Steve’s Top Ten Video Games of 2018
It’s that time of year when we celebrate video games and completely objective and scientific lists of video games come out declaring which are best. No opinions here. The final of these rather factual lists is Steve’s top ten video Games of 2018.
10. Forza Horizon 4 (PC, Xbox One).
Graphical powerhouse, car fetishising and ridiculously fun arcade racing are standards for the Horizon series. This year they added alternating seasons which aren’t just for cosmetics but for adding repeatability and chaos to this already stellar racing game.
9. Wandersong (PC, Switch)
You could be forgiven by looking at news or playing video games that we live in the darkest time line. Wandersong is about a hero fighting against the end of the world with song. A musical game filled with optomism and wry humour. It does overstay its welcome but there are plenty of laughs and smiles along the way.
8. Into the Breach (PC)
Into the Breach is easy to understand yet difficult to master strategy. It’s small grid high a deceptively tricky game but also an addictive one. It’s world building on some level is a little generic but still its personality and the fact that there is always one more turn to overcome your frustration makes it an easy pick.
7. God of War (PS4)
The God of War franchise has always been a little bit dumb but especially epic and fun. It’s re-emergence on PS4 took things in a different direction not only with a new mythological setting but also by taking itself a little bit more seriously. The result is a somewhat more personal experience and while some of the creative choices are occasionally questionable, the overall result is a fantastic and at times moving reinvention of Kratos and ‘Boy’.
6. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (PC, PS4, Xbox One).
If there is any take back from last year’s personal game of the year list it was that I had not played enough of AC: Origins. It ended up being one of my faves for the year. Odyssey follows much of the mold of that but with even more systems and more to do. It’s a ridiculously full game and while not everything works so much of it does. Plus Kassandra is amazing and has a spartan kick to boot.
5. Dead Cells (PC, Switch)
Let me be Clear I suck at Dead Cells but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Its garish pixel style are nothing compared to the amazingly tight and challenging gameplay. Its run can be a tad on the long side but the satisfaction of actually achieving something in the game is brilliant.
4. Frostpunk (PC).
A world covered over with snow, a generator creating warmth for its survivors and a whole lot of awful decision making all combine to make one of the most depressing but interesting strategy games in years. This circular city building oozes with atmosphere and style that whilst bleak forces you into both clever strategy and hard choices but what else can be expected from the studio who brought
3. Ashen (PC, Xbox One).
A rather late addition to my game of the year list. It combines indie styling, Dark Souls’ gameplay and journey like multiplayer. A world fallen into darkness and disrepair is literally rebuilt in front of you as your progress further in your quest. When you meet the right player against impossible odds it feels so powerful.
2. Tetris Effect (PS4)
A transcendent experience wrapped in a deeply familiar game. This year has been a strong year for PSVR and Tetris Effect might be the truest proof of that. It’s ambient dance soundtrack, pulsing controller and visual overload all combine in a truly magnificent Tetris game. It’s both relaxing and difficult and completely special.
1. Spider-Man (PS4)
On some level Spider-Man might not be the best game of 2018, yet it was the fullest. It captured much of what we love about our favourite web-slinger from agility to swinging through a city. Yet at its heart it both reinvents and retells a familiar story that pulls one into the experience. It was also my first ever platinum trophy.
Honourable Mentions:
- Return of the Obra Dinn
- Florence
- Astro Bot Rescue
So how is that for a list? Feel free to let me know. If you want to check out our other content. See it below: