By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:44 pm
Level Up
2017 has been a remarkable year for gaming, and a significant part of that has been the year's role-playing games. Many of the year's best games have been RPGs, from Persona 5 and Divinity: Original Sin II to Golf Story and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions. Regardless of the style you like, 2017 has great RPGs for almost everyone--and across every platform. In this gallery, we're taking a look at the RPGs that got a score of 8 or above on GameSpot. Genres aren't black and white, but for this list, we've included games that are role-playing games first and foremost--while many of the year's best games include some RPG-inspired mechanics, like skill trees, we've left them off here. Click forward to see 2017's best-reviewed RPGs, and make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features for more. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best strategy games, best sports games, best action-adventure games, best fighting games, and best shooters. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
Torment: Tides of Numenera (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"Torment wants you to dig through its hamlets and delve into its dungeons on your own. It isn't about cutting down waves of foes, it's not about being the one true hero, and it's not wish fulfillment. Narrative is an end in itself. Story is the everything, and the play that backs that story, while minimal, gives the experience a weight that's too often lost in other games. Torment defines itself as codified opposition to current trends, but that's also not all it is. Using pools of points to set limits on its players and driving player expression through curiosity are novel additions to one of gaming's oldest genres. Taken together, Torment is far more than just a phenomenal role-playing game. It's a challenge to restore the depth and nuance for which the genre was once known." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Persona 5 (PS3, PS4) -- 9/10
"Within Persona 5 is a complex set of interconnected gameplay mechanics, and in almost every aspect Atlus has executed on its vision exceptionally, barring the pacing issues towards the end. At every turn, it presents something to marvel at, whether it's the fluid combat, vibrant world, or the many memorable characters….It's stuffed to bursting point with gameplay ideas and presentation flourishes--there's an overwhelming level of artistry in every part of Persona 5, making it a truly standout entry in the series. It's a refined, effortlessly stylish RPG that will be talked about for years to come." [Read the full review] -- Lucy James
Dragon Quest Heroes II (PC, PS4) -- 8/10
"Dragon Quest Heroes II is a JRPG on fast forward. The gradual addition of new party members, the rollout of plot twists, and other typical genre roadmarkers come at you at a fast clip. If it normally takes 100 hours to amass a kill count of 10,000 enemies, this game lets you reach such milestones in less than 10. And, as one of the many spinoffs of the 20-year-old Dynasty Warriors series, it retains the best elements of the franchise's trademark combat, where you decimate armies with rudimentary, albeit flashy, combos. Dragon Quest Heroes II distinguishes itself from its equally great predecessor with its free roam-friendly fields of battle, which feel like an homage to the open expanses of mainline Dragon Quest games." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age (PS4) -- 9/10
"While its enhancements do not translate into a brand new game for existing fans, The Zodiac Age is nonetheless invigorating. For an experience that can last over a hundred hours, the subtle tweaks therein go a long way in showcasing Final Fantasy 12's grand trek in a new light. Its epic, lore-abundant story and its time-tested Gambit System should also appeal to those who missed out on the mainline series' trip to Ivalice the first time around. And thanks in part to the new audio and speed options, The Zodiac Age is an ideal definitive edition: one that improves the game over its original version across the board." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood (PC) -- 8/10
"If the final fight of Stormblood's story was anything to go by, expectations for the new Savage difficulties on the horizon are also high. There are some annoying post-launch issues regarding instanced areas, as well as a new policy of kicking players in high-population worlds at peak times. However, Stormblood has already gone above and beyond the experience delivered in Heavensward, and there's no doubt that Final Fantasy XIV now has the content and longevity it needs to keep players engaged." [Read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Undertale (Review Updated For PS4, Vita) -- 9/10
"Without spoiling the many ways it will screw with your expectations, it isn't possible to truly capture how wonderful Undertale is. You wouldn't know it with a passing glance, but it's one of the most progressive and innovative RPGs to come in a long time, breaking down tradition for the sake of invention, with great success." [Read the full review] -- Tyler Hicks
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana (PS4) -- 8/10
"Even when it falters, it's hard to hate Ys VIII for long. The feel of fighting your way through a big, beautiful island of untamed wilderness to save a group of people brought together by circumstance while uncovering an ancient mystery is an absolute delight, and will compel you to keep exploring for hours on end. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the exploits of Adol Christin, you'll find a lot to enjoy in the exotic world of Ys VIII." [Read the full review] -- Heidi Kemps
Divinity: Original Sin II (PC) -- 10/10
"From lonely farmhouses through pitched battles with gods in far-flung dimensions, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the most captivating role-playing games ever made. Its immaculately conceived and emotion-wrought fantasy world, topped by brilliant tactical combat, make it one of the finest games of the year thus far, and it has to be regarded as an instant classic in the pantheon of RPG greats." [Read the full review] -- Brett Todd
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (3DS) -- 8/10
"When Nintendo announced a Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga remake for the 3DS, I wasn't sure I needed it. The beautiful 2D art, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and blend of action- and turn-based RPG gameplay of the Game Boy Advance original still feels every bit as vibrant and engaging today as it did when it came out 15 years ago. But after playing through Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, I'm absolutely convinced that it is the definitive way to experience one of Nintendo's best RPGs." [Read the full review] -- Heidi Kemps
South Park: The Fractured But Whole (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Fractured But Whole succeeds as an interactive South Park mini-series, while effectively emulating the show's current style of adult-targeted entertainment and satirization of political correctness. In other words, it's consistently amusing and provocative without the edginess the series used to be known for." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Golf Story (Switch) -- 8/10
"It can take a little while for the narrative to ramp up in Golf Story and for you to feel like you've really cultivated the skills of a champion, but based on the sheer scope of what the game delivers, there's likely something for everyone to enjoy whether their shtick is mini-golfing or terrorising delinquents with frisbees. It has successfully captured the trappings of yesteryear's RPGs, and the witticisms and idiosyncrasies of the characters you encounter are a great palate cleanser between rounds. Switch has had a swathe of indies hit its eShop recently, but if you're looking for something that'll give you satisfaction in terms of an interesting story and a rewarding mechanic, then Golf Story is certainly par for the course." [Read the full review] -- Ginny Woo
Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (3DS) -- 8/10
"Though they aren't very different from their predecessors, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon make enough changes to stand apart as the definitive version of the seventh generation games. An overly complicated story is offset by charming details that bring even more life to the most vibrant Pokemon region to date, and small fixes iron out the shakier parts of the original journey. If you make it through Alola a second (or even first) time, you'll be rewarded with a fun-filled and uplifting Pokemon adventure with its own share of spoilery surprises in store." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth (3DS) -- 8/10
