8. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PC, PS4, Xbox One) – 2019

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice gameplay Gamescom 2018

Probably my most anticipated release of 2019, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the newest project of FromSoftware, famed developer of the Soulsborne franchise. Sekiro is an action-adventure video game that focuses on shinobi, or more commonly known as a ninja, as he sets out to rescue his lord and take revenge on the rival clan that severed his arm and left him for dead.

The game features both action and stealth gameplay elements, emphasizing vertical terrain traversal through the use of several gadgets implanted in the prosthetic arm of the shinobi. The prosthetic also acts as a weapon, allowing for a wide variety of kills and combat strategies, which should help the player in the challenging role of playing a FromSoftware game – the company is notorious for games with unforgiving skill caps, such as the Souls series and Bloodborne.

Similar to MGSV in that: the game centers on revenge and redemption, and a lone protagonist in search of it. The gadgets on hand also gives it a wide berth when it comes to strategizing for the various enemy types, as well as the expectedly difficult bosses.

Better than MGSV in that: From Software is a company not only known for their challenging games, but also amazing storytelling through the game’s design, often employing the rule of ‘show, don’t tell’ in their core philosophy.

Extreme Terrain Traversal: Unlike previous From Software games, Sekiro allows for more freedom of movement through traversal of different terrains and levels. The shinobi’s prosthetic arm acts as a grappling hook of sorts, allowing him to cover more ground and distance in a variety of ways.

Various Enemy Design: The game is set in a reimagine 16th century Japan, where there are supernatural creatures as well as human ones. Sekiro sees the shinobi fighting through various foes in order to save his lord and take revenge upon the clan that left him for dead.

Use Everything at Your Disposal: The shinobi is equipped with a prosthetic arm after his was severed. It employs several weapons and tools which will assist him in his mission to conquer his foes. One of these tools is the flare (pictured above) that can blind enemies in order to make them more vulnerable to attacks.

7. A Way Out (PC, PS4, Xbox One) – 2018

A Way Out gameplay trailer

Easily one of the best releases this year, A Way Out is also a surprising game, in terms of both its origins and its game design. Published by the franchise killer known as Electronic Arts under their EA Originals program and developed by Hazelight Studios, the game follows two convicted prisoners who must break out of prison and stay on the run from authorities. The game features no single player mode; it is purely played local or online, and only in split screen co-op. This game design is surprising in two ways: that a narrative-based multiplayer game is actually good, and that EA actually published it, despite the risks involved in such a niche game design.

A Way Out follows the story of Leo and Vincent as they break out of prison and attempt to run from various authorities on the outside. The game heavily focuses on teamwork between two players, and more often than not it will require strict coordination in order to succeed. Gameplay is also heavier on narrative and exposition, and fleshes out the story through both the characters’ points of view, making for an intriguing yet highly fresh way of game design.

Similar to MGSV in that: it tells its story unconventionally and often makes use of the environment for deliberate gameplay choices.

Refreshing Perspectives: A Way Out features a vastly different camera system, but will most often use split screen, allowing players to work together to achieve their goals.

Work Together, Escape Together: In certain parts of the game, the camera will shift towards full screen, emphasizing the nature of the task at hand.  Pictured above, Leo and Vincent must work together to scale a firewall in the prison they are currently in.

Peak Attention to Detail: Aside from the main storyline, Leo and Vincent also engage in different activities together, even in mundane tasks such as this ‘Connect Four’ game clone. This add another layer of value to the game, allowing for some exposition through Leo and Vincent spending time together while also providing a break from the main missions.