2017 was a banger of a year for video games; it’s going to take a mighty effort for 2018 to go one step better. Thankfully there are a myriad of jort-tightening titles scheduled for the Year of the Dog (2018), and the team here at DYEGB have each had the difficult task of narrowing down their five most anticipated titles of the year (along with five additional titles that are looking not quite as tasty but still pretty tasty). Due to the large number of titles in discussion we have split the article into two parts. So what titles are the DYEGB team hanging their hopes on in 2018? Find out below.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
As a huge fan of medieval settings and the history of the Holy Roman Empire, my interest was piqued when Kingdom Come: Deliverance was first announced as a Kickstarter title back in 2014. However my scepticism of the Kickstarter platform (for video games) got the better of me and I (regrettably) chose not to back the project. Set during the 1400s in Bohemia, one of its main appeals is its focus on being historically accurate, a feature that outweighs my usual lackadaisical attitude towards long open world RPG titles.
Call of Cthulhu
While we’re still yet to see any real gameplay, the fact that it’s a survival horror experience based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft means that it makes my list by default. The fact that it was originally set for a 2017 release and there still hasn’t been any gameplay footage released (apart from the snippets from trailers) should perhaps be a worrying sign, but previews from behind closed door sessions have been promising and I have no doubt that Cyanide are taking their time to craft…a worthy Lovecraftian experience.
Hunt: Showdown
A seasoned veteran of the most anticipated list, Hunt: Showdown is a title that has been here before, albeit under its previous moniker of Hunt: Horrors of the Gilded Age. Crytek’s Hunt project has undergone some major changes since its initial announcement in 2013 – the biggest of all being the move away from a four-player PvE experience to a two-player PvP/PvE hybrid. Not as appealing as it once was now that its PvP, but given how long I have been waiting to play it there’s no doubt I am going to be all over it once it releases in Early Access.
Vampyr
A game developed by Dontnod Entertainment set in 1900s London in which you play as a vampire doctor who is torn between his need to feed and the Hippocratic Oath, and where you have multiple ways of playing the game (aka Dishonored), colour me keen.
Metro: Exodus
I can already tell you, Metro: Exodus will be GOTY 2018. Maybe not your GOTY, maybe not The Game Awards’ GOTY, but it will be my GOTY – I can feel it – there’s no way this game is going to be a letdown. As a big fan of both the Metro books and game series (and the board game adaptation), I’m excited to see where Dmitry Glukhovsky takes Exodus’ narrative, as the story in Metro 2034 (second book) and Last Light (second game) differ slightly (I haven’t read Metro 2035 yet as I read the books after the games).
Also on the radar:
Agony, Routine, Overkill’s The Walking Dead, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey, The Crew 2
Ori and the Will of the Wisp
Ori and the Blind Forest is by far one of the most unique games that I had ever played on my Xbox One. The absolutely stunning visual design, beautiful soundtrack and brilliant level design all worked together to make the game one of the best Metroidvania style games I have ever played. So it goes without saying that when the sequel for Moon Studios’ game, Ori and the Will of the Wisp was announced, I was over the moon (pun intended). I am very excited to see what Moon Studios brings to the table and how they build on the success of the original game.
Praey for the Gods
I love Fumito Ueda’s games. While generally they handle worse than the cars in the original Watchdogs being controlled by someone with muscle spasms in their hands, there’s a certain charm about his design. The Last Guardian was such a unique experience amidst a slew of games that were beginning to look alike, and as a result it was quaint and cute. One game of his that I never really got to play very much of was Shadow of the Colossus. I’ve always adored the game but I just never really had access to it. Along came No Matter Studios with their awesome project, Praey For The Gods, a SOTC fan’s spiritual successor to Ueda’s 2005 game. I’ve been following this project for a couple years now and as it nears its release, my hunger for the game grows. Hopefully the game is as good as it looks.
Any and all Warframe content updates
Warframe is a game that has recently grabbed me and refused to let me go. Clocking in almost 300 hours in the last two months of 2017, the game has consistently offered me rewarding and engaging content with a fun grind and slick gameplay with no price of admission. Digital Extremes’ whole philosophy and the way they treat their community with the utmost respect translates well into their game and allows them to create something truly special. The Plains of Eidolon expansion took me by surprise as it completely changed the structure of some of the grind and the difference in pacing made it feel unique and enjoyable (those Eidolon Teralysts are damn annoying). From what I can garner, DE want to implement Plains of Eidolon-esque expansions for some other planets later down the line, so hopefully some of that comes around this year!