"The combination of careful, quiet exploration punctuated by fierce combat is what makes Beyond the Myth so much fun. Seeing your meticulously planned party finally take down a fearsome FOE that's been giving you trouble for hours is immensely satisfying, while little text-based side events that litter the dungeons as you explore are enjoyable in a different but no-less-engaging way. By focusing instead on small improvements to systems and ideas that already worked well, Etrian Odyssey 5 is a long and challenging RPG that sucks you in and leaves you determined to see what lies above." [Read the full review] -- Heidi Kemps
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Switch) -- 8/10
"The original version of Skyrim is still an immense, engrossing RPG, and the quality, number, and variety of its quests makes it as easy to become lost in its world as ever. With the addition of Zelda-themed gear that's actually useful--and the fact that you can play anywhere--the Switch version of Skyrim is a great excuse to revisit a much-loved RPG." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:43 pm
Aiming High
2017 had no shortage of great games to play. For shooter fans, this year brought a mix of bombastic action, serious tactics, and even squids. From games as different as Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus and Splatoon 2 to the annual Call of Duty installment, there was a good mix of shooters in 2017 across a variety of platforms, including VR. In this gallery, we're looking back at the shooters that got a score of 7 or above on GameSpot. While quite a few games have shooting-based combat, this list includes games that are shooters above all else. Click forward to see 2017's best-reviewed shooters. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best strategy games, best sports games, best action-adventure games, best fighting games, and best RPGs. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
Call of Duty: WWII (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"Seen through the eyes of an American soldier and a few other Allies, this affecting story offers brief glimpses of how the Nazi occupation ravaged Europe and its people, including German civilians. It's emblematic of a game that--along with its multiplayer modes--delivers practically everything that one looks for in a pick-up-and-play shooter set in the Western Front of World War II while also breaking free of Call of Duty's formulaic trappings." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"The New Colossus never lets you forget who and why you're fighting. Nazi brutality is on full display, from the blown-out, irradiated remains of Manhattan to each of the resistance members, who all carry mental scars if not physical ones. You're never given a chance between cutscenes, missions, and even downtime on the U-boat to lose sight of the Reich's cruelty. Wolfenstein's tense gameplay elevates this further by giving you the power to truly resist--and come out of each battle ready for another fight." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"For longtime fans, Full Clip Edition doesn't offer much to be excited about. Additions like Overkill Mode and the upgraded visuals are certainly welcome, but fundamentally, this is the same game they already played in 2011. That said, the experience absolutely holds up: the skillshot system remains wildly fun and inventive, the weapons are still a gruesome joy, and the writing...well, it's as distinctive as ever. If you missed Bulletstorm when it originally released--and based on sales numbers, you probably did--now's the time to treat yourself to a clever if cringe-worthy blockbuster." [Read the full review] -- Scott Butterworth
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies Chronicles (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Zombies Chronicles takes a good combination of maps and upgrades them with great attention to detail. Newer Zombies features keep the collection modern, but its greatest strength is in the lighting and audio upgrades, which make the Zombies experience that many fans obsessed over before feel creepier, more tense, and more exhilarating than ever." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
Destiny 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Success through strong teamwork is absolutely the best part of Destiny, and the top-to-bottom tweaks and additions in Destiny 2 make it more accessible without dampening your sense of accomplishment. Meeting the level requirement for the Nightfall or Raid and actually completing it are two very different things, and getting in sync with your Fireteam and flawlessly executing a strategy takes a lot of work. You'll most likely fail, but each failure helps you perfect your strategy incrementally, and the process of collectively achieving that goal is immensely satisfying." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
Lawbreakers -- 8/10 (PC), 7/10 (PS4)
"One sign of any worthwhile team-based shooter is a level of accessibility where everyone feels they can contribute no matter their play style, and Lawbreakers succeeds in this manner. And while the lack of Deathmatch is a lost opportunity, its sufficient playlist of modes offers a viable outlet to flaunt your kill/death ratio, even if it's at the expense of team success. What counts is that its fresh anti-gravity mechanics transcends its first-glance novel appeal and creates limitless combat situations that will be new and inviting to many shooter fans." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Sniper Elite 4 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Sniper Elite 4 feels like a natural progression for this series, as Rebellion continues to refine its systems and put a greater emphasis on the long-range shooting it does so well. Its stealth and action mechanics may be simplistic, but they're functional and regularly enjoyable. And the maps--with their impressive scale, open-ended objectives, and clever level design--coalesce these disparate systems into a creative and fulfilling whole. There are still some issues with AI inconsistency, a bland story, and some dull competitive multiplayer, but it finally feels like this series is living up to its long-standing potential." [Read the full review] -- Richard Wakeling
Splatoon 2 (Switch) -- 8/10
"At first glance, Splatoon 2 seems very similar to the first game. But all the small changes, and even the bigger ones in single player and League Battles, make for a fresh take on the already unique shooter. If you played a lot of the original, the sequel has enough to keep you coming back, and if you're new to the game, it's a fantastic place to jump in." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
Strafe (PC) -- 8/10
"At first glance, Strafe looks as if it's resting on the laurels of the old-school, hyper-fast, and gory first-person shooters from the '90s. Oftentimes, it actually does lean heavily on the likes of Doom and Quake, but working within those confines and introducing a roguelike structure, Strafe emerges as a uniquely thrilling shooter with plenty of charm in its own right. It teeters between being mindlessly fun and cautiously strategic to the backdrop of a perfectly executed electronic soundtrack, teaching you something new with each run." [Read the full review] -- Michael Higham
Doom (Switch) -- 7/10
"If you can stand to look at a lesser version of Doom's once captivating world, you'll find that the game plays well enough on Switch so long as you've got a TV in front of you and a Pro Controller in hand. There's nothing else like it on a portable system, but be prepared to face a handful of compromises, especially if you're used to playing on other platforms. It's an impressive port that begs you to consider gameplay over graphics, and it succeeds more often than not." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Farpoint (PS4 via PSVR) -- 7/10
"Despite shifting gears in surprising ways and extending the life of its gunplay by remixing levels, Farpoint is more like a proof of concept than a game designed to push the envelope on its own terms. It'll give you a taste of something new for PSVR, and give you hints of what to look forward to if the Aim controller attracts wider support. It's going to be hard to go back to two Move controllers now that Sony's new toy has made a case for itself." [Read the full review] -- Justin Clark
