Get Your Game On

The first half of the year opened with a lot of games to keep us occupied. The remake for Resident Evil 2 threw us all back to our childhoods hunched over the PlayStation controller trying hard not to shriek, while Kingdom Hearts III gave us some semblance of closure to the franchise some 15 odd years later.

And while there are still a decent number of gamers still trying to finish From Software’s Sekiro, some have jumped ship and got on the Mortal Kombat 11 bandwagon. Then there are The Division 2, Days Gone, and Devil May Cry 5 to satisfy itchy trigger fingers. All of these are AAA games that really push the gaming experience and keep us entertained.

We’re not done for the year, however. Here are a few more games to keep an eye out for that will close out the year:

1. Team Sonic Racing

Play on: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

Before you start to wonder why Sonic needs a car to race, he’s giving everyone else a fighting chance! There really hasn’t been a new Sonic game in a while and the upcoming movie isn’t really pulling its weight to hype people for the franchise. If you’re a Sonic fan, then Team Sonic Racing is bound to get you going. It’s a team racing game, so the goal is to end the race with the most points awarded for completing objectives rather than finishing first (so there’s that twist). Add in power-ups and items to use against opponents and you have the makings of a fun afternoon with friends. It came out on May 21^st!

2. Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled

Play on: PS4, Switch, Xbox One

If you’re a part of the PlayStation generation (as opposed to an older console), then Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled might be more your speed. Crash Bandicoot games aside, this title first came out on the PS1 and now comes with a shiny new makeover—complete with updated graphics and online multiplayer. It’s set to be released on June 21, 2019. Again, a more casual, party-type kind of game like the Sonic racer above, but this one has karts and not cars, but still delivers on the fun factor with a solid dose of nostalgia.

1. Judgment

Play on: PS4

If you’re a fan of Sega’s Yakuza series of games, then Judgment is a great game for you to get. It’s set in the same fictional Japanese district of the Yakuza games, but this time, you’re not an enforcer out to protect your turf and engage in mini games. Set for a June 25, 2019 release, you play Takayuki Yagami, a detective who is on the hunt for a serial killer. The game is darker and combines investigation with bare knuckled combat elements, all from a third-person perspective. It does have a story to tell, so if you enjoy single-player games with a solid story, then Judgment is an automatic pick.

1. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Play on: Switch

Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame will no doubt stay with us for a long time, and the newest game in the Ultimate Alliance franchise is going to be a great game to remind us that the fight with evil never ends. Up to four Nintendo Switch players can play and this is a beat ‘em up game, so there are near-endless hordes of goons to fight on your way to Thanos and his Black Order. There’s a wide range of heroes to choose from, so if you’re a diehard Marvel fan, mark July 19, 2019 down and get this game.

1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Play on: Switch

The beloved Fire Emblem franchise combines tactical, turn-based combat with classic Japanese RPG elements and frontlined with memorable characters. This time around, you’ll take the helm of one of three houses in the game, which will affect your combat prowess and decisions as the story progresses. Set for a July 25, 2019 release, Fire Emblem: Three Houses continues the tradition of the previous games in terms of how to play, not necessarily the storyline (think Final Fantasy), which is something to be expected in classic-styled JRPGs.

1. Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Play on: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

The rebooted Wolfenstein series continues as Bethesda shifts the focus from series protagonist B.J. to his twin daughters Jess and Soph Blazkowicz. Sometime after the events of Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, dear old dad goes missing, and it’s up to his girls to find him. Youngblood is mean for two players, because you’ll be playing the twins, in co-operative mode, but if you want to go on a Nazi-blasting good time solo, there’s an AI partner to join in on the fun. Wolfenstein: Youngblood is set for release on July 26, 2019.

1. Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Play on: PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One

If you remember Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PS1, then Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night’s gameplay, visuals, and overall vibe should be very familiar. Everything about Bloodstained looks and feels like the legendary Castlevania series of PlayStation games, including its creator: Koji Igarashi! It’s a classic 2D dungeon crawler with spruced-up graphics, and will definitely take you back to Alucard’s adventure through his dad’s castle. Thanks to massive and patient support from Kickstarter backers and fan’s Igarashi-san’s first game after leaving Konami is promised to be released on all platforms by July 25, 2019 (PC, PS4, and Xbox will be getting theirs as early as June 18^th).

1. Borderlands 3

Play on:PC, PS4, Xbox One

The game that started the “looter shooter” genre is finally back and we couldn’t be happier. Borderlands 3 features the nostalgic cel-shaded art style of the previous two games, a new set of characters to choose from—each with their own unique playstyles and weapon choices, of course—and a lot of new weapons that you can mix and match to blow up enemies in the most creative ways possible either alone or via online multiplayer. We can’t wait for the September 13, 2019 release date and get out hands on that rifle with legs that can chase enemies down while shooting at it.

1. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Play on: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Respawn Entertainment, responsible for the latest battle royale game Apex Legends, is at the helm of the Star Wars game fans desperately need. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order puts you in control of Cal Kestis, a low profile Jedi Knight doing his best to keep his head down during the time when Order 66 was in full effect. This puts the timeline to be between Episodes 3 and 4 when the Empire was in Jedi-hunting mode, so expect a third-person adventure thriller complete with lightsaber fights, Force powers, and a lot of Stormtroopers. Star Wars Jedi: Faller Order is set for a November 15, 2019 release date, just a scant few weeks ahead of Episode 9.

1. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Play on: Switch

The Nintendo Switch’s second mainline Pokémon game is set for a late 2019 release, and this time around, your novice trainer will start his/her adventure in the Galar region, which resembles England. As with any Pokémon game, the goal is to catch the pocket-sized monsters, do battle against rival trainers and gym leaders, and complete your collection. The Switch exclusive won’t be complete without a new set of starters, of course! You can take your pick from the fire-based Scorbunny, the plant-based Grookey, and the (adorable) water-based Sobble.