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2017 has perhaps been one of the best years for video games in the past decade and there are a ton of fantastic titles that should be experienced. With the holiday season in full swing, it will be hard to pick which games you should get as gifts. Thankfully, we have your back. When deciding on our list we tried to focus on a wide range of age ratings. This list is not solely made of exclusives and our choices are based on the quality of the game itself. However, first let’s look at some honorable mentions:
- Nioh
- Call of Duty: WWII
- Yakuza 0
- Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
- Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Here are the 10 best PS4 games for Christmas 2017:
(This list is in no particular order)
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1. Horizon Zero Dawn
- One of the biggest exclusives to release this year, Horizon Zero Dawn is an open world action game set in the far future. After an unknown event, the world has effectively “reset” with various tribes now ruling the landscape. Players assume the role of Aloy, an outcast who is gets wrapped up in various tribal rivalries and a bigger mystery surrounding the monstrous mechanized animals that have taken over the world. Horizon Zero Dawn is an absolutely fantastic game that delivers solid gameplay, a compelling story, and striking visuals. The world is packed with things to do and there’s always a rich sense of exploration to its overgrown locations. It’s a title that should not be missed by anyone who owns a PlayStation 4.
2. Destiny 2
One of the biggest FPS (first person shooter) titles of the year, Destiny 2 revolves around the last city on Earth being attacked by a militaristic alien force known as The Cabal. With their powers stripped, it’s up to the Guardians to reclaim their “Light” and push back the invading forces. Sporting both co-op and competitive activities, there’s a lot of content to enjoy in Destiny 2. Plus, the PS4 version of the game has an exclusive weapon, strike, ship, and armor sets. If you’re looking for a solid PvE (Player vs Environment) or PvP (Player vs Player) game, then Destiny 2 is for you.
3. Injustice 2
The newest fighting game by NetherRealm Studios allows players to assume control of popular DC Comics superheroes and villains. Sporting an impressive and diverse roster, users can battle it out across multiple stages and a rather long campaign mode. Of course, online is where one’s skills will really be put to the test. Thanks to the polished and slick gameplay, every match in Injustice 2 is a beautiful symphony of chaos. This is hands down the best fighting game to come out in 2017 and certainly one of the greatest comic book titles to ever release.
Buy Injustice 2 for $42.94 here.
4. Persona 5
For all the JRPG lovers out there, Persona 5 is one of the best games of 2017. The story follows a group of teenagers who are gifted with incredible powers and are tasked with extinguishing the evil from people’s hearts. This is a deceptively dark and mature tale that touches upon multiple, often uncomfortable subjects. It’s a brilliantly told tale thanks to the rich characters and fantastic voice acting that brings this RPG to life. Combat and gameplay have a nice depth and strategy to it, that can prove quite challenging to newcomers of the turn-based genre. All of this is wrapped up in possibly some of the most stylish art direction of the modern era. Do not miss this game.
5. Resident Evil VII
If you’re looking for something a bit more frightening then Resident Evil VII is the game for you. Bringing the famed series back to its survival horror roots, RE7 tasks players with surviving the night in a nightmarish plantation. Shifting the series into the first person perspective helps maintain the tension and deliver some memorable scares. There is always a nice sense of vulnerability in RE7 thanks to the limited supplies and dangerous foes that roam the estate. Combat is often fast and messy, with many of the enemies taking multiple shots to bring down. Puzzles also make a return in a big way, as hidden paths, ornate keys, and deadly traps appear regularly.
6. NeiR: Automata
For something a bit different, NeiR: Automata is a superb action game that blends styles from games like Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and even the bullet hell genre. This creates a memorable combat system that pushes players reflexes and timing to the limits. Set in a post-apocalyptic setting, humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction and are currently at war with an invading force of machines. Sporting a great soundtrack, rich characters, and a unique world NieR: Automata is a triumph of the action genre.
7. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Feeling nostalgic? If the answer is yes then the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy might be the perfect gift. A top to bottom remastering of the original three Crash Bandicoot titles, this game captures the addictive and challenging mechanics of the platforming genre. Oozing with charm, the N. Sane Trilogy is visually stunning and is certainly a return to form for one of gaming’s most memorable mascots. Great for all ages, this is a collection that every PS4 owner should have.
Buy Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy here.
8. Little Nightmares
Little Nightmares is a grim, yet striking indie game that hasn’t gotten the attention it rightfully deserves. Don’t let the Tim Burton style visuals fool you, Little Nightmares is a rather tense and at times terrifying game. Players assume the role of a young child who wakes up in a mysterious location with only her wits to defend herself. There is no combat in Little Nightmares, so you’ll need to jump, hide, and outsmart the gruesome foes wandering the dark halls. Every puzzle feels well designed and there is a nice variety of locations for you to explore. Clocking in at around 4 to 5 hours long, Little Nightmares is a short and extremely entertaining experience.
9. Sonic Mania
Another blast from the past, Sonic Mania is a love letter to one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Bringing back some of the best levels of the Sonic franchise, Mania gives them a nice twist thanks to new art and layouts. Every world feels like a treat to explore and the use of momentum is expertly included. However, it’s not just old levels as Sonic Mania includes some new stages for players to run around in. There are a lot of intriguing gimmicks and hooks to each level that will keep users coming back. Sonic Mania is a triumph for the 2D genre and debatably one of the best Sonic games ever made.
10. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
A sequel to the wildly praised Wolfenstein: The New Order, this title delivers a blend of brutal gameplay and smart storytelling. Set in an alternate 1960s, the Nazis have taken control of the world and it’s up to B.J. Blazkowicz to help spark the resistance against these oppressors. Don’t let the gory, ultra-violent combat mechanics fool you, The New Colossus is anything but superficial. Characters are fleshed out and the story is filled with incredibly emotional moments. This title also brilliantly subverts the player’s expectations to deliver some truly shocking moments. Users can play both aggressively or in the shadows, giving a nice about of replayability to this single player game.
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Top 10 Best PS4 Games for Christmas 2017