Without a doubt, 2018 has been a glorious year for gaming—especially the PlayStation 4. Although many believed that the PlayStation 4 would be winding down after 5 years on the market, it is exactly the opposite. First party and third party support is at an all-time high and the consoles have been flying off the shelves all year long.
Now that the year is drawing to a close, it’s time to take a look back. Here are the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018.
God of War
Developer:Â SIE Santa Monica Studio
Publisher:Â Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre:Â Action-adventure
Modes:Â Single-player
ESRB Rating:Â M (Mature 17+)
The one word that kept on popping into my head while playing Sony Santa Monica’s God of War was epic. In this game, Kratos is older, wiser, and perhaps for the first time ever, feels strikingly vulnerable. That’s because in this chapter he’s not just a god, he’s also learning how to be a father.
Sony Santa Monica took a few years to rethink and rebuild a bigger, better God of War. The effort has paid off and in my opinion is Sony’s best offering so far this generation. God of War goes well beyond being merely entertainment and enters the elite realm of artistry held by masterpieces like The Last of Us and Shadow of the Colossus, coincidentally games also made by Sony. God of War is undoubtedly one of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Developer:Â Ubisoft Quebec
Publisher:Â Ubisoft
Genre:Â Action role-playing, stealth
Modes:Â Single-player
ESRB Rating:Â M (Mature 17+)
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is one of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018 is because within the first 10 minutes of playing, I could see that Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was not going to be like others in the franchise. It takes place at the onset of the Peloponnesian War in the year 431 BCE. And, for the first time, you take on the role of a mercenary rather than an assassin.
This time around, the focus is on the player’s role in the game and how they will interact with the world around them. There is a decent amount of abilities for your character to unlock. These abilities are spread across three main playstyles: hunter, warrior, and assassin. As you travel on your journey, you’ll encounter many people and places.
As a result, you’ll be given the choice to accept a whole slew of different side missions. Not only do they contribute to leveling up your character, but they also contribute to the overall story in many different ways. And, sometimes their results or consequences aren’t evident until several hours later. Ubisoft Quebec has managed to make Assassin’s Creed Odyssey a fresh new experience that is different from any other game in franchise history. The ability to craft your own adventure depending on the choices you make has limitless possibilities.
Detroit: Become Human
Developers:Â Quantic Dream
Publisher:Â Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre:Â Adventure
Modes:Â Single-player
ESRB Rating:Â M (Mature 17+)
Detroit: Become Human is Quantic Dream’s best effort yet, it’s simply exquisite. Everything comes together in Detroit: Become Human flawlessly. The game has exceptional writing, pristine visuals, a phenomenal soundtrack, and superb acting.
There are hundreds of possible outcomes and most players I can see replaying the game several times over discovering more paths. From beginning to end I was on the edge of my seat. Going into it, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good game, or a great game.
Not only is it one of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018, it’s one of the best games this generation. Even though I have played through this game several times, I keep finding myself returning to discover something new.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Developers:Â Rockstar Studios
Publisher:Â Rockstar Games
Genre:Â Action-adventure
Modes:Â Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating:Â M (Mature 17+)
What is quite possibly one of the most requested sequels of all time is finally here, Red Dead Redemption 2. Set before the first Red Dead Redemption, you explore the Wild West as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw. However, this time you are rougher and tougher compared to your predecessor. You’ll partner with the Van der Linde gang and make your mark on the American frontier like no other.
Known for making epic open-world games with deep immersive worlds, Rockstar Games brings the wild West to life unlike any other game. Oh and did I mention it will have an online multiplayer mode? Not only is Red Dead Redemption 2 one of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018, it is also a strong contender for game of the year.
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Developer:Â Insomniac Games
Publisher:Â Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre:Â Action-adventure
Modes:Â Single-player
ESRB Rating:Â T (Teen)
Ever since Spider-Man was announced in 2016 and shown at E3 2017, it has been near the top of my most wanted list. Now it is one of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation in 2018. This game takes Peter Parker and Spider-Man in and new direction with an older and more mature Peter Parker. The new game features everything you love about Spider-Man such as web-slinging, wall-crawling and acrobatic abilities.
Very rarely does a game come along with as much polish on all fronts as this game does. If you have any remote interest in Spider-Man at all, you will love this game. And, even if you don’t, you will want to try this game. The exquisite gameplay will have you hooked.
In addition to the great story, fantastic gameplay, and stellar presentation—Spider-Man has recieved post launch content in the form of 3 DLC packs. Each DLC pack includes new enemies and three additional suits to unlock. With so much to see and do in Spider-Man, it will keep your busy for hours and weeks on end trying to unlock and collect everything.
Top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018
That’s our list of the top 5 must-play games on PlayStation 4 in 2018. The holidays are fast approaching and you’re sure to make the PlayStation 4 gamer on your list happy with any of these games. Be sure to check out Best Buy Canada for even more great gift ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Click here to see the full line of video game software available at Bestbuy.ca