Ghost Recon: Wildlands (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"At the outset, its appears that Wildlands' strength is in its diverse mission types. For every assassination, there's a capture or rescue assignment. Any given sortie might involve hacking, sabotaging, or even stealing a plane. You might even find yourself pulling off the ol' switcheroo with two similar looking trucks. It's never a dull moment, at least for the first 20 or so hours." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:42 pm
The Top Roster
Focusing on intense and riveting face-offs between rival players, fighting games are one of gaming's most celebrated and passionate genres. In addition to new updates for Street Fighter V and Killer Instinct, 2017 saw a number prolific releases from fan-favorite franchises including Tekken 7, Marvel VS Capcom: Infinite, and Injustice 2. In this gallery, GameSpot is taking a look back at the best fighting games that were released in 2017. While some of these releases are a bit unorthodox in their approach and mechanics, the core experience of intense mano-a-mano action remains intact in each of these games. Here are GameSpot's best reviewed fighting games of 2017. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best strategy games, best sports games, best action-adventure games, best shooters, and best RPGs. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
Injustice 2 (PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"With AI battles, online and local versus matches, the diverse and ever-changing Multiverse, and an impressive story mode, Injustice 2 offers numerous ways of engaging with its characters and testing your abilities without feeling repetitive. This variety is further bolstered by gear. Despite the needlessly complex economy tied to item management, the value of customization and expression that comes with gear ultimately makes up for it. And with over 25 characters to explore, it's easy to look forward to watching your next character grow while your understanding of the game continues to expand. NetherRealm has delivered a fighting game that can be enjoyed by new players and pros alike in ways that go beyond pure competition. It's a bar that every fighting game should meet, but one that has up until now seemed out of reach." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Capcom has understood what caused the stagnation of Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's competitive scene and, to some extent, the issues Street Fighter V currently faces. In response it has created a fighting game focused on individuality and expression, with deep systems that reward studious players but also accommodate casuals. As someone who both plays and watches fighting games, I am excited to see what the future holds for Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite." [Read the full review] -- Tamoor Hussain
Tekken 7 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Notwithstanding that ranked matches are currently a crapshoot, Tekken 7 remains an easy game to recommend. Its diverse roster is packed with a wide range of personalities and fighting styles, bolstered by a raucous attitude that begs to be taken seriously while simultaneously mocking its more peculiar whims in the process. Tekken fans will find their next favorite game--one that's the product of decade's worth of refinement. And while some of this depth will be lost or out of reach for newcomers, there's enough fun to be had outside of hardcore competition to keep players from all walks of gaming thoroughly entertained." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
ARMS (Switch) -- 7/10
"Arms is a strong, substantial fighting game that takes a while to really hit its stride. Its barrier to entry is unlike anything else in the genre, but it's one worth tackling in order to get at the game's fascinating take on fighting. It may not have the same skill requirement as other fighting games, but the flexibility and fast thinking it requires secures it as one that works on its own terms and opens the genre up to a wider audience." [Read the full review] -- Kallie Plagge
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:39 pm
The Spirit of Adventure
The action-adventure genre had quite a year in 2017. With massive worlds to explore and countless baddies to fight in some of the year's biggest games--including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Horizon: Zero Dawn, and Nier: Automata--there have been plenty of games in 2017 that channelled the spirit of adventure as they draw players into a massive and vibrant setting. In this gallery, GameSpot is taking a look back at some of the more noteworthy action-adventure games of 2017. While there have been numerous games from the genre in 2017, the following are the ones that made us take notice of the unique experiences they were able to bring to fruition. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best strategy games, best sports games, best fighting games, best shooters, and best RPGs. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch) -- 10/10
"No matter how gorgeous its environments are, how clever its enemies are, and how tricky its puzzles get, the fact that Breath of the Wild continues to surprise you with newfound rules and possibilities after dozens of hours is by far its most valuable quality. It's a game that allows you to feel gradually more and more empowered yet simultaneously manages to retain a sense of challenge and mystery--which, together, creates a steady, consistent feeling of gratification throughout the entire experience. Breath of the Wild is a defining moment for The Legend of Zelda series, and the most impressive game Nintendo has ever created." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Gravity Rush 2 (PS4) -- 9/10
"With a wealth of stories big and small to chew on, Gravity Rush 2 fulfills the needs of both a sequel and a prequel. The first Gravity Rush had enough going for it, but Gravity Rush 2 is stuffed with things to love. While its stealth missions are lame and it's disappointing to experience camera issues from time to time, Gravity Rush 2 excels in almost every other respect, making its predecessor seem quaint by comparison. This is easily one of the best video game sequels in recent memory, and an adventure truly worthy of its excellent lead character." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Horizon: Zero Dawn (PS4) -- 9/10
"This is the first departure from the Killzone series for developer Guerrilla Games, and though you might think the team took a risk by stepping out of its FPS comfort zone to create a third-person open-world action game, you'd never know it was their first rodeo. For every minor imperfection, there's an element of greatness that recharges your desire to keep fighting and exploring Zero Dawn's beautiful and perilous world. Guerrilla Games has delivered one of the best open-world games of this generation, and redefined its team's reputation in the process." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Nier: Automata (PC, PS4) -- 9/10
"Thanks to Platinum Games' knack for riveting and gratifying combat, Automata is Yoko Taro's most exciting game to date. The combat mechanics click after hurdling a low learning curve, and the end result is a skillful dance where balletic dodges complement wushu-inspired aggression. Moreover, this multi-ending trip is generously peppered with surprises and revelations, as well as easter eggs that call back to the first game and the Drakengard series from which Nier spun off. It's a meaty, often exhilarating trek that showcases Platinum Games' and Yoko Taro's unique blend of genius." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Nioh (PC, PS4) -- 9/10
"Although the spectre of potential failure hangs heavy over any play session, dying in Nioh is never genuinely disheartening. This is thanks in part to the various avenues of character growth and many approaches you can utilize to tackle a difficult section or boss fight. It shouldn't be surprising that the foresight and patience needed to survive a battle in Dark Souls translates well to the fundamentals of samurai combat here. Nioh's most invigorating and intimidating moments occur when you feel you're at equal footing with your opponent. And it's during these encounters that one careless move can result in your demise or the right string of thoughtful actions can make you feel invincible." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (PS4) -- 9/10
"The Lost Legacy doesn't signify a new era for Uncharted so much as it presents an opportunity to show the series from new perspectives, for which Chloe and the AI-controlled Nadine are perfectly capable. With a new playable treasure hunter comes new settings and character motivations, wrapped in a comfortingly familiar Uncharted package. The thrill of playing through set pieces that call back scenes from the earlier games is all the more enhanced when seen through the gameplay mechanics introduced in A Thief's End. The initial hours of The Lost Legacy give an "Uncharted Greatest Hits" vibe, but it grows into a more nuanced, clever experience, ranking among the best in the series while also making its own mark as a standalone Uncharted that isn't anchored to Nathan Drake's harrowing exploits." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
