by Theresa Samons
This year went as many seem to go nowadays–plenty of great games to play, not enough time to play them. Here are some 2019 games I still hope to get to eventually. This is my digital version of a libation for them.
Super Mario Maker 2 (story mode)
Kingdom Hearts 3
Borderlands 3
Tetris 99
So without further ado, let’s get to my top 5 games of 2019:
5. Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – Switch
Link’s Awakening may have been the one of the first dozen Game Boy games I played back in the day. Even though it was many years since I last played (the DX version that time), everything came rushing back to me. This is such a wonderful game, and I am so glad to have been able to share it in this format with my kiddo.
4. Yoshi’s Crafted World – Switch
What can I say? Anyone who knows me knows that this game was making my top 5. It has the same great appeal as Wooly World with some new gameplay mechanics to keep it fresh. There was a good bit of couch coop whooping and hollering going on!
3. Untitled Goose Game – Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
So it may seem like 2019 didn’t have a standout game, you know, another Breath of the Wild. Well it did–you guys just forgot. How could you? This has been THE BEST gaming meme year ever! The game is obviously pretty darn fun, too. Sometimes it is even a little frustrating because it’s not always super straightforward. After a long day at the office, it’s great to come home, become one with the goose, and ruin some unfortunate shopkeeper’s day.
2. Pokemon Sword/Shield – Switch
How many people actually play both releases for the Galar region? Probably a whole lot more than you’d think. Including me. It’s been cool to play both and see which Pokemon are specific to each game, I’m completely hooked on the atmosphere (superb localizing job on this one, very British) and the beauty of the game, and yes, I do have to catch them all! Frankly I’m a little glad for Dexit. Can you imagine going after 900-ish Pokemon?
1. FFXIV: Shadowbringers – PS4, PC, Mac
I still haven’t done this FFXIV expansion justice, but it’s fantastic already! Just when I thought there was no way the story could get any better, it did, and it sunk its claws in me and pulled me right into the thick of things. It’s been great to guess at what’s happening next, share my predictions with fellow Smashpad writer and podcaster, Pat, and see if I was completely off the mark or somewhat close. This game is pure heaven story-wise, and any huge MMO fan should be running to give it a try if they haven’t already.
Well, that just about wraps it up. Happy gaming in 2020!