Okay shout outs. Red Dead Redemption 2. I just wanted to mention it as I enjoyed it (great story, game play not so much), just not as much as these following games, I'm not, not including it to be 'cool'. I want a mention of Shadow of the Tomb raider and Forza Horizon 4. Both of the two previous entries in these series have made my game of the year lists (without ever winning mind you) and although these games are both very good, they seem like they never really improved on the previous games and, like Red Dead they re not as good as the games on this list (same goes for Far cry 5 apart from the previous nominations bit). Another shout out goes to State of Decay 2, a survival game set in a zombie Apocalypse, though hardly a giant step forward from the original, but hey an Xbox exclusive. Also Orush, an interesting driving game that wasn't about racing but more spins on what are traditionally first person shooter game modes. Yoku's Island express is another, a fun mix of 2D platformer and pinball only just topped by Sonic Spinball in that genre... (Joke, that game sucks whether it includes Sonic the Hedgehog or not), that reminds me of Sonic Mania plus, DLC for Sonic mania that added a fun new mode and a couple of new characters to the base game One thing that it wont be is Just Cause 4 as I haven't got to playing it yet, so, sorry (probably unlikely to win anyway). And so, the nominees are...
Spiderman
Does whatever a spider can. If a spider can make the best superhero videogame since 2011. They've certainly borrowed a lot from that other game as well, with the fighting borrowed/ lifted from the Arkham games, though to be fair it's hardly the first game to do so (cough, shadow of Mordor, cough). Add on to that the fun traversal that open world spiderman games have had since the PS2 (though without balloons now), a fun story that knows when to be serious and when to be lighthearted and a great set up to a sequel. Plus a bunch of fun extras to find and do.
Guacamelee! 2
Let's face it, there was always going to be at least one 2D platformer on this list. Half man, half chicken and half luchador, Juan is a character of many skills. This is a classic metroidvania set in the 'mexiverse', a land of mexican stereotypes, but better than it sounds. The platforming here is great at times, some great brawling and a fun story. There are bosses as well, and although I'm not keen on them there is just enough to give the game things to aim towards and a different type of challenge.
Minit
This looks like a game straight from the 80's, a very simple top down game with a gimmick, you only have one minute to live, then you die and go back to your last save point. In this minute you have to explore, push on with the story, find secrets and rush to new save points. Practise makes perfect. The game reminds me much of the game I gushed over a couple of years ago 'Westerado' with a similar style of game, but with the added timed gimmick that really makes this game special. I can't think of a better implemented gimmick in a game ever (though there's probably tonnes).
God of War
I had never played a God of War before, they always seemed like they weren't really my cup of tea, but there was something different about this one (or so I heard, hard to tell with the not playing them before). Kratos' gloomy demeanour makes for a great protagonist, up there with Arthur Morgan for the best of the year. Add to this the slow, deliberate story, the atmosphere and the beautiful scenery and this makes the journey between action scenes a joy, but then you get to the action... I can't remember a game that makes fighting seem to real (ignoring the fact that I don't have Godly might), you can almost feel every axe hit you dish out. And the fighting is so varied, even with only 2 weapons in the whole game (fists are not weapons). In fact, when you're using the different weapons it almost feels like 2 different games. I can't think of better melee combat in any third person action game ever.
Celeste
And the other 2D platformer is here, and what a beauty. a 16 bit throwback with beautiful graphics (if you like 16 bits (I do)) and the music to match. This is a really tough game but with quick enough respwans and frequent enough checkpoints to not be a frustration. There is plenty to see and do on the mountain (you're climbing a mountain you see), with extra challenges to find, and tapes to find that let you play the game through a whole new way. On top of this there is a game within a game that allows you to play an 8 bit take on the game. The story is there and kind of sweet based around overcoming mental illness, albeit a bit preachy at times. It's the game play and style here that makes it shine. I guess you could say this is the hardest mountain since Gregor Clegane
I like retro games can you tell? And yet the winner has to be God of war. The story, the setting, the visuals and of course most importantly the gameplay, it has it all. Fantastic.
In case you're even slightly interested that means...
2013: The last of us
2014: South Park the stick of truth
2015: Rocket League.
2016: Doom
2017: A hat in Time
2018: God of War.
What an eclectic mix.
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