Shacknews Top 10 Games of the Year 2019

#4 Game of the Year 2019 - Disco Elysium

Every now and then a game crosses my plate not because of hype or reviews, but simple word of mouth and people telling stories about their experiences. This was Disco Elysium for me. I kept hearing over and over just how great this indie RPG was. Although our own Sam Chandler did a fantastic job in his Disco Elysium review for Shacknews, it was the enthusiasm people showed for this experience that put it on my must-play list.

As I began playing Disco Elysium and creating my character, I opted to create something close to myself as much as possible. I’ve got a back injury, so I kept my mobility low. I’m persuasive and physically strong, so I leaned into that a bit. I wanted to see what it would be like to try and play myself, and did I ever get a glimpse into my own soul. I was not at all prepared for how emotionally taxing Disco Elysium would be on me. Due to my physical limitations in the game, there were certain things I just couldn’t do. They were right there. I knew what I needed to do, but my body wouldn’t budge. This was a very raw reality check for my current physical state and, although not always easy to come face to face with, I appreciated how connected I felt to the main character in certain ways.

Disco Elysium landed itself at #4 in our Shacknews Game of the Year 2019 voting, but I don’t think you’ll find a single staff member that wouldn’t recommend you give it a shot. If you’re looking for quality writing, acting, and a good mystery wrapped up in one of the best RPGs going, Disco Elysium has you covered.

-Bill Lavoy, Managing Editor

Shack Staff

Shack Staff stories are a collective effort with multiple staff members contributing. Many of our lists often involve entires from several editors, and our weekly Shack Chat is something we all contribute to as a group.