Best of 2018

1. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive AgeDragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Agehttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Dragon_Quest_XI_Echoes_of_an_Elusive_AgeOpens wiki page

Playing the Japanese PS4 version, ドラゴンクエストXI 過ぎ去りし時を求めて. Beautiful, somehow calming retro fun. Sidenote: I did not realize the Japanese version had no voice acting. I actually thought it was a bug.

2. Marvel's Spider-ManMarvel's Spider-Manhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Marvels_Spider_ManOpens wiki page

3. Shadow of the ColossusShadow of the Colossushttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Shadow_of_the_ColossusOpens wiki page

Have now finished this four times on three platforms (PS2, PS3, PS4), and it never loses it's punch. Amazing. Beautiful.

4. God of WarGod of Warhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/God_of_War_2018Opens wiki page

The Dark Souls of GoW.

5. Monster Hunter: WorldMonster Hunter: Worldhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Monster_Hunter_WorldOpens wiki page

A very specific kind of epic and confounding that only Japanese developers seem to be able to pull off, and I JUST WANT TO BE PART OF IT. I haven't felt this way since Dark Souls.

6. Ninja Gaiden: Dragon SwordNinja Gaiden: Dragon Swordhttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Ninja_Gaiden_Dragon_SwordOpens wiki page

This is the sequel to Ninja Gaiden Sigma that I never knew existed. Playing this and NG 3: Razor's Edge within a few months of each other really highlights the disappointment of NG3.

7. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super HeroesLEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroeshttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/LEGO_Batman_2_DC_Super_HeroesOpens wiki page

Wow, this thing. #2 best LEGO game of all time (after Harry Potter 1-4).

8. Yakuza KiwamiYakuza Kiwamihttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Yakuza_KiwamiOpens wiki page

Taking to the mean streets with Kiryu and Haruka again, for the first time.

9. Yakuza 6: The Song of LifeYakuza 6: The Song of Lifehttps://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Yakuza_6_The_Song_of_LifeOpens wiki page

10. Gravity Rush 2Gravity Rush 2https://giantbomb.com/wiki/Games/Gravity_Rush_2Opens wiki page

The best Superman game since Gravity Rush 1. But loooooooong.