Dishonored: Death Of The Outsider (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"Dishonored: Death Of The Outsider is a solid, inventive, yet somewhat subdued capper to the stories from the previous Dishonored games. While the smaller scope can be felt throughout, the approach to allowing players to express themselves as a master assassin is just as strong as ever. It's uncertain where the series can go from here, but this stand-alone release proves that Dishonored is still a remarkably designed stealth-action game with much potential, that offers players the chance to be creative in ways they'd least expect." [Read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (PC, PS4) -- 8/10
"Hellblade's most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua's struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with." [Read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari
Yakuza 0 (PS4) -- 8/10
"Unless you have a strong aversion to violence, sex, or middling graphics, you owe it to yourself to give Zero a chance. Its story will surprise you, its inhabitants will make you laugh at every turn, and its ambitious scope will redefine how you think about open-world games. It's a fascinating adventure no matter how you approach it, and it's proof positive that a game can be wildly inconsistent yet remain a great experience." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Yakuza Kiwami (PS4) -- 8/10
"Kiwami does a great job as both a remake of the original Yakuza game and as a sequel to Zero. Despite that combat remains more of a bump in the road than a rewarding pursuit, it's a no-brainer for existing fans of the series, and shouldn't be overlooked by newcomers, even if Zero passed them by. There's nothing else quite like Yakuza, and Kiwami isn't afraid to show it." [Read the full review] -- Peter Brown
Assassin's Creed Origins (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"While Assassin's Creed Origins reaches great heights in this new setting, it routinely runs into issues that bog down the overall experience. Technical issues make for an inconsistent experience and its new gameplay pillars wobble under the weight of its systems. But despite this, the world of Origins remains fresh and exciting to explore, which is a testament to the remarkable setting and compelling story. Assassin's Creed has undergone many changes in its long and storied history, and Origins feels like the first step in the start of a new journey. It has its fair share of problems, but the vision for its future is one worth pursuing." [Read the full review] -- Alessandro Fillari
Middle-earth: Shadow of War (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"One of the first people you meet in Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a woman with midnight black hair and a dress torn in intentionally strategic locations. You'll then learn that she's a version of Shelob, a giant deadly spider creature. The game explains her mysterious human form in time, and while fans of Lord of the Rings lore might have trouble embracing this unique interpretation of Tolkien storytelling, it shows that Shadow of War is a game that's willing to take risks with its source material. And, in a way, this example represents the full arc of the game: off-putting in the beginning, disappointing in the end, but seeing how they explain it all is an exciting ride." [Read the full review] -- Justin Haywald
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:37 pm
Sports! Sports! Sports!
There was an abundance of fantastic games to play in 2017. For sports fans, the year brought a multitude of top-tier sports games. While there were a fair number of solid entries from many well-known long-running sports game franchises, like Madden and NBA 2K, there were a few notable games in less popular sports, like Cricket and Golf. In this gallery, GameSpot is taking a look back at some of the best sports games from this year that got a score of 7 or above on GameSpot. Click forward to see 2017's best-reviewed sports games. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best strategy games, best action-adventure games, best fighting games, best shooters, and best RPGs. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
Football Manager 2018 (PC) -- 9/10
"For a game that's so consuming you might not even realise the sun's gone down, it feels almost irresponsible to proclaim that giving you more things to do is a resounding positive. Yet the way these new and overhauled systems coalesce with Football Manager's deep and emotional fundamentals is fantastic. The series' propensity for telling emergent stories has only increased with this emphasis on player personalities and morale, and it bleeds into every other facet of Football Manager 2018's design, from transfers and injuries, to team selection and tactical considerations. These are changes that tilt the simulation closer to reality with captivating aplomb, and ensure that the armchair managers among us are kept busy for another whirlwind 12 months of 40-yard screamers and cup final heartbreak." [Read the full review] -- Richard Wakeling
Madden NFL 18 (PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"Overall, Madden 18 marks an unusually large shakeup in a series that, due to its annualized releases, rarely features much more than small, iterative changes. The Frostbite engine allows the game to reach new levels of realism in its visuals, and EA has put a lot of effort into constantly evolving the game to keep it in line with real-world events. But it is the Longshot story mode that defines Madden 18. Some of Longshot is unnecessary spectacle, but its lasting value comes from the humanity that it brings to the game. The moments of vulnerability and sincerity between Devin Wade and Colt Cruise during the story are worthy of celebration and give the overall game a weight that Madden hasn't had before. And if that's not enough to entice you, it's also simply a terrific football game." [Read the full review] -- Alex Newhouse
Everybody's Golf (PS4) -- 8/10
"Longtime fans will find comfort in the familiar controls and deep progression system, while newcomers will find the on-boarding experience easy and welcoming. Between the lengthy career mode and online play, you are never short of competition to test your nerves. And no matter how ridiculously superhuman your linksman skills become--there are awards for getting a hole in one on a par-5, after all--Everybody's Golf's strict adherence to the sport's strategic underpinnings is never compromised." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
MLB The Show 17 (PS4) -- 8/10
"MLB The Show 17 continues the series' fantastic tradition of consistency and refinement. Improvements to its various game modes give you more ways to play the game how you want to, and the action on the field has never been better, with smarter fielding AI, and enhanced ball physics that bring the hitting to life. Commentary is still a little too stilted for my liking, and there are other blemishes lurking throughout. But when you connect with a fastball and send the ball spiralling into a gap in center field, any issues retreat to the back of your mind. This is America's National Pastime at its best." [Read the full review] -- Richard Wakeling
NBA 2K18 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch) -- 8/10
"Basketball is a way of life, and each year, NBA 2K is a big part of that cultural movement. Real NBA players worry about their NBA 2K ratings. This year's entry is incredible in so many ways, from graphics, to soundtrack, to the different modes and ways to play hoops. It becomes clear early on that the fastest and easiest way to progress is by spending real money, slightly marring an otherwise tremendous experience." [Read the full review] -- Seth Macy
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 8/10
"And yet, when you get onto the pitch, no other football game feels as good as PES 2018. The slower pace is a definite improvement, helping tread the line between realism and fun near-perfectly. There's just something about the players' movement and the kinds of arcs the ball makes in the air that's just so pleasant to control--every pass, header, and shot just feels right. And when it clicks, and you score a thunderous strike from the edge of the area or finish off a slick passing move or even when you launch an ugly long ball forward to grab a last-gasp winner, it's the closest feeling you'll get to being out there scoring yourself." [Read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus
