Playing video games is one of my favorite pastimes ever. Exploring distant time periods, distant lands, with exciting characters really helps me unwind after a long day of classes. Here are the top 3 (plus honorable mentions of course) that I'm anxiously waiting for in 2017!

Mass Effect: Andromeda

Bioware's Mass Effect franchise is beloved and, in my opinion, one of the best franchises in gaming history. The original trilogy followed Commander Shepard as she or he (you can choose the Commander's gender and customize their appearance) saved the galaxy from powerful threats with an interesting cast of characters by their side. I remember beaming with pride as I took on the final boss in Mass Effect 1 all the way back in middle school. I remember crying my eyes out in Mass Effect 3 as the game descended further and further toward Shepard's last hurrah. I feel like I grew up with the Normandy's crew and it's difficult and exciting to say goodbye to them.

Now, Shepard's tale is over and the franchise has new protagonists in the form of the Ryder twins: originally named Scott and Sara (you can change the name of your chosen twin). The twins, along with their father, Alec Ryder, are traveling out of the Milky Way galaxy with a group known as the Andromeda Initiative. The Initiative leaves with huge arcs filled with colonizers looking to explore and colonize the distant Andromeda system. However, when humanity's arc arrives and it's crew awoken from cryogenic suspension, they encounter numerous challenges.

As one can in the original series, you can make decisions in both action and dialogue that alter the game's story. You also have a satisfying combat system and customizable weaponry. Both twins are customizable as well, but note that you will be playing as one of them only, unlike Assassins Creed: Syndicate. The game is also boasting an exciting cast of characters including Peebee an freedom loving explorer, Vetra Nyx a self reliant soldier, Liam Kosta: an idealistic ex-cop, and many more. Be sure to check it out when it drops on March 21st for Playstation 4, PC, and Xbox One.

Persona 5

Persona 5 is the exciting new entry of the consistently praised Persona series. It's beloved for good reason. Playing the games from Persona 2: Innocent Sin all the way to Persona 4: Dancing All Night (yeah, that happened) is an absolute treat. I loved the latest crew in Persona 4 and all of their spin off games, but I was always craving something new. Now it's finally here. The story of each Persona game are simple: they follow a high school aged protagonist that awakens the power of Persona: a facet of their inner selves that they can use to fight shadows and, in the early entries of the franchise, demons.

In this new addition, you are the Joker: a vigilante thief that battles corrupt adults with other Persona wielding classmates. However outside of the battle fields, you go to class, can work a part time job, become friends with classmates, go to the movies, train up for future battles, etc. the possibilities in beautifully crafted Tokyo are nearly endless. This new protagonist harkens back to the troubled Suou Tatsuya in Persona 2: Innocent Sin more than the perfect "golden boy" protagonists of 3 and 4. He transferred to an academy in Tokyo after committing a crime.

Becoming friendly with those around you offers a unique set of advantages to gameplay: new inventory items, unique Personas, etc. So it's encouraged to help out those around you and it makes for some really intriguing character development. Originally, they were called "Social Links" in Persona 3, the first game to utilize this mechanic, but now it is called Cooperation.

Like Mass Effect: Andromeda, previous experience with the franchise isn't truly required. Since the game is already released in Japan, be mindful of any more googling if you're interested in case you encounter unmarked spoilers. Persona 5 has an American/European release date of April 4th 2017 for the Playstation 3 and Playstation 4.

HellBlade

Playstation Blog describes HellBlade's plot as "Senua is a Celtic Warrior who journeys into Viking heartland while struggling with trauma and psychosis." The games atmosphere is dark, but beautiful. As an Irish native, I am absolutely intrigued by the protagonist and interested on where the writer's take her throughout the game.

Mental illness is often a difficult topic to discuss in any form of media, so I am intrigued as to how they will approach the character. This article from Polygon talks about this in greater detail.

The graphics and mechanics so far look incredible and I cannot wait for this game to be released, it looks nothing short of stellar so far. The release date has not been finalized, but the developers have stated that the game is looking at a 2017 release for Playstation 4 and PC.

Honorable Mentions

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Detroit: Become Human (maybe?)

Vampyr

What Remains of Edith Finch

Agents of Mayhem

Outlast 2

What games are you looking forward to playing in 2017?