By GameSpot Staff on Jan 11, 2019 10:30 pm
Microsoft has quite the roster of exclusives coming to Xbox One in 2019. While we're getting new sequels in some of its biggest franchises, the company also has several unexpected games and expansions queued up for this year. The biggest surprises were revealed at last year's E3, which included Cuphead DLC and--wait for it--Battletoads. Yes, those Battletoads. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is also set to release, likely bringing with it even more difficult platforming challenges to overcome. And after several delays, the long-awaited Crackdown 3 is finally releasing this February. If you weren't following it before, Phoenix Point is another noteworthy standout you should keep on your radar; more details on those games in the slides below. Compared to 2018, Xbox One players have a lot of exciting games to look forward to. Of course, there's likely to be plenty of more Xbox One exclusives coming this year, so be sure to check back often as we update this feature with the latest games as they're announced. For a more general overview of what's coming to Xbox One this year, check out our feature highlighting the biggest Xbox One games coming in 2019. Which Xbox One exclusives do you want to play the most? Shout your enthusiasm in the comments section below.
Battletoads
After years of speculation that another Battletoads might exist, Microsoft announced during its E3 2018 briefing that a new game in the series would release in 2019. Currently just called Battletoads, this new game will be presented in hand drawn 2.5D graphics and feature three-player couch co-op. In terms of details, that's pretty much all that's been announced. However, the fact that we're getting a new Battletoads at all is pretty exciting. The last title in the franchise, Battletoads Arcade, released in 1994, so fans have been clamoring for another game for over two decades. Hopefully this game can live up to expectations. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Although not a standalone game, The Delicious Last Course DLC adds a fair amount of content to Cuphead. The expansion includes a third playable character, Ms. Chalice, as well as a new isle that contains more bosses to beat and weapons and charms to unlock. In our Cuphead review, Peter Brown gave the game an 8/10, writing, "[Cuphead is] beautiful to look at, and with a pitch-perfect soundtrack, it flawlessly captures the era its developers so clearly revere. It's also an intense action game that pulls no punches. It could benefit from a few tweaks, and two-player co-op doesn't feel like the valuable addition you might imagine, but Cuphead remains a rare, unique game that truly stands out." Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Crackdown 3
The long-awaited sequel to 2010's Crackdown 2, Crackdown 3 has been delayed numerous times over the past few years. Hopefully its 2019 release date sticks so we can finally play it. Taking place 10 years after the events of the previous game, Crackdown 3 sees the Agency going up against a mysterious terrorist organization called Terra Nova. Similarly to Saints Row, the Crackdown series has become more outrageous with every iteration and Crackdown 3 takes the Agency's soldiers' antics to ludicrous levels of ridiculous. In your quest to stop the enemy, you'll probably cause almost as much damage to the city as the people you're fighting. It's all good though, as taking down baddies in the most explosive way possible is what Crackdown is all about. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: February 15, 2019
Gears 5
Dropping the "of War" portion of the title entirely, the fifth mainline Gears of War game is the first in the series to have a female main playable protagonist. First appearing in Gears of War 4, Kait Diaz and her strange connection to the Locust is at the center of Gears 5. Despite the changes, this is still the same Gears of War experience that fans have come to love. Kait can eviscerate enemies in the same bloody fashion as the Gears' protagonists before her. We're happy to see Kait take the spotlight in Gears 5, as her story arc was left fairly open in the final hours of Gears of War 4. Ideally, Gears 5 will reveal the answers to the many questions we still have. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps
Ori and the Blind Forest was a critical hit when it launched in 2015, and now developer Moon Studios is making a sequel for 2019. Ori and the Will of the Wisps builds on the first game's ingenious platforming and compelling story, and there's plenty of new weapons to use too. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: TBA 2019
Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point is an upcoming turn-based strategy game developed by developer Snapshot Games and Julian Gollop, who is most well-known for creating the X-Com franchise. It's meant to be a spiritual successor to the X-Com games, putting you in control of a ragtag team of soldiers and scientists who must fight against an alien invasion. You can expect the tense, strategic battles the series is known for, however, aliens will adapt to your strategies in-between battles by mutating to better survive against your weapons and equipment. Meanwhile, you'll have to compete against other human factions trying to survive in the midst of the alien invasion. Platforms: Xbox One, PC | Release Date: June 2019
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 11, 2019 10:00 pm
We've got several PS4 exclusives to look forward to this year. However, there are still a few high-profile first-party games that have yet to be confirmed for 2019, like The Last of Us Part II, Ghost of Tsushima, and Death Stranding. Currently, Days Gone is the only first-party Sony game confirmed to launch this year. There are quite a new PS4 exclusives coming in from third-party publishers. The highly-anticipated Shenmue III should launch, which is crazy to think now since the game was originally announced on Sony's E3 stage in 2015. Another big exclusive is the next project from the studios that brought us Yakuza. Titled Judgement, the game looks to be quite a departure from the macho gangster drama of the Yakuza series. There's likely to be more PS4 exclusives announced as the year goes on, so be sure to check back often as we update this feature with the latest games. If you're looking for a more general overview of all the PS4 games this year, check out our feature highlighting the biggest PS4 games coming in 2019. Which PS4 exclusives are you most excited about? In addition, what games do you hope release exclusively on PS4 this year? Let us know in the comments below.
