Introduction

Game On! 2017

November 2017

Last year I mentioned the Xbox One Scorpio (now aptly named Xbox One X) and it will be released November 7th! Expect your local library to be adding titles moving forward. The good news is that all Xbox One games are backwards compatible. So, for instance, if you get Forza 7 it will work if you have Xbox One, Xbox One S or the X. Also on the list this year are Nintendo SWITCH games! Libraries already have them, so please check them out. Finally, and although you’ll find this list heavy on PS4 and Xbox One games, expect to see all the usual systems I normally add as well. Happy gaming!

Recommended Games

Rated E for Everyone

Forza Motorsport 7
ISBN: 0889842227826
So why does Forza make my list every year? I’m not even that big of a racing game enthusiast. With that said, this is ALWAYS a fun series to play. My point is that, even if you’re not into this type of game, you’re immediately drawn to it. Also, the fact that there are over 700 cars, dynamic weather conditions, online play, you can customize your vehicle and character AND if you have one of those new Xbox One X systems, you get true 4K and HDR! It speaks for itself. (Available on Xbox One)
The Golf Club
ISBN: 0814290013103
The Golf Club is a new franchise ready to set the golfing world on fire - well, not really. Is it fun? You bet. Does it have features? Yeah. Cool stuff like course creation, course editing, tours, tournaments, stat tracking, social media and, of course, online play. Give it a shot. (Available on Xbox One)
Madden NFL 18
ISBN: 0014633370034
So many new things this year, but one of the coolest features is the “Long Shot” story mode. You shape the future of forgotten prospect Devon Wade in this football redemption story. Along with that comes all new play styles, coaching adjustments, target passing, ultimate team and amazing online play. Every year this franchise keeps getting better. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Mario Kart 8
ISBN: 0045496590475
What’s not to love about Mario Kart? From its first implementation back in the 90s it’s been a fan favorite. This version features 4 player racing along with new vehicles, characters, weapons etc… all in glorious 1080p. The only real downfall is that it’s not on other platforms other than Nintendo. Smart for Nintendo, sad for gamers. (Available On Switch, Wii U)
Mario Sports Superstars
ISBN: 0045496744496
Though not too much of a handheld gamer these days, I couldn’t help but add this fun title to the list. You get 5 sports in soccer, baseball, tennis, golf and horse racing! You can pick from a host of characters along with local or even online play. Remember, this is Mario sports, so expect fun, thrills and unexpected turns! (Available on 3DS)
MLB The Show 17
ISBN: 0711719504597
The World Series is set, L.A. vs. Houston. Don’t like the teams involved or the outcome? Then you need to get the all new MLB The Show! Featuring the “Road to the Show” RPG mode, retro mode, year to year saves, new way to play mode with managerial and gameplay options, plus more! You want this. (Available on PS4)
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
ISBN: 0083717203193
So, a new year, a new PES game. So why should you care? For starters, year in and year out this is the best soccer game made, period! Others come close, but no one beats this franchise. It always makes my list, and for good reason. The gameplay has been fine-tuned, new co-op 2v2 or 3v3, random match selection, presentation overhaul, just to name a few. You won’t be sorry, if you can get a copy. (Available on PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360)

