A console goes through growing pains when it launches. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both debuted in November 2013. For the longest time, their biggest hits were remasterings of the prior generation’s best games, developed for the PS4 and the PS3, or for the Xbox One and the XBox 360. It felt as if they were holding themselves back from their true potential.
Yes, we've had PS4 exclusives and Xbox One exclusives since then, but 2018 will be remembered as the year that the PS4 and the Xbox One truly came into their own—when we experienced games that were really next-level, completely removed from the prior generation. We all remember that unreal Spider-Man trailer at E3 2017; many speculated that the footage was somehow doctored or enhanced. When we finally got to play the game, it lived up to its promise. There’s a similar story for Red Dead Redemption 2, which exceeded the hype around it.
And as for Nintendo? They’re doing just fine. The Switch has already established itself as one of the most successful consoles in gaming history. Forget third-party support; players buy Nintendo systems to play Nintendo games. And with the recent release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo has created a sprawling game that will keep their fans entertained for years.
Enough with the talk, though; let’s pick up the sticks: Here are the best video games of 2018.