Days Gone
Days Gone takes players to a post-apocalyptic open world, set in the Pacific Northwest. The action-adventure/survival-horror game puts you in the shoes of Deacon St. John, once an outlaw and now trying to survive in a devastated world. While on the road, Deacon must battle Freakers, zombie-like humans and animals that have become mindless and violent and travel in fast-moving hordes, much like the zombies in World War Z. Expect a heavy emphasis on crafting as you drive around on your motorcycle, hunting bounties. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: April 26
Judgement
Details are a little thin on Judgement, the next title from the team behind the Yakuza series, but it seems to involve playing as a former lawyer turned detective investigating a series of murders in Japan. Gameplay has you investigating crime scenes and trying to solve the mystery. Expect "something completely different" from the Yakuza series, as well. Platforms: PS4 | Release Date: TBA 2019
Shenmue III
A true sequel to the well-loved RPG Shenmue II, director Yu Suzuki's crowdfunded Shenmue III finally has a release date in 2019. Set in 1987, it picks back up with the story of martial artist Ryo Hazuki--but it won't be finishing it, leaving room for more returns to the world of Shenmue in the future. Platforms: PS4, PC | Release Date: August 27
Spelunky 2
The follow-up to the phenomenal rogue-like side-scroller Spelunky doubles down on what was cool about the game--including its intense challenge. With Spelunky 2, indie developer Derek Yu is bringing new characters, and maybe even better, more multiplayer support. Platforms: PS4, PC | TBA 2019
God Eater 3
God Eater 3 is the latest in Bandai Namco's long-running franchise competitor to Capcom's Monster Hunter series. Unlike previous entries--which were made primarily with portable consoles in mind--God Eater 3 is the first to be designed primarily for home consoles. As a result, the game has a grander scope containing expansive maps to explore, more creatures to fight, and a slew of new weapons and equipment to craft. Platforms: PS4, PC | February 8
By GameSpot Staff on Jan 11, 2019 09:30 pm
Nintendo has a plethora of exclusives coming this year across both Switch and 3DS--several of which it has yet to show in detail. This might be alarming, but don't be fooled. Half the fun comes from Nintendo's surprise reveals throughout the year, so while we might not know what Animal Crossing on Switch looks like, we're more than likely going to hear more about it during one of its many Direct presentations. Until then, we at least can confirm several big-name exclusives in 2019. The Switch is getting a bunch of highly-anticipated sequels, including Bayonetta 3, Luigi's Mansion 3, Fire Emblem: Three Houses, a new Pokemon, and a bunch more. There's also some entirely new games in the docket. Pokemon developer Game Freak is creating a new game tentatively titled Town where players defend a strange village from incoming invaders. The Switch is also getting a fast-paced mech-action game called Daemon x Machina. But what would the year be without a few re-releases and ports? Both Switch and 3DS are getting quite a few, like Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe just to name a few. Nintendo just might surprise us with even more exclusives as the year goes on, so be sure to check back often as we update this feature with more games as they're announced. For a more general overview of what's coming to Switch and 3DS this year, check out our feature highlighting the biggest Nintendo games coming in 2019. Which Nintendo exclusives are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments section below.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing fans, rejoice! It's finally happening. The Switch is getting an entirely new game built from the ground up. The game was announced after the reveal of Isabelle during the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct presentation in September, which made for quite the bait-and-switch for loyal fans. Slight disappointment and shock was replaced by love and excitement. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Since the reveal, little has been said about Animal Crossing Switch. Next to nothing is known about how the game will play or what new features are being added, but seeing as it is set to launch in 2019, new details are more than likely to come sooner than later. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Daemon x Machina
Do you like giant heavily-armed robots? If your answer to that question is a resounding "Yes!" then Daemon x Machina is probably for you. It's the latest game by Kenichiro Tsukuda, the main producer of the PS2-era Armored Core games. Early trailers have showcased a colorful display of over-the-top action complete with heavy machine-gun fire, missile barrages, and beam saber fights. It's not every day that we get a mech-action game, so it's certainly refreshing to see something like Daemon x Machina get made. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the latest game in the long-beloved tactical-RPG series. The game was initially announced under a working title in January 2017, but was finally revealed at E3 2018 under its current name. The game tells the story of four different protagonists who are all caught up in a conflict fueled by the Church of Seiros, an organization that exercises immense control over the land and its people. While the game will feature the series' classic turn-based battles, there's also some new features thrown in, such as expanded unit control and the ability to freely roam the map and interact with characters to gather intel. Three Houses is the first Fire Emblem to appear on a Nintendo home console since 2007's Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn on Wii; the 3DS has received all of the series' mainline entries since. It has certainly been a while, but it's a homecoming that we're looking forward to. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: Spring 2019
