Remnant: From the Ashes is a game that mixes every trendy mechanic. Shooter, procedural generation, Souls-like combat, online focus… But, somehow, Gunfire manages to make something unique ad fresh that, even with some flaws, is fun ad interesting from the beginning to the end.

Astral Chain is one of the best experiences of the genre on Nintendo Switch. PlatinumGames has managed to revitalize the gameplay and take its complexity and sensations further than it has ever done before. The combination of character and legion implies having to take into account double the elements while fighting, which at the same time allows for better combos and a comforting sensation whilst carrying out whatever movements we want to.

The addition of way too many systems as well as mechanics have caused all of the good things in Control, which are a lot, to get shadowed by other elements that are either not appropriately resolved or that do not really add to the overall value of the game. It still is a very enjoyable piece due to its gameplay as well as its visual and artistic level, but it inevitably leaves a bittersweet feeling given that it comes from Remedy Entertainment, a studio that I did not expect to leave this many unattended elements in its narrative.

Double Fine enters the roguelike genre proposing an experience that, although is dazzling at an artistic level, it presents some frictions in its gameplay. The limited variety of skills and objects that you can use and a series of shallow combat systems end up creating a title that, despite being a worthy product, fails to meet the expectations it generates in the first minutes of the game.

The arrival of the multiplayer as well as the possibility of enjoying the Wolfenstein experience with other players is overshadowed by some bad decisions related to the progression and rhythm of the game. What could have been good news for the franchise ends up being a step back in the quality of this saga.

The alternative story mode will delight the original anime followers; the gameplay is frantic and the talent is appreciated, but the reduced number of characters, modes and scenarios looks to us as a nonsense that strikes down a good fighting game.

Intelligent Systems and Koei Tecmo have managed to create a game that - even if it juggles with several complex playable systems - manages to find a great balance between them to deliver one of those solid, charismatic experiences that fans will remember for years.

Growtopia jumps from mobile devices to consoles bringing with it an experience with a structure that does not completely fit into these platforms. Its waiting times and other typical mechanics of the smartphone gaming market make this adaptation a difficult one to enjoy in a traditional way.

It is a fun and light alternative that allows players to enjoy an adventure full of fan service in co-op mode, although it has some camera problems.

We found ourselves a complete, long adventure with countless possibilities: a real homage to Dragon Quest and its legacy. It is a vide ogame that, as a spin-off, manages to achieve something very rare: to surpass some of the main entries. And the only way to do this is by caring about the brand, treating it the way it deserves, and adding mechanics the way they should be added.

Of course, it is not a game suitable for sensitive hearts because, excuse the expression, it hurts more than a kick down there. But it is that comforting pain, that pain with which you identify yourself, that pain that gives you hope to keep going, that pain that reminds you that you are alive, that pain that gives you the strength to keep fighting; that pain that, sometimes, is necessary.

The work of 505 Games is a proposal that pays homage to the metroidvania genre in a conservative way. Polishing with great success its formula but without offering anything innovative to what we already know about it.

Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered premieres in Change with success with a proposal of action and destruction that overcomes the passage of time.

In short, it makes creating levels as exciting or more exciting than playing them. Miyamoto would be proud.

The Sinking City is an amazing experience, portraying a great interpretation of the pieces of H. P. Lovecraft. Adding together L.A. Noire with Sherlock Holmes, Frogwares gives us a game that blends private investigation, shooting and narrative into a believable world that is immersive and molded by our decisions, making us feel the true protagonist of the adventure.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is a perfect remake of the classic game that put a smile on a ton of players' faces. While adapted to the current times thanks to a beautiful visual design, Beenox manages to pull off what should be one of the most fun games of the year.

Outer Wilds is one of the greatest surprises we have received. A game that mixes exploration with a Groundhog Day-like scheme and a charismatic narrative to give, as a result, something truly unique. A hidden gem that everyone should try.

Elsweyr is another great chapter for The Elder Scrolls Online. It doesn’t include anything revolutionary, but with the new Necromancer and the Elsweyr map it’s more than enough to keep ESO’s fans entertained for more than a dozen hours.

Castlevania Anniversary Collection offers almost a dozen awesome games in just one pack. However, these are just ports to modern platforms and, if you compare Konami’s work with what other franchises like Crash bandicoot, Spyro or Resident Evil have achieved with their remakes, Castlevania just falls behind.

Cadence of Hyrule is an ingenious crossover that shows that the saga of The Legend of Zelda still has a lot to say. Its musical mechanics inherited from Crypt of the Necrodancer and the wonderful folklore of the Nintendo franchise combine perfectly to create an unrepeatable experience.

Effie is worth more for its artistic value than its ‘product’ value because, even if it feels like a true adventure with good puzzles, platforms and aesthetics, it doesn’t have the same quality in terms of gameplay and content, reducing its proposal to a bad game, but a good experience.

MotoGP 19 is really outstanding in everything that has to do with the gameplay, reaching a high level of simulation, but is hard to explain how the game modes are so simple and poorly designed.

Saladin’s Conquest offers an interesting and accurate campaign, however, in terms of gameplay, the DLC lacks the amount of content needed to be recommended, especially when its price enters the equation.

Void Bastards is a fun and fresh mix between classic first-person shooter and modern roguelikes. Focusing on giving the player more problems than punishments, Blue Manchu has crafted a game that is fun from the beginning to the end. Furthermore, its aesthetics and graphics are simply gorgeous. One of the greatest surprises of 2019 so far.

Observation is a sci-fi thriller that knows exactly how to build a story around its characters and brings something new to its genre thanks to the atmosphere that surrounds the spacial station. The tension never leaves the player and it’s part of the essence of the game.

Koral is a video game of exploration and puzzles that deals with the love of water. The title brilliantly manages to be a unique experience accessible to everyone, not only for its bizarre development on a sailboat in the sea itself, but for its invitation from the playable and mechanical level. Everyone will be able to participate and enjoy this particular submarine odyssey.

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a well crafted, classic adventure that offers a solid story with charismatic characters. However, it all goes wrong during the final chapters, when the game loses its head, the story becomes violent nonsense and the gameplay turns out to be highly frustrating.

Weedcraft Inc is a good management sim, but fails to deliver a message, for or against, about marijuana and its social and economical consequences. A lost chance that could have been way more than just a good game.