The year of 2017 was an absolutely fantastic year for gaming; many would argue one of the best we’ve ever seen. So many amazing games were released that critics had a hard time coming up with a Game of the Year and it is hard to imagine that 2018 could come close to what we experienced last year. Looking just at the games we already know about though, I think 2017 might have some serious competition, and that isn’t even counting any surprises along the way. Obviously this list is entirely subjective and could leave off your favorite games, but here are the 10 games I’m currently looking most forward to for 2018.
God of War
Release Date: TBA
Systems: PlayStation 4
Of all of the awesome games coming in 2018, I might just be the most excited for this one. I’ve always loved God of War and have played every release in the series to date. This newest release is looking to bring the franchise back to the forefront of gaming and do some work to make Kratos a character that everyone cares about. The story looks great, the setting looks fantastic, and I just can’t wait to revisit one of my favorite franchises in a new light.
Spider-Man
Release Date: TBA
Systems: PlayStation 4
Spider-Man is probably my favorite super-hero. He is funny, strong, lithe, and has a very human story to go with his powers that makes him one of the best characters in comic books. This one is being developed by Insomniac Games, the developers behind games like Spyro, Ratchet & Clank and the Resistance series. More importantly they made the criminally under played Sunset Overdrive and proved that they know how to make open worlds a joy to navigate, something that Spider-Man’s web swinging fans should be glad to hear. With the know-how of the developer and the awesomeness of Spider-Man we could see this new Spider-Man game do what the Arkham games did for Batman when it comes to video games.
Sea of Thieves
Release Date: March 20, 2018
Systems: Xbox One, PC
Who hasn’t dreamed of roaming the open oceans plundering and pirating to your hearts content? Sea of Thieves is the biggest game the developer Rare has ever done and after listening to every podcast, watching every YouTube video, and reading every developer diary I couldn’t be more ready to dive in to this pirate fantasy when the game launches on March 20th. I’ll see you all during the closed beta starting January 24th, I’ll be the one slamming grog in the crow’s nest.
Crackdown 3
Release Date: TBA
Systems: Xbox One, PC
There was an underwhelming response to this game during E3 2017 and I think that is a shame. Crackdown has always been a game that is all about just pure fun, even more so with friends, and it looks like Crackdown 3 plans on taking that to 11. I can’t wait to chase down some orbs, level up my agent, and cause sweet mayhem with my friends online when the game launches later this year.
Darksiders 3
Release Date: TBA
Systems: PlayStaton 4, Xbox One, PC
I love the Darksiders series and was pretty devastated when THQ was shuttered and the future of Darksiders looked grim, especially after the cliffhanger from the first game. Seeing this game being revived this year and watching the IGN First preview trailer made me squeal in joy. I can’t wait to destroy the Seven Sins this year as the Horseman (Horsewoman?) Fury.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Release Date: TBA
Systems: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Anybody who doesn’t have this one on their most anticipated list simply isn’t paying attention. The original game was a masterpiece of last generation combining the genius of Rockstar with the fantasy of being a gunslinger in the Wild West. I’m excited enough for another fantastic campaign story, but after the utter success of GTA Online it has me thinking about what might be Red Dead Online and that is a very exciting prospect indeed. This will be a Game of the Year contender for sure, on pretty much everyone’s lists, and is one to watch out for this fall.
Indivisible
Release Date: TBA
Systems: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
What if I told you that the creators of Skullgirls, a beautifully hand animated fighting game, was making a single player game? What if I told you that single player game would be a platform and RPG hybrid that channeled the Metroidvania? Well that is the idea behind Indivisible, a new RPG coming from Lab Zero games. I’ve played the PS4 demo released in 2015 as well, as a slice of the backer’s demo, and it is shaping up to be an amazing game with a combat system reminiscent of the Valkyrie Profile. In addition you’ll be able to play as guest characters from across the indie world including Juan for Guacamelee, the Drifter from Hyper Light Drifter, and Shovel Knight from his titular game. It may not be a AAA powerhouse, but it is poised to be on of the best games of the year regardless.
Celeste
Release Date: January 25, 2018
Systems: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
Towerfall is hands down one of the best multiplayer games I’ve ever played, and it was made by a little indie developer called Matt Makes Games. Why am I talking about Towerfall? Well that developer’s second game is Celeste and from the trailers we’ve seen so far it seems to keep the art style and simple yet complex gameplay of Towerfall and moves it into a frantic single player experience. The best part about it is we don’t have long to wait, as it was just announced in a Nintendo Direct Mini that the game releases on January 25th on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Ori and the Will of Wisps
Release Date: TBA
Systems: Xbox One, PC
Ori and the Blind Forest is one of my favorite games of all time. The artwork is beautiful, the metroidvania gameplay is drum tight, and the story is poignant and emotional. When this sequel was announced at E3 2017 last year I couldn’t have been more excited and I cannot wait to play this new iteration. The real question is, though it is technically slated for 2018, will it come out this year? I’m leaning towards a delay at this point as we haven’t seen or heard much more since announcement. Fingers crossed that we will see it by the end of the year.
Project Octopath Traveler
Release Date: TBA
Systems: Nintendo Switch
It is no secret that I’m a big fan of classic turn based JRPG games. Project Octopath Traveler, despite it’s terrible name, is a game in that genre that I would be crazy not to pay attention to. The game features multiple protagonists you can pick and choose from with different play styles, both in the world map and in battle. The demo that is currently available on Nintendo Switch eShop shows us a promising peek at an epic yet grounded story involving some extremely interesting characters that even managed to have some pretty great voice acting. Hopefully we get a name change and a release not too far into 2018.
Honorable Mention: Anthem
Release Date: TBA, but probably not 2018
Systems: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
I had to toss Anthem on this list, but couldn’t include it in my standard list as I feel there is absolutely no chance of it coming out in 2018. However, in the off chance it does come out this year it would easily rocket to the top of my list, as the trailer we saw during E3 2017 was jaw dropping. It is about time that Destiny has some real competition in the shared online space on consoles and with the people behind Mass Effect at the helm of this experience it really could be something special.
What games are you looking most forward to for 2018? Let us know in the comments below.
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