Game of the Year 2018: Rebecca's Personal Picks

The annual Push Square Towers tradition is back, as we sit down our scribes and pester them once more for their five favourite PlayStation games of the year. With such a strong assortment of software in 2018, it’s always tough deciding upon the cream of the crop. We confiscated Rebecca's Nintendo Switch before she handed in her list.

Fifth Choice: Bendy and the Ink Machine

I’ve got a soft spot for dark indie games so Bendy and The Ink Machine seemed to be a perfect fit for me. It’s easy to mistake Bendy and The Ink Machine for something it’s not because of its cartoon style and soft graphics, but, once the doors of The Joey Drew Studios are open, its dark secrets begin to pour out. Trapped in a workshop haunted by demonic inky creations it’s a race against time for our protagonist Henry to unravel the secrets of the workshop, and escape with his life. Bendy and The Ink Machine is a prime example of a simple concept done right.

Fourth Choice: Q.U.B.E. 2

The announcement of a second Q.U.B.E game was music to my ears after I spent so much time with the first instalment. Whilst the previous game was a simplistic puzzler, Q.U.B.E 2 promised to expand on the concept by adding a developing narrative, colourful environments and more complicated puzzles. Ultimately, the game effortlessly delivered and balances a mysterious adventure and thought-provoking puzzler beautifully. Long after the credits rolled, I was left thinking about the conclusion and the phenomenal experience this game gave me.

Third Choice: Subnautica

Ever since The Long Dark I’ve been looking for a new survival game to sink my teeth into. I’m happy to report that Subnautica has filled that void and then some. Set on a watery alien planet, this adventure title is about more than just hunting local aquatic wildlife to stay alive as an intriguing story begins to surface. Subnautica is fuelled by diverse amount of crafting possibilities, terrifying monsters, and true survival-centred gameplay. To top it off the narrative is impressive and, with an endless amount to do, I imagine I’ll be playing Subnautica well into the New Year.

Second Choice: Red Dead Redemption 2

It may have been one of the most anticipated games of the year but, for me, Red Dead Redemption 2 was initially just a drop in a video game filled ocean. Sure, it had all the makings of a game that I would love but it wasn’t until I put my cowboy hat on that I realised just how deserving of my time the game actually was. Red Dead Redemption 2 houses one of the strongest narratives in the market right now and, with an immersive open world brimming with possibilities, it’s an adventure that demands hours of your time in the very best of ways.

First Choice: The Gardens Between

Between all the big action titles, RPGs, and sports tie-ins, it’s nice to kick back and relax with a soothing indie game. For me, my best experience of 2018 was with The Gardens Between. Following the adventures of two young best friends, you control time, moving it forwards and backwards to aid with puzzle-solving, all the while experiencing key moments from their friendship. The atmosphere in The Gardens Between is undeniably strong and without a single spoken word the story somehow cemented itself as one of the most emotional and powerful of the year for me. Even now, months after collecting the Platinum Trophy, this is one game I can’t stop talking about.

Rebecca's gone with an indie-laden list, but has she convinced you to try any of these titles? Dive into the comments section below.