Michibiku’s ten most anticipated games of 2018

As we look into a new year, we can’t help but be psyched about the year’s releases! (The ones we know about now, anyway.) Here are the ten games we’re most looking forward to playing in 2018, as well as why we’re so excited to play them.

Valkyria Chronicles 4

I love games that not only challenge me, but amaze and impress me with their appearance. The Valkyria Chronicles series has consistently captivated people with an art style inspired by watercolor paintings that works across platforms and ages exceptionally well. Valkyria Chronicles 4 is going to use the CANVAS Graphic Engine to render an experience that will look like it is drawn by hand. I look forward to another installment that will look as good in 2018 as it will in 2023 or 2028. – Jenni

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Can you believe it’s back? After strong success with remastered releases on PS4 and PC, the Valkyria Chronicles series is seeing new life in the form of an original title that leans on the first game’s successes. If you’ve missed it until now — and you really shouldn’t have — you can catch up, and it’s a great model for how series should be revived. And we all know that there are a few more that need to be brought back, so this one’s success would go a long way to making that happen. – Graham

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Sometimes, the unfortunate happens in games. Characters can die, even if it seems like you did everything right. But with Valkyria Chronicles 4, it seems like we have tactical options even when one of our soldiers is at the end. There is a Brave System that seems like it could give people a chance at an action that could turn the tide. That person may entrust a nearby ally with one Command Point or rise up and have one more Action Point and temporary invincibility for that action. – Jenni

Valkyria Chronicles 4

It’s rare to find a tactical battle system as elegant as the one in the original Valkyria Chronicles. The two portable sequels did their best to retain some of the charm, but they were limited in scope and made some missteps. A decade later, our large maps and original traversal systems are back! We can’t wait to explore large environments and truly put some snipers to use. – Graham

Valkyria Chronicles 4

The Valkyria Chronicles games are not only about building a strong military force, fighting for what is right and protecting what is important. They are also about the friends we make along the way. Seeing those sorts of bonds form on the battlefield can be rather meaningful, and we know going in to Valkyria Chronicles 4 that Claude, Riley, Raz and Kai are established friends who are going to be faced with a fight they might not survive. I want to see if this group can overcome the odds in 2018! – Jenni

Valkyria Chronicles 4

There are many ways that a sequel can mess with previous games’ canon, and Valkyria is certainly not immune to that sort of trouble. This game sidesteps those problems, with a setting at the same time as the first game that just shifts the battles eastward to a different front. It won’t retcon things or provide unsatisfactory epilogues, but it’s also still in a setting that would allow a cameo or two if the dev team would like to do such things. – Graham

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Do you know what I can’t wait to play? Spot the Valkyrur. In every Valkyria Chronicles game, we have gotten a heroine with this ancient race’s extraordinary abilities on our team. But sometimes, she is not there right away or we do not know which young woman will have such strength awaken. I’m curious to see if Valkyria Chronicles 4 has a secret powerhouse for our team! – Jenni

Valkyria Chronicles 4

One of the best things about the return of Valkyria Chronicles is that it brings with it another excellent soundtrack from composer Hitoshi Sakimoto. Sakimoto’s Valkyria tracks are sweeping and emotional, capturing the feeling behind the war as well as the frantic action within it. Leading your squad to victory is made that much more meaningful with top-notch accompaniment. – Graham

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Valkyria Chronicles 4 has a dog in it. His name is Ragnarok, and he appears to be a good boy. Maybe he is a Shiba Inu? But he has more than good looks going for him. This guy has a great cap, carries a backpack, and happens to be a medic. I can’t wait to meet him. – Jenni

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Ultimately, the appeal of Valkyria Chronicles 4 lies in its optimism. It’s a series about the triumph of friendship, even in the face of tragedy and bleak times, and… boy, do we need some of that right about now. It tackles serious issues like racism and the horror of battle, but it also shows a path through it. And that path is one of decisive action and standing up for your beliefs. 2018 should be the year of that. – Graham

What are you looking forward to playing in 2018? Is it Valkyria Chronicles 4? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!