Sometimes you just don't wanna go outside. When it's not too hot, it's raining. When it's not raining, there's a gas shortage. When there's not a gas shortage, well, it's still the outdoors, but the indoors have better WiFi, so...
If you do choose to stay inside for any reason, there is plenty to keep you busy. 2017 has been a phenomenal year for video games, and here are 10 worthwhile recent releases that you might not have played yet.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Despite fans clamoring for one year after year, it has been more than a decade since Nintendo released a new 2D game in the revered Metroid series (and the last one, 2004's Metroid: Zero Mission, was actually a remake of the 1986 original). The action games emphasize exploration and heavily feature puzzle solving, and while plenty of games over the years have had success with the Metroid blueprint, few can pull it off quite like Nintendo.
Excitement was met with apprehension when Metroid: Samus Returns was finally announced for the Nintendo 3DS earlier this year, because the game's developer, MecurySteam, doesn't have a flawless track record.
But Samus Returns blows those fears out of the water. While it is technically a remake of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus, Samus Returns contains so much new and unique content that it really feels like its own game. It stands out not just as a return to form for Metroid, but as one of the best games in the series.
Uncharted: Lost Legacy
Among its many notable accomplishments, Uncharted 4 was a masterful final stroke in the story of series hero Nathan Drake. When the credits roll, you can sit back and think, "I'm satisfied with the way Uncharted ended. No need for another one."
So, uh... You want to play another one?
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy is a standalone story starring Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, side-characters from earlier in the series. All of the puzzle solving, climbing, shooting of bad guys and scrambling through large set pieces that you would expect from an Uncharted story are here, but the heroes different.
Cynically, Lost Legacy could be seen as an attempt to simply wring as much out of the popular PlayStation-exclusive series as possible. And sure, if you haven't liked any Uncharted game before now, this certainly won't be the one to change your mind. But Chloe and Nadine make for a great adventuring pair, and solid writing combined with great voice acting make this a worthwhile trek.
Golf Story
The beauty of a good golf video game is that you don't have to have even a passing interest in the real sport of golf to enjoy it.
The extra beauty of Golf Story is, as its name implies, its story. Yes, most of your time spent actually playing this retro-looking golf game will be spent hitting balls toward and into holes, but the entire thing is held together by an impressively charming packed packed with fun and interesting characters. As you play, you will level up your golfer and hone your skills to make winning matches easier.
Old-school golf game fans might be excited when I say: Golf Story is like the sequel to the stellar Mario Golf Game Boy Color game that I've wanted for 18 years.
Dusk
Do you miss the era of first-person shooters during which Quake was the king of the hill? So did the developers of Dusk. Set in a rural environment that pits you against hooded cultists and possessed soldiers, Dusk is fast, it's brutal, it's bloody and it's got an old-school look. If
While the full game doesn't launch until the end of October, anybody who pre-purchases Dusk on PC can play the first episode right now. There are a lot of levels in there, but you'll still be craving the rest when you're done.
Knack 2
As a somewhat unexpected sequel to a PS4 launch game that was "OK," Knack 2 isn't one of the most revolutionary games you will play this year. However, it has one significant feature going for it: It's a family-friendly cooperative game for two players.
As Knack, a robot... golem... thing..., players can smash, jump and stomp their way through levels filled with enemies to defeat and platforms to navigate. The developers made some smart decisions to keep the game accessible to all ages, including a variety of difficulty settings that make more sense than the original game's did.
Knack 2 also looks really good, often offering similar visuals to animated movies you might find in theaters.
Sonic Mania
It has been a very long time since Sega released a truly great 2D Sonic game (I might argue that it's been since 1993's Sonic CD, but I can accept arguments for the more recent Game Boy Advance titles as well). The state of the hedgehog mascot's recent games as a whole, in fact, has been... let's say "poor."
But Sonic Mania is really good. Shockingly so, in fact.
It takes everything that was wonderful about the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games on the Sega Genesis and twists them just enough for modern audiences to make something truly wonderful. It feels nostalgic and fresh at the same time. Anyone who, like me, grew up wearing Sonic pajamas should be very pleased by this new game. Bonus: It's a mere $19.99.
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
This game should not be nearly as good as it is.
It's a Mario game, yes, but it's developed by Ubisoft (the Assassin's Creed and Just Dance folks), it's a strategy game (which Mario has never done before) and it co-stars the Rabbids, which are basically the Minions, only not yellow.
But not only does Mario + Rabbids work, it works extremely well. It's a colorful turn-based strategy game that oozes charm, with a lovely soundtrack by renowned game composer Grant Kirkhope and gameplay that resembles the XCOM series. It's easy to pick up, but some of the game's late levels will be really difficult to master. This is easily a high point of the Nintendo Switch's first year as a game console.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
The opening credits for Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice inform you that the developers consulted with mental health professionals. At that point, you might realize that this isn't going to be your typical game experience.
Hellblade is a game about a young Viking woman who hears voices making a slow, atmospheric march toward what seems to be Hell. It's a psychological journey that serves as a surprisingly deep look into a troubled mind in a world where gods and demons seem very real.
While the action is fine (the game is developed by the acclaimed studio behind Heavenly Sword and DmC: Devil May Cry), it's the story and the puzzles that will keep you hooked until the end. It's not a very long game, but it's also budget-priced at $29.99. If you can, play with headphones or a good surround sound system.
Life is Strange: Before the Storm
Life is Strange was an interesting, touching and well-received episodic adventure, that, frankly, didn't need to be added to. It told its story -- almost a mix of Veronica Mars and Donnie Darko -- from beginning to end, and players mostly left satisfied.
But despite not really wanting a prequel, I'm enjoying what I've been given so far.
The series, which will be three episodes long when it concludes, centers around Chloe. She was the rebellious former best friend of the original series' protagonist, and the punk rock, "My mom's boyfriend can't tell me what to do and I'm capable of sneaking out to a concert in a bad part of town" comes through loud and clear.
It shines, though, because the dialogue and moments of character choice do a better job of nailing the "troubled teen" subject matter than most video games even consider trying. If you want a game that isn't at all focused on action or shooting things, this might be a solid choice.
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
A new entry in a great fantasy stealth series, concluding an interesting story arc, for a discounted price ($29.99)? Yes, please.
Death of the Outsider directly follows the events of last year's Dishonored 2. The gameplay isn't remarkably different from that game (save some new supernatural abilities to play with), but if you've been with the series since the beginning, you'll want to know where the story goes.
If you haven't ever played a Dishonored game before? The plot will probably lose you quick. But if a game in which you sneak around big, open environments as a supernatural assassin in a Victorian-esque setting sounds up your alley, I highly recommend jumping on board.
