by Jessica Ham
2018 was a great year for games. From long awaited sequels to brand new hit series, games were at the top of their game this year.
The top of my list of best of games of 2018 has to be Detroit: Become Human. I was wary of the game as it was made by David Cage who is known for games with sexist portrayals of women. I gave it a try, however, because I love the branch of choices and storylines that are always present in his games. I was pleasantly surprised by this game. I was hooked from the beginning. Detroit: Become Human features three playable characters: Marcus, an android who takes care of an elderly artist; Kara, a housekeeper android caring for an alcoholic, abusive father and his daughter; Connor, an FBI/detective android. The voice actor of Connor was nominated for best voice actor at the 2018 game awards. The characters live in a world where androids have become a necessary accessory, but some androids have decided to rise up and refuse to be treated like machines and servants. The game was amazing in every way.
Obviously, this list would be remiss if it did not mention God of War, which won Game of the Year at the 2018 Game Awards. It broke out from the usual routine of the series and became more than a hack and slash game and featured complex puzzles, fighting, and an in-depth, emotional story. The game follows Kratos, the God of War and son of Zeus, who goes on an epic journey to fulfill his deceased wife’s final wish to have her ashes spread on the high peak of the nine realms. The previous games follow Greek mythology, but this one features Norse mythology.
Next on the list is Red Dead Redemption 2. People have been waiting years and years for this game, and it did not disappoint. The world was vast, the story branched so far and wide, and the characters were very well developed. This game serves as a prequel and features Arthur Morgan, a fellow member of the gang to the main character of the first game, John. There is at least sixty hours worth of gameplay. It was definitely worth the wait. The game won many awards at the 2018 game awards.
Although the game is only beginning, my last best game of the year is Life is Strange 2. Episode 1 aired this year, and it was incredible. The episode was a perfect length, and the choices felt like they really mattered. I loved the level of diversity in the game. The diversity led to a powerful storyline that people needed and wanted to see. The emotions were running high during this episode. The game features Sean, a latino teenager who goes on a long and tough journey with his younger brother Daniel after a terrible tragedy.
I had a great time as a gamer this year, and I cannot wait to see what the next year in games brings.
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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Another excellent column, Jessica. Thank you. Happy 2019!