Top 10 Games of 2018 - PSLS Staff's Favorite Games of the Year

2018 is just a week away from being over, our Game of the Year 2018 awards have been handed out, and we are well on our way towards considering what 2019 games will earn those awards in a year’s time. While our Game of the Year Awards were full of great titles, plenty of other games didn’t receive honors.

We wanted to offer the PlayStation LifeStyle staff an opportunity to tell you about their individual top 10 games of 2018, whether or not they landed awards this year. There are some obvious contenders that appear on nearly every list, but we’ve also got some surprises, non-PlayStation games, and guilty pleasures that people have loved playing in 2018, even if they weren’t award worthy.

At the end of the day, isn’t enjoying the games and having fun with them what it’s all about?

PSLS Staff – Everyone’s Top 10 Games of 2018

Some, like our Game of the Year winner, God of War, appear on multiple lists, while other writers have some eclectic tastes with some unique games and genres. Plenty of people on the staff loved games that didn’t appear on the PlayStation platform, with Nintendo Switch and even mobile titles making appearances. There are even some widely disliked games that some people on our staff just loved. What’s absolutely clear when looking at these lists is that 2018 was an incredible year for games with some great titles that you definitely shouldn’t miss. Even if the games don’t appeal to everybody, what’s most important is that we’ve had fun playing them.

Did any of your own top 10 games of 2018 land our our lists too? Anything that none of us mentioned that stuck out to you? Let us know your own top 10 games of 2018 in the comments below.

Essential Reading

PSLS Staff Top 10 Games of 2018

PSLS Staff Top 10 Games of 2018 Lists

Here are everyone's favorite ten games from 2018.
Aidan Simonds

Decided to put them in order because I like a challenge I guess.

1. Marvel's Spider-Man: This game is everything I've wanted out of a Spider-Man game, and a superhero game in general. I never got tired of swinging through the streets of New York, and this game actually turned me into a completionist, which never happens. Combined with some fantastic writing and performances, Marvel's Spider-Man is an absolute joy to play, and truly makes you feel like a superhero.

2. God of War: A masterclass in video game development. Everything from the visuals, to the performances, to the combat, is spot-on. What's even more impressive is how the team at Sony Santa Monica managed to turn a franchise (and character) defined by violence, sex, and anger into something more raw and emotional. Truly a landmark game in every way.

3. Octopath Traveler: A game that doesn't want to replicate the JRPG of the 16-bit era, but rather bring it into the modern world. While it's visually stunning, where Octopath really shines is its combat system. The unique "break" system makes every party member, and ever piece of equipment useful in some way, and the ability to boost your attacks can help turn the tide mid-battle. The storyline may be a bit lacking, but Octopath is a can't-miss for JRPG fans.

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: This game is the definition of extra, and I love it so much for it. It's absolute fanservice, and that by no means is a complaint. Sure, unlocking the characters is a grind, but for me, it gave me an opportunity to test out characters I otherwise would not have. Everyone wants something different out of a Smash Bros. game, but as a package, it's the absolute best in the series.

5. Dead Cells: In a year with many fantastic 2D platformers, Dead Cells stands out among them. With each playthroughs being different in terms of what equipment you can get your hands on, Dead Cells is more than having the strongest weapon. You need to learn the patterns of the enemies to get that opportune moment to strike them down. A fast-paced action game that kicks your butt whenever it can, Dead Cells always made me want to get better, and never quit.

6. Celeste: A game that absolutely will kick your ass, and will make you want to work for the victory. It's a game where the story and gameplay go hand-in-hand. The struggles you face rival those of Madeline's. Ultimately, Celeste is is a game about pushing through, and believing in yourself, a theme that's reflected both narratively and design-wise.

7. Tetris Effect: I've always been a bit of a Tetris fiend. Even though there were points in my life I was borderline obsessed with the falling Tetriminos, I had never pictured that Tetris could become anything more than it ever was. Boy, was I wrong. Tetris Effects takes the longstanding puzzle game and fully brings it into the 21st century, completely overhauling it while always staying true to what makes Tetris so compelling. With an art style and soundtrack like no other, this is undoubtedly the next chapter of Tetris.

