Thursday, 10 Oct 2024

2017 Action Game of the Year Awards

The world of action games is filled with heart-pounding moments, inspiring exploration, and thrilling combat. In this article, we will take a look at the best action games that 2017 had to offer.

Best Story: Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn captivated players with its small-scale interpersonal dramas and the coming-of-age tale of its central hero. As the story unfolds, it delves into a long-forgotten fall of humanity and the rise of strange machines that now inhabit the world. The slow drip of new storytelling eventually turns into a magnificent tale of depth and tragedy.

Horizon Zero Dawn Image

Best Setting: Assassin’s Creed Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins transported players to ancient Egypt with meticulous attention to historical detail. The game’s world felt genuine and vast, immersing players in the fantasy of living thousands of years in the past. The Nile Delta came to life with historical accuracy and artistic flair, making it a truly remarkable setting.

Assassin's Creed Origins Image

Best Character: Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)

Aloy, the lead character of Horizon Zero Dawn, grounded the game’s over-the-top world-building. Her down-to-earth nature, heroic actions, and wisdom beyond her years made her one of 2017’s most compelling video game heroes. Aloy’s personal conversations and world-shaping moments showcased her worth and left a lasting impression on players.

Aloy Image

Best Combat: Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Middle-earth: Shadow of War elevated combat to new heights with its rhythm and counter-based battle systems. Players engaged in acrobatic dodges, strikes, and parries, creating an engaging and dynamic combat experience. The game’s skill system added depth to the arsenal, with dozens of new moves and options that unleashed destructive capability and offered a potent power fantasy.

Shadow of War Image

Best Handheld: Metroid: Samus Returns

Metroid: Samus Returns answered the long-standing demand for a 2D Metroid game on the Nintendo 3DS. The remake and reimagining of Metroid II exceeded expectations, featuring major redesigns that breathed new life into the beloved franchise. It was a dream come true for many fans and showcased the potential of the portable platform.

Metroid: Samus Returns Image

Best Graphics: Uncharted: Lost Legacy

Naughty Dog once again delivered breathtaking visuals in Uncharted: Lost Legacy. The game showcased stunning views of modern-day India interwoven with striking ancient ruins. The integration of art, animation, and technical execution left players in awe, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the game’s world.

Uncharted: Lost Legacy Image

Best VR Action: Resident Evil 7

Resident Evil 7 proved that virtual reality could deliver a truly immersive and terrifying experience. The game’s smart movement controls, detailed graphics, and mesmerizing sound design made it one of the scariest VR experiences available. Players were left shaking with terror and amazed by the authenticity of the game’s first-person horror.

Resident Evil 7 Image

Best Indie Action Game: Nex Machina

Nex Machina, developed by Housemarque, combined taut action shooting with manic score-chasing speed. The game provided a rich and challenging experience from the very first playthrough. With increasing difficulty, players’ skills were put to the test, demanding twitch reflexes, careful observation, and muscle memory to succeed.

Nex Machina Image

Best Bosses: Cuphead

Cuphead took players on a thrilling boss-filled journey inspired by 1930s cartoons. Each boss battle presented new challenges, requiring players to memorize patterns and rely on quick thumb skills. The difficulty was met with admiration for the artistry and commitment to the game’s unique style.

Cuphead Image

Best Remastered Action Game: Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy faithfully preserved the beloved PlayStation classics. The game offered the definitive versions of these iconic platformers, maintaining the difficulty and slapstick humor that fans cherished. The graphical enhancements added a fresh touch to the nostalgic experience.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy Image

Best Action Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined open-world gaming with its emphasis on player freedom and creativity. The game struck a balance between paying homage to the series’ past and introducing groundbreaking gameplay mechanics. Players could shape their own adventure, explore a vast world, and engage in tense battles. Breath of the Wild proved that even after decades, the classic series could still surprise and captivate players.

Breath of the Wild Image

FAQs

  • Q: Can I play Horizon Zero Dawn on my PC?
    A: Horizon Zero Dawn is originally a PlayStation exclusive game. However, it was released for PC on August 7, 2020. You can enjoy the game on your PC now.

  • Q: Are there any plans for a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
    A: Yes, Nintendo has announced a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While details are scarce, fans are eagerly anticipating its release.

Conclusion

The action games of 2017 offered incredible experiences, from engaging stories and breathtaking settings to memorable characters and intense combat. Whether it was exploring the ancient world in Assassin’s Creed Origins or battling gigantic beasts in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, each game captivated players in its own unique way. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stood out as the best action game of the year, pushing the boundaries of open-world gameplay and delivering a truly unforgettable adventure.