My Top 10 Games of 2019!

An overall great year.

 It's that time of year again where we look back and reflect on some of the game we had the pleasure (and displeasure) of playing this year. 2019 was packed with many great releases from smaller indies like Wargroove to big-budget hitters such as Resident Evil 2 Remake. I've had the chance to catch up on my anticipated games of the year and for the most part I wasn't disappointed with some of them. Granted, I couldn't play every game that came out, so it's natural that I missed some big games like Death Stranding and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. But anyway, it's time I talk about my 10 favorite games of the year!


#10 - Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (Bandai Namco)

To skies unknown.

 Kicking things off is one of the earliest games I've played this year, Ace Combat 7. My first game in the series, I was immediately blown away by the fantastic visuals and grand soundtrack. The arcade-styled gameplay was the best part, as you get to choose your aircraft, customize it, and take to the skies. It's long-winded and challenging, almost like you're learning to fly a real killing machine. The story was neat too, though I'd personally stick to the gameplay. Playing Ace Combat 7 made me a fan of the long-running series and I can't wait for the next game.


#9 - Shenmue III (Ys Net)

Ryo's adventure continues.

 Shenmue III finally released late this year and it was a nice continuation of the long-dormant series. Faithful to the original games in terms of basically everything, it's made for fans who passionately love the series, and you can say that I'm one of them. Despite its apparent flaws, it was a fun experience getting back into Ryo's shoes looking for the people responsible for his father's death. The gameplay is classic Shenmue as you'll beat thugs using martial arts move and explore around town taking jobs such as chopping wood and forklifting. While it hasn't sold all that well to warrant a fourth game, I'm still hoping that one day Ryo's story will get its much needed conclusion.

#8 - The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Nintendo)

The most overlooked Zelda finally gets a

 charming remake.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening turned out to be the biggest surprise for me this year. I vaguely remember playing the original game back on the 3DS Virtual console years ago and I wasn't impressed, so naturally I came in with low expectations when I played the Nintendo Switch remake, boy was I wrong. I instantly fell in love with the music, visuals, and the adorable characters. While it's a fresh coat of paint to a 26 year-old Game Boy game, Link's Awakening still holds up well in terms of its gameplay as it never felt boring. The dungeons were great, the pacing was good, and Switch owners should definitely give it a go.


#7 - Astral Chain (Nintendo/Platinum Games)

Platinum Games' offers another flashy adventure.

 Astral Chain was one hell of an offering from Platinum Games this year. Taking the role of a cop in a futuristic dystopia, you use the powers of your "legions" to apprehend criminals and restore justice to the city. Simple enough premise aside, Astral Chain was among the most fun experiences for me this year on the Switch. The stylized visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and interesting story all were strong points of the game. Switch owners looking for some action-oriented gameplay with a slice of anime style should definitely give Astral Chain a look, and here's hoping for a sequel!


#6 - Luigi's Mansion 3 (Nintendo/Next Level Games)

Luigi makes his debut on the Switch with a bang.

 Nintendo's been producing hit after hit in 2019 with Switch games and Luigi's Mansion 3 has to be among the best in the Switch's growing line-up. Packing a new haunted setting and gadgets to boot, Luigi's back on another ghost-sucking adventure. The game doesn't make you feel bored as each level is unique and varied, and I was excited to see what the game had in store next. The biggest draw for me, however, was the amount of interactivity you have with the environments, as you can mess with practically anything using your vacuum cleaner looking for secrets. It's definitely a testament to the amount of work developer Next Level Games have put in.


#5 - Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (ArtPlay)

A Kickstarter success that exceeds all expectations.

 The spiritual successor to the legendary Castlevania series, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is the year's Kickstarter success story. A faithful recreation of the iconic 2D games, Bloodstained constantly pays homage to the aforementioned games while having its own sense of originality. Miriam's adventure was a great one and the gameplay was not short on variety, no surprise since the project is helmed by the producer of the late Castlevania games, Koji Igarashi. Original and just plain awesome, Bloodstained is a love-letter to fans of the metriodvania genre.


#4 - Resident Evil 2 Remake (Capcom)

A remake that rivals the legendary RE remake.

 It's no surprise to say that Capcom has been killing it lately in terms of games with Resident Evil 7, Monster Hunter: World, Devil May Cry 5, and now this year's Resident Evil 2 Remake. A stunning recreation of the 1998 classic that introduces gameplay tweaks and an outstanding presentation, it's no surprise that RE2 Remake is among my favorite games of the year. It was a joy experiencing Leon and Claire's debut outing in a devastated Raccoon City being surrounded by zombies left and right while also being chased by the stoic Mr. X. Resident Evil 2 Remake is also newcomer friendly, which means that you get jump in and have a great time. Now it's time to wait for that sweet Resident Evil 3 remake next year...


#3 - Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Nintendo)

Fire Emblem's not your typical startegy game.

 The Switch is still going strong in its second year with many great releases, among them is Fire Emblem: Three Houses. While I lost interest in the series a bit after the divisive Fire Emblem Fates, Three Houses got me back thanks to its engaging story and diverse cast of characters, which ended up liking almost all of them. The gameplay is just plain fantastic as it retains the series signature challenge and tactics-based combat, yet still offers newcomers a chance to join in on the fun. It may not be for everyone due to emphasis on strategy though fans of the genre will definitely find much to enjoy. Three Houses is no doubt my favorite RPG of the year.


#2 - Judgement (Sega)

Justice is blind.

 It's no surprise that at this point I'm a huge fan of Sega's Yakuza series, so when new of the spin-off game, Judgement, was hitting mid this year, I was hyped. The redemption story of a disgraced attorney-turned-detective was engaging from start to end, no surprise coming from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. Yagami and the rest of the supporting cast were memorable and I can't wait to see what's in store for them next. The gameplay has you fighting thugs, doing some investigative work, and playing mini-games, it's diverse enough o keep you interesting in the 50 hour adventure. That and the game looks amazing, almost movie-like, thanks to RGG's Dragon Engine.

 GAME OF THE YEAR 2019

#1 - Devil May Cry 5 (Capcom)

DMC is back, baby!

Yeah, it's no surprise that Devil May Cry 5 is my 2019 Game of the Year. It's been almost a decade since the last mainline game and while the controversial reboot was good, it lacked the charm and soul of the original games. DMC5 marks a smash return to form with the real Dante being back and more of a badass than ever! The other main leads, Nero and V, were also great and so was the story. The gameplay is phenomenal, as its fast, fun, and stylish while adding a couple of new mechanics to keep things fresh. The presentation is top-notch, with the flashy visuals and awesome soundtrack being highlights. I LOVED my experience with DMC5 and I'm sure action fans will have a blast with the game.