10 SURPRISE Hits of 2019

TL;DR

2019 saw unforgettable video game surprises, with unexpected hits capturing gamers' hearts.

Transcript

the video game world in 2019 was actually full of surprises you don't actually realize how much there was going on until you look back so we're rounding up 10 or so of the biggest surprise hits of the Year 2019 we're looking at it from a few perspectives the games that were outright surprise releases games that look bad but turned out good and game... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎮 2019 was a remarkable year for unexpected video game hits, with numerous titles defying conventional marketing predictions.
• 👮 "Risk of Rain 2" emerged as a beloved co-op experience, praised for its roguelike mechanics and diverse character classes, enhancing replayability.
• 🏛️ "GreedFall" offered a unique mix of colonial themes and fantasy, attracting players with its narrative depth and character-building capabilities.
• ✋ "A Plague Tale: Innocence" surprised players with its emotional storytelling and high-quality visuals, drawing comparisons to renowned titles for its compelling narrative.
• ❓ The sudden release and popularity of "Apex Legends" emphasized the potential for successful marketing strategies and community engagement without extensive buildup.
• 🦾 "Outer Wilds" captivated players with its innovative time-loop mechanic, encouraging exploration and discovery within a creatively designed universe.
• ❓ The gaming industry demonstrated the impact of indie developers in creating unique and engaging experiences, as evident in titles like "Disco Elysium."

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the standout features of "Apex Legends" that contributed to its surprise success?

"Apex Legends" distinguished itself with an innovative communication system utilizing emotes and hotkeys, allowing teams to coordinate effectively without voice chat. Launched suddenly with unique heroes and quality gunplay, it captivated a vast audience, amassing two million concurrent players quickly and establishing itself as a prominent title in the battle royale genre.

Q: How did "Untitled Goose Game" become a cultural phenomenon?

"Untitled Goose Game" thrived on absurd humor, allowing players to embody a mischievous goose that causes chaos. Its simple, interactive gameplay became a viral sensation, inspiring countless memes and social media posts. The immediate popularity highlighted how a unique game concept could generate significant community engagement, reaching players beyond traditional demographics.

Q: What unique approach did "Outward" take in comparison to standard RPGs?

"Outward" provided a challenging RPG experience focused on survival elements, requiring players to manage resources and face tough scenarios while exploring a detailed world. Its co-op gameplay and engaging mechanics attracted significant attention, encouraging players to collaborate uniquely. The game's success underscored the importance of offering fresh perspectives in established genres.

Q: What made "My Time at Portia" stand out among other games released in 2019?

"My Time at Portia" captivated gamers with its blend of crafting, building, and social interaction elements reminiscent of "Stardew Valley." Despite initial perceptions as a simple imitation, it offered a rich, engaging community and gameplay experience. Overwhelmingly positive reviews on platforms like Steam reflect its surprising depth and appeal, showcasing the game's charm and unique features.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video reviews various surprise video games from 2019, focusing on unexpected releases and hits that garnered substantial fanbases. The analysis highlights how a game's prior perception can often mislead potential players.

• Each game is discussed with its unique mechanics, gameplay experiences, and how it resonated with audiences, such as "Apex Legends" and "Untitled Goose Game," showcasing their cultural impact.

• The video concludes with bonus mentions of games like "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order" and "Disco Elysium," emphasizing the unpredictable nature of game releases and their ability to capture player interest.