With 2019 now truly upon us, it’s hard to keep track of what video games are on the horizon, so we’ve done the hard work for you and listed ten games you should be paying attention to over the next 12 months…
Kingdom Hearts III (PS4, XBO)
Release Date: January 29
The Kingdom Hearts games have always been a bit of a strange one, blending hardcore role-playing mechanics with a slew of popular Disney characters ranging from Mickey, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh and Buzz Lightyear.
Considering this final game in the trilogy was announced back in 2013, it’s safe to say there’s a bit of hype behind it.
While definitely not for everybody, fans of the series will likely lose their collective minds.
Anthem (PS4, XBO, PC)
Release Date: February 22
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In theory, Anthem sounds amazing. Jump into a gigantic online world wearing Javelin Exosuits that turn you into futuristic Iron Men to help save humanity from a plethora of dangerous hazards and creatures.
The big question mark lies on how players will take to the experience, and whether or not BioWare (of Mass Effect and Dragon Age fame) will be able to keep people engaged for the many months ahead.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4, XBO, PC)
Release Date: March 22
Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, commonly known as the madman behind the crushingly difficult Souls series, Sekiro is a third-person action game with RPG elements, set in a re-imagined late 1500s Japan.
Think Dark Souls with ninjas and you’re on the right track, but the inclusion of a grappling mechanic introduces a level of verticality that will break new ground for this style of game. Regardless, prepare to die. A lot.
Yoshi’s Crafted World (Switch)
Release Date: March 29
Nintendo is playing its cards for the next 12 months incredibly close to the chest, so the only big game we know about so far is this absolutely adorable platformer.
Following a similar visual vein as Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Yoshi will be exploring a world crafted from household items like boxes and paper cups – also capable of playing a stage backwards for a new perspective.
Days Gone (PS4)
Release Date: April 26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uED22JERB8
With Sony’s 2019 slate a little lacking compared to last year’s, there’s a bit of pressure behind Days Gone.
The action-adventure title places you in the shoes of former outlaw biker Deacon St. John as he navigates his way through a world devastated by a global pandemic that has transformed humans into ‘Freakers’ (read: zombies).
It’s faced several delays since originally being announced a few years ago, so fingers crossed Bend Studio can pull everything together.
Mortal Kombat 11 (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
Release Date: May 2019
Just recently revealed during the 2018 Game Awards, details on the upcoming fighter are still pretty scarce and will be unveiled at a community event later this month. Still, expect new custom character variations, a new graphics engine and a continuation of the 25-year old saga. Oh, also lots and lots of blood.
Doom Eternal (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
Release Date: TBA 2019
Doom Eternal looks set to provide everything you could ever want from a shooter and more. This direct-sequel to the 2016 hit includes updated armour, a new dash ability, extendable blade and even a shoulder-mounted canon for ultimate destruction. Plus, the inclusion of an invasion-based mode means you can allow other players into your game as enemies – introducing a whole new level of strategy.
RELATED: If you’re a “heavy metal screamer” you can join the DOOM Eternal soundtrack
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (XBO, PC)
Release Date: TBA 2019
2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest was a magical little platformer that charmed all those who played it – easily amassing a whopping 50 awards in the process. This highly anticipated follow-up promises more of the same but looks set to sprinkle in a fresh combat system, a shard system to power up Ori’s capabilities and even larger foes to face. Trust us, it looks great.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS4, XBO, PC)
Release Date: TBA 2019
Despite knowing nothing about Fallen Order aside from its name, we do know that Respawn Entertainment will be the studio behind it. Considering the developer is known for its futuristic shooter franchise, Titanfall, it’s safe to assume this Star Wars title will follow a similar path. Just make sure we have plenty of lightsabers!
The Last of Us: Part II (PS4)
Release Date: 2019 (maybe)
Okay, we’ll be honest, we don’t actually think Naughty Dog’s sequel will actually come out this year, but we’re quietly crossing our fingers all the same. That’s because The Last of Us was an incredibly harrowing and moving adventure that is easily regarded as one of the best games of this generation. While we haven’t seen too much yet, Part II looks set to continue that trajectory and provide an incredibly brutal tale.
