Feature

Game Informer's Top Scoring Reviews Of 2019

by Game Informer Editorial on Dec 31, 2019 at 12:00 PM

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: February 14, 2020

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Ambitious risk-taking makes Fire Emblem: Three Houses a must-play. Read review

Platforms: Switch
Release Date: July 26, 2019

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, Switch, PC
Release Date: January 23, 2019

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: August 30, 2019

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: October 1, 2019

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: July 2, 2019

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, PC
Release Date: May 21, 2019

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: March 22, 2019

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: September 20, 2019

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: November 22, 2004

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: October 25, 2019

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: February 14, 2019

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: February 26, 2019

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: July 10, 2019

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: June 28, 2019

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: September 26, 2019

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: November 15, 2019

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: November 15, 2019

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: January 31, 2019

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: June 28, 2019

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: April 26, 2019

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: March 8, 2019

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: October 31, 2019

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: January 11, 2019

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: March 26, 2019

Mordhau

Mordhau balances brutal realism and goofy battlefield antics to great effect. Read review

Platforms: PC
Release Date: April 29, 2019

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: September 6, 2019

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: January 10, 2019

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: June 4, 2019

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, iOS, Android
Release Date: July 18, 2019 (iOS), April 7, 2020 (Android), June 29, 2021 (Switch), December 6, 2022 (PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4)

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: February 13, 2019

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: September 24, 2019

Total War: Three Kingdoms

A captivating dive into warfare and political intrigue. Read review

Platforms: PC
Release Date: May 23, 2019

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: July 26, 2019

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)