It’s traditional for the start of the year to be a time of review. It’s when we look back at the year that just passed and see what patterns we can identify, what trends we’ve witnessed, what went well and what went poorly.
In the gaming industry, what we’re interested in is what the best games of 2019 were. What games were the most popular? What games were the best of the year?
Picking just a few and ranking them is harder than it seems – the year 2019 was a prolific year, where gaming is concerned, with an approximate $150 billion spent.
The thing is that a lot of the best games are so different from one another, that it’s difficult to come up with a fair, objective, definitive ranking. However, we’ve done that extensive work for you so that we can confidently come out and say: these are the best games of 2019. Let’s take a look at what they are, and why:
1. Disco Elysium
What is it? A different kind of RPG.
Why is it the best? In a world of aggressive, first-person shooters, Disco Elysium stands out as a detective game. That’s different enough to spark interest as an RPG, but it’s not enough to earn it a spot in a list of the best games. Fortunately, the game is not only different, it’s also extremely well-done and thoroughly entertaining. That elevates it to one of the best games we’ve seen in a very long time.
It’s rare that a video game is based on introspection, but Disco Elysium manages to accurately depict a kind of heart-wrenching internal battle that one may not have experienced before.
You will find that this RPG has a lot of character and innovative ideas that are illustrated in a beautiful, nearly flawless manner. It’s not like any other game you’ve played before, which is why it earned its spot on the list.
2. Control
What is it? Third-person shooter with a twist.
Why is it the best? Shooters can make the capital mistake of feeling tired and overdone, but Control does not suffer from that flaw. In fact, it managed to sidestep that entirely by blowing the shooter genre open and adding a twist – it beautifully blends the real and the magical in a way that will leave you wanting more.
The best thing about Control is that it is unpredictable. Because of the magical element that is present in the game, you never know what to expect upon stepping foot into the Oldest House.
What makes this into a highly fascinating mind-game is the fact that it’s similar enough to reality that you expect the mechanics to go a certain way, but then the game turns what you think you know on its head and surprises you. You know how to play this – but you also have no idea. This game has everything: the baddies and the guns, but also the magic and the mythology. Who could ask for more?
3. The Outer Worlds
What is it? A space RPG.
Why is it the best? RPGs make this list because they tend to bring to the table certain elements that are new and interesting and set them apart from other similar games. In the case of The Outer Worlds, that “something different” is its setting – in space – which opens the door to a cast of unique characters and happenings.
The world is extremely flexible, as you can opt to go solo or stick with your team, kill everyone, etc. The great thing about The Outer Worlds is that it’s fully aware of its own absurdity, so it never feels like it takes itself too seriously.
But that doesn’t mean that the story doesn’t have depth; you will be confronted with some hard choices, some touching stories, and a background that deals with colonization and corruption.
4. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
What is it? A Star Wars-flavored action game.
Why is it the best? This game is special, but what makes it so? In short, it’s because the creators managed to develop something that feels like it would fit into the Star Wars universe seamlessly. It is not a cheap copy, and it is not trying too hard to be Star Wars; it just is.
Part of the magic cannot be described, and you can’t put your finger on what makes the vibe so similar. However, we can pick up on influences and sources that have undoubtedly inspired this game and that have helped mold it into the adventure we see and enjoy.
It’s got everything – adventure, a journey, and the feeling that you are a true hero of the galaxy.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
What is it? A classic shooter reboot.
Why is it the best? The best thing about this game is that it appeals to both long-time players of the game and newer (and younger) fans. It is definitely a step up from the classic we’ve all come to know and love, and the upgrades and improvements are there.
However, what Call of Duty: Modern Warfare managed to do that other similar reboots haven’t is the fact that it retains that classic feel of the original game, while still being distinctly modern. The stakes feel higher on the missions, and the consequences are greater.
The visuals are objectively better, and you can play campaign or multiplayer. Speaking of multiplayer, it’s the best it’s ever been, and we don’t say that lightly.
6. Outer Wilds
What is it? An action adventure game.
Why is it the best? The concept on this game is extremely interesting and unique. Basically, you only play in 22-minute increments. You start out on your home planet, and start exploring the solar system, except when the 22-minute period ends, all life is destroyed and you start over.
The point is that every time you get reborn, you have a little bit more knowledge and you get to go a little bit further out into the solar system. Each and every 22-minute increment teaches you something new that you can use in your upcoming expeditions.
The destruction of life and then rebirthing concept is very cool, albeit frustrating. Once you get rebooted a few times, you may get the urge to rage-quit, but you won’t. You’ll keep going, because the curiosity of discovery is stronger than the annoyance.
7. Resident Evil 2: Remake
What is it? A masterful remake of Resident Evil 2.
Why is it the best? First, we need to give props to the undertaking itself – remaking a classic is a risky move, and one that can so easily fail. We’ve seen developers crash and burn before, but luckily for Capcom, they hit the jackpot. The hard work paid off and they were able to create a top-notch horror game.
The game is every bit as good as the original, but it feels fresh and modern. All the subpar elements of the old game, like the camerawork, unremarkable dialog, and crappy controls have been ousted and in their place came better, newer, shinier versions.
Perhaps the most impressive part of this game is the fact that it feels modern, yet undeniably faithful to the feel of the original Resident Evil.
8. Untitled Goose Game
What is it? An unlikely stealth game.
Why is it the best? Other stealth games are cooler, darker, and manlier. You know, like Assassin’s Creed. That’s what we know a stealth game should look like. Except, here is a stealth game that is every bit as good as that, except, 100% sillier – Untitled Goose Game.
Like the name says, your character is a literal goose. And you’re truly rotten and awful, going around ruining everything you touch. It’s super fun to be the most horrible creature in town, as you will soon find out.
Every task is meaner than the previous one and brings the victim greater unhappiness, and who doesn’t love that? If you’ve got a mean streak that you need to practice, or you want to know what it’s like to be evil, then embodying this anti-hero may be exactly what you need. You are guaranteed a roaring good time.
9. Apex Legends
What is it? A major improvement on a typical battle royal game.
Why is it the best? The thing that this game has going for it is the fact that it’s a better battle royal game. The events are awesome, the characters are original, and you can ping items with no issues.
There is no special theme or gimmick to Apex Legends, but it manages to retain the interest of its players. That’s how you know you’ve got a winner. You will spend hours and hours here, caught in a shootout.
The other side of its success can be attributed to the fact that the game is always improving and adding in new and interesting elements. Events, characters, special abilities – you name it; they keep things interesting.
10. Telling Lies
What is it? A mysterious thriller.
Why is it the best? Telling Lies is probably unlike anything you’ve played before – at least, in 2019. It plays upon our innate desire for uncovering mysteries and being the ones to piece together happenings. If you like true crime podcasts and weird Facebook groups that try to crowdsource murder cases, you’ll love this.
The concept is extremely interesting and unique, as you are given access to some footage that features four different people. You need to watch these videos and try to piece together what happened. What is actually the truth?
The excitement and euphoria of discovery is something you don’t often get with other games, so from this point of view, Telling Lies is head and shoulders above others in this genre. In addition, the writing is brilliant, as is the performance of the actors who play the four different characters in the footage. An extremely captivating experience that is worth trying.
Conclusion
Here they are – the best games of 2019. You may disagree, but the point still stands: these games are new, they’re fun, and they’re either unique in their genre or they’ve just done it better than others before them.
Each and every one of these games brings something amazing to the table that earns it a spot on the “best” list. Give them a try to see what all the fuss is about.