2018 has been full of highs and lows, with most of the highs coming from RPGFan. Of course, the video games have also been pretty excellent, with many releases surprising me in the best possible way. Rather than rank these games, I just want to celebrate what I love about each and every one of them. So let's get started!

So, Pokémon Let's Go isn't everything I want from a Pokémon game, but god damn is it adorable. A complete remake of Yellow, Let's Go recaptured my childhood, though some things are a little different. No more random encounters, no more wild battles, and the opportunity to pet your buddy Eevee or Pikachu. And it works! Let's Go is innocent fun, and the perfect way to introduce your kids to the world of Pokémon. It was delightful to run through Kanto all over again and re-experience my very first Pokémon journey. Most importantly, Let's Go has me excited for what's to come in Generation 8, and that has made the wait much easier.

I've been eagerly awaiting CrossCode's release since I joined RPGFan back in 2015. And when it finally came out this year, it all fell into place. What I was expecting was an Ys-like experience with Secret of Mana-like exploration and pulse-racing combat, but what I got was much more than that. The biggest surprise for me was the vast array of puzzles in the game; every enemy, boss and location was a puzzle that had a solution, so whether you had to use combat or some carefully timed jumps to beat it, you always had to think about your actions. I had a big smile across my face for the entire 40 hour journey. It's so much fun, and when you master the combat you'll never want to stop.

Dragon Quest XI was always going to be great. I'd only played VIII and IX prior to this, but DQXI has got me eager to revisit the rest of the series. It doesn't do anything new, but in an age where turn-based battles have to be unique and action RPGs are all the rage, DQXI's staunchly traditional style feels like the perfect throwback amidst all of the modern day innovations. I just wanted some classic JRPG fun, and that's exactly what I got, along with an eclectic cast of characters and an exciting, vast world to explore. It's simple, but beyond its traditional exterior, it's packed to the brim with charm and wit that left me smiling for weeks. If you grew up playing turn-based RPGs, DQXI is definitely going to be for you.

Timespinner shouldn't have been a revelation to me because I love a good Metroidvania, but it was. It's the perfect Symphony of the Night celebration. Yet it does more than enough on its own to stand out, even in a year packed to the brim with excellent Metroidvanias. It completely blew me away with its futuristic, gothic world and macabre imagery, seamless and customisable combat, and outstanding music. Timespinner also features numerous characters of various genders and sexualities, and all of these issues are discussed so normally in game. It's something that other developers should take note of. If you love Castlevania, pick this one up, or just do it anyway because Lunar Ray Games deserve the attention.

Octopath Traveler has lived up to my lofty expectations. The unique visual style combines gorgeous spritework with vast 3D landscapes help to create a storybook feel, almost like Square Enix's version of The Canterbury Tales or Dungeons and Dragons. Like those two, Octopath showcases all kinds of characters, from the noble and powerful to the young and understated, and for me it's the latter stories that shine. Not everything needs to be about saving the world. Octopath is also just a blast to play, with a simple yet excellent class system, a boost system to help you speed through battles, and a postgame to sink your teeth into. It won't be for everyone, but Octopath made me feel warm inside, and it paves the way for even more interesting ways to tell character stories in the future.

Had Deltarune been a full release, I think it might have been my favourite game of the year. Undertale's novelty hasn't worn off and Toby Fox's talents are put to excellent use here. Deltarune is just as hilarious and heartwarming as its predecessor, but with noticeable technical improvements and a new party-based battle system which still utilises the bullet hell mechanics. I really can't say much more, but if you loved Undertale, go and download Deltarune now. I hope Toby Fox finds the perfect team to help him complete this project. I'll wait as long as it takes for the game to be released.

Retro Encounter always offers me the opportunity to clear out the backlog, and while my presence was a little sparse this year (I promise it isn't going to be in 2019), Suikoden II was a must-play game. And it's as good as everyone says it is. I had an absolute blast playing through this epic, dealing with the horrors of war all while losing and making friends. Suikoden II is high drama at all times, but full to the brim with heart. It's easily one of the best RPGs I've ever played, and I'm itching to get to the rest of the series soon.

Retro Encounter Suikoden II Game Journal - Part I
Retro Encounter Suikoden II Game Journal - Part II
Retro Encounter Suikoden II Game Journal - Final Thoughts

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the best music player I've ever bought. Oh. Yeah. And I suppose the fighting is fun too. Someone called Cloud Strife's in it too? Never heard of him... of course, I'm being facetious. Ultimate is an incredible love letter, not just to Nintendo fans, but fans of video games in general. The sheer amount of content is mind-boggling! It took me over 25 hours to get all of the characters, and between messing around with friends and modes, I never got bored. How are Nintendo going to top this entry? I can see myself playing this well into 2019, and beyond.