Rated E 10+ for Everyone Ages 10 and Up

Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
ISBN: 0045496590420
While Nintendo is late to party with its new console Switch, it’s titles like this that really are moving the system forward. Nintendo knows how to sell a game, and with that, its system. It may be in the number 3 position but will always survive. After a 100 year slumber, Link wakes up in a land he doesn’t recognize anymore. This rendition is more open world than ever before and much more dangerous too. It’s so big that there are a myriad of ways to get around, such as horseback, raft, shield sliding and even a paraglider. If you’re even a tiny bit of a Zelda fan, you won’t be disappointed. (Available on Switch, Wii U)
Lego City Undercover
ISBN: 0883929580224
Another Lego game? You bet! There’s crime in the city, so you need to go undercover to stop Rex Fury. The city is yours on your mission with the ability to explore 20 districts, wear disguises, access to over 100 vehicles, hand to hand combat, 300 unlockable players and much more! (Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, 3DS)
The Lego Ninjago Movie
ISBN: 0883929597833
So my kids can’t get enough of this movie, toys, and now the video game. I do get to play it with them, so I’m not complaining too much. More importantly, it’s fun, really fun, and has all the cool Lego stuff you’ve become accustomed to over the years. Play the movie storyline, play with friends online or local, and in an all new battle mode, along with new maps and so much more. (Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
Lego Worlds
ISBN: 0883929561803
Much in the way that Minecraft was inspired by Lego (whether they know it or not), Lego has been inspired by Minecraft (whether they know it or not). In this game you can create a world full of Legos. You can discover new worlds, create new characters, race, soar and zoom on a variety of vehicles and creatures, from diggers and helicopters to horses and dragons. Along with online play with challenges or co-op. A must have for any Lego fan. (Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
NHL 18
ISBN: 0014633370065
What can I say, they don’t change much in this franchise from year to year, but it’s always so much fun that it has to make my list. While the changes are subtle, it’s enough to have you coming back for more. Things like the all new creative attack control, new defensive skill stick, arcade style 3 on 3 NHL Threes mode, expansion draft mode for a 32nd team, and as always rock solid online and co-op play. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Super Bomberman R
ISBN: 0083717271017
A classic, revitalized for the Switch. There’s a 1-8 player TV mode, 1-4 player tabletop mode and a 1 player hand held mode. Lots of battle to be had in this ultra-fun game. You can also play the story mode where you’ll need to save the galaxy across 50 stages, including 3D and dynamic environments. Well known enemies are back, all with online or local play. Boom! (Available on Switch)
Super Mario Odyssey
ISBN: 0045496590741
Use amazing new abilities like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies. Collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser's wedding plans! This game features new locales, the ability to throw your hat and see what happens, snapshot mode and of course multiplayer! (Available on Switch)
Wipeout Omega
ISBN: 0711719509431
Wipeout was always one of my favorite franchise games. It still is in a lot of ways. What they’ve done here is taken the games Wipeout HD, Wipeout HD Fury and Wipeout 2048 and have remastered them completely. If you have a PS4 Pro you’ll get the 4K experience with HDR! Everything you know and love is here, from ultra-fast heart pounding gameplay to super smart AI, to the ultra-smooth graphics coming at you at what feels like a million miles per hour. Palpitations never felt so good. (Available on PS4)

Rated T for Teen

Destiny 2
ISBN: 0047875880986
Instead of just pushing out a sequel, this was redesigned from the ground up. All the issues with the first game were painstakingly tinkered with and, for the most part, resolved. Gameplay has been updated, as well as characters, online play, worlds and, of course, the story. This is one of the best shooters out right now, and it’s to be expected, as Bungie is the developer of the Halo series, and they umm, know that they’re doing. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Dirt 4
ISBN: 0816819014066
The Dirt series is back, and it’s the best rendition yet. Off road racing is something you may not want to do with your own vehicle, so why not choose from 50 of the most awesome off road cars ever built? Millions of routes span across Spain, Australia, Michigan, Sweden and Wales. Also go through Dirt Academy, career mode, landrush, joyride, damage and repairs, online gaming and way more! A clean car is an unhappy car. (Available on PS4, Xbox One)
Halo Wars 2
ISBN: 0889842148435
While real time strategy is not everyone’s cup of tea, this game does it really well. You’ll find yourself getting into this style of gameplay, even if you thought you weren’t a fan. The battlefield is the biggest yet, a new kind of enemy, a new kind of strategy and online play, man, oh man, the online play. Everything from skirmish, strongholds, domination, deathmatch and blitz. Get some! (Available on Xbox One)
Horizon Zero Dawn
ISBN: 0711719503484
Open world? Check. Third person gameplay? Check. Action role player? Check. What’s not to like about this game? If any of the above even tickles your fancy, you need this game. In this post-apocalyptic game you traverse across a gorgeous landscape run by robotic creatures called “Machines”. You can destroy them by using tripwires, explosives, arrows and spears. You can loot afterwards to gain much needed metal for your character. The settings include day and night cycles with dynamic weather across forest, jungle, desert and mountain ranges. A must have. (Available on PS4)
Injustice 2
ISBN: 0883929588671
Ever wonder what it would be like if Superman battled Batman? A little known fact, they’re Super Friends! See what I did there? A new more involved storyline, along with classic characters like The Flash, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and new villains like Deadshot, Atrocitus and Gorilla Grodd. Developed by the team that brought Mortal Kombat, they bring a level of gameplay and storylines that are just top notch. Not to mention that you can control how your player looks and performs by leveling up across a multitude of game modes. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Uncharted: the Lost Legacy
ISBN: 0711719510475
This game takes place 6-12 months after A Thief’s End (last year’s list). It is also the first game in the series to not star Nathan Drake. It follows Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross as they scout India for the Tusk of Ganesh. Vast landscapes that you get to explore along with a great new storyline are the first things you notice. Multiplayer is present and very well done. One of the best in the series. (Available on PS4)

