When I put together my Top Ten list of 2018, I decided not to allow remakes or remasters into my list. Having said that, I still want to acknowledge them as part of my Honorable Mentions of 2018. I also want to list off a few titles that either I really enjoyed, haven’t completed, or have just recently started playing. So, in no particular order, here are Analog Stick Gaming’s Honorable Mentions of 2018!
Bayonetta 2 : Had this stellar sequel been on my list, it would have easily hit the number one spot. Bayonetta 2 is a superb action game with intense combat and a very satisfying story. Bayonetta 2 is everything I wanted in a sequel to Bayonetta and makes me extremely excited for the 3rd entry, supposedly due out this year.
Check out my Review here!
Strange Brigade : This was definitely a game that almost made my top 10 list as it is just so much fun to play and takes the Left 4 Dead style gameplay and runs with it. Featuring a fun cast of characters, a satisfying story campaign, and a addictive horde mode, and you have one extremely fun multiplayer game.
Check out my Review here!
Detroit Become Human : This was a very fun experience that kept me hooked right through my entire playthrough. Featuring some incredible performances and a very decent story, it was the first David Cage game to actually keep my interest, and then some.
Check out my Review here!
Hitman 2 : I have been a huge fan of Agent 47, but I haven’t really enjoyed the Hitman games. While I will be diving into the game that released just before this, as it is part of Game Pass, Hitman 2 was a really enjoyable game with a ton of variety and some very functional controls. It can almost be staggering to see the amount of ways to wrap up an assassination that I might have to replay a few missions again to figure out new ways to get the job done.
Stay tuned, possibly, for a review of Hitman 2
Octopath Traveler : Turned based RPG’s haven’t really been my jam. There are a few I enjoy, but it is a genre that I usually don’t seek out. Given the art direction alone, Octopath was a game I just had to play. I had a really good time with the game but really wished the individual stories would have come together a bit more than how they eventually did. Still, a solid game for the Nintendo Switch, and a game I strongly suggest playing on a 3D TV in 3D mode.
Check out my Review here!
YS VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA : I had a great time with this game. I enjoyed the story, its cast of characters, and the gameplay as well. It does have a few issues and could have used some updated tweaks to the visuals, but overall, this is an excellent game to add to your Switch library should you already be done with Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Check out my Review here!
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition : While not your typical Legend of Zelda game, Hyrule Warriors certainly has the charm of one. I had a great time playing as all sorts of LOZ characters, even some exclusive to this game, and really hope they continue this spin-off in the future.
Check out my Review here!
Dragonball FighterZ : When I think about wanting an anime playable as a game, this is exactly how they should look. Dragonball FighterZ leaps off the screen as if you are playing the anime itself. While the story mode is somewhat lacking, the combat present in this anime fighter is fantastic. FighterZ is certainly one of the best looking games released in 2018.
Check out my Review here!
Vampyr : While I didn’t score Vampyr very high, it is still a game I recommend to try. I really enjoyed a lot of this game and wanted to give it a quick shout out as it certainly deserves one.
Check out my Review here!
Forza Horizon 4 : Easily the best racing game released this year. The fact that this game is available through Game Pass is utterly fantastic. The Halo level alone is worth your time and if you own an Xbox One, this is a must have title.
Check out my Review here!
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 : There is so much to enjoy about this title and much like Forza Horizon 4, this title is available through Game Pass. Vermintide 2 takes the Left 4 Dead formula and makes it its own not only through its fantasy setting, but in the character progression systems and various armors and weapon drops. This is a very fun game that is even better with friends.
Check out my Review here!
Pokemon: Let’s Go - Pikachu and Eevee! : While many “fans” of the main series games will denounce this title, I had more fun with this installment than any of the previous games. I’ve been a big Pokemon fan since the very first series of games and have been enjoying my time with Pokemon GO. By combining the catch mechanics of GO and the gameplay of the more traditional games, Let’s Go will bring in a lot of gamers that have never played a main series game before, making Pokemon bigger than ever.
Check out my Review here!
Ashen : While I am nearing the completion of Ashen, I am enjoying it a lot more than I had initially thought I would. As I am not a huge fan of Dark Souls, the jump in and out co-op nature of Ashen, plus its art direction, has really hooked me into playing this to completion. Currently available on Game Pass, Ashen is work the look, just make sure to bring a friend along.
Stay tuned, possibly, for a review of Ashen.
What were your Honorable Mentions of 2018? Any games that didn’t make your Top Ten that you still enjoyed? Comment below!