10 Awesome 2018 Video Games You Probably Missed (So Far)

9. Celeste

A first impression might suggest that Celeste is simply the latest in a long line of hard-as-nails retro platformer homages, but that's a rather reductive disservice to what's easily one of the most meticulously-crafted and unexpectedly affecting games of the year.

Though Celeste demands tack-sharp precision from the player, it also never feels torturous or egregiously unfair, aided by extremely tight controls and a snappy respawn system.

The game's mechanical flair combined with its appealing visuals and neat musical score would be enough to make it a great platformer, but what takes it to the next level is its surprising level of emotional maturity.

Effectively a meditation on the punishing power of anxiety, self-doubt and crippling depression, Celeste tells a highly relatable story and cleverly transforms Madeline's adventure into both a physical and spiritual journey of perseverance.

If all this isn't enough, the game also features heaps of extra content - collectable strawberries and unlockable, obscenely difficult "B-side" remixes of levels - to keep you coming back for at least a good 20 hours.