Rated M for Mature

Assassin's Creed Origins
ISBN: 0887256028428
This game goes all the way back to the beginning. It's set in ancient Egypt, and your actions will help create the Ancient Brotherhood. Set in an open world where you can explore the complete systemic vast landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. Powered by a new fight philosophy, Assassin's Creed Origins embraces a brand new RPG direction where players level up, loot, and choose abilities to shape and customize their very own skilled Assassin as they grow in power and expertise while exploring the entire country of Ancient Egypt. Also, if you have an Xbox One X, you'll get true 4K. Can't complain about that. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Call of Duty WWII
ISBN: 0047875881129
The developers went back to their roots for this game. Set during WWII, this first person shooter doesn't hold back when it comes to combat. This game offers multiplayer and a host of new modes, system and gameplay innovations across map locations, while an all-new Nazi Zombies Cooperative mode unleashes a new story-line. If you're a fan of this series, it doesn't disappoint. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Mass Effect: Andromeda
ISBN: 0014633734096
The action role playing series is back, and this game take places years after the original trilogy. If you’ve played those games, you’ll get some bits and pieces, but it’s not necessary to enjoy this game. You’ve ventured out in the Andromeda Galaxy and must search for a new home for all mankind. It’s not going to be easy, as you’ll have to explore vast deep space, battle alien hostiles, build and customize your crew, all while trying to not get killed and ruin mankind’s last ditch effort at the survival of our species. You got what it takes? (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Middle Earth Shadow Of War
ISBN: 0883929583775
It's very exciting that a new game is out in the Middle Earth series. After the first game, it's no wonder why. In this all new sequel, expect some pretty great things, such as the Nemesis System using strategy, cunning, or brute force to conquer Sauron’s fortresses and turn them against him. Immerse yourself in the epic scale of Middle-Earth as you forge a new Ring and siege epic fortresses to face the Dark Lord and his Nazgul. You really can't go wrong with this action role playing game that's set in the third perspective. The game even has dynamic weather and a night day cycle to really set the tone. A must play. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Prey
ISBN: 0093155171473
Back in what I like to call “the day” was a first person shooter called Prey. There was a sequel announced called Prey 2 that never saw the light of day. A revival of the game was planned instead. This is where Prey (2017) steps in. It’s not a sequel or a remake and has nothing to do with the original game. In the movie business they’d call that a “re-imagining”. The game takes place in the year 2032 where you wake up on the Talos-1 where something is definitely wrong. You find that you’re being hunted by, you guessed it, aliens, and you need to fight back with the tools and weapons you pick up along the way, with some new abilities as well. Definitely worth playing. (Available on Xbox One, PS4)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
ISBN: 0013388560288
Capcom has a few games where they really shine every time, and Resident Evil is one of them. If you want a creepy first person survival game, then look no further. This rendition of the game has quite a few great things going for it. The smooth gameplay and excellent story are among the few. The atmosphere is top notch this time around, along with the mind bending puzzles you’ll need to solve to get through the game as well. It tries new things and sticks to things that worked in the past as well. It very rarely leaves the player scratching their head. An absolute must for any horror game fan. (Available on PS4, Xbox One)
Sniper Elite 4
ISBN: 0812303010576
You’re in Italy, and it’s 1943 during WWII. You don’t have time to adore the amazing countryside but instead have to fight with the Italian Resistance to fight fascism and a new threat that could jeopardize the victory in Europe. This third person shooter features amazing ballistics, emergent stealth, expansive campaigns, an extensive arsenal, tactical co-op and of course multiplayer! (Available on PS4, Xbox One)
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
ISBN: 0093155172425
This action adventure first person shooter takes places after the first game as B.J. Blakowicz is waking up from a 5 month coma. The game utilizes a health system in which players' health is divided into separate sections that regenerate; if an entire section is lost, players must use a health pack to replenish the missing health. Players use melee attacks, firearms, and explosives to fight enemies and may run, jump, and occasionally swim to navigate through the locations. This game is locked and loaded and definitely ready to be played. (Available on PS4, Xbox One)

Coming Soon...

Need for Speed Payback
ISBN: 0014633735222
Release date: 11/10/2017 (Available on Xbox One, PS4) Rated T for Teen
Star Wars Battlefront II
ISBN: 0014633735321
Release date: 11/17/2017 (Available on Xbox One, PS4) Rated T for Teen