Welcome to my Game Awards 2018 predictions post. I have decided to take a lot at each award and give my two cents on who I believe should win. In such a strong year for gaming, the strongest ever in my opinion, there are obviously a lot of great nominees so these choices will be gut instincts.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Celeste
God of War
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Monster Hunter World
Red Dead Redemption 2
There are so many great games in this list that it is a real tough one to decide. In truth I could add another 5 games to the already stacked list of nominees off the top of my head. The award has to go to Red Dead Redemption 2 though. At a time when we are just starting to hear rumours about next gen hardware, this truly feels like a next gen game. The level of detail and work that has went in to this game truly feels like a leap forward from all other titles around it.
Destiny 2: Forsaken
Fortnite
No Man’s Sky
Overwatch
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
This winner is more cut and dry for me. It has to be Fortnite. I can’t imagine a world where this doesn’t win. The other nominees have done an admirable job with keeping their games relevant. No Mans Sky’s redemption story has been incredible, while Ubisoft’s commitment to Rainbow Six after a shaky launch is something that I think will pay off heavily in an eventual sequel. Fortnite though is a juggernaut that is on every device and known in just about every corner of the globe and continues to grow.
A Way Out
Detroit Become Human
God of War
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Red Dead Redemption 2
While the game didn’t fully click with me and I checked out at around 10 hours, my choice is God of War. The entire game is done in one shot, one continuous take. I have never seen that on this scale before and it was really impressive. It’s a game I plan to go back and restart when I find the time. Also, while all these nominees could have won this section in previous years I would like to give a special shout-out to A Way Out.
Detroit Become Human
God of War
Life is Strange 2: Episode 1
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Red Dead Redemption 2
For the sheer size and magnitude of it, it has to be Red Dead Redemption 2. The story is superb and the way that it flows between side and main missions is really impressive. Detroit told a very powerful story for me though, while episode one of Life is Strange 2 tackled some tough issues and started what could be something special. These are both games that in previous years could have picked up the award.
Bryan Dechart (Conor, Detroit Become Human)
Christopher Judge (Kratos, God of War)
Melissanthi Mahut (Kassandra, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey)
Roger Clark (Arthur, Red Dead Redemption 2)
Yuri Lowenthal (Peter Parker, Marvel’s Spider-Man)
Every one of these nominees did an excellent job with their character and it is another award that is hard to call. By a small margin I would give it to Yuri Lowenthal. Spider-Man/Peter Parker was the most iconic character going in and therefore Yuri encountered the biggest task going in. He really managed to make the role his though and at no point was I taken out of the immersion.
Astro Bot Rescue Mission
Beat Saber
Firewall Zero Hour
Moss
Tetris Effect
All five nominations here are excellent and I could easily add the likes of TO THE TOP, Sprint Vector and the newly released In Death. The winner though, is Astro Bot Rescue Mission. Not only is it the best VR game on PS4, but it is in my Game of the Year discussion. Dubbed the Mario 64 of VR, this is one that no virtual reality fan should miss.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Dead Cells
Destiny 2: Forsaken
Far Cry 5
Mega Man 11
While I did have a few issues with the story and the ridiculous amount of random enemy encounters, my pick for best action game is Far Cry 5. These games are always such an excellent Rambo style destructive sandbox and you can play for hours without even thinking about the story.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
God of War
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Red Dead Redemption 2
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
While I believe Red Dead Redemption 2 will likely take this award along with many others, based on the action side of things I would go for Marvel’s Spider-Man. Insomniac did such an amazing job crafting their free flowing traversal and combat that it was 2018’s best answer to a Action/Adventure game.
FIFA 19
Forza Horizon 4
Mario Tennis Aces
NBA 2K19
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
In any other year I would have given this to either PES or FIFA, but with both having substantial problems this year I have decided to go with Forza Horizon 4. While not much of a racing buff, my better half did review it for the site so I sat down with it for a few hours and I have to say; it is single handedly the best racing game I have ever played.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Destiny 2 Forsaken
Fortnite
Monster Hunter World
Sea of Thieves
I don’t get the chance to play it often, but realistically there is only one winner here; Fortnite. Treyarch have done a great job with this years Call of Duty game as well, but it is impossible to look past what epic have created. A game that everyone can enjoy for free. I know people who have put hundreds of hours into the game without spending a penny. The fact that it is available on everything except a toaster at this point also gives it bonus points.
Donut County
Florence
Moss
The Messenger
Yoku’s Island Express
I feel genuine guilt not voting for Yoku’s Island Express or Florence here. Both great games that bring something unique to the table. I can’t look beyond Moss here though. A truly incredible VR game that would sit at the top of the platforms pile for me had Astro Bot not zoomed onto our screens last month.
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So that’s my choices for some of the top awards on offer at this years Game Awards. The show itself will be streaming live across the world. Here in the UK it will start at 1:30am on Friday, December 7th. I hope you all enjoyed this article and also the show when the time comes.
It looks like we could get some pretty cool announcements at the show as well, with a Dreams beta release date highly speculated. Until next time, take care!
