We're near the end of 2018, so now it's time for us to all turn our gaze to the future. 2019 is already shaping up to be big, though maybe not as big as 2017 and 2018 were. Still, that doesn't mean we'll be starved for games; plus there's plenty of surprises that will be in store for the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, the team at USG has collaborated to craft a list of the 25 games we're looking forward to the most in the coming year. The results are a mix of indies acting as spiritual successors to forgotten classics, to big budget revivals of the character action genre. For everything though, we all are in sound agreement: 2019 is going to be another stellar year for games. You can find all 25 of our Most Anticipated Games of 2019 below.

Resident Evil 2

Release Date: January 25

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Good god, what a game this is shaping up to be. Three members of USgamer have played the Resident Evil 2 Remake at this point, and we’ve all been left suitably stunned and scared, whether it’s the Leon demo in the claustrophobic corridors of the police station, or Claire facing off against the mutated William Birkin. The original Resident Evil 2 came out when I was two years old, and seeing Capcom take the best parts of Resident Evil 4 and mixing it with the horror elements of Resident Evil 7 for this new project is everything a horror fan could want. Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield are going to put through hell on Earth come January 2019, and I’m right here with them for the ride. —Hirun Cryer

Kingdom Hearts 3

Release Date: January 29

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One

Fans have been waiting a lifetime for Kingdom Hearts 3. If you consider the last essential-essential spin-off, Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep, it's been nine years; otherwise, it's been anywhere from 15 years to seven. (That's basically the age range of my cousins.) So no matter how you look at it: it's been a long time since Kingdom Hearts has introduced something brand new that's essential to the canon that we can play. Luckily, the final installment of the Xehanort saga hits at the end of January, concluding (or not concluding) Sora, Kairi, Riku, Goofy, Donald, and Mickey's journey. Tangled, Frozen, and Big Hero 6 are just some of the Disney properties joining the game with original worlds. This action-RPG is not to be missed. —Caty McCarthy

Trials Rising

Release Date: February 12

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

The Trials games are a rare joy in the modern age. Goofy in their physics, joyous in their level design. Trials Rising, the first new Trials entry since Trials Fusion in 2014, is looking even more wild than past entries. For one, it's introducing a new local multiplayer mode where two players control the same bike called "Tandem Bike," which sounds like a nightmare. And for second, it's a new Trials game. That's really the only selling point you should need. —Caty McCarthy

Far Cry New Dawn

Release Date: February 15

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Far Cry 5 had an abrupt and depressing ending, but it seems that's because Ubisoft was ready to follow it up with a direct sequel. Far Cry New Dawn is that sequel, picking up after the apocalyptic ending and presenting a brighter, more upbeat version of the post-disaster genre. In it, you'll cobble together makeshift weapons, make some new friends, and protect the survivors against a roving gang of murderers called the Highwaymen. Oh, and like Far Cry Primal, this is a spin-off of the previous entry, so it carries a cheaper $40 price tag. Neat! —Mike Williams

Metro Exodus

Release Date: February 15

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Metro Exodus is set two years after the finale events of its predecessor Metro: Last Light (specifically, its "Redemption" ending). Metro Exodus promises to be the most expansive yet in the nuclear war-devasted world, introducing a mix of linearity (usual for the franchise) and larger sandboxes, reminding us of the Tomb Raider reboots' similar structure. Metro Exodus will follow series hero Artyom over the course of a year, as he and his wife explore the metro, and beyond. The Metro series has always been praised for its blend of survival horror and first-person shooting, and the third entry in the series is looking to be no exception. —Caty McCarthy

Anthem

Release Date: February 22

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Anthem is a big deal for BioWare. Traditionally known for its expansive single-player RPGs like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect, Anthem will instead be an online, live-service, action-RPG. BioWare plans to support Anthem heavily post-launch with new events and a rolling story plot similar to Destiny and Fortnite. After a lackluster release with Mass Effect: Andromeda, Anthem feels like a make-it or break-it moment for the storied studio, and it will be interesting to see how BioWare injects its popular storytelling talents into the live-service mold. —Matt Kim

Devil May Cry 5

Release Date: March 8

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Well well well, who would’ve thought that someone who has never played the Devil May Cry series and can’t stand the combat of Bayonetta would pick up the demo at Gamescom and proclaim it to be the second coming of Jesus? Devil May Cry 5 was impressive back in August, and it’s still just as impressive in the recently released demo for the Xbox One. Slaying demons with simple button combos to Nero’s absolute banger of a battle theme isn’t going to get old any time soon, and Devil May Cry 5 is certainly shaping up to be one of the more adrenaline-fueled games of 2019. —Hirun Cryer

