Game Of The Year 2017: The Ultimate Showdown

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

The Game Awards, a prestigious annual event, celebrates the pinnacle of achievement in the video game industry. Every year, gamers and developers alike eagerly await the announcement of the Game of the Year winner, an award that signifies unparalleled excellence and innovation. The Game of the Year 2017 was particularly memorable, featuring a diverse lineup of nominees that captivated audiences worldwide. This article delves into the details of that momentous year, exploring the nominated games, the ultimate victor, and the lasting impact of this celebrated event. Guys, get ready to dive into the captivating world of 2017's gaming masterpieces!

The Nominees

In 2017, the nominees for Game of the Year represented a wide array of genres, showcasing the creative breadth of the video game industry. Each game brought something unique to the table, making the competition exceptionally fierce. Let's take a closer look at the contenders:

  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: This open-world adventure redefined the Zelda franchise, offering players unprecedented freedom to explore a vast and beautifully realized Hyrule. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive world made it an instant classic. Seriously, guys, the sense of adventure in this game is off the charts! The seamless integration of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving created an experience that was both challenging and rewarding. The game's physics engine allowed for emergent gameplay moments, where players could experiment with different approaches to overcome obstacles. Moreover, the game's narrative, while subtle, was deeply engaging, focusing on themes of memory, loss, and resilience. The art style, a blend of cel-shading and realistic textures, gave the game a timeless quality. Breath of the Wild not only won numerous awards but also influenced the design of subsequent open-world games, setting a new standard for the genre.
  • Super Mario Odyssey: A joyful and inventive platformer, Super Mario Odyssey brought Mario to a variety of vibrant and imaginative worlds. Its innovative capture mechanic, allowing Mario to take control of various objects and enemies, added a fresh twist to the classic gameplay formula. The sheer creativity and attention to detail in each kingdom made it a delight to explore, with hidden secrets and challenges around every corner. The game's whimsical soundtrack and colorful visuals further enhanced its charm, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Super Mario Odyssey demonstrated Nintendo's ability to reinvent its iconic characters and franchises while staying true to their core values. The game's post-launch support, including new costumes and challenges, kept players engaged long after the main story was completed. Its accessible yet challenging gameplay made it appealing to both newcomers and longtime fans of the series, solidifying its place as one of the best Mario games of all time.
  • Persona 5: This stylish Japanese role-playing game captivated players with its compelling story, memorable characters, and unique social simulation elements. Persona 5 stood out for its bold art style, blending anime aesthetics with a modern urban setting. The game's turn-based combat system was both strategic and visually stunning, with each character possessing unique abilities and personalities. The story explored themes of rebellion, justice, and societal corruption, resonating with players on a deep emotional level. The social links system, where players could build relationships with various characters, added depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. Persona 5 was praised for its intricate world-building, memorable soundtrack, and overall polish. The game's success led to numerous spin-offs, adaptations, and collaborations, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. For JRPG fans, this game was a total must-play!
  • Horizon Zero Dawn: Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures, Horizon Zero Dawn offered a compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and challenging gameplay. Players took on the role of Aloy, a skilled hunter, as she uncovers the mysteries of her past and the origins of the machines. The game's open-world environment was vast and diverse, filled with breathtaking landscapes and dangerous encounters. Horizon Zero Dawn's combat system was particularly praised for its strategic depth, requiring players to exploit the weaknesses of different machines using a variety of weapons and tactics. The game's story explored themes of environmentalism, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity. Aloy's character was praised for her strength, intelligence, and determination. Horizon Zero Dawn was a critical and commercial success, establishing a new and exciting IP for Sony. The game's sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, continued Aloy's journey, further expanding the world and lore of the series. Honestly, the robot dinosaurs were just amazing.
  • PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG): This online multiplayer battle royale game popularized the genre, pitting 100 players against each other in a fight to the death. Its tense and unpredictable gameplay, combined with its realistic graphics and tactical depth, made it a massive hit. PUBG's success spawned numerous clones and competitors, but it remained a dominant force in the gaming world. The game's simple premise, combined with its high skill ceiling, made it accessible to a wide audience. PUBG's emphasis on strategy, teamwork, and resource management created a unique and engaging gameplay experience. The game's constant updates and additions, including new maps, weapons, and vehicles, kept the gameplay fresh and exciting. PUBG's influence on the gaming industry was undeniable, paving the way for the rise of the battle royale genre.

The Winner

After much anticipation, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was crowned the Game of the Year at the 2017 Game Awards. This victory was a testament to the game's groundbreaking design, immersive world, and unforgettable gameplay experience. The game's innovative approach to open-world exploration, combined with its rich lore and memorable characters, resonated with both critics and players alike.

The impact of Breath of the Wild extended far beyond its critical acclaim. It reinvigorated the Zelda franchise, attracting new fans while satisfying long-time enthusiasts. Its open-world design influenced countless other games, setting a new standard for the genre. The game's success also demonstrated Nintendo's ability to innovate and take risks, solidifying its position as a leader in the video game industry.

Why Breath of the Wild Won

Several factors contributed to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's victory:

  • Innovation: The game's open-world design broke away from the traditional Zelda formula, offering players unparalleled freedom and exploration. The physics engine allowed for emergent gameplay moments, creating a dynamic and unpredictable experience.
  • Immersion: The world of Hyrule was brought to life with stunning visuals, realistic sound design, and a captivating atmosphere. Players felt truly immersed in the game's environment, making every discovery feel meaningful.
  • Gameplay: The game's combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration mechanics were seamlessly integrated, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. The game's difficulty was well-balanced, offering a challenge without being overly frustrating.
  • Critical Acclaim: The game received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative design, immersive world, and captivating gameplay.
  • Cultural Impact: The game resonated with players on a deep emotional level, inspiring fan art, cosplay, and countless online discussions. Its success helped to solidify the Zelda franchise as one of the most beloved and influential in video game history.

Lasting Impact

The Game of the Year 2017 remains a significant milestone in video game history. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's victory marked a turning point for the Zelda franchise and the open-world genre as a whole. Its innovative design and immersive world influenced countless other games, shaping the landscape of the industry for years to come.

The other nominees for Game of the Year 2017 also left their mark on the industry. Super Mario Odyssey demonstrated Nintendo's ability to reinvent its iconic characters and franchises. Persona 5 captivated players with its compelling story and stylish art style. Horizon Zero Dawn introduced a new and exciting IP, with a unique world and memorable characters. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds popularized the battle royale genre, paving the way for its rise to prominence.

The Game Awards 2017 celebrated the best that the video game industry had to offer, showcasing the creative breadth and innovation that defines this dynamic medium. The event served as a reminder of the power of games to entertain, inspire, and connect people from all walks of life. The games nominated, and especially the winner, continue to be discussed and played today, a testament to their enduring quality and impact. What a year for gaming, huh?