Top 5 Games of the year: Chris' picks18/12/2017  It was quite difficult choosing my top five games of the year, not least because I seem to have trouble grasping the concept of time and originally added in two titles from last year...
5. The Escapists 2 The Escapists 2 improves on the original in a multitude of ways: upgraded graphics make a notable difference right off the bat, prisons are bigger than ever to accommodate up to three other players in co-op - without making them so expansive as to make navigation a pain - there are new challenges to complete, new escape methods, an expanded crafting system, and a suite of customisation options that further set it apart from its predecessors. It's by no means a perfect game, but the budget price and relaxing pace make it a good shout in my book. 4. Mass Effect Andromeda The closing moments of Mass Effect 3 seemed to divide people the way Marmite does, in that you either hate it, or you're wrong. Andromeda shies away from that controversy by setting itself in a galaxy 600 light years away. Starting anew meant that significant changes could be made to the formula, and, although they weren't all well received, it felt like a much needed fresh start for the series. Of all the criticisms levelled at the game, you can't say the story was uninspired because, as we pointed out in our review, it was quite literally inspired by the original trilogy. Even derivative, some might say. Regardless, it was a solid attempt at something new and there's a lot to build on going forward. 3. South Park: The Fractured But Whole The Stick of Truth was an outstanding game that needed no improvement. Evidently, Ubisoft didn't get that memo because The Fractured But Whole fixes things that weren't even broken. The most striking change is the completely overhauled combat system, which has been upgraded to such an extent that it makes revisiting The Stick of Truth seem like a real step backwards. There are more classes to choose from, more companions to assist you in combat, or whilst exploring, and tons of references for fans of the show. Add to that a completely bonkers story that wouldn't be possible in any other universe, and you've got a near flawless gem. 2. Assassin's Creed Origins Another sequel that ditches the old formula and replaces it with something fresh, Assassin's Creed Origins takes the skill tree from the Far Cry series and the extensive map from Ghost Recon Wildlands and meshes those elements with its own DNA, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its individual parts. Visually, it's nothing short of stunning (especially on Xbox One X), with populated urban areas, open air markets and temples giving way to rolling sand dunes around the Pyramids, making grabbing screenshots with the in-game photo mode a genuine treat. To top it all off, the clunky, never-quite-right combat system has been reworked into something more accessible without being overly simplistic. 1. For Honor For Honor definitely had a rocky start, but its unique "Art of Battle" combat mechanics keep a devoted few coming back. Actually, "few" is maybe a little unfair, as more and more players are picking this up thanks to the occasional free weekend and ongoing improvements. The game is incredibly easy to pick up and play, but mastering a particular hero takes dedication. While it's possible to pull off devastating combos, an experienced opponent almost always has a way of countering you and turning the tables. Ubisoft haven't confirmed a second year of content, though with long-awaited dedicated servers on the way it seems fairly likely. It’s also worth noting that Rainbow Six Siege was in a similar position upon release, which has me hopeful for the future. If you're yet to get your hands on this innovative fighting game, now's as good a time as any. What do you think of Chris’ picks? Be sure to share yours with us below or over in the forums.
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