Ones To Watch In 2019 – Action Games With A Little Soul

The term action can encompass a whole host of games that can span other genres, in this article we’re going to try and just hone in on that action label. 2019 promises a whole lot of action, and below are just some of the games that are worth looking out for in the next 12 months. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of sci-fi, horror, anime because we have something for everybody.

And action!

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC – Release: 22/03/19

FromSoftware are experts when it comes to creating memorable experiences, and we’re hoping that trend continues in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.  Originally meant to be part of the Tenchu series, From instead decided to spin Sekiro into its own thing. Unlike From’s recent releases Sekiro also steps away from RPG elements like classes to present a game where one move can be the end. There will be no multiplayer parts in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice either.

Set in an alternate 16th century Japan swordplay is key, and mastering it is the core for survival. Combat will be a series of attempts of trying to break the pose of opponents to inflict one hit that’ll lead to their demise. Of course, there’s also the subject of the prosthetic arm that the protagonist has that allows him to swing around environments as well as have other gadgets added to it so he can adapt to situations. As this is a From title though you’d have to expect the combat to be tough, and every enemy will have some unique element to them.

Devil May Cry 5

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC – Release: 09/03/19

When you think pure action in games then the Devil May Cry series has to be amongst the top of the pile in that regard. Its mix of fast-paced combat and environmental puzzles have consistently drawn in the fans, with maybe one or two missteps. After the reactions to DmC: Devil May Cry (which I enjoyed) Capcom went back to the drawing board to deliver what others requested, which was Devil May Cry 5. Earlier this year that wish was granted as the next instalment in the main series was confirmed.

In this entry, Nero seems to be taking top billing, and style tips from DmC’s Dante, while Dante himself is letting his locks flow. There’s also another playable character as V The Mysterious One makes his presence known. Unlike Nero and Dante V can’t fight with a sword in hand but instead as demon familiars do his bidding. You also have Nico, the Artisan of Arms, who is the specialist weapons expert who works with Nero. There’s also the return of the characters Trish and Lady, who’ll also join in the violence.

Is DMC5 the series reset fans will have hoped for? Read our preview to find out!

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Platforms: TBC – Release: Holiday 2019

Here’s a game we know very little about, and one that had a bizarre reveal at E3 2018. Instead of a big stage presence, a quick interview in the middle of the audience at EA Play confirmed Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars foray would be called Jedi: Fallen Order, and that it’ll be set after the events of Revenge of the Sith. In the game players will assume the role of a Padawan who survives Order 66.

That’s all the information we have. So as a plea, can we please have more details Respawn and EA? Thanks.

The Surge 2

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC – Release:  2019

Soul’s style combat was the basis for Deck13’s The Surge, which took the recipe concocted by FromSoftware and applied it to a sci-fi setting. It did well among the critics (we gave it an 8/10) and seemed to be a decent hit. So much so, in fact, that earlier this year Focus Home Interactive and Deck13 confirmed that The Surge 2 was in development, and we should expect it in 2019.

One of the locations shown off for The Surge 2 was the Park, where Hunters lay traps you need to avoid. That’s just one area though as a devastated city is the setting for this sequel where larger environments will be available to roam in. Deck13 has stated it’ll be upgrading the combat as well as giving players more ways in which to fight the enemies that inhabit this world.

Code Vein

Release Date: 2019 Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC. 

Staying on the theme of Souls combat we now come to Code Vein, aka Anime Souls. It was announced in 2017 with the line “Prepare to Dine”, a play on FromSoftware’s prepare to die line from Dark Souls. Code Vein was originally meant to release in September this year but was delayed with Bandai Namco stating more time was required to polish the title.

For more on Code Vein, you can read our preview here

Code Vein takes place in the near future where civilisation has collapsed and the only true survivors are the Vein, essentially vampires who need blood to survive. They’re not the only ones who require blood though and must face of against the Lost who gave in completely to their bloodlust and became slaves to it. Gameplay will require players to create a character and choose a partner to explore the world, while using Gifts powered by blood to fight the Lost and the other monsters that skulk the ruins of humanity.

Control

Remedy Entertainment knows a thing or two about creating memorable experiences, be they the first two Max Payne titles and Alan Wake. They’re also known to take risks, just look at Quantum Break, and now the studio returns for its next game, Control. The game was announced at E3 and it seems to be a culmination of everything the studio has learned over the years.

A psychological horror setting, control of time, and what appears to be some decent gunplay too? Control looks to have it all in spades. Players take on the role of Jesse who becomes the Director of the agency and is able to use its assets in the fight against the otherworldly threat, known as The Hiss. Jesse doesn’t just use guns but has supernatural abilities thanks to her directorship that can be used to eliminate the Hiss. They have powers of their own though.

If Control sounds like something you’d like check out our preview

That’s all for this motley assortment of action games. Come back tomorrow where we’ll be taking a look at a whole host of shooty shooty bang bang games.