Ape Out is a fun and fast-paced action game with nary a dull moment. The brutal difficulty can go overboard at times, but even then it's never too daunting. This is one of the coolest games of 2019 so far, and any fan of slick, stylish action games should give it a go.
Little Nightmares drops you into a mad and scary world that's worth visiting thanks to some enjoyable platforming mechanics and chilling atmosphere.
Playdead's Inside may have been the follow-up to Limbo six years in the making, but the wait was certainly worth it.
Not content with simply letting you try to play it, Calendula is very much a game that plays you. It's a thrilling commentary on the relationship between player and game.
The Witness is one of the most elegant puzzlers around. It'll make you think, it'll make you laugh, and it'll make you yell. Above all else, though, it'll take you on one memorable journey that will stay with you for a long time.
I wouldn't recommend Elegy to anyone but folks who actually want to take the time to write. Though some creative types will question the need for writing prompts, the fact remains that sometimes all you need is a good starting point.
Battletoads is a highly entertaining beat 'em up. It's a throwback to the series' roots while still managing to reinvent that series. The action is fast and flows smoothly, and the whole thing is just filled with slick style. This is a revival done right.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is worth playing for multiple reasons. It's fast-paced, silly, and fun. It's a unique take on the battle royale formula. It's great in short bursts or longer play sessions. This is just a really entertaining online multiplayer game, and it's some of the most fun you'll have with a game this summer.
West of Dead is a refreshing take on multiple genres. It's a great cover-based twin-stick shooter. It's a different kind of roguelite. And it's just a solid all-around action game that's a joy to play. It's highly challenging, and it rewards smart play, so what you ultimately get is a satisfying experience that's fun and invites you to put the time into learning its intricacies.
Resolutiion may wear its influences on its sleeve, but even then it's managed to carve out a unique identity of its own. You'll see a little bit of Hyper Light Drifter, Dark Souls, and Metroid here, but the overall package is a wholly original sci-fi experiece that's great for folks looking to get lost in a bleak futuristic world.
Celeste is one of the most entertaining 2D platformers in recent years. It'll defeat you from time to time, but its inviting controls, level design, and presentation will keep you coming back until you persevere and overcome every challenge thrown your way.
Song of the Deep tells a compelling story and presents enjoyable, captivating Metroidvania gameplay set in an enthralling underwater world.
Due to the fact that Pony Island only asks a minor investment in terms of both time and price point ($5), but even more so because it's just so much fun, it falls under "must-play" territory and provides a vastly different experience from other modern-day indies.
The rapid, mini-game-like design of Shutshimi makes it ideal for quick bursts of play. Even then, the game is so captivating that it's hard to put down even after you've spent an hour or two playing.
The important thing to take away is that OlliOlli is finally on Nintendo platforms, and it plays, looks, and sounds just as impressive as it does on other systems. It's easy to get into, but mastering it and doing everything the game has to offer is a long journey — one that may frustrate at times, but one that will reward you immensely. There really is nothing like nailing a 360 impossible into a perfectly executed crooked grind.
Super Time Force Ultra mixes shmup action and rewind mechanics to create a bold, action-packed experience that's also heavy on fun, referential, and witty writing.
Neon Abyss is one of the best roguelite action games to come along in recent memory. Given how many great roguelites we've seen the past few years, that's definitely a tall order. But thanks to its smooth gameplay and compelling upgrade systems, there's no denying just how entertaining and exhilarating Neon Abyss is.
SOMA isn't perfect, but it sets a certain standard for what horror games can achieve with a bit of inspiration. Though it isn't heavy on the scares, the bits of horror spread throughout work well, and the story will leave a lasting, hard-hitting impression.
Wasteland 3 is an outstanding RPG. It features a rich world with fun battles, great characters, and plenty of choices to keep you busy for a very long time. This is a best-in-class game that achieves what it sets out to accomplish. Players who opt to take the deep dive into the game's awesome end-of-the-world landscape are in for something spectacular.
Superhot is an absolute joy to play, and it includes some great extra modes, neat story twists, and outstanding art. It's a complete package, and even though it's all over rather quickly, it's worth revisiting again and again.