Big Games Still to Come in 2018
- Matt Quill
- Jul 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 18
From The Past: This article has been imported from one of my past blog sites, written in 2018.
The summer is gradually drawing to a close, and with it go the last few big-budget summer flicks. So whilst we wait around for the winter blockbuster season (and pray for a little less sun), the season of gaming is just getting started. In a matter of months, we’ll have superhero capers, ancient Greek open worlds and of course, the wild wild west (Not to be mistaken for an adaptation of that not-so-great Will Smith movie) to get caught up in. So to get you all as pumped up as we are, we thought we’d count down the upcoming games that’ll blow you away for the remainder of 2018.
Guacamelee! 2 (Released August 21st) Available on PS4, PC
When a game boasts "fancy new wrestling moves, sassy new bosses, twice the enemies, and 300% more chickens!” it’s hard not to be excited, right? I mean, that’s a lot of chicken. But in all seriousness, how could we not be excited for Drinkbox Studios' follow-up to their amazing Mexican-themed metroidvania, Guacamelee? The sequel looks like it's keeping everything that made the original such an incredible adventure, with its bright and vibrant world, addictive gameplay and incredible writing. Bolstered with the option of 4-player co-op, fresh combat moves, new levels, and even more bosses to suplex. How could you not be excited for what Drinkbox Studios has waiting?
Strange Brigade (Released August 28th) Available on PS4, Xbox One, PC
This bombastic third-person shooter places you in the shoes of the Strange Brigade, a group of fearless adventurers as they hunt down the powerful witch queen Seteki, and her hordes of supernatural monsters. It looks to have one of the best narrations since Handsome Jack’s cocky (but welcomed) interruptions in Borderlands 2, with the narrator dishing out tongue in cheek responses to your obstacles and actions throughout the journey. Better yet, the entire game is playable with up to 4 players, meaning you can grab your hunt on in a party with the game's campaign & horde mode, or compete for superiority with the game’s score attack. There are weapons and traps aplenty to help you fend off the hordes, as well as powerful amulets to wield even stronger attacks. I got a chance to play this back at 2017’s EGX, and from the 15 minutes I played, this was one game worth keeping on your radar.
Spider-Man (Released September 7th) Available on PS4
Spider-Man has always been one of Marvel’s top heroes. He’s got the best rogues gallery in the Marvel universe, a lighter tone and some amazing super powers. After all, there’s a reason he’s had so many video game adaptations. Though we can’t say we’ve been excited for any title more than Insomniacs. Not just because of its astounding visuals, but a story that's shaping up to be an excellent superhero tale (incorporating villains and heroes aplenty), alongside some very sleek & impressive movement mechanics. In short, Spider-Man looks amazing, and looks like it’ll play even better, so why can’t it be September 7th already?
FIFA 19 (Released September 25th) Available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch
There’s more coming to FIFA 19 than just the Champions League (although that is still great news). You’ve got the usual improved mechanics, this time around focused on the ‘active touch system’ to help improve ball control and game fluidity, as well as ‘timed finishing’, giving you more control over your chances on goal. The thing is, none of those improvements will quite match up to what EA has tweaked with the kick-off mode. No longer just a simple jump in and play. We now have the chance to jump straight into cup final games, and a new way to play titled ‘House Rules’. These look set to provide even more fun and humiliation to those FIFA nights with such rules as: Headers and Volleys, Long shots count double, and Survival, which sees you score a goal –> Lose a player. They’re exciting twists, and the game still looks as fun as ever, so bring on the new FIFA season.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (Released October 5th) Available on PS4, Xbox One, PC
It’s been almost a year since Assassin’s Creed Origins arrived, taking us back to Ancient Egypt, and with it, completely revamping the Assassin’s Creed combat in the best of ways. How do you improve on ancient Egypt? Well, Ancient Greece, of course. This time around, Ubisoft has implemented player choice, which will change the world as you form relationships and cause rippling actions. With the new combat style and my personal favourite period, Odyssey looks set to be one of the most exciting Assassin’s Creed titles in the franchise.
Red Dead Redemption 2 (Released on October 26th) Available on PS4, Xbox One
When Red Dead Redemption was released in 2010, I don’t think any of us were prepared for the gaming masterpiece we'd receive. A gorgeous open world, slick gun play, an incredible story, tremendous online and one of the best DLC (downloadable Content) to ever release.
That’s enough reminiscing, as Red Dead Redemption 2 is set to release in just a few short months, after over 8 years of waiting. The world looks even more vibrant, the gameplay even more refined, and loads of side activities to enjoy. There’s no doubt Red Dead Redemption 2 has insanely high expectations to meet, and with each new gameplay clip we see, we’re pretty certain we’ve got yet another masterpiece on our hands.
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Eevee! (Released November 16th) Available on Switch
Let’s be honest, we’ve all been hoping they’d be a fully fledged Pokémon game making its way to the Nintendo Switch. Well, come November 16th, our Pokédreams will partly be answered. This retelling of the very first adventure will have you explore the Kanto region, side by side with your starter, as you battle Team Rocket and take down the 8 gyms, all in a glorious-looking 3D world. There’s the bonus of the Pokéball plus controller to wield, and a Pokémon Go joint functionality still waiting to be unveiled. There’s a ton to look forward to here, but none quite as important as catching them all, with the flick of a wrist.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Released December 7th) Available on Switch
71 fighters. Over 100 stages. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate looks set to be the biggest Smash Bros. package yet, and with the likes of Mario Kart, new Mario & Zelda titles, it’s only fitting that Smash Bros. finally makes its way onto the scene. The Nintendo Switch is already an incredible console, with a great library of games to boot, the addition of one of the most accessible and enjoyable fighters to the catalogue will only make the console all the more alluring. With the series' best graphics and responsive gameplay still present, we can’t help but get excited for what’ll likely be Switch’s best brawler.
So there you have it, some of the most anticipated games for the remainder of 2018. Any titles you thought were missed off? Let me know in the comments below.
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