10) Golf Story – Metacritic Score: 82
Golf gameplay and a story-heavy RPG format aren’t two aspects you’d expect to be well suited, but Golf Story is a very charming take on the sport. Playing out over eight courses, the game tells a dramatic story, full of interesting characters with stories to tell. With the ability to tee up anywhere, you explore the fairways, solving puzzles and discovering secrets as you go.
Critics have lauded Golf Story for how it makes you care just as much about the characters that litter the course as you do about hitting the perfect drive. The two genres, golf sim and RPG, are woven together masterfully, making for a wonderful adventure on the Switch.
9) FIFA 18 – Metacritic Score: 84
September is always the month of the annual sports game releases and this year’s iteration of EA Sports’ FIFA has been received well. The attacking play feels more fluid, the game’s presentation is unrivaled, and there is an incredible amount of content. Ultimate Team has been freshened up by Squad Battles, which makes playing the AI rewarding again, The Journey has returned with the next chapter of Alex Hunter’s story, and the classic modes are as fun as always.
The defending is poorly balanced and the goalkeepers can often be terrible at their job, making for very high scoring matches, but the gameplay is undeniably enjoyable and it is difficult to choose between all the unique modes.
8)Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Metacritic Score: 85
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANAÂ puts you back in the shoes of Adol as he sets off on his new adventure after he awakens shipwrecked and stranded on a cursed island. There, he and the other passengers he rescues form a village to challenge the beasts that inhabit the mysterious island and conquer the ruins that litter it.
Critics across the board have praised Ys VIII for being a great action platformer that is a perfect introduction to the Ys series for anyone who has missed out on the previous titles. The game has tons of content and its combat is extremely satisfying. The only downside that was mentioned by a few critics, is that the story and characters are quite bland.
7) Project Cars 2 – Metacritic Score: 86
Fall 2017 is proving to be a busy time for track racing sims with Forza Motorsport 7 and Gran Turismo Sport both releasing this month. However, Project Cars 2 has more than enough quality to keep itself from slipping to the back of the pack. Featuring more than 170 cars, a variety of racing disciplines, and more real world tracks than any of its rivals, Project Cars 2 has been praised as one of the best racing experiences available.
Some critics have mentioned a few niggling bugs and presentation inconsistencies but almost all insist that it is a joy to play. The handling can be tough to master, but each car feels unique and responsive enough that you soon learn how to keep them under control. Slightly Mad Studio’s second game is certainly worth considering if you’re a racing fanatic.
6) Total War: Warhammer II – Metacritic Score: 86
Creative Assembly’s second Total War: Warhammer game brings players a breathtaking new narrative campaign, set across the vast continents of Lustria, Ulthuan, Naggaroth and the Southlands. Set in the Warhammer fantasy universe, this detailed strategy game sees you explore vast maps for other rival species.
Critics have praised the sequel for ironing out most of the issues that were present in its predecessor while being the deepest, most detailed, and most open game in the Total War series. It perfectly tests your strategic skills, the gameplay is fun and engaging, and the world you play in is beautifully designed. Some say that it is a new high for the hugely popular series.
5) Destiny 2 – Metacritic Score: 87
The original Destiny was immensely popular, with the rewarding loot system and Bungie’s excellent first-person shooter gameplay keeping players hooked. However, many players dropped out after the story finished, complaining that the campaign was a little dull and the end game grind was too steep. Destiny 2, though, fixed many of those problems.
The story is compelling and the loot/gear system has been refined to constantly dangle new things in front of the player. With the huge amount of content aimed at both lone wolves and larger Fireteams, it is difficult to escape Destiny 2’s grasp once it has got you, making it one of the better shooters of recent years and one of the most popular releases of 2017.
4) Metroid: Samus Returns – Metacritic Score: 87
Metroid: Samus Returns sees aperfect homage to the original while being a great introduction to the genre of Metroidvania for anyone unfamiliar. The gameplay has been modernized yet it still manages to keep what made the classic games feel so fantastic to play.
3) Cuphead – Average Metacritic Score: 87
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game primarily focused on boss battles. Inspired by the cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio have been created to match those of the era, using techniques such as traditional cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings.
On Xbox One, the game looks incredible and the developers have recreated the style of 1930s cartoons spectacularly. The levels are varied and the structure of the action keeps the challenge from being too frustrating. Many critics say that the tough gameplay and well-designed boss battles work together to create a wonderful old-school action game. The rewards for sticking with the challenge are worth it, but make sure you know what kind of experience you are letting yourself in for before you begin.
2) SteamWorld Dig 2 – Metacritic Score: 88
SteamWorld Dig 2 is a platform mining adventure with many elements of classic Metroidvania titles. In search of her lost friend, your character and her unlikely companion must dig deep underground, explore an underworld riddled with danger, and come away with its treasures.
The main point of praise for SteamWorld Dig 2 is how it makes the gameplay of the original more fun to play with a few added mechanics. The cast of characters is charming and any interactions are well written. The altered aesthetic and style, as well as the small gameplay additions make it stand out over the original.
1) Divinity: Original Sin II – Metacritic Score: 95
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is, according to Metacritic, by far the highest rated game of September 2017. It is an RPG with turn-based combat that is varied and fun. The quests are multi-faceted and give you many ways to handle each and every situation. You can even talk to animals.
Critics across the board have praised it because it features an incredible story with tangible choices and consequences, alongside a huge amount of well-written and well-designed content. Combining those aspects with tough but enjoyable combat makes for one of the most captivating RPGs of the year so far. Some critics are even lauding it as one of the best RPGs of the generation, or even decade.
Published: Oct 4, 2017 09:46 am