5. Pokemon Go
Starting off the list we have the game that got everyone off their couches last summer. Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that allows players to encounter, catch, and train pokemon straight off their mobile phone.The game uses virtual reality and GPS features to encourage players to explore the real world. Pokemon Go’s reception was out of this world. In its first week the App was downloaded more times than any other app in App store history (USA Today). Despite being free to play, Pokemon Go was bringing in an estimated 2 million dollars a day during its first month. Ultimately, combining the fast growing market of mobile gaming with one of the most established franchises in history turned out to be a success story for the ages.
4. FIFA 17
Had this been any other year, a sports game would not have been in this Top 10. To put it simply, innovation isn’t something we look for in sports titles since a new one is released every year. This year, though, EA did something right. FIFA 17 has all the classic mainstays of the FIFA series with the return of the Ultimate team, online seasons, etc. The new controls feel tighter than ever and the gameplay itself feels more rewarding than the previous titles. But, the real calling card for FIFA 17 comes from two new features in particular. First, the frostbite graphics engine. For years now we have been fed a new FIFA, with new and improved features but all of that is hindered by the fact that the game looks the same. Since FIFA 13 the game has made minor improvements graphically. However, FIFA 17 sports a graphics engine that is so good that it would make me self-conscious if I was a player in this game. The second feature that got FIFA 17 a spot on this list, is the addition of “The journey”. “The journey” is a new game mode in which players are in control of a fictional rising star named Alex Hunter. Everything from managerial decisions to public affairs is in the hands of the player; giving the already compelling story a high level of immersion. A story mode made in a sports games isn’t anything new but FIFA 17 hit it out of the park with this one. The voice acting is spot on; your decisions have realistic consequences and the suspense of it all makes it feel like you’re playing your own movie.
3. Clash Royale
Clash Royale is a real-time multiplayer game that features the Clash of Clans characters. The main objective of the game is to destroy your opponents crown towers using troops that you select prior to the matches. The player that claims more towers by the end of the game wins. This formula is simple but that’s part of what makes this game so amazing. The game isn’t hard to play in fact it matches you up with players around your skill level using its trophy system. This game shocked many when apple named it a mobile game of the year over Pokemon Go. This was not a surprise to anyone that plays this game, though. It all boils down to three things clash royale is; easy to play; rewarding for the players, and updated frequently.
2. Pokemon Sun and Moon
Man this was a big 20th year for the Pokemon franchise. Pokemon Sun and Moon are the 7th generation games of the Pokemon series. It doesn’t matter what type of Pokemon player you are, they delivered. Competitive players got new features like the SOS method that removed a lot of the tedious work you had to do in order for your Pokemon to be competitively viable. Casual players got a beautiful region to explore and customizable characters to add to the game’s replayability. These titles took everything you could possibly love about the Pokemon series and made it better.
1. Overwatch
This game was an instant classic. Overwatch is a 6v6 multiplayer, objective-based shooter. Everything from the graphics to the lore behind each character is enough to win this game an award; but It’s biggest strength comes from its accessibility. Your skill in this game is not solely based on your aim like most first person shooters. Instead the diverse set of characters and game modes make it so there’s a place for everyone in.