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Top 10 BEST Games Of 2019 (According To Critics)

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We’ve reached the end of 2019, and what a year it was. Plenty of great games released between and January and December, and plenty of ones that are better off worth forgetting. While everyone has their own opinions on what their game of the year is, in this article we’re going to list the top 10 best games according to aggregated critic review scores.

10. Manifold Garden (87% Critic Average)

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We’re kicking things off with an indie first-person puzzle game called Manifold Garden, which is definitely an interesting take on the genre. The game has you navigating an abstract series of structures that seem to repeat into infinity, while also solving a series of puzzles. The game’s world uses a different set of physical laws than our own, with gravity being manipulable and walls can be turned into floors and vice versa. Those who have played have remarked that is both beautiful to look at and challenging to beat, and is worth checking out for any puzzle game fan.

9. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (87% Critic Average)

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While Nintendo is hard at work on the sequel Breath of the Wild, in the meantime we got a remake of a Zelda classic, which is Link’s Awakening on Nintendo Switch. The game originally launched for the Game Boy in 1993 and then for the Game Boy Color in 1998, but this release on Switch brings it into current gen with vastly improved visuals and some quality of life improvements. The original game was already great, but this new version is now the go-to version for anyone interested

8. Astral Chain (87% Critic Average)

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Next up we have another Nintendo Switch-exclusive, with Astral Chain being the latest from revered developer PlatinumGames. AC is an action-adventure hack and slash game where players take control of a detective from the “Neuron” special police task force, who are tasked with dealing with problems in the game’s main world called “The Ark.” The game’s intense combat system received lots of praise, as well as its side characters and world-building. It ended up winning best action game at The Game Awards 2019, and should not be missed by any PlatinumGames fan or action aficionado in general.

7. Super Mario Maker 2 (88% Critic Average)

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The #7 spot on this list is taken by *yet another* Nintendo Switch exclusive, though this one shakes things up considerably in terms of genre. Super Mario Maker 2 is exactly what it sounds like: a game that lets you create your own Mario levels with tools that have been expanded upon from the first game on Wii U. Lots of new tools and assets are included, while also featuring a new single-player campaign called Story Mode that has players rebuilding Peach’s Castle. There are over 100 Nintendo-created courses included, which, along with the endless supply of user-created levels, ensures that this one will keep you coming back for more for a very long time.

6. Devil May Cry 5 (88% Critic Average)

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The Devil May Cry series was thought to have been in limbo for many years, as many were unsure if it would ever make a return. Developer Ninja Theory’s DmC: Devil May Cry was disliked by manylongtime fans, which resulted in the series disappearing from discussion for several years. However, with Devil May Cry 5 Capcom took back development duties, and the results were fantastic. Dante and Nero return as playable characters and are joined by newcomer V, who each have their unique playstyles. The game continues on where Devil May Cry 4 left off, though it fixes that game’s faults and ends up delivering what many are calling one of the best installments of the entire series.

5. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (89% Critic Average)

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We’re back to Nintendo Switch games taking over this list, and this time it is the latest installment in the beloved Fire Emblem series. After making a big comeback with 2013’s 3DS-exclusive Fire Emblem: Awakening, Three Houses serves as the first time that the series has appeared on a home console in over a decade. It is a tactical RPG that has players controlling a character that is soon asked to teach at Garreg March Monastery, which includes three school houses. The narrative will change depending on which house you choose, though each path will consist of the series’ tried-and-true SRPG combat and engaging character interactions. It seems like the Fire Emblem series can no wrong these days, and now that it’s on Switch it can be enjoyed by an even bigger audience.

4. Slay the Spire (89% Critic Average)

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Next up is another very unique title compared to the others, with Slay the Spire being a combination of both roguelike and deck-building card game gameplay. Players can choose from one of three predetermined characters, each containing their own unique starting relics and an initial deck of cards. The game originally released into Early Access in late 2017, though it finally officially launched this year and most seem to agree that it is an engrossing experience that is hard to stop playing.

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (90% Critic Average)

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FromSoftware has developed a reputation for creating some of the most challenging games on the market, which began with their Souls series back in 2009. While they have (sadly) moved on from that series, their new IP keeps that same level of challenge while adding some new twists to the formula. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has gameplay that includes stealth, exploration and combat, with a great emphasis on challenging boss battles. This game received universal acclaim, and even ended up winning game of the year at The Game Awards 2019.

2. Disco Elysium (92% Critic Average)

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This next entry is a game that snuck up on a lot of people, as it came from a relatively unknown developer named ZA/UM. Disco Elysium is a role-playing game featuring an open-world and dialogue-heavy gameplay mechanics, with the game itself being presented in an isometric perceptive. Players control a detective who is currently on a murder case, but is also suffering from alcohol-induced amnesia. It is an incredibly unique experience that left a lasting impression on all who played it, so don’t let this one go under your radar.

