As 2019 comes to a close, DualShockers and our staff are reflecting on this year’s batch of games and what were their personal highlights within the last year. Unlike the official Game of the Year 2019 awards for DualShockers, there are little-to-no-rules on our individual Top 10 posts. For instance, any game — not just 2019 releases — can be considered.


This year like any other year, I played a ton of great games from a ton of different genres. 2019 really seemed to be a year that had something for everyone, from multiplayer games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, to an even greater variety of story-driven games that kept me on the edge of my seat like Days GoneDeath Stranding, and Resident Evil 2.

While I couldn't possibly list all of the games that I loved from this year here, here were the 10 games that stuck out to me the most in 2019.

10. Apex Legends

Apex Legends Nintendo Switch Edition to Be Announced Today

Even though lots of people like and enjoy the battle royale genre, Apex Legends was really the game that made me enjoy the genre like everyone else. One of the few things that standout for me in the game are the very simple rules in the game, but how it can reward players that invest in it over time. Apex Legends evolves the genre and improves on what Fortnite and PUBG started while being placed in the Titanfall universe, making this game a worthy entry for the top 10 games this year.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for Apex Legends.

9. My Friend Pedro

2019

My Friend Pedro is a fun game that anyone can easily jump into and run around with a companion named Pedro that is your friend and supports your plan to shoot bad guys, and who also is a banana. Your one goal is simply to save the world, but doing it while jumping and flying through the air is just incredibly fun.

Check out DualShockers' review for My Friend Pedro.

8. Concrete Genie

2019

Concrete Genie is a great game with a good narrative story about a boy named Ash whose lifelong dream is to be an artist while struggling with life, reality, & bullies. Ash is then tasked to save his hometown of Denska that was abandoned and polluted while on his quest and in the process he discovers a magical paint brush that can bring his creations to life, which makes it a magical game on its own.

7. Pokemon Sword and Shield

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Pokemon Sword and Shield is a fun game and a great addition to the Nintendo Switch. Even with the negative reaction from gamers it received it, was a treat to see what an open-world Pokemon game could be like, and it makes me all the more excited for the next generation.

Check out DualShockers' review for Pokemon Sword & Shield.

6. Death Stranding

Death Stranding December Update

Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding is a mixed bag (admittedly) when it came to the reviews that the game received at launch; many would argue that the game looked to be a disappointment. However, Kojima's masterpiece redeems itself with an amazing story that is packed with breathtaking visuals and powered by amazing performances from The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus, Casino Royale's Mads Mikkelsen, and Tommie Earl Jenkins. The gameplay can definitely feel like a chore at times, but what drives this game is the powerful narrative with an ongoing task of trying to reconnect the world and bring people together.

Check out DualShockers‘ review for Death Stranding.

5. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

If you are a Star Wars fan obsessed with the lore of its universe, this is the game for you. Fallen Order offers a fresh new experience when it comes to the series by combining elements from games like Sekiro Shadows Die Twice, Dark Souls, and even Uncharted. This along with the game's worlds and refined lightsaber combat makes Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order feel like a love letter to fans, and that is exactly what it is.

Check out DualShockers' review for Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

4. Destiny 2: Shadowkeep

Destiny 2 season

Destiny 2 is a game that I always go back to and enjoy. Whether it is doing strikes, public events or competitive PvP, and trying to become a legendary guardian, there is always something to do and Destiny 2: Shadowkeep only enhanced what the game currently offers. Given the fact that Destiny 2 has the best gunplay mechanics in any shooting game I have ever played, seeing what Shadowkeep brought to the experience only made a game that I already love even better.

3. Devil May Cry 5

2019

Devil May Cry 5 is a fun action adventure game that lets you hack and slash tons of demons. Nero, Dante and V each have their own unique fighting styles with one common goal, and that is to save the world from the demon king. My favorite character was the newly introduced character V, who can summon a bird called Griffin, a panther called Shadow and a monster called Nightmare. Overall, DMC5 took the action of the Devil May Cry series and turned it up to 11, making for a great time.

Check out DualShockers' review for Devil May Cry 5.

2. Days Gone

2019

Days Gone had a tough launch that was plagued with bugs and glitches, but the developers from Bend Studio worked hard and made this game fun and enjoyable. You play as Deacon St. John in this action-adventure game that has you set out to discover the possibilities that your wife could still be alive in this post-apocalyptic world. Even though the game treads a lot of familiar ground from many open-world games, Days Gone still had me excited to explore as Deacon and experience a new type of post-apocalyptic world.

Check out DualShockers' review for Days Gone.

1. Resident Evil 2

2019

Resident Evil 2 was one of my favorite games this year because Capcom gave us a remake of a game that takes us to Raccoon City were we are chased down by zombies, monsters, and a tyrant that is named Mr. X. Even though it is a remake of a two-decade-old game, is a must-play because it will keep you on the edge of your seat and your heart pounding as you try to escape Raccoon City as Leon or Claire.


Check out the rest of the DualShockers staff Top 10 lists and our official Game of the Year Awards:

December 23: DualShockers Game of the Year Awards 2019

December 25: Lou Contaldi, Editor-in-Chief // Logan Moore, Managing Editor

December 26: Tomas Franzese, News Editor // Ryan Meitzler, Features Editor 

December 27: Mike Long, Community Manager // Scott White, Staff Writer

December 28: Chris Compendio, Contributor // Mario Rivera, Video Manager // Kris Cornelisse, Staff Writer

December 29: Scott Meaney, Community Director // Allisa James, Senior Staff Writer // Ben Bayliss, Senior Staff Writer

December 30: Cameron Hawkins, Staff Writer // David Gill, Senior Staff Writer // Portia Lightfoot, Contributor

December 31: Iyane Agossah, Senior Staff Writer // Michael Ruiz, Senior Staff Writer // Rachael Fiddis, Contributor

January 1: Ricky Frech, Senior Staff Writer // Tanner Pierce, Staff Writer // Laddie Simco, Staff Writer