This year was a great year for gaming. Sure there were plenty of flops, but looking back on the year it’s easy to see just how great some of this year’s titles were.

For our first time, here’s our top ten games of the year. All console and hand-held games are eligible. As long as it released in 2018, it has a chance to get in.

10. Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect came out of nowhere with its breath-taking trailer, and thanks to its addictive gameplay it was able to captivate us like most other games can’t.

Tetris Effects graphics are absolutely stunning, and that’s a weird thing to say for a Tetris game.

But the ace up it’s sleeve is the hypnotizing music tracks that play to the flow of your game.

When playing Tetris Effect, it’s hard to look away due to just how perfect the music syncs with the gameplay. Every row you clear and every music rise is unbelievably satisfying.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

9. Subnautica

One of the greatest survival games ever released came from the developers at Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Subnautica.

The game is another instance of games being able to make your jaw drop.

Subnautica’s ocean-based survival provides a fear and curiosity that most other survival games can’t. The vastness of the ocean is unbelievable, even in the late hours of the game.

What makes Subnautica even more special is its ability to tell a story through exploration.

If you haven’t played Subnautica, it’s free on the Epic Games Store until Dec. 27, and we highly recommend you try it out.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop | Epic Games Store

8. Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter World is an incredible experience for hardcore Monster Hunter fans and newcomers alike.

The beauty of the multiple zones, the huge variety of monsters, and the huge depth of the combat system make Monster Hunter’s gameplay loop borderline addictive.

While its difficulty could be a deterrent for some, if you’re looking for a little bit of a challenge then you’re looking at the right game here.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

7. Forza Horizon 4

Not much can beat the feeling of racing through the hills of Europe in any car, during any weather, and during any season.

Forza Horizon brings the Forza Horizon series to new heights with the inclusion of a new season system that changes the map to reflect spring, summer, fall, or winter every real-time week.

The game also improves even more on what already was an amazing customization system.

If you’re looking for a racing game and you have an Xbox One or PC, then there really isn’t another choice that stacks up to Forza Horizon 4.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop | Microsoft Store

6. Spider-Man

Spider-Man games have been in a series drought for some time now, but luckily Insomniac games graced us with what could be the best Spider-Man game to date.

This beautiful rendering of New York City is your playground, and since the webs actually stick to the buildings this time around you’re in for a treat.

While it’s easy to go on and on about just how great Insomniac did making you actually feel like Spider-Man, it’s story is the important icing on the cake that needs mentioning.

While it does follow some of the super hero video game tropes, Spider-Man surprisingly pulls few punches and delivers a story that really shows what it means to be both Peter Parker and Spider-Man.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

5. Yakuza Kiwami 2

This re-master of 2006’s Yakuza 2 brings main character, Kiryu, to life like never before.

The new ‘Dragon Engine’ improves graphics and physics, and Kiwami 2’s Sotenbori and Kamurocho are deeper than ever with new places to explore.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 brings the classically huge amount of mini games and side missions to enjoy, and the story is just as memorable as every great Yakuza story.

If you’re into some crime drama as well as heavy action, then Yakuza is for you.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

4. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Nintendo’s Smash Bros. Ultimate is the peak of Smash Bros. games.

The amount of things to do is almost overwhelming. You can fight in the normal Smash mode, collect spirits in The World of Light, challenge yourself in Classic Mode, and more.

While the online mode is iffy at best, there’s so much to do that you’ll never run out of content.

Every character and every stage from every Smash Bros. game is here, and there’s plenty of new stages and characters from popular games too.

Controls are tight, mechanics are solid, and most pro players also seem to agree that Smash Ultimate is Smash Bros. done right.

Not to mention that taking the full game on the go on Switch is amazing in itself.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

3. Beat Saber

Easily the best VR game to come out so far has been Beat Saber.

Beat Saber’s addicting rhythm gameplay sees you slicing through blocks with your light sabers to a variety of songs.

The gameplay is super addicting and satisfying, and if you play it for long enough its a hell of a workout.

Beat Saber is currently on a roll with its multiple recent song releases, and it just released a collaboration with League of Legends’ K-Pop group K/DA. The song POP/STARS is now in the game with an entirely new stage.

The game is playable on PC VR systems as well as PSVR, but if you have the game on PC you’ll also have the option of adding thousands of custom songs to the game.

Buy it here: Stream | Playstation Store

2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games continues to knock it out of the park with Red Dead Redemption 2.

The amazing cowboy shooter is easily one of the most, if not the MOST, detailed game ever released. Everything in the huge open world is incredibly immersive.

Red Dead 2’s story is also incredibly well done. It’s hard not to get incredibly invested in the main character, Arthur’s, story and the people around him.

The new online mode is a little rough around the edges and includes some pretty ridiculous micro-transactions, but it includes the same detail that the single player does.

It is however a beta, so more content and updates are on the way.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

Game of the Year: God of War

God of War is easily this year’s best game. Sony Santa Monica outdid themselves with the beauty that is Kratos and Atreus’s story.

This father and son adventure makes it hard to put down the controller. The story is incredible, epic, and is full of memorable moments and characters.

Watching Kratos and Atreus bond throughout their journey feels like one of the best stories in gaming in a long time.

Combat is also fluid and fun, and the game’s epic battles are some of the most fun in gaming.

If you haven’t picked it up yet, then go out and buy God of War.

Buy it here: Amazon | Gamestop

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