Feature
Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2019
Each year, Game Informer reviews a ton of games to help guide our readers in choosing what they should play next. Despite hundreds of games coming across our desks each year, only a select few are able to obtain special commendations reserved for the highest scoring titles. Games that earn an 8.5 or 8.75 obtain a Game Informer Silver award, while a score ranging from 9 to 9.5 earns that game a Game Informer Gold award. While most of the best games of the year fall into that range, the most elite titles ascend to the next level to earn a Game Informer Platinum award (9.75 or 10 score).
To help you keep track of the best of the best, we've compiled all of the top scoring games of 2019 here. Check out the games we've thought are the best of the year so far, and if you want to learn more, you can read the full review with a simple click-through.
Gold
Dreams
Dreams’ robust design and sharing tools offer endless possibilities to creators and a growing tidal wave of fun, hilarious, and moving gameplay experiences for players. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Ambitious risk-taking makes Fire Emblem: Three Houses a must-play. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Kingdom Hearts III
The latest entry isn’t afraid to go big, but it also doesn’t forget what made fans fall in love in the first place. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
January 29, 2019 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One), March 30, 2021 (PC), February 10, 2022 (Switch)
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2 paves a brilliant path for the future of the franchise. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
January 25, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), June 13, 2022 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S), November 11, 2022 (Switch)
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a masterful battle royale that raises the bar for the genre and free-to-play games Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 4, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 9, 2021 (Switch)
Slay The Spire
Climb the deadly spire again and again. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
January 23, 2019 (PC), May 21, 2019 (PlayStation 4), June 6, 2019 (Switch), August 14, 2019 (Xbox One), June 13, 2020 (iOS), February 3, 2021 (Android)
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds finds inspiring success despite some rough edges, much like the team of space-faring adventurers it follows. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
October 25, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), June 5, 2020 (Switch)
Wargroove
Wargroove is a fantastic tactics game that builds and iterates on the genre in clever ways. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
February 1, 2019 (Xbox One, Switch, PC), July 29, 2019 (PlayStation 4)
Astral Chain
PlatinumGames delivers another must-play stylish-action game, this time for Switch. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep
Bungie's latest release is a good expansion on its own, but the way it sets the stage for the future of the Destiny franchise is its most impressive feat. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
Disco Elysium
This investigative RPG surprises and delights with its complex world, fantastic dialogue, and ability to convey a constant struggle with the warring facets of one’s own mind. Read review
Platforms: PC, Mac
Release Date:
October 15, 2019 (PC), April 27, 2020 (Mac)
Dragon Quest Builders 2
Omega Force and Square Enix are back with a hefty sequel that improves virtually every aspect of that original blueprint. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, PC
Release Date:
July 12, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Switch), December 10, 2019 (PC)
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
Fantastic attention to detail, wondrous environments, big bosses, and magnificent music make this one of the best Final Fantasy offerings. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, Mac
Release Date:
Ion Fury
This retro shooter lives beyond its nostalgic ambitions to become a fantastic, timeless FPS experience. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
August 15, 2019 (PC), May 14, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch)
Observation
Challenging puzzles and a fantastic plot make this horror adventure an unmissable game for fans of the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
May 21, 2019 (PlayStation 4, PC), June 25, 2020 (Xbox One)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
An intense, challenging realization of the ninja fantasy comes to life in From Software's latest offering. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Telling Lies
Phenomenal acting and a deep central mystery make this voyeuristic adventure game something special. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS
Release Date:
August 23, 2019 (PC, iOS), April 28, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch)
The Division 2
Thrilling combat, a great loot loop, and a strong endgame elevate this Tom Clancy shooter to new heights. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
March 15, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 17, 2020 (Stadia)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
This remake beautifully captures the essence of the Game Boy original while adding some quality-of-life upgrades to bring it up to contemporary standards. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
World Of Warcraft
15 years later, the original World of Warcraft still has what it takes to captivate adventurers. Read review
Platforms: PC, Mac
Release Date:
Silver
Arise: A Simple Story
Even with some iffy platforming, Arise is an emotional tour de force, exploring themes of memory, romance, family, and grief, along with how they all tie together. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
December 3, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), April 28, 2022 (Switch)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
This annualized series continues to pound out excitement, but this time in ways you may not expect. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Civilization VI: Gathering Storm
In Firaxis’ second expansion, players must endure mother nature’s temperamental streak. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Switch, PC, Mac, Linux
Release Date:
Control
Your greatest weapon isn’t the one in your hand. It’s the one in your head. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
August 27, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), October 28, 2020 (Switch), February 2, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Dirt Rally 2.0
Codemasters delivers another captivating rally title that will have you swearing in fear and delight. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Dr. Mario World
Dr. Mario World is one of the most notable entries in the series to date. Read review
Platforms: iOS, Android
Release Date:
F1 2019
Whether guiding your car, career, or league, F1 2019 has plenty of options to keep you covered and entertained. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Lonely Mountains: Downhill
This mountain biking game blends an idyllic nature aesthetic with tight arcade action to create a surprisingly thrilling adventure. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Mac, Linux
Release Date:
October 23, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux), May 7, 2020 (Switch)
Magic: The Gathering Arena
Magic: The Gathering at its digital best. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus mostly succeeds in its ambitions, making it easy to recommend to both newcomers and series fans alike. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
February 15, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), November 19, 2019 (Stadia)
Mosaic
Mosaic gives meaning to the meaningless; it’s existential nihilism in digital form. It's lovely. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS
Release Date:
December 5, 2019 (PC, iOS), January 23, 2020 (Xbox One, Switch), February 11, 2020 (PlayStation 4)
Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword & Shield deliver a new generation of creatures to capture throughout a consistently enjoyable adventure. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword & Shield deliver a new generation of creatures to capture throughout a consistently enjoyable adventure. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Respawn Entertainment's maiden voyage with Star Wars is largely a success, but it's a little rough around the edges. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
November 15, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia, PC), June 11, 2021 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)
Sunless Skies
Sunless Skies is an awesome, immersive ride for lovers of imaginative fiction and horror-laden exploration. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
Super Mario Maker 2
Mario Maker 2 is not a radical reinvention of the original, but it earns the “2” in its title with a great story mode, worthwhile additions to the creation toolset, and co-op. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Koji Igarashi's return to the Castlevania formula slowly but surely earns its place in a crowded genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
June 18, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), June 25, 2019 (Switch), December 3, 2020 (iOS, Android)
BoxBoy! + BoxGirl!
