Noisy Pixel’s Best Games of 2019 – Genre Part 1

Here at Noisy Pixel, we have a diverse group of staff writers who love video games. So diverse, in fact, that it was pretty tricky for us to narrow down our list for Best Games of 2019.

However, after days of deliberation and surveys, we have created what we think is a great list of some of the most prolific and stand-out titles of 2019. Throughout the week, we’ll be releasing sections of our list as we lead up to our Game of Year award.

We begin our reveals by focusing on genres:

Best Action-Adventure

Devil May Cry 5

This year, nothing stood a chance next to the action and style of Devil May Cry 5. Every moment of this game was an exhibition of solid game mechanics and over-the-top storytelling.

Runner up: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

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Best Action JRPG

Code Vein

Creating a strong narrative with a focus on grueling challenging gameplay isn’t an easy task. However, Code Vein proves that it can be done as each mission provides a new sense of discovery and growth. Existing in the world of Code Vein isn’t easy, but once you’re in, it’s almost impossible to play anything else.

Runner up: God Eater 3

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Best JRPG

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III

What can we say? We’re suckers for lengthy stories and great character development, which The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III easily provides for fans of this traditional JRPG adventure. Introducing a new Class VII and expanding the fantasy world that Falcom has created was an absolute joy to experience during every second of this 100+ hour quest.

Runner Up: Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

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Best Visual Novel

Steins;Gate Elite

Many visual novels try to come close to capturing the presentation and flow of their anime counterparts, but none have done it quite like Steins;Gate Elite. This is a retelling of the beloved visual novel Steins;Gate using the animation of the anime series, which also includes additional scenes created for the game. Meaning, this is perhaps the best way to experience this timeless science fiction story.

Runner up: Aokana: Four Rhythm Across the Blue

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Best Adventure

AI: The Somnium Files

Creator Kotaro Uchikoshi wasn’t messing around in his newest adventure game after concluding the Zero Escape trilogy. AI: The Somnium Files contains everything adventure players love about the genre by including mystery, murder, drama, comedy, and cast of characters that you find yourself heavily attached to. This is a game that blew us all away and is truly a fantastic adventure.

Runner up: Astral Chain

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Best Fighter

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Could you think of a better way to spend a night with a group of friends than gathering around the TV and playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Being both an exhibit of beloved characters from various franchises and substantial fighting experience. Nintendo brings to us a fighter that many can master, but newcomers can find fun in after just picking up the controller.

Runner up: Samurai Shodown

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Come back tomorrow for the conclusion of the genre category.