5 Best Games: Essential Picks and Quick Review

Remember the excitement when a new batch of amazing video games hit the shelves in 2018? It felt like a golden age for gamers! From epic adventures to mind-bending puzzles, 2018 offered a truly massive lineup. But let’s be honest, trying to pick just a few favorites from that year can feel overwhelming today. Which ones truly stood the test of time? Which hidden gems did you totally miss?

Navigating the sheer volume of quality releases from 2018 presents a real challenge. You want to revisit the classics or discover a masterpiece you skipped, but where do you even begin? Sifting through old reviews and fragmented memories takes serious time. That’s where we step in to cut through the noise.

This deep dive will sort through the best of 2018, giving you clear insights into the must-play titles. We will highlight the games that defined the year and why they remain important. Prepare to dust off your nostalgia and find your next great gaming session!

Top Of 2018 Games Recommendations

No. 1
Guinness World Records 2018 Gamer's Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Records
  • Hardcover Book
  • Guinness World Records (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 216 Pages - 08/29/2017 (Publication Date) - Guinness World Records (Publisher)
No. 2
High School Simulator 2018
  • You can customize boys and girls.
  • 2018 version improves the quality of school and students.
  • Chinese (Publication Language)
No. 3
Endless Games Everybody Knows! - Trivia Card Game - 2018 Edition
  • TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Can you answer common, everyday questions faster than your friends? Test your knowledge with this exciting question and answer game! Ideal for 2 or more players ages 12 years and older.
  • FAST-PACED: Test your knowledge of everyday facts under the pressure of a 60-second timer! This game for kids and adults comes with 500 question cards, a sand timer, dry erase marker, and scorecard.
  • MULTIPLE SCORING STYLES: You can play a traditional game with 1 point per right answer, or you can play an “All or Nothing” challenge that truly tests everyone's skills to see who is the best.
  • PLAY ANYWHERE: Playing a game is a great way to break the ice and get the party going. Whether it's game night, going on a car trip, camping, or just a rainy afternoon at home, Encore is a blast!
No. 4
Game On! 2018: All the Best Games: Awesome Facts and Coolest Secrets
  • Scholastic (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 224 Pages - 08/29/2017 (Publication Date) - Scholastic Inc. (Publisher)
No. 5
By Neil Strauss The Game (Paperback)?2018? By Neil Strauss (Author) (Paperback)
  • HARPER COLLINS USA
  • By Neil Strauss The Game (Paperback)?2018? By Neil Strauss (Author) (Paperback)
  • Neil Strauss (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
No. 6
The Correct Exchange in the Endgame, Extented Edition 2018
  • Rozentalis, Eduardas (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 165 Pages - 12/15/2017 (Publication Date) - Thinkers Publishing (Publisher)
No. 7
Football Manager 2018 [Online Game Code]
  • Try your hand in 50 of the biggest footballing countries
  • Win the title with any one of world’s top 2500 clubs
  • Play the transfer market with over 600,000 real players and staff
  • Watch your football vision come to life before your very eyes

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Games Released in 2018

The year 2018 brought us some truly fantastic video games. Whether you are looking to revisit classics or discover hidden gems, this guide will help you choose the right titles. We focus on what makes these 2018 releases great today.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a game from 2018, certain features still matter a lot.

  • Story Depth: Look for games praised for their writing. A strong story keeps you engaged long after you finish playing.
  • Gameplay Mechanics: Check reviews for smooth controls and unique gameplay loops. Did the game introduce new ways to play?
  • World Design: Open-world games from 2018 should still feel alive. Detailed environments make exploration fun.
  • Soundtrack and Voice Acting: High-quality audio greatly improves the experience. Good music sets the mood perfectly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all games age the same way. Several factors determine if a 2018 game holds up well.

What Makes a Game Better (Improved Quality):

Games that received many post-launch updates often run better now. Developers frequently fix early bugs. Also, games with timeless art styles look better than those chasing ultra-realism at the time. Simple, strong art styles last longer.

What Makes a Game Worse (Reduced Quality):

Games heavily relying on online multiplayer might struggle now. Fewer players mean finding matches takes longer. Also, games with very complicated control schemes might feel dated if newer games simplified things. Poor initial performance, even if patched, sometimes leaves a bad first impression.

Important Materials (The Technical Side)

While games are digital, thinking about the “materials” means looking at the required technology.

  • Platform Compatibility: Ensure the game runs well on your current system (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch). Older ports sometimes have hiccups.
  • Storage Space: Some 2018 epics take up significant hard drive space. Check the requirements before buying.
  • Required Internet Connection: If the game has any online component, confirm if it requires a constant connection, even for single-player modes.
User Experience and Use Cases

Think about why you want to play a 2018 game. Different games fit different moods.

Single-Player Immersion:

If you want a deep, hours-long adventure, focus on major RPGs or story-driven action games from that year. These are designed for solo exploration.

Quick Fun/Arcade Style:

For short bursts of entertainment, look at puzzle games or tighter action titles. These are great for quick sessions after work or school.

Cooperative Play:

If you want to play with friends who also own the game, check if the local co-op or online play is still supported and active. Many great co-op games were released then.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying 2018 Games

Q: Are 2018 games cheaper now?

A: Generally, yes. Most major titles from 2018 have seen significant price drops, especially if they are no longer the newest release on their platform.

Q: Should I worry about bugs in 2018 games?

A: Most major bugs have been patched out by now. However, very small, niche games might still have minor issues that were never fixed.

Q: Do 2018 games look bad on modern consoles?

A: No. Many 2018 games receive free performance updates (like 60 FPS modes) when played on newer consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

Q: Which 2018 game had the best open world?

A: Many critics praised the world design of several major adventure games from that year. Look specifically at reviews mentioning exploration rewards and map density.

Q: Is it hard to find people to play online in 2018 multiplayer games?

A: For the biggest hits, no. For smaller, less popular titles, finding matches might take longer, or the servers might even be shut down.

Q: What kind of hardware do I need for a 2018 PC game?

A: Most 2018 PC games run well on mid-range hardware today. You usually do not need the absolute newest graphics card unless you want maximum settings.

Q: Should I buy the standard edition or a special edition?

A: Check what the special edition includes. Often, the older DLC (downloadable content) is bundled, which adds significant value to the overall experience.

Q: What was the most influential game from 2018?

A: Influence is subjective, but several games from 2018 completely changed how their respective genres were viewed. Research titles that won major Game of the Year awards that year.

Q: Are there good indie games from 2018 I should check out?

A: Absolutely! The indie scene was strong in 2018. Look for titles celebrated for unique art styles or innovative mechanics, as these often age very well.

Q: How do I know if a digital purchase is refundable if it doesn’t run well?

A: Always check the refund policy of the store you are buying from (Steam, PlayStation Store, etc.). Policies usually depend on how much time you have played the game.