Noita relies far too heavily on random numbers to create any kind of enjoyment, and though it might make some fun stories, players will be left craving an actual roguelike rather than this RNG simulator.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits grounds itself on relaxation, healing, and cuteness, getting us to reflect and meditate on the beauty in the world when there is darkness abound.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a blindingly bright love letter to the entire series with a sheen that’s often diminished by its own technical shortcomings.

Scott Pilgrim EX had a lot of legacy to live up to, and it mostly honours that with excellent mechanics and gameplay overhauls alongside a brand new story.

Fantasy Strike’s philosophy of a truly “accessible” fighting game is a successful one, with plenty to love for new fighting games players and veterans alike.

Full of wit, great gameplay and memorable moments, SuperEpic is simply one of 2019's best indie games.

Broken Lines is a solid turn-based strategy-RPG hybrid with endearing characters, strong tactical gameplay that doesn’t overstay its welcome, and an alternate history WWII survival-mystery story filled with desperation, hopelessness, and dread.

There is always something new to see in Heaven’s Vault, and I was constantly taken aback by Inkle’s sheer and heartfelt attention to detail. Every turn of the plot, new character and puzzle was enough to see me through to the mystery’s end, and somehow even the minimal gameplay adds meaning to the story in a way few other puzzlers manage.

Ghostrunner’s fusion of parkour and one-hit kill gameplay makes for a challenging but brilliant experience worth checking out.

Despite a plethora of decently challenging and fast-paced levels, Lost Orbit: Terminal Velocity’s lack of level and gameplay variety stop it from being the next arcade classic.

A smart remaster that retains the core of the original while improving graphics and adding quality of life improvements, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is great for both fans and newcomers.

Pikuniku is a bizarre and often hilarious puzzle platformer that is too hamstrung by its brisk campaign to make it much more than a neat distraction.

By the time you have to leave this strange planet, there’s a real sense of disappointment as it’s a world that you want to keep exploring for as long as possible.

This game has such a rich history and I sincerely wish this remaster reaches people who appreciate it or who never had access to it before – after buying it on sale, of course.

Make no mistake: while it certainly doesn’t redefine the genre, Feudal Alloy is an incredibly strong second title from Attu Games. It abides by genre conventions with a style that is all its own, nearly flawless gameplay, and an injection of strategy sorely missing from most Metroidvanias. One of 2019’s first strong indie titles.

Regiments may give you the opportunity to try yourself out as a combined arms commander, but it doesn’t go the extra mile to flesh out the experience to the fullest.

Unruly Heroes is a super fun take on an old story that is full of charm, breathtaking art, and more challenges than you can shake a bo staff at. It’s certainly not going to make anybody forget other Journey to the West adaptations, but it has so much going for it that it makes this version of the story all its own.

It’s definitely bigger, and there’s certainly more, but there’s still a lack of polish around the edges that stops it from being definitively better.

Demon Turf’s few flaws do little to detract from an excellent 3D platforming experience that’s worth checking out, whether you’re a casual player or potential speedrunner.

Telltale’s The Expanse reinvents their mechanics while being a faithful inclusion to the lore that fans of the books or Amazon’s TV series will get the most out of.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is immensely fun and easily the best instalment of the franchise to date. You will absolutely want to set sail for this one.

Etherborn is a beautiful and innovative puzzle-platformer that can often be headache inducing, but even so it is very much worth your time.

Rebirth subverts player expectations by offering intriguing new features and wonderful world design. Even if the puzzles are sometimes obtuse, Rebirth is well worth your while.

Field of Glory 2: Medieval is a solid new entry for the series, taking combat from antiquity and into the age of chivalry. The gameplay remains strong and complex with meaningful minor changes to authentically reflect the Medieval period. Though there are some modes of the game that could do with a significant rework, the game still offers plenty of strategic and tactical decision-making opportunities for budding commanders.

City of Brass is a fun and swashbuckling adventure that gets seriously hamstrung by its clumsy and sluggish controls. Recommended to any masochist out there who wants to get punished on the go and doesn't mind looking past some issues.

Evil Genius 2 is a solid, expansive, and fun lair management and defence game and a welcome return for the franchise.

The characters form the heart of Lost Eidolons, but a whole slew of grating and annoying issues makes this a run-of-the-mill tactical role-playing game.

Aliens: Dark Descent marries its inspirations with reverence for its source material to create arguably the best Aliens game of all time.