Outer Wilds

Somehow, Outer Wilds manages to blow other space exploration-based titles away for a mere $10. It's a game where the vastness may be limited, but the depth is not; a testament to the never-ending drive for creativity, fueled by enthusiasm and passion. Much like exploration in real-life, each encounter brings something new. something impactful and meaningful; if a slice of life is but a game, then Outer Wild would have captured its very essence. The first true must-play of 2019.

Each new discovery or observation brings with it a real sense of joy and wonder and the pleasing notion that you’re the first person to behold each particular oddity. It may not have the grand scale of some other space exploration games but, frequent deaths included, Outer Wilds is such an enthralling excursion that you’d be mad to miss out.

Outer Wilds' tricky exploration and puzzle solving is definitely an acquired taste. Its very specific brand of active storytelling differs wildly from highly guided open-worlds that many of us think of when we talk about non-linear gameplay. Though it can be confounding at times when events don't unfold in precisely the right way, the feeling of discovering something new about the story, or following a couple of facts to something totally unexpected on a faraway planet far outweighs those hiccups.