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The 50 best games of 2018 | Our guide to the top titles of the year

The best games of 2018 including Monster Hunter World, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Red Dead Redemption 2, Florence, God of War and Yakuza 6
The best games of 2018 including Monster Hunter World, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Red Dead Redemption 2, Florence, God of War and Yakuza 6

As we reach the business end of 2018, we look back on the best games of a year that has provided players with another formidable line-up, packed with monster hunting hijinks, earnest indie love stories, god-thumping blockbusters and outlaws on the run. That is if you can tear yourself away from Fortnite, of course.

Here are our picks for the 50 best games released across the year. But you can tell us your favourite games of the year by filling in this form, letting us know which titles impressed you most in 2018 and why, for the chance to be featured in the Telegraph's reader's rundown. And in the lead up to Christmas, we will be counting down the Telegraph’s top ten games of the year in a series of articles, culminating in our 2018 game of the year.

Best games of December

Ashen

Ashen
Ashen

Platforms Xbox One, PC Developer A44

What is it? A stylish, Dark Souls-inspired independent action-RPG.

Why we love it There is a whole debate to be had about the prevalence of the tough, ‘Souls-like’ games that are following in From Software’s wake. It seem the Japanese developer has borne an entire sub-genre of the action-RPG; one of challenge and perseverance. Ashen is one of the good ones; building a dreamy world of faceless heroes, autumnal beauty and haunting foes. Plenty of Souls tropes make it in; campfires, recovered XP and all, but as well as  strong sense of place, challenge and robust combat, Ashen sets itself apart with its inspired Journey-esque approach to co-op multiplayer.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

SuperSmash Bros. Ultimate
SuperSmash Bros. Ultimate

Platform Switch Developer Sora

What is it? The latest in Nintendo’s bonkers brawler.

Why we love it The kitchen-sink approach to this version of Super Smash Bros. brings an overwhelming amount of brilliant stuff and nonsense. Up to eight fighters picked from across Nintendo’s history and beyond batter each other in punchy, colourful brawls. Solid Snake shoeing Kirby, Princess Zelda smacking Pikachu with a baseball bat. The core crossover appeal remains, but this is the best the technicalities of Smash’s suprisingly deep fighting has ever been. Throw in a sprawling solo campaign and a vast amount of characters, stages and items and you have a game that is as big on substance as on its wacky style.

Best games of November

Beat Saber

Beat Saber
Beat Saber

Platform PS4 (PSVR) Developer Hyperbolic Magnetism

What is it? A heart-thumping rhythm-action game that has you sweeping lightsaber-esque blades to whack coloured boxes in time to a thumping electronica soundtrack.

Why we love it You duck, spill and swing, crossing your arms in an almost clockwork snap. It feels brilliant, even though you assuredly will look daft to anyone on the outside.

Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee

Pokemon Let's Go
Pokemon Let's Go

Platform Nintendo Switch Developer Game Freak

What is it? The perfect stepping stone for new Pokemon trainers drawn in by the phenomenal success of Pokemon Go, this full-fledged RPG has you travelling the colourful world of Kanto. Catch ‘em all, or battle to be the Pokemon champion.

Why we love it Let’s Go is accessible and fun, drawing on the catch mechanics of Go and streamlining some of Pokemon’s more idiosyncratic traits. But it is a pleasure for veterans aswell, the reimagining of Pokemon Yellow making for a breezy nostalgia trip with enough challenge in the end-game to keep you busy.

  • Pokémon Let’s Go review

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Hitman 2

Hitman 2
Hitman 2

Platforms PS4, Xbox one, PC Developer Io Interactive

What is it? Fully formed sequel to Io's successful reboot of its classy assassin series.

Why we love it Hitman 2 continues the fine work of 2016's episodic series. In many ways this is more of the same, particularly when you get a generous helping of that game included as legacy content. But when the business of being an assassin is this inventive, exciting and deliciously twisted, business as usual is fine by us. 

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Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect
Tetris Effect

Platform PS4 Developer Monstars Inc/Resonair

What is it? Tetsuya Mizuguchi's synaesthetic spin on the classic puzzle game.

