Now that you’ve read my top 10 games of 2016 here are my honorable mentions. These are games I didn’t play enough of in 2016 to issue a verdict. As well as a few I didn’t beat until 2017. Let’s begin.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

The Last Guardian (PS4)
What an amazing game. Like Ico and Shadow of the Colossus, the Last Guardian pulls at your heartstrings. In fact, its touching emotional story might even bring you to tears. But it also frustrates you with its awkward camera angles and cumbersome controls. Patience is definitely required to enjoy this game. You play as a young boy who encounters a giant cat like creature called Trico. Together you solve puzzles and the bond your form with Trico will grow over time. I can’t think of any other AI that behaves so animal like and if I had finished the Last Guardian in 2016 it easily be my game of the year.

Inside (Xbox One)
It was a long six-year wait for Playdead’s follow-up to Limbo, but the wait was well worth it. Inside starts slow and I didn’t know what to expect of it, but it grew on me the more I played it. Like Limbo, the death scenes are pretty brutal and you will die a lot. Yet, I’m glad I stuck with it because it climaxes in the last half hour with some incredible set pieces. Which will leave you saying WTF? It’s also impressive that Inside tells its story without any dialogue. And it’s a game I still think about even after finishing it.

Super Mario Run (iOS)
So, this is what a Mario games feels like on mobile. While the main quest is over in a few hours. The real meat of the game is collecting all the pink, purple, and black coins. Which demand peak old school Mario skills. I’ve enjoyed my time with Super Mario Run and although I’m still getting used to an auto running Mario I can’t stop. I’m excited to see what’s next for Nintendo on mobile. Zelda or Metroid, please.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii U)
One of my favorite Zelda games now remastered in HD. I haven’t had much time with it but, I can’t wait to jump back in and see if it still holds up. For me, Twilight Princess is the best 3D Zelda game. It may lack the tighter story and pacing of Ocarina Time. But it has comparable dungeon design and better combat. Play it if you missed it the first time.

Pokemon Moon (3DS)
Finally, Pokemon is doing something new! I’m glad GameFreak altered the standard beat eight gym leaders routine. Instead, you must complete trials to progress. I’m only a few hours in and I already think this it’s one of the best Pokemon games ever made. The new 3D graphics look much better than Pokemon X and Y and the Hawaii theme is exciting. In case you were wondering I chose Moon over Sun because I use to have a dog named Moon. Also, I usually play videogames in the evening anyway so the time cycle works better for me than Sun would. But, whatever version of Pokemon you play it’s great so don’t fret over which version to play.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (PS4)
How much do I like Uncharted 4? I’ve put off playing some PlayStation VR games to play more of this game. The platforming and gunplay are the best its ever been and the story keeps me motivated to keep playing. I’m not the biggest fan of Sam, Nathan Drake’s older brother, but it does lead to some interesting story ideas. Like Last Guardian, Uncharted 4 would be at the top of my top 10 had I finished it last year.

Adventures of Mana (iOS)
Am I dreaming? A new Seiken Densetsu game that doesn’t suck? I’ve written about my disappointment about the series fall from grace before. So I’m glad to say that this remake of the first game is the best one since Seiken Densetsu 3. The game works well on mobile. And despite the annoyance of having to buy keys and pick axes to progress, I dig it.

Starfox Guard (Wii U)
A pleasant surprise that’s so far better than Star Fox Zero, the game its bundle with at retail. Starfox Guard uses the Wii U’s two-screen gimmick through a tower defense game. The gameplay utilizes 13 cameras on screen with your base in the middle. The goal is to destroy all robots before they get to the center. And you must switch between cameras on the gamepad to succeed. So far, I’m about halfway through and it’s pretty addicting. Also, one of the best uses of the Wii U’s gamepad I’ve seen.

Deus Ex Go (iOS)
Square Enix Montreal nails it again with their popular Go formula. Like Lara Croft Go, Deus Ex Go has you outwitting enemies through clever puzzles. Best played for minutes a day the game gets more challenging with each new level. It’s very cool so far and makes me eager to finish Human Revolution again so I can start Mankind Divided.

Severed (PS Vita)
The Metroid-like Guacamelee was one of my favorite games of 2013 so I was eager to give Severed a try. I’m very early in the game, but it has a novel concept. And like Terraway some of the best uses of the touch screen on the PlayStation Vita.  For instance, you must swipe furiously on the screen and use proper timing to defeat enemies. It’s very intuitive and I like the art style which is like Guacamalee.

PlayStation VR
I didn’t get a chance to play with my PS VR last year because I worked so much. But, the $500 investment was well worth it. For the first time, it I feel like I’m in a video game. So far, I’ve played a ton of demos, finished PS VR Worlds, been the Batman in Arkham VR and survived Resident Evil VII. However, the most awesome thing about VR is I sometimes forget I’m not in my room because it is so immersive. While you can tell the graphics on some games take a hit, I’m sold on the technology.

Thanks for reading and check back next year for my top 10 games of 2017!