Top 5 Games of the Year - 2018
-1- Celeste
Starting off the new year strong and releasing on January 25th, Celeste received an abundance of praise and high acclaim. It wasn't until near the end of this year though that I took notice when I saw that this game was nominated for Game of the Year in the 2018 Video Game Awards, standing tall among the likes of behemoth AAA games like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2. So I picked it up during a Thanksgiving eShop sale for Nintendo Switch, and the game absolutely stole my heart and earned its spot as my favorite game released this year. From the unique and tight platforming mechanics, catchy and moving musical scores, gorgeous animation to a touching and endearing story, Celeste delivers an experience that is so incredibly engaging and just so beautiful to take part in. Look forward to more details and a full review of Celeste in the near future.
-2- God of War
With the return of God of War for the PS4, Santa Monica Studios dared to re-envision the series for a new audience. And boy, did it pay off. Boasting an impressive new camera system, the action and cinematography follows Kratos for the entirety of this adventure, making for a journey that never loses pace and feels all the more personal for it. Topped off with engaging storytelling and a huge open world in which to deliver satisfying axe blows to many a troll and mythical creature alike, this new God of War easily ascends to great heights as one of the best games of the year. For more detail on this cinematic masterpiece, read the full review here.
-3- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The latest release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate looks to be a staggering feat that should not be possible, starring a cast of over 70 characters, 100+ stages, 800+ tracks of music, all of which spans across multiple series and gaming industry leaders. It's both such an impressive and overwhelming achievement to marvel at just how much content is packed into a single game here. While it doesn't deviate much from the Smash formula, it still stands as the king of local multiplayer gaming, now easier to play anywhere ever than before thanks to the versatility of the Nintendo Switch. Keep your eyes peeled for more details and a full review on Smash Ultimate in the near future.
-4- Spider-Man
Sony managed to snag another coveted exclusive this year with the iconic web-slinger that is Marvel's own Spider-Man. Developed by the ambitious minds at Insomniac Games, they made what is not only one of the best Spider-Man games ever, but have raised the bar ever higher for all games across the super hero spectrum. This is a game that fully realizes what it means to be Spider-Man, and then allows players to perfectly emulate and be a part of this world. Perhaps one of the most beautifully designed open worlds ever designed in which you swing about in such acrobatic and thrilling speeds, this is a game stuffed to the brims with considerable polish and such a care and attention to detail. Click here for a deeper look on this esteemed web-head's new adventure.
-5- Nintendo Labo (Variety Kit)
It was a tight call for this final spot on the Top 5 Games of 2018, but I ultimately had to give the credit to Nintendo Labo (Variety Kit) for being one of the most creative and unique experiences developed this year. From building the kits, playing with the unique mechanisms crafted, and discovering the inner workings of what makes these tools tick, there was a surprising amount of content to be enjoyed here. And quite truly, all of it was rather fun in its own distinct fashion. With the impressive packaging, zen-like crafting, and clever Nintendo writing, there is a lot to dig in here and put a big old goofy grin on your face as you awe at the magic displayed with just a few pieces of cardboard, stickers, and a rubber band or two. I know the review is long overdue, but I promise more details and a full review on such in the near future.
Honorable Mentions
With many a great more games deserving of being named as Game of the Year, it was quite a challenge narrowing it down to the five mentioned above. As such, a few shout-outs for honorable mentions go to Tetris Effect for unifying sound, visual design, and gameplay into a beautiful and entrancing experience, made all the more magical in VR. And another honorable mention goes to the small indie game of Minit, for its unique mechanics and charming sense of humor (it also makes for a surprisingly perfect multiplayer turn-based experience). Look forward for more details and full reviews on both games in the near future.
