New Straits Times

Best games of 2017

It has been a wonderful year in gaming. We’ve seen brand new games, sequels, remakes and remasters of all sorts of titles across all platforms. Aiman Maulana picks his top five

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1. HORIZON ZERO DAWN

ARGUABLY the best game in 2017,

is an action role-playing game set in a post-apocalypti­c world that is populated by machines that behave like wild animals. Gamers follow the story of Aloy, a tribal outcast that was said to be born from the machines and prophesise­d to be the saviour of the world.

has one of the most enthrallin­g storylines with gameplay that’s both familiar and entertaini­ng. You will slowly discover civilisati­on’s lost technology and why the world turned into the wasteland that it is in the game. But what makes it so frightenin­g is that the world that it used to be seems very similar to reality, which makes it relatable to most gamers.

On top of that, you have the mix and mash of gameplay mechanics seen in other action role-playing games such as combat feel of and the stealth mechanics of the series, while also mixing some original elements of their own such as taming the mechanical beasts.

All of this makes for a surprising entertaini­ng game that should be played by both casuals and hardcore gamers.

is currently available exclusivel­y on the PlayStatio­n 4 for RM199, and it includes the Frozen Wilds expansion pack. 3. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: BREATH OF THE WILD

ONE of the few launch titles for the Nintendo destroy the kingdom of Hyrule. Now, Link Switch, has to visit The Divine Beasts and regain

was set to be the platform’s first his memory in order to seal Calamity killer app. Like its predecesso­r, this game Ganon once more. is an action-adventure game that follows Unlike previous entries, protagonis­t Link but this time around, Link has a much more open concept and is an amnesiac. It’s meant to be a departure much larger world to explore. With over 100 from the traditiona­l Zelda games since it Shrines of Trials to discover, there are many has a huge open-world concept now. things you can do in the game. It’s like the

The story is that Link, who has amnesia, fusion of game and awakens from a 100-year slumber by series, and it’s a game that a mysterious voice. you will not regret playing.

This voice belonged to King Rhoam, the last King of Hyrule, and he is guiding Link towards the antagonist, Calamity Ganon, who is currently planning to 4. DOKI DOKI LITERATURE CLUB ARGUABLY the strangest entry in this list, is more akin to a graphic novel than your usual game. Created by the folks over at Team Salvato, the game seems like it’s perfect for all ages. It features cute anime-style visuals, and everything looks bright and cheerful.

Strangely, the game has a warning that it’s “not suitable for children and for those who are easily disturbed”. tracts from runaway debtors. And thus, their adventure begins.

The game’s concept is simple; you move from left to right to progress through each stage, defeat enemies and subdue the bosses from time to time. The art style is akin to old-school Disney cartoons and each animation is hand-drawn to achieve that authentic classic cartoon look that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.

is available for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U for RM249, but it can be bundled with the Nintendo Switch for a cheaper price.

The game follows the story of a protagonis­t, the player itself, and the Literature Club which consists of four girls — Sayori, Natsuki, Yuri and Monika. Players will participat­e in the Literature Club’s activities, which includes writing, sharing poetry and simply mingling with its members.

All of a sudden, weird occurrence­s happen; characters start to glitch out, their eyes start to bleed, mouths are replaced with hyper-realistic ones, and some characters becoming self-aware and breaking the fourth wall.

It has one of the best, most mind-blowing storylines in a game this year and the best part is that it’s free. Fair warning, avoid this game if you’re not into psychologi­cal horror.

is available exclusivel­y on PC via Steam.

looks cute and adorable but do not be fooled by its looks. It is a very difficult game that requires plenty of trial-anderror approaches. At the same time, this is what makes the game enjoyable as it poses a challenge to a genre that has been long forgotten, and it feels especially rewarding if you manage to overcome it.

is currently available for PC via Steam for RM38.

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