This has certainly been quite the eventful year. Went through more college fun times, shit storms were happening left right and center, everyone was stressed out, but honestly I'd say everyone is happy to leave this year behind. We are also happy because there have been some great games.

In this I will be covering the games I quite enjoyed this year, including one that still isn't fully released, and maybe a few I missed out on as well as games I honestly didn't care for. I might also mention a few things they could have done better for the future if there were issues or honestly a bad decision here and there.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir

Technically a remake/re-release, but this deserves a mention. Completely fixed all the issues the original release of the game had, with the only real issue being that the game became easier as a result. The main challenges the game has are the new bosses added in that fight with the new mechanics in mind. Still a really beautiful game. Cornelius and Mercedes are my favorites.

Stardew Valley

Not much I can say about this. Really well made. Farm stuff, marry your waifu/husbando, farm more stuff. They're still updating the game and it's only getting better.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero

Small disclaimer: I am a backer for this game. Not something I should mention, but I'll say it anyway.

The only downside I can say for this game is that it's the shortest in the series, but most of that accounts for the fact that it's not a Metroidvania anymore that has a lot of empty space. Despite this, it's by far the best in the series. Really good looking, fun to play, it's just a shame that we couldn't get any of the other chapters. There's more to come on this bad boy, and if you haven't been able to get it yet you should.

Can't wait for my blue outfit, woo.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

Admittedly, I was on the fence about this game for a while, until I saw Halfcoordinated's fantastic run in SGDQ 2016. If you haven't seen the run, give it a watch. While you're at it, give the man a follow on twitch or some shit, really awesome guy.

The general gist is that it's a metroidvania, you slap around monsters with a leaf and you also have a bow. A lot of people make this game out to be really difficult but it honestly isn't that bad unless you're playing on the hardest difficulty. The real challenge on normal/hard mode is trying not to get hit on bosses to get that sweet sweet bonus. Cat form is really cute, the game in general is a joy to play, some sections can be challenging especially if you're going for a pacifist run, and honestly like the little things they added in.

Pokémon Sun and Moon

Really good Pokémon game. A lot of the new additions are fantastic, my personal favorites being Primarina, Tsareena, and Mimikyu. The difficulty was well done, to loosely quote Werster the game's difficulty is the best it's ever been. With the Player Character constantly getting stronger with unlimited TMs, no need for HMs this game, Mega Evolution, and now Z-Moves, it's really well done that the AI Trainers still manage to keep up and be a challenge. The story line is really well done and all of the characters are likeable. Shout outs to Hapu.

To talk about cons: I really disliked the Rotom Dex, talks too much. The game holds your hand too much (as in it typically heals you before certain fights, etc.), and maybe they could have made Lillie do a bit more. She's the main character, come on! Oh well, here's to hoping the next Pokémon game shows us how much of a strong trainer she becomes.

Owlboy

What a fantastic game, honestly. I played the really old demo they released around... 4-6 years ago I believe and have been anticipating its release since then. Honestly, it was worth the wait. Game is really beautiful, although the game play isn't that "exciting" it still does what it wants to do and does it right. Tight controls, rolling around gets even better when you get the cape upgrade, honestly all the characters are well done. My favorite out of the crew was Alphonse, I really enjoyed his character and the way he acts as the voice of reason. Good stuff. This game also tugged at some heart strings for me, ending was great.

Game of the Year:Bravely Second: End Layer

This game put this series into my favorite games overall. All the improvements that they did to the game play as well as the fantastic story line honestly caught me off guard. Although it's sad that Agnes isn't a party member this game, I liked both Magnolia and Yew for who they were and what they brought to the table. The boss designs for all the Ba'als are fantastic. I enjoyed all the Ba'al jokes, the meanings behind them were pretty awesome, and honestly my personal favorite to fight against is Ba'al i: Turtle Dove if only because of the "Love" mechanic it uses. Design wise I thought Apparati looked really cool. Special mention goes to the boss fights in the last side quest.

Edea is honestly still my favorite character, especially like how they kept true to her character. The dynamic she got with Tiz this game was also really well done showing how close they were with how much more they were willing to make fun of each other. This is the first time in a long while I've been excited for a sequel. Bring on Bravely Third, Squeenix! I'm ready.

Honorable Mention:Distance

Although still not fully released, I can say this was another good year for Distance. I can't recommend this game enough. Even though the story isn't going to release this year, there are still a lot of good maps for everyone to play.

Awesome thing is that you can place some songs into a folder for the game to play, as well as a Boombox feature. They also recently released the Ghost Update which is pretty cool.

Game is most likely release next year, so if anyone plans on getting it next year I'll see you then in the lobbies.

Games I wanted to play but funds are limited: The Last Guardian, Thumper, I am Setsuna, Ittle Dew 2, Final Fantasy XV, Salt and Sanctuary, Tales of Berseria, Klang

Looking forward to next year: Persona 5, Yooka-Laylee, Kingdom Hearts 2.8, Kingdom Hearts 3

Games I didn't care about at all: Overwatch, No Man's Sky, Mario Maker

As a last message, I would like to just tell everyone who might still be stressed out to cheer up a little. Things are not as bad as it seems, and I'm sure that it will get better over time. Keep on fighting, everyone.

Happy Holidays!