Why we love it The timeless, block clearing core of the game remains fully intact, but Tetris Effect somehow builds gorgeous landscapes around those falling blocks; whizzing between space, sandswept dunes, swimming with dolphins and beyond. Despite the beauty of the surroundings, Tetris Effects keeps you in the zone with stunning soundscapes that react to your moves, with the speed of the falling blocks dictated by the tempo of the track. On the TV, it's brilliant. In virtual reality, it is utterly transporting. And, yes, all this from a 35 year old puzzler.

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11-11 Memories Retold

11-11 memories retold
11-11 memories retold

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer DigiXart/Aardman

What is it? Not your usual bombastic war game, but a delicately told tale of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances on both sides of the war effort. Elijah Wood's Canadian photographer Harry naively joins the war effort to impress his love, while Sebastian Koch's more grizzled German engineer Kurt is searching for the fate of his son.

Why we love it It is an intriguing melancholic tale, underpinned by gentle puzzling and action sequences, similar to Life is Strange or the erstwhile Telltale's line of narrative adventures. But perhaps most arresting, certainly at first glance, is that gorgeous painterly art style; a dreamy, melancholic tableau of smudged paint and ink. 

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Déraciné

Deracine
Deracine

Platforms PS4 (PSVR) Developer From Software

What is it? From Software's virtual reality adventure that casts as a mysterious faerie floating around a well-to-do boarding school haunting its residents and causing mischief.

Why we love it Déraciné is an odd one. The gameplay itself involves you taking part in simple, often mundane point-and-click adventure tasks. But the Dark Souls developer remains a master of atmosphere, building a bewitching doll’s house of a school that is an uneasy delight to explore.

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Best games of October

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One Developer Rockstar Games

What is it? Rockstar's hugely anticipated Wild West sequel that casts you as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw on the run with a notorious gang.

Why we love it Red Dead Redemption 2's reactive late 19th century world is quite extraordinary; a vast, peerless construction of snow-capped mountains, open plains, swampland and cities filled with characters and distraction. With its uncompromising attempts to ground you in its world, few games give such a sense of 'being there', to the extent you can feel the baking heat or smell a storm in the air. Its story, meanwhile, is a vast, slow-burn but often thrilling account of a band of outlaws on the run. A triumph, even with multiplayer Red Dead Online still to arrive.

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Soulcalibur 6

Soulcalibur 6
Soulcalibur 6

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Bandai Namco

What is it? The triumphant return of Bandai Namco's muscular, melee-based beat 'em up.

Why we love it Soulcalibur 6 is one of those rare fighters that provides both terrific strategic depth for experts, with layers of fighting mechanics to master, and a truckful of accessible fun for newcomers. Its roster is colourful and varied, while a solid story mode will prepare you for online brawling in decent style.

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Return of the Obra Dinn

Obra Dinn
Obra Dinn

PlatformPC Developer Lucas Pope

What is it? Fascinating 19th century detective game from Papers, Please creator Lucas Pope. As a shipping company investigator, you must figure out what happened to the vanished crew of an East India Company ship.

Why we love it Return of the Obra Dinn is a devilish and brilliant puzzler, with you needing to use a magical watch to replay the final memories of any cadaver you find on board. From there you must piece together events in a scrambled timeline, figuring out what happened to each of the crew. With only a few corpses left on board to use the watch on, you must then find bodies in the memories of others, creating brilliant Inception-esque memories within memories. There is little hand-holding here and successfully piecing together the story and the fate of each crew member you come across is incredibly gratifying.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Treyarch

What is it? The latest in the world's biggest FPS series. No campaign, but Battle Royale joins breakneck multiplayer and zombies.

Why we love it While the lack of single-player may make you hanker for the breakneck bombast and ooh-ra melodrama of a Call of Duty campaign, Black Ops 4 allows its three-pronged multiplayer package to breathe. Competitive multiplayer is a blast, retaining much of Black Ops 3’s searing pace, stripping back its excess and adding its own ideas. Zombies is as camp, meaty and messy as ever, while Fortnite-challenging Battle Royale mode Blackout is the headline for good reason. Tense, tactical and given the expensive triple-A sheen its rivals can not compete with. Despite it following the trends somewhat, this is the freshest Call of Duty in years.

