As we wind back the clock and have a look at what 2019 had to offer gamers, it feels only fitting to start the first of our annual time travel trips to shine a light on the best new experiences that popped up throughout the year. In an industry where sequels dominate and current games are positioned to stretch as much longevity out of a property as is humanly possible, it’s new ideas that are seen as risky business.

Next year’s going to be an especially big year for the Xbox brand as it tries to undo the damage that the Xbox One’s miserable reveal did. With its focus on TV (TV! TV TV!) and Kinect, along with a dearth of great first party games, the Xbox One had a rough start.

There are still those who are willing to get up at the crack of dusk and boot up their console to find him for you. People who’ll risk digital life and limb to let you know if Xur is selling a treasure or rubbish. I just so happen to be one of those people. Maybe you’re stuck at work and can only log in later tonight. In that case: Where is Xur?

Some players have multiple Triumphs to their name in Destiny 2, others are happy to rest on their laurels with a single title. But only one Guardian, has all 69 of them. Nice.

Codemasters is about to get even bigger as the studio behind F1 2019 and GRID just snapped up the talent behind Project Cars for a cool $30 million.

Need for Speed Heat may fall short in some areas, but by the racing gods I’ll defend this game’s ability to put a smile on my face with its high-speed cornering until the day I die.

Strife, the Rider of the White Horse, is both impulsive and witty, true to the motto "Shoot first, ask questions later" or "Two Guns, one Horseman". He is the one who has blood on his boots on a pretty much constant basis. He fought countless enemies with his two best friends, Mercy and Redemption and the protection of his impenetrable armor. Always by his side is Mayhem, Strife's phantom steed.

Not the best Christmas present from Microsoft, but with Game Pass being such a wonderful service, they’re probably more focused on getting the good stuff on there.