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn is a 3DS port of the much-loved Wii game, Kirby's Epic Yarn. This expanded version contains new features, like the ability to craft bigger yarn balls, as well as two new modes where you get to play King Dedede and Meta Knight. If Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn is anything like the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker 3DS port, then it's bound to be an impressive piece of software well worth grabbing just for the novelty of it all. Platforms: 3DS | Release Date: March 8, 2019
Luigi's Mansion 3
There's a lot of love going around for Luigi's Mansion, which is why it's great that Nintendo has committed to making a third game in the franchise. In Luigi's Mansion 3, the easily-frightened plumber embarks on yet another sinister adventure through what appears to be a haunted tower of sorts. Nintendo hasn't discussed too much about the game, but early footage seems to showcase many of the classic elements the previous games made their name on, like ghost-sucking vacuums, spooky corridors, and a whole lot of ghosts. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr's Journey
Continuing in line with the Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga remake, Nintendo is giving the same treatment to 2009's Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. As its name implies, the game will include extra content in the form of Bowser Jr's Journey, in which you play the mischievous son of Bowser as he gathers an army to stir up chaos. This comes in addition to updated graphics and mechanics, which should be welcoming for those who missed on this critically-acclaimed adventure the first time around. Platforms: 3DS | Release Date: January 11, 2019
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an upcoming collection that compiles both New Super Mario Bros. U and Super Luigi U, which both released on Wii U in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The games will remain largely the same for the collection, but will include some added features, like the ability to play as Nabbit and Toadette across both games. If you missed these games the first time around, this collection just might be your chance to finally experience the chaotic multiplayer platforming that is the New Super Mario Bros. U games. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: January 11, 2019
Pokemon for Nintendo Switch
At E3 2017, Nintendo announced a new Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch. The tease didn't include a title, logo, key art, or really any details at all--just that series developer Game Freak would be making the game, which will be a "core RPG" that "may not release for over a year." It's been over a year now, of course, and although nothing has been confirmed since then, it would make sense for Nintendo to give more details soon. After all, the game is set to launch in late 2019. While Pokemon Let's Go helped satisfy some hunger for a new Pokemon game, it won't be long before all eyes are back on the upcoming Switch game. In recent news, developer Gamefreak recently confirmed that it's looking into ways for players to transfer their pre-existing Pokemon roster from Let's Go into the new game. There's still so much we don't know about the new Pokemon on Switch, but we're hoping that'll change soon. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes
If you're a No More Heroes fan, you should keep an eye on Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes. The upcoming adventure puts you in control of series protagonist Travis Touchdown. This time he's trapped inside a possessed video game console with Badman--the father of an assassin he previously killed--where he must fight through its various games to survive. Unlike previous games, Travis Strikes Again plays more like an isometric action game packed with several other gameplay types, which include drag races, side-scrolling platforming, and more. It's also worth noting that it's the first game that franchise creator Suda 51 has directed for studio Grasshopper Manufacture since No More Heroes 1. While it's part of the series as a whole, Suda does not consider it a direct sequel to previous games, but rather a fresh jumping-on point for newcomers to experience Travis. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: January 18
Town (Working Title of GameFreak game)
Town is the working title of an upcoming RPG by GameFreak, the studio responsible for the massively popular Pokemon franchise. The game is set in a village with a mysterious secret that you must work to uncover. The entire adventure unfolds within this town, which once enjoyed peace and prosperity until monsters suddenly appeared to make a mess of things. To survive, you'll need to battle these invaders while also enlisting the aid of other villagers. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: TBA 2019
Yoshi's Crafted World
Revealed during Nintendo's E3 2017 presentation, Yoshi's Crafted World looks as adorable as you'd expect. While it appears to be a rather straightforward 2D side-scroller, it offers a subtle twist to the formula in which levels appear as dioramas, and you switch from the front view to a behind-the-scenes look to reveal the stages' secrets. Yoshi's Crafted World oozes a charm that'll likely put a smile on your face as you play it. You can even experience the game with a friend, as it'll also support two-player local co-op. Regardless of your player configuration, Yoshi's Crafted World seems like it'll surely delight. Platforms: Switch | Release Date: March 29, 2019
By Alessandro Fillari on Jan 11, 2019 04:39 am
Survival Horror, In 30 Minutes Or Less.