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Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Platforms PS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Ubisoft

What is it? Ubisoft's historical action series heads to ancient Greece as you play a mercenary travelling the seas during the Peloponessian War.

Why we love it? Assassin's Creed Odyssey leans hard into the RPG style set by previous game Origins, expanding its loot, skill trees and improving on its kinetic combat in a vast and generous game. But it is its character that shines brightest. You are able to choose between siblings Kassandra and Alexios and Kassandra, in particular, is sharp company throughout. You can influence your character with dialogue choices, with the best writing of the series investing you in its epically lengthy yarn.

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Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4
Forza Horizon 4

PlatformsXbox One, PC Developer Playground Games

What is it? The fourth of Playground Games' brilliantly boisterous open-world racing series, this time set in the gorgeous British countryside.

Why we love it? Forza Horizon has always been about the sheer pleasure of driving fast cars through beautiful scenery. Forza Horizon 4 is no different, distilling Playground Games' formula to its purest yet. The UK setting is absolutely gorgeous and stuffed with varied distraction. While changing seasons offer both stunning visual diversity and a tangible change in racing conditions. With regular updates over the coming months, Forza Horizon 4 could be the last racing game you will ever need.

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Best games of September

FIFA 19

FIFA 19
FIFA 19

Platforms PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch Developer EA 

What is it? The latest in EA's hugely popular football series.

Why we love it Come for the newly added Champions League license, stay for the improved tactics and on-pitch action. A raft of small tweaks on the pitch, including improved contorl and fiercer 50-50s, FIFA has never played better. And its smorgasboard of modes and distractions remains as fulsome as ever. The secret weapon this year is the riotous new Kick-Off modes, which allow you to set House Rules like No Fouls and Headers & Volleys. Perfect for that post-pub kickabout.

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Marvel's Spider-Man

Marvel's Spider-Man game
Marvel's Spider-Man game

PlatformsPS4 Developer Insomniac

What is it? A colourful spin on Spidey from the developers behind Ratchet & Clank and Sunset Overdrive.

Why we love it The swinging is sensational as Spider-Man whooshes through the beautifully crafted urban canyons of New York City. Its myriad distractions follow a familiar template at times, but Insomniac give them a fresh twist with its clear understanding of their leading man. It's enormous fun and has a considerable amount of heart, with a surprisingly effective narrative seeing you through to the end.

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Planet Alpha

Planet Alpha game
Planet Alpha game

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Developer PlanetAlphaAps

What is it? Gorgeous side-scrolling sci-fi adventure inspired by classics such as Another World and Flashback.

Why we love it As our stunning gallery shows, Planet Alpha is a real looker. Its vivid colours and otherworldy ethos would not look out of place on the cover of an Asimov novel. BUt it plays well too, with some solid platform-action and gently taxing environmental puzzling.

Best games of August

Two Point Hospital

Two Point Hospital game
Two Point Hospital game

PlatformsPC Developer Two Point

What is it? The spiritual successor to Theme Hospital that we didn't know we needed.

Why we love itWhile we had high hopes for Two Point bringing the quirky hospital management sim back to life, we didn't realise it would be quite this good. It teems with character and charm, as you open your medical center, build rooms, clear up all the puke and have the janitors taking care of ghosts. There are a brilliant array of ailnesses to cure, including the bulb-noggined Lightheadedness and a psychiatry issue where everyone thinks they are Freddie Mercury. It is fast-paced, stressful and challenging but full of delight.

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade game
Strange Brigade game

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Rebellion

What is it? Spiffing co-op shooter that follows the titular Brigade as the mow down zombies and mummies in the sun-baked stone of Egyptian ruins.

Why we love it Strange Brigade is a game of simple pleasures, really. It focusses on crunchy shooting against a mythical horde, complete with lashings of 30s adventure serial camp and a clipped British narrator teasing the fourth wall. It is a lot of fun, if hardly mentally taxing, with you able to delve into solo, co-op or take on the compelling score attack or horde modes.

