Release Date: March 28, 2017
Genre: Sports
Platforms: Playstation 4
Metacritic Score: 85

When it comes to the sports genre, the first things that come to mind are Madden and FIFA. However, every year MLB The Show seems to sneak in and dominate the review scores. This year is no different. New features, such as Retro Mode, were added to the already stunningly realistic gameplay to create an authentic playing experience. On the other hand, Madden introduced a new single player campaign, and NHL improved upon in-game physics, so it’s going to be a tough call.

Sports Contenders:
Madden 2018
FIFA 2018
NHL 2018
WWE 2K18
NBA 2K18

Prey

Prey

Release Date: May 5, 2017
Genre: Shooter
Platforms: Xbox One, Playstation 4, PC
Metacritic Score: 84

Bethesda released the re-imagining of Prey in early May, and fans of the series couldn’t have asked for a lot more. An intriguing story, mysterious environment, and addictive first person shooter mechanics were well deserving of praise from the gaming community. The creative take on horror elements were also phenomenal. Prey does have a lot of competition to look forward to in Q3 2017.

Shooter Contenders:
Splatoon 2
Call of Duty: WWII
Destiny 2
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
Star Wars Battlefront II

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey

Release Date: October 27, 2017
Genre: Platformer
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Metacritic Score: N/A

I was originally going to leave this category out for the time being since we haven’t really received a great platformer this half of the year. Yooka-Laylee had potential, but it wasn’t received very well by the public. With the gameplay shown at E3 this year, Super Mario Odyssey was just too impressive to ignore. We saw unique level design, amazing looking worlds, characters new and old, and crazy Mario antics. Lets not forget the awesome new power of possession either! Super Mario Odyssey will definitely be at the top of the list for GOTY considerations.

Platformer Contenders:
Cuphead
Super Lucky’s Tale
Sonic Mania

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There you have it, Game of the Year Watch 2017! We are only 7 months into the year and already have a bunch of excellent games to play. The fact that we have plenty more to look forward to this holiday season will only make choosing Game of the Year even harder. It’s going to be a tough call, but I can’t wait for the discussion! Honestly, I have decided my Game of the Year 2017 already:

Knack!

Knack 2. End of story.

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