The /r/NintendoSwitch Best of 2018 Award Winners!
Greetings!
With 2018 now in the books, it's time to look back at what YOU thought were the best games of the year.
Before we get into the results, a few small housekeeping items:
- There will probably be results you don't like. Be civil.
- This was an open process. The community decided the categories, the nominees for each category, and voting was open for a week.
- You can check out our 2017 winners for kicks and giggles.
- Per some feedback from u/seeyoshirun last year, we're showing the top 5 in each category versus the top 3 we did previously.
Finally, some numbers. At the time voting ended, the subreddit had 971,390 subscribers, and our voting survey had received 4717 votes. According to this margin of error calculator, using a confidence level of 95% (the industry standard), this survey has a margin of error of just 1%.
#Best Action Game
For the best game in the action genre focused on combat.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 63.6% |
| #2 | Dead Cells | 11.9% |
| #3 | Bayonetta 1 & 2 | 9.2% |
| #4 | Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | 6.1% |
| #5 | Dark Souls: Remastered | 4.8% |
#Best Action/Adventure Game
For the best action/adventure game, combining combat with traversal and puzzle solving.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hollow Knight | 64.8% |
| #2 | OKAMI HD | 17.1% |
| #3 | The Messenger | 5.4% |
| #4 | Yoku's Island Express | 4.9% |
| #5 | Hyper Light Drifter - Special Edition | 4.4% |
#Best Family Game
For the best game appropriate for family play, irrespective of genre.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Mario Party | 41.4% |
| #2 | Super Smash Bros. Ultiamte | 24.2% |
| #3 | Overcooked! 2 | 13.8% |
| #4 | Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee!/Pikachu! | 12.5% |
| #5 | Nintnedo Labo | 4.5% |
#Best Fighting Game
For the best game designed primarily around head-to-head combat.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 91.8% |
| #2 | DRAGON BALL FighterZ | 5.7% |
| #3 | Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection | 1.6% |
| #4 | BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE | 0.6% |
| #5 | Pocket Rumble | 0.3% |
#Best Horror/Survival Horror Game
For the best game which focuses on survival of the character as the game tries to frighten players with either horror graphics or scary ambiance.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dark Souls: Remastered | 43.9% |
| #2 | Darkest Dungeon | 23.1% |
| #3 | Outlast 2 | 13.8% |
| #4 | Outlast: Bundle of Terror | 11.2% |
| #5 | Yomawari: The Long Night Collection | 4.6% |
#Best Indie Game
For outstanding creative and technical achievement in a game made outside the traditional publisher system.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | CELESTE | 40.4% |
| #2 | Hollow Knight | 32.8% |
| #3 | Dead Cells | 14.6% |
| #4 | Into the Breach | 6.7% |
| #5 | Yoku's Island Express | 3.1% |
#Best Local Multiplayer Game
For outstanding local multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op, irrespective of game genre.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 60.1% |
| #2 | Super Mario Party | 14.7% |
| #3 | Overcooked! 2 | 12.6% |
| #4 | Diablo III: Eternal Collection | 8.4% |
| #5 | Ultimate Chicken Horse | 2.4% |
#Best Online Multiplayer Game
For outstanding online multiplayer gameplay and design, including co-op and massively multiplayer experiences, irrespective of game genre.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 39.0% |
| #2 | Fortnite | 23.4% |
| #3 | Warframe | 16.5% |
| #4 | Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate | 8.6% |
| #5 | Mario Tennis Aces | 6.9% |
#Best Music/Rhythm Game
For the best game with a focus on dance or the simulated performance of musical instruments.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Crypt of the NecroDancer: Nintendo Switch Edition | 33.3% |
| #2 | Just Dance 2019 | 24.8% |
| #3 | Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! | 20.8% |
| #4 | Just Shapes & Beats | 8.7% |
| #5 | Wandersong | 8.6% |
#Best Platformer Game
For outstanding design and creativity in a game where players must use skill to jump between platforms or over obstacles without falling or missing jumps.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | CELESTE | 38.7% |
| #2 | Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | 21.6% |
| #3 | Hollow Knight | 20.2% |
| #4 | Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy | 9.4% |
| #5 | Dead Cells | 8.1% |
#Best Role Playing Game
For the best game designed with rich player character customization and progression.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 36.6% |
| #2 | Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee!/Pikachu! | 20.8% |
| #3 | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country | 19.4% |
| #4 | Diablo III: The Eternal Collection | 11.4% |
| #5 | Dark Souls: Remastered | 8.4% |
#Best Sports/Racing Game
For the best traditional and non-traditional sports and racing game.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mario Tennis Aces | 70.8% |
| #2 | NBA 2K19 | 8.4% |
| #3 | Fotball Manager 2019 Touch | 5.7% |
| #4 | Windjammers | 5.6% |
| #5 | Horizon Chase Turbo | 5.3% |
#Best Strategy Game
Best game focused on real-time or turn-based strategy gameplay.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 36.2% |
| #2 | Sid Meier's Civilization VI | 23.3% |
| #3 | Into the Breach | 21.5% |
| #4 | Valkyria Chronicles 4 | 10.5% |
| #5 | Darkest Dungeon | 6.9% |
#Best DLC Pack
For outstanding extension to a game’s life via the release of additional free or paid content.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country | 29.5% |
| #2 | Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion | 22.3% |
| #3 | Stardew Valley: Multiplayer Update | 20.6% |
| #4 | Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong Adventure | 14.5% |
| #5 | Hollow Knight: Godmaster | 9.7% |
#Best Art Direction
For outstanding creative achievement in artistic design and animation.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 30.6% |
| #2 | Hollow Knight | 20.9% |
| #3 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 16.7% |
| #4 | GRIS | 13.8% |
| #5 | CELESTE | 9.1% |
#Best Game Direction
Awarded for outstanding creative vision and innovation in game direction and design.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 34.1% |
| #2 | CELESTE | 20.2% |
| #3 | Hollow Knight | 17.8% |
| #4 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 16.0% |
| #5 | Dead Cells | 7.7% |
#Best Music
For outstanding music, inclusive of score, original song and/or licensed soundtrack.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 40.1% |
| #2 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 16.5% |
| #3 | CELESTE | 15.3% |
| #4 | Hollow Knight | 8.7% |
| #5 | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country | 8.1% |
#Best Narrative
For outstanding storytelling and narrative development in a game.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | CELESTE | 21.8% |
| #2 | Undertale | 19.8% |
| #3 | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country | 19.7% |
| #4 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 16.2% |
| #5 | Hollow Knight | 12.4% |
#Best Technical Achievement
For the game which achieves a combination of gameplay and graphics which goes well beyond hardware expectations.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 41.2% |
| #2 | Warframe | 21.0% |
| #3 | Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus | 20.4% |
| #4 | Diablo III: Eternal Collection | 13.0% |
| #5 | OKAMI HD | 3.0% |
#Best Re-Release/Re-master
For the best game whose original release was not on a current generation console (Switch/PS4/Xbox One).
