It’s finally the end of 2018… so now it’s time to look forward to the year ahead. Overall, 2018 has been a good year, offering us plenty of great games to play, right from the start through to the end (too many games, really), but already 2019 is shaping up to be, if anything, even more exciting.
So, while the DDNet website itself takes a break, each of the DDNet team is going to share the five games that they’re looking forward to the most in the New Year. News editor, Lindsay, loves artsy, story-driven games, as well as comfortable, casual games to chill with, and next year has her more than covered already.
Animal Crossing on Nintendo Switch
Despite knowing nothing of the title except for its existence, confirmed during a Nintendo Direct this year, Animal Crossing for the Nintendo Switch tops my list of 2019’s anticipated titles. Without a mainstream title since Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the 3DS, there’s a leaf-shaped hole in my heart. Animal Crossing titles are somehow the perfect sim titles, where you move to a town filled with animals, make friends, explore, and create a home for yourself. My hope is that the game links to the mobile Pocket Camp somehow, maybe allowing exclusive items from the mobile title to be used in the Switch one.
Wattam
Wattam was slated for release this year, but as it’s nowhere to be seen, it automatically receives a top spot for what I’m excited for. From the brilliant mind behind Katamari Damacy, join The Mayor in making over 100 new friends. These friends come in various forms, from sushi to toilets. The game involves a lot of fun interactions and puzzle-solving, and couch co-op brings real friends to the party.
Life Is Strange 2: Episode 2
The second (of five) chapters from Dontnod’s Life Is Strange 2 is due out in January 2019, so there’s actually a good chance we see more than one episode next year! The first episode introduced us to siblings on the run from the law, fleeing to Mexico with the help of (and hindrance from) strangers… and each other. When we left Sean and Daniel, the latter’s supernatural abilities were front and centre, but still just burgeoning. The next episode should have him grow into his powers, but I expect it will still be difficult to control due to his young age and the tragedy that’s befallen him.
El Hijo
Move over, Red Dead Redemption: here’s a western-themed game I actually want to play! El Hijo is described as a non-violent spaghetti-western, and follows a boy as he flees the one place that is supposed to keep him safe in an attempt to reunite with his mother. Without guns and violence, the game relies on stealth for the narrative to proceed. There are three environments to explore, each with ten levels: the monastery, the desert, and the bandit town. Yipee ki-yay!
Yoshi’s Crafted World
Yoshi has been woolified before, but now he’s entering the wide world of crafting as a whole! I’m a cross stitcher, and a big fan of fibre arts in general, so I already feel right at home in Yoshi’s Crafted World. The title is a platformer, as is traditional to Yoshi games. Each level is set up like a little diorama (I heart paper textures in games!) and has the main path and a hidden path that offers surprises and a different view of the world. Mostly though, I’m just excited for a new excuse to play as a little dinosaur that eats things and poops out eggs.