We're only two weeks away from the release of Resident Evil 2's remake, and Capcom has released a demo for its upcoming reimagining of the classic survival horror sequel. However, there's a bit of a catch: Once you start up the game, you'll only have 30 in-game minutes to play. Once those minutes are up, your time with the RE2 demo will end. Releasing on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, the One-Shot demo is a great way for players to get accustomed to the tense survival horror experience that RE2 offers. Playing as Leon S. Kennedy during the worst first day ever, you'll explore the overrun RPD Station to learn just what happened to Raccoon City and its residents. While there's plenty of zombies and puzzles to find in this small slice of the game, the greatest enemy you'll face in this demo is time itself. With this in mind, we've come up with some tips and details to help you make those 30 minutes count. After completing the demo for the first time, you'll be treated to a new trailer detailing what's to come in the final game. In addition to Leon's story, the other protagonist Claire Redfield will have her own narrative to dive into. In the trailer, we get to see the ever-mysterious Ada Wong face off against Annette Birkin and other threats in Raccoon City. Furthermore, we also get a peak at the post-game missions featuring fan-favorite Hunk, and the the ridiculous and too bizarre to hate Tofu--a sentient and walking hunk of coagulated soy armed with a knife. The demo will be able from today till January 31. We've put together a handy explainer about the upcoming Resident Evil 2 remake, detailing all its changes and what to expect in the full game. With the release of the game fast approaching, be sure to check back with GameSpot for more updates on Resident Evil 2, along with our final review.
The Demo's End
For starters, it's important to know that you can actually finish the demo. The 30 minutes are for total playtime, and not for the amount of time in one playthrough. So, potentially, you can clear through the demo multiple times. The playthrough will always finish once you return to the lobby after reaching the station's library on the third floor. You'll receive a radio message from Marvin Branagh, the surviving lieutenant of the RPD, and he'll ask you to return the lobby. Once you head back, you'll see another cutscene, and the demo will finish. So if you want to take your time and explore, make sure to avoid heading to the lobby once Marvin calls.
Explore Outside
Just like in the original Resident Evil, you may get the urge to open the large front doors to escape the clutches of the ravenous undead. While the first game strongly discouraged you from doing so, the demo will totally let you explore the space outside. The rainy front courtyard of RPD Station also happens to be one of the demo's most visually stunning areas. At the front gates, you'll find several zombies attempting to break in. Though returning fans may be curious to see if they can find the famous Brad Vickers zombie from the original game, you won't be able to explore all of the space, as it is locked off in the demo. Though keep in mind, you can only exit the front doors prior to meeting Marvin. After that, the doors will be blocked off.
Skip The Cutscenes
Throughout the demo, you'll see several cutscenes detailing Leon S. Kennedy's struggle for survival in the overrun RPD Police Station. While these offer up some chilling and incredibly gory moments, they also eat up a lot of time. If you don't want to waste any of your precious time with the demo, you can press Start during the cutscenes and skip them with the X or Square buttons (Xbox One or PS4 respectively).
Raid The Armory Locker
Leon can upgrade to the shotgun by raiding the police station's armory. To get access to the storage in the armory, you can find the Weapons Locker Key in one of the rooms in the Licker hallway. Shortly afterward, you'll enter a space where a zombie is beating on a vending machine. To the left is the police armory, and inside towards the back is a storage locker where you can insert the key and acquire the shotgun and ammo. There are also numerous small lockers nearby that have ammo, spare knives, and gunpowder for you to use. To access them, use the broken keypad to the front of the aisle, that's missing the 2 and 3 input keys, and type the numbers on the corresponding lockers to open them. Unfortunately, access to the other lockers isn't possible in this demo.
Avoid The Zombies
As it goes with most survival horror games, you'll need to pick your battles--and since time is limited, this is especially true with the One-Shot demo. Though you'll get plenty of ammo and resources, sometimes it's best just to fire off a quick headshot with your pistol to stagger the zombie and run past them as they attempt to regain their footing. The zombies in RE2 are far more lethal and resilient than in past games, and it can be especially easy for them to overwhelm you when you least expect it.
"Your Party Has Been Cancelled"
Since this was supposed to be Leon's first day, his fellow officers planned a special celebration for him. Unfortunately, the viral outbreak had to go and ruin it. Still, you can find the welcome party in the station's office. The signs and balloons are still up, and you can see that RPD planned to make Leon's first day on the job memorable--and they certainly succeeded in some form. Interestingly enough, the final game will offer up a special side-objective tied to this for Leon to complete, which is unfortunately not available in the demo. So be sure to head back to this area in the full release to take part in the minor event, but if you're confident in your time management it's worth having a peek at it during the demo too.
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