【1980 Archives】

This past year was possibly the greatest year in video games ever980 Archives but it looks like 2018 could be giving 2017 a run for it's money with its amazing-looking lineup.

With long-awaited sequels to beloved games, new takes on classic characters, and brand new entries in the video game world, 2018 is lining up to be another really great year for video games. And that's only with the games we already know about. More surprises could be lurking just around the corner.

In looking ahead at games in 2018, we picked some of the most exciting titles that are expected to release in 2018 (and maybe a couple more that haven't been confirmed for 2018).

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemptionwas the first take on the American frontier using the medium of video games that really nailed everything to a T. The story, the characters, the scenery — everything was unforgettable. Rockstar Games has teased us with a prequel (although titled like a sequel) that looks like it continues to capture the rugged spirit of the wild west, coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in the second quarter of 2018.

2. Spider-Man

Among the recent rush of superhero movies and TV shows, the upcoming Spider-Mangame is one of the few games featuring a Marvel or DC hero that looks like it could be a game-of-the-year contender. Not only does Spider-Manlook beautiful, it has its own original story and the short bits of gameplay we've seen look incredible. Plus swinging around New York City has never looked so good. The game is expected to come out for PS4 in the first half of 2018.

3. Sea of Thieves

There simply aren't enough games about pirates, but luckily Sea of Thievesis looking to change that. Sea of Thievesis about every aspect of being a pirate, including finding treasure, attacking other ships, and getting drunk with your pirate friends. The open world game is both hilarious and exciting, and is coming for PC and Xbox One on March 20.

4. Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter Worldtakes the core monster-hunting mechanic of the popular series and gives it a gorgeous new coat of paint. Monster Hunter Worldis one of the best-looking games coming in 2018, and with the backbone of Monster Hunterit looks like a stellar way to kick off the year when it releases Jan. 26 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

5. A Way Out

Two individuals find themselves in jail and two individuals have to get them out. A Way Outis the first dedicated couch co-op game in a long time, built around the idea of working together with a friend to solve different problems and escape prison. The two main characters Leo and Vincent are compelling in their own ways, and will be making their escape on PC, Xbox One, and PS4 on March 23.

6. God of War

Kratos is done killing the Greek gods and has started a new life in the cold lands of the north, which presents its own Norse mythological figures to inevitably beat to death. As the fourth main entry in the series, God of Warhas quite a few new tricks up its sleeve, including a companion for Kratos (his young son), some elements reminiscent of an RPG, and a little bit more restraint from Kratos (but not too much restraint). It's scheduled to release for PS4 in the first quarter of 2018.

7. Yoshi

Sometimes you need a bright and colorful game with fun little exploration elements to get rid of all the gloom in your life, and Yoshilooks like the perfect cure for whatever blues come your way in 2018. Not only is Yoshiadorable, it has an interesting take on level design, allowing players to see 2D-ish levels from two different perspectives. Yoshi comes to the Nintendo Switch in 2018.

8. Code Vein

Vampires don't get enough love outside of the Castlevaniafranchise. Code Veinis a post-apocalyptic action-RPG starring vampires that looks striking in both its level and character designs. The game's combat looks like it's inspired be games like Dark Souls, where timing is everything, except Code Veinlooks a little more forgiving. Code Veincomes out for PC, PS4, and Xbox One in 2018.

9. Kingdom Hearts III

It's been 12 years since Kingdom Hearts IIcame out, and fans of the series have been clamoring for the official third entry for a long, longtime. Combining Final Fantasywith the various Disney animated universes, Kingdom Hearts IIIlooks like it will be delivering more of the same in an even better-looking presentation on Xbox One and PS4 in 2018, which is really all anyone could ask for.

10. Ooblets

Oobletslooks like a mix between Pokémonand town life games like Stardew Valley, with adorable and loyal little creatures that follow you around wherever you go on your journey. The game, admittedly, looks super weird, but in the cute way that makes you want to go along with its odd journey. Oobletscomes out for PC and Xbox One in 2018.

Honorable mentions:

These are games that have been announced but don't have a specific release date. We hope with all of our hearts that they'll come out in 2018, but we'll have to wait and see.

Death Stranding

Death Strandinglooks absolutely insane, and each new trailer just introduces more and more wild and confusing things. But, like, wild and confusing in a good way. Fingers crossed for a 2018 release to blow every other game out of the water.

Metroid Prime 4

OK we know literally nothing about Metroid Prime 4other than the fact that it's the fourth game in one of the best video game series of all time, Metroid Prime. There is no gameplay footage, no cinematic, not even a piece of concept art for this game. It's for sure not coming out until at least 2019, but we can dream, can't we?