WASTELAND 3
After successfully resurrecting
the Wasteland RPG series back
in 2014, developer inXile is
taking another shot at it. But
rather than another dry, dusty
desert, this sequel is set in the
frozen wastelands of a bleak
post-apocalyptic Colorado.SYSTEM SHOCK
While System Shock 2 is
regularly held up as a PC
classic, the 1994 original
doesn’t get nearly as much love.
But thanks to an atmospheric
graphical overhaul by developer
Nightdive, this remaster might
finally give it a chance to shine.WARGROOVE
Inspired by Intelligent Systems’
Advance Wars series, and
developed by Starbound creator
Chucklefish, this strategy game
will feature tactical turn-based
combat, cooperative play and a
series of campaigns featuring
12 distinct characters.SPELUNKY 2
Spelunky 2 has a lot to live up to
given that it’s the follow up to
one of PCG’s highest-scoring
games of all time. The sequel
promises new items, allies and
enemies, and new
environmental possibilities.
New ways to die, basically.2019 Preview
FEATURE
TROPICO 6
Y
ou’re the president of a banana republic, and must build
your island paradise while dealing with the requests of
external superpowers and internal factions, and the
ever-looming threat of election day. Do you use your
powers for good and create a utopian haven for your people, or do you
just line your own pockets—making empty promises and corrupt deals
to keep hold of power by any means necessary? Whatever you choose,
you’ll still need to build housing, industry, and infrastructure across
lush, vibrant archipelagos. In other words, it’s a Tro p i c o game—albeit
one that’s set to be bigger and better than its predecessors.
MINEKO’S NIGHT MARKET
T
his adorable-looking game puts you in charge of a tiny, odd
crafting business at the local weekly market. Between
markets you’ll spend your time exploring the land, meeting
new folk, and gathering resources for your business. The
curios you make and sell will fund your own shopping expeditions in the
market, letting you check out minigames, try food and buy collectibles.
The stage shows sound particularly interesting as Mineko’s Night
Market is aiming to be a celebration of Japanese culture—that means
taiko drumming, kabuki theatre, sumo wrestling, and karaoke are all on
the menu. Oh. And the world is full of cats. Cats EVERYWHERE.
ANTHEM
B
ioWare’s cooperative shooter wants to steal your attention
away from Destiny 2, Monster Hunter: World, and all of the
other games that would rather you think of them more as
an ongoing hobby. You play as a Freelancer, using your
exosuit to kill bugs and beasties, big and small, and a rocket booster to
fly around lush sci-fi environments. Between missions, you return to a
central hub to progress the story, building relationships with various
NPCs. Unlike in other BioWare games, however, those relationships will
remain strictly platonic—as if that’s ever stopped thirsty communities
from shipping anyone and everyone.RAGE 2
T
he first Rage was an uncomplicated, dry shooter set in an
incredibly brown wasteland. For the sequel, id has enlisted
the services of Just Cause developer Avalanche—a studio
known for its explosive action. As a result, Rage 2 looks
ridiculous in the best possible way, favoring creative violence across a
vast open world. You’ll ride across this post-apocalyptic world, causing
trouble with an array of weapons, tools, and yes, a lethal boomerang.
Throw in vehicular combat and superpowered special abilities, and you
have all the ingredients for an FPS romp that promises an equal
measure of chaos and fun.