Here is a list of ten games you should play before school is over. It does not matter whether you are about to graduate or leaving for the summer, this list of games is still relevant.

This list is in no particular order.

10. Sonic Mania (2017)

I have gone on about this game too many times to count (both on and offline). But that is because it is an amazing game. This write-up will be short because I already wrote an entire article about why everyone should give this game a try. So, go check it out.

SCORE: 9/10

9. Doki Doki Literature Club (2017)

This “game†(if you can call it that), is most fun while playing alone. Sure, it may be fun to watch other people play it, but it is more fun to play alone in the dark. The game is about you trying to fall in love with one of three girls. However, that quickly fades away and reveals its true colors. However, I believe it is best for you to experience this game for yourself. Also, it is free.

SCORE: 8.5/10

8. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove (2014-)

Shovel Knight was a small indie project that was successfully kick started back in 2013. Fast forward to 2014 and the game became a success. In 2015, the Plague of Shadows expansion came out, being an all new adventure. In 2017, the (subjectively) best thing to happen to Shovel Knight released: a prequel campaign starring Specter Knight (making a total of two boss campaigns). Treasure Trove is the definitive way to play the game. It is currently $24.99 on Steam and can be purchased on all major consoles.

SCORE 11/10

7. UNDERTALE (2015)

Yet another game from Kickstarter, this one hailing from a one-man band known as “Toby Fox.†Undertale (stylized as UNDERTALE), is a small meta-RPG where no one has to die. The game changes endings depending on how you play the game. Want to kill everyone? There is a mode for that. Want to spare everyone’s lives? There is a mode for that. This game was revolutionary when it was released. However, some people might be put off by the fandom that surrounds it. Regardless on who tells you what, this is still an amazing game that I recommend you try.

SCORE: 9/10

6. Cuphead (2017)

Cuphead is a game that takes heavy inspiration from 1930’s cartoons like Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop (without the racism). It stars Cuphead and his pal Mugman (they like to roll the dice) as they collect souls for the devil. The game plays like an old run and gun game from the 1990’s like Contra or Gunstar Heroes. Be warned, this game is very difficult (with some calling the game “Dark Souls Reincarnate.â€) and you will die many times. However, the difficulty of a game should not determine if you should play a game. Even if you are bad at it, then you will still be awed by the visuals.

SCORE: 8.5/10

5. Cave Story (2004, 2009, 2011, 2017)

An old classic. Cave Story was created by a man known as “Pixel†for five years and released for free. Now the game has become synonymous with independent Nintendo titles as it has been on every Nintendo system (except the Wii U) since the Wii. The game is a non-linear adventure game that places you in the shoes of a nameless robot as you explore a floating island. Since this may be the first time you have heard about the game, there will not be any spoilers floating around this article (THE RED CRYSTAL!!). Oops, sorry. The game is still free on PC though.

SCORE: 10/10

4. Sonic Adventure 2 (2001, 2003, 20XX)

A game that has arguably the best soundtrack in existence, Sonic Adventure 2 was SEGA’s final sendoff for their console system: The SEGA Dreamcast. Since then, the game has been rereleased on the Nintendo GameCube as “Sonic Adventure 2: Battle,†and on the PSN and Xbox Live stores as well. This game was the first appearance of the character Shadow the Hedgehog, as well as his best appearance. It is a 3D platformer game, with a really good soundtrack. However, this game is not perfect. The Tails mech stages are arguably the worst part, but that should not stop you from picking this game up.

SCORE: 7/10

3. Shovel Knight: Specter of Torment (2017)

*Hears booing from crowd* Alright now, settle down. Yes, while I did put Shovel Knight Treasure Trove on this list, please allow me to justify spending another ten dollars. If you want all the games (and the upcoming King Knight campaign), then buy Treasure Trove. However, if you do not have that kind of money, then this ten-dollar standalone game should suffice. This is one of the best games of 2017. Specter of Torment is the (subjective) best Shovel Knight campaign out of the three. This game is a must play, for everyone. Forget all the other games that are on this list. Play this game.

SCORE: 1000/5

2. Hollow Knight (2017)

Now that I have gone on a rant about Shovel Knight twice, I am no longer allowed to talk about it (SHOVEL KNIGHT!!). Anyway, this game is another non-linear game, but this time it is based around combat. You play as an unnamed knight, who traverses a land with giant bugs. Are you a bug? That is a good question. You can play it on the only two game devices that matter: the PC, and the Nintendo Switch.

SCORE: 9/10

1. Zero Escape: The Nonary Games (2017)

10Source: store.steampowered.com/app/477740/Zero_Escape_The_Nonary_Games/

Like Doki Doki Literature Club, this game might not be technically be classified as a game, but that does not mean it cannot be a fun narrative. The Nonary games is compilation of the first two (and the best two) Zero Escape games: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, and Virtue’s Last Reward. These games are best experienced spoiler free (like most things), so I will write a brief synopsis for both of the games. 999 has you take control of Junpei, a college student trapped on a sinking ship with nine other people. They are forced to play a game which ends when participants escape through a door marked with a nine. Fail to do so within nine hours, and the ship sinks. Virtue’s Last Reward casts its characters in a similar situation. This time, you play as Sigma Klim, and now the game is about betrayal. There is no time limit, just get your bracelet to have a nine, and you win.

SCORE: 9/10