Ashes Cricket (PC. PS4, Xbox One)
"Ashes Cricket has definitely got its issues; bad commentary, some rough presentation, only two licensed teams and a few bugs. But ultimately they can be shaken off, because the feeling of enjoyment I get when I'm playing Ashes Cricket is palpable. I haven't played or watched the sport in over 10 years, but sitting down to play here feels intuitive and familiar in a way that's surprisingly comforting. The batting, bowling and fielding all feel better than they have in any other cricket game before, and the sheer variety of game types and customisation offered makes Ashes Cricket, in spite of its issues, a sports game worthy of your time." [Read the full review] -- James Swinbanks
FIFA 18 (PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"It's off the pitch that EA excels. From the variety of game modes on offer and how everything's presented, to the constant updates in FUT's Team of the Week, Daily Objectives, and discussion of real-world happenings in commentary, FIFA 18 captures the world of football and confidently translates it into a video game. On the pitch, however, EA's soccer series is still lagging far behind PES 2018's more fluid, satisfying football. This year's improvements are welcome, but more needs to be done in the coming years if FIFA is to be a world-beater once again." [Read the full review] -- Oscar Dayus
NBA Live 18 (PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"NBA Live 18 is a welcome return for EA's basketball series, but doesn't come close to matching the greatness of NBA 2K11 or 2K16. By contrast, the strengths of The One underscore the uninspired designs of Franchise and Ultimate Team. These mainstays are fine and functional, but feel dated when held up against their deeper counterparts in Madden and NHL. That's not to say this game is short on replayability. Between the WNBA matches and the position variety of The One, NBA Live 18 succeeds--albeit barely--as a viable alternative to NBA 2K18." [Read the full review] -- Miguel Concepcion
NHL 18 (PS4, Xbox One) -- 7/10
"There's still a lot to love about NHL 18, even if the core on-ice experience has only seen minor tweaks. The new modes bring variety to the gameplay, with NHL Threes standing out as a fast-paced, fun way to play hockey. No matter what the mode, gameplay is fast, responsive, and rewarding. And those fresh to the franchise won't feel lost, as NHL goes out of its way to make sure you get up to speed with training, tutorials, and on-screen hints. New players are sure to feel welcome, but for any series veterans, NHL 18 still has some room to improve." [Read the full review] -- Seth Macy
Steep: Road to the Olympics (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
"As it is, the moments where Road to the Olympics shines are when you're shredding through waist-deep powder at breakneck speeds through a picturesque glade, or careening from the very peak of a mountain down through ravines and all the way to the base far below. The new mountain is beautiful and features a good number of opportunities, and it's a welcome expansion of Steep's playable territory. The Olympic events, meanwhile, provide nice diversions when you really want to compete against yourself. The DLC's main feature--the narrative journey to the Olympics--is flawed, unfulfilling, and frustrating, but thankfully there's enough to do elsewhere that Road to the Olympics still helps bolster and revitalize Steep's main appeal. It's good to have a new mountain to throw yourself down." [Read the full review] -- Alex Newhouse
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:28 pm
Strategic Approach
Across a multitude of genres, there were plenty of high-quality games to play in 2017. For strategy fans, the year offered several games with complex systems that were as rewarding as they were mechanically substantial. Whether you were looking for real-time strategy, turn-based strategy, or any sub-genre in-between, there was a game for you. In this gallery, GameSpot is taking a look back at some of the best strategy games from this year that got a score of 7 or above on GameSpot. Click forward to see 2017's best-reviewed strategy games. For more on the best games by score on other big genres, check out our individual features highlighting the best sports games, best action-adventure games, best fighting games, best shooters, and best RPGs. If you want to see our choices for the best games of 2017, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And make sure to check out all our Best of 2017 features, detailing GameSpot's picks for 2017's best games.
XCOM 2: War Of The Chosen (PC, PS4, Xbox One) -- 9/10
"Everything that War of the Chosen brings--from the elite soldiers to the deeper connections between your squads--feels like a living part of the XCOM universe. If you like your deep strategy and brutal turn-based tactics alongside brilliant interplay between camp and emergent drama, there is none better." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Endless Space 2 (PC) -- 8/10
"Any way you look at it, Endless Space 2 is one impressive achievement even taking into account the above paragraph of what are fairly minor gripes given how much this game does extremely well. 4X space sims have long been known as the territory of the serious strategy gamer, but Amplitude has broken away from the pack here. Outstanding depth and tactical challenge have been preserved, although not at the expense of the strong storytelling needed to emphasize the sense of awe and wonder in galactic exploration that's always been a huge part of the genre's appeal. Amplitude has done a masterful job combining these two elements into a single game, where the quests and strategy and politics and economy are all tied into a whole much greater than the sum of its parts." [Read the full review] -- Brett Todd
Fire Emblem: Shadows of Valentia (3DS) -- 8/10
"Fire Emblem Echoes is a fantastic remake and a striking departure from modern Fire Emblem staples. What it lacks in interpersonal character relationships and user-controlled "shipping," it makes up for in meaty, challenging strategy gameplay, engaging exploration sequences, and a tighter overall narrative. Taken both on its own and as part of the larger Fire Emblem franchise, Echoes's unique elements help it stand out from its contemporaries. If you feel like you're up to a lengthy, engaging challenge, then Echoes will satisfy in spades." [Read the full review] -- Heidi Kemps
Gigantic (PC) -- 8/10
"Gigantic may not exactly be wildly innovative, but its likable characters and tactical depth are impressive enough to make an old formula feel fresh again. These key core elements, plus the vital ingredient of a healthy fan base that guarantees you'll pretty much always be able to find a match, make the game stand out, even among the crowded free-to-play MOBA genre." [Read the full review] -- Brett Todd
Steel Division: Normandy '44 (PC) -- 8/10
"Pinning down enemies with suppressing fire is a blast. So, too, is a well-executed offensive that cracks and divides enemy front lines. The adrenaline of pulling together a coordinated attack is priceless, and Steel Division is all about chaining these moments together, directed as they are by an aggressive tie to historical realism. If there's one failing here, it's that the game doesn't offer many chances to explore that rich field on your own before jumping into multiplayer matches. But when it all comes together in the perfect match, Steel Division's magic is undeniable." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Tooth And Tail (PC, PS4) -- 8/10
"Tooth and Tail is a bizarre cocktail of a dozen great ideas. It's a minimalist RTS that tosses out complex tech trees in favor of action-packed but accessible play. It's set vaguely in Eastern Europe in the 1910s, with both the Russian Revolution and World War I in full swing. Playing up the grim tumult of the era, Tooth and Tail also casts itself with all manner of cute--though ragged and crestfallen--critters. With so many disparate items, it's a wonder that Tooth and Tail manages to work at all, but it excels with but a few minor blemishes." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Total War: Warhammer II (PC)
"With Warhammer II, Total War doesn't reinvent anything so much as it iterates on the ideas that made the first so special. At its heart there's still the marriage of Total War's big-scale strategy and Warhammer's precise tactical play. But, through a thousand tiny tweaks, they've refined the experience into one of the most intriguing and exciting strategy games ever." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War III (PC) -- 8/10
