20 Best Video Games Of 2017

6. Sonic Mania

The words, "A good new Sonic game" haven't been heard since 1993, and yet the answer to Sega's question of "What do we do, now the world has shifted to 3D?!" has always been "Stick to your guns".

Headed up by fan-modder Christian Whitehead and his team, Sonic Mania is nothing short of the best Sonic game of all time - not to mention the year's best 2D platformer. Mechanically it's so stupendously tight, so fan-focused with all sorts of nods towards iconic old-school moments, and the new levels that the team have designed are the most meticulous and detailed you've ever seen.

Even old classics like Green Hill Zone and Chemical Plant are given new leases on life with new pathways throughout, backed by a phenomenal year-best soundtrack. Bassy, high-energy beats only reinforce how kinetic and furiously fast gameplay can be, creating a perfect synergy between gameplay and music that hasn't been seen since Hotline Miami.

This is why Sonic matters, why he mattered in the first place, and why he'll matter again in the future. Perfect.