1. Resident Evil 2 (92% Critic Average)

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Even though this year was packed with lots of unique experiences that were truly unlike any other, at the end of it all the best game ended up being a remake of a classic from the 90s. The game is none other than Resident Evil 2, a game considered by many to be the best of the series, though now its remake has taken that mantle. Capcom has lovingly taken everything great about the original game and improved upon it, with a graphical overhaul and a switch to an over-the-shoulder camera angle more reminiscent of Resident Evil 4. The tense gameplay and sense of fear that players face as they explore Raccoon City and its countless deadly zombies is remarkable, which is then heightened tenfold by the massive and horrifying Mr. X. It goes to show that a framework that is over two decades old can still wow modern gamers, setting a new standard for all remakes going forward.

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Gaming

Will Stellar Blade be available for PC?

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It’s quite possible. Fans all over the world are interested in Shift Up’s highly anticipated action-adventure game, Stellar Blade. With its captivating post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of Nier and a compelling protagonist named Eve, it’s no wonder the game has generated such widespread attention.

The game consistently impresses with its stunning visuals and high-octane action, leaving players in awe with each new trailer.

Yet, just like other noteworthy second-party and third-party game releases, fans are pondering: Will Stellar Blade be available on PC?

In this article, we delve into the details to determine the platform availability of the highly anticipated title.

Will Stellar Blade be available on PC? Allow me to provide you with the answer.

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Unfortunately, Stellar Blade will not be available on PC, at least not initially. Currently, the game is only available on PlayStation 5 starting on April 26, 2024.

Regrettably, it appears that there is no indication of a potential PC release for Stellar Blade in the future. In most cases, trailers for PlayStation timed-exclusive titles conclude with a disclaimer that specifies the duration of their exclusivity.

In the Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth launch trailer, it is explicitly stated that the game will only be accessible on other platforms starting on May 29, 2024.

Regrettably, when it comes to the stellar blade, there is no indication of such.

It’s important to note that Sony Entertainment Interactive published Stellar Blade, unlike Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. This means that the chances of it being released on PC or other platforms in the near future are even slimmer.

However, it is worth noting that there is a chance the game might be released on PC in the future, given PlayStation’s track record of bringing their exclusive titles to the platform. However, it could be a while before this comes to fruition.

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A Review of Fallout 4

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After nearly ten years since its initial release, Bethesda has brought Fallout 4 to the PS5, offering enhanced technical performance that one would anticipate from a leap to a new generation. Does the open-world RPG still hold up in 2024?

Answering that question is quite challenging, I must say. While opinions may vary, it’s worth noting that Fallout 4 has its fair share of critics. However, one cannot deny the allure of its captivating gameplay loop, which keeps players hooked with its constant exploration, mutant battles, and character progression. The loop in question has undoubtedly stood the test of time, and Fallout 4 continues to captivate players with its addictive character development mechanics. From acquiring loot to distributing perk points, the game offers a truly engaging experience.

Fallout 4’s post-apocalyptic Boston is yet another example of Bethesda’s talent for creating immersive worlds that captivate and divert your attention from your intended path. This map is incredibly dense, providing adventure at every corner. This open world is incredibly immersive, captivating players for hours on end. The various character progression systems add depth and complexity to the experience.

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However, this is where the game begins to show some weaknesses, especially when compared to more contemporary standards. Technical limitations that were already dubious when Fallout 4’s release in 2015 hinder the gameplay experience. It’s quite disappointing to encounter a loading screen every time you enter or exit an interior location, which feels incredibly outdated, even with the significantly improved load times of the PS5 version.

Additionally, comparable restrictions limit the game’s overall scope. Now, it’s clear that one wouldn’t anticipate a radiation-soaked wasteland to be bustling with life, but Boston can’t help but come across as lacking ambition. As you journey through different locations, you’ll notice a noticeable lack of action. Even well-known settlements such as Diamond City and Goodneighbor, which are supposed to be bustling hubs of activity and trade, feel disappointingly empty with a population of only around 30 NPCs.

This illusion may have been somewhat passable back in 2015, but after almost a decade, it’s clear that the game’s outdated engine is to blame for many of its glaring flaws. It’s undeniable that some aspects of Fallout 4’s design haven’t aged well, especially considering how much the open-world genre has evolved in the past decade. While it’s not fair to expect a complete remake in the 2024 re-release, there are certain aspects that could have been improved upon.

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Fallout 4 undeniably possesses an alluring atmosphere, capturing that eerie sense of wonder that has become synonymous with the series. There is a unique experience in scaling the remnants of a decrepit skyscraper and surveying the desolate landscape, immersing oneself in the inherent solitude while the game’s subtly captivating music softly plays in the distance.

When it comes to immersion, let’s delve into Fallout 4’s take on role-playing. Upon its release, numerous dedicated Fallout fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the game’s decision to introduce a fully voiced protagonist, along with the limited dialogue choices that accompanied this change. Truly, the absence of morally ambiguous decisions in this game is quite noticeable, especially when comparing it to titles such as Fallout: New Vegas or even Fallout 3. The side quests often guide you towards two predictable options, where you can either embody a beacon of hope or a deranged maniac, and the latter option never truly feels authentic, given the protagonist’s predetermined, almost heroic role in the story.

