The top holiday video games for 2017
The Wahsington Post's consumer tech reporter Hayley Tsukayama and video game reviewer Tom Ham reveal their picks for the holidays.
Destiny 2
Teen | PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows
Bungie's follow-up to its blockbuster hit Destiny brings you back into the world of the Guardians to face down new forms of evil. Designed for playing long sessions or in quick bursts, Destiny 2's multiplayer modes are the most enjoyable part of the game, letting you collaborate with friends on a quest for glory. $48.89 - $59.99
What Remains of Edith Finch
Teen | PlayStation 4 and Windows
This independent hit from Annapurna Interactive pushes the boundaries of the conventional video game and guides players through a multi-generational story that explores one family's troubling curse. By turns shocking and sensitive, What Remains of Edith Finch stands out as a promising example of how games can reimagine storytelling. $19.99 (download only)
Horizon Zero Dawn
Teen | PlayStation 4
Packed with action and adventure, Horizon Zero Dawn earned high acclaim from reviewers this year. Players step into the boots of Aloy, a hunter living in a post-apocalyptic world that's been overtaken by robots. Aloy must use everything at her disposal - spears, arrows, explosives and her wits - to survive. $44.65
Injustice 2
Teen | PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Spoiling for a good fight? Injustice 2, the follow-up to Injustice: Gods Among Us, offers that and more in an even darker and more violent version of the DC Comics Universe. With all the action of a traditional fighting game, Injustice 2 also lets players customize and improve their characters over time. $39.64 - $43.85
Star Trek: Bridge Crew
Everyone 10+ | PlayStation 4, Windows and Oculus
Live out your Star Trek exploration fantasies in this virtual reality game. You can be the captain, work as tactical officer, advise as engineer or take the helm. Bridge Crew works across the major VR headsets, so you can play with friends no matter their platform of choice. $35.65 - $49.99
Cuphead
Xbox One and Windows | Everyone 10+
Cartoons from the 1930s inspired this game, which follows a character through numerous levels and tough boss battles. Each frame, animation and background has been hand-drawn. Seeing the game in motion is magical. But the tough gameplay makes it a challenge for even seasoned players. $19.99 (download only)
Super Mario Odyssey
Nintendo Switch | Everyone 10+
Bowser has once again kidnapped Princess Peach, and it's up to players to save her before their wedding. Helping Mario is Cappy, who wears a hat that can take on many forms and can get Mario through levels filled with enemies. Odyssey is the best Super Mario yet. $59.88
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii-U | Everyone 10+
The world of Zelda moves from linear to fully open for the first time. Players can explore the land of Hyrule any way they like. As they progress, players will come across shrines containing puzzles, tasks and challenges. Completing them will bring rewards that will help them on the journey. $56.63 - $56.99
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle
Nintendo Switch | Everyone 10+
The crazy Rabbids have teamed up with classic Mario characters for a game that on the surface might look like typical Mario fare. But this turn-based game means players will have to plan their moves in advance. Spread across four worlds, the game includes a host of challenging enemies. $53.83
Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy
PlayStation 4 | Everyone 10+
Early PlayStation users might remember the Crash Bandicoot series from the '90s, in which players would guide a feisty marsupial through challenging jumping puzzles. The three games from the series are back, but in HD. Crash has never looked better, and the action has been faithfully restored from the original. $34.99
• Prices may vary