1. Super Mario Odyssey
To say that Odyssey is insane would be underselling it, few games dared to try what this game does. The homage to the Homer's Epic runs a bit deeper than meets the eye with blessings and wacky worlds that can at times feel genuinely foreign and unnerving. Yet with keen eyes, clever minds and tight skills, any challenge can be overcome. The improvement to the Health System of Galaxy to be tighter, the highly increased value of coins to be actually important and thus more helpful to the game designers, the incredible variety of activities and situations on display on top of the return of the highly advanced moveset of Super Mario 64 with the new and quite flexible cap abilities are immense in and of themselves. Add in an absolutely joyous theme that exclaims to the world why videogames are a treat to treasure in addition to making potentially every object and enemy in the world controllable in some fashion and you have the stage set for one of the most grandiose experiences of the generation which is rather befitting of its title.
2. Metroid: Samus Returns
A new metroid for the dual screen system was a long time coming. I strongly appreciate the design of metroid's exploration based progression with fun sequence breaking mechanics over the much less tangible exp systems that have defined metroidvania titles for so long. Here, the reimagined world is striking in 3D with depth to every cavern and the bold coloration of Samus' iconic suit. The bosses are also looking quite good with varied movesets and high damage. Adding the flexible free aim system, action parry, as well as macro level management in the new Aeion abilities and metroid, has definitely proven that it is far, far from the grave.
3. Splatoon 2
I am so giddy to get my hands on the full release of the game. Splatoon had a solid base but it needed just a couple tweaks and new modes to really hit the high notes which the sequel aims to do in every respect. Single Player is fleshed out with more replay value with the weapons, more collectibles to bolster its upgrade system, more mechanics to teach and more visual variety to be had with some pretty fine dialogue and improved bosses to boot. The new Horde mode is chaotic in an excellent fashion, demanding constant aggression with the timer to take out enemies and bosses as fast as possible rather than hunkering down in-built up defenses and features significantly more variety and difficulty than was expected previously and seems to constantly throw crazy situations regularly. And of course, the classic multiplayer returns, improved in its strategic elements while removing most of the broken elements that prevented original from achieving its true potential. The new spectator is mode is absolutely killer for the esports scene and the visuals and music are as gorgeous as ever. It just seems like the full package.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This one's a bit less definitive than the others but few game developers make worlds that are as awe-inspiring as that of Monolith Soft. The return to the original game's wide pleasant wide linear structure is enticing but it also brings a bevy of appropriate streamlining decisions that both seem to bolster tactical combat and tactility in controlling the character. There seems to be a lot more to learn about the behavior of enemies which is a smart lesson taken from Xenoblade X and cutscene direction seems back to the standards of the first game which is very exciting. And the soundtrack team is a combo for the ages.