2017 is nearly at its end, and this year has seen a fantastic slate of titles grace our preferred gaming platform. From the introduction of Nintendo’s hybrid console to the superpowered brawls of Injustice 2, there was definitely much to appreciate over the past twelve months. Don’t Feed the Gamers’ hard-working / sleep-deprived writers managed to show their gaming appreciation as well, participating in playing many of this year’s biggest games. We’ve compiled our respective Games of the Year (GotY) in the list of DFTG 2017 staff picks below.

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Chris “Stash” (Writer) – PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (Xbox One)

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I’m thoroughly enjoying playing PUBG, even though it has a great deal of issues. Behind the frustrations of lagging out of the game altogether only to be killed while I’m re-logging in there are moments where there’s just pure enjoyment. Sneaking through buildings next to other players knowing full well I can’t take them on with my current gear, the intense skirmishes towards the end of the game, and the need to make quick decisions throughout each match.

Every moment of play is filled with tense anticipation I love to see in a game. Playing solo, I tend to enjoy a more stealthy approach but in a group I would much rather team up and kill off as many enemies as possible. Overall, I feel like as it continues to grow it can only get better and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the title.

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Eric G (Editor) – Super Mario Odyssey

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With all of the new video games that have dropped over the past year, it is a bit difficult to choose one that stands above the rest. Cuphead, Breath of the Wild, Hellblade, Horizon Zero Dawn, and so many more come to mind, but there is a single title that has been able to accomplish something that all others couldn’t – return me to my childhood.

That being said, Super Mario Odyssey is downright fun. Combining the adventure of previous 3D installments in the franchise and the exploration aspect of hunting down every moon possible, this game has done an incredible job of providing countless hours of joy. Throw Cappy, the Nintendo Switch, and the console’s motion controls into the mix, and not much has been able to beat Odyssey, ya see! The Big N has absolutely knocked it out of the park with the ex-plumber this time around, and I certainly can’t wait to see what the future holds for Mario on the Switch.

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Eric H (Writer) – WipEout Omega Collection

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As evidenced in last year’s staff picks, I don’t play new games often. My ability to keep up with the times is only proceeded by my penny-pinching prowess. That being said, I did manage to muster up the funds to pick up WipEout Omega Collection for the PlayStation 4.

For years, I’ve been a fan of the WipEout series, having played a variation of the futuristic racing game on just about every Sony system. Omega Collection caught my eye as it compiles the latest of these exciting titles in a single package, providing me with some gorgeously detailed graphics and explosive fast-paced racing without the wallet-buring burden. WipEout Omega Collection is my DFTG 2017 Game of the Year.

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Hoi (Editor) – Horizon Zero Dawn

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There are plenty of games out there that deserve recognition, but none other than Horizon Zero Dawn in my book for 2017. It was one of those that delivered exactly what was teased in trailers and sneak peeks before its highly-anticipated release in February.

From the gorgeous, next level graphics, fantastic character animations of speech and movement, to the simultaneously otherworldly yet familiar world HZD takes place in. The compelling main story is dynamic, unexpected, and at times heartbreaking. With that being said, there’s so much content to discover as you wander the vast world of HZD as Aloy. Sometimes, it may even seem a bit disjointed, but just as any good story does, it pulls you by a string to want and learn more. I highly recommend it.

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Liana “LiLi” (Co-Owner/Managing Editor)  – Divinity Original Sin 2

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A part of me wants to say Mass Effect Andromeda solely because I looked forward to it for so long and I really thoroughly enjoyed it despite its issues. However, realistically, that’s just can’t be the case – especially with such a beautiful array of games out this year. In lieu of that, my RPG lovin’ side can’t help but to have Divinity: Original Sin 2 as my pick.

This title perfectly blended a fresh new experience and paired it perfectly with a classic RPG feel. It instantly gave me that feeling I had the first time I ever played Baldur’s Gate and the questlines and character interaction were so incredibly fulfilling. It was both flexible and solid, with a strong narrative that still gave the player the necessary wiggle room to create their own experience. Plus … that replayability though! A very underrated feature in more recent gaming. I can’t recommend this title enough!

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Matt “Chewy” (Co-Owner/Tech) – Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

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For this year’s pick I went with Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. It was a game that once I picked up, I couldn’t stop playing until it was completed. As I recently learned about some Scandinavian ancestry in my blood on top of my Irish heritage, the Celtic culture was a very cool aspect to take part in. On top of that, I have a deep love for ancient mythology – in which this game pits the players against Nordic gods. In regards to the gameplay and combat, it had a mix of well placed sword fighting and puzzle solving, as we we follow the player through the depths of Hellheim to recover her lover.

The real beauty in this game is in the manner it takes on the mental disorder Psychosis, which is a disconnection from one’s reality. Throughout the entire course of the game which is filled with a beautiful Scandinavian soundtrack, the player also hears all the voices that are filled in Senua’s head telling her all sorts of things. I believe this game is a must play, and worthy of the title Game of the Year.

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Ryan “Cinna” (Editor) – Horizon: Zero Dawn

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Horizon: Zero Dawn is my pick for DFTG 2017 Game of The Year. Guerrilla Games crafted a masterpiece of open-world wonder that is as beautiful as it is dangerous, drawing players in with excellent voice acting by Ashly Burch and a captivating story that doesn’t let up until the credits roll. The Frozen Wilds DLC took Aloy and shifted her into a rather unfamiliar environment while keeping up the game’s top tier storytelling and gameplay.

*Not all staff members were featured, as by individual choice. Runner up choices were Injustice 2 and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – both titles showed exemplary strengths for their gameplay and memorable experiences. 

What do you think of the DFTG 2017 Games of the Year? Do you agree with our staff picks, or did we leave out one of your favorites? Let us know your thoughts on the DFTG 2017 GotY picks below and be sure to follow us on Twitter to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day, and into the new year!