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Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate

PlatformNintendo Switch Developer Capcom

What is it? Switch spruce-up of the brilliant 3DS Monster Hunter entry.

Why we love it Monster Hunter: World has largely changed how we think about Capcom's JRPG, which could make Generations Ultimate the last of the classic style. Tough, enigmatic and esoteric, Generations is arguably the finest example of the game Capcom had cultivated. Diverse combat enable by different styles, a wealth of content and vivid visuals given a new sheen on Switch.

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Shenmue I and II

Shenmue game
Shenmue game

PlatformsPS4, PC Developer Sega

What is it? HD reissue of Yu Suzuki's famous Japanese adventure that follows young Ryo Hazuki on his quest to avenge his father's murder.

Why we love it Normally we would avoid a reissue on a list like this, but this being the first time you can play Shenmue on any other platform other than Sega's Dreamcast feels like a momentous event. In some ways Shenmue hasn't aged well, with its at-the-time state of the art visuals now looking rather dated. But it is a curious game of extraordinary heart. The sense of place in the small town of 1980s Dobuita as Ryo explores remains alluring, while the more bustling Hong Kong expands in the sequel. And the game's adherence to time that mixes the mundane with the extraordinary is still unique to games.

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Overcooked 2

Overcooked game
Overcooked game

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch Developer Ghost Town Games

What is it? A second helping of Ghost Town's culinary chaos, as you and up to three pals tear around increasingly fantastical kitchens trying to get the dumplings out on time.

Why we love it In some ways Overcooked 2 feels more like an expansion of the first game than a full blown sequel, with a few new recipes and new dynamic kitchens to make a mess in. But it retains that brilliant, febrile tension as you and your friends desperately try to work together to get meals to the pass. It may bring tears and tantrums as your partner drops the pizza into an acid pool once again, but there is little as satisfying as running a well-oiled kitchen.

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Dead Cells

Dead Cells game
Dead Cells game

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch Developer Motion Twin

What is it? A fast and febrile rogue-like set on a gruesome prison island.

Why we love it Dead Cells has often been described as a 2D Dark Souls. And while Motion Twin's brilliant side-scroller tkaes a few cues from Hidetaka Miyazaki's seminal work, it is a game that excels on its own terms. The combat is crunchy, varied and lightning quick. While its fast-paced attempts, where you try and progress through the island's bestiary a little further each time, make it perfect for quick goes or lengthy sessions.

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Warioware Gold

Warioware Gold game
Warioware Gold game

Platforms3DS/2DS Developer Intelligent Systems/Nintendo EPD

What is it? The latest WarioWare entry that brings together a variety of the series’ past styles.

Why we love it WarioWare Gold is somewhat of a ‘best of’ of the series, bringing together the classic ‘mash’ (button-based) minigames, Tilt and Touch. Story mode is divided into three leagues, with a few surprises towards the end. There are 300 microgames, some new, some returning favourites. It’s the pinnacle of an always-excellent series, providing hours of WarioWare’s signature fast, frenetic fun. There’s bonus content galore, including a fascinating Museum of Nintendo, and a bunch of minigames inspired by some of the WarioWare classics. A must-have for anyone who’s enjoyed the series in the past, or a great opportunity to check it out as a newcomer.

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Best games of July

Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler game - Credit: Square Enix
Credit: Square Enix

PlatformNintendo Switch Developer Square Enix/Acquire

What is it? Turn-based, pixel-art JRPG from the makers of the cult classic Bravely Default.

Why we love it As is often the wont of smaller-scale JRPGs, Octopath Traveler evokes a sense of nostalgia for games like Chrono Trigger and early Final Fantasy entries. However, the game has plenty of compelling and modern twists of its own. It has a fascinating art style, with those 2D sprites mixing with more photo-realistic environments, while its ragtag collection of eight uniquely skilled adventurers each has their own tale to tell. Its battle system is exceuted with flourish, too, offering tactical flexibility that stands up to the game’s lengthy running time.

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Best games of June

Mario Tennis Aces

Mario Tennis Aces - Credit: Nintendo
Credit: Nintendo

PlatformsNintendo Switch Developer Nintendo

What is it? The latest version of Nintendo’s bubbly tennis ‘sim’ in which Mario and pals engage in an arcadey approximation of everyone’s* favourite summer sport.

