The 10 best video games you should have played in 2017

Stardew Valley (Nintendo Switch)

Firstly, I know what you’re going to say: Stardew Valley technically came out in 2016 and this is a cheat. Sure, fine, whatever, but have you actually played Stardew Valley? Then you understand just how dangerous it is to be able to play for hours on your television and then just grab the whole console and keep playing even if you have to go somewhere.

Stardew Valley was built by one person, ConcernedApe (Eric Barone), while trying to find a job after college. He created it as a bit of an homage to Harvest Moon and wanted a better alternative than what that series had turned into after multiple sequels.

Basically, you inherit your grandfather’s farm and slowly integrate yourself into the small town, growing crops, fighting through mines, fishing. It’s a simplistic premise, but man, is it addicting. You forge relationships with the town people, get quests that earn you hearts, and you can even marry someone and have a kid (and reverse it all if you marry the worst character (which I did, and it’s Sebastian. Don’t marry Sebastian).

The handheld option for this game is incredibly dangerous. I spent many nights playing much longer than needed, wanting to complete something on the next day and telling myself, “A day only takes fifteen minutes!” And when I can take the entire console up to bed … let’s just say there have been nights where I’ve gotten less sleep than I should.

If you’re looking for a casual yet addicting game, it’s worth the investment in the Switch version. (Especially with new updates on the horizon!)