Christopher D. AndersonIt’s official, we are into the new year and it’s always fun to take a look back at the last year. 2018 was a pretty good year for gamers. There was a plethora of games across all kinds of genres. A little something for everyone in 2018. All this leads up to the discussion of game of the year. But let’s take a brief look at some of what this last year had to offer.
Monster Hunter World brought monster hunting and item collecting to consoles early in the year. Ni No Kuni II and Pillars of Eterenity II were excellent RPG sequels that improved on the originals. Celeste and Donut County were awesome examples of indie games. Even No Man’s Sky had a big moment with their Next update. It brought the game almost to the point that they had promised with the implementation of multiplayer.
Let’s not forget all the remakes that came out as well. Shadow of the Colossus and Spryo the Dragon both gave us a new way to experience nostalgia. And PSVR did very well with Moss and Astro Bot Rescue Mission. We were even able to take a trip to ancient Greece with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It’s been a wild ride for sure.
The biggest games that were bouncing around our virtual office here at PSXE were Marvel’s Spider-Man, Red Dead Redemption 2, and God of War. We all had our personal choices and it was a hard call. But at the end of the day we all decided that God of War should get game of the year from us.
Game of the Year Winner: God of War
Not only did Santa Monica revitalize a well known series, but they took God of War to the next level. They used a character that was one sided and expanded on him in a way that was interesting and even touching. The game itself was pretty solid and brought an unprecedented level of immersion with a camera that never cut away. Top this off with gamey mechanics that didn’t draw you out of the experience and you have something pretty special.
Do you agree? What was your pick for game of the year?
No I don’t agree. I get they had to go in a fresh direction but to me that direction did not feel like a God Of War game to me until I was halfway through the game and then it felt like a God Of War game. I was not keen on the axe weapon either. Those who have played it will know what I mean. Plus I didn’t like the kid I found him really annoying reminded me of Shiva from Resident Evil 5. I don’t like feeling like I’m carrying an extra person with me. For me Red Dead Redemption 2 is Game Of The Year good story gorgeousl looking game great sound. Plus online is going to get better too.
For me even though i’ve only got to play it for around 5 to 10 hours at my cousins house the GOTY would go to Persona 5 hands down. I still can’t find a copy under $50 dollars(new or used), yet i can find used copies of all 3 of your contenders cheaper. That price at least in this area speaks volumes to how good the game is. Most of the shops here never even have a used copy, since the moment its traded in it sells within hours of hitting the shelf.
I’ve been out of work for a long time and P5 is the first game i’m buying once i get a couple checks under the belt.
I think the used market has a bigger effect on game sales, though. The more games originally get put into circulation, the faster the price drop. Other factors play a role, obviously, but still.