The Ultimate Showdown: Game of the Year 2017 Nominees
Alright, guys, buckle up! We're about to dive into the exhilarating world of video games and revisit the game of the year 2017 nominees. These aren't just games; they're experiences that pushed boundaries, tugged at our heartstrings, and kept us glued to our screens. So, let's grab our controllers and embark on this nostalgic journey, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and game of the year 2017 nominees.
The Contenders: A Glimpse into the Game of the Year 2017 Nominees**
Before we crown the champion, let's meet our contenders. These game of the year 2017 nominees are a diverse bunch, each bringing something unique to the table:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo's masterpiece that redefined open-world gaming. - PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) - The battle royale phenomenon that took the world by storm. - Super Mario Odyssey - Nintendo's plumber extraordinaire embarking on a globe-trotting adventure. - Horizon Zero Dawn - Guerrilla Games' post-apocalyptic masterpiece with a twist. - Cuphead - A visually stunning, indie darling with a retro-inspired art style.
The Open-World Revolution: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild**
Kicking off our list is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a game that redefined what an open-world experience could be. Nintendo took a sledgehammer to their tried-and-true formula, shattering expectations and forging a new path. The result? A game that felt fresh, organic, and full of surprises.
Breath of the Wild's world is a playground, inviting you to climb, explore, and experiment. Shrines dot the landscape, offering puzzles that are equal parts challenging and rewarding. And Link's newfound abilities, like the ability to freeze time on his arrows or use his shield as a makeshift pogo stick, add a layer of depth and strategy to combat.
But what truly sets Breath of the Wild apart is its sense of freedom. You're not railroaded through a linear story; instead, you're given a world to explore at your own pace. Want to take down the final boss right off the bat? Go for it! Want to spend hours fishing, cooking, and upgrading your gear? You do you, friend.
Battle Royale: The Phenomenon - PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)**
Next up, we have PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), the game that started a phenomenon. Battle royale games were nothing new, but PUBG took the concept and ran with it, creating an experience that was equal parts thrilling, terrifying, and addictive.
At its core, PUBG is a simple premise: 100 players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons and gear, and fight to the death. The last one standing wins. But PUBG's genius lies in its tension and unpredictability. Every decision could be your last, every shadow could hide an enemy. It's a game of cat and mouse, where one wrong move can spell doom.
PUBG's maps, from the snowy Erangel to the desert-themed Miramar, are vast and varied, offering plenty of opportunities for strategy and stealth. And with a constant stream of updates and new features, PUBG has shown no signs of slowing down.
Mario's Global Adventure: Super Mario Odyssey**
Our next contender is a familiar face: Super Mario Odyssey, Nintendo's globe-trotting adventure that proved the plumber still had plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Odyssey took Mario's tried-and-true platforming and injected it with a dose of creativity and whimsy.
At its heart, Odyssey is a game about possession. Mario's newfound ability to take control of enemies and objects opens up a world of possibilities. Want to solve a puzzle by possessing a Goomba? Go for it! Want to traverse a level as a Bullet Bill? Why not?
But Odyssey's true strength lies in its level design. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the sandy beaches of Cap Kingdom, each world is a vibrant, colorful playground, filled with secrets and surprises. And with a story that's equal parts heartwarming and hilarious, Odyssey is a joyous celebration of all things Mario.
A Post-Apocalyptic World Reborn: Horizon Zero Dawn**
Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn is a post-apocalyptic adventure with a twist. In a world overrun by machines, humanity has taken a step back, living in small tribes and hunting the metallic beasts that roam the land. But beneath the surface, there's a story of rebellion, betrayal, and the power of choice.
Horizon Zero Dawn's world is a marvel to behold, a blend of the natural and the mechanical that's both awe-inspiring and unsettling. Aloy, our protagonist, is a skilled hunter, capable of taking down machines with a mix of stealth, strategy, and sheer firepower. But she's also a thinker, a problem-solver, and a hero in the making.
But what truly sets Horizon Zero Dawn apart is its story. It's a tale of identity, of the choices we make and the consequences that follow. It's a game that doesn't shy away from tough questions, instead embracing them and forcing you to grapple with the implications of your actions.
A Visual Feast: Cuphead**
Rounding out our list is Cuphead, a visually stunning indie darling that pays homage to the golden age of animation. Cuphead is a run-and-gun platformer, but it's also a work of art, a love letter to the cartoons of the 1930s.
From its hand-drawn animations to its watercolor backdrops, Cuphead is a visual feast. But it's not just a pretty face; it's also a challenging and rewarding game. Boss battles are the name of the game here, each one a unique and complex puzzle, requiring quick reflexes and a keen eye.
But Cuphead's true genius lies in its sense of humor. It's a game that's equal parts charming and absurd, filled with puns, sight gags, and fourth-wall-breaking antics. It's a game that understands that fun doesn't have to come at the expense of challenge, and that sometimes, the best way to make a game memorable is to make it unforgettable.
The Verdict: The Best of the Game of the Year 2017 Nominees**
So, there you have it, folks. The game of the year 2017 nominees, each a unique and memorable experience in its own right. But if we had to pick a winner, we'd have to go with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Breath of the Wild didn't just push the boundaries of open-world gaming; it redefined them. It took a beloved franchise and gave it a fresh, bold new direction, creating a game that felt both familiar and innovative. It's a game that understands the power of exploration, of discovery, and of letting players forge their own path.
But hey, that's just our opinion. Maybe you've got a different favorite among the game of the year 2017 nominees. That's the beauty of gaming; there's something out there for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, turn on your console, and let the games begin!