Now that we’ve named our 10 best games of 2017, we can move on to 2018 with the games we think will shine. The year 2018 has a lot to live up to, and there are some already-announced titles that have us — and gamers everywhere — salivating. Our twitching thumbs can’t wait to give these games a go, and below you can find out list of the most anticipated games of 2018.
This list is not complete in any way, as developers and publishers can and will announce games at E3 that will come out later this year. The surprise announcement can happen at any time, and some amazing games could be hiding in the shadows, waiting for the curtain to be pulled back. This list is just based on the games that have been announced so far, and they are not in any particular order. Here we go.
Monster Hunter: World
Possibly the earliest launch of 2018 goes to Capcom’s Monster Hunter: World. The epic monster slaying franchise comes to current gen consoles after making a solid name for itself on Nintendo’s 3DS systems for the last few years. The open betas have proven that the game looks stunning and plays like a Hunter’s dream, and with a solid online infrastructure (something Nintendo, lacks), playing with friends and other hunters to go after the bigger beasts should be a breeze. Everything about Monster Hunter: World feels like classic Monster Hunter, with new additions added to make the game that much better. I was in the auditorium at the Sony press conference at last year’s E3, and from the first scene of the initial trailer, my heart beat increased. I cannot wait to dive into the full game here, and as it gets closer to the January 26 launch date, it’s becoming all I think about. This game is going to be magnificent.
Sea Of Thieves
Anyone who knows me knows that I love pirates. I’m a bit of a pirate historian, and when developer Rare announced Sea of Thieves at E3 a few years ago, I was pumped. An Xbox One exclusive, open world pirate adventure where you clan up and attack royal ships — and other pirates — to amass all the booty sounds like a no-brainer for a massive online multiplayer game. Naval warfare and swordfights are only a small part of what’s in store. Add to the fact that it looks amazing and the trailers have really shown what the developers have added to the title in the last two years, and Sea of Thieves looks to be an adventure that will own our lives for most of 2018 and beyond. Sea of Thieves is scheduled to launch on March 2o, with a closed beta scheduled for later this month for those who have preordered the game. The life of a pirate in the golden age was not an easy one, but Sea of Thieves looks to make sure it will be a fun life at least. Ahoy!
God Of War
Kratos is back, and now he has a son with him. The God of War franchise has decimated the greek pantheon of gods, so now it looks to do the same to the norse mythology. A new setting and with the power of the PS4, this adventure looks to be something more than a hack and slash, contextual button masher, and more of an open world adventure. This revitalization of such an iconic character is welcome, and we cannot wait to get our hands on this game, if only to let loose our pent up aggressions on mythological beasts in the snow. Some could argue that the God of War franchise helped solidify Sony as a major player in the console market, and this new exclusive game could help the electronics giant move even more PS4 consoles. Long time fans and new players are chomping at the bit to step back into Kratos’ sandals (!?), and our wait is almost over. God of War is rumored to be released in “early 2018,” which could put it in late spring.
Anthem
The demo that Microsoft showed at last year’s E3 got people talking. Part Destiny, part The Division and Ghost Recon, Anthem looks like THE online multiplayer sci-fi shooter of 2018. And with a pedigree of world class developers at the helm, this BioWare game instantly moved up on my must-play list. If EA can capitalize on the promises made in the real-time trailer that they showed, players are in for an epic treat in 2018. Both BioWare and EA left 2017 scarred after Mass Effect: Andromeda and Star Wars Battlefront II divided players, and they need a huge win to let gamers know that this new year is a new start. Anthem could be that win. Anthem is scheduled to release later this fall.
Detroit: Become Human
I got to play this at E3 last year, and I’m a huge fan of Quantic Dream (Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls). These guys don’t just make games, they make experiences — experiences that stick with us long after the story has wrapped. Amazing play control, the emphasis on player choice — and consequences — and some of the best, most life-like character models in gaming all combine to create absolute gaming magic. Detroit: Become Human looks to continue that streak and the footage shown at the PSX in December all but proved why this game is on this list and why it’s one of the most anticipated games of 2018.
Red Dead Redemption 2
I know I said this isn’t a competition, but there is no other game as anticipated as Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption 2. The first Red Dead Redemption is one of the best games I’ve ever played, and a sequel on current gen systems is a dream come true. Using the power of the PS4 and Xbox One, Rockstar could very well follow up their masterpiece with another masterpiece, and with TV shows like Westworld bringing the “western experience” into the public eye, RDR2 looks to stun gamers new and old. Not much has been released on Red Dead Redemption 2, and a rumored early June release date (June 8, my wedding anniversary — sorry, honey, I love you but…) has not even been confirmed. All we know for sure is that it will be released in 2018, and we cannot wait.
Far Cry 5
Adding some potential controversy to the list is Ubisoft’s Far Cry 5. Setting the game on American soil and making a neo-Nazi cult group the antagonists, in a time when Antifa rules the news, Ubisoft is primed to tap into the rage felt on both sides of the issue, and create one stellar gaming experience. Previous Far Cry games have thrilled gamers, and Ubisoft has some of the best character and facial artists in the business, so there is nothing that says this game won’t just be must-play, but will be well worth the wait. We shall see how it all shakes out when the game releases on March 27.
Spider-Man
Sony has a lot riding on their new Spider-Man game. Breaking from the comics and movies as dedicated sources, developer Insomniac’s version of Spider-Man looks to be Sony’s answer to Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham games. Giving players a fully powered character and setting him loose on a New York City rife with crime, the play control and story both click. Using Spidey’s full cabinet of villains and emphasizing stealth as much as swinging around skyscrapers, Spider-Man is going to be magnificent. And I even like the newly designed Spider-Suit, though if there is an option for classic duds, I might switch to those. What can I say, I’m a traditionalist.
The Last Of Us Part II
Personally, I think they should have left this one alone, as the first game was so perfect in its story and execution. But I also trust Naughty Dog to deliver, making this one game that I cannot wait to get my hands on. I hope that they can continue the adventures without ruining any of the emotional wallop from the first game, nor do they try to recreate it cheaply. I expect it to look utterly fantastic and play like a charm, and because the story was so important to the first game, I’ve intentionally avoided any spoilers or news bits on the game. And if there was any game coming out that could be on this list by the title alone, it is The Last of Us Part II.
Those are the most anticipated games of 2018, though we aren’t done. Kingdom Hearts III would have easily made the list if we thought it was coming out in 2018. They say it is, but they’ve also been saying that for years now, so we tend to look at the trend and not the promise. So, maybe we’ll see KHIII in 2018, but if not, maybe we’ll add it to the 2019 list. Or 2020. Or 2021.
And Nintendo has yet to really announce anything for 2018, though they are coming off 2017 as arguably the best of the big three in terms of market share. I’m hoping to see Metroid Prime 4 for the Switch by the holidays, in a shock. And if that were to somehow miraculously happen, Metroid Prime 4 would be on this list. Until then, just know that it is a most anticipated title in whatever year it is scheduled to release in and we’ll go from there.
As always, these games and dates are subject to change. What games are you looking forward to in 2018 and beyond? Feel free to share your thoughts and let’s get ready for another great year of gaming in 2018.
