After a year in which powerful consoles asserted their dominance with sprawling open worlds and seemingly endless attention to detail, it's likely that we'll see even more developers pushing the limits of what this current generation of systems can do. While it remains to be seen if Fortnite-style "Battle Royale" modes will rule the new year, nostalgia will run high as more and more studios plan remakes of beloved titles and even the consoles they played them on—will this be the year we see an N64 Classic? Here are the releases we can't wait to play in 2019.
Anthem
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: 22 February
Expectations are high for BioWare's high-flying multiplayer action RPG. You and up to three "Freelancers" are explorers, going beyond the comforts of civilisation in search of fame, fortune, and adventure. The game's lead producer confirmed on Twitter that there won't be any season pass or DLC required, a refreshing change of pace for gamers who've been going into debt just to keep up with the competition.
Pre-Order £54.99
Battletoads
Platform: Xbox One
Release Date: TBD
We weren't kidding about the nostalgia. Yes, the NES classic that you probably couldn't beat without cheat codes is back. Details are sparse, but it promises beautiful 4K and a "3 player couch co-op."
Crackdown 3
Platform: Xbox One, Windows
Release Date: 15 February
The trailer for Crackdown 3 features Terry Crews, and in case that wasn't enough to convince you, Crews' character Commander Jaxon will be playable. You can play as Terry Crews. It's a Crackdown game. Terry Crews!
Pre-Order £46.99
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Platform: Xbox One, Windows
Release Date: February
Cuphead: Don't Deal with the Devil was one of the most delightful surprises when it debuted back in 2017—the combination of creative gameplay and classic Merrie Melodies-style animation made it an instant favourite from indie developer StudioMDHR. In this expansion DLC, Cuphead and Mugman are back with a whole new adventure, new weapons, and a new playable character: Ms. Chalice.
Far Cry New Dawn
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: 15 February
Set after the events of Far Cry 5 (and that controversial ending), New Dawn is bringing us back to Hope County for a different look at life after the apocalypse. With Fallout comparisons expected to run rampant, Ubisoft will have some big, radiation-resistant shoes to fill.
Pre-Order £39.99
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
Platform: Xbox One, PS4
Release Date: Holiday 2019
Playing as a Jedi is nothing new; whether you were Luke Skywalker, a Knight of the Old Republic, or found your own path in an online game like Star Wars Galaxies, there have always been opportunities to be a lightsaber-swinging hero (or villain) in a galaxy far, far away. But Jedi Fallen Order takes us to the darkest place yet in the franchise's history: As a "surviving Padawan" shortly after the events of Revenge of the Sith, you're the target of a crackdown on hokey religions and ancient weapons. May the Force be with you. You're gonna need it.
Luigi's Mansion 3
Platform: Switch
Release Date: TBD
Those who've always been bigger fans of the other Mario brother will be pleased to see him getting top billing yet again with another Luigi's Mansion title. The short teaser doesn't reveal much, but expect another spooky romp through a haunted estate.
Mortal Kombat 11
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: 23 April
The ultimate life-and-death tournament is back and bigger than ever. With an all-new graphics engine and a stacked roster of familiar Kombatants, it's got something for fans new and old.
Pre-Order £49.99
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Platform: Xbox One, Windows
Release Date: TBD
The long-anticipated sequel to the critically-acclaimed Ori and the Blind Forest puts us on the path to uncover Ori's true destiny. If it's anything like the original, expect beautiful landscapes and a soundtrack to match. And as a bonus for GamePass subscribers, it will be available on Xbox's "Netflix for Games" at launch.
Resident Evil 2
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: 25 January
Like 2018's remaster of Shadow of the Colossus, Resident Evil 2 is the latest PlayStation classic to get a fresh do-over on a modern console. The game that defined the survival horror genre looks better than ever as Leon and Claire do their best to get the hell out of Raccoon City.
Pre-Order £39.99
Skull & Bones
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: TBD
If you expected more from 2018's Sea of Thieves, which brought cartoonish pirate hijinks to the seven seas, then maybe Skull & Bones is what you needed all along. Ubisoft's take looks as deadly and cutthroat as a pirate's life ought to be, with naval battles and plenty of loot to plunder. Ready the cannons and pour the rum.
The Outer Worlds
Platform: Xbox One, PS4, Windows
Release Date: TBD
As the trailer mentions in big bold letters, The Outer Worlds is a new sci-fi adventure from "the original creators of Fallout," and that alone should tell you this one's gonna be good. A first-person RPG set in outer space, it's got the same retro-futuristic charm of the post-apocalyptic series with a sense of humour to boot. Mark this down as an early favourite for 2019.
Nate Erickson is the senior lifestyle editor for Esquire.com. He covers food, drink, travel, technology, and all other lifestyle topics.
