Game of the Year 2017: Gabriella's Personal Picks

As is becoming an annual tradition here at Push Square Towers, we’ve corralled our core group of staff writers and prodded them until they’ve told us what their favourite five games of the year are. With such a strong assortment to select from, added force was required in some instances. We told Gabriella she wouldn't be allowed to play The Last of Us: Part II unless she gave us her list.

Fifth Choice: Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

It’s hard to imagine Uncharted without Nathan Drake. I do miss the dashing explorer, so I was a little sceptical jumping into The Lost Legacy because of his exclusion this time around. But given my love for Naughty Dog's games, I was still blown away by its fantastic exposition nonetheless. Lots of beautiful environments to explore, puzzles to solve, and an abundance of things to blow up. I’d be quite happy to see Chloe and Nadine team up again in the future.

Fourth Choice: Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Coming up fourth is Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Though I missed its third-person perspective, its change in direction was the saving grace of the franchise and I favour the game for its decision to do so. Plenty of hours were spent playing this one with PSVR, which should be experienced by every horror fan when they get the opportunity. Nothing beats being hunted by the likes of Marguerite Baker, which left an indelible and haunting mark on my memory. It’s an experience I’d relive in a heartbeat, though.

Third Choice: Injustice 2

Admittedly, I was late to the party with this one. Having played Injustice: Gods Among Us on and off for years, I decided to sink my teeth into the campaign and multiverse in Injustice 2 as my fighting skills were pretty amateur. It’s a beautifully designed game through locations to its characters and they animate beautifully. More importantly is that levelling feels fair and rewarding, providing enough loot and challenges to keep you motivated throughout. As a DC fan myself, it feels like a love letter to the brand. 

Second Choice: Horizon: Zero Dawn

I was one of the players who suffered from the perpetual case of open world fatigue. Horizon: Zero Dawn cured me of this at just the right moment. It has everything I love in an open world RPG: an alluring narrative, a rich and varied environment to explore at my will, and plenty of side quests and loot to hoard. What is arguably the most gorgeous looking game of 2017, Horizon surprised me in more ways than one. I’m so excited to see how Guerrilla propels the franchise from here on out, but for now, I’m happy battling Sawtooths and Bellowbacks.

First Choice: Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

My ultimate Game of the Year for 2017 has been Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, developed by Ninja Theory. It’s a game that explores psychosis, and is spearheaded by a Celtic warrior who seeks answers to her lover's disappearance. There's much more complexity to its narrative, though, which I don't want to spoil. Suffice to say, It’s relentless and a true masterclass in interactive storytelling, not to mention it has some of the best audio design I’ve ever experienced in this medium and a clear desire to educate its players. Ninja Theory takes the cake on this one.

It's another win for Senua, but do you share any games in common with Gabriella's list? Dillion awaits in the comments section below.