With 2018 spread out before us, it’s easy to get impatient waiting for the many long awaited releases that are slated for the upcoming months. But let’s not forget what an amazing year 2017 was for gaming. With everything from new IP’s to additions to beloved franchises, the last year was full of choices for the best games of the year. Read on to find out what we thought of 2017’s offerings.

#5: PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

PUBG’s grip on online shooter gaming is undeniable: even before its long awaited official release, it rose to the top ten on Twitch’s most watched games. Despite its many glitches, cheaters, and crashes, PUBG has enticed gamers into playing its signature battle royale matches over and over again. It may not be the most polished or aesthetically pleasing game, but with the inclusion of a new desert map and periodic gameplay improvements, PUBG has certainly earned its chicken dinner.

#4: Cuphead

Cuphead, the debut game from StudioMDHR, has the distinct honor of making even those of us who hate bullet hell games fall in love with its intricate hand drawn art and satisfying boss fights. The game commits to its early 20^th century animation aesthetic, providing the player with a completely immersive and refined experience. Even if you’re not attracted to it’s notoriously punishing (if a bit over exaggerated) difficulty level, Cuphead is still worth a play.

#3: Horizon: Zero Dawn

The award for the most original story and world design this year goes to Horizon: Zero Dawn. It’s hard to pass up on robot dinosaurs in a gorgeous post-post-apocalyptic setting, but even without those aspects, Horizon shines by way of its satisfying bow-and-arrow combat. Despite the fact that the game is lacking in some aspects (such as the less-then-elegant human vs. human combat and the robotic dialogue animations), the well-built world, beautiful landscape, and fascinating enemy designs more than make up for its shortcomings.

#2: Super Mario Odyssey

In 2017, the Nintendo Switch rose triumphantly from the ashes of so many unsold WiiUs. While there were only a few major titles released on the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey proves that some times quality can make up for a sheer lack of quantity. With both a classic Super Mario feel and creative new gameplay mechanics, Odyssey is an absolutely joyful game that has something for every type of gamer. The worlds are creative and original, and playing it feels both comforting and exhilarating at the same time. Odyssey earns its second place spot on our list through its charm, painstaking attention to detail, and platforming perfection.

#1: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

After playing the many amazing games that came out in 2017, it was clear that none could hold a candle to Breath of the Wild. It is completely unlike any game we’ve played, and yet it’s still chock full of the nostalgia and delight that only a Zelda game can provide. Breath of the Wild does what every open world game before it has tried and failed to do: it provides a truly open environment with nothing really out of reach. For the first time, Hyrule feels alive and lived in, with NPCs that react realistically to everything from weather changes to battle. The map is dotted with 120 self-contained puzzles that somehow keep from feeling stale or monotonous. In short, Breath of the Wild is the closest to a perfect game that many of us have come across. If you’re planning on playing anything that came out in 2017, Breath of the Wild should be on the top of your list.