Monster Hunter: World, Dragon Ball FighterZ head the week’s best games

The 2018 gaming year is off the a great start, thanks to industry behemoths, and smaller developers eager to prove it’s not the size of your studio that matters, but the amount of passion you put into your work.

Whether it’s a long-awaited AAA title you’re hankering after, or a one-of-a-kind indie experience so full of heart it rivals most games released by major publishers, the past few days have not disappointed. And so, without further ado, here is our list of best games just released this week.

Monster Hunter: World

With “Monster Hunter: World,” Capcom’s fantasy series is set to take the world by storm.

This open-world action RPG has the simplest of gameplay loops: track down then kill monster, gather materials from felled monster, use materials to craft more powerful gear, then go out and hunt much tougher monsters.

It’s the rich variety of equipment and character customization options, collectible items and gear, and monster types and behaviors that make said loop that much more rewarding – not to mention addictive.

Add to this the vast, breathtaking environments, fascinating activities to participate in, multiplayer co-op, and hordes of other features, and you’ve got yourself 2018’s first big hit.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Dragon Ball FighterZ

With “Dragon Ball FighterZ,” developer Arc System Works perfects the technology that makes cel-shaded 3D look indistinguishable from traditional 2D animation. The result: one of the most beautiful, anime-looking games ever made.

But “Dragon Ball FighterZ” isn’t all flash; it’s a pulse-pounding 2D fighting game that pits teams of 3 against each other in blitz speed combat. While its forgiving barrier of entry allows fighting game newbies to pull off powerful moves and combos with ease, there’s enough complexity to please even the veterans. What’s more, its roster stars the series’ iconic heroes and villains, and introduces a brand new character (designed by Akira Toriyama himself) in the form of Android 21. You can even summon Shenron to grant you wishes mid-combat!

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Celeste

Surprise masterpiece “Celeste” is a white-knuckle platformer with a heart.

With expertly timed dashes, jumps, and wall climbing, you’ll navigate your way up a mountain brimming with deadly traps, mechanical and magical contraptions, monsters and weird doppelgangers, and loads of secrets. The topnotch level design paves the way for challenging yet enjoyable platforming, and your journey is made more gratifying thanks to the excellent controls.

“Celeste” also boasts lovely, witty writing that delves into unexpectedly relevant issues, so prepare yourself for an emotional ride. On top of all that, its pixel art is stunning, and its soundtrack as deeply moving as it is gorgeous.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Iconoclasts

“Iconoclasts” combines 2D shooting, puzzles, exploration, and an engrossing narrative in one of the best Metroidvania games in recent years.

The likeable Robin is at the center of a remarkable story revolving around the clash between free will and religious fanaticism. As in many dystopian worlds, most problems can be solved by riddling things with bullets. But Robin is first and foremost an accomplished mechanic. Armed with her trusty wrench, she’ll solve creative environmental puzzles to help those in need. As the game progresses, she’ll obtain fantastic tools and upgrades, allowing you to solve ingenious puzzles and gain entry into previously inaccessible regions. There’s so much wonder to be experienced you’ll keep coming back for more.

Did we mention its pixel art is absolutely gorgeous?

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC

Gintama Rumble

“Gintama Rumble” is a pure power fantasy in the one-man-army vein. In your quest to rid Japan of invading extraterrestrials and their puppets, you’ll slice and dice your way through hordes of bad guys as one of the series’ numerous samurai (including protagonist Gintoki Sakata).

While “Gintama Rumble” encompasses the series’ first 8 arcs, the story is truncated and might leave those unfamiliar with the material a tad underwhelmed. What you can expect, however, is a hack and slash action game heavy on brutal combat, combos, and spectacular samurai action. It certainly helps that the game is colorful eye candy. It’s not quite “Dragonball FighterZ” pretty, but still pretty nonetheless.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Hacker's Memory

Monster-collecting and hacking go hand in hand in “Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory.”

The game refines the world and mechanics introduced in 2016’s “Cyber Sleuth” – to both its detriment and benefit. “Hacker’s Memory” recycles many of its predecessor’s assets (from locations to graphics). But it does add a wealth of new content, such as dozens of new Digimon to obtain and evolve, and a new battle mode that occurs between large groups of combatants. Additionally, its story is far more engaging, its character development more compelling, and the cutscenes boast improved animations.

While it may sometimes feel like a retread for those who’ve played the previous game, “Hacker’s Memory” has enough going for it to make it a worthy addition to a “Digimon” fan’s games library.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita

— LA, GMA News