2018 has been a massive year for GBAtemp reviews, with 139 products reviewed since last January. We've reviewed games, hardware, and even books! Here are some of the highlights of our 2018 reviews, featuring some of the most influential products of the year.
A majority of our reviews this year were for the Nintendo Switch, with a grand total of 43 games reviewed! That accounts for 31% of the products we reviewed this year, which increases to a whopping 45% when we factor in our hardware reviews. The Switch sure is popular! It may not have had the one-two punch of 2017's Zelda and Mario, but it's still a lineup to contend with. Here are some top picks of 2018's Switch library.
"Kirby Star Allies is the first installment of the series on a brand-new console and it bears all the signs of a somewhat rushed game that's testing the waters on new hardware. That being said, it has a gem of classic Kirby gameplay, it's nostalgic and immediately enjoyable from the moment you pick it up to the moment you put it down. If you enjoy Kirby, pick Star Allies up, but keep your expectations moderate - it's not a perfect game, it's just a good one, and that's fine."
"Octopath Traveler fills a gap in the Switch's ever-growing market, putting forward a full and refined traditional JRPG experience in a way that will appeal to both experienced and new fans alike. Presenting a unique and visually enticing graphical style, alongside eight storylines and a plethora of bonus content, it is a game I unreservedly recommend for Nintendo Switch owners."
"Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu are fine additions to the series, albeit different to what we're used to seeing. Presenting a more casual and relaxed environment to stroll through and appreciate, they offer a new Kanto. One of exploration, one of cooperation, and one of catching them all. It isn't without its faults, but as a way to bridge the gap between mobile and main series, it succeeds brilliantly."
"Super Smash Bros Ultimate lives up to its namesake. Putting forward a refined and polished console Smash experience in a form digestible both on the go and through all-night marathon sessions, it succeeds in bringing each unique joy of the series to the Switch. Though lacking a few iconic modes, it stands as one of the best games released for the console, whether playing alone or with friends."
Trailing not too far behind the Switch is the Playstation 4, with 31 games reviewed this year. The PlayStation 4 perhaps had a more impressive lineup than the Switch this year, with exclusive hits such as Spider-Man and God of War, as well as a healthy number of big multi-platform titles.
"Monster Hunter: World stands high as top dog in the series. Tight gameplay, impressive visuals and great online only make up a small fraction of this fantastic game. A must play for vets and those new to the series alike."
"I said it once and I'll say it again - God of War is one of those few rare games that truly define a platform. I'm confident that many years from now it's going to be one of those titles you see scoring high in the Top 10's of our current gaming generation. The game truly pushes the hardware where it matters and the resulting product is nothing short of perfect - a must-buy for a PlayStation owner."
"Insomniac's Spider-Man takes the best elements from previous Spider-Man games, and gives it a level of polish that will leave you stunned. Swinging from towering skyscrapers is an absolute thrill, and this game sets a standard for impressive visuals. However, a lack of content and the repetitive nature of the game hold it back from true greatness."
"Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a fantastic game, this much I have no doubt. While I might not be able to compare it to the other games in Lara's modern trilogy, I can say with certainty this game does enough to stand proudly alone. Through great visuals, fun puzzles, and an unexpected degree of replayability, this is a game worth playing for any fan of the series, or anybody just looking for a great journey."
Dragon Ball FighterZ, Krista Noren
Shadow of the Colossus, Tom Bond
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life, Krista Noren
Moss, Shaun James
Yakuza Kiwami 2, Jakub Kowalski
Good PC exclusives are hard to come by, and 2018 was no exception. Where PC excels is in the multi-platform titles, and last year was full of impressive and hard-hitting games such as Hitman 2 and Yakuza 0, all best played on PC.
"Adorable graphics, a lively world, a perfectly orchestrated musical score, and charming gameplay all culminate to make Ni no Kuni II feel like playing a gorgeous anime."
"Serious, hilarious, serious, hilarious. Yakuza 0 segues between those two adjectives surprisingly well in a poignant narrative with fluid gameplay. It is the perfect opportunity for PC gamers to finally invest hours of their lives in the world of Yakuza."
"Stealth gaming done right."
"I'd wholeheartedly recommend Katamari Damacy. I was expecting to enjoy the experience, but to my surprise, I ended up loving it. It's unique, it's fun, and it's only £16. There is a lack of new content though, so if I'd already owned this game elsewhere, I'm not sure it'd be worth it. That said, since I hadn't played it before, I'd have definitely picked it up."
With the Switch selling so well in the first two years of its life, hardware manufacturers are leaping to create cheap alternatives to official Nintendo offerings. This year, we reviewed a ton of Switch accessories. We also became CHAIRtemp, with a grand total of 4 gaming chair reviews.
"I struggle to find reason not to recommend this controller. While not much cheaper than the official Switch Pro Controller, the seamless support for PC and Android sets it apart. From design, to form factor, to attention to detail and support, it is fantastic through and through."
"When one buys a gaming rig, and sets up their space to accommodate it, they tend to focus on the hardware aspect of things, which means sometimes people forget to pay attention to one of the most integral pieces to their setup: the chair. A chair is the centerpiece to your entire gaming experience, and if you want to play your games in comfort, you'll want to have the best chair you can get for your money. If you're looking for the best, then look no further than OPSEAT."
"PowerA's wireless Gamecube controller isn't bad by any means— it's just expensive. I love the controller, but I have to admit that the £40 asking price just isn't worth it. If you want a Gamecube controller for Smash, either get a first-party one, or pick up PowerA's wired version for £20. For £40, it just doesn't deliver when you consider that modern games can feel impossible to play."
"It is no understatement to say I cannot fault this dongle. Between its fantastic design and improvements over the previous iteration in its internal battery, I firmly believe there is no better option for Switch users at the moment."
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