Top Five Games of 2018

Written by Michael Richardson

Published 17 February 2019

Despite the terrific experiences of the year before, 2018 mostly maintained a schedule of quality video game releases. While Nintendo had a staggered year with its new hybrid console, it ended the year with smashing results. Sony’s focus on quality over quantity was transparent throughout 2018, with the scattered but meteoric launches of titles such as God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man. Xbox assured critics that they were back in the game with a killer E3 that sets them up for success in the next generation, and gamers kept their virulence going towards microtransactions, but began to adore the free-to-play battle royale of Fortnite. My 2018 was uplifted through starting this blog, which has caused me to appreciate the work of developers even more. Therefore, picking a top five games list proved tricky this year because quality painted itself on most canvases, but I am ultimately happy with my choices.

To qualify for my top fives game of the year, I had to play a game for the first time that was released on a new platform that year. To elaborate, new releases such as Red Dead Redemption 2 and Mario Tennis Aces are in the running, and remakes such as Shadow of the Colossus are as well because I initially experienced them this year. Because I played it for the first time and it released on new platforms this year, Fortnite also qualifies. However, while I played it for the first time this year, the fact that Pikmin 3 did not see a re-release makes it ineligible for my list.

This list represents solely my opinion and will likely differ from your individual tastes. Additionally, this list is not the definitive games of 2018, because a ‘top’ list of any kind is purely subjective. With logistics aside, lets get to it. Here are my top five games of 2018!

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

NS Exclusive

I’m an honest man. You give Smash anytime, anywhere, and I am happy. Come on.

Its Smash Brothers! Ssmmaasshh Brothers!

Despite a lack of innovation to its core fighting mechanics, I simply could not talk about 2018 without mentioning Nintendo’s holiday blockbuster. The fifth main installment in the Smash series made up the Big N’s entire marketing campaign for the year, and it worked dividends. Rarely have I played a game where nothing feels compromised, especially given the sheer amount of content on display. Most importantly, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by far the greatest game in its franchise, due to nuanced yet accessible fighting mechanics that eliminates the slowness that bogged down previous entries. For the first time in a Smash game, I feel motivated to dive into the single player offerings, and still have so much more to do that will easily take me hundreds of hours.

Additionally, the attention to detail and sheer amount of fun of every single character in the record-breaking seventy-plus character roster never ceases to impress. The roster is truly masterful, with iconic characters such as Simon Belmont and Inkling making a splash for the first time. Veterans such as Donkey Kong and Snake have been given rebalanced movesets that make them feel new again, alongside a stupendous attention to detail (Look at Donkey Kong’s facial expressions!). While the online suffers from an inconsistent performance and borders on unplayable with more than two players, I’ve had some of the most fun this year playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with friends, and it has replaced Smash Wii U as the premier game for my entertainment center.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2

Available on PS4, X1

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a rollercoaster of emotions that will stick with me for years. In my over seventy hours with the Van der Linde Gang, I was consistently jaw dropped by the level of visual fidelity, the believability of the writing, the satisfying gameplay, and how the massive story - with seemingly millions of story arcs going on at once - concludes beautifully. Additionally, the realistic, dynamic nature of the American heartland, alongside a rich atmosphere and stirring soundtrack, make Red Dead redemption 2 a surreal experience that empowered me to take my time in today’s culture of rush. I still desire to replay Arthur Morgan’s journey to obtain a better understanding of the story and its incredible cast of characters, who exhibit the same amount of life as modern society. Had Rockstar improved the controls to be more responsive, focused more intently on character backstories, and made fast traveling far more convenient, I have little doubt Red Dead Redemption 2 would have cemented itself as my favorite open world game. Moreover, Red Dead Redemption 2’s placement on this list highlights the quality of 2018’s titles.

3. Celeste

Available on NS, PS4, X1, Linux, Windows

Celeste was 2018’s Steamworld Dig 2 for me. Just like Steamworld Dig 2, Celeste was a game that I could have cared less about prior to launch, but having played it, am going to keep an eye out for the developer’s next projects. What sets Celeste apart from most 2D platformers is its enthralling narrative, that maturely tackles the sensitive topic of mental illness. I felt for Madeline’s struggle to climb the mountain, as well as the believable cast of supporting characters that add depth. The gameplay is similarly fantastic, relying on only Madeline’s climbing, jumping and flying abilities to create fun and satisfying platforming. I was particularly impressed by the massive Super Mario Odyssey style post game, which easily triples playtime with even more quality levels. Alongside the emotional score by Lena Raine, Celeste serves as an artistic triumph not only for its vibrant pixel art and satisfying gameplay, but for its gorgeous story that will likely influence many suffering from mental illness to receive treatment.

