2017 will go down as one of best years for game releases, I’m sure of it. Unfortunately for me, there’s still many games from this year that I have yet to play. I did get the opportunity to play some great games though, and coupled with the games of yesteryear, I’m quite content with this year’s list. Per usual, this list is in alphabetical order.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker – A stimulating joy this game was. Featuring dozens of clever puzzle/platforming stages designed around Captain Toad’s inability to jump, this game was perfect for bite-sized sessions before bed.

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn – I picked this up back in March and my friend and I have been fastidiously playing it once or twice a week ever since. Having sunk nearly seventy hours into it, it’s easy to see why it garners a reputation of the toughest game in the series. That said, the challenge is not insurmountable and the satisfaction we’ve gotten from outsmarting our foes is second to none. Expect a detailed review in the new year, if we ever complete it…

Golf Story – Unable to resist the zeitgeist, I dove into this game soon after it’s launch. Featuring familiar golf mechanics, this game was enjoyably challenging. Buoyed by a funny story and varied settings, this was a happy surprise! I’m interested to see what’s next for the indie studio behind it.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga – The Paper Mario RPGs are some of my favorite games and yet, I somehow made it to 2017 without playing a Mario & Luigi game. I finally rectified that and am so glad I did. The timing-based battles, constant humor, and jolly soundtrack put a smile on my face throughout the brothers’ succinct adventure.

Pokemon Go – I’ve had a love/hate experience with this game this year, but like last year, it’s probably the game I’ve played the most simply due to the fact it’s always nearby. After a yearlong hiatus, I picked it back up in August and have played it daily since. Niantic has made some changes that have kept me more engaged and most importantly, enjoying what I’m doing.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard – I purchased this game early in the year, prompted by gushing from the likes of Giant Bomb’s Dan Ryckert. My friend and I played through this and both agree, it routinely scared the crap out of us! We had so much fun playing it though, and it plays exceedingly well. I never wrote about it, something I’d like to rectify after another playthrough. Honestly though, I’m waiting to experience in VR, which I’ve heard is the definitive way to play it. VR or not, it’s excellent.

Super Mario Odyssey – Like many of the games I’ve listed, this was just a joy to play. Mario’s capture ability was a blast and the craftsmanship on display, regarding the platforming, visual design, everything, was superb. Slowly but surely, I’ve been working to collect all the game’s moons. I need to write a review of it but failing that, I’ll post the dozens of photos I took using the excellent photo mode.

Tharsis – A brutally challenging game, just surviving to the end was a thrill. It took me many times to get the dice rolls and strategies worked out but I had so much fun doing so.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Perhaps the most interesting game Nintendo has made since the Wii era. This was a refreshing reset for the franchise and stunningly well-executed. The multitude gameplay mechanics and systems coalesce magically, allowing for an insane diversity of strategies and outcomes. Being able to climb almost anything, then glide wherever, like the sneaking and rock-throwing of Far Cry 3, is something I now want in every game.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – Of these games listed, this is the most recent one I’ve played. In fact, I just completed it last week! However, it’s easily one of the best games I played this year and perhaps, the best in the series. Ir’s a technical marvel and proved to be a wonderful showpiece for my new TV. Much more than that however, it was an entertaining action-adventure romp with engaging characters. Stay posted for my review in the new year.