The 10 Anticipated Games of 2018

Another promising year.

 Last year was full of some amazing games and by the looks of it, this year is no different. Long-awaited hits such Red Dead Redemption 2 and Kingdom Hearts III have been confirmed to be arriving this year and the likes of Far Cry 5 and Dragon Ball: Fighter Z are only weeks away. I'll be only confirmed titles as  games such as Final Fantasy VII Remake and The Last of Us Part II have yet to be given release dates. Without further delay, here are my most anticipated games of 2018:

Dragon Ball: Fighter Z (January 26)

The most exciting Dragon Ball game in years.

 The latest iteration in the long list of Dragon Ball fighting games, Dragon Ball: Fighter Z stands out from the crowd as it's developed by the acclaimed Arc System Works and packs a stunning cel-shaded presentation. Fighter Z borrows aspects from the Marvel vs. Capcom series such as team formations and assists while also implementing aspects from Arc System's own Guilty Gear Xrd. With a huge roster and solid gameplay courtesy of Arc System Dragon Ball: Fighter Z aims to be among of the year's best fighting games.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (March 20)

Troubles continue for Kiryu.

 Yakuza 6: The Song of Life is the sixth main installment in the niche Yakuza series and marks the series' first transition to an open-world environment. Starring an aging Kazuma Kiryu, the story's crazy this time around as he's wrapped up yet again with the Yakuza gang and must search for his missing foster-daughter, Haruka. Gameplay is what's expected from a typical Yakuza game, faced-paced fights in a beat 'em up fashion and various activities to partake in. The twist this time around is that Kiryu will experience the open-world city of Hiroshima that's full of side-missions and attractions. While 0 and Kiwami may have introduced fans to the series, Yakuza 6 is strongly for those who've been following the series since its inception, so those looking to jump into this should either play the previous games or read a summary of the events.

A Way Out (March 23)

Double Trouble.

 A strictly two-player experience, A Way Out is one of the most interesting games of the year as it requires constant cooperation between two players. The plot centers on runaway convicts Vincent and Leo, as they try to escape the authorities. A Way Out can be played either locally with split- screen or though online. A third-person journey, it has the two leads shooting through enemies and outrunning them with vehicles. Interestingly, A Way Out is actually an "indie" title with a small team though it's funded by EA with a $3.7 million budget. It looks like a promising title, but here's hoping those looking to play it will find a competent second player.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (Spring 2018)

Journey back to the Wild West once again.

 2010's Red Dead Redemption was a widespread success and once again showcased Rockstar's capabilities as one of the very best game developers to grace the industry. Read Dead Redemption 2 serves as a prequel to Redemption's events with a new protagonist working for the gang that Redemption's lead John Marston hunted. Interestingly, Red Dead Redemption 2 is actually the third game in the Red Dead series, with Red Dead Revolver serving as the first game, releasing in 2003 for the PS2. Not much is known or even shown regarding the sequel, but knowing Rockstar Games by now, it should shatter expectations. If the plain "Spring 2018" date is something to go by, then RDR2 could be released sooner than expected.

Spider-Man (2018)

Spider-Man's latest outing is looking great.

  Spider-Man comes from non-other than Insomniac Games, whose works include the Ratchet & Clank and Spyro the Dragon series. This entry focuses on an experienced Peter Parker and will follow him juggling between his personal and heroic lives. Gameplay is what one would expect from a Spider-Man game, with tight controls and a big open-world New York City to navigate through. The game incorporates stealth mechanics and quick time events into the core-gameplay, thus requiring some quick reflexes. From what's been revealed, Spider-Man looks promising and could reach the same heights as the PlayStation 2 hit, Spider-Man 2.

Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes (2018)

Travis is back, baby!

 Easily one of my personal favorites, there was nothing like developer Suda51's over-the-top No More Heroes. Travis Strikes Again is the third entry in the cult series that takes place after the vents of 2010's No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle and sees Travis once again in the killing business. This time, he's transported inside a demonic video game console alongside assassin, Badman, whose out for revenge after Travis killed his daughter. First one to conquer all bosses and collect the most "Death Balls" will be granted one wish and get a way out. Retaining the hack-and-slash gameplay of previous games, it will star Travis as he battles through many video game-themed levels. There's still a lot to hear from Travis Strikes Again in the coming months, but here's hoping it will be a home-run for developer Grasshopper Manufacture.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (2018)

After years of waiting, the result of Bloodstained

development is looking good.

 Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, an indie "Metroidvania" title that aims to replicate the experience of old Castlevania games such as the PS1 classic, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. A Kickstarter success, amassing a $5.5 million from backers, it's also being overseen by Castlevania producer, Koji Igarashi. Centering on the adventure of a young woman named Miriam, who must venture into a deadly castle to find a cure for her curse. Bloodstained stays true to Castlevania games of old, as evident by its E3 2016 demo. Things have been quiet recently about the game's progress, but hopefully it will receive the amount of polish that it needs. 

Kingdom Hearts III (2018)

Sora and company are back for another adventure.

 Another long-awaited Square Enix JRPG, one that goes as back as 2006, Kingdom Hearts III is the direct sequel to Kingdom Hearts II and sees the return of Sora, Donald, and Goofy on another quest to prevent another Keyblade War. There will be more Disney-themed franchises such as the recent Big Hero 6 and Tangled as well as appearances from Square's Final Fantasy franchise. The signature real-time battle system makes a return with new gameplay additions and new characters to interact with. Square is still dodgy about an exact release date for Kingdom Hearts III, but it's good to now that it's rolling sometime this year. 


Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (2018)

Fly the skies once again.

 As the first Ace Combat to hit the eight gen. consoles, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown easily packs some of the best air combat action in recent years. Taking the role of an air pilot who takes part of on-going war between two kingdoms, Ace Combat 7 features some high-adrenaline set-pieces and looks to be one of the year's best action game.


Left Alive (2018)

Mechs and third-person shooting? Yes, please.

 A title that caught my attention late last year, Left Alive is the latest project from Square Enix and it starts renounced staff such as Metal Gear artist, Yoji Shinkawa, and Armored Core series director, Toshifumi Nabeshima. Billed as a "brand-new survival action shooter" with mechs included, Left Alive looks stellar judging by its trailers. As a huge fan of mech games and Shinkawa's work, Left Alive is easily among my anticipated titles to look forward to this year.