The best games of 2019 for PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Switch and more
Before another year of new gaming releases kicks off, Ben Catley-Richardson looks back at the best games of 2019
GAME OF THE YEAR
Modern Warfare
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Price: £59.99 (amazon.co.uk)
2019's Modern Warfare reimagines the best Call of Duty ever to spectacular effect, blasting you through a controversial but quality campaign and reinvigorating the series' take on multiplayer. Visuals are staggering, gunplay is electric and the newly launched Battle Pass Season 1 provides a wealth of aesthetic reasons to keep playing.
Notable mentions: Red Dead Redemption 2 is engrossing on PC, while Metro Exodus is a superbly atmospheric FPS.
MULTIPLAYER GAME OF THE YEAR
Mordhau
Platform: PC
Price: £35.99 (store.steampowered.com)
Mordhau is a Medieval multiplayer mosh pit that boasts an intensely skilful combat system. Practice is mandatory and many won't make it past the steep learning curve, but this is a rare and satisfying treat.
Notable mentions: Dead By Daylight: Nightmare Edition is a chilling masterpiece, and Wolfenstein: Youngblood reignites the appeal of co-op play.
SPORTS GAME OF THE YEAR
Wreckfest
Top stories
-
50+ jobs ‘to be created at major new Inverness office’
-
Inverness man who attempted to break into a house was caught on CCTV
-
£100bn investment potential offers ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for Highlands and islands
-
Man stole quantities of booze from an Inverness supermarket to fuel his addiction
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Price: £34.99 (game.co.uk)
Racing lines are fine but real thrills come from crushed metal and showers of sparks. Wreckfest is packed full of crunchy collisions, stunning crashes and bizarre challenges, and guaranteed to make you grin endlessly.
Notable mentions: The incredible professionalism of F1 2019 impressed, while GRID sped back into our hearts with a larger than life performance.
SURPRISE GAME OF THE YEAR
The Outer Wilds
Platform: PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4
Price: £19.99 (epicgames.com)
Set in a time loop that ends with your universe exploding in a beautiful supernova, The Outer Wilds blends the excitement of space exploration with the narrative and depth of a compelling adventure.
Notable mentions: Everyone loves to honk with the unique Goose Game, and Death Stranding surprised by being all about the wonders of a good long walk.
REMAKE OF THE YEAR
Resident Evil 2
Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
Price: £24.99 (argos.co.uk)
Resident Evil 2 didn't just do justice to the adored 1998 original, it surpassed it on all fronts. The zombies are chillingly fabulous, the combat is refreshingly tense and now we're all praying for a remake of Resident Evil 3.
Notable mentions: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening brought back amazing memories, while The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt appearing on Switch amazed everyone.
MOBILE GAME OF THE YEAR
Football Manager 2020 Touch
Platform: iPad/iPhone
Price: £19.99 (apps.apple.com)
With new features adding life to long-term play, Football Manager 2020 Touch genuinely rewards the commitment and dedication needed to succeed at this level of sports simulation.
Notable mentions: Rome: Total War Alexander wages wonderful war on mobile, and Graveyard Keeper provides an addictively gruesome diversion.