-----------
This next category are for the many games I missed in 2018, be it due to time, resources, or sneaking into the calendar year at the last minute. Regardless, these are games that should not escape one's radar as we enter 2019 as from all I've heard and seen, they have the same potential to be some of my favorite games of the year. As such, they deserve equal shout-outs and my full attention at some point in the new year; These are my Top 5 Follow-Ups:
Top 5 Follow-Ups - 2018
-1- Astro Bots: Rescue Mission
I recently picked up Astro Bots: Rescue Mission as part of the special PSVR bundle they had this past Black Friday, and from my brief time with the game, it looks to be a delightfully fun and creative platformer. The use of VR offers some very clever level design and added immersion, although the scrolling nature combined with moving your robot takes a little getting used to. Still, there are so many clever ideas and adorable touches to be found in this game, given more time this would assuredly have been a top contender as one of the best games of 2018.
-2- GRIS
Sneaking in a release on December 13th, GRIS had the unfortunate timing to fall on the heels of Nintendo's juggernaut of the year, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Though overshadowed for the moment, its attractive visual aesthetics and musical scores aren't forgotten. GRIS looks to be one of the most striking 2D puzzle platformers I've ever laid eyes on, evoking vibes the likes of Journey or Monument Valley. Don't let this game escape your radar.
-3- Donut County
Donut County is a unique puzzle game in which players control a hole that grows in size as it consumes the world around it. But the puzzles are cleverly designed to make you think in creative ways as to what order to gobble up items and how to interact with the world around them. The game also just has a very quirky sense of humor and very relaxed vibe that compliments it perfectly. The world needs more weirdness like this.
-4- Wandersong
Wandersong stands out as an adorable puzzle platformer where you play as a bard, solving all the world's problems through the power of song. With a visual aesthetic and humorous writing that's very akin to something that of a Paper Mario game, color me very intrigued to see and play more of this charming game.
-5- Forgotten Anne
Forgotten Anne is a unique indie game and mix ideas developed by Throughline Games and published by Sqaure Enix Collective. The premise takes place in a magical world called the Forgotten Lands, where lost objects get transported to when forgotten and take up new lives. From a puzzle-platformer to a sort of point-and-click adventure to a choose-your-own adventure narrative, this is a game that dabbles in all and feels so intrinsically distinct as such. Even the animation styling has a particular charm the likes of Studio Ghibli to at times Zelda CD-I, the latter of which you wouldn't think a compliment, but it strangely works here. There clearly is a lot of heart poured into this game whose attention I can't ignore.
-----------
While 2018 may have felt a bit of a slower year for big new blockbusters, it was certainly a great year for ports and remakes. As an opportunity in which to explore some stellar older games in beautiful new ways and on enticing new homes, I thought it would be nice to highlight a few such games in this new category of my Top 5 Ports / Remakes released this year:
Top 5 Ports / Remakes - 2018
-1- Hollow Knight
If you've noticed my many posts singing Hollow Knight's praise, you probably know how much I adore this game. As one of the Top 5 Follow-Ups of 2017, I dove into the world of the Hallownest on the Nintendo Switch and this game quickly rose as not only my new favorite game of that year, but perhaps one of my favorite games I've ever played. Having now been ported to all major consoles, the tight controls of Hollow Knight feel right at home on a console and stands as the best Metroidvania one could find on any system. And not that price should dictate this game's worth, but did I mention this 30-70 hour grand adventure is only regularly priced at $15? Some may say I created this category just to ensure this game saw some well-deserved credit one more time this year..., a reasonable theory.
-2- Shadow of the Colossus
Credit to one of the most gorgeously stunning remakes (and perhaps games in general) of 2018 would have to go to Bluepoint Games's remake of Shadow of the Colossus. To their benefit, they were already working with what is widely considered one of the greatest pieces of art in the medium of gaming. Still, what was achieved in their efforts truly breathes new life into this masterpiece and really accentuates the grand scale of these colossal encounters.
-3- Okami HD (Switch)
A debatable opinion to be had, but my favorite version of Okami had been for the Nintendo Wii thanks in part to the motion controls which felt the perfect fit for wielding your celestial brush powers. But with Okami HD now released for the Nintendo Switch, this classic may have found a new perfect home. Now able to enjoy the radiant beauty of this game in HD, players can enjoy motion controls or even touchscreen controls (if in handheld), both of which are just such intuitive means to play this game. And at $20 (often $15 on sale), this is a steal for the epic adventure that awaits.
