Each year, the Game Informer staff reviews a ton of games. Despite hundreds of games coming across our desks each year, only a select few are able to obtain special commendations reserved for the highest scoring titles. Games that earn an 8.5 or 8.75 obtain a Game Informer Silver award, while a score ranging from 9 to 9.5 earns that game a Game Informer Gold award. While most of the best games of the year fall into that range, the most elite titles ascend to the next level to earn a Game Informer Platinum award (9.75 or 10 score).
To help you keep track of the best of the best, we’ve compiled all of the top scoring games of 2018 here. Check out the games we’ve thought are the best of the year so far, and if you want to learn more, you can read the full review with a simple click-through.
Be sure to click on the blue game titles to jump to the full review text.
Batman: The Enemy Within
PS4, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android
March 27
“The Enemy Within is uneven, but its highs make for a superb adventure where you are held accountable for your choices.” – Javy Gwaltney
Yoku’s Island Express
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
May 29
“To think, Sonic Spinball was onto something all of those years ago. Yoku’s Island Express is delightful and fun from start to finish.” – Andrew Reiner
Prey: Mooncrash
PS4, Xbox One, PC
June 10
“Mooncrash is Prey at its best, featuring enough challenges and gadgets in a well-designed playground to keep you coming back for more.” – Javy Gwaltney
Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion
Switch
June 13
“Fans of Splatoon’s single-player content should look no further than the exceptional Octo Expansion.” – Brian Shea
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit
PS4, Xbox One, PC
June 26
“This inventive tale can be uplifting one minute and disheartening the next, but it strikes a consistent and compelling tone.” – Joe Juba
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
PS4, Xbox One, PC
August 28
“The gameplay is as engrossing as ever, but it and the marquee Master League mode are still looking for a few changes to take the series to the next level.” – Matthew Kato
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate
Switch
August 28
“Hunting dangerous quarry is a thrill thanks to a preparation-focused loop and fun crafting, though the lack of substantial additional content makes the value of a return trip questionable.” – Javy Gwaltney
Subnautica
Xbox One, PC
January 23
”With a robust crafting system and several amazing secrets to find, Subnautica never ceases to entertain.” – Elise Favis
UFC 3
PS4, Xbox One
February 2
“With an exceptional career mode and improved gameplay on top of its predecessor’s already-strong offerings, UFC 3 is the best MMA game ever released.” – Brian Shea
Frostpunk
PC
April 24
“Don’t come to Frostpunk if you want sunshine, unicorns, and happy outcomes. This is a bleak game about making difficult decisions to survive inhospitable conditions.” – Matt Bertz
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
PC
May 8
“A richly imagined seafaring setting lends novelty to what is ultimately an evolved iteration of very traditional isometric RPG fun.” – Matt Miller
Laser League
PS4, Xbox One, PC
May 10
“The arena and its deadly lasers may be hectic, but the rapid-fire fun is constant.” – Matthew Kato
Dark Souls Remastered
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
May 25
“A rock-solid framerate makes this the definitive choice for playing Dark Souls on console today.” – Daniel Tack
Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Switch
June 29
“Wolfenstein II on Switch is the real deal, offering an only slightly degraded version of the bloody and memorable adventure.” – Javy Gwaltney
World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth
PC
August 14
“It may not break new ground in comparison to the preceding expansion, but Battle for Azeroth provides a wealth of activities for players to enjoy and experience.” – Daniel Tack
Guacamelee 2
PS4, PC
August 21
“Guacamelee 2 nails the Metroid formula while including its own style of combat and a great sense of humor.” – Kyle Hilliard
F1 2018
PS4, Xbox One, PC
August 24
“Saying that you can have just as much fun in the shop as behind the wheel seems weird, but in the case of F1 2018’s career mode, it’s true.” – Matthew Kato
Iconoclasts
PS4, Switch, PC, Vita
January 23
“Iconoclasts plays well, looks great, and has some strong level design, but the unexpected highlight is a narrative that examines topics like religion and environmentalism in a well-realized world with real consequences.” – Kyle Hilliard
Celeste
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
January 25
“A solid story and rewarding platforming sequences makes for a highly gratifying climb.” – Ben Reeves
Shadow of the Colossus
PS4
February 6
“Shadow of the Colossus is a masterpiece, and developer Bluepoint has done a fantastic job bringing it to a new generation.” – Kyle Hilliard
Crossing Souls
PS4, Switch, PC
February 13
“Thanks to its robust battle system, intriguing character-switching puzzles, and beautiful storytelling, Crossing Souls is a fantastic adventure that goes beyond its nostalgic trappings.” – Javy Gwaltney
Where The Water Tastes Like Wine
PC
February 28
“Where The Water Tastes Like Wine shines with its incredible voice work, well-told stories that take on lives of their own, and many profound moments.” – Elise Favis
The Forest
PC
April 30
“Whether you’re building a camp on the island or searching for clues to your son’s whereabouts in dark and dangerous caverns, The Forest is a fantastic horror thrill ride.” – Javy Gwaltney
Dead Cells
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
August 7
“The reward loops are addictive and continually open up new things for the player to explore.” – Andrew Reiner
Yakuza Kiwami 2
PS4
August 28
“Kiwami 2 is more than a great remake: it’s the best this strange, wonderful series has to offer and it shouldn’t be missed by fans of action or RPG titles.” – Javy Gwaltney
NBA 2K19
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
September 7
“The most well-rounded sports game on the market once again.” – Matt Bertz
Valkyria Chronicles 4
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
September 25
“This is a fantastic return for a series that has been struggling with its identity. Large maps and interesting abilities give you the freedom to explore different strategic opportunities, and your ingenuity pays off with enticing rewards.” – Joe Juba
Dragon Ball FighterZ
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
January 26
“Dragon Ball fans have plenty to enjoy in single-player, while fighting enthusiasts get a fast, dense game full of options.” – Suriel Vazquez
Into the Breach
Switch, PC
February 27
“The simple presentation belies a deep and engaging gameplay loop that unfolds over multiple playthroughs, as new unlocks completely change required tactics.” – Matt Miller
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
PS4
April 17
“Yakuza 6 delivers both quality and quantity, so saying goodbye to Kiryu doesn’t feel rushed.” – Jeff Cork
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Switch
May 4
“Tropical Freeze stands among the best platformers of the last decade. Playing as Funky Kong is great for alleviating frustration or allowing skilled players to breeze through the game at high speed.” – Kyle Hilliard
Hollow Knight
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
June 12
“Hollow Knight has some frustrations, but the urge to see what’s in the next room is a constantly compelling imperative moving you forward.” – Imran Khan
Monster Hunter: World
PC
August 9
“Monster Hunter’s attempt to reach the PC audience performs beautifully and plays well.” – Suriel Vazquez
Monster Hunter: World
PS4, Xbox One
January 26
“Intense battles, rewarding progression loops, and excellent multiplayer experiences make this the best Monster Hunter game to date.” – Daniel Tack
Fortnite
PS4, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Android
July 25, 2017 (Early Access)
“Playable, watchable, understandable, and enjoyable by just about anyone with a pulse, Fortnite is an absolute blast.” – Daniel Tack
Spider-Man
PS4
September 7
“The story shines as brightly as the gameplay – both deliver heart-pounding excitement.” – Andrew Reiner
God of War
PS4
April 20
“An enthralling experience from beginning to end, with a mixture of great narrative moments and engaging encounters. God of War is a well-paced adventure that knows when to let the action simmer and when to make it boil over.” – Joe Juba
For more of our favorite games from recent years, head to the links below.
Source: Game Informer Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2018