PixlBit

2017 was a great year for video games. It was personally a busy year for me, as I was finishing my Master's Degree and doing some traveling. So I wasn't able to beat as many games this year as usual, but that's okay. I finished a total of 11 games this year, so let me share these with you. I'm very excited for the new year, and I hope you are too. 

Noitu Love Devolution (Wii U eShop)

This was a fun action game which I picked up early in the year. It's actually completely touch-driven (with the stylus), so I had to play the whole game on the game pad. It's very frantic, with lots of stuff happening onscreen constantly. I enjoyed it, but I only beat it because it was so short. I'm not sure if I could handle a lengthier version of such chaos. 

River City: Tokyo Rumble (3DS)

When I heard about this game, I had to get it. It holds tightly to its roots, but also adds some modern conveniences. The story mode was a lot of fun as you travel around Japan beating up rival gangs. The game also has a few multiplayer modes, but I didn't spend much time with them. It's just great to see this series around again. 

Phoenix Wright: Spirit of Justice DLC episode (3DS)

Yes, I'm including DLC on this list (pathetic, I know). The Phoenix Wright series is one of my favorite VG series, and Phoenix Wright: Spirit of Justice did not disappoint. The extra episode was a time travel one, which was very cool. As usual, the characters and story were top-notch. The added cutscenes were also done very well. 

Power Rangers: Fighting Edition (SNES)

I found a copy of this game and picked it up because I heard it was very fun. Wow! It is! You get to play as the Mega Zord and various monsters from the show. The movesets for the characters is actually pretty good, and the music is just awesome! The two player mode is a lot of fun. I'm glad I got this one. 

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Wii U)

Okay, folks, this is the big one. BotW has been getting Game of the Year awards from everyone, and it totally deserves it! I had to play the Wii U version, but it didn't matter--it was still incredible. The world is huge, and you can literally go anywhere as long as you have the stamina and means to get there. The shrines are short but often challenging. The story is wonderful. The characters are endearing. The combat is fun and different from the usual Zelda combat. This is also a gorgeous game! The whole world feels alive, and it's enjoyable just to walk around and look at the environment. Honestly, guys, if you haven't played this yet, you are missing out! 

Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows (3DS)

This was the first added mode to Shovel Knight. You get to play as Plague Knight. Although the levels are the same, Plague Knight's moveset (which is much different) keeps the game fresh. Plus, the story is focused on him during the same time in which Shovel Knight is taking down the other knights (it's a concurrent story, which is neat). It was just great to be in this world again. 

Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (3DS)

This is the second addition to Shovel Knight. I actually enjoyed this one more than the previous. It focuses on Specter Knight's backstory, which is a great story! This is a prequel to the main story. This time, there's no world map, but instead a hub world where you  can choose which level to play in any order (a la Mega Man). This time, the levels were created specifically for Specter Knight, and they did a great job. Can't wait for the next and final addition. 

Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS)

I don't think anyone saw this coming. Samus Returns is a great game. Mercury Steam must have done their homework in order to get the feel of Metroid so right. This is actually the first 2.5D Metroid game, and the 3D looks amazing! Not only is this a meaty game, but it's also challenging and fun. They added plenty of new things (because, let's be honest, a straight remake of the original Metroid II wouldn't be very exciting). Overall, it's just great to have Metroid back, and I can't wait for Metroid Prime 4 on Switch. Speaking of Switch...

Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)

Yessiree, I bought a Switch in November, and the first game I HAD to play was Mario! Like Zelda, this game is a must-play for any Nintendo fan. It evolves the Mario formula in exciting ways, which I did not think was possible after 30 years! This just shows you that Nintendo still knows what it's doing. Speaking of Nintendo, they've had an incredible comeback this year with the success of the Switch. Over 10 million consoles sold already. The console is already one of my favorite systems. It's an impressive piece of tech, and the games just keep coming. It's a wonderful time to be a Nintendo fan. 

Sonic Mania (Switch eShop)

This was another game I had to get. I love the Genesis Sonic games, and this one actually surpasses them. I would say this is the #1 Sonic game, which is impressive. This game has detailed, intricate levels, fast-paced action, awesome music, and creative bosses. It's a long game, and it's challenging too. I don't know why Sonic Team can't make a game like this, but Christian Whitehead and his team knocked it out of the park. 

Mega Man X4 (PS1) 

Rounding out the year is a retro game. I picked this game up because it's one of the best in the X series. It's actually the first game in the series in which you can play as both X and Zero. Each one has a different story, even though you play through the same levels. But the two characters play very differently. In fact, the Zero version is like playing hard mode. But I hunkered down and was able to beat the game with both. It was really fun, even though a few times I wanted to throw the controller. This is a great game. 

And that's it for my year. Looking forward to 2018!