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Diablo III: The Eternal Collection | 25.5% |
| #2 | Bayonetta 1 & 2 | 17.8% |
| #3 | Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze | 16.5% |
| #4 | Dark Souls: Remastered | 12.4% |
| #5 | OKAMI HD | 12.4% |
#Best Use of Nintendo Switch Features
For the game who take the best advantage of, or is most creative about, utilizing Nintendo Switch's unique features: HD rumble, motion controls, vertical screen, touch screen, etc.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nintendo Labo | 41.7% |
| #2 | Super Mario Party | 33.1% |
| #3 | Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee!/Pikachu! | 19.0% |
| #4 | The World Ends With You: Final Remix | 3.0% |
| #5 | LUMINES REMASTERED | 2.0% |
#Best or Most Creative Switch Accessory
For outstanding design and functionality of a Switch accessory.
| Rank | Name | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nintendo Labo - Toy-Con 01: Variety Kit | 42.6% |
| #2 | Pokeball Plus | 24.9% |
| #3 | Genki | 18.9% |
| #4 | Hori D-Pad Controller | 5.9% |
| #5 | Satisfye Grip | 5.2% |
#Developer of the Year
Developer studio who displayed outstanding platform support through a combination of quantity and quality of new releases.
| Rank | Name | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Panic Button | 36.0% |
| #2 | Square Enix | 19.8% |
| #3 | Team Cherry | 13.7% |
| #4 | Monolith Soft | 11.8% |
| #5 | Sora Ltd. | 10.2% |
#Publisher of the Year
Publishing studio who displayed outstanding platform support through a combination of quantity and quality of new releases.
| Rank | Name | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nintendo | 75.9% |
| #2 | Devolver Digital | 7.6% |
| #3 | Square Enix | 5.7% |
| #4 | Bandai Namco | 4.7% |
| #5 | Bethesda | 4.1% |
#Best Nintendo Switch Exclusive
Best game released in 2018 as a Nintendo Switch console exclusive.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 71.9% |
| #2 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 10.4% |
| #3 | Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee!/Pikachu! | 8.2% |
| #4 | Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country | 5.2% |
| #5 | Into the Breach | 3.2% |
#Best Hidden Gem
The best of the rest. The best game not nominated in other categories.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA | 17.5% |
| #2 | Inside | 15.6% |
| #3 TIE | Guacamelee 2 | 14.6% |
| #3 TIE | Transistor | 14.6% |
| #5 | Child of Light | 14.4% |
#Best PC Game
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | CELESTE | 29.4% |
| #2 | Monster Hunter: World | 27.7% |
| #3 | Assassin's Creed Odyssey | 14.8% |
| #4 | Subnautica | 12.0% |
| #5 | Deltarune | 8.9% |
#Best 3DS Game
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luigi's Mansion | 33.7% |
| #2 | Detective Pikachu | 18.8% |
| #3 | WarioWare Gold | 17.0% |
| #4 | Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker | 12.5% |
| #5 | Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux | 10.7% |
#Best PS4 Game
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | God of War | 35.3% |
| #2 | Marvel's Spider Man | 27.0% |
| #3 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 24.5% |
| #4 | Dragon Quest XI | 6.4% |
| #5 | Detroit: Become Human | 4.8% |
#Best Xbox One Game
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 40.7% |
| #2 | Forza Horizon 4 | 17.0% |
| #3 | NieR Automata: Become As Gods Edition | 15.3% |
| #4 | Monster Hunter: World | 10.9% |
| #5 | Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition | 8.7% |
#Nintendo Switch Game of the Year
Recognizing a game that delivers the absolute best experience across all creative and technical fields.
| Rank | Game | Vote Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | 60.9% |
| #2 | Hollow Knight | 10.0% |
| #3 | CELESTE | 8.3% |
| #4 | OCTOPATH TRAVELER | 7.6% |
| #5 | Pokemon: Let's Go Eevee!/Pikachu! | 5.9% |
So there you have it!
Congratulations to all of our winners, a special shoutout to all of the nominees and their respective dev teams, to everyone in the community who provided feedback and participated in the process, and to everyone who voted.
Now when you see the endless stream of "What game should I buy?" posts, this is a resource you can send them.
Cheers,
The r/NintendoSwitch Mod Team
^(Edit: Typos)
Posted Jan 1, 2019, 1:00 PM UTC · edited