Emerging from a two-century cryogenic sleep, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous landscape of post-apocalyptic America to save their kidnapped infant son, who was taken from the very same cryogenic facility. In this particular situation, deviating from the main questline may not contribute to the overall narrative coherence. However, it must be acknowledged that the story presents significant opportunities for making impactful decisions that can greatly influence the game world, especially when aligning oneself with pivotal factions.

Once again, it’s worth noting that there is limited opportunity to delve into your character’s personality and motivations in Fallout 4. As a result, the game can be seen as a regression compared to its predecessors. Furthermore, the side quests tend to be quite forgettable. The main plot of Fallout 3 had its fair share of issues, but it managed to find balance by incorporating some wild and unpredictable misadventures. The sequel, on the other hand, lacks personality, featuring one-dimensional characters and unremarkable dialogue. It heavily relies on self-referential storytelling, which can be immersion-breaking.

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If you’re interested in seeing faction plotlines come to a conclusion, you’ll have to go through a plethora of ‘radiant’ filler quests. These are the types of games that provide little context and simply place a procedurally generated objective marker on your map, instructing you to “go here, do something.” While the prospect of embarking on an adventure and uncovering hidden treasures is certainly enticing, the overall experience feels somewhat lacking in depth and emotion. It’s hard to ignore the excessive filler content that hinders your progress towards important narrative milestones.

However, it is worth mentioning that the gameplay loop of Fallout 4 is incredibly captivating, and combat plays a vital role in this experience. While it may not boast the most polished shooting mechanics compared to other games on the market, it undeniably stands out as the most enjoyable Fallout installment to date. The action in the game is filled with a satisfying and almost comical bloodlust. Whether you’re sniping super mutants with precision or hacking raiders to bits with modified chainsaws, the result is a spectacle of skulls popping and limbs flying.

The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly V.A.T.S., which grants you the power to manipulate time and execute visually stunning attacks on specific body parts. Even after nearly ten years, there is still no other system quite like it. The version of V.A.T.S. in Fallout 4 truly stands out, offering moments of pure chaos and excitement. Experiencing the exhilarating thrill of a deathclaw’s head exploding mere moments before its talons make contact with your face; being rendered speechless as a mini nuke hurtles directly towards you; obliterating grotesquely mutated wildlife with your beloved energy weapon, all captured in flawless slow motion. This is an exceptional experience.

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Regrettably, not everything that Fallout 4 does is met with universal acclaim. Despite being largely overlooked, the game’s settlement system continues to be a topic of heated debate. During your adventure, you’ll stumble upon small communities that you can nurture by collecting various items and utilizing specific materials to construct a wide range of structures. These include essential defenses like walls and gates, as well as intricate computer networks and ingenious mechanical contraptions.

The system itself is undeniably impressive, providing an immense amount of depth for players who truly want to immerse themselves in the experience. If you’re looking for a classic Fallout experience, settlements might come across as unnecessary baggage, adding unnecessary weight to an already content-packed game that can sometimes feel like busywork. It’s quite frustrating how settlements don’t immediately prove their value. The initial phase involves the monotonous task of collecting a vast amount of resources, and that’s just for the basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

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While certain aspects of Fallout 4 may not have stood the test of time, it’s worth noting that the PS5 port does indeed deliver on its commitment to enhancing the game’s technical performance. The game’s performance mode, running at 60 frames per second, is impressively smooth overall, with only occasional minor hitches lasting for a fraction of a second in crowded areas. The smooth frame rate greatly enhances the gunplay, which can sometimes feel a bit twitchy. Additionally, the dynamic 4K resolution significantly improves the overall visual experience, making everything look better than ever.

From an artistic standpoint, this video game can be visually unappealing. It’s safe to say that the visuals were less than impressive back in 2015, and unfortunately, they haven’t aged well. The human character models leave much to be desired, with their lackluster facial features and lifeless expressions. The lip-syncing and facial animations are particularly disappointing.

In summary

The core gameplay loop of Fallout 4 remains strong, despite the fact that the surrounding adventure is starting to show its age, nearly ten years after its initial release. The addition of a smooth 60-fps performance mode will surely please many returning players. Roaming through post-apocalyptic Boston can still provide some enjoyment, especially with the reliable V.A.T.S. system at your disposal. However, it is undeniable that open-world games have made significant progress since the release of Fallout 4, which some may argue already felt outdated even at its launch in 2015.

Pros:

  • The open-world design is both dense and engaging
  • Engaging progression systems that keep you hooked
  • V.A.T.S. continues to impress
  • The performance on PS5 is impressively smooth
  • Significantly decreased loading times
  • Several poignant narrative moments
  • The soundtrack creates a captivating atmosphere

Cons:

  • Shows signs of significant deterioration in various aspects
  • Unremarkable side quests and forgettable characters
  • Lacking depth in the realm of role-playing
  • An abundance of mundane tasks
  • The character models are visually unappealing

Good 7/10

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Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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