Why we love it Mario Tennis Aces uses the backbone of the sport to build a compelling, thrilling and tricksy competitive game. It owes as much to fighters such as Nintendo’s own Super Smash Bros as it does to actual tennis, with devastating special shots, spectacular counters and to-and-fro tactics. Sport purists may want to look elsewhere, but with its decent story mode to teach you the ropes and a fiercely competitive online element, it is a smashing multiplayer fracas.

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Wreckfest

Wreckfest game - Credit: Bugbear Entertainment
Credit: Bugbear Entertainment

PlatformsPC Developer Bugbear Entertainment

What is it? Spiritual successor to Destruction Derby from the develoeprs of muscular racer Flatout.

Why we love it Wreckfest, as the name might suggest, is a game of simple pleasures. Throwing squat old bangers or hulking trucks around a track while smashing into your competitors rarely fails to be entertaining. But Bugbear execute it with real aplomb, with a delightful selection of cars to hurl around and a crunchy, convincing and endlessly satsfiying damage model. Cars crashing, smashing and crumpling as they jostle for first place with a healthy amount of vehicular violence.

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Onrush

ONrush - Credit: Codemasters
Credit: Codemasters

Platforms PS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Codemasters

What is it? Boisterous arcade racer that actually isn’t about racing at all…

Why we love it This manic competitive driving game isn’t about finishing first, but causing as much carnage as possible within a stampede of roaring bangers that zoom across endless tracks. It’s a racer that takes more inspiration from Call of Duty and Overwatch as it does Gran Turismo, throwing you different objectives, be it simple destruction of your opponents or controlling fast-moving zones as the pack scrambles for position. It is an odd game and perhaps best enjoyed in small doses, but is a quirky blast of adrenaline well worth strapping in for.

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Best games of May

Yoku’s Island Express

Yoku's Island Express game - Credit: Villa Gorilla
Credit: Villa Gorilla

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch Developer Villa Gorilla

What is it? A pinballing platformer that casts you as a beetle postman on a lush and colourful island.

Why we love it Yoku’s Island Express takes the physicality of pinball and joins it with the thrill and adventure of a Metroidvania. As Yoku you ping yourself and your ubiquitous ball around the island’s beautiful landscapes, flippers and paddles built into the soil. It is a continuously clever game, extracting variety out of its core mechanics by adding extra skills that open up new areas. And when it goes ‘full pinball’, dropping you into areas which you must carefully pelt Yoku into gaps or against bumpers, it captures the satisfaction of nailing a precise shot on your favourite table.

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Laser League

Laser League - Credit: roll7
Credit: roll7

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer roll7

What is it? Competitive Tron-esque multiplayer game which has teams battling out in an arena, casting spinning, coloured walls of light that down the opposition on touch.

Why we love it Laser League’s arcade purity makes for a brilliantly simple game on the surface, but its many layers and tactics elevate it to a multiplayer classic. Different classes offer different skills to influence the battlefield, while scattered power-ups can swing a game at a moment’s notice. And there’s nothing quite like threading yourself through the intricately patterned laser-fields to keeep yourself in the game, or wiping an entire opposition team with the perfect chain of activated walls.

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Best games of April

Frostpunk

Frostpunk - Credit: 11 BIT STUDIOS
Credit: 11 BIT STUDIOS

PlatformsPC Developer 11 Bit Studios

What is it? Gritty survival sim from the creators of This War of Mine in which you are in charge of building the last city of a frozen Earth in an alternative 1886.

Why we love it Frostpunk is a thrilling view of dystopia at the end of the world. You must constuct your city around one of the few remaining generators, stoking it for warmth and gathering resources from the surrounding tundra. From there, your city must expand to survive and you find yourself making some harrowing decisions for your populace; putting them to work, passing oppressive laws. After all, what is the life of one overworked, underfed child when compared to the greater good?

