A reader looks back at one of the best years ever for video games, and wonders if 2018 has a chance to be even better.
As if 2017 wasn’t marvellous enough in the world of nerd…
We saw the launch of the Nintendo Switch, which broke new ground for console systems and has had nothing short of a remarkable first year of launch. It also gave us arguably the absolute best Super Mario and Zelda entries ever, as well as Xenoblade Chronicles 2, ARMS, and Splatoon 2. And don’t forget to check out what else is in store on the Nintendo eShop. Then we were blessed with a brand-new IP from Guerrilla Games in Horizon Zero Dawn, with a seriously badass female protagonist kicking serious mechanical butt.
We also saw the continuation of the Uncharted franchise, with the adventures of Chloe and Nadine rather than loveable rogue Nathan Drake. We welcomed the return of the Assassin’s Creed franchise with its latest entry Assassin’s Creed Origins, there was Wolfenstein II, and Crash Bandicoot crashed back into our lives. We got to see our much-loved heroes and villains from the DC universe battle it out in Injustice 2. It was also an epic year regarding indie titles, especially with Cuphead.
2018 is set to be a glittering year for games and wow, where do we even begin? Over this past year, we have been well and truly spoilt with lots of world premieres and new announcements which have video game enthusiasts all over the world salivating with excitement.
First of all, there’s the return of everyone’s favourite witch Bayonetta, as she is set to make her Nintendo Switch debut next year as Bayonetta 1 and 2 make their return. There was also the surprise announcement of Bayonetta 3 that is currently in the works. This is really thrilling because it introduces Bayonetta to a whole new generation of players and a brand new, and possibly a much wider audience.
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SoulCalibur VI. SOUL. FREAKIN’. CALIBUR. Be still my beating heart…
I gasped with excitement as I watched it being revealed live at The Game Awards. This is actually happening, people. My soul still burns brightly for that game. I just could not be more excited to have a new SoulCalibur game, since it was such a huge part of my life growing up. I used to play it non-stop, becoming particularly immersed in its single-player modes and I can’t wait to see a whole new life injected into it and get to play as my favourite characters.
The reign of superhero games continues, as in 2018 we’ll see the release of PlayStation 4 exclusive for Spider-Man, which, judging by the trailers and gameplay footage from E3, PSX, and Paris Games Week, is showing a huge glimpse of promise, despite many fans out their believing that it won’t reach the high bar set by the Batman: Arkham series.
There’s also a groundbreaking sandbox title, a real work of art offering a unique and fun gaming experience, from the people who brought you LittleBigPlanet and Tearaway. It’s called Dreams and looks to be taking Play, Share, Create to a whole new level. It is so whimsical and beautiful, and it allows players to really experience it how they want to and let their imaginations run free. There’s lots of great content, as well as a story campaign and a co-op mode. The best thing is that everything has been designed within the game itself: from the visuals, to the music and gameplay… mindblowing. There’s just simply nothing else like it. Dreams will no doubt make all our dreams come true.
With 2017 proving to be an incredibly strong year in the world of gaming I’m super confident that 2018 will be even better and extremely memorable, with the best line-up yet.
By reader Laura Francis
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The reader’s feature does not necessary represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
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