8. Pokemon Let's Go Eevee: I'll admit, I wasn't fully on-board with the new catching mechanics, but the first time I threw my Joy-Con, I was sold. The stark separation between catching and battling really made the standard Pokemon experience fresh and not as monotonous. While I don't want every Pokemon game to adapt this catching method, I'm excited to see where the Let's Go sub-series can go next.

9. Ni no Kuni II: The sequel loses nothing of what made the first Ni no Kuni so special. While the loss of the Studio Ghibli animation is a bit of a bummer, the cel-shaded art style is beautiful enough on its own. A bigger focus on action than its predecessor may make it easier than some would like, but I found it to be the perfect "feel-good game." And don't even get me started on the soundtrack.

10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey: As someone who's never really clicked with the Assassin's Creed franchise, this is exactly what I wanted out of this series. Building on from the foundation of Origins, Odyssey marks an exciting new era in the life of this gaming mainstay. Some may lament the heavy RPG mechanics, but I more than welcome it. Making my way around the absolutely stunning recreation of Ancient Greece is a gaming memory I won't be letting go of anytime soon.
Annette Polis

Monster Hunter World (PS4) - What a way to start off a new year of gaming! And things just keep getting better.

ESO Summerset & Murkmire (PS4) - Brought us the ability to mess with time and finally craft our own jewelry.

Sushi Striker (Switch) - Put sushi in a game and I will buy it. This one turned out to be a lot of fun.

Kingdom: New Lands Skull Island update (Steam) - I will beat that damn island! I cannot be denied.

11-11 Memories Retold (PS4) - An emotional tug at the heartstrings.

Fallout 76 (PS4) - Haters gonna hate. Meanwhile, I'll be looting West Virginia.

Persona Dancing: Endless Night - Busting moves, all night long.

Kingdom: Two Crowns (PS4/Steam) - Finally, cooperative play in a Kingdom game!

Women in Gaming: 100 Professionals of Play (book) - Meagan Marie's book showcases women who have helped shape and redefine the world of gaming.
Brianna Reeves

I only have a top 8, but they're in order:

1. God of War
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
3. Spider-Man
4. AC Odyssey
5. Detroit Become Human
6. Batman: The Enemy Within
7. Far Cry 5
8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Cameron Teague

Lets see.. I don't have any order to this but here we go.

God of War
Detroit: Become Human
Marvel's Spider-Man
Ni no Kuni II
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Dragon Quest XI
Yakuza 6
Persona Dancing: Endless Night Collection
Little Dragon's Cafe
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT
Chandler Wood

Some are in order, others not. I'll let you figure out what is what.

Destiny 2: Forsaken
God of War
Red Dead Redemption 2
Shadow of the Colossus
Moss
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
Marvel's Spider-Man
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Beat Saber
Yoku's Island Express
Janet Garcia

My top games.

God of War: A masterful franchise relaunch, God of War's one-take shot engrosses the player while its gameplay is simplistic yet satisfying. It's a damn good video game.

Celeste: The harder the platformer, the better the level design and controls need to be. Celeste doesn't just rise to this occasion, it transcends it with its heartfelt and important story about mental health. This game is proof that a good story and meaningful message doesn't have to come at the cost of gameplay.

Yoku's Island Express: I want every game to be this game. Cute and intuitive, this metroidvania pinball platformer's world is so magical it sidesteps the backtracking frustrations that normally come with its genre. Furthermore, the abilities you gain are unique enough that you can't really predict them but once you have them you instantly know where you're heading next.

Detroit: Become Human: Problematic fav of the year. It's true that there are headass slavery takes and a binary of violent vs. pacifist protest presented to the player. BUT, 2 of the 3 storylines you follow don't have much cringe at all. This game gives you hard decisions to make and has the visuals and music needed to successfully elicit an emotional response. The attention to detail will have you interacting with every item you can. It's an absolute must play for any adventure game fan.

