2019 is the year to revisit my favorite games

Every gamer has a backlog, but have you ever put together a list of your favorite games you were dying to replay? In the current console generation of remakes, remasters, and rereleases, it's now more possible than ever to not only replay some old favorites, but experience them in a fresh coat of paint. Not every game is getting the treatment however, which may have you untangle the corded charges and cables and dust off the old console, but you know it will be more than worth it.

2019 is a packed year filled with amazing new games: Resident Evil 2, Kingdom Hearts III, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Days Gone, The Division 2, Borderlands 3... Need I go on? Funny enough, I only played one of those new games I listed. It's not because I'm not interested in those new games - quite the opposite. I want to play those games... eventually. Rather, my gaming itch has been focused on replaying some of my favorite games ever, with some actually being rereleased this year.

After completing Kingdom Hearts III, a sort of invisible weight was lifted off of my shoulders because it was the one game I was absolutely excited for to play. That's not to say I wasn't pumped for other new titles along the way like Persona 5 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but no other game could eclipse the excitement I had for Kingdom Hearts III. Now that it's out, I've developed a laissez faire approach to new games; I'll sink my time into them when I want to. With that said, now feels like the perfect time to go back . to a handful of games that have constantly been in the forefront of my mind since I finished them because, well, I miss them.

First up, Bioshock. It's no secret the impact Bioshock has made for video games. I'll never forget my first time playing on PS3; a constant feeling of dread to survive in this hostile environment, yet fully invested to uncover and understand the rise and fall of Rapture, a dystopian underwater city glamoured with a distinctive Art Deco style. I've replayed the game a few years back to acquire all of the trophies, but I wanted to do it all again on PS4 because I love everything about this game.

Next up, and what I'm currently playing on the Nintendo Switch, the Ace Attorney trilogy. The first entry, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, interested me more and more while I was watching a playthrough of the game with commentary. I could tell how much fun the player was having, so I decided to try it out even if visual novel games aren't my thing. I figured I would like it, but I never expected how much I would end up loving it. The comical characters, excellent writing, super catchy and iconic music and sounds, a charming art style - all of it was a complete package. The trio of mystery visual novel games was originally on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, but were then made playable on the Wii via WiiWare and Virtual Console. Ever since I regrettably sold my Wii, I've been wanting to get back to my favorite trilogy in video games for some time. Thankfully, all three games are on the Nintendo Switch now! While I do miss the old graphic art style this rerelease doesn't have, the fantastic storytelling and music are overfilling my nostalgia fix and I'm loving it.

Since people are constantly mentioning Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on my Twitter feed, it's only natural I want to dip my toe in a game similar to it. So, I booted up a modern masterpiece and pressed "New Game" for 2015's Bloodborne. I told myself I would explore a bit and beat the game's first boss, the Cleric Beast, then call it a night. What ended up actually happening though? I beat the Cleric Beast, Father Gascoigne, made it to the Cathedral Ward, and reached level 28 in one sitting. As someone who beat the game some time ago and appreciated what it was but never really loved it like other people did, this session finally clicked for me. I'm constantly thinking about it and just want to keep going.

So I just got the all of the trophies in Bioshock, and I'm getting through the Ace Attorney trilogy and inching through Bloodborne. What else?

I'm so glad you asked! Well, 2019 is 4 months young, so there are still a handful of games I want to replay that I organized:

For the "Just because they're awesome" folder: Bioshock Infinite, Metal Gear Solid V, Chrono Trigger (it's been WAY too long since I played this gem), Nier Automata, and Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

I'm also currently reading the Witcher novels for the first time, so of course I'll get the urge to go back to its epic fantasy setting in the Witcher 3. I'm not sure if I'll start a completely new game, but the Witcher 3 is worth going back to for its amazing Blood and Wine DLC expansion alone.

Final Fantasy XV has had a TON updates and add-ons since Episode Ignis, which happens to be the last time I played the game. With no planned future updates and the final DLC Episode Ardyn recently going live for purchase, Final Fantasy XV is now fully complete and I'm ready to replay it with all of the new additions. Hopefully the second time around, the story will not have as much loose ends as it did at launch.

Branching away from single-player games, I made plans with a buddy of mine to replay Resident Evil 6, and maybe even Resident Evil 5. I'm particularly excited for those two since both are fun as hell, over the top action games perfect for co-op.

Another game to replay is Catherine, a quirky, mature gem of a puzzle platformer that made its debut in 2011. Coincidentally, Catherine is FINALLY getting a rerelease in 2019 as an enhanced port to modern consoles called Catherine Full Body, complete with many new additions and gameplay tweaks making it more than worth a replay. If by any chance you missed out on this one, pick up the rerelease. Without spoiling, the game has a hilarious and fun take on romance, relationships, and player choice backed by great writing and characters.

Let's also not forget Persona 5 could be coming to the Nintendo Switch, and Persona 5 The Royal, another rerelease with supposed new content, is coming to PS4!

So yeah, 2019 is going to be a nostalgic gaming year for me and I'm all about it. Are there any games you're going to go replay this year? Sound off in the comments.