Our author Tarek explains to you which is the best single-player game of 2018 for him and why you should play it.
The question of which single-player game is the best for me this year was not easy to answer at first. This year there were some great games.
In the end, it was very close between Red Dead Redemption 2 and the PS4 title God of War. The latter won the race. For me, God of War is the best single-player game of 2018.
God of War (2018)
- Platform: Playstation 4
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Release: April 20, 2018
God of War for the PS4 is the fourth main installment of the series. God of War is a large franchise with many titles, but the latest installment was the first that genuinely piqued my curiosity.
The previous installments were all hack-and-slash games, and I simply did not enjoy the gameplay. But then the first videos of the latest installment came out, clearly showing that the new God of War would not follow the old formula. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but for me, this change was ideal, and with God of War (2018), ultimately a masterpiece was created.
Father and Son Against the World
What is God of War about? Primarily, the story is likely one between father and son. Kratos is a god and lives in the far north with his son Atreus in exile. His wife and Atreus’ mother died before the events of the game began. With her funeral, the story begins. Her last wish was to have her ashes scattered on a distant mountain peak. Therefore, Kratos must embark on a long journey with his son, leading him through the Nordic lands and mythology.
On this journey, numerous dangers await in the form of monsters and gods, but allies are also waiting along the way. Additionally, there is an engaging story revolving around Thor, Odin, Baldur, Freya, and many other gods and giants from this time.
With the Axe or Fists?
How is God of War played? Unlike the earlier installments, the new God of War is not a hack-and-slash but a tight action-adventure that also draws on RPG systems. You fight from a third-person perspective and control Kratos. Additionally, there is Atreus, who assists you in combat. With his bow, he is a useful ally.
There are several equipment sets that also have different skills and attributes. In addition, there are various rune skills and talismans that allow you to refine your playstyle. You have the Leviathan Axe, your main weapon, and a shield. Throughout the game, you can upgrade them, unlock new moves, and become even better in combat.
It is also not just a normal axe. Rather, it is a weapon that inflicts frost damage. It can be thrown and recalled. You can target enemies with it or freeze them in place. Alternatively, you can also fight with just your fists, which may even be necessary depending on the type of enemy.
The battles are challenging depending on the difficulty level and require thought before attacking. Some enemies require proper tactics or have a trick for how to take them down most effectively.
A Must for PS4 Owners
What makes God of War so special? The gameplay mechanics are refined and integrate seamlessly into the game. The progression system surrounding the upgradeable Leviathan Axe, various armor sets, skills, and talismans works well and is not overloaded. The game world is not a classic open world. It is more a series of linear areas that are interconnected. However, as you progress through the game, more areas become accessible, providing a lot of variety and beautifully designed settings.
For me personally, the story surrounding the complicated relationship between Kratos and Atreus is what makes the game so good. Kratos tries to fulfill his role as a father but struggles with himself, his self-hatred, and his pride. Atreus tries to gain his father’s respect and prove himself. Additionally, there is an engaging story set in Norse mythology with murder, gods, and monsters, as one knows from God of War.
The art design is outstanding. Armors, weapons, embellishments, murals, architecture—everything has been designed in detail and impressively.
The whole experience is accompanied by a soundtrack that is likely among the best the industry has ever produced. It is powerful, dark, epic, and emphasizes nearly every scene perfectly. This also applies to the (English) voice acting.
The Stargate fanboy in me was thrilled that Kratos is voiced by Christopher Judge (Teal’c, SG1). Boy, everyone who has played it will surely agree with me.
In short: If you want a game with a great story, fantastic technology, strong gameplay, and incredible sound and art design, then God of War is the right game for you. Unfortunately, it is an exclusive title for the PS4, so you will need a console.
The jury of the Game Awards probably agrees with me, as God of War was chosen as the Game of the Year 2018 at the Game Awards, even ahead of Red Dead Redemption 2.
