2018 was a fairly strong year for PC gaming. Recently, we highlighted some of the noteworthy releases this year. This time around, our staff are providing their personal picks for the top PC games (and expansions) of 2018. Here are mine, in no particular order.
Warhammer 40K: Mechanicus
Anyone who’s into the grimdark future of Warhammer 40K thirsts for a game that truly captures its lore and atmosphere. Sadly, for every step forward, we’ve ended up with some hiccups along the way. Enter Mechanicus, the first release from Bulwark Studios, which delivered on all fronts.
With deep customization options, AdMech Tech Priests with their own personalities, and a storyline that oozes 40K, Mechanicus was a breath of fresh air in a sea of licensed games that didn’t live up to expectations.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Long-time readers would know that I’m a nut when it comes to history. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey fed my curiosity tenfold with a living, breathing Ancient Greek world. The personages and mythical creatures came to life, backed with fluid combat and engaging systems.
After hitting the cap and finishing the game, I was left wanting more. Thankfully, Ubisoft continues to provide post-launch content so I can keep adventuring with Kassandra.
Civilization VI: Rise And Fall
Although only an expansion to Civilization VI, Rise and Fall provided some necessary improvements. Great Ages and Governors created much-needed dynamism. Meanwhile, the Loyalty mechanic was a strategic anchor that one needed to master.
While I often played as Germany/Barbarossa in the vanilla game, I ended up switching to Korea/Seondeok and Netherlands/Wilhelmina in Rise and Fall. Nothing’s better than winning at Deity difficulty with easy Science victories, or dotting the landscape with polders.
Destiny 2: Forsaken
Speaking of “rising and falling,” Destiny 2 suffered quite a bit of that early on. From great expectations came the disappointments in Curse of Osiris. Warmind, with exotic quests for the Sleeper Simulant and Whisper of the Worm, got players excited for more. When Forsaken came out, a majority of Guardians collectively had their minds blown.
A darker and grittier campaign, enhanced progression, and more secrets than you can shake a stick at highlighted Destiny 2’s second year. Although not perfect, Forsaken managed to turn the much-maligned game into something that its fanbase had long clamored for.
Path of Exile: Delve/Betrayal
It would be an understatement to say that Path of Exile overwhelmed me. As a newcomer, I aimlessly wandered Wraeclast without a clue in the world, shocked by complicated mechanics and the need to pour countless hours to master a build that might not even be viable in the end. And yet, I enjoyed my experience immensely.
Although I’ve been playing ARPGs since the 90s, Path of Exile provided something fresh and engaging. The Delve expansion was my first time giving it a go. Betrayal, meanwhile, would be my second attempt. I was frantically scouring the forums looking for all the info I’d need to succeed in my playthrough. Here’s to hoping that I manage to reach Uber Elder this time around. If I don’t, well, there’s always next league and the league after that.
