Digital Foundry Best Games Of 2019: The John Linneman Collection

SmartWaffles

Member
Nov 15, 2017
4,869


Our very own Dark1x presents his year-end video, covering off his personal gaming highlights of the year across a range of genres and game styles old and new.

11. Xeno Crisis
10. Boneworks
9. Devil Engine
8. Yooka Laylee and the Impossible Lair
7. Control
6. Blazing Chrome
5. Death Stranding
4. Ion Fury
3. Resident Evil 2
2. Amid Evil
1. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
 
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chandoog

Member
Oct 27, 2017
17,678
Is the numbered list in order or just a "here are the games I liked" kinda thing ? Because that's a number 1 I didn't expect lol.

in before Sekiro got robbed
 

Aaron D.

Member
Oct 25, 2017
6,178
Nice to see Ion Fury and Amid Evil mentioned.

I thought I was done* with shooters before Dusk, Amid Evil and Ion Fury came along and reignited my passion for the genre. Now I keep my eyes peeled for other retro-shooters in the modern age.

* barring one-offs like Doom 2016
 

IronicSonic

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Oct 25, 2017
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People really liked Blazing Chrome. As a massive Contra: Hard Corps fan, BC was meh. I need to get Control down the line. I'll start YL2 today!!
 

Jockel

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Oct 27, 2017
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Berlin
Great choice for first spot, it’s among the hand full of games I actually finished this year. The drama, the mechanics, the music- just a great game all around.
 

Tyaren

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Oct 25, 2017
16,128
Oh wait, this isn't about best graphics of 2019, but John's favorite games in general list?
I guess we will see a best graphics video from DF too?
 

The Woods

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Oct 25, 2017
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Some fantastic choices there. Amid Evil is likely going to top mine this year. I need to put more time into Xeno Crisis and have yet to play Devil Engine.
 

Irrotational

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Oct 25, 2017
4,173
An eclectic and interesting mix - refreshing to just see/hear about some different games than the usual top 10 fodder.

Great video!
 

TheDarkKnight

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Oct 25, 2017
4,431
Glad John did another list. It helps highlight off the beaten path games that I’d otherwise miss that scratch that retro vibe

and he AC 7 was a great return for the franchise and felt like the refresh of the ps2 era games I loved
 

djplaeskool

Member
Oct 26, 2017
12,311
Finally, I thought I was the only one putting Devil Engine on my Best Of list this year.

Once again, this reminds me that I need to get AC7 over the holiday.
Will probably snap it up on Steam soonish.
 

jroc74

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Oct 27, 2017
14,834
This reminds me I need to get Control and Resident Evil 2.

Not gonna lie....shocked to see Death Stranding on there, lol.
 

jipewithin

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Oct 27, 2017
1,094
Just like last year, very refreshing take on past year. Thanks Dark1x, really need to check that Control out, been thinking about it for awhile. Things you mentioned about Death Stranding really nails it, most open world games are just so samey and boring but this was something very different and amazing experience.
 

Sams88

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Oct 9, 2019
221
I need to play Ace Combat 7.

Everything about it appeals. I just struggle to find the time to play everything so can’t justify full RRP.
 

Zophar

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Oct 25, 2017
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John has great taste. Happy to have someone around like him to marry the best of the past with the best of the present.
 

kubev

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Oct 25, 2017
5,131
Pacifica, CA
I hadn't even heard of Amid Evil. I think I'll pick it up. Out of curiosity, has anyone here (or Dark1x) played Dusk? I see that there's a bundle on Steam that includes both games for a discount, but I'm curious as to whether Dusk is as good as Amid Evil.
 

TheZynster

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Oct 26, 2017
11,700
Ace Combat 7 as number 1?


hmmmmm I haven't played ace combat since the PS2 days which i loved them.

Is 7 really that damn good?
 

Aaron D.

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Oct 25, 2017
6,178
I hadn't even heard of Amid Evil. I think I'll pick it up. Out of curiosity, has anyone here (or Dark1x) played Dusk? I see that there's a bundle on Steam that includes both games for a discount, but I'm curious as to whether Dusk is as good as Amid Evil.
Both are top shelf in the respective style of 90s shooter they're homaging (Quake & Hexen respectively).

For my money, along with Ion Fury they're the absolute best shooters released in years. Wonderfully distilled, capturing the magic of past-era shooters while layering modern sensibilities on top.

Honestly I'd have a genuinely difficult time picking a favorite of the trio. The all just so damn good. A true Sophie's Choice proposition.
 
May 5, 2018
7,218
Ace Combat 7 at #1!


I replayed some AC7 missions yesterday and I’m pretty certain it’ll be in my top 5. Great list overall too.
 

Kilbane65

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Oct 27, 2017
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Amid Evil looks amazing, can’t believe I never saw it before. It’s like a modern Heretic.
 

Moist_Owlet

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Dec 26, 2017
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Actually the best list I've seen so far. 2019 peaked in the first month and just got worse after that.
 

Black_Stride

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Oct 28, 2017
5,160
Control.

Ace Combat 7.

Resident Evil 2.

Ion Fury.


God damn thats a good list.
If Ace Combat 7 had 6 or 8 per team combat it would have been a hell of a ride.....i think 4 man teams are alittle small.
 

SoundCheck

Avenger
Oct 27, 2017
2,279
#1 is completely deserved. Although the story isn't on par with the ps2 games imo (but it's still great), everything else is exactly how I dreamed for a AC game this gen. Underrated game of the year for sure.