2018 has had its fair share of great games, but there have been many rough spots too; with outright scandals such as Fallout 76 fresh in mind, there have been numerous similar disconnections between the industry leading developers and its fans who only appear to become more and more dissatisfied – often rightfully so. However, in dark times as these, we turn to the small glimmers of hope. Presented below are the games that we are looking forward to in 2019 (in alphabetical order)!

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Not much is known yet about this particular game. It doesn’t even have a confirmed release date, but it should come out in the next year. We’re super excited to see what this gorgeous looking game has to offer, especially when considering that Vanillaware’s previous game Dragon’s Crown was such a masterpiece.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

We’ve had our eyes on the upcoming Ace Combat game for quite a while now. Even when disregarding the VR aspects of the game, this one looks to deliver on its promises and become a memorable entry in the series.

Blazing Chrome

Having personally spent countless hours on side-scrolling arcade games recently, Blazing Chrome looks like a dream. This is exactly the type of old-school action that’s needed when story based games simply doesn’t cut it. I can’t wait to play this one. Hopefully it has good scoring mechanics!

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Another side-scrolling game that looks to become the spiritual successor to the classic Castlevania games. Judging from the released footage the game has fantastic graphics, a really interesting setting and the gameplay looks really fun, especially for fans of arcade style games.

Cyberpunk 2077

I’ve been a fan of old-school dark future and Cyberpunk since I started playing tabletop role-playing games back in the early 90s. Cyberpunk 2077 looks to capture exactly the same look and feel that we imagined in our tabletop RPGs back then. This trailer is mind blowing in so many ways you have to see it to believe it. You definitely don’t want to miss this one if you’re into dark future and/or role-playing games!

Dead or Alive 6

The Dead or Alive fighting game series have always been a staple when it comes to fast paced arcade fighting and the upcoming entry in the series looks to continue that tradition. Whether you play competitively or just mash buttons like most people, this game is sure to entertain with its super fast ninjas, pretty girls and bone breaking special moves.

Devil May Cry 5

If you’re looking for something insanely over the top, I think Devil May Cry 5 will fit the bill. This series is known for its demon-slaying in-your-face attitude, great visuals and tight controls. We think this one will please the fans of the series, and deliver even more satisfying hack ‘n slash action.

DiRT Rally 2.0

The first Dirt Rally was a boon to fans of rally racing. Everybody seemed to love that game for its great controls, amazing replay value and impressive, fast rendering graphics. This sequel promises to improve on all fronts, which is sorely needed after the not-as-great Dirt 4. I would have been happy with just location DLCs to the original Dirt Rally, but here’s hoping that Dirt Rally 2.0 can become our next favorite rally game.

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition

The Crystal Chronicles spin-off game in the Final Fantasy series always felt a little under-appreciated to me. For that reason I am happy to see it getting a second chance for the current consoles.

Final Fantasy VII Remake

Every Final Fantasy fan has their favorite game in the series, and Final Fantasy VII has garnered a very dedicated fan base over the years. The footage we have seen from the remake looks incredible, and we’re really hoping that it will finally release in 2019, as hinted by the developers.

Ghost of Tsushima

Developed by the talented people at Sucker Punch Productions, Ghost of Tsushima looks like a gripping action game with a heavy focus on story, drama and atmosphere. Its feudal Japan theme is sure to capture our imaginations.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe

Huge side-scrolling platformer with lots of characters to play in couch co-op mode. What’s not to love?

Resident Evil 2

The fan favorite Resident Evil 2 returns with completely remade graphics, and lots of new features. This one will be epic, to say the least.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Fans of Dark Souls all over the world are eager to jump into this new third-person action game by From Software. It is said to feature a clever hit-points system, more freedom of movement and fast paced combat, set in a dark fantasy setting heavily inspired by feudal Japan.

Shenmue III

Shenmue fans are finally getting some love with the previously released HD versions of Shenmue I & II. The third game in the series looks to capture our hearts and souls once again.

Streets of Rage 4

Even to this day, few beat ’em ups can measure themselves to the masterpiece that is Streets of Rage 3. While I don’t dare to hope that this new sequel will be able to surpass the greatness of the past, let’s at least hope that it will be a great game and a worthy sequel. The series deserves it.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Arguably one of the best games in the Tales of series is getting a HD remaster with two new characters and bonus content. This is co-op action RPG at its best, featuring a gripping story, incredibly fun gameplay and a fantastic soundtrack.

Team Sonic Racing

A new racing game set in the world of Sonic the Hedgehog. Featuring a solid cast of characters, amazing graphics, arcade style gameplay, lots of fan service and a fantastic soundtrack. This will be a perfect game to enjoy with friends and family.

Total War: Three Kingdoms

The Total War series takes us to the Three Kingdoms of ancient China. If you are looking for grand strategy, kingdom management and amazing field battles and sieges, then this game is for you.

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

The Trine games quickly became favorites by gamers all over the world who enjoyed the amazing awe-inspiring graphics and clever level design. We are excited to see what the fourth game will add to the experience.