Note: Some of the games on this list are already out. Nonetheless, we’re excited to play these games!
The gaming industry is a prominent one in our lives today. From consoles to our mobile devices, we’re playing more technologically advanced games now than ever before. 2017 was an incredible year for video games, though of course it had its highs and lows. However, despite last year’s good and bad points, 2018 is a fresh new year in the world of gaming and it’s already looking to be one of the biggest and best yet in terms of new releases. From two-player innovation, to long-awaited additions to some of the industry’s most popular gaming series, there has been plenty to look forward to, and we’ve pulled together a list of some of the best.
A Way Out
E3 2017 brought us the announcement of some incredible new releases, but the one that drummed up a good bit of hype is A Way Out. Josef Fares hasn’t really shown his face since his original creation Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons, but this new addition to his backlog is certainly looking to be one of his best. This jailbreak story follows protagonists Leo and Vincent as they try to bust out of prison, but the two-player experience comes with a twist – it’s all split screen. Of course, that alone doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the fact that you aren’t always in the same spot that makes it a whole new style of play. At any time, one player could be watching a cut scene, while the other is freely wandering around. All of this makes for an interesting game, and with the incredible graphics and tense storyline, we can’t wait to get going.
Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5’s predecessors have certainly left fans eager for more, and they’re finally getting exactly that. Better yet, this new addition to the series will bring the gameplay to familiar territory – the USA. Hope County, Montana, becomes the host of all kinds of chaos, with a religious cult taking fanaticism to a whole new level. As you fight off the cult, you’ll have to rely on the non-converted remainder of the population to help you, taking part in bombing runs in a plane, pitchfork takedowns, attacks with a sledgehammer and even dogfights. It promises all of the adventure and violence of the previous games, and so much more. It’s released on March 27th, so there isn’t long to wait!
Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life
Despite what was expected to be a meager following with the release of the first game, the Yakuza series is still going strong today. For years, fans have enjoyed various types of gameplay following these transnational people in a highly organised crime syndicate originating in Japan, but it’s the video game series that has truly caught attention. Yakuza 6: The Song Of Life has been available in Japan for a while now, and this is hardly news to fans of the game. However, it’s finally coming abroad April 17th to give us all the chance to lose ourselves in the GTA-style gameplay. Follow the story, or lose yourself in countless minigames – the choice is truly up to you.
God Of War
Despite the PS4 exclusivity, the God of War franchise is still going strong and rightly so. The fourth installment in the series is due to be released on April 20th this year, and drops the numbering its predecessors have taken on. However, this new offering could see Kratos’ endless rage coming to, well, an end. Needing to raise his son Atreus to be a warrior just like him, the struggle between being a good father and being the Kratos we know and love could certainly prove for an interesting storyline that we’re all itching to get our fingers on. A new lightening axe makes for one big new feature that everyone seems to be looking forward to, but it’s safe to say there’ll be a prominent sprinkling of character development between the violence and chaos that we’re so used to.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revanant Kingdom
Fans of the first Ni No Kuni rejoice! The sequel is here! March 23rd saw the release of this brand new adventure, and all fans of Studio Ghibli will be thrilled to know that the art style has certainly clung on for the ride. You can control your collected familiars, but with the opportunity to get in on the action yourself too. You’ll always find Tani, Roland and Evan right in the middle of the action, and of course, we can’t forget the Higgledies. Not just cute in name, but in look too, these elemental creatures make perfect partners for your adventure. The kingdom remains the same this time around, but you’ll be pleased to know that it goes beyond the scope of the first, so there’s plenty more to explore, and a deeper storyline to follow.
This year is set to be huge for video games, and these are just a few among many that we are looking forward to. With the Nintendo Switch hitting a year old, we can expect some brand new Switch games to be announced, and of course, VR and AR are storming the market, with apps and games being released constantly. Only time will tell where the industry will go this year, but for now we can sit back and wait in eager anticipation for the huge releases due in the coming months (or already out).
What games are you most looking forward to in 2018? Did we miss any you want to play real bad?