Phenixx Gaming was created with the idea of diverse voices, and diverse opinions in mind. Yes, there are things many of us agree on, but we all tend to have our favored side of the gaming industry. Because of this, for our first Game of the Year post, we decided to start a tradition. Why pick one game of the year when we’re all so different?

Here are the staff picks for Phenixx Gaming’s Game of the Year roster for 2019.

Alexx – Control

Honestly, I’m as surprised as you are. I rarely agree with other publications when it comes to Game of the Year. However, Control earned this in spades. With an original universe, incredible attention to detail, and the flawless execution of bringing cryptids, conspiracies, and the supernatural to life, I have to give Remedy Entertainment the seal of approval on this one.

Jesse Faden’s journey through the Federal Bureau of Control is a treat all the way around. In fact, I haven’t yet finished the game, mostly because as Editor-in-Chief there’s so much to do that I don’t always have time when I’m reviewing other things. However, I can’t wait to see the conclusion of Control’s story, as well as the upcoming DLC in 2020.

Lisa – Dragon Quest Builders 2

RPGs were my first love. If there was an engaging story, exploration, and combat, I was ready to dive in. As time has gone on, developers have taken chances, adding mechanics not normally found in the old school RPGs I cut my teeth on. The quality of these mash-ups varies wildly, with some being engaging and fun, while others are too chaotic and complicated. My game of the year is a mash-up done right: Dragon Quest Builders 2.

In Builders 2, the Children of Hargon have declared creation and builders to be evil, and are seeking revenge for the defeat of their god Malroth and his High Priest Hargon. To get their revenge they eliminate the builders and forbid anyone to create anything. Your job, as the last builder left, is to gather materials and build structures or items needed by the inhabitants of the world. There’s literally something for almost everyone to enjoy and anyone, casual or hardcore gamer, can dive in and enjoy it.

Everything from mining and farming, to crafting and decorating, to exploration and combat, is engaging and fun. The game has a lot going on, but the controls are simple and it never feels complicated or overwhelming. If you are looking for an engaging story with interesting characters and lots of variety, you’ll love Dragon Quest Builders 2, and it is highly deserving of Game of The Year.

Keiran – Superliminal

After only ten minutes of gameplay and a bit mind-bending trickery, I told Alexx I hated him. You see, I do the site’s tweets every night, and when it comes to reviews I have a quick preview of them. I knew he gave Superliminal a perfect 10, I had seen the trailer and emailed the developer after the E3 showcase, and was excited about it. I didn’t expect my mind to be blown to bits and for me to love a new game as late in the year as I did. It was only a few weeks ago I played it, and it hasn’t left my mind. I still play The Surge 2, I can’t tell you when I last played that.

Superliminal is what Portal would have been if it wasn’t so focused on being full of wit, and more so on messing with you as a player. My brain turned to warm strawberry jam after playing and it still feels like it is messing with me. From walking down a corridor that isn’t there, seeing a door that’s just an illusion, to pulling apart everything we’d expect, Superliminal messes with your mind in the best way possible. Superliminal is a game that will break you no matter what you are assuming of it. It broke me so much that mid-conversation following completing it, I fell asleep. Exhausting, brilliant, and fun.

Taylor – Fire Emblem: Three Houses

From the system of a boarding school to the three dynamic routes in its story, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is the best game we’ve seen in 2019. The reason people love Fire Emblem is the turn-based combat and relationship you build with your character. Both aspects of the game, have been improved in Three Houses.

Plus, you can play through different routes of the narrative, meaning you get three unique experiences and a ton of bang for your buck. I don’t know if other games can compare to Three Houses‘ content and quality. I ended up loving the team I assembled with my students, and it’s not every day you get invested in a game. Three Houses had me invested, obsessed, and still wanting to dive back in after beating each of the three routes.

