It is that time of year again where we have 100 degree weather outside, and ignore the greatest season of the year, Autumn. That’s right, it is the beginning of Christmas sales and decorations season. From Hobby Lobby to Walmart we are insulting Fall as the greatest time of the year, and embracing the glory on high that is premature Christmas shopping.
So to be a complete hypocrite about the premature holiday sales. For all the parents and gamers out there here are the top video games for the 2018 holiday season:
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – September 14
Crystal Dynamics will conclude the video game trilogy of Lara Croft’s origin story by going to South America to prevent a Mayan Apocalypse. Through jungle and tombs she will fight overwhelming odds and enemies as she officially goes from the daughter of an explorer, to the Tomb Raider. Rated M for Mature .
Spyro Reignited Trilogy (PS4, Xbox One) – September 21
Coming off the massive success of Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy earlier this year. Spyro Reignited will release a completely redone trilogy with every aspect of the original three games design and characters redone. It was no secret this would come to market soon, but prior to the holiday rush of November/ December means this may be a video game to wait on hoping it has a Black Friday sale. Or for those fans who grew up with the franchise to grab early regardless of price. Rating E for everyone.
Life is Strange 2: Episode 1 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – September 27
When Max and Chloe were first brought to us in 2016. We fans knew nothing of the deepness the storyline of Life is Strange would command. Winning numerous Game of the Year awards, we saw a prequel about what happened before Max returned to Arcadia Bay, and now we get something new we fans know very little about yet again. A teaser trailer was released but no fans can figure out what it means. But expect a storyline that pulls on your heart. Rating Unconfirmed yet. (Episode 1-5 confirmed, but no release dates on 2-5 yet).
Red Dead Redemption II (PS4, Xbox One) – October 26
With Call of Duty and Battlefield V video games being released in weeks leading up to this. Don’t expect those games to have a long run as the must play games. Red Dead Redemption II has been nearly ten-years in the making and the Red Dead series has yet to provide a flop. Rockstar can almost do no wrong here. As long as they keep their open-world game as expected. Endless wild west gameplay and the fun missions few developers can master like Rockstar has. This is a must have this season. Rating M for Mature.
Fallout 76 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) – November 14
While Fallout has basically always been a single-player exclusive. This time around the game will be more online based. Still involving all the charm of Pip-boy and the hectic world that is Fallout. Fans seem to be all onboard with this variation of the usual. If anyone has fears about the games popularity sliding. The song “Country Roads” from the Fallout 76 YouTube trailer has over 3.5 Million views in less than a month. Don’t know if that is an indicator of the games popularity, but it did make John Denver popular again amongst the youths, just saying. Rated M for Mature.
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Let’s Go Eevee (Switch) – November 16
Nintendo is going all in on this game. From merging it with your Pokemon Go app, to other accessories and features not seen before. This isn’t the Pokemon we grew up on. The hours this game will absorb will be… super effective… at distracting adults and children alike. Might be best to pre-order this one and not deal with the lines. Rated E for everyone.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch) – December 7
Finally leading up to the never ending holiday season is the classic video game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With 67 listed fighters (not including Waluigi despite petitions) and 115 battle stages listed. This is the biggest Smash Bros game by far, and will be what helps carry Switch through the holiday.
Parents get your practice in ASAP. Because they day your kid beats you in Smash, you’re no longer a parent, you’re a roommate (kidding). But this will be a fun game for all who pick it up. Rated E for everyone.
Are you on the Ba-humbug life? Or are you Buddy the Elf about this? Let us know how much you hate premature Christmas or how much you love video games.
