The 34 hottest video games you shouldn't miss in 2018

2017 was full of excellent games. Can 2018 match it, or even surpass it?

Between "Super Mario Odyssey," "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds," "Horizon Zero Dawn," and "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," 2017's game lineup was hard to top.

But 2018 has some massive games of its own.

From major new Nintendo games to highly-anticipated sequels, 2018 is full of promising new games. As such, we've put together a thorough list of games that should officially be on your radar this year.

1. "Dragon Ball Fighter Z"

© Bandai Namco

If you even remotely care about the "Dragon Ball" universe, you probably already know what "Dragon Ball Fighter Z" is. Even if you don't, you should: It's a gorgeous, unique fighting game that doesn't require a burning passion for anime to enjoy.

The game plays out similarly to the "Marvel vs Capcom" franchise, with each player selecting a team of three to fight as. You can switch between that trio during a match - matches play out in 2.5D, where the fight is on a 2D plane but the visuals are in gorgeous 3D. If you're a "Dragon Ball" fan you'll enjoy it more, but this one looks like a delight for anyone who enjoys a good fighting game period.

Release Date: January 26, 2018

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

2. "Monster Hunter: World"

© Capcom

"Monster Hunter: World" is the latest major entry in the long-running, cult-classic "Monster Hunter" series.

If you're wondering what the game is about, look no further than the on-the-nose name: You hunt monsters, repeatedly, in the third-person. This is a game about exploring a massive world and taking down its massive monsters. You can do that alone, or you can do that with up to four friends, but the goal remains the same: Murder monsters, take the loot you get from those monsters, and use it to take down more monsters.

Release Date: January 26, 2018

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC (release date unknown for PC version)

3. "Shadow of the Colossus"

© Sony

In 2018, the best game from 2005 arrives on the PlayStation 4. It's called "Shadow of the Colossus," and it's getting a gorgeous remake on the PlayStation 4.

When the game originally launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, it was a revelation for PlayStation 2 owners. Though it may look like a standard video game, "Shadow of the Colossus" is anything but - the diminutive character you see above is who you play as, and he's got an objective: Take down gigantic monsters. But why? And what are these "monsters"? Are they monsters, or is he, for murdering them?

Release Date: February 6

Platforms: PlayStation 4

4. "Bayonetta" / "Bayonetta 2"

© Platinum Games

There've been plenty of opportunities to play the excellent first "Bayonetta" game - it first launched way back in 2009 on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It's since made the jump to PC, and Wii U, and now it's coming - along with the excellent sequel, "Bayonetta 2" - to the Nintendo Switch. Better yet: Both games are a precursor to the upcoming "Bayonetta 3," which currently has no release date.

The games are a throwback to the "Devil May Cry"/"Ninja Gaiden" era of action games, which focused on lightning-fast reaction and control mastery. The better you took out a bunch of bad guys, the more the game would reward you. Those systems are then surrounded by a delightfully crazy story. In the case of "Bayonetta," she's a super-tall witch with guns in her feet. Okay!

Release Date: February 16

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

5. "Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus"

© Bandai-Namco

Unbelievably, across decades of game consoles and changing tastes, the "Pac-Man" franchise endures. With the "Championship Edition" spin-offs, "Pac-Man" evolves into something surreal and fantastical.

It's "Pac-Man," but on loads of party drugs.

From its thumping soundtrack to its extreme visual style, there's a lot to love about the "CE" series. With "Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2 Plus," the game is getting more levels than ever, more new game modes than ever, and even a two-player co-op mode. It plays like "Pac-Man," yes, but it's something entirely new.

Release Date: February 22

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

6. "Kirby Star Allies"

© Nintendo

"Kirby Star Allies" is another fresh take on a classic franchise from Nintendo. The focus here is on co-operative play, with up to four players at a time floating around.

The game otherwise features classic "Kirby" gameplay, with relatively simplistic platforming and combat that's focused on Kirby's main ability: Consuming enemies and absorbing their power, like some sort of pink necromancer.

