From generation-defining epics to adorable little indies, 2018 was a great year for games. But which did we collectively like more than any others? Here are the 20 best games of 2018, as voted on by Gaming Age staff. Thanks for reading!
20. Destiny 2: Forsaken
I’m a sucker for Destiny, and with Destiny 2: Forsaken the series is now in its best place since Destiny: The Taken King. Satisfying gameplay, fun activities and post-game quests, and a feedback loop that keeps us coming back for more. (Jim Cordeira)
Read our review of Destiny 2: Forsaken!
19. Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 is hands down the best yet for the series, and may be the best Ubisoft title ever. I have loved my time with this game, and with the 35 or so hours I have invested so far, I feel that I still have a lot of content left to discover, with more side quests and character missions to do beyond the main story. The areas are unique, the gameplay is tight and the characters are memorable. This honestly disturbing look at an alternate America is the exact thing this series needed stand out and make a name for itself amid all of the other open world RPG games out there. (Tyler Nethers)
18. The Messenger
An 8-bit platformer that flips a switch halfway through to reveal itself as a 16-bit Metroidvania — and, crucially, one that succeeds as both. (Matthew Pollesel)
17. Dark Souls Remastered
I can’t make a best of list in a year with a great Souls game and NOT have that game make the list, remaster or otherwise. Dark Souls is the game that REALLY brought the series into the mainstream, and the remaster serves to once again bring new players in. A lot of people did not get into the games until Dark Souls 3 or Bloodborne, so getting to play the original Dark Souls without hooking up an Xbox 360 or a PS3 is amazing. (TN)
Read our review of Dark Souls Remastered!
16. Tetris Effect
A great take on the classic Game. Complete with Superb VR support! A must have! (Chris Dunlap)
Read our review of Tetris Effect!
15. Donut County
It’s rare for me to finish a game, and then immediately wish I could go back and play more. But that’s exactly what happened with me for Donut County. Simple gameplay, a bizarre story, and great characters add up to a fantastic combination. (MP)
Read our review of Donut County!
14. Detroit: Become Human
David Cage always manages to impress with his stellar, story driven games. Detroit might be his best yet, with hundreds of routes and options you can take, no two playthroughs are the same. Incredible visuals and acting all top it off and make it one of the top games 2018 has to offer. (TN)
Read our review of Detroit: Become Human!
13. Guacamelee 2
Guacamelee 2 takes a very solid base of the original and adds enough to prevent this iteration from being stale. The new mechanics blend in seamlessly and adds to the experience. The humor hits, more than it misses and the visuals are vibrant like it?s predecessor. All in all if you had to choose only on metroidvania-style game to play in 2018, make sure Guacamelee 2 is high on your list. (Stan Yeung)
Read our review of Guacamelee 2!
12. Forza Horizon 4
I think it would be easy to argue that this is the best Forza Horizon game yet. I?ve generally enjoyed the series, more so than even Forza Motorsport, and Forza Horizon 4 is no different. The enhanced online features, the season changes, and yes, even the avatar customization, are all welcomed additions. But aside from that, the core racing experience, the thrill of driving recklessly through fields, cobblestone fences, city streets, and sandy beaches?it?s darn near unmatched in current racing games. So yeah, Forza Horizon 4 is amazing. (Dustin Chadwell)
Read our review of Forza Horizon 4!
11. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
In yet another new Assassin’s Creed game, it would be easy to re-skin the previous title and call it a day. Odyssey takes the series to a whole new level of depth and quality, with meaningful choices, character choice, deep RPG mechanics and on of the best stories to date, Odyssey stands out as probably the best Assassin’s Creed yet. (TN)
Read our review of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey!
10. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Fantastic take of the fast action that is Dragonball Z. Reminds of the classic 2D Capcom Fighters of the late 90’s!!! (CD)
9. Pok?mon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Let’s Go, Eevee!
The first Pokemon entry for the Switch did not disappoint. It revisits the settings of Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow while adding in the Pokemon GO style of catching and training your Pokemon. The old blends with the new in something that will satisfy both old school and new Pokemon trainers alike. (TN)
8. Mega Man 11
Mega Man 11 is truly a memorable experience and is one of Mega?s finest adventures and it is highly recommended. (Benny Rose)
Read our review of Mega Man 11!
7. Hitman 2
As serious or as silly as you want it to be, Hitman 2 is every bit as good as its predecessor, and the range of ways you can take out targets continues to be inspired. I mean, what other game allows you to beat someone to death with a blueberry muffin? (MP)
6. Dead Cells
One of 2018’s finest. (DC)
Read our review of Dead Cells!
5. Monster Hunter World
Capcom brought this beloved Japanese series to the forefront of video games here in the US with Monster Hunter: World. The most high end graphics the series has offered to date, coupled with a solid co-op mode earn Monster Hunter a place on the list. (TN)
Read our review of Monster Hunter World!
4. Super Smash Brothers Ultimate
Jam-packed with content, and bigger and better than ever before. Plus it has a proper single-player mode! (MP)
3. God of War
Kratos is back baby! Sony successfully re-invented and rebooted their famous franchise for the PS4 and totally struck gold. We learned that Kratos is intense, grumpy and a great dad, and he can swing an axe like a pro. GoW offers the perfect mix of story, exploration and hardcore action gameplay made for an all-around fantastic experience and one of the best games of the year and generation. (JC)
Read our review of God of War!
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
The biggest game of 2018, in more ways than one. Coming after one of the defining games of the PS3/Xbox 360 era, Red Dead Redemption 2 had a tough act to follow — and, improbably, it managed to surpass its predecessor in every way. Few other games have ever managed to create a world as vibrant and alive as this one, and RDR2 was great enough that you couldn’t help but want to explore every inch of that world. One of the best games you’ll play this or any other year. (MP)
Read our review of Red Dead Redemption 2!
1. Marvel’s Spider-Man
Marvel?s Spider-Man is truly spectacular, and a return to form for Marvel?s heart and soul. Spider-Man is a must-buy and the new king of superhero games. Rocksteady you still out there? (Paul Rosselli)
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