Monster Hunter: World
I’ve never played a Monster Hunter game. Hell, I’d never heard of Monster Hunter until the last one that came out on 3DS was announced. However, from what I’ve heard about it from my friends and colleagues, it is a game I would very much enjoy. The reveal of Monster Hunter World showed me a gorgeous world with some fun gameplay elements that certainly appear appealing on the face of it. I’m still deciding whether I should wait the extra seven months for the PC version or get it come January 26th for the PS4 (might just get both to be perfectly honest). Let’s hope the game does not disappoint!
Shadow of the Colossus
As previously mentioned, I am a big fan of Fumito Ueda’s work and Shadow of the Colossus was a game that I never really had the opportunity to play much of, but what I did play I loved. I’ve wanted a means to revisit the game for a while and the announcement of the remake of Ueda’s project at E3 2017 brought much joy to my heart (even though I’m growing increasingly tired of remakes and remasters). From what I’ve seen, Bluepoint are definitely doing it justice and I cannot wait to fight those colossi come February 7.
Also on the Radar:
Code Vein, Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition, Lost Sphear, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Ni no Kuni II: The Revenant Kingdom
It is going to be incredibly tough to top 2017, but this year seems to continue the wave of classics creating those ever-lasting memories. While there are many games to look forward to in the future, I have only included titles with a solid 2018 release window, as much as I would love to play Pokemon Switch next month.
God of War
While I was a huge fan of the original trilogy as a teenager, it is safe to say that the franchise needed to mature in every aspect. However, it appears that Sony Santa Monica are not only going to improve the franchise, but help it ascend to new levels. Everything I’ve seen on this game to date looks colossal while introducing deeper themes like the bond between father and son. Of course, the gorgeous visuals, visceral combat and epic bosses are present and I can’t wait to leap back into the series.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Having played open world games by Rockstar all my life, I always get an itch to play the next one that comes along. Having completed GTA V in 2013 and the first Red Dead Redemption in 2010, that itch is starting to slowly come back. I cannot even begin to imagine what Rockstar has in store while building a new title for this current generation of consoles. Needless to say, it is going to have incredible production values, memorable missions and characters and unprecedented freedom and activities built within an immersive open world. There’ll be a lot of online mumbo jumbo too, but all I care about is the single player.
Ori and the Will of the Wisp
Ori and the Blind Forest (in my humble opinion) is a masterpiece and easily one of the best Xbox One console exclusives. Painted vistas filled with an emotional story strengthened by an uplifting soundtrack made the modest little Metroidvania something entirely else. My most anticipated game for the Xbox One has since been a sequel to the cult classic and I’m so glad Phil Spencer has been reading my texts and decided to announce one at the 2017 Xbox Press Conference.
Moss
Ever since Moss was announced at Sony’s 2017 E3 Press Conference for PSVR it has been on my radar. Something about its colourful visuals, soothing score and its little adorable protagonist (Quill) makes the game so inviting. Players assume the role of a celestial guide who oversees each level like a little toy set. Players can reach out and interact with the environments to solve puzzles and help Quill progress. The player can also control Quill simultaneously with the controller while walking, climbing and attacking their way through the story. It creates a very personal connection to the game and I think it’s going to be a sleeper hit for PSVR.
Sea of Thieves
I love Pirates. I love the free-living nature, the shanties, the curses, the krakens, the ship battles, the islands and finding buried treasure too. For all these reasons Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is the best Assassin’s Creed Game there is, and Pirates of the Caribbean is my guilty pleasure. So you can see why my wait for Rare’s Sea of Thieves has felt like being stuck in the middle of a storm in a dinghy. With a confirmed release date, my lonely dinghy sailing days are almost over.
