Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List

GameSpot's top 10 countdown for the Best Games of 2017 is finally over. Our list was formulated by our global team of GameSpot editors and video producers, who all spent hours locked in fierce debate fighting for the recognition towards games they felt most passionate about.

With 2017 offering so many fantastic games across a multitude of genres, this year was by far one of the toughest debates we've had in a long time. After numerous hours, we were able to lock in the placement of each of this year's 10 best games into a single list culminating in our overall Game of the Year choice. Our list is informed by an array of tastes and preferences, reflecting our team's diverse gaming backgrounds and opinions. Read on to see why we chose each game as one of the best for 2017.

For more on our picks of the best games of the year across various categories, as well as features focusing on the year's performance for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch, check out our Best of 2017 hub.

"Nier: Automata beautifully expresses and flaunts its unconventional designs right in its opening minutes. From robots forming suicide pacts to a boss fight that would've been the final scene in other games, this first half hour effectively delivers a sampler course of the many narrative and gameplay surprises you'll encounter in this 35-hour journey of android existentialism."

For more on why we chose Nier: Automata as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"What Remains of Edith Finch feels like a great page turner of a book that is full of unexpected twists and turns. It's a game that you'll want to recommend to friends as soon as you finish it. Without giving too much away, one of its greatest strengths is that it tells a story that can only effectively be conveyed through a video game. The impact is bolstered by top-notch voice acting and a surreal and magical world that is somehow still rooted in reality. If you decide to give What Remains of Edith Finch a shot, you'll be treated to one of the most surprising and riveting hits of the year."

For more on why we chose What Remains of Edith Finch as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"In Ninja Theory's harrowing action-adventure, it isn't so much about helping its lead character overcome her demons and cure her of her troubles--but rather, it's about seeing her accept these issues as a part of who she is. In the eternal and ever-human challenge of coming to grips with who you are, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice shows us--through the lasting connections Senua has with her loved ones--that you are not alone in the struggle. By its conclusion, Ninja Theory's spellbinding jaunt through a troubled young woman's experience ultimately proves to be one of the most heartfelt and uplifting experiences of the year."

For more on why we chose Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus never questions whether violence is the correct solution to oppression, giving you the tools to fight back without robbing your success of its meaning. And by staying grounded in present-day political roots, The New Colossus rounds out its most off-the-wall, fantastical elements for an experience that's both memorable and impactful."

For more on why we chose Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"At a time when nobody would blame you for feeling burned out on open-world games, Horizon: Zero Dawn came along and re-lit the smoldering flame. It fell back on a few common practices seen in other games, sure, but it's predominantly defined by unique traits and accomplishments. You look back on it once the credits roll in awe of where you've been and what Aloy has become. And once you're done processing the impact of the ending, you'll wonder: where will this possibly go next? It's not immediately clear, but we can't wait to find out."

For more on why we chose Horizon: Zero Dawn as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"Divinity: Original Sin II can be overwhelming, but facing its challenges, helping its inhabitants, and finding out more about yourself and your party members is the ultimate fantasy experience. Original Sin 2 exceeds the accomplishments of its predecessor as a spectacularly crafted RPG that ranks among the greats of the genre. Perhaps the game itself puts it best; 'You're at the beginning of a long journey, Godwoken. Long, but exceedingly interesting.'"

For more on why we chose Divinity: Original Sin II as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"There was a time when Resident Evil was close to becoming irrelevant, estranged from its beloved history. But Resident Evil 7: Biohazard rediscovers its roots and, as a result, marks a return to form for the franchise. It's a bold, expertly crafted survival-horror experience and the best Resident Evil in years."

For more on why we chose Resident Evil 7: Biohazard as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"Super Mario Odyssey is, in effect, a massive playground that encourages you to test the limits of Mario's abilities and your own ingenuity in the face of myriad options. With throwback outfits and retro Mario levels inserted into otherwise 3D spaces, it no doubt appeals most to people with a fondness for Mario's (and Nintendo's) past. But Odyssey is the type of game that feels like a no-brainer for anyone who enjoys the act of play. It's what we at GameSpot call an "essential" game. It not only finds success in playing fast and loose with one of gaming's most recognizable mascots, it succeeds at reaffirming the reasons why Mario is held in such high regard at all."

For more on why we chose Super Mario Odyssey as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"Persona 5 is a game about fighting wrongs; an idealistic, uplifting direction to not stand idly by while others suffer. It deals with complex, difficult issues, but does so by balancing these with moments of hope and levity. In 2017, it's a game that isn't afraid to make a statement. It's the year's most stylish game, but its beauty is far from skin-deep."

For more on why we chose Persona 5 as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.

"Nintendo turned an established genre on its head when it released The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild earlier this year, proving that it's still one of the most influential developers around. We may never be able to look at open-world games the same way again, and it's hard to imagine how anyone will be able to match, let alone top, what is being hailed by many to be one of the greatest games ever made."

For more on why we chose The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as one of the best for 2017, check out our full write-up.