20 Best Video Games Of 2019 (So Far)

19. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Remember when Konami started to fall apart, and we all lamented the fact that everything from Metal Gear Solid to Castlevania would never see more sequels?

Well, Hideo Kojima is commanding the world's attention with Death Stranding, and Bloodstained sees legendary designer Koji Igarashi once again at the helm of a 2D Metroidvania - a genre he helped put on the map in the first place. It's safe to say things are MUCH better, now the dust has settled.

Bloodstained then, is every bit a continuation of where we left off in the late 90s. Having been fan-funded into existence, Ritual of the Night was pitched and conceptualised to tick every last box for a fanbase that's been underserved (outside of various indie titles and something like Metroid: Samus Returns) for almost two decades.

As a result, this is one of the best Metroidvanias you'll find this generation. Exploration is room-by-room, combat involves a back-dash, there are tons of trinkets and weapons to upgrade your attacks, and even a celebratory freeze frame pop when you level up, just to get that Symphony of the Night feel down pat.

Igarashi and his team at 505 Games clearly wanted to succeed where something like Mighty Number 9 and Keiji Inafune failed, and for that, it's further proof of what role crowdfunding will play in the next generation.