Game | ★ Best Overall | Best for MacBook | Best Value |
Genre | Role-Playing | Collectible Cards | Action |
Release date | 2019 | 2019 | 2019 |
Metascore | |||
Our rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Requirements | Medium | Low | Low |
Check Price |
Filter by name | 2019 Best Mac Games | Filter by genre | Status | Free games only? |
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Oxygen Not Included | Oxygen Not Included Available on Early Access, Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation from the creators of Don't Starve and Mark of the Ninja. You’ll need to research the technology to combat hostile aliens, develop infrastructure, keep the colonists happy and sane, and—as is implied by the title—continue to provide the resources necessary for survival. With some careful planning (and a little luck), you may just help your colony thrive in this hostile environment. Available on Early Access | Simulation | Confirmed | |
Frostpunk | Frostpunk Frostpunk is a city-building survival game set in a late 1880s where rampant snowstorms and frost led to the death of millions. You are amongst of a group of survivors—workers and engineers—who managed to locate a heat generator and are using to build a new city. You’ll need to harvest coal, wood, steel and food in this harsh environment in order to survive, but also keep your workers motivated and productive. The MacOS version of Frostpunk was about to be released when a critical bug was found. Hopefully, developer 11 bit studios is close to finding a fix and releasing Frostpunk on Mac soon. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | |
Shadow of the Tomb Raider | Shadow of the Tomb Raider It would seem that in the countless Tomb Raider games we’ve played, we’ve yet to witness the moment when Lara Croft “becomes” the tomb raider. Well, that’s exactly what we’ll get to do when Shadow of the Tomb Raider is released for Mac by Feral Interactive. This latest entry in the series reboot finds Lara saving the world from a Mayan apocalypse, and she’ll need to survive a massive, deadly jungle to do it. Of course, there will be tombs, as well, along with deep, underwater tunnels and even an underground city. Confirmed | Action | Confirmed | No |
Life is Strange 2 | Life is Strange 2 A tragic accident forces two brothers on the run. Pursued by the police and dealing with powers they don’t fully understand, Sean and Daniel Diaz attempt to flee from Seattle to their father’s hometown in Mexico. Although the characters from the much-heralded original Life is Strange are gone, the overall tone and gameplay mechanics remain in this sequel. As Sean, you will be forced to make difficult decisions that not only affect your quest, but also the lives of those around you. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | Yes |
In the Valley of Gods | In the Valley of Gods There was a point not too long ago where it seemed every adventure game was set in either Egypt or Atlantis. If you miss those days, In the Valley of Gods returns us to a 1920s Egypt in the form of a first-person adventure. Playing as Rashida, you will explore an ancient valley in hopes of discovering an archaeological find that will restore your disgraced name. But does fame and fortune await you, or death? Fans of Firewatch will definitely want to keep their eye on this latest game from developer Campo Santo. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | No |
Overland | Overland The apocalypse has come and gone, and now it’s up to you and a squad of survivors to carve out a life in what remains of North America. Or, more accurately, in what remains of a procedurally generated North America.This strategy game from Finji features randomly generated levels filled with difficult choices for you to make. Will you be able to make the right decisions on how to acquire and utilize fuel supplies, weapons, and more as you embark on your post-apocalyptic road trip? Find out when the game is released for Mac later this year. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
System Shock | System Shock System Shock is getting a series reboot from Nightdive Studios and they promise to maintain everything gamers loved about the original action/adventure game while providing a modern feel to attract a newer audience. This remastered version has the blessing of Warren Spector and Paul Neurath, both of whom were involved with the game’s original release back in 1994. The question is whether you’re ready to experience the horrors of awakening from a coma in a research facility now beset with mutants and mindless cyborgs. Confirmed | Shooter | Confirmed | No |
Wargroove | Wargroove Already shadow released for Mac in beta form, Wargroove is lovingly aimed directly towards fans of the early Fire Emblem and Advance Wars games. With support for up to four players, Wargroove pits you against other factions in retro, turn-based combat. In addition to the campaign mode, Wargroove includes an in-game editor that allows players to create their own maps, cut-scenes and campaigns to share online. Whether you want to create your own story or just change the game’s rules, Wargroove gives you complete control. Available in Beta | Strategy | Beta | No |
Outer Wilds | Outer Wilds Outer Wilds, the first ever game funded on Fig.co, is unique-looking open-world exploration game about a solar system trapped in an endless time loop. The game features fully simulated planets you'll need to explore in your search for answers. Problem is, you have only 20 minutes before your planet is destroyed. Similar to the cult-classic Zelda Majora's Mask, you'll need to use what you learn from every playthrough to eventually save the universe. Outer Wilds has been delayed beyond its planned 2018 release, but it looks to be worth the wait for adventure gamers. Confirmed | Adventure | Confirmed | No |
Age of Wonders: Planetfall | Age of Wonders: Planetfall This next entry in Triumph Studios’ Age of Wonders series takes its signature empire building and turn-based combat into outer space for the first time. The premise holds true to previous entries, however, as you’ll find yourself in a fallen galactic empire from which you must emerge to build a better future for your people. Whether you prefer the deep single-player campaign or the online, hotseat or asynchronous multiplayer options, you’ll have to decide whether to ride conquest, diplomacy, or “doomsday technologies” to victory. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
Warcraft 3: Reforged | Warcraft 3: Reforged Azeroth will be reborn when Warcraft 3: Reforged is released later this year. A re-imagining of 2002’s real-time strategy Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos, Reforged will feature new visuals, a social component for multiplayer matchmaking, and plenty more. Orcs, humans, night elves and the undead will battle through vast campaigns with over four hours of reshot cut-scenes. Warcraft 3: Reforged offers over 60 single-player missions in which combatants and strategists can re-experience the fall of Lordaeron, the rise of the Lich King, and more. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
Team Sonic Racing | Team Sonic Racing We may not yet know much about Apple’s newly announced Apple Arcade, but we do know that Team Sonic Racing will be amongst the games available. This arcade racer lets you choose from 15 Sonic characters as you speed through intense, multiplayer tracks. Customize and upgrade your cars, pick up and use 14 offensive and defensive power-ups, and try to beat up to 11 other racers. Various multiplayer racing options will be available—including online and local co-op for team racing—as well as an adventure mode to introduce you to the characters and their abilities. Confirmed | Racing | Confirmed | No |
Fortnite: Save the World | Fortnite: Save the World Believe it or not, Fortnite Battle Royal is just one mode in the Fornite package, the other being Save the World. Unlike the PvP action of Fortnite: Battle Royal, Save the World is the co-op, sandbox survival mode of Fortnite. Billed as a cross between Minecraft and Left 4 Dead, Save the World tasks players with working together to explore the environment, scavenge materials, craft weapons, and build forts to help fight off waves of monsters. Fortnite is available now via paid early