Oh, what bliss it is to be parked on a cushiony recliner sofa, with our legs up, in front of a wide screen TV, controller in hand, playing the newest action-packed video game! The experience of gaming is completely immersive. A great escape. A true gamer’s version of ultimate me-time. Especially because video games are getting bigger and better than ever before!
2018 was a big year for video games, and just when the gamer world was reeling from how incredible the releases were, 2019 came in with a bang, with several big releases exceeding expectations, smaller releases raking in fans and millions, and lesser known releases creating cult fandoms. This year has been a record year in gaming, and it’s not even over yet.
Here are all the crazy, amazing video games of 2019 that you absolutely must get your hands on…
Control
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developed by Remedy Entertainment, Control is a third-person perspective game that revolves around US secret agency Federal Bureau of Control’s (FBC) study and containing of supernatural phenomena. As Jesse Faden, the bureau’s new director, players are endowed with several supernatural powers like telekinesis, levitation and controlling abilities, alongside a range of strange, but multifunctional weaponry. Players explore the Oldest House, the FBC’s paranormal New York headquarters, with a mission to defeat the deadly Hiss. Packed with spectacular gameplay, the game boasts of the Metroidvania format which allows for a nonlinear pace that further complicates an already enthralling plot.
Kingdom Hearts III
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
This new instalment from Square Enix in the ‘Kingdom Hearts’ series is a role-playing action game. Neatly tying loose ends in this monumental conclusion to the ‘Dark Seeker saga’, a plot arc that has been explored from the beginning of the original game, ‘Kingdom Hearts III’ sees protagonist Sora, joined by Goofy, Donald Duck and Riku, as they search for the seven guardians of light and attempt to foil Xehanort’s plan to bring about another Keyblade War. The game travels through flashy, colourful worlds inspired by Disney and Pixar properties, and features some excellent combat and great RPG.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Packed with action and adventure, ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ from FromSoftware has been raking in great reviews from both critics and the public. Set in a fantastical version of the Sengoku period in Japan, the plot follows a shinobi Wolf who attempts to avenge the kidnapping of his Lord by a samurai clan. Gameplay focuses on stealth, strategy and exploration, with some pretty amazing battles. Players need to be calculative and have impeccable reflexes in order to wade through a course that is ridden with a high level of difficulty.
Days Gone
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Presenting an engaging gaming plot arc with fabulous production value, SIE Bend Studio’s ‘Days Gone’ is an action-adventure survival horror game that stands out from the array of zombie romps on the gaming circuit. Set in a post-apocalyptic scenario, Deacon St. John is posed with the possibility that his wife Sarah may still be alive, and thus begins his quest to find her. Played in third-person perspective, players can explore an open world environment, as Deacon zips around on his drifter bike, and can use firearms, melee weapons and stealth to fight against cannibalistic creatures called Freakers.
Apex Legends
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developed by Respawn Entertainment, this game features a free-to-play battle-royale gameplay that combines elements from Respawn’s own ‘Titanfall’ series, class-based shooters and evolving narratives. With an elimination plotline, squads of sixty land on islands, with each player manning where their squad lands. Once on the ground, the teams must hunt for weapons to fight other players. As the round goes on, the size of the play area gradually closes in until only one squad remains and therefore wins. The game opened to rave reviews lauding its fusion of several genres, and has since remained a favourite.
Gears 5
Platforms: Xbox One, PC
From The Coalition comes ‘Gears 5’, the sixth instalment in the ‘Gears of War’ series, a third-person shooter game which focuses on Kait Diaz of Outsider of Locust descent. As Kait, the player is aided by the new Delta Squad, consisting JD, Del and Marcus who are reinstated in the COG Army. Together they embark on a mission to find the origins of the Locust and Kait’s family. Hailed one of Xbox’s biggest releases, Gears 5 is a smash hit, with gamers praising its gameplay, content quality and campaign.