2019 is coming to an end. The year has been long with quite a lot of games released. Yet, it’s quite hard to single out a handful of good games that came out this year. So, as a recap to close the curtains to 2019, here are 10 games that we have enjoyed this year.
▍World Flipper
ワールドフリッパー
QooApp Rating: 3.4/5
World Flipper is Cygames’ latest mobile title. The game features adorable pixel art graphics and surprisingly addictive pinball gameplay with real-time co-op.
The game may appear to be simple at first glance, but as you collect more characters from the gacha, team composition becomes more and more flexible, allowing you to create teams with different play styles and purposes to help you clear the late game contents of the game.
Although the main quest line is currently very short, since its initial release, World Flipper has already added several new stages to the main questline. Players can expect frequent content updates to the game.
The only downside to the game is Stamina. Whilst early on players will be able to play for prolonged periods of time due to ranking up. Fully awakening and unlocking a character’s skill tree (ability tree) becomes significantly harder as they progress due to how little stamina players have and the significant stamina cost for late-game content.
▍Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross (JP)
七つの大罪 光と闇の交戦 : グラクロ
QooApp Rating: 4.7/5
Vast content and impressive graphics, SDS: Grand Cross raises the bar for all anime mobile games. The cutscenes in the game are all fully voiced with original voice actors from the TV anime series reprising their roles in the game.
In terms of gameplay, the game uses a unique card-based combat system where players can save and combine skill cards and play them strategically each turn to clear stages. The game also features real-time co-op stages where players can work together with other players online to take down difficult raid bosses and guild bosses.
PvP in SDS: Grand Cross is fairly balanced, with one league only counting the character’s level and awakening. Once players progress to a certain level in PvP, a new league will be open where item levels will be included, to further raise the difficulty of PvP.
▍Pokémon Masters
QooApp Rating: 3.6/5
Bringing iconic characters from the Pokémon Adventures manga series, Pokémon Masters is a unique Pokémon game where players not only collect Pokémon but also trainers.
For Pokemon fans, this game brings together all their favorite characters from the Pokémon series. Set apart from the mainline Pokemon RPG series, Pokémon Master is a one-of-a-kind Pokémon experience.
Considering the amount of content the game can draw inspiration from, the game currently has a good amount of events that players can play. Unfortunately, a lot of farming is required for the game.
▍LINQS RINGS
リンクスリングス
QooApp Rating: 4.1/5
Brilliantly designed to give players short bursts of fun each time. The game plays very much like Splatoon. Each game lasts around 3 minutes and the balancing is handled quite well, encouraging teamwork over individual achievements.
The gameplay is simple enough to overcome the language barrier if you don’t understand Japanese.
Unfortunately, the game wasn’t designed with global players in mind. Depending on your region, you may face connection problems. But nonetheless, LINQS RINGS is definitely one of the better games in 2019.
▍Yo-kai Watch: Medal Wars
妖怪ウォッチ メダルウォーズ
QooApp Rating: 4.5/5
Whether if you’re a fan of the series or not, Yo-kai Watch: Medal Wars is a game that you can easily pick up and enjoy.
The game features a real-time combat system where player’s yokai will automatically advance and attack enemies. Players will be able to activate their yokai’s active abilities by tapping their icon or swap in their sub-characters onto the field to activate unique attacks.
Fans will be able to indulge in a new original series set in the Yo-Kai Watch universe, and those new to the series will be able to step into the series and get to know some of the series’ iconic yokai.
In addition to the game’s story, a PvP mode is also available. Players can build teams using their favorite yokai and challenge other players.
▍Certain Magical Index: Imaginary Fest
とある魔術の禁書目録 幻想収束
QooApp Rating: 4.2/5
A great looking game for an incredible series. The graphics are worth praises and the skill animations really capture the essence of each character in the series.
The combat system in the game is quite engaging and worth exploring.
Unfortunately, many of the other aspects of the game heavily resemble Princess Connect Re:Dive. If you can ignore the Princess Connect “influence” then the game is definitely worth a try.
▍Last Cloudia
ラストクラウディア
QooApp Rating: JP: 4.1/5 GL: 4.3/5
Last Cloudia is truly a great game that has earned its place on this list. The Ark system allows players to fine-tune what skills and passives their characters can learn gives players a definitive control over what role their character plays in combat.
From the voice casts and the in-game cutscenes, it is clear that no expense was spared in creating the game.
The grinding required for this game is not something you can easily laugh off. The amount of time required to raise one character is quite significant and the time required to get all the perfect skills is astronomical.
▍Sword Art Online Alicization: Rising Steel
ソードアート・オンライン アリシゼーション・ブレイディング
QooApp Rating: 4.2/5
Sword Art Online Alicization: Rising Steel is definitely one of the better SAO mobile games available. The core gameplay is a combination of Another Eden’s exploration with FGO’s combat system.
The graphics have received mixed reviews amongst players. On one hand, the animations reminisce the TV anime series and the depth of field the game tries to recreate can be quite impressive at first. However, certain scenes, particularly when the game zooms into the characters, flaws can be spotted out quite clearly. Is it a game-breaking flaw? no, not really, but if you’re extremely picky with what you’re seeing in games, then it can be something that will put you off.
One of the major downsides of the game is the Weapon Gacha. In addition to collecting characters, you will also need to collect weapons from stages and from the gacha to fully max out your characters. Not the best thing you want to see as a f2p player.
Grinding can be a bit of a pain, but thankfully, the game has an auto-mode. All-in-all, a good enough game for a major IP like SAO.