"An odd chimera of its forebears, there's a lot in this fast-paced RTS that's a little bit off. Parts of the interface don't work sometimes, inter-match army management is half-baked, and the micromanagement needed to use the game's signature hero units effectively doesn't jibe with the extensive base-building you'll need to support them. But those problems fall away when you're in the heat of battle. Dawn of War III builds and maintains an organic tension that yields huge pay-offs, and there's nothing else quite like it." [Read the full review] -- Daniel Starkey
Distrust (PC) -- 7/10
"If everything goes according to plan and you aren't backed into an inescapable corner, you're looking at a roughly six-hour playthrough. That may seems short, but chances are the vagaries of Distrust's randomization will leaving you taking much longer to reach its end, and even after six hours you'll feel as though you've survived a trial by fire. Victory is a warm feeling in this world of cold. As Casper might tell us in his Shakespeare-quoting reveries, the challenge makes crossing the finish line feel all the most rewarding, "lest light winning make the prize light." [Read the full review] -- Leif Johnson
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 03, 2018 11:17 pm
Looking Forward
2017 has been a big year for Nintendo, and even though the Nintendo Switch hasn't even been out a year, it already has a strong library of games to play. But there are still more to come in 2018 on both Switch and the 3DS; from a new Fire Emblem to the next Yoshi game, Nintendo has already announced some of the upcoming year's games. In this gallery, we're looking ahead to the Nintendo games we're most excited about. If you're curious about the biggest games to play in 2018 on other platforms, check out our individual features highlighting the most anticipated PS4 games, Xbox One games, and PC games. You can also check out our feature focusing on the biggest games to play 2018 in general. If you want to see our choices for the best games this year, check out our Game of the Year 2017 Top 10 List. And for more on our picks of the best games of the year across various categories, as well as features focusing on the year's performance for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch, check out our Best of 2017 hub.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night (Switch)
Castlevania has changed a lot over the years, but there was a time when game after game followed a familiar formula to great results. The developer largely credited for the series' past greatness is Koji Igarashi, who is presently working on Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, a spiritual successor to Castlevania games of yore. Early impressions of the game from events like E3 and Tokyo Game Show are positive. Igarashi's handiwork is on full display, meaning that you will explore 2D, gothic environments while fending off demonic enemies and gather new abilities to extend your reach and open new pathways. It's the familiar "Metroidvania" formula, but the fact that it's coming from the person responsible for popularizing it in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (after Super Metroid laid the foundation) eases the concerns that Bloodstained is just a simple nostalgia trip. Igarashi has been out of the game for quite a while after leaving Konami, and our hope is that his return to 2D action games comes with improvements and innovations. The sub-genre has been approached by many developers in his absence, and we can't wait to see if Igarashi is able to rekindle his old flame in the light of the many great games his earlier works inspired.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age (Switch, 3DS)
Unlike Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest games never quite reach the same fevered level of excitement in the West as they do in Japan. That's unfortunate, because it means there are a lot of people missing out on one of the most iconic and fun RPG experiences out there. And the upcoming Dragon Quest XI is set to continue the previous games' traditions of sweeping musical scores, epic stories, and turn-based combat against colorful (and sometimes wacky) enemies. DQXI already released in Japan back in July 2017 on PS4 and 3DS, but the upcoming international release is notable because it should bring the series to a new platform: Nintendo Switch. That doesn't mean you should rule out the other versions completely, though. On 3DS, the game introduces a unique twist where the lower screen is an exact representation of the regular 3D gameplay, but redone in a classic, pixelated style. And if this entry in the mainline series does well abroad, that raises the (very, very slim) possibility that the Dragon Quest MMO, Dragon Quest X, could also get a release in the West! Okay, now that might be too much Dragon Quest to ask for at one time.
Fire Emblem (untitled) (Switch)
Nintendo announced a new mainline Fire Emblem game for the Switch during a Direct presentation in January 2017. While the company hasn't given many details about the still-untitled game, it will be the first time a main Fire Emblem has been on a Nintendo console since 2007's Radiant Dawn on the Wii. Plus, it'll be playable on the go! Recent Fire Emblem games (including 2017's Echoes) have been popular on the 3DS, so the potential for a Fire Emblem experience that's both console-scale and portable-ready is exciting.
Indivisible (Switch)
Side-scrolling action RPG Indivisible comes from the same team that brought us 2012's insane fighter Skullgirls. Indivisible follows the story of the rebellious Ajna. She and her father live just outside a quiet little town, but things take a turn for the worse and a mysterious power awakens within her: the ability of "incarnations" to recruit different people to help her along her journey. Indivisible is largely inspired by a number of different cultures and mythologies, which hopefully opens the doors to positive and meaningful representation. This also means that the game could run the risk of mishandling the sources from which it draws its inspiration, but it's worth having a little faith and hope for a game that's trying to pull from perspectives we don't see often. Everyone likes to have something they can see themselves in, and Indivisible may be one of those games where its representation could make it or break it.
Kirby Star Allies (Switch)
Kirby sucks. No really, Kirby sucks--that's kind of his thing. And the next installment in the Kirby franchise, called Star Allies, is coming to Nintendo Switch next year. This new title was the same one originally announced as simply "Kirby" at E3 2017, and it looks promising. Kirby can utilize abilities such as Sword, Fire, and Water, as well as his trademark vacuum move. You can also mix those skills together to create even cooler powers. The whole game is designed for up to four-player multiplayer, with each player able to use a single Joy-Con. Alternatively, if you have enough Joy-Cons and Joy-Con grips, you can each play with a more traditional setup. Following the likes of Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Kirby Star Allies has a lot to live up to when it comes to Switch exclusives. Here's hoping it becomes the console's next big thing when it launches in Spring 2018.
No More Heroes: Travis Strikes Again (Switch)
No More Heroes and its sequel, Desperate Struggle, were some of the best action games on the Nintendo Wii, featuring gratuitous violence, crazy boss designs, a strong sense of style and attitude, as well as some, uh, interesting implementations of motion control. That was over seven years ago, and though developer Grasshopper Manufacture has had a number of cult hits (and misses) since then, talk of another No More Heroes sequel has always been a point of conversation for CEO Goichi Suda, aka Suda51. Well, now it's happening. After skipping the Wii U, protagonist Travis Touchdown is coming back to Nintendo consoles with Travis Strikes Again on Nintendo Switch. We got a quick teaser trailer at the Nintendo Indies Showcase in 2017, where we were reintroduced to Travis in all his self-referential glory and learned of the game's primary conceit: A dangerous console that sucks players into video game worlds. Though these worlds will be original game concepts, Travis Strikes Back is also collaborating with other indie game titles, though this might only be superficially in the form of the game's always-extensive t-shirt wardrobe. We always expect off-the-wall ideas from Grasshopper Manufacture, so we're looking forward to seeing what Travis Strikes Back will surprise us with.
