Yes, it's that time of the year again! The nominations for the 2017 annual Video Game Awards have been announced! It's video gaming's version of the Oscars, and it'll be live and in your face on December 7th -- something that I'm sure you're all very excited about. It doesn't seem like there's any Spike TV around this time, but the event will be broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube and all manner of other platforms, so don't fret! There will be plenty of ways to see our Supreme Leader, the Great Dorito himself, Geoff Keighley, sit on his Popethrone and announce the best games of current year. But the question is, just what can a retrohead root for at this glorious event?
...Um, not a lot really. Mind you, there are a couple of games that might well pique interest -- whether it be from old franchises or from those who are inspired somewhat by the grand old ways. Let's have a look and see how well those games did.
- Nintendo, naturally, are all over this like a bad rash. Super Mario Odyssey has been nominated in six categories including Game of the Year, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has seven nominations. Just about every game Nintendo have released this year has got a nomination somewhere, so it's hard to see them not getting anything -- indeed, they'll get at least one award seeing as their games have utterly swept the "Best Handheld Game" category. The big N have kinda had a good year.
- Mario and Zelda are joined in the GOTY category by three other strong games -- Twitch favourite PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (the title of which pays tribute to the classic Mega Drive title David Crane's Amazing Tennis), openworld 'em up Horizon: Zero Dawn and teenage problem-tastic JRPG Persona 5. It's a pretty good field, but chances are that one of the two Ninty titles will take it.
- Away from Nintendo, Nazi killing is represented by Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, which snares three nods including Best Action Game, where it will square off against another old franchise in Resident Evil 7. There are also nods for various other mandarins such as Tekken 7, Final Fantasy XV and XCOM 2: War of the Chosen, and a much-appreciated nomination for Sonic Mania in the "Best Family Game" category.
- As far as retro-esque indie games go, it's all about Cuphead. Studio MDHR's game has tore the roof off in every way this year, and five nominations -- including Best Action Game and Best Independent Game -- seems only fair. There are also mentions for the somewhat Amiga-esque Nidhogg 2 in the Fighting Game category, and much-loved Metroidvania title Hollow Knight in the Best Debut Indie Game category.
- Finally, the Trending Gamer category is still around -- one that has at times caused a bit of controversy. This year's noms favour streamers more than the YouTubers of the past, with Mike "Shroud" Grzesiek and Guy "Dr. Disrespect" Beahm getting noms, but two really solid names are on here too -- Steven Spohn of the AbleGamers Foundation and streamer/speedrunner Clint "Halfcoordinated" Lexa have both done plenty this year to raise awareness of accessibility in games, and their efforts are rewarded with nominations. Andrea Rene of What's Good Games rounds out a thoroughly decent list.
And there you have it! If you're really interested, you can go ahead and place your votes for who you want to win right here on this website, and don't forget: Whether it's 5:30 in Los Angeles or 1:30 in London, December 7th is the date for the show. So get your black suit ready, stock your cooler up with Mountain Dew, and get psyched! Or you can wait for the round-up right here...if it gets written, which to be honest it probably won't.