As 2017 comes to a close, DualShockers and our staff are reflecting on this year’s batch of games for our official Game of the Year awards. In the lead up to the New Year’s Day reveal, each member of the staff will give their personal top 10 games they played this year.

2017 was an interesting year for me. I didn’t have a chance to play many games at the start of the year and because of this, there was a period of around three months that involved me just playing and writing. During that time, not only did I have a chance to catch up on all the titles I missed out on earlier this year, but also games that came out this fall. Here are some of my absolute favorites:

10. Call of Duty: WWII

Kicking off my list in the number 10 spot is Call of Duty: WWII. While it’s certainly not the best game on this list in terms of story, gameplay, etc., it is the game I have played the most since its Nov. 3 release date, and for this reason alone it cannot be ignored. The multiplayer is a ton of fun, and the Nazi Zombies mode is absolutely terrifying and intense. If you feel like you’ve been burned by the Call of Duty series in the past, then I highly recommend you pick this one up.

Check out DualShockers’ Call of Duty: WWII review.

9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

While I may have played Call of Duty: WWII the most in the past few months, there’s one game that I’ve played the most this entire year, and that’s Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links. It is a mobile game, so it has a negative stigma around it. However, with its constant updates and events, the title has managed to keep my attention for the entire year. Plus, it has most of the original voice actors from both the original series and its GX spin-off. What more could you want?

8. Splatoon 2

If there’s one title on my list that’s an absolute blast to play, it’s this one. I can’t tell you how many matches I’ve played against my friends, and how many shouting matches we’ve gotten in because of it. The gameplay is top-notch, the number of weapons in the game is absolutely expansive, and the art style is incredibly charming. If you’re on the go and you don’t have access to an internet connection, while there is very little story to follow, the single-player campaign does do a good job of keeping you entertained.

Check out DualShockers’ Splatoon 2 review.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Is it really a surprise that this game made my list? It’ll probably be on mostly everyone’s list, and why wouldn’t it? It’s a great looking game with fun gameplay, a variety of enemies, and an absolutely calming score. Plus, the ability to play the game any way you want is absolutely welcome in a world where modern games can be a bit restrictive. I’m not a huge fan of Zelda titles, or Nintendo games in general, but there’s no denying that Breath of the Wild is awesome.

Check out DualShockers’ Breath of the Wild review.

6. Bridge Constructor Portal

This is a title that, had it released a few days later, might not have even made it onto my list. First and foremost, we haven’t received a new Portal title since 2011, so when this was announced I was already sold. Then combine the concept of Portal with the gameplay from the Bridge Constructor series and, while you’ll be scratching your head for hours, you will feel the greatest accomplishment ever once you complete the level. They even brought back the perfect Ellen McLain to voice the sinister GLaDOS, so it feels right at home with the other titles.

5. Super Mario Odyssey

Clocking in at number 5 is a title that I really did not expect to like whatsoever. I am not a fan of Mario as I didn’t grow up with it, and yet, I found myself addicted to Super Mario Odyssey. Every time I hit a new world in the game, I spent hours trying to find each and every one of those annoying moons. Plus, who can’t love Mario; there’s a reason he’s been around for years and years. While I may not think it’s as special as everyone else does, I absolutely enjoyed my time with the game.

Check out DualShockers’ Super Mario Odyssey review.

4. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

The Uncharted series is easily one of my favorite game franchises of all time, and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy reaffirmed that for me. This game proved that it doesn’t need Nathan Drake to be the game’s protagonist in order to be great. The classic Uncharted gameplay is still there, and the interaction between Chloe and Nadine is next to perfect. The only reason the game isn’t in my top three is that of its relatively short runtime, which clocks in at around five to six hours.

Check out DualShockers’ Uncharted: The Lost Legacy review.

3. Cuphead

While this game comes in at my number 3 slot, I only started playing it fairly recently due to my lack of an Xbox One and a good PC. However, I’m glad I didn’t skip out on it. As someone who loves old Disney cartoons, this title’s art style immediately spoke to me. It’s charming, it’s fun, and while it can be tough at times, with a little practice, I had no problem getting better at the game. I originally had this game in my number four slot, however, after realizing how big the game is, I had to give Studio MDHR more credit.

Check out DualShockers’ Cuphead review.

2. ChromaGun

If you’ve been following me at all throughout the year, you’ll know that I adore ChromaGun. I’ll be totally honest: going in, I wasn’t expecting much, but I’m happy to say that the game absolutely floored me: the gameplay and puzzles are some of the most original ideas I’ve ever seen. Top it all off with a pretty funny story and simple visuals, and you have a recipe for a fantastic game.

Check out DualShockers’ ChromaGun review.

1. Horizon: Zero Dawn

The title in my number one spot is a title that is absolutely remarkable. I’m not a fan of RPGs whatsoever, so the fact that it’s my favorite game this year is truly saying something. It has an expansive open world, a variety of enemies to fight, tons of campaign missions, it looks beautiful, and, to top it all off, it has an amazing, well-acted story. Guerrilla Games truly outdid themselves and should be applauded for the work they did.

Check out DualShockers’ Horizon: Zero Dawn review.

Check out the other DualShockers’ staff Top 10s and our official Game of the Year Awards:

• December 21: Lou Contaldi, Editor in Chief
• December 22: Ryan Meitzler, Features Editor
• December 23: Giuseppe Nelva, Executive News Editor
• December 24: Michael Ruiz, Staff Writer
• December 25: Tomas Franzese, Staff Writer
• December 26: Tanner Pierce, Staff Writer
• December 27: Azario Lopez, Staff Writer
• December 28: Jordan Boyd, Staff Writer
• December 29: Logan Moore, Staff Writer
• December 30: Noah Buttner, Staff Writer
• December 31: Taylor Lyles, Staff Writer
• January 1: DualShockers Game of the Year 2017 Awards