Owlboy (Switch)
The critically acclaimed PC-exclusive Owlboy is finally making its way onto consoles. While the console ports are receiving no major changes from the original, the Switch version bears notable mention given its portability. The game's endearing 2D twin-stick shooter action seems a perfect fit to bring on the go. Given the high praise it received when it released (GameSpot gave it a 9), it's certainly one of the more highly anticipated indie ports in 2018. For the uninitiated, Owlboy is an action-adventure game set in a sky world where the lands below were torn apart by a catastrophic event many years prior. You play as Otus, an owl-human hybrid who sets out on a journey to save his village from a band of pirates. A charming and heartfelt adventure in its own right, Owlboy's upcoming console ports are well worth keeping an eye on, especially if you missed out on the original back in 2016.
Persona Q2 (3DS)
Fans of both Persona 3 and 4 were treated to an endearing collaboration between the casts of both games with Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth in 2014. In a wacky series of time-bending events, both Inaba's Investigation Team and SEES (Special Extracurricular Execution Squad) crossed paths and joined forces to back home from an alternate dimension. All characters received an adorable chibi redesign which drove home the fun, lighthearted interactions between the two squadsBut with Persona Q2 coming out next year, we're hyped up to see how the Phantom Thieves fit into the mix (and what their chibi versions will look like) and what Atlus will do with crossover casts. The only thing that was revealed for Persona Q2's announcement was a cartoony rendition of the phrase "TAKE YOUR HEART" with the Arsene top hat logo. Of course, this indicates the return of the Persona 5 crew, but whether or not Q2 involves past characters has yet to be shared. We anticipate another dip into Etrian Odyssey-style first-person dungeon-crawling where you're expected to draw out maps manually on the 3DS touch screen. The turn-based combat system also differs from the main series; in Persona Q, actions are chosen for the entire turn before anything unfolds, changing how you strategize in battle. We should also expect another stellar soundtrack. It'll be pretty tough to top the introduction song "Maze of Life" and battle theme "Light the Fire Up in the Night" from the first game, but with a bar set so high and coming off the Persona 5 soundtrack, it's hard to imagine Persona Q2 without the proper music to back it up.
Project Octopath Traveler (Switch)
Project Octopath Traveler on Switch evokes the qualities that are bound to please fans of classic Japanese RPGss. Its "HD 2D" pixelated visual style offers a unique take on the much-used JRPG aesthetic, combining 16-bit style character sprites and textures with polygonal environments and high-definition effects. Combat is involved and utilizes weakness exploitation much like the Shin Megami Tensei games. And its ensemble cast of playable characters even calls back to early SaGa games. There's already plenty of strong characteristics at play that make Project Octopath Traveler a promising adventure. It's worth noting that the game is being worked on by Tomoya Asano, a Square Enix veteran developer who served as a producer on both Final Fantasy III and Final Fantasy IV for Nintendo DS, Final Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of Light, Bravely Default, and Bravely Second: End Layer. While we've only gotten a demo of the game since its initial announcement, we're eager to see what else it has to offer. Heck, we're still curious what the game's final name will be, seeing as Project Octopath Traveler is technically a working title. Time will tell.
Yoshi (Switch)
Nintendo's upcoming Yoshi game was revealed during E3 2017. Simply titled "Yoshi" for now, the announcement trailer showed some gameplay similar to 2015's Yoshi's Woolly World but with an emphasis on flipping the stage around to see behind walls and find secrets you wouldn't be able to notice from the initial angle. It would appear from the trailer that there will be co-op as well, though that hasn't been confirmed. The papercraft style is definitely suited to the adorable feel of a Yoshi game, too, so it seems promising as a cute, feel-good platformer on the Switch in 2018.
By Lance Cartelli on Jan 03, 2018 04:52 am
26. Hulk Hogan vs The Rock (WrestleMania 18)
In this matchup between of the two biggest names in the business, the Rock bested Hogan in front of a record 68,237 fans. The "Icon vs. Icon" match didn't feature the two wrestlers at the peak of their powers, but the up-and-down bout electrified the crowd. Result: The Rock defeated Hollywood Hulk Hogan. Photo: WWE
25. Triple H vs Shawn Michaels (SummerSlam, 2002)
In his first match in four years, Michaels returned to fight his former best friend, Triple H. The friends-turned-rivals battled it out in the ring, but the real action didn't happen until Triple H hit Michaels with a sledgehammer after the match. Result: Michaels defeated Triple H in an Unsanctioned Street Fight. Photo: WWE
24. Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania 24)
This bout between two Hall of Fame wrestlers past their prime was one of the most legendary matches ever. Michaels was initially hesitant to beat the Nature Boy, but after three Sweet Chin Musics, Michaels finally pinned the Nature Boy after saying, "I'm sorry, I love you." Result: Michaels defeated Flair in a Career Threatening Match. Photo: WWE
23. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (Badd Blood: In Your House, 1997)
In the inaugural Hell in a Cell match, the Heartbreak Kid and the Phenom showed how fun and brutal this kind of match can be. Although 'Taker was dominating the match, his undead brother, Kane, made his debut and screwed over his sibling. Result: Michaels defeated Undertaker to be the No. 1 contender for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Photo: WWE
22. Ric Flair vs Randy Savage (WrestleMania VIII)
Before battling it out at WrestleMania VIII, Flair decided to play mind games with Savage. All it did, however, was motivate Savage to batter the Nature Boy and win the title. Result: Savage defeated Flair for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Photo: WWE
21. Triple H vs Cactus Jack (Royal Rumble, 2000)
Prior to the big Royal Rumble match in 2000, Triple H and Mick Foley (as Cactus Jack) battled it out in a Street Fight for the WWE Championship. While chairs, thumbtacks and a barbed wire two-by-four were used in the bloody brawl, it was Triple H's Pedigree that wound up ending Jack's shot at the title. Result: Triple H defeated Cactus Jack to retain the WWF Championship. Photo: WWE
20. John Cena vs Brock Lesnar (Extreme Rules, 2012)
In his first match since 2004, Lesnar bloodied Cena with devastating elbows. Somehow, Cena was able to survive the punishment long enough to hit Lesnar with an Attitude Adjustment... right into the metal steps. Result: Cena defeated Lesnar. Photo: WWE
19. John Cena vs AJ Styles (Royal Rumble, 2017)
In one of Cena's greatest matches, he needed multiple finishers--including an Attitude Adjustment from the top rope--to defeat the champion, AJ Styles. Cena's victory tied Ric Flair's record with his 16th world title reign. Result: Cena defeated Styles to win the WWE Championship. Photo: WWE
18. Royal Rumble Match, 1992
This epic Royal Rumble match had even higher stakes than usual, with the winner becoming the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. The roster of 30 wrestlers was completely stacked with old and new stars. In the end, The Nature Boy bested Sid Justice, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage. Result: Ric Flair won the WWF World Heavyweight Championship by eliminating Sid Justice. Photo: WWE