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Forgotton Anne

Forgotton Anne game - Credit: Throughline Games
Credit: Throughline Games

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Throughline Games

What is it? Gorgeous hand-drawn anime adventure taking place in the universe where all of the world’s lost possessions vanish to.

Why we love it The aesthetic recalls Studio Ghibli films or, with its anthropomorphic household knick-knacks, something like Disney’s Brave Little Toaster. But despite its striking exterior, there is something darker at work here. As the titular Anne you play an Enforcer of the realm, able to banish ‘Forgotlings’ for good should they step out of line. Cue some tough choices as you make your way through this apparently unassuming 2D-platform puzzler, punctuated with smart narrative tricks and plenty of moral quandary.

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Nintendo Labo

Nintendo Labo game - Credit: Nintendo
Credit: Nintendo

PlatformsNintendo Switch Developer Nintendo

What is it? Less a game than a selection of techologically-enhanced cardboard toys, Nintendo Labo has you constructing a variety of gadgets such as RC cars, fully-working pianos and even a robot jetpack.

Why we love it Much like Lego, much of the joy of Labo comes in the building. You fold, snap and slot together different bits of cardboard, seeing how each contraption comes together. The spark of joy at building a resitant motorbike throttle with just card and rubber bands is irresistible for kids of all ages. With enjoyable software and the opportunity to create your own toys with a simple development suite makes Labo a fascinating (and educational) piece of kit.

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God of War

God of War - Credit: Sony
Credit: Sony

PlatformsPS4 Developer Sony Santa Monica

What is it? Fatherly reinvention of gaming's angriest man as Kratos moves to the Norse mountains in an attempt to escape his past and raise his young son, Atreus. Ends up smacking trolls with a bloody great axe, obviously.

Why we love it Salvation for the seemingly irredeemable Kratos isn't an easy task, nor is breathing fresh life into an action series that had begun to lose its lustre. God of War achieves both in sensational fashion. The furious combat and gorgeous exploration is the best it has ever been, opening up the land of Midgard for the biggest God of War yet. But in tandem with that is an effecting and deftly-told story, with the relationship between Kratos and Atreus forming its beating heart. Its greatest achievement is humanising Kratos without shying away from his violent past. And also that you can lob your magic axe at an ogre and have it return like a boomerang with a hardy thump and explosion of ice.

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Yakuza 6: Song of Life

Yakuza 6 - Credit: Sega
Credit: Sega

PlatformsPS4 Developer Sega

What is it? The final chapter in the story of one of gaming's finest characters, Kazuma Kiryu, as he returns to the Tokyo district of Kamurocho after three years in prison to search for his missing foster daughter.

Why we love it Yakuza keeps up its strong tradition of crunchy brawling, barmy character and brilliant world-building. Few games mix the wacky and profound in quite the way Yakuza does, a series steeped in Japanese culture, and Yakuza 6 is as fine a send-off for the Dragon of Dojima as you could hope for.

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Minit

Minit - Credit: JW, kitty, jukio and dom
Credit: JW, kitty, jukio and dom

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer JW, Kitty, Jukio, and Dom

What is it? Peculiarly charming lo-fi adventure that has you exploring a fantasy land to uncover a series of mysteries. The catch? You will die every 60 seconds.

Why we love it Inspired by the more elaborate time-loops of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Minit is a clever and intriguing little adventure. You will explore the world, 60 seconds at a time, learning the environment and trying to uncover items that will further your quest. Following your inevitable death, you will keep any items, opening up the world a minute at a time.

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Best games of March

Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 - Credit: Ubisoft
Credit: Ubisoft

PlatformsPS4, Xbox One, PC Developer Ubisoft

What is it? It's chaos in America as you are flown into the war-torn Hope County to fight off the religious zealots that are terrorising the district.

Why we love it While Far Cry 5 may fall short on its narrative potential, its setup crackles with tension and violence. Hope is a glorious tinderbox, ready to flare into gunfire and chaos at any time. As is Far Cry's calling card, it is a meaty shooter with a fine line in improv. It might not be the tightest action game out there, but few can match its explosive unpredictability.

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Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom

Ni No Kuni 2 game - Credit: Bandai Namco
Credit: Bandai Namco

PlatformsPS4, PC Developer Level 5

What is it? Sequel to the charming Ghibli inspired JRPG.