The Division 2

Release Date: March 15

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Another Ubisoft game, another post-apocalypse? When The Division launched, it was a massively multiplayer title placing players into the role of a secret government organization responding to a viral outbreak and the complete societal collapse in New York City. The Division 2 carries forward some of the first game's ideas and mechanics, transplanting the action to Washington, D.C. The Division launched in rough state, but Ubisoft kept working at it and the current version offers some great online action. If the sequel can start there and work its way up, The Division 2 could be something special. —Mike Williams

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Release Date: March 22

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

A FromSoftware game that has all the markings of a Souls-esque game, while doing something fun and new with the established formula? Consider me very excited. I got to try Sekiro earlier in 2018, and it’s every bit as unforgiving as you can imagine. The grappling hook changes the usual Souls-style combat up in a huge way, giving you vertical paths of traversal, like up a cliff face with a giant snake chasing you. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will consume me in March 2019, and I’m here for it. —Hirun Cryer

Mortal Kombat 11

Release Date: April 23

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

As the rest of the fighting game industry works around it, NetherRealm keep releasing solid fighters with hosts of characters and features for hardcore fans and neophytes. Injustice 2 was a class act if you were a DC Comics fan, and Mortal Kombat 11 looks to take everything learned from that title and bring it over to Mortal Kombat. Expect a roster of fan-favorite fighters and a ton of unlockable gear to customize them with to look like their various iterations over the years. Also NetherRealm has improved the number of bone-shattering animations, because I guess that's what the fans are looking for, right? —Mike Williams

Rage 2

Release Date: May 14

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Rage 2, the latest shooter published by Bethesda, is shaping up to be a zany, ridiculous experience. Mashing the dusty apocalypse and vehicles of Mad Max with the energy of an Andrew W.K. concert, Rage 2 promises a post-apocalyptic game that's anything but dour. It's a collaborative effort too, combining Avalanche Studios' talent for crafting open-worlds with id Software's finesse for first-person shooters. Of all the shooters revving up for release in 2019, Rage 2 is one of the most promising. —Caty McCarthy

Shenmue 3

Release Date: August 27

Platforms: PS4, PC

Shenmue fans have been waiting for this moment for more than 20 years now. This summer, legendary designer Yu Suzuki will return to hopefully wrap up the series that helped pioneer both immersive sims and open-world games. If Shenmue 2 is any indication, it should be much more streamlined than the original game, which would force you to go to work and drive a forklift; but it will still be meticulously detailed in comparison to the average open-world game. Long-time fans can look forward to Shenmue 3 finally resolving Ryo's hunt for Lan Di, who he has been chasing since the original game. However it turns out, Shenmue 3 will be a landmark moment for classic gaming. —Kat Bailey

Animal Crossing

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

We don't know anything about Animal Crossing for Switch yet, but that's okay. It's maybe one of the only games to be able to elicit so much excitement for pretty much just a title screen, much like Metroid Prime 4 and the untitled upcoming Pokemon RPG. I guess that's the power of Nintendo though. Considering how Animal Crossing: New Leaf remains one of the most beloved life sims of all time, it's a safe bet to be excited for whatever Animal Crossing comes next. —Caty McCarthy

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Linux

Koji "IGA" Igarashi's spiritual successor to Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has endured some troubling delays. WayForward was recently brought in to hopefully get the game back on schedule and out the door sometime in 2019. Will the wait be worth it? I think so. I hope so. Its prequel, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, is pretty great. —Nadia Oxford

Doom Eternal

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Yes, it’s me, the Doom 2016 fanboy. The reimagining of the classic from id Software was something special. Something gut-wrenching and at times bone-shatteringly disgusting yes, but still something special. Doom Eternal has armed the Doom Slayer with a grappling hook and a dodge mechanic, increasing the speed of what was already an adrenaline rush through hell like a speeding bullet. Except hell has come to Earth for Doom Eternal, and it promises to be even bloodier and crazier than ever before. —Hirun Cryer

Dragon Quest Builders 2

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

The original Dragon Quest Builders was one of my favorite games in 2016, and replaying it earlier this year on the Switch renewed my love all over again. I love how Dragon Quest Builders mixes Dragon Quest lore with Minecraft-style gameplay. What you get is a highly-polished experience with excellent combat, addictive building, and clearly-defined goals that are perfect for people intimidated by the open-ended nature of Minecraft. Can't wait! —Nadia Oxford