Also on the radar: Monster Hunter: World, Spiderman, Blood and Truth, Guacamelee 2, Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human is a title that has had me enamoured since its announcement at Paris Games week in October 2015. Being a huge fan of Heavy Rain, it was hard to not be hyped by the announcement of another Quantic Dream title, but the game’s premise I believe is one that is so interesting it’s sure to perk the interest of plenty of gamers. The sheer amount of choice highlighted in trailers is breathtaking, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it later this year.
The Wolf Among Us: Season 2
Telltale Games are one of my favourite developers of all time, with The Wolf Among Us arguably being my favourite series they have done, so it’s hard to not be excited for the release of Season 2. The first season ended on a cliffhanger that has had fans waiting for over three and half years, so I can’t wait to delve into this game as soon as it releases.
Far Cry 5
The Far Cry games are always great, so I’m looking forward to my journey in Far Cry 5. The game’s setting in the fictional Hope County, Montana is the series’ first exploration in the United States, and the premise of having to rise up against a militaristic doomsday cult sounds like the perfect Far Cry scenario. As long as there is a strong antagonist and plenty of things to do, I’m sure I will be playing Far Cry 5 heavily in 2018.
Spider-Man
I’m not a superhero person at all, however, I’ve always been a fan of Spider-Man. Spider-Man on PlayStation 4 is a title being developed by Insomniac Games, the developers of the beloved Ratchet and Clank series of games. The fact that Spider-Man is being developed by such an esteemed studio is extremely exhilarating, especially when Spider-Man has been often palmed off to lesser known studios and rushed out the door in order to make a quick buck. A Spidey game made by Insomniac games is too hard to say no to, and I will be making sure to pick it up the moment it releases.
God of War
I’ve never really loved the God of War series. Don’t get me wrong, the games are fun enough, but Kratos has always been so bland as a character that I tended to stray away from the series. However, the new God of War reboot seems to want to make players care and understand Kratos, plus he’s a dad now, what’s not to love? In all seriousness though, the premise of a God of War game with an engaging narrative and well-built characters is something I want to experience. Overall, I hope that God of War can nail its previous shortcomings and become a franchise that garners more attention.
Also on the radar:
Mega Man 11, Valkyria Chronicles 4, Shadow of the Colossus, Days Gone, Dragon Quest Builders 2
Detroit: Become Human
High concept sci-fi in any medium tends to make me happier than the guy on the bottom in a soma-induced orgy porgy. I’ve always admired David Cage’s vision for his games, and while sometimes his ambition outstrips the actual execution, Detroit looks to be his magnum opus.
Spider-Man
With some solid development clout behind it in the form of Insomniac, Spider-Man looks to marry some combat aspects from Rocksteady’s Batman series while tapping into Spidey’s unique personality. Hopefully we get to play a mission where we get Tobey McGuire’s career back on track, perhaps by wiping the entire human race’s memory of that time he played the cool bad boy after being infected by the Venom symbiote.
God of War
The God of War series has always had such an incredible sense of scale and comprise some of the number one deity murdering simulators out there. So now that Kratos has taken on Mount Olympus and left the Greek gods beaten, bloody and mostly dead, it’s time to grow a beard and take on the Norse gods. And the only way to brutalise a new class of mythological beings? With your son in tow of course. All jokes aside, God of War looks to be a mature take on the angriest man on Earth, and my body is ready.
Anthem
BioWare are regarded by many as one of the best storytellers/dream weavers out there, and EA are regarded as one of the four horseman of the apocalypse who flay gamers alive with crude weapons hewn from discarded loot boxes. With such a wealthy publisher behind them, and hot off the success of Mass Effect Andromeda, there’s no way Anthem will be terrible. It wouldn’t be on this list if there was.
Metro Exodus
If it’s one thing that 2017 proved, it’s that the single-player experience is alive and well, so Metro: Exodus is poised to turn more than a few heads this year. With a development team that reportedly had to smuggle high-end PCs into Ukraine to make their last game while working arses to elbows in freezing cold conditions, you know that the passion behind this series is nothing short of god-tier. I know that in my heart of hearts 4A Games will not release this game until it is polished to their crazy standards, and this alone should be enough to get you hyped for this post-apocalyptic outing.
Also on the radar:
Biomutant, The Wolf Among Us Season Two, Vampyr, Code Vein, Crackdown III
How did we do? Anything you think we missed? Let us know in the comments what games you’re looking forward to in 2018.