Why we love it While Ni No Kuni 2 did not have Studio Ghibli’s direct input this time around, Revenant Kingdom still retains that gorgeous art style and an heartfelt and sharply-penned tale. Its combat is a swashbuckling arena brawler, while compelling kingdom-building will keep you buys over its 40 hour running time.

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Sea of Thieves

Sea of Thieves - Credit: RARE studios
Credit: RARE studios

PlatformsXbox One, PC Developer Rare Studios

What is it? It be a Rare blend of of high-seas hijinks and shared-world swashbuckling and you set sail into pirate infested waters, exploring the world and hunting out treasure. Arr.

Why we love it Sea of Thieves is a hilarious sandbox game, giving players the tools to get up to all sorts of pirate hijinks while sailing out on the seas. There is no real objective or story. Instead, you progress by collecting and completing quests. Some questions over its longevity abound, but Rare have created a gorgeous, charming world that has plenty to offer.

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Warhammer: Vermintide II

Warhammer Vermintide 2 - Credit: Fatshark
Credit: Fatshark

PlatformPC, Xbox One Developer Fatshark

What is it? First-person-action game based in the Warhammer fantasy universe in which a team of four hunters must co-operate to fight off waves of ratmen from the Chaos Army.

Why we love it Vermintide is not shy of taking its inspiration from Left 4 Dead, swapping out zombies for the ratty Skaven. But this sequel understands how to leverage that compelling loop of breathless survival and combine it with the medieval fantasy of the Warhammer universe. Fifteen 'careers' across five different classes offer up a plethora of choice in weapons and powers, while the combat is meaty, violent and endlessly satisfying.

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Best games of February

Moss

Moss PSVR - Credit: Sony
Credit: Sony

PlatformPS4 (PSVR) Developer Polyarc

What is it? Brilliant virtual reality storybook puzzler in which you guide young mouse Quill from on high, interacting with the environment to help her on her way through a dreamy fantasy land.

Why we love it Virtual reality is yet to truly find its rhythm for outstanding gaming experiences, but Moss is one of the best reasons to believe it can. Developer Polyarc understands how to use VR's qualities to transport you into Moss's storybook dioramas, providing involving challenges and a charming, effecting story that has you genuinely caring for your tiny mouse charge.

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Florence

Florence - Credit: Mountains
Credit: Mountains

Platform  iOS, Android Developer Mountains

What is it? Wonderful interactive comic book about modern love from the creator of Monument Valley.

Why we love it This sweet and fleeting tale of millennial life brilliantly tells of the thrill, exploration and sacrifice of a burgeoning relationship. While your interaction is relatively limited as its wordless yarn unfolds, your gentle swipes abstractly capture thoughts and feeling. It’s beautifully presented, smart and wonderfully uplifting without being saccharine.

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Into the Breach

Into the Breach
Into the Breach

PlatformPC, Switch Developer Subset Games

What is it? Brilliant sci-fi rogue-like strategy game from the makers of FTL.

Why we love it Into the Breach’s terrific, chess-like gameplay pits you against the monstrous Vek in a series of procedurally generated skirmishes. The base mechanics of the game, as you tackle the Vek in your upgradeable mechs, are good enough on their own. But Into the Breach becomes exceptional with its variety and aptitude for storytelling. When you fail, you are sent back in time to the beginning of your run, retaining skills, abilities and knowledge to keep you improving every turn. Deliciously smart and moreish.

Descenders

Descenders video game - Credit: RageSquid
Credit: RageSquid

Platform  PC Developer RageSquid

What is it? Blistering downhill mountain-biking that takes its cues from games like Skate and SSX.

Why we love it Its breakneck biking, flips and chicanery might recall something like Trials, but Descenders earns its stripes with its gorgeous procedurally generated courses. Each descent is different, throwing up ramps and turns that rely on twitch reaction and mastery of mechanics rather than learning each level. It does mean it can be punishing and frustrating, too, but that challenge can add to the satisfaction of nailing a run.