Release Date: March 16

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

7. "Burnout Paradise Remastered"

© EA

10 years after "Burnout Paradise" demonstrated what a car game could be, the crash-filled racing series is back to show up everyone once again.

In "Burnout Paradise Remastered," you get the same incredible open-world racing game that impressed critics and fans alike way back in 2008. Better yet: You also get all the additional content that came out after release, and a massive update to the visuals that befit a new game in 2018.

Read our full review of "Burnout Paradise Remastered" right here.

Release Date: March 16 (later on PC)

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

8. "Sea of Thieves"

© Rare/Microsoft

"Sea of Thieves" is something completely new: It's a pirate-themed, open-world action-adventure game that's intended as a means of getting players together to take on pirate quests. It's essentially an open-world adventure game aimed at people who want to play out their pirate fantasies. And who doesn't want to play out their pirate fantasies?

Release Date: March 20

Platforms: Xbox One, PC

9. "A Way Out"

© EA

Ever wondered what it's like to break out of prison with your best friend? A game called "A Way Out" offers just such an opportunity, and it looks fascinating.

The game stars two men named Vincent and Leo. They each have their own backstories and goals, but they must work together to escape prison. The way that applies to gameplay is what's so interesting: You and a friend control one of each character, either in a room together on one TV or online. There is no other way to play it.

Release Date: March 23

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

10. "Far Cry 5"

© Ubisoft

"Far Cry 5" takes place in (fictional) Hope County, Montana. It's intended to represent "small town, rural America" - lots of outdoor sports and logging, not a lot of museums and malls. Previous "Far Cry" games brought players to despot-ruled, corruption-laced tropical lands; "Far Cry 5" is the first game in the series set in the US.

The hook with the "Far Cry" series is their massive, open-world environments filled with enemies to kill, animals to hunt, and adventures to be ventured. Think of it like a big sandbox full of very violent toys. "Far Cry 5" looks to continue that tradition - at its heart, it's still an open-world first-person shooter.

Release Date: March 27

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

"Far Cry 5" takes place in (fictional) Hope County, Montana. It's intended to represent "small town, rural America" - lots of outdoor sports and logging, not a lot of museums and malls. Previous "Far Cry" games brought players to despot-ruled, corruption-laced tropical lands; "Far Cry 5" is the first game in the series set in the US.

The hook with the "Far Cry" series is their massive, open-world environments filled with enemies to kill, animals to hunt, and adventures to be ventured. Think of it like a big sandbox full of very violent toys. "Far Cry 5" looks to continue that tradition - at its heart, it's still an open-world first-person shooter.

Release Date: March 27

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

11. "God of War"

© Sony

The newest entry in the "God of War" franchise stars the same bald-headed marauder from previous games, but Kratos looks a bit different than the last time we saw him. Aside from that epic new beard, he's apparently moved on from the Grecian setting of previous games to a more domestic existence in a Norse setting. At the very least, he looks like he'll be playing the role of a mentor - Kratos is a dad now (and there'll apparently be some interaction as the player using both Kratos and his son). This is not the same vengeance-driven hyperviolent demigod we're used to seeing - and, frankly, good - but a (slightly) more reserved family man.

Release Date: April 20

Platforms: PlayStation 4

12. Nintendo Labo (and its games)

© Nintendo

Nintendo Labo is a do-it-yourself construction kit that uses cardboard to turn your Switch into something new. Maybe you build a piano, and play piano on your Switch. Or maybe you build a robot suit, and topple buildings in a video game as a robot.

Labo is less of a game - though it does come with games - and more of a project. Starting at $70, you get a couple dozen pieces of perforated cardboard that fit together into a kind of new game controller. The corresponding game that comes with your Labo set is specifically designed to be used with whatever you've created. It's bizarre, and risky, and very Nintendo.

Release Date: April 20

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

13. "State of Decay 2"

© Undead Labs/Microsoft Studios

Picking up where the first game left off, "State of Decay 2" is a much more fully-realized version of the survival game that first debuted on the Xbox 360. In the sequel, you're controlling survivors from a third-person perspective as they scrounge for resources amidst a non-stop barrage of zombies. It's stressful, and very pretty, and often violent.

