Coming into 2018, there was a theory being spouted by big names in the gaming industry, such as Electronic Arts, that the single-player format was on its way out, with gaming transitioning to entirely multiplayer formats with future titles coming in the form of gaming as a service. The rise of the multiplayer titles based on the Battle Royale book helped their case.
But, as though they hadn’t seen the release schedule, 2018 fought back with an avalanche of almighty single-player titles, many of which came without a fleck of multiplayer but still sold incredibly well and earned bucket loads of critical acclaim. The likes of Monster Hunter World, God of War, Spider-Man, Red Dead Redemption on release, Forza Horizon 4, Octopath Traveler, Pokemon Let’s Go, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are all very deep in, and focused on, single-player aspects and did incredibly well.
Last year was the year that the gaming industry proved that single-player games, story, and the art of making a top-class video game is still very popular in the current market, regardless of what trends and predictions may try to dictate. This year, the release schedule is filled with great games set to further cement this stance among gamers, with the following titles being among the very best.
Metro Exodus
Based on the novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, the Metro series continues to go from strength to strength with the third part of the series, Metro Exodus, set to be the biggest and best of them all. The Metro games have always placed a strong emphasis on story and atmosphere, taking the form of linear shooters up until now. In Metro Exodus, players will give players more room to operate within the storyline, giving them open worlds to explore and complete tasks within in each mission.
Despite moving appearing to have moved away from its classic form of a claustrophobic horror-shooter type of game, the THQ Nordic release is still packed with all of the immersive elements that made it such a unique game in the somewhat overused post-apocalyptic genre, but giving the player more choice and customisable options along the way.
If you can’t wait for Metro Exodus’ 15th of February or fancy the single-player classics that came before it, it’s well worth getting the remastered version of the first two games in the double-feature Metro Redux.
Ghost of Tsushima
Following in the footsteps of God of War and Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima is another massive open-world, story-driven game that’s going to be exclusive to PlayStation. Rumour has it that this incredible-looking game will be out in 2019, but an official release date is yet to be announced.
In Ghost of Tsushima, you take on the role of the very last samurai on the island of Tsushima. The developers, Sucker Punch, claim that they’ve created gameplay mechanics that fully let you explore what it’s like to be a samurai, using swords, grappling hooks, and stealth to navigate your way through the challenges ahead.
It looks like a fantastic game that’s rich with impeccable graphics, fun gameplay, and a deep story which is all set within the very interesting theme of 13th Century Japan while playing as a samurai. Being among the most recognisable warriors in human history, it should come as no surprise that many games have been made with them at their centre. One of the most enjoyable and recent games of this genre is Playtech’s Pixel Samurai, which always makes for good use of a welcome bonus. But, given what we’ve seen so far, Ghost of Tsushima is set to be the very best samurai game yet.
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Nintendo always does well to release unique, exciting, and challenging games to their consoles. Now that the Nintendo Switch has proven to be so popular and so powerful, even more Nintendo-exclusive triple-A games are en route, with the hotly-anticipated Yoshi’s Crafted World set to be one of the very best.
The single-player puzzles game sees you take on the role of a Yoshi to collect items, solve puzzles, and push with the storyline of recovering the lost gemstones. The game’s unique pull comes from the specialised gameplay as a Yoshi, which includes gobbling up enemies and throwing eggs, as well as flipping the stage to progress and find hidden treasures. Best of all, like with many other top Switch games, it can be played as a couch co-op.
Set for release on the 29th of March this year, Yoshi’s Crafted World doesn’t really have an equivalent. But, if you want to get accustomed to the way of the Yoshi, you could always battle a huge roster of games stars with Yoshi as your hero in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as he’s a rather fun and powerful character to use.
These are just a few of the highlights set to come out in 2019 or perhaps early 2020, with the likes of Death Stranding, Cyberpunk 2077, Crackdown 3, Gears of War 5, Luigi’s Mansion, and Biomutant also on the way to hold single-player games in very high standing.
2018 ·
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