-4- Katamari Damacy Reroll (Switch)
Katamari Damacy Reroll is a remastered version of the original Katamari Damacy, a trippy and joyful arcade-like game in which players roll objects into a collective ball that grows to exponential size within the given time-limit of the stage. Paired with one of the most groovy soundtracks and colorful visual aesthetics to grace the medium of gaming, this game is a delightfully silly and chill time to be had. What makes it a perfect pair for the Nintendo Switch is the use of motion controls, two-player mode, and HD Rumble (so you can feel every little bit that gets wadded up into your ever-growing obsession).
-5- Diablo III (Switch)
Diablo III has been an interesting game to follow, from its disastrous online-only PC launch to the growth into a superb local multiplayer console game. And now with its launch on the Nintendo Switch, it continues to grow its favorable install base. A great feature unique to the Switch's local multiplayer experience (should each player have separate Switch systems) is the ability to independently manage inventories. It's been a dream of mine to see gaming like this since the idea was seen with the likes of GBA cables used for games like Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles or The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. With the growing popularity of the Switch, perhaps this dream will soon become a more realized reality for more games to come.
-----------
Last but not least, there were several games released in 2018 that showcased such phenomenal and moving scores. As such, let's take a look at a few highlights below and show an appreciation for these games with such incredible soundtracks. (See also links below for music whose tracks are purchasable to support these talented artists)
Top 5 Soundtracks - 2018
-1- Tetris Effect
For a game that essentially takes the gameplay of Tetris and infuses music into the very fiber of its whole experience, you can reasonably expect an exceptional soundtrack to accompany. Being developed by designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, whose notable works include the musical masterpieces that are Rez, Lumines, and Child of Eden, only adds to these lofty expectations. Thankfully, those expectations are both met and exceeded. The musical scores of this game create one of the most relaxing and meditative experiences I've ever experienced, and the musical motifs to be found are just so inspiring and infectious.
-2- Celeste
From its retro aesthetics, you wouldn't expect such poignant and inspiring musical suites to accompany a game like this. But don't let appearances deceive you, because such is exactly what is tucked away in Celeste. The music builds and transforms as you ever ascend up the mountain, matching the many moods of a quiet vista or a looming storm. With a mix of intrinsic mix of retro synthetic sounds and the light touch of piano, there is such a creative harmony that makes for a beautiful, one of a kind score. I often found myself just sitting at the level select screen after completing a climb, listening to the quiet reflective melodies and thinking back to the events just passed by.
-3- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
With a game borrowing from a massive sound log that spans generations of multiple game series, it almost seems like an unfair competition to compare against for best soundtrack. But credit must be given where credit is due. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not only boasts 800+ tracks totaling for a staggering 28 hours of music, but there was a considerable amount of effort put into creating so many new remixes for this game. The addition of the Castlevania series alone added 34 tracks with a total of 2+ hours of music. And the fact that you can customize music preferences per stage, create custom playlists, and more shows there is an appreciation and love for every musical score put into this game.
-4- Fe
Although a little uneven at times, Fe was perhaps one of the most unique and different games to see release in 2018. And its soundtrack is no exception to that sentiment. With a mix of deep stringed instruments and synthetic sounds, the music of Fe gives an other-worldly feel to its rich, monochromatic nature. It perfectly sets the mood and ambiance to explore the curious lands around you.
-5- Donut County
Last but not least, I call attention to soundtrack of Donut County for creating such chill and just happy music to groove to. The quirky sensibilities of this music are a flawless match for its equally weird gameplay and allow the player to just let loose and bask in the abnormal.
-----------
So there you have it - Another year done and a plethora of great games gifted to us with it. How does my list compare to your own? Any games or soundtracks I missed that I should keep an eye on for the year to come? Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below. Otherwise, here's to a happy holiday and great year enjoyed. Cheers and happy gaming!
No comments:
Post a Comment