Dreams

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4

Dreams is less of a game, and more a game engine. Or rather, a create-whatever-the-heck-you-want engine. Developed by Media Molecule (of LittleBigPlanet fame), Dreams is a PS4-exclusive tool where players will be able to build whatever they want in it, whether it's a music studio, an animation, a video game with self-directed rules and designs, and more. Dreams is an ambitious little project, and when it releases, we're bound to see headlines like This Person Made Doom In Dreams, and other crazy things. —Caty McCarthy

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Fire Emblem is a big deal, so you can bet we'll be watching Fire Emblem: Three Houses on every step of its journey to its final release. Unfortunately, we know very little about this upcoming strategy title even though we caught a glimpse of some footage at E3 2018. All I can say for sure is I'm looking forward to seeing massive armies charge at each other in lieu of the usual one-on-one combat we get in Fire Emblem games. —Nadia Oxford

Gears 5

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: Xbox One, PC

Gears of War, or just Gears as it is now seemingly known, has definitely suffered as a result of the Xbox's fall from stardom. At the height of the Xbox 360's success Gears was a very big deal, but by the time Gears of War 4 arrived the Xbox One was already seen as a failure, and Epic had sold the franchise to Microsoft. I like Gears of War 4 a lot (despite the game struggling a little until Marcus turns up) and I'm really interested to see how The Coalition's second completely new project pans out. The first trailer for Gears 5 showed off a skiff, which has been confirmed as a means to get around portions of an open-world. It's not clear how much exploration there will be in the final game, but there's a hint of the God of War reboot to this, and that turned out very well indeed. —Tom Orry

Indivisible

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, Linux

Indivisible is a fantastic looking action-RPG from the team behind the cult fighting game Skullgirls. Indivisible has been compared to the likes of Valkyrie Profile, as well as any number of 2D animated games (since it features impeccable hand-drawn animation from Lab Zero's artists). After a successful crowdfunding campaign back in 2015, we've been waiting a while for Indivisible, but judging from every new trailer and news tidbit we've gotten over the years (including a Studio Trigger-animated opening animation), it'll be worth the wait. —Caty McCarthy

The Outer Worlds

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

I still consider it one of the absolute power moves of The Game Awards that Obsidian Entertainment announced The Outer Worlds, proudly touting a game from the creators of the original Fallout and the studio that brought you Fallout: New Vegas. It's an announcement that comes after the rough launch of Bethesda's own Fallout 76, and the message is clear: if you want a proper Fallout-style game, Obsidian is going to give it you. As the last game before Obsidian's acquisition by Microsoft, it'll be interesting if the studio can deliver all the role-playing action fans are expecting. —Mike Williams

Pokemon

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Oh boy, I don't know what Nintendo and Game Freak have planned for Pokemon's eighth generation, but I sure am jazzed to find out. While some hardcore fans of the series aren't happy with Pokemon Let's Go's push at younger players, I don't think anyone can argue how lively the series' first major outing on the Switch feels. Game Freak clearly has a handle on what makes its long-lived Pokemon world special, and I very much look forward to visiting a brand-new region in 2019. —Nadia Oxford

Psychonauts 2

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Linux

Psychonauts once felt like one of those games that would never get a sequel, but that dream changed when Psychonauts 2 was announced alongside a crowdfunding campaign in 2015. In development these past four years, Raz's next adventure will finally be upon us. After finally getting a peek of it in action at this year's Game Awards with a new story trailer, it looks to be just the sort of quirky adventure we all hope it'll be. —Caty McCarthy

Wargroove

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

It's been 10 years since the last Advance Wars game from Nintendo, but Intelligent Systems' colorful, war-themed strategy RPG's aesthetic and gameplay is remembered fondly by those of us who cherished our Game Boy Advance handhelds. Now developer Chucklefish is picking up the mantle with Wargroove, a strategy RPG similar in style and tone to Advance Wars but with a more fantasy-oriented bent. It doesn't matter though, as this is the closest we'll get to a new Advance Wars game and that's plenty of reason for excitement. —Matt Kim

Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Release Date: TBD

Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Wolfenstein: Youngblood takes place 19 years after the liberation of the United States from the Nazis and stars Jessica and Sophia Blazkowicz, twin daughters of B.J. Blazkowicz. Youngblood is a spinoff rather than the official third game in a planned trilogy, but considering Wolfenstein 2 was one of the best games we played in 2017, we're excited to see where MachineGames takes us when we venture into Paris, France to collect more Nazi scalps. —Matt Kim