It’s a new year, which means big new releases. 2019 is looking to set the year rolling hot with big-name sequels, remastered classics and additional episodes in ongoing stories. These are the top 10 games you should play in January 2019 but first let’s get look at a few honourable mentions:
- Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey
- Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
- Genesis Alpha One
- Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2
- Aftercharge
Without further ado, let’s get into the top 10.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Some more Nintendo Wii U games are being ported over to the Switch. Big surprise, right? Fortunately, they happen to be New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, together forming New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. They’re both stellar platformers that are worth experiencing and release on January 11th 2019. Toadette and Nabbit arrive as additional playable characters with the former capable of using the new Super Crown to turn into Peachette for copying Princess Peach’s abilities.
Onimusha: Warlords
Onimusha is back…kind of. Onimusha: Warlords is basically Onimusha: Warlords, a remaster of the classic PlayStation 2 title. Along with improved visuals, it features widescreen support, a new control scheme and a new soundtrack along with an Easy mode. Of course, those who want the authentic old experience can have that as well especially since the fixed camera angles remain. It’s out on January 15th 2019 for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Switch.
The Walking Dead: The Final Season – Episode 3: Broken Toys
Telltale Games is more or less gone but 20 or so of its developers are helping Skybound Games with the last two episodes of The Walking Dead: The Final Season. Episode 3: Broken Toys arrives next month with Clementine and AJ doing their best to survive in their new home. Once the undead comes knocking, nowhere proves to be safe once more. Episode 3 is out on January 15th 2019 for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.
Life Is Strange 2: Episode 2 – Rules
The journey of Sean and Daniel Diaz continues in Life is Strange 2: Episode 2 – Rules. We last saw the brothers on a bus heading to Mexico following some bad stuff that occurred on their street in Seattle. Expect more tough decisions to make as Sean has to watch out for his brother while also acting as a good influence. Episode 2 is out in January for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Resident Evil 2
The long-awaited “remake” is nearly here but Resident Evil 2 is a lot more than that. Its revamped visuals mask a vastly changed game with an enhanced narrative, rewritten dialogue, a new over-the-shoulder camera and several gameplay changes. The essence of the PlayStation One classic is still here though as our heroes Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield struggle to escape from the nightmarish Racoon City. Resident Evil 2 releases on January 25th 2019 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Tropico 6
Death, taxes and El Presidente – you can always be assured of these three inevitabilities in Tropico 6. Developed by Limbic Entertainment instead of Haemimont Games, Tropico 6 will take place on an archipelago for the first time. Prepare your best election speech – Tropico 6 arrives on January 25th 2019 for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.
Kingdom Hearts 3
Despite all the jokes about the inanity of the series’ plot, Kingdom Hearts 3 still represents a monumental moment. All the events of the previous games and their spin-offs have led to this as Sora and friends face Master Xehanort and Organization 13 in one last epic battle. Keyblade transformations, the return of Link Attacks, new Summons and a variety of worlds and characters from Disney movies like Frozen, Hercules and Big Hero 6 await. Kingdom Hearts 3 is out on January 29th 2019 for Xbox One and PS4.
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
A game of multiple games, Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes sees our favourite assassin competing with Badman to gather the six Death Balls. Since they’re trapped inside of a game console, Travis and Badman will encounter titles with elements from classics like Hotline Miami. We’ll see how this indie homage pans out when it releases exclusively for Nintendo Switch on January 18th 2019.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the first mainline title in the series since 2007. As such, it has a lot to live up to but having a storyline where the player flies as part of a penal military unit after being accused of attempted murder on a former president? Well, it feels just about right for Ace Combat. With gorgeous visuals, a variety of maps and missions, and some good old flight combat, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown looks to be a worthy follow-up when it launches on January 18th 2019 for Xbox One and PS4. It arrives on February 1st for PC.
The Grand Tour Game
An unexpected adaptation of the show, The Grand Tour Game is developed by Amazon Game Studios. It sports some fairly nice graphics and will see players engaging with the racing on an episodic basis. Each episode will have different chapters that look to capture the tone of the show, whether it’s racing a car that Jeremy Clarkson is reviewing or taking control of Hammond in time trials. It’s kitschy and interesting – let’s just hope the live action element isn’t overdone when The Grand Tour Game debuts on January 15th for Xbox One and PS4.