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Best games of January

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FIghterZ - Credit: Bandai Namco
Credit: Bandai Namco

Platforms  PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper Arc System Works

What is it?Classic one on one fighting action based on the long-running and hugely popular manga series.

Why we love it While the core of Dragon Ball FighterZ will be familiar, it layers on its own quirks and personality to keep fighting fresh. The dedication to Dragon Ball lore throws up some fascinating, match-swinging mechanics and a supremely varied roster. Its terrific stuff and more accessible than many fighting games, keeping its inputs and special moves easy to learn. Gorgeous too.

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Shadow of the Colossus

Shadow of the Colossus game - Credit: Sony
Credit: Sony

Platform  PS4 Developer Sony/Bluepoint Games

What is it? Beautiful remaster of Team Ico’s seminal 2005 adventure that has you roaming a forbidden land in order to slay 13 enormous colossi.

Why we love it Shadow of the Colossus remains one of the finest games ever made; the haunting melancholy that tinges the thrilling battles against impossibly huge creatures remaining as potent as it did more than a decade ago. It’s a fabulous game with a fierce challenge, but asks crushing questions about love, motivation, sacrifice and cruelty. And the PS4 upgrade is simply stunning, with improved camera, controls and technical oomph bringing the game’s artistic vision to life.

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Celeste

Celeste video game - Credit: Matt makes games
Credit: Matt makes games

Platform  PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Developer Matt Makes Games

What is it? Terrifically tough twitch platformer from the creator of Towerfall that has you guiding young Madeline up a hostile mountain and through her own inner turmoil.

Why we love it Its pixel-perfect platforming is deeply satisfying and fiercely challenging, scratching a similar itch to Super Meat Boy and their ilk. And the collectible strawberries scattered throughout will become your new obsession. Celeste also ties this to an effective and compelling tale of Madeline’s struggle as she faces depression and panic attacks during her ascent.

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Monster Hunter World 

Monster Hunter World game - Credit: Capcom
Credit: Capcom

Platforms  PS4, Xbox OneDeveloper Capcom

What is it? The spectacular return of Capcom’s giant beast slaying RPG.

Why we love it Much has been made of Monster Hunter World’s play for the mainstream; with its thrilling action and giant weaponry opened up beyond its sizable cult following. But while this is a notably more accessible expedition for new hunters, you will still find a complex, wonderfully eccentric and endlessly entertaining adventure. Finally downing a towering beast after an epic battle across World’s gorgeous environments is one of gaming’s most satisfying feats.

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Subnautica

Subnautica video game - Credit: Unknown Worlds
Credit: Unknown Worlds

Platform  PC Developer Unknown Worlds Entertainment

What is it? Tense and challenging survival game that has you staving off hunger, thirst and man-eating aquatic beasts on a mysterious ocean planet.

Why we love it Subnautica takes many of the Minecraft-inspired survival traits and makes it its own. Its ocean planet is a gorgeous, terrifying environment to explore; the twisted, creature-infested caves tempting you with fresh resources to take back to base. It is underwater adventuring done right, asking you to balance your safety and oxygen level with your own curiosity. And if that kind of thing sounds a bit stressful, Subnautica also provides more relaxed creative modes to allow you to splash around at your own pace.

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Iconoclasts

Iconoclasts video game - Credit: Konjak
Credit: Konjak

Platforms  PS4, PC, Vita Developer Konjak

What is it? Retro-themed 2D puzzle-platformer that has you travelling a religiously-ruled technological dystopia as young mechanic Robin.

Why we love it Pretty as its Mega Drive styling is, Iconoclasts proves itself as more than simply another cartoonish retro retread with its smart balance between twitch shooting and cerebral puzzling. While the teasers scattered throughout are smart enough in their own right, the battles against screen-filling robotic menaces have their own quirks as you locate, and exploit, each enemy’s weakness.

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The Telegraph's best games of 2018: The countdown continues and have your say

What has been the standout game for you this year and why? We want to hear what your top picks are from 2018 and why it made your year. Fill in this form for a chance to feature in our readers' rundown. We will tally up the votes and run a Telegraph reader’s list alongside our 50 best games and our critic’s pick of the top ten games of the year. 

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