Community Review: 2019 So Far

The first quarter is done and dusted, and with it the first round of major indies and releases. So rather than focusing on a single title for today’s Community Review, let’s take stock of 2019 so far.

It hasn’t been too bad year so far, all things considered. Outside of the extremities – huge successes like Apex Legends and debacles like what happened with Anthem – the quality has been consistently good.

Resident Evil 2 set a nice bar with one of the most faithful and assured remasters in modern times. Wargroove promised Advance Wars with a cute dog, and delivered both those things in spades. Ace Combat 7 quietly did its thing with by bringing arcade flight shooters back, and of all things, Tetris 99 ended up being one of the best takes on the battle royale genre in ages.

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/01/resident-evil-2-the-kotaku-review/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/dsbvu73v6gumxltqlocj.png” title=”Resident Evil 2: The Kotaku Review” excerpt=”There’s a lot to love about the new Resident Evil 2, from its brash bloodiness to the wide variety of experiences packed into the game. Looking over the wreckage of my playthroughs, my own feelings are complicated.”]

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/02/tetris-99-is-completely-insane/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/02/tetris-99-1-410×231.gif” title=”Tetris 99 Is Completely Insane” excerpt=”If you found yourself questioning why anyone would turn Tetris into a battle royale, here is your answer.”]

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/02/players-are-making-advance-wars-and-fire-emblem-maps-inside-wargroove/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/uapau2nswh6kr2rrt2ty.png” title=”Players Are Making Advance Wars And Fire Emblem Maps Inside Wargroove” excerpt=”Wargroove is an excellent spiritual successor to the Advance Wars series, and in keeping with the tradition of those games, it comes complete with a robust map editor that players can use to make all sorts of interesting stuff., One player used it to remake the campaign from the original Advance Wars.”]

The blockbusters of 2019 managed to stick their landings – for the most part – as well. The Division 2 has had a relatively smooth launch across all platforms, and Devil May Cry 5 was a ton of fun despite the dated level design. Metro Exodus was a solid addition to the survival shooter series that has gotten more robust since launch, and Sekiro has been beloved from the day it launched. And that’s not to forget Trials Rising, Steins;Gate Elite, Jump Force, Far Cry New Dawn, the dumb explosions of Crackdown 3, or the return of brutal rally racing in DiRT Rally 2.0.

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/03/im-playing-sekiro-like-a-total-coward/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/03/sekiro-coward-1-410×231.jpg” title=”I’m Playing Sekiro Like A Total Coward” excerpt=”A long time ago, someone gave me a piece of advice that’s remained true even today. The way people play video games is often an expression of their personality. Arrogant, brash types tend to be more aggressive, take more risks. Shy and retiring types tend to hold back a little more, often filling the support-type role. As for me? I tend to be overly reckless. Which isn’t great when you fire up a game like Sekiro.”]

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/03/a-small-thing-the-division-2-does-really-well/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/03/the-division-2-indoors-2-410×231.jpg” title=”A Small Thing The Division 2 Does Really Well” excerpt=”Video games are so often about maintaining one illusion or another.”]

[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/03/you-dont-have-to-knowone-pieceto-enjoyworld-seeker/” thumb=”https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-large/konlfsoaudb13qxoslyx.jpg” title=”You Don’t Have To Know One Piece To Enjoy World Seeker” excerpt=”Monkey D. Luffy creeps me out. I’ve tried getting to know the main character of the popular manga and anime series many times, but his blank stare and creepy grin have put me right off One Piece every time. Now that’s I’ve had some time stretching, spinning, and leaping my way across Jail Island as the boy pirate in One Piece: World Seeker, I’m starting to warm to the little freak.”]

Thing is – what’s your favourite game of the quarter so far? I’ve put together a poll below: you can vote for up to three games, or nominate anything that’s left off the list. And beyond the games mentioned, how have you found 2019 in gaming so far?


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