2017 has been an incredible year for pop culture, entertainment and gaming enthusiasts. With a slew of fantastic films, games, technology and the like being released throughout the year, here are our highlights.
Movies
Wonder Woman
The past two decades have seen plenty of comic book superheroes take center stage on screen, from solo male heroes to epic team-ups. However, female heroine led films have never managed to succeed, that is, until Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman felt like revolution for the comic book film industry. With a fantastic story and a brilliant performance by Gal Gadot, the film managed to successfully depict the Amazonian hero as a true symbol for justice.
Not only did Wonder Woman prove that a solo female led film could be done well and break box office records, but it also managed to be DC Comics and Warner Bros Pictures’ best superhero film to date, outshining even the likes of popular male heroes, Batman and Superman.
More on Wonder Woman here.
Thor: Ragnarok
The third installment of Marvel’s Thor series sees a brand new take on the Asgardian hero. Filled with colour, laughs and some good ol’ New Zealand (Kiwi) ingenuity, Thor: Ragnarok is, by far, the best film adaptation of a comic book character.
Not only does Taika Waititi breathe fresh new life into Thor, he also manages to make audiences laugh out loud with the brilliant Kiwi humour that’s been added into the film. Unlike other comic book films, Thor: Ragnarok is an enjoyable and mesmerizing watch throughout the duration of the film, making us wonder why other superhero films aren’t made this way.
Catch out review for Thor: Ragnarok here.
Television
Stranger Things 2
Stranger Things 2 brings with it more thrills and mystery as we delve deeper into the Upside Down. Things are a lot stranger in Hawkins and with Eleven gone, it’s going to be a lot tougher to deal with the Demogorgons.
Season 2 was as exciting and mysterious as the first season with the addition of new characters and new monsters. The story is yet to be concluded with several questions raised as to the nature of the Upside Down and the reasons for it. With the characters much more prepared than they were last season, Stranger Things 2 makes for an entertaining watch.
Dark
If there was ever an award for most twisted time-travel story, Netflix’s German thriller, Dark, would win it.
Set in the glum and dreary town of Winden, the disappearances of young boys triggers a series of events that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. The twists are aplenty and the plot, amazing. Watch out for the English dubbed version though, as the sync isn’t exactly the best.
Anime
Attack On Titan Season 2
After years and years of anticipating the release of season 2, the second season of the popular anime, Attack On Titan, came out with a bang. More details on the nature of the Titans and their history are revealed, along with how each character is linked to the greater lore behind the Titans.
More is yet to come with season 3 said to release next year. Here’s out review of Season 1.
Video Games
Horizon Zero Dawn
This year’s most visually stunning game goes to the PlayStation exclusive title, Horizon Zero Dawn. Not only does the game include some of the best in-game narratives and great aesthetics, Horizon Zero Dawn also features a strong, courageous female lead who’s as tough as any male lead.
Unlike other games which show off their female characters with big chests, scantily clad clothing and dependent on a male companion, Horizon Zero Dawn’s Aloy is dressed appropriately for a warrior of her kind and is capable of handling herself.
With brilliant gameplay and an a great gaming experience that can be enjoyed by both new and seasoned gamers, Horizon Zero Dawn is one of this year’s best games. Read our review here.
Cuphead
After years of anticipating its release, Cuphead finally graced our Xboxes and Windows PC computers this year. The indie game came out as a huge success, not only because of its brilliant 1930s animation style but also due to its extremely challenging gameplay.
Though relatively short, the game requires a great degree of skill and pattern memorising to advance, something that will take new gamers a great deal of time to achieve. For an indie title, Cuphead certainly wins for most imaginative and challenging gameplay.
Take a look at the full review here.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a great example of what Nintendo does best, which is their ability to take a 30 year old concept and make it fresh, new and exciting.
The game is one that appeals to gamers of all kinds, both adults and children alike, and is one that is filled with bright colour, fantastic visuals and an experience that will have Super Mario fans cheering with excitement.
Whilst it didn’t exactly win the Game of the Year award, it is still one of 2017’s best video game titles and by far the best Super Mario game to date. Read our review of the game here.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo managed to reinvigorate the Legend of Zelda series in a way which amazed fans the world over with Breath of the Wild. The title consistently included a ‘wow’ factor throughout the game with breathtaking visuals, an incredible soundtrack and amazing gameplay.
Breath of the Wild, which won this year’s Game of the Year award, is the game which set the Nintendo Switch up as one of the year’s best consoles, breaking sale records in just nine months and sealing Nintendo’s fate as the producers of the world’s best selling consoles.
Special Mention
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
PUBG may not be our best game of the year but it certainly makes the list as a popular game worldwide which has garnered over 20 million players. Recently released on Xbox One as well, the game is one that looks to dominate the gaming world as more and more players jump aboard the hype.
Learn more about the game here.