While 2019 didn’t bring in mega-blockbusters, it’s still been a great year for videogames. In fact, in many ways, this was my best year as I made an effort to play as many new games as possible to expand my horizons. The games that appealed to me the most were games that took me to expansive worlds, challenged me with difficult puzzles and taught me new mechanics. While there are still so many titles from 2019 that I haven’t had a chance to play yet, I’m definitely impressed with most of the titles that I did experience this year. Here are Kikopaff’s Top 10 Games of 2019, ranked by how much I shouted “Oh my God!” or just by how many inaudible noises I made either from joy or stress. Simply put, these were the games that gave me the most joy in 2019.

10. Felix the Reaper

Felix the Reaper was all about bringing Felix to his one true love with as much style and comedy as possible. I haven’t enjoyed a puzzle game so much as dancing along to Felix the Reaper‘s catchy and boppy soundtrack. Simply watching Felix break some moves across the floor brought a smile to my face every time. But it’s also Felix the Reaper‘s unique manipulation of shadows, its difficult puzzles and fascination with death versus life that kept me engrossed for so long. Felix the Reaper is a lovely tapestry of storytelling, death, dance, art history, love and comedy, and I’m so thrilled that a game like this exists.

9. Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Maker 2 blew my mind with its whopping features and story mode. Nothing else has quenched my thirst for creativity than Super Mario Maker 2‘s pile of retro game styles, unique levels and courses, and of course, the wonderful creativity of the online community. Packaged as basically two games in one, I know that I still haven’t experienced the full depth of Super Mario Maker 2 and really hope that Nintendo releases more future downloadable content for this masterpiece.

8. Wargroove

“There’s something blissful about watching your opponents crumble under your might. Whether it’s the time spent analysing the battlefield or watching your units closing in on the enemy faction, victories in Wargroove are simply a delight. Wargroove is a satisfying turn-based tactical experience that rewards you for executing smart strategies. Like a game of chess, Wargroove is about outthinking your opponents, reading the situation and finding the silver lining of victory. Add that to a charming little world filled with vibrant characters, gripping soundtrack and endless replayability, and you’ll get something far more than a spiritual successor to Advance Wars.”

Read my full review of Wargroove here.

7. Tetris 99

Who knew that a cult classic combined with one of the decade’s newest game genres would truly transform the multiplayer experience? Because I’m in for more of Tetris 99‘s stressful, competitive and addictive gameplay. The addition of different themes such as old school Mario and timed events like a special Luigi’s Mansion 3 event makes the game fresh and exciting every time I visit the main menu. Tetris 99 alone is worth the Nintendo Online membership, and I’m excited to see where Tetris 99 goes in 2020.

6. Untitled Goose Game

The world didn’t know it needed the menacing goose. But since the launch of Untitled Goose Game, it’s redefined the indie landscape by proving that sometimes all the world really needs is something silly as honking at our neighbours and putting the damn rake in the lake. I haven’t laughed at a videogame as much as I have with Untitled Goose Game and I hope that this trend continues in the videogame landscape. I’ve also now made a habit of approaching my friends in real life and saying “Honk” at random moments, all thanks to the influence of the naughty, but lovable goose.

5. The Outer Worlds

I think I’m one of those odd gamers that has never played a Fallout game (don’t @ me) but even without the background knowledge of Fallout‘s cult following, The Outer Worlds is an impressive feat especially among so many multiplayer/loot type shooters that exist today. The dialogue is some of the best I’ve seen and many of its characters are believable and offer honest experiences. While some of the UI could use some improvements, it wasn’t enough to deter me from coming back to this fantastic space world.

4. Pokemon Sword and Shield

I knew from the moment I saw that Pokemon Sword and Shield had a 360 camera function that I was committed to this brand new title. No, I wasn’t one of the raging fans that was outraged at the lack of past gen Pokemons, but instead, I admired what Pokemon Shield offered me. For the first time in any Pokemon title, I loved the Pokemon Trainers and their fabulous wardrobes more than the brand new Pokemon out in the wild. That’s not to say there weren’t any great surprises hidden in the tall grass (Yamper is my new love). But with its package of a catchy soundtrack, a story that’s much more than it seems, and a pack of new Pokemon to catch, train and feed, Pokemon Shield just might be my new favourite Pokemon title.

 3. Slay the Spire

I don’t think I’ve ever learned so many intricate details about deck-building and synergy than I have in Slay the Spire. Which is interesting considering I’ve played ~100 hours of Hearthstone. What Slay the Spire masterfully achieves is its perfect combination of deck-building components and a familiar dungeon experience, but takes both of its mechanics to new heights. Nothing gave me quite as much satisfaction as crafting the perfect card or getting that piece of loot that I just needed in time for a heavy battle. Its selection of three heroes that you choose from offer varying play types and unique strengths, that no run is ever the same. Also, poison cards are the freaking best.

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm

“The early cradles of civilizations must now remain steadfast in the face of new challenges. Disaster strikes as mankind attempts to achieve glory, the consequences of our actions give birth to climate change, and leaders must now work together to help those in need. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm pushes the boundaries of its existing mechanics, and creates a refreshing, authentic strategy experience. Introducing new ideas, as well as former ones, unfolds a Civilization experience like no other. With many new and exciting mechanics to master, Gathering Storm might be one of the best expansions the series has ever launched yet.”

Read my full review of Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm here.

1. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Since its release in July 2019, I’m still thinking about Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Its majestic score still plays over and over in my head (I mean seriously, listen to it), its tactical battlefield is one of the most enticing I’ve played through, and more importantly, its characters are so memorable, that I’ve developed a deep attachment to my students, their potential, and their dreams for a better future. No other game has offered me this much investment into its world. I know my students’ strengths and weaknesses because of the time that Fire Emblem: Three Houses has allowed me to get to know them both on the battlefield and in the quieter moments of academy life. Its support conversations are the most detailed and emotional dialogue I’ve ever been a part of in videogames, and its voice acting is superb in a genre that’s often known for its tacky, childish voiceovers. The four plots intertwining each of the three houses are written so beautifully, I was left in tears in multiple cliffhangers. Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a masterful tale of anguish, revenge, and hope, and undoubtedly deserves my spot as Game of the Year 2019.

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Honourable mentions

These are the games that didn’t quite make the list but still gave me excellent gameplay experiences.

ISLANDERS

“If strategy or city-building games have always interested you, but you’re intimidated by the complex systems, micromanagement of citizens, or the hundreds of Wiki pages, Islanders is a perfect place to start. Islanders is a satisfying journey that focuses on the synergy of your buildings and infrastructure rather than your status as a given ruler or lord. It’s a refreshing way of tackling city simulation and a gentle approach to bettering your islands. More often than not, Islanders is about beating your high score and enjoying the ride on the way there.”

Read my full review of Islanders here.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus did something that no other videogame has ever achieved, and that is, it made me brave. It eased me into the genre of survival horror and helped me brace through the hair-raising combat against violent, bloodthirsty creatures like a pro. Metro Exodus takes the immersive adventure to a new level thanks to its sprawling post-apocalyptic Russia and its realism. Scavenging for items and crafting my weapons feels rewarding and following Artyom’s story is simply a delight. I recommend you pick this up if you haven’t already.

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The Backlog

These are the games that I played this year and would’ve included in this list if they weren’t released prior to 2019.

• Moonlighter
• Celeste
• Darkest Dungeon
• Two Point Hospital

What are your top games of 2019? Do you agree with my list? Let me know in the comments below.