Geoff Keighley and the gaming press are once again coming together for the 2017 Game Awards. Lot of great games featured in the many different categories available. Let’s take a look at some of the categories I find interesting, but you can also head over to the website for the full list and to vote!

Game of the Year Nominees

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Super Mario Odyssey
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Persona 5
Horizon Zero Dawn

First off, really solid of nominees in the biggest category. No offense to the other games on this list, but I think it’s a two-horse race between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. The former is a brilliant shake-up of the Zelda formula that had players completely immersed in the world of Hyrule for months. The latter is a monster hit shooter on PC with a unique rule set that differentiates it from the rest of the marketplace. I have not played the latter, but the notion that it’s still an early access title may cause some to question its eligibility this year. Also, of late in particular, cheating has greatly compromised the integrity of the game. While I wouldn’t be surprised to see PUBG win, I think this is Zelda’s crown to lose.

Best Fighting Game

Tekken 7
Nidhogg 2
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
Injustice 2
ARMS

ARMS may have no chance in hell of winning this category, but I’m glad it got a mention here. Despite its myriad of faults, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is rooted in excellent gameplay. This one is another toss-up between Tekken 7 and Injustice 2, and my gut is telling me that the world will give Injustice 2 the nod.

Best Family Game

Splatoon 2
Sonic Mania
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Super Mario Odyssey

Having spent the majority of my time gaming on a Nintendo Switch this year, I’ve had the chance to play all of the nominees in this category. All of these are great, but Super Mario Odyssey is the clear winner.

Best Strategy Game

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen
Tooth and Tail
Total War: Warhammer II
Halo Wars 2
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle

Who would have thought that a best of strategy games lineup would feature Super Mario and the Rabbids? Can’t speak for the other games on this list, but Kingdom Battle is a surprisingly competent strategy game that won me over in a big way. Does it have what it takes to upset some of the grizzled veterans of this category?

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