While finding the best gifts for gamers in 2018 may feel difficult, there are plenty of great games besides Fortnite and Pokémon GO to get for that special gamer in your life.
Shopping for the video gamer in your life is as simple as narrowing down what their favorite console is, and then looking up the best of the latest games for it.
Here, we have compiled the latest and greatest video games for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, along with a link to the game’s Amazon page. All games in the PS4 and Xbox One section are for both consoles, save for Spider-Man. Happy shopping!
Best gifts for gamers in 2018: Nintendo Switch
‘Pokémon: Let’s Go’
Easily the number one game on every gamer’s holiday wishlist, Pokémon: Let’s Go sees the series return to its roots with a remake of the 1997 Pokémon Yellow, tied in with the connectivity and playstyle of Pokémon GO. In our review, we revelled at how realistic it felt to throw Poké Balls, aided even more so by the optional Poké Ball Plus accessory.
‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ (releases December 7)
A hotly anticipated follow up to 2014’s Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Ultimate will feature all of the characters in series history, including the ones sold as separate DLC in the Wii U title, bringing up the total fighters to a whopping 76 characters. There will be DLC for five more fighters released next year, and you can preorder that version as well.
‘Super Mario Party’
Super Mario Party is a great mini-game party title because every player can use only a single Joy-Con for all of the controls. Simple to play but as addictive as ever, we wrote that Super Mario Party was a party worth going to again.
‘Splatoon 2’
This turf war game acts like a third person shooter for kids, seeing Inklings use Ink to battle each other instead of bullets and other aummunition. Splatoon is known for its constant improvements through both free and paid DLC, and has fun competition campaigns, all guaranteed to keep the kid-friendly online play fresh and interesting.
‘Diablo 3’
This insanely popular rogue-type hack and slash is a fan favorite for its high octane action and addictive gameplay structure. Built for a more mature audience, this ported Diablo title is an adult orientated follow up to games like Pokémon Rumble. As an added bonus, a Gannondorf armor set from The Legend of Zelda series is included exclusively in this version of the game.
‘Civilization VI’
The classic world building SIM Sid Meier’s Civilization VI was finally ported onto to the Nintendo Switch, adding to the console’s ever-growing third-party title library. In Civilization VI, players are tasked with a civilization building job similar to those in Minecraft and the Roller Coaster Tycoon world building games.
Best gifts for gamers in 2018: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’
Assassin’s Creed is a modern day staple in video game pop culture, and for good reason. All of the games feature a sprawling overworld, with a plethora of side quests and an intriguing main story. Odyssey brings the historical Peloponnesian War to life, placing players in the shoes of a male or female mercenary soldier in an Ancient Grecian action-packed story.
‘Red Dead Redemption 2’
This sprawling open world title from the studio that makes the Grand Theft Auto games is a surefire hit for any Skyrim or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild fan. The game has extremely realistic physics, and is a critical hit. The hype behind this sequel to Red Dead Redemption was well worth the wait.
‘Sonic Mania Plus’
Sonic is a staple video game franchise that is sure to enthrall young and veteran gamers alike. Sonic Mania Plus presents a decent challenge, going back to the 2D platforming roots of games like Super Mario Bros. and Super Metroid. Plus, it’s MSRP is very budget friendly, a major point that we brought up in our review.
‘SoulCalibur 6’
This fighting game was a welcome return to the basics of the best parts of the SoulCalibur series. It features 3D plane battlegrounds, much like the Pokémon fighting game Pokken Tournament. The battles with the CPUs are smart, but the multiplayer is where the SoulCalibur games always shine.
‘Spyro Reignited Trilogy’
Spryo is a joy to play, as we raved in our 5 star review of the remake of the first three PlayStation 1 titles. This kid safe 3D platformer comes in at a budget friendly price, making the deal all the sweeter to reintroduce the sassy purple dragon back into our living rooms.
‘Battlefield 5’
The latest entry in the Battlefield series features some of the lesser known stories of World War II. It has photorealistic graphics and great multiplayer quickplay, along with upgraded weapon sensitivity and features. If your gamer likes the Call of Duty or Halo games, you can’t go wrong with a Battlefield title.
‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’
Lara Croft is back for the third title in the recently rebooted Tomb Raider series. The events of the previous games have taken their toll on the titular heroine, leaving her with no other choice other than to flirt with the reality that she has become the killer that she has always longed to thwart. Expect all of the same awesome puzzles, action-packed fights, and fun weapon crafting of the previous iterations, along with amazing motion capture performances and a moving story.
‘Spider-Man’ (2018)
This PS4 exclusive is a must-have for any owner of the Sony gaming console. In our review, we loved how realistic the web-slinging was, along with how full and detailed the open-world New York City felt. If you have a fan of Spider-Man in your household, they will love this adult telling of Peter Parker’s story.
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