Capcom has released the Game of the Year in the first month of 2019. If you only buy one game this year, make sure it’s this one. Screw Red Dead Redemption 2, move over The Witcher 3—Resident Evil 2 is, so far, the game of the generation.
Tactics is a fantastic conversion of Xbox’s iconic franchise into a more thoughtful gameplay setting. It’s a spin-off that takes everything Gears is known for and masterfully retools it for an engrossing strategy game that we’ll likely be playing for years to come. With a Locust enemy that’s finally more imposing than General RAAM and a lovable cast of characters, it’s also a game that continues to tell an epic, cinematic story that strategy games have never had the budget to do before. This is everything you love about Gears, you just have to think a bit more.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is one of the finest platformers available on consoles, let alone on just Xbox One and PC. Moon Studios has crafted a sequel that truly evolves from the original game and that will keep your attention from start to finish.
Doom Eternal is the true return of id Software’s iconic first-person shooter series. If you thought that Doom 2016 was the ultimate return of classic FPS gameplay, look again. Compared to Eternal, 2016’s hardcore combat was just baby steps. This is the return of Doom: Long Live Doom Eternal!
Thumper is the most hellish and intense rhythm-action game you or I will ever play. While it's Xbox One port may lack some features available on other platforms—such as VR and portability—Thumper is still a fantastic and frightening game that's drenched in atmosphere and polished to the absolute max.
What Remains of Edith Finch is a 'Walking Simulator' that doesn't just tell an unforgettable story – it's genuinely unforgettable. As tragic as its tale is, it always manages to entertain. As one section ends and as you fight back tears, you'll always carry on, because the next story is as engrossing as the last. If you want a strong feature-length story that doesn't waste a minute, Edith Finch is the one you need.
This is one of the best remasters of all time, and Spyro finally deserves a place back on your shelf.
Just Cause 4 is still a mental experience that’s as fun as it has ever been – it just doesn’t run like a slideshow this time. It’s the sort of game I believe everyone should own; you’ll always need that game you can put on to vent with unparalleled destruction and creativity. It’s brilliant and I adore this almost as much as I love Just Cause 2. Almost.
Sekiro is a game that somehow exceeds the already lofty expectations set by Dark Souls and Bloodborne before it.
Book of Demons is a beautiful papercraft Diablo-like that’s perfect for casual play. With a system that designs itself around the way you play, fans of isometric looters and click-based hack-and-slash should certainly look this up. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable dungeon crawler, one that I’m sure I’ll still be exploring well into the future.
Ace Combat: Skies Unknown not only returns a classic series back to the heights of its predecessors but also reinvigorated its entire genre. There aren’t many games like this available on current generation systems and, if there were, Ace Combat would still shine above them all.
Above everything else, Sunless Skies is a unique experience. It may be similar to its predecessor, Sunless Seas, but it is wholly a game of its own. It feels remarkably smooth to control and it reads like a more adult Pratchett novel albeit roided up to beefcake levels of literary strength.
If anything, Gears 5 proves that not only does The Coalition knows how to make a solid game in the series, but they also know how to evolve a long-running franchise.
Control is one of Remedy’s Entertainment’s most inventive and captivating titles yet. For those still bummed out over the disappointing Quantum Break, Remedy has done well to improve on everything that upset players before. There’s more of everything: combat, content, style and story. This is the proud return of Remedy: distanced from the cold grasp of television, this is a full, lengthy title that always entertains.This is one of Remedy’s best.
If you’re an Xbox gamer who has yet to experience the Kingdom Hearts story, this collection is the best way to jump in. If you’re a fan of the recent third entry that was a little confused by jumping into the deep end – trust me, no one can blame you for being confused – then you have to get this compilation.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a crowning achievement. As Rockstar’s first game designed from the ground up for this generation, it feels like the “next generation” title we all expected this generation of consoles to offer. It’s huge (it took me five days to play through just the main story in order to write this review) and that’s without the games upcoming online component and it feels like a true extension of what made GTA V a great experience.
For those looking for a hardcore hack-and-slash with inventive new weapons, amazing bosses, and fantastic characters this is the game you need. While it’s disappointing it took so long to get back here, DMC V is more than worth the wait.
You’ll mash buttons to fight and destroy things, build overly-designed objects and generally just have a laugh. It’s hilarious, entertaining and off-the-walls mental, just like its case. It’s a refinement of what came before, but damn is it entertaining.
If it wasn’t for Towers of Time’s reliance on grinding, Mortal Kombat 11 probably would have been my favourite fighter of the generation
Team Sonic Racing is one of the best kart racers you can get, outside of the obvious Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s a brilliant entry in the genre, and a fantastic effort from Sumo Digital. While the exclusion of classic SEGA characters outside of the Sonic franchise is a bit of a let-down, this is the best Sonic racer money can buy.