Best games of 2019

I just realised I never made one of these for 2018, at least on Steem. So, I'm back at it! It was another excellent year, with some incredibly innovative indie titles. As always, I have not played every game this year, so there'll be some notable omissions such as Sekiro or Total War: Three Kingdoms.

#10 - Void Bastards

Void Bastards is a deviously clever mix of immersive sims and procedural generation. Combined with a brilliantly whimsical art style and sound design, it's a unique experience with a near perfect sense of progression and anticipation.

#9 - Sayonara Wild Hearts

Another game with some incredible art direction. This is one of those games that are a purely visceral experience - you have to experience it to feel it!

#8 - Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Finally, a great Star Wars game! Though it does have it's jank and flaws, it combines the best of a plethora of genres to create something that feels authentic to Star Wars. The greatest thing about the game is the exploration, it's really immersive if you take the time to explore. Followed by the tactical lightsaber combat that makes you feel like a Jedi, and not just a superhero.

#7 - Untitled Goose Game

All I'll say is - LOL. Hitman's shenanigans are fun, sure, but replace the methodical assassin with a very, very naughty goose, and all hell breaks loose. It is short and doesn't expand upon its mechanics, sure, but it's a wonderful little game. Here's hoping we see Goose back with a more fleshed out sequel.

#6 - Resident Evil 2

I'm not the biggest fan of horror games, particularly the ones that rely on shock. Resident Evil 2 plays it slow, with exploration and puzzle solving at the forefront. It's these aspects of the game that ground you in its world and ensure when the scares come, they really do scare you. RE2 isn't really surprising, but it's fine tuned to near perfection.

#5 - Metro Exodus

Fans of the Metro series will remember the dread induced by the claustrophobic levels of the previous Metro games. Metro Exodus has those moments, sure, but it also expands into larger open-world like areas. However, it keeps the tension sky high with it's own brand of open, yet tightly designed hubs. It's a great middle ground we haven't really seen in a generation where open worlds have become all the rage - often unjustified. The narrative is gripping, but the English voice acting is a bit dodgy, so remember to set audio to Russian with English subtitles.

#4 - Control

My favourite trend this year has been metroidvania-style level design and exploration make it to AAA 3D titles, between RE2, Control and Fallen Order. While Fallen Order is incredibly vast and complex, RE2 is immaculately designed, Control offers an arena that's like no other. Obviously inspired by brutalism, a bit of Twin Peaks, a bit of Kubrick, Control has some of the most incredible world design and art direction I've seen. It is a fantastic experience for those that have a penchant for the surreal. The combat isn't quite as imaginative as its setting though, but spectacular nonetheless.

#3 - Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium's slogan captures the game perfectly - Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being. It's a true RPG with a whole plethora of choices and consequences, wacky characters to interact with, and some truly flummoxing situations. Best of all, you can talk to yourself - an incredible gimmick that sets Disco Elysium apart. It runs the tight rope between crazy ambition and self-indulgence, but does so well - most of the

#2 - The Outer Worlds

Where Disco Elysium strives to push the boundaries of what's possible with RPGs, The Outer Worlds instead opts to play itself. It's like a greatest hits of BioWare, Bethesda and Obsidian 3D RPGs of the 2000s. With that said, I'll obviously be biased as there's significant nostalgia at play. Not the most innovative, not the most exciting, but damn does it know to push the right buttons for those craving games like Mass Effect or Fallout: New Vegas for nearly a decade.

#1 - Outer Wilds

Some of my long time followers know that I love blogging. However, over the last year or two, Steem hasn't been very friendly and my motivation for blogging here has been very low. Outer Wilds was such a special game that it brought me out blogging again. Instead of giving you a short summary, I'd urge you to check out my review for more. This is truly one of the greatest experiences I've ever had.