Marvel's Spider-Man: It's a pretty basic game but swinging really does feel incredible. You'll get a little sick of beating up the same enemies over and over again but exploring New York is a joy and the story is excellent. When you're done with the game you'll just want more (but you still won't buy the DLC, nor should you).

A Way Out: A unique co-op mandatory experience. Mechanically, A Way Out isn't doing anything impressive here. Instead, it shines by bringing out the lowkey competitive side of co-op through its mini-games and it remains a topic of conversation due to its plot twists.

Tetris Effect: At first I thought this would just be Tetris in VR but the team has really created something hypnotic, special, and fun with this title. Perhaps some of the best score integration ever, this game brings something new to a franchise that has existed for ages.

Unravel Two: It's 2018 but y'all are still sleeping on Yarny! This game has more interesting and challenging levels than the first game, especially as you take on the bonus levels. The only con here is that the story is even more obtuse than Unravel's.

Minit: Do you have a minute? Of course, you do! This game only keeps you alive for 60 seconds at a time. Each time you respawn you're setting out on a task. Little by little you make your way to the end of the game. It sounds odd and the graphics seem unimpressive but this game is charming, different, and needs your attention.

Florence: A testament to what a good mobile game is, this story-driven adventure game takes advantage of its platform. From eating breakfast to texting your boyfriend, you'll feel part of Florence's story as you're swept up by its amazing score.
Jenni Lada

Valkyria Chronicles 4
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Kirby Star Allies Dragon Quest XI Yakuza Kiwami 2 Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session Tetris Effect Dragalia Lost Part Time UFO
Keri Honea

I played more backlog than anything, so here's my top list of 2018 games I've played.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr The Station 7'scarlet Shadow of the Tomb Raider Code: Realize ~Bouquet of Rainbows~ Just Cause 4
Louis Edwards

In no particular order:

MLB The Show 18

Madden NFL 19

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Red Dead Redemption 2

Creed: Rise to Glory

Destiny 2: Forsaken

The Crew 2

Yakuza 6
Lucas White

I'm not gonna try to order these:

Castlevania Requiem
-Two of the best games of all time with trophies, and sometimes evil laughter comes out of the DualShock 4 speaker. Could have been really high on a ranked list, but no bonus features and the ugliest UI in Konami's entire history almost cost it a spot

Dragon Quest XI
-I still stand by everything in the 3,000+ words I already wrote on this for PSLS; gimme clicks

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon
-I can't believe a playable love letter to Castlevania 3 from Ultimate Castlevania 3 Fan IGA exists

Dragon Ball FighterZ
-I knew this would be an incredibly hype experience the moment I walked into E3 and saw Planet Namek trees

Assassin's Creed Odyssey
-I normally bounce off open world games, but there's something about the vibe here that keeps it compelling no matter how long your play session is or how mundane the tasks are or how many times a glitch banishes you to the depths of Tartarus

Tetris Effect
-It's Tetris, but in VR and there's songs about feelings and space whales

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
-It's Smash, with every character ever, and a bonus mode about collecting video game history that casts Solid Snake as every fictional absentee dad ever created

SEGA Ages Phantasy Star
-This has to be one of the best, singular retro re-releases I've ever played. It looks and sounds amazing, the new features are dope, and now the original Phantasy Star is enjoyably playable in 2018. It's magic

Octopath Traveler
-The Bravely Default developer and Square Enix conspired against the gaming world with Nintendo to make everyone get excited about a new SaGa game. I respect this hustle a lot

Dragalia Lost
-I have played this game every day since it launched, and that has never happened to me with a mobile game before. It has great art and writing, amazing pop music from DAOKO, and best of all it only taunts me a little bit for not spending money instead of yelling at me and making me fail levels
Zarmena Khan

In no particular order:
God of War
Detroit: Become Human
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Marvel's Spider-Man
Spyro Trilogy

Everything else I've played was sitting in my backlog pile from previous years. However, I do want to mention Overwatch here. I've got to commend Blizzard for constantly updating and adding new content to the game. It's addicting (I had to force myself to take a break and deal with my backlog), fun (especially with friends), and continues to improve (thank heavens for the LFG feature).