BoxBoy returns with a couch co-op friendly adventure filled with some of the most creative and diverse puzzles in the series. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Devil May Cry 5
This entry has the series’ signature over-the-top style, but not all of the additions feel like steps forward. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Gears 5
The Coalition's second tour of duty with Gears of War is a success, delivering some of the series' best firefights. Read review
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
September 10, 2019 (Xbox One, PC), November 10, 2020 (Xbox Series X/S)
Hypnospace Outlaw
This offbeat adventure game cleverly captures the essence of the early internet. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
March 12, 2019 (PC), August 27, 2020 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch)
Life Is Strange 2
Over the last year, Life is Strange 2 has been quietly weaving a powerful and sincere narrative experience that admirably carries on the series’ legacy. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
December 3, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), February 2, 2023 (Switch)
Luigi's Mansion 3
Luigi's Mansion 3 is a fun ghost-hunting adventure regardless of your experience with the franchise. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
The remake doesn't drastically change or improve Bowser's Inside Story, but that doesn't change the fact that it was always a great game. Read review
Platforms: 3DS
Release Date:
MLB The Show 19
After a down year, Sony delivers exciting new content and a host of fixes. The series is back on track. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4
Release Date:
Mordhau
Mordhau balances brutal realism and goofy battlefield antics to great effect. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
April 29, 2019 (PC), July 12, 2023 (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
NBA 2K20
The gameplay heart of the series is well intact, although some of the choices developer Visual Concepts makes with parts of the modes aren't the best. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
This port doesn't add a ton of new content, but it's still the best way to play an already fun platformer. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
Operencia: The Stolen Sun
Zen Studios updates a classic genre with clever puzzles and Hungarian folklore. Read review
Platforms: Rift, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PlayStation VR, PC
Release Date:
March 31, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC), September 15, 2020 (PlayStation VR), September 28, 2020 (Rift)
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth is the ultimate tribute to the series' last 13 years with Etrian Odyssey elements thrown in for good measure. Read review
Platforms: 3DS
Release Date:
Remnant: From The Ashes
Strong systems and a satisfying gameplay loop give Remnant: From The Ashes a powerful foundation, even if the experience is mired by repetitive and uninteresting bosses. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
August 20, 2019 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), March 21, 2023 (Switch)
Sky: Children Of The Light
The new game from the makers of Journey is a thoughtful contemplation on positive interactions with friends, strangers, and the wider world. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
July 18, 2019 (iOS), April 7, 2020 (Android), June 29, 2021 (Switch), December 6, 2022 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4), TBA (PC)
Tetris 99
Tetris 99 is a pleasant surprise, and is my favorite content offered by the Nintendo Switch Online service to date. Read review
Platforms: Switch
Release Date:
The Surge 2
Deck13 Interactive's sequel showcases notable improvements and plenty of limb chopping. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Release Date:
Total War: Three Kingdoms
A captivating dive into warfare and political intrigue. Read review
Platforms: PC
Release Date:
Wolfenstein: Youngblood
Youngblood takes some new risks for the series that pay off handsomely. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC
Release Date:
Wreckfest
Bugbear Entertainment's latest racing experience is all about aggressive driving and smashing cars to bits. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, PC, iOS, Android
Release Date:
August 27, 2019 (Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC), June 1, 2021 (PlayStation 5), December 1, 2021 (Stadia), June 21, 2022 (Switch), November 16, 2022 (iOS, Android)
Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair
This great 2D platformer delivers a crowd-pleasing adventure regardless of when you started enjoying the genre. Read review
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Release Date:
For more of our favorite games from recent years, head to the links below.
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