As 2019 wraps up, plenty of questions arise regarding the best games of the year, as well as how they compare to 2018’s standouts titles.
Does 2019’s influx of innovative new games match up against the sequel heavy, pre-established franchise releases gamers loved in 2018? Which year had the biggest impact on the industry in general?
These questions and many more will be answered below, as we discuss which year was better for games: 2018 or 2019?
2018
Reflection and time always test the true nature of things, and that is no different for video games. It is for precisely that reason that even almost two years since its beginning, 2018 still manages to be so impressive for just how good it was for video games.
Whether it was established franchises birthing sequels like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a modern take on a treasured series like Marvel’s Spider-Man, or even an innovative indie like Celeste, the variety of 2018 was just insane.
Releasing late in the year, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey pleased fans as well, as Ubisoft continued to right the series’ ship off the backs of the positive changes they made to many aspects in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
All of that and we haven’t even mentioned the two titles that will have an impact on the industry for years to come: God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2.
For the former, it’s an accomplishment in and of itself that the God of War series was able to rebound even a little after seemingly losing its direction with previous installments.
Developer, Santa Monica Studio, and creative director Cory Barlog did far more than simply rebound, though. Instead, they created a game that has reinvigorated the franchise’s story, characters, and gameplay to become one of the best games of the last decade, even managing to make Kratos feel relatable in the process.
In regards to Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar Games delivered one of the most gripping video game experiences of all time. Through the eyes of Arthur Morgan, gamers live a life on the run, watching a tragic tale play out for a group of dastardly, yet empathetic characters throughout the game.
While the gameplay might not have been everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying that the story and its world will live on as one of the best of all time… especially considering it was a prequel.
Do keep in mind though that 2018 wasn’t all rainbows and sunshine. Titles like Fallout 76, Metal Gear Survive, and even Sea Of Thieves disappointed a lot of people, especially considering the prestige of their developers.