2. Bayonetta 2

Sega Games Co., Ltd.,;

PlatinumGames Inc.

Available on Wii U, NS

Bayonetta 2 not only improves upon the foundation set by the first game, it umbran climaxes it. The gigantic smile I had from the roaring opening sequence never let up throughout the adventure, and new characters and skills are introduced to breathe new life into Bayonetta’s universe. Bayonetta 2’s story masterfully ties back into the first game to completely alter the meaning of the original, and I love when games offer a different take on established concepts to grant new context. Alongside Bayonetta 2’s story, the combat is a massive improvement over the first, with a wide variety of quality of life enhancements and weapons that make it the best action game I have ever played. Each of the dozens of enemies demands a different strategy, and improving my skills to trounch them in a heartbeat always satisfied. The soundtrack serves as the cherry on top of the game, with holy melodies that pumped me up for every encounter.

Bayonetta 2 is the only game in recent memory that I replayed as soon as I completed my initial playthrough. Its that dang good, and Bayonetta 3 has quickly become one of my most anticipated games because of the quality the series represents. Furthermore, Bayonetta 2’s riveting combat system, superb presentation, and amazing story serves as a gold standard for the action genre, and excites me for Platinum Games’ future projects.

God of War (2018)

PS4 Exclusive

As soon as the title screen seamlessly transitioned from an autumn-esque view to Kratos preparing to chop down a tree, I knew God of War was something special. Of all the games I played in 2018, God of War stood out to me as the one that most seamlessly integrated all its systems together. Sony Santa Monica successfully uprooted its benchmark franchise to a degree I would argue is larger than 2017’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The greatest innovation lies in the introduction of an emotional story, with a purposeful mission to spread the ashes of Kratos’s deceased wife, Faye, on the realm’s highest peak. While God of War relies on a small cast of characters compared to previous games, their development throughout the narrative and believable voice acting make them memorable. Atreus brilliantly juxtaposes his rage-induced father, Kratos, and the conversations between the two yield the best and most chilling moments in the adventure. Also, God of War’s amazing plot twists and gameplay mostly alleviate a few hours of poor pacing in the beginning and middle. Combined with the new over-the-shoulder, no-cut camera, God of War creates an unparalleled sense of immersion throughout its thirty hour journey. Even better, God of War’s father and son dynamic taught me to appreciate the sacrifices my family makes for me.

Combat is even more satisfying and relentless than previous games. Kratos’s Leviathan Axe feels satisfying with every hit, paralleling the feeling of stomping a goomba in the Super Mario series, combined with an accessible yet complex combo system that I loved. Also, while I was overwhelmed by the introduction of an rpg leveling system, I grew to appreciate the addition for how it seamlessly integrates into exploration. God of War adopts a pseudo open-world nature that feels fresh, making a boat the central means of transportation throughout Midgard’s gorgeous, vibrant landscapes. And the soundtrack. Boy! The soundtrack! Composed by Bear McCreary, a majority of the compositions weave epicness and emotion that jump off the screen. I still get shivers down my spine whenever I listen to the main theme, or more somber tunes such as Memories of Mother due to their pronounced melodies.

Sony Santa Monica’s attention to seamlessness shines through every facet of God of War’s design. All together, the no-cut camera, satisfying gameplay, purposeful exploration, enthralling characters, and rich presentation whisked me away to Midgard. God of War is not just my favorite game of 2018, it is an essential addition to any gamer’s library whose seamlessness sets an industry standard for immersion.

Congratulations to Sony Santa Monica and all the other nominees! There were many great games that were unable to make my list, and for that I extend a heartfelt thank you to every developer who creates enriching experiences for us to escape into. 2019 is looking like a great year for video games to rival or even surpass 2018, with a new core Pokemon RPG, Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, the possibility of a Death Stranding release, and a cavalcade of indie games such as Inmost and Hollow Knight: Silksong that look fantastic. Moreover, I am incredibly excited for what the future holds for gaming. Cheers to a superb 2018, and here’s to an amazing 2019!