Game Of The Year 2017: The Definitive Winner!

Hey everyone! Ever wondered which game took home the ultimate crown in 2017? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of pixels, polygons, and epic storylines to uncover the Game of the Year 2017. It was a year packed with incredible titles, fierce competition, and unforgettable gaming moments. So, who emerged victorious? Let's get right to it!

The Reigning Champion: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild wasn't just a game; it was a phenomenon. Released as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch and also available on the Wii U, Breath of the Wild redefined open-world adventures and set a new standard for the Zelda franchise. Its vast, breathtaking Hyrule, combined with a deeply engaging storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics, captivated players and critics alike. You could literally spend hours just wandering around, discovering hidden shrines, battling formidable foes, and experimenting with the game's physics engine. Seriously, who knew you could be so entertained by dropping rocks on Bokoblins?

The game's success wasn't just about its technical achievements or stunning visuals; it was about the feeling of freedom and discovery it offered. Unlike many open-world games that hold your hand and guide you along a linear path, Breath of the Wild encouraged exploration and experimentation. You could climb any surface, cook up bizarre recipes with whatever ingredients you found, and tackle the main quest in virtually any order. This sense of agency made each player's experience unique and personal. The game's world felt truly alive, reacting to your actions and rewarding your curiosity. From the rolling hills of Hyrule Field to the snow-capped peaks of the Hebra Mountains, every corner of the map held secrets waiting to be uncovered.

And let's not forget about the combat! Breath of the Wild introduced a new combat system that was both challenging and rewarding. Players had to master a variety of weapons, learn enemy attack patterns, and utilize the environment to their advantage. Whether you were parrying a Guardian's laser beam, dodging a Lynel's charge, or setting fire to a Bokoblin camp, every battle felt intense and strategic. The game also featured a wide range of enemies, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This variety kept the combat fresh and engaging throughout the entire game. Breath of the Wild truly earned its title as Game of the Year with its groundbreaking approach to open-world design, its compelling storyline, and its unforgettable gameplay experiences.

The Contenders: A Year of Gaming Greatness

2017 was an absolute powerhouse year for gaming, with a plethora of titles vying for the coveted Game of the Year title. While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ultimately emerged victorious, it faced stiff competition from a diverse range of games, each offering unique and compelling experiences. Let's take a look at some of the other top contenders that made 2017 such a memorable year for gamers.

• Super Mario Odyssey: Mario's triumphant return to the open-world format was a joy to behold. Super Mario Odyssey captured the whimsical spirit of the Mario franchise while introducing innovative new gameplay mechanics, such as Cappy, Mario's sentient hat that allowed him to possess enemies and objects. The game's vibrant worlds, catchy music, and endlessly creative challenges made it a must-play for fans of all ages. Each kingdom was brimming with secrets to discover and challenges to overcome, ensuring that players were constantly engaged and entertained. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the serene beaches of the Seaside Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey was a delightful adventure from start to finish.
• Horizon Zero Dawn: Guerrilla Games' Horizon Zero Dawn was a stunning open-world RPG that captivated players with its unique setting, compelling storyline, and breathtaking visuals. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by robotic creatures, the game followed Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she unraveled the mysteries of her past and fought to protect her tribe. The game's combat was both challenging and rewarding, requiring players to utilize Aloy's skills and weapons to take down a variety of robotic beasts. The story kept players on the edge of their seats as they uncovered the secrets of the old world. Horizon Zero Dawn was a true masterpiece of world-building and storytelling.
• Persona 5: Atlus's Persona 5 was a stylish and captivating JRPG that won over players with its compelling characters, engaging storyline, and unique blend of social simulation and turn-based combat. Players took on the role of a high school student who becomes a Phantom Thief, fighting against corrupt adults and societal injustices. The game's Persona system allowed players to summon and customize powerful creatures to aid them in battle. The game's soundtrack was also praised for its catchy and energetic tunes. Persona 5 was a true standout in the JRPG genre.
• PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG): PUBG took the gaming world by storm in 2017, popularizing the battle royale genre and paving the way for countless imitators. The game pitted 100 players against each other in a last-man-standing battle on a large, open map. Players had to scavenge for weapons and supplies, strategize their movements, and outwit their opponents to survive. PUBG's tense and unpredictable gameplay made it a thrilling experience, and its widespread popularity helped to solidify the battle royale genre as a major force in the gaming industry.

These games, along with many others, made 2017 an exceptional year for gaming. Each title brought something unique to the table, pushing the boundaries of game design and storytelling. While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild ultimately claimed the Game of the Year title, these other contenders deserve recognition for their contributions to the gaming landscape.

Why Breath of the Wild Resonated So Deeply

So, what was it about The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild that resonated so deeply with gamers and critics alike? It wasn't just the stunning visuals or the innovative gameplay mechanics; it was something more profound. The game captured a sense of wonder and discovery that had been missing from many modern games. It allowed players to truly lose themselves in its world, exploring its secrets and forging their own path.

• Freedom and Exploration: Breath of the Wild gave players an unprecedented level of freedom to explore its vast and diverse world. You could climb any surface, travel to any location, and tackle the main quest in virtually any order. This sense of freedom made each player's experience unique and personal. The game didn't hold your hand or guide you along a linear path; it encouraged you to explore, experiment, and discover things for yourself. This sense of agency was a key factor in the game's success.
• Emergent Gameplay: The game's physics engine and interactive environment created opportunities for emergent gameplay moments that were both hilarious and memorable. You could use the environment to your advantage in combat, setting fire to grass to create updrafts, or using metal objects to conduct electricity. These emergent gameplay moments added a layer of depth and replayability to the game, making each playthrough feel fresh and unique.
• Compelling Story: While the game's open-world design was a major draw, its compelling story also played a significant role in its success. The game's narrative explored themes of loss, resilience, and hope. The characters were well-developed and relatable, and their struggles resonated with players on a personal level. The story was told through a combination of cutscenes, dialogue, and environmental storytelling, allowing players to piece together the events that led to Hyrule's downfall.
• Sense of Wonder: Above all else, Breath of the Wild captured a sense of wonder that had been missing from many modern games. The game's world was filled with secrets to discover, challenges to overcome, and breathtaking vistas to behold. Exploring Hyrule felt like embarking on a grand adventure, and the game's sense of wonder kept players coming back for more. It was truly a magical experience that reminded us why we love video games in the first place.

Legacy of a Champion

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable. It not only won Game of the Year 2017 but also set a new benchmark for open-world games, influencing countless titles that followed. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and compelling storyline continue to be praised and emulated. The game's success also helped to solidify the Nintendo Switch as a major force in the gaming market, proving that innovative hardware and software can go hand in hand.

The game's legacy extends beyond its commercial success and critical acclaim. Breath of the Wild has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and countless discussions among gamers. Its characters, locations, and themes have become ingrained in the collective consciousness of the gaming community. The game has also been praised for its accessibility, with many players who had never played a Zelda game before becoming fans of the franchise after experiencing Breath of the Wild.

In conclusion, the Game of the Year 2017 was undoubtedly The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Its groundbreaking open-world design, compelling storyline, and unforgettable gameplay experiences made it a true masterpiece. While other games also vied for the crown, Breath of the Wild stood head and shoulders above the competition, leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry and solidifying its place as one of the greatest games of all time. So, there you have it! The definitive winner of 2017. What a year for gaming!