Release Date: May 22

Platforms: Xbox One, PC

14. "Detroit: Become Human"

© Sony

"Detroit: Become Human" is a game about artificial intelligence and humanity's future.

The game is set in a near-future version of real-world city Detroit, Michigan, where the city is a manufacturing hub for artificially intelligent robots that look exactly like human beings. It stars a robot named Kara - the first robot to "wake up" from servitude and demand freedom.

In this sense, what the game's really about is consciousness, and what it means to be alive. How that story is told is up to you.

Release Date: May 25

Platforms: PlayStation 4

15. "Mario Tennis Aces"

© Nintendo

Nintendo's producing a steady beat of games starring Mario for the Switch, with "Mario Tennis Aces" being the latest. The game also stars a large cast of other Mushroom Kingdom favorites, like Luigi and Wario, and this new entry even has a story mode of sorts.

"Mario Tennis Aces" looks to be a surprisingly deep tennis game, though Nintendo's taking plenty of liberties in focusing on fun over simulation. It's worth taking a look at the full gameplay trailer for "Mario Tennis Aces" that Nintendo debuted recently:

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Release Date: June 22

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

16. "Octopath Traveler"

© Square Enix

The much-anticipated new role-playing game from Square Enix that's exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, "Project Octopath Traveler," just got a final name: "Octopath Traveler." Fair enough!

That name is super literal: "Octopath Traveler" is a pixel art-style role-playing game where you can play as one of eight different characters, each with their own ability. Those abilities enable you to get past challenges in a variety of different ways.

A free demo is currently available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, and you can take a look at it in action right here:

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Release Date: July 13

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

17. "Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker"

© Nintendo

Nintendo's last console, the Wii U, was a flop. But just because the console didn't sell well doesn't mean it didn't have great games - it absolutely did, and "Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker" was among its best.

Thankfully, Nintendo's bringing the game back to life on the Nintendo Switch this summer. In addition to the original game, which has the everyone's favorite Mushroom Kingdom helper as its main playable character, the new Switch version is adding, "new miniature courses based on various Kingdoms in the 'Super Mario Odyssey' game." Rad!

Release Date: July 13

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

18. "Madden NFL 19"

© EA Sports

Every year, another "Madden" game. 2018 is no different, with the latest entry in the football simulation series arriving this August.

A handful of changes are being made this time around, like every year, but let's be honest: You're not buying "Madden" because of changes. Is anyone? "Madden NFL 19" is simply the latest iteration of a formula that's been working for over 25 years, which is exactly what it's supposed to be.

Release Date: August 10

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

19. "Spider-Man"

© Insomniac Games/Sony

This is the classic Peter Parker/Spider-Man you already know and love.

"Our Spider-Man features a 23-year-old Peter Parker who has become a masterful Spider-Man," the game's creative director, Bryan Intihar, said of the game. "While he may be more experienced, Peter and Spider-Man's worlds continue to collide as he tries to juggle them."

The new "Spider-Man" game features a massive New York City that you can swing around, with plenty of enemies to pummel along the way.

Release Date: September 7

Platforms: PlayStation 4

20. "NBA 2K19"

© 2K Games

For the twentieth anniversary of the NBA 2K series, Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James is gracing the cover - an unfortunate coincidence given the Caveliers' loss to the Golden State Warriors in this year's NBA finals.

As per usual, "NBA 2K19" is a basketball simulation - the basketball equivalent of "Madden" for football. Little is known about changes coming to the game this year, but we expect them to be minimal. Fans are buying this one for its gorgeous and accurate depiction of basketball, and they're going to get it.

Release Date: September 11

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch

21. "Shadow of the Tomb Raider"

© Square Enix

"Shadow of the Tomb Raider," the third game in the rebooted Tomb Raider franchise, once again stars Lara Croft as she traipses around the world discovering ancient ruins and leaving a wake of enemy corpses. It looks like a direct sequel to the excellent "Rise of the Tomb Raider."