17. Shawn Michaels vs Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21)
For nearly 30 minutes, two of the best technical wrestlers of all time went head to head. Both men kicked out of multiple pin attempts, but in the end, Angle finally secured an ankle lock on the Heartbreak Kid. Michaels earned a standing ovation after the bout. Result: Angle defeated Michaels by submission. Photo: WWE
16. Bret Hart vs Owen Hart (WrestleMania X)
In a bitter battle between brothers, the Hart siblings battled in the first televised match of WrestleMania X. Owen got the better of Bret by escaping multiple submission holds to win. Bret--performing double duty--would go on to beat Yokozuna for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. Result: Owen Hart defeated Bret Hart. Photo: WWE
15. The Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XXVI)
Billed as a "Streak vs Career" bout, this no-disqualification main event at WrestleMania 26 was one for the books. After numerous finishers by both men, 'Taker finally hit his third Tombstone Piledriver, winning his 18th straight match at WrestleMania and ending the Heartbreak Kid's wrestling career. Result: The Undertaker defeated Michaels in a No DQ Streak vs. Career Match. Photo: WWE
14. Bret Hart vs Shawn Michaels (WrestleMania XII)
In this Iron Man Match at WrestleMania XII, sixty minutes wasn't enough to determine a winner between bitter rivals Hart and Michaels. The match ultimately headed to sudden death where the Heartbreak Kid scored his Sweet Chin Music finisher on the Hitman to win the title. Result: Michaels defeated Hart in sudden death overtime to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Photo: WWE
13. John Cena vs CM Punk (Money in the Bank, 2011)
Vince McMahon was desperate for Cena to defeat CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011. After McMahon and John Laurinaitis interfered in the match, Cena could have had an easy victory but he decided to try win it fair and square. That plan backfired when Punk hit his finisher and won the WWE Championship. He then disposed of Albert Del Rio who tried to use his Money in the Bank power. Result: CM Punk defeated Cena for the WWE Championship. Photo: WWE
12. Bret Hart vs The British Bulldog (SummerSlam, 1992)
Although the Intercontinental title was known as the No. 2 WWF title at the time, this bout between the British Bulldog and Hart was the main event at Summerslam in 1992. After the British Bulldog escaped the Sharpshooter submission, he countered and pinned Hart to win the championship. Result: The British Bulldog defeated Hart for the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Photo: WWE
11. The Ultimate Warrior vs Randy Savage (WrestleMania VII)
In arguably the greatest retirement match ever, The Ultimate Warrior survived five Savage elbow drops to end the illustrious wrestling career of the Macho Man. Result: The Ultimate Warrior defeated Savage. Photo: WWE
10. Shawn Michaels vs Mankind (Mind Games, 1996)
Although the WWF was struggling to keep up with WCW in 1996, the former had Michaels, arguably the world's best wrestler, at the height of his powers. The Heartbreak Kid showed a more ruthless and calculated persona in this bout with the deranged Mankind. This match elevated both their careers to new levels. Result: Michaels defeated Mankind by disqualification. Photo: WWE
9. Edge And Christian vs The Dudley Boyz vs The Hardy Boyz (WrestleMania 17)
Dubbed "TLC II," this Tables, Ladders and Chairs match featured three of the best tag teams of the era in a high-flying fight that saw spears, Swanton Bombs, and more. Eventually, Edge and Christian outlasted their opponents in one of the craziest battles in WrestleMania history. Result: Edge and Christian defeated The Dudley Boyz and The Hardy Boyz for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Photo: WWE
8. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock (WrestleMania 17)
In a showdown between two of the most popular wrestlers ever, it was Stone Cold--with the help of his former nemesis Vince McMahon--who defeated the People's Champion after the two used each other's finishers a multitude of times. The shock of Austin turning heel only added to the drama of this epic bout. Result: Austin defeated The Rock for the WWF Championship. Photo: WWE
7. Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant (WrestleMania 3)
It wasn't the most technically skilled wrestling tilt ever, but that doesn't matter when it comes to a match this entertaining. Andre the Giant entered the ring by stepping over the top ropes, but the Eighth Wonder of the World found himself on the wrong end of an iconic slam delivered by Hogan, ending Andre the Giant's 15-year undefeated streak. Result: Hogan defeated Andre the Giant to retain the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Photo: WWE
6. The Undertaker vs Mankind (King Of The Ring, 1998)
In one of the most discussed fights of all time, the Undertaker brutally beat Mankind in and out of the ring. The most iconic moment came when the Phenom threw Mankind off the top of the cell into the announcer's table. Result: Undertaker defeated Mankind. Photo: WWE
5. Bret Hart vs Stone Cold Steve Austin (WrestleMania 13)
With Ken Shamrock as the special guest referee, Hart used his signature Sharpshooter leg lock, causing Austin to pass out from pain and loss of blood. After the hard-fought battle, Hart turned heel while Austin became one of wrestling's biggest stars. Result: Hart defeated Austin by submission. Photo: WWE
4. Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart (Survivor Series, 1997)
In his last match with the WWF before departing for the WCW, Hart lost the World Heavyweight title to Michaels after Vince McMahon decided to award the title to the Heartbreak Kid without the Hitman's knowledge. It's notoriously known as "The Montreal Screwjob." Result: Michaels defeated Hart by submission to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. Photo: WWE
3. Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon (WrestleMania X)
In absolutely stacked card, the Michaels-Ramon Ladder Match stood out above the rest. The battle had a multitude of epic moments, such as HBK's iconic splash from the ladder. In the end, Ramon came away victorious after Michaels got tangled in the ropes. The bout was voted the Match of the Year by Wrestling Observer Newsletter in 1994. Result: Ramon defeated Michaels in a Ladder Match to retain the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Photo: WWE
2. Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat (WrestleMania III)
While the Andre the Giant versus Hulk Hogan match stole the headlines, it was the battle for the Intercontinental Championship that truly excited fans. Savage and Steamboat went back and forth at a frantic pace, with Steamboat eventually using the small package move to steal a victory--fand the Intercontinental title. Result: Steamboat defeated Savage for WWF Intercontinental Championship. Photo: WWE
1. Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker (WrestleMania 25)
At WrestleMania 25, the Heartbreak Kid and the Phenom put on the best match in WWE history. 'Taker escaped with a victory after catching Michaels with a Tombstone Piledriver to extend his WrestleMania streak to 17 consecutive victories. The battle was named the Match of the Year in 2009 by the WWE Slammy Awards, Pro Wrestling Illustrated and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Result: Undertaker defeated Michaels. Photo: WWE
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