We’re continuing on through our Game of the Year 2019 countdown with our latest batch of favorites, this time counting down from #15 to #11. The closer we get to our top 5, the harder it becomes to pick games, though the year was certainly full of incredible releases. Whittling our way down the list, we’re going to take a closer look at multiplayer games, RPGs, and… fitness games?
This article is part two of our Game of the Year 2019 countdown. To go back to the beginning, click here for games 20-16!
Game of the Year 2019 Countdown: 15 - 11
© Remedy Entertainment
15. Control
Henry: We’re not sure we’ve ever played a game quite so stylish as Control. The Oldest House is practically suffocating with oppressive architecture, and there are so many incredibly crafted camera shots that even during basic conversations you’ll find yourself reaching for the screenshot button.
The mystery of who Jesse Faden is and what she’s after draws you ever deeper into the depths of the Bureau, folding your into its history as you battle the insidious Hiss. Control suffers a little for its slower middle and gruellingly tough boss battles, but once you gain access to Jesse’s full suite of powers, combat takes on a life of its own.
Leaping into the air as you tear chunks from the scenery and hurl them at your foes is immeasurably satisfying, and exploring the labyrinthine hallways of the bureau reveals plenty of puzzles to test your brain as well. The janitorial position in Control’s Oldest House is a strange job, but an undeniably excellent one too.
14. Ring Fit Adventure
© Nintendo
Henry: Exercise games have always been a bit of a joke in our book, but trust good old uncle Nintendo to somehow make it work. Ring Fit Adventure was an unconventional move by the gaming giant, revealed and then released in just over a month. Any concerns they were trying to rush out a half-baked idea were quickly dispelled, however, when we got our hands on the game.
Not only is it a fun, novel bit of tech, it’s also a great workout. Jogging or dashing through each level, stopping occasionally to thigh press some enemies into oblivion is impressively engrossing, and if you’re as competitive as we are then you’ll force yourself to sprint every inch, no matter how much your body protests.
The story packs plenty of humor, and even if you finish it Ring Fit includes plenty of exercise routines and a selection of silly and incredibly mean minigames to take part in. Finally, we can get those gains while gaming.
13. Cadence of Hyrule
© Brace Yourself Games
Morgan: To start, Cadence of Hyrule had one of the best soundtracks of 2019. Period. We’re already huge fans of the original game that Cadence of Hyrule is based off of – Crypt of the NecroDancer – but we have to say that Cadence of Hyrule is better than its predecessor in many ways.
The map is colorful and diverse, the approach to combat is varied depending on your personal playstyle, and the story leaves things open for Cadence to appear in other titles. We’re huge fans of The Legend of Zelda, but could you imagine Cadence dropping into a Pokemon game? It’d be a blast!
For its approach, soundtrack, and potential to expand, we find Cadence of Hyrule to be more than worthy of its inclusion at lucky #13 on our “best of 2019” list!
12. The Outer Worlds
© Obsidian
Morgan: The Outer Worlds is the Fallout game we’ve always wanted, but have been cruelly denied for years. Developed by Obsidian (the masterminds behind Fallout: New Vegas), The Outer Worlds drops us into a dystopian sci-fi world where corporations rule everything. So, basically, like our world right now?
We get to meet amazing characters including our personal fave, Parvati, and explore at our own pace. You can do just about anything in The Outer Worlds, including kill people you actually might need later on (save your game before testing it so you can undo your damage). It’s also hilarious to think that the dumber you make your character, the quicker you can finish the game.
In many ways, your flaws can help you in The Outer Worlds rather than hinder you, and this concept is so cool to see properly executed. The Outer Worlds is one of, if not the best RPG released in 2019. It’s got amazing replay value, and is fun in so many ways from exploration to combat. No wonder so many people are hopelessly addicted to the game, ourselves included.
11. Tetris 99
© Nintendo
Morgan: One of the best multiplayer games of 2019 is without a doubt Tetris 99. Offering a new, modern take on a game everyone knows and loves, Tetris 99 aims to offer a “Battle Royale” game for people who may not be huge fans of first-person shooters.
At The Game Awards 2019, Tetris 99 was nominated for “Best Multiplayer Game” and it was funny seeing it alongside shooters like Apex Legends, which ended up winning. In our opinion, Tetris 99 deserved the win, but what can you do? If you’re looking for a reason to pay for a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can’t go wrong with Tetris 99.
Plus, the game is committed to keeping players invested as it boasts regular events with a chance of winning My Nintendo Gold points, or a custom theme like the ones for Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Pokemon Sword & Shield!
- Game of the Year 2019 Countdown: 20 - 16
