We’re finally entering the home-stretch as we make our way through 2019, and yet there are so many incredible games that are releasing soon. Some of the most highly anticipated of these games are new entries in AAA franchises. Some of these games were announced years ago and are just now getting a release.
This is a list of the upcoming sequels that look like must-play games. As always, if there’s a game that you think deserves to be on this list then leave a comment below.
10 Shenmue III
It seems no two games are more polarizing than Shenmue and its sequel. Gamers either love them for the depth of story and variety of activities or hate them for boring and derivative gameplay. The franchise has a huge following though – Shenmue III’s Kickstarter campaign was able to raise over one million dollars in under two hours.
There are several changes in Shenmue III; such as a “skill tree” that allows for customization of Ryo’s fighting style. Unlike the previous Shenmue games the third game will not be set in Japan, but rather a location in the mountains of northeast China named Guilin. This is a PS4 exclusive and will be released on Nov. 19, 2019.
9 Luigi’s Mansion 3
This long-overdue sequel starring Mario’s green-clad brother will be released for the Switch on Oct. 31, 2019. Apparently, King Boo is up to no good again and has captured Mario and Peach while the three were on vacation.
The game will be much like the first Luigi’s Mansion but will have a larger environment (a hotel), less linear game design, and it will look and sound much better. This time Luigi is armed with the Poltergust G-00 which allows Luigi to slam ghosts and objects against surfaces. The environment is also highly destructible; which means there are certainly plenty of hidden items and areas to be found.
8 Contra: Rogue Corps
Rogue Corps is a twin-stick shooter set in the Contra universe. The game features four diverse playable characters – including a minigun wielding panda that walks upright. The game’s graphics are not exactly cutting edge; in fact some of the screenshots look like they are from a PS2 game.
The intense craziness displayed in the game trailer is surely a hint that the fun-factor will more than makeup for the graphics. Rogue Corps will feature two multiplay options – online multiplayer and four players local multiplayer (which requires four Switch systems). Contra: Rogue Corps will be released on Sept. 24, 2019, for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and The Switch.
7 Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Trine 3 left the series’ 2.5D side-scrolling style for a more 3D look. Fortunately, with the fourth installment the developers of Trine, Frozenbyte, have returned the series to the visual style and gameplay of the first two games. The Trine series involves a tripartite protagonist – the souls of a thief, a knight, and a wizard were fused together by the Trine (an ancient artifact).
The player can switch between the three characters at any time, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Trine 3 will be released on Oct. 8, 2019 for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch.
6 Pokémon: Sword & Shield
The newest entry to the Pokémon franchise, Sword & Shield, looks like it might be the best yet. The game(s) take place in Galar; which resembles England in climate, architecture, and overall environment.
Many new pokémon and characters will be introduced for you to catch and meet respectively. The game will also reportedly feature an environment system similar to Breath of the Wild where what you do can significantly affect the game world. This might be the most widely anticipated game of 2019, and Nintendo has forced us to wait until Nov. 15, 2019. The wait is almost over…two and a half months and counting.
5 Borderlands 3
The Borderlands series is popular for a reason – they are fun games featuring intense fire-fights, well-designed worlds to explore, amusing characters to interact with, and the loot – so much loot. Like the previous Borderlands games the player is given the choice of character classes when starting.
Your choice of class will affect what weapons you can use; effectively anyway. Borderlands 3 will also include special moves the characters can perform. This game will also be able to integrate with Twitch so viewers can view the characters’ inventories and skills. Borderlands 3 will be released on Sept. 13, 2019, for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia.
4 Bayonetta 3
This entry almost didn’t make the list. Not because it is supposed to be a bad game – on the contrary, Bayonetta 3 looks like it will be better than the previous two. It is also made by Platinum Games, who have a reputation for releasing excellent action games.
No, the reason why this was almost removed is that, as of Aug. 25, the release date was changed from Q4 of 2019 to TBA. The game must be almost complete by this point, so let’s cross our fingers and hope it gets released for the holidays. Bayonetta 3 will be a Switch exclusive.
3 Doom Eternal
This follow-up to 2016’s Doom looks like it is going to be awesome. Doom Eternal looks like it will continue the super frantic action of the previous title. The videos of gameplay show a game that looks like it runs at a steady 60 fps – hopefully the game actually runs that smoothly. The game is bringing back extra-lives to the franchise.
These will allow the player to immediately re-spawn where they died. Other new additions will be a grappling attachment for the shotgun, and the ability to climb walls and dash. This has a release date of Nov. 22, 2019, and will be available for the PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch, and Stadia.
2 Gears 5
The Gears of War games are the reason why many people bought their first Xbox console. The series is famous for its intense squad-based combat. First off, this game is visually stunning. The beautifully crafted game world in Gears 5 looks enormous. The game will also include new weapons and tools; like a personal cloaking device and visors that allow the player to see through solid objects (like in the Batman: Arkham series).
As with the other Gears of War games there will be a single-player campaign, but the multiplayer sessions are where this series truly shines. Gears 5 is set to be released on Sept. 10, 2019, for the Xbox One and PC.
1 The Last Of Us: Part II
The Last of Us was an absolute masterpiece of a game. The sequel is perhaps the most anticipated game since Half-Life 3, but we’ll actually get to play The Last of Us 2. The story picks up 5 years after the first game, with the player controlling an older Ellie. The game’s graphics are going to set a new industry standard, and at times achieve photorealism.
The minimal onscreen status displays will help immerse the player into the game world. This game is already a cult classic and it won’t be released until the end of 2019. There are rumors the release date might be pushed back to early 2020, but nothing has been officially announced by Sony or Naughty Dog. The Last of Us: Part II will be a PS4 exclusive.