LinuxGameNetwork
2019 is coming to a close so we wanted to highlight five games, released during the year, that deserve some recognition. The requirements for consideration on the list are quite simple, the game must have been released during the calendar year of 2019. In the case when a Linux release date differs from other versions, the time of the Linux release is taken to be the correct date.
So let's jump right into things with number 5.
5. Baba Is You (Hempuli Oy/Arvi Teikari)
Baba Is You is, without a doubt, the best puzzle experience of 2019. What began as a submission for a game jam back in 2017 is now one of the most successful indie games of the year.
Baba has an interesting twist on the block-pushing puzzle genre by turning the rules of the game into physical objects that must be manipulated by the player in order to successfully complete each stage. Dangerous objects may need to be pacified, or the entire goal of the level may need to be altered. The first time you turn yourself into an huge section of wall in order to reach the goal flag is something really unexpected.
They say the best puzzles are ones that make the solver feel smart. Well Baba Is You does the opposite. When the solution finally hits you after a long time of staring at a puzzle, it can seem so obvious in retrospect that it's almost insulting. But that is also the mark of a good puzzle game.
4. Trüberbrook (btf, Headup Games)
Trüberbrook is a point-and-click adventure game created by a group of German creatives that call themselves "btf". Funded partially by a grant and partially from Kickstarter, it was one of the biggest surprises of this year. The story follows American physicist Hans Tannhauser who has accepted a mysterious free trip to the village of Trüberbrook. During his visit, his research mysteriously goes missing and what follows is best experienced for yourself.
One of the coolest things about Trüberbrook is that the graphics are all created from real-life miniatures. They're built, photographed and then reproduced in-game. The process creates a very neat effect and the amount of detail in the environments is simply amazing.
Compared to classic adventure games, Trüberbrook is more linear with fewer puzzles that are easier to solve. It concentrates more on the narrative and the story than creating intricate puzzles. I appreciated this as it offered a more casual experience, but I realize that that might not be the case for all players and is something to consider.
3. Ion Fury (Voidpoint)
Made using the original 'Build Engine', that powered many 3D shooters from the late '90s, Ion Fury is a true modern retro title. Playing as Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison you're tasked with saving Neo DC from an army of cyborgs. And that's all the story you really need because this is all about the guns.
The gameplay is pretty much what you would expect from a shooter that came from the '90s. You will roam through beautifully crafted levels, collecting different types of weapons, and disposing of hordes of cyborgs. One of the most powerful and iconic weapons for the game is a throw-able bomb that will only explode if it hits an enemy and lets the player pick it up otherwise. There's lots of fun to be had with those.
The maps are well crafted non-linear experiences containing tonnes of secret rooms and shortcuts. Even though there is a mini-map for each stage, there's nothing telling the player where to go so exploration is required to progress. And the levels are definitely worth exploring to see all the easter eggs that the developers at Voidpoint have hidden.
2. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Eidos, Crystal Dynamics, Feral Interactive)
What began in 2013, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the finale in the Tomb Raider remakes from Eidos and Crystal Dynamics. All three games were eventually brought to Linux by porting house Feral Interactive, with Shadow being released in November of this year. Not only have the games improved with each iteration, but the Linux versions have also become more performant. The improvements become especially stark when revisiting Tomb Raider 2013.
Compared to the previous instalments in the series, Shadow is much more focused on exploration and puzzle solving. The hidden and challenge crypts are a ton of fun to get through. Some of the puzzle mechanisms the designers came up with are pretty interesting, almost like a Rube Goldberg machine. Combined with the exploration elements, Shadow is the game in the series that most feels like a proper Tomb Raider title.
The narrative elements also work quite well in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, more-so than in the previous games. It touches on Lara's family history, and her motivations for doing what she does, in a way that makes the player feel more empathetic for the character. By the end of the game, the origin story of Lara Croft is completed with a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.
1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (Wine/Proton) (From Software)
Often, as Linux gamers, we're used to getting games after release but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice ran perfectly on day one through Proton - no additional setup or tricks were required. I believe that Sekiro is a perfect example of Proton working the way many of us envisioned. It was something special to participate directly in the excitement surrounding the launch of a new major title, even if it was not technically a Linux game.
The chaotic Sengoku period of Japan is the beautiful setting for the game. The player is often treated to some really cool vistas of ancient castles or landscapes. Traversing these environments also feels really fluid due to the character's grappling hook. This leads to some great vertical aspects that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.
The story in Sekiro is relatively easy to digest for a From Software game. You play as Wolf, a shinobi tasked with defending a young lord who is under threat due to his bloodline. For those that want to dive deep into the lore though, many items have detailed descriptions that fill in additional details.
Those familiar the Dark Souls series should know what to expect difficulty-wise in Sekiro. The combat definitely has a learning curve and some of the bosses can be quite brutal. Being in the enemie's face and using deflections to inflict posture damage is key to Sekiro's combat. Paying attention to the visual and audio cues also helps greatly. It's extremely rewarding when you're finally able to time parries and counters effectively.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is LinuxGameNetwork's Game of the Year for 2019. It's a game that I couldn't stop playing until completion. There were times when I had to take a break due to frustration, but somehow I always found myself right back playing.
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