David – Mortal Kombat 11

I’m not exactly a fighting game connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, but I’d like to think I know a worthy addition to a franchise I love when I see one. That’s precisely why I’ve chosen the newest entry in my favorite fighting game series, Mortal Kombat 11, as my Game of the Year for 2019. I consider Mortal Kombat 11’s gameplay to be quite enjoyable in its own right despite certain aspects of the game whose inclusion I don’t necessarily agree with or support.

For instance, I don’t believe MK11 needs both in-game micro-transactions as well as a $40 incremental character pass in the form of the “Kombat Pack,” but I do wholeheartedly believe it has everything it needs to be considered an enjoyable game outside of that nonsense. You might be familiar with my overall opinion on the game from reading my full review of it but if you haven’t read that article, perhaps the stand-up comedy prowess of Johnny Cage will convince you to give the newest Mortal Kombat installment a try.

Mike – The Outer Worlds

The Outer Worlds is my game of the year for 2019. Developed by the kings of storytelling, Obsidian Entertainment, the game spends more time establishing its setting, characters, and lore than in combat, and that makes what you’re fighting for matter. While the combat may not be up to snuff with Obsidian’s previous outing, Fallout: New Vegas, the environment, stealth mechanics, and dialogue trees are far more compelling and rewarding.

While some may be upset with a 20-30 hour story, the number of side quests double the playtime, and are worth every second. The Outer Worlds is one of the rare games that hooks me in and never wastes my time.

Abdul – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The developers of FromSoftware are known for making tough-as-nails, yet fantastic games. Sekiro is the latest example of this. The sheer amount of frustration, perseverance, and wonder returns in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Sekiro features a Feudal Japan setting, as well as new fast-paced combat mechanics with a learning curve that keeps you on your toes. Like other FromSoft games it also has unique and challenging enemy types and bosses, Sekiro does a good job in making you feel like a ninja. The first thing that stands out from other FromSoftware games is the existence of a linear and cohesive story that everyone can follow. You are Wolf, the bodyguard to the Divine heir, with your sole purpose being to protect him from those who seek him for his royal blood.

Despite the differences, you’ll never forget that you are, in fact, playing a FromSoftware game with similar mechanics to its predecessors. Dying, cursing, crying, success, elation, and repeating the process all over again are all hallmarks of the FromSoftware catalog, and they come here in spades. Sekiro does a good job of providing fans of the SoulsBorne series exactly what they want, but with a fresh new take, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Frankly not making this game of the year would be an injustice.

Dari – Anodyne 2: Return to Dust

I played the first Anodyne years ago and while I enjoyed it a lot, there were definitely problems with it, in that the narrative felt really unclear. Anodyne 2, however, not only presented a clear and emotionally resonant story but expanded on the Gameboy Zelda experience I enjoyed and combined it with PS1-style 3D exploration. It’s a game with a cohesive vision full of creative dungeons and a varied soundtrack. It’s easily the best game Analgesic Productions has made so far and I look forward to what they’ll make in the future.

Jaydyn – Indivisible

Indivisible was a small release that I wasn’t even thinking about until the day before it released. I saw one review, took one look at the gameplay and art, and I knew I had to play this game immediately. I am not sure what drew me in initially. It could have been its seemingly simple story, that soon goes on to be something much more. It could have been the colorful cast of characters that never lose their charm and keep up the smartly written quips throughout the adventure. The soundtrack is definitely a factor as it is something special. I have so rarely been transported by soundtracks that when it happens, it is definitely an experience for me.

The gameplay of Indivisible is a unique blend of 2D platforming and turned-based combat that feels like a fighting game as well. All of these elements sound like it could make the game a complete mess but thankfully Lab Zero games did a wonderful job balancing all the elements together and making everything feel cohesive. I am about halfway through the story but I know this is my game of the year. I will shout its praises from the rooftops and request that everyone open their eyes to this overlooked gem.

There you have it folks! Here is Phenixx Gaming’s list of our Games of the Year! Did you like any of these? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comment section!

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