We've got this brief teaser trailer of the game, which looks quite impressive - take a look:

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Release Date: September 14

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

22. "Forza Horizon 4"

© Microsoft Studios

There are few better racing games available than the "Forza Horizon" series of open-world, arcade-style racing.

The latest game in the series, "Forza Horizon 4," features gorgeous visuals, a massive range of real cars, and huge open environments. But that's to be expected from "Horizon" at this point: What's new this time is its seasons system that lets players experience Britain as it changes throughout the year.

Release Date: October 2

Platforms: Xbox One, PC

23. "Mega Man 11"

© Capcom

"Mega Man 11" is the first new "Mega Man" game in years, and it looks great.

More than just a re-hash of previous "Mega Man" games, "Mega Man 11" is an evolution of the series that impacts the visuals and gameplay in exciting ways. For instance: It's the same 2D gameplay, but the visuals are a far sharper 3D look. It's also clear from the game's debut trailer that "Mega Man 11" gameplay is borrowing moves from across the franchise.

Release Date: October 2

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

24. "Assassin's Creed Odyssey"

© Ubisoft

Having assassinated all the bad guys in Ancient Egypt, the "Assassin's Creed" series is moving on to Ancient Greece in the next installment. It's called "Assassin's Creed Odyssey," and it takes the series to the world of Spartan warriors and Homeric myth.

"Odyssey" stars two new protagonists of your choice, one male and one female. You're the descendent of a great Spartan hero, fulfilling your destiny. Like the past several games in the series, you'll control boats and horses on your journey of assassination and discovery. Instead of scaling pyramids, though, you'll be scaling Greek statues in places like Delos, Athens, and Sparta.

Release Date: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Platforms: October 5

25. "Super Mario Party"

© Nintendo

Love Mario, minigames, and madness? "Super Mario Party" is right up your alley.

Like previous "Mario Party" games, the latest entry for the Nintendo Switch features a combination of minigames and a larger board game-like structure. It's silly, and frantic, and intended to bring friends together.

In "Super Mario Party," the series will take advantage of the Switch's many different functions (like tracking motion, for instance).

Release Date: October 5

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

26. "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4"

© Treyarch Studios/Activision

It's a new year, and that means there's a new "Call of Duty" game on the way.

After returning to World War II in last year's game, "Call of Duty: Black Ops 4" seemingly continues the ongoing story of the "Black Ops" sub-series. That means future tech like drones and jump-jets rather than bolt-action rifles and the Third Reich.

The long-running first-person shooter franchise is gearing up for a big reveal of "Black Ops 4" in May, but for now you can watch this very teasy video announcing the game:

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Release Date: October 12

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

27. "Soul Calibur VI"

© Bandai-Namco Entertainment

In celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary, a new "Soul Calibur" game is in the works. The game's debut trailer showcased series mainstays Mitsurugi and Sophitia, and the first previews of the games have been very positive.

For fans of the series, it sounds like "Soul Calibur VI" is a bit of a throwback to classics like "Soul Calibur II" - a welcome return for a fighting franchise that has fallen from the spotlight over time.

Release Date: October 19

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC

28. "Battlefield V"

© EA DICE

"Battlefield 5" is set in World War II, but isn't intended as homage - it's a setting for large-scale multiplayer combat. To that end, there's a level of character customization in "Battlefield 5" that's unprecedented in the series.

But that's not the only big change coming in "Battlefield 5": The game is getting a Battle Royale mode, a major new single-player expansion, and the ability to rebuild/fortify defenses. And, as ever, "Battlefield 5" is a ridiculous pretty game.

Release Date: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Platforms: October 19

29. "Red Dead Redemption 2"

© Rockstar Games

The "Red Dead" series is beloved by gaming fans, for its vivid storytelling as much as its massive open-world. Like "Grand Theft Auto," you're in control of a protagonist from the third-person perspective, and you navigate a massive open-world with missions, side missions, and all sorts of ridiculous characters. "Red Dead Redemption 2" is the long-awaited sequel to 2010's massively popular "Red Dead Redemption," which was on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Release Date: October 26

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4

30. "Hitman 2"

© IO Interactive

Following on the heels of the sleeper success "Hitman," everyone's favorite bald assassin is returning in "Hitman 2."

The new game features a new set of scenarios for Agent 47 to navigate, always with the end goal of eliminating one (or several) targets. In "Hitman 2," you and a partner will be able to tackle assassinations together - a first for the long-running "Hitman" series.

Release Date: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Platforms: November 13

31. "Fallout 76"

© Bethesda Game Studios

"Fallout 76" is the next entry in the long-running, beloved "Fallout" video game series.

It's coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, and it's being developed by the same renowned studio that created "Fallout 3," "Fallout 4," and "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim."

Instead of a traditional, single-player "Fallout" experience, "Fallout 76" is an online-focused game. All the characters you'll find in the wasteland are other real people - a major change from previous games. The game is set earlier than previous games in the lore of the "Fallout" world, soon after the nuclear apocalypse has occurred. You're tasked with rebuilding humanity. No pressure!

Release Date: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Platforms: November 14

32. "Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" and "Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!"

© Nintendo

"Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!" and "Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!" are sort of the same game, and sort of not the same game. One stars Pikachu, the other stars Eevee. In every other way, as far as we know so far, they are identical.

But what are they? Here's how Nintendo puts it:

"Inspired by 'Pokémon Yellow,' which was originally released in Japan on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1998, these two new titles feature many of the intuitive gameplay functions offered to players in the hugely popular 'Pokémon Go' and are designed for players taking their first steps into the Pokémon video game world."

Given the inspiration, both games are set in the Kanto region, the locale of the original Game Boy games. Instead of random encounters with unseen Pokémon, you'll actually see the creatures living their lives. And instead of selecting a Pokéball and pushing a button to catch Pokémon, you can flick your controller, the same way you would swipe your finger in "Pokémon Go." There's also a Pokéball controller (sold separately) that allows you to mimic the motion of throwing a ball to capture a Pokémon.

The characteristic circles from "Pokémon Go" are even part of the capture:

That the games will be familiar to "Pokémon Go" players is no mistake.

Millions of people experienced Pokémon for the first time with the hugely popular mobile game, so it makes sense to ease those new players in with familiar trappings. In the same vein, the games will offer interoperability with "Pokémon Go," as well as two-player cooperative action.

Release Date: November 16

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

33. "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate"

© Nintendo

If you've never played a "Smash Bros." game, think of it as a fighting-game version of "Mario Kart." Nintendo's large cast of famous faces - from Mario to Donkey Kong, Pikachu to Princess Peach - take each other down in a simplified fighting format. They each have their own set of moves and traits that map to that character - Pikachu shoots lightning, Mario throws fireballs, Link wields the Master Sword, etc.

Rather than taking players on one at a time, "Smash Bros." distinguishes itself by throwing anywhere from two to eight players into a match at any given time. It's a chaotic, silly, surprisingly deep fighting-game series with a serious following.

And in 2018, it's coming back: The series is headed to the Nintendo Switch this December as "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate." The "ultimate" subtitle is a reference to this new game containing literally every previous character ever playable in the series, from Mario to Greninja.

Release Date: December 7

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

34. "Dreams"

© Media Molecule / Sony Computer Entertainment

The British studio behind "Dreams," Media Molecule, is most well-known for its previous franchise: "LittleBigPlanet." Like that series, "Dreams" focuses on letting players create their own game worlds. Also like the "LBP" series, "Dreams" offers a straightforward campaign that's intended to introduce the kinds of worlds that players can create.

What that actually means in practice is far more complex. "Dreams" is almost more of a tool than a game, but you're also able to buy it and play creations from other players without ever actually creating anything yourself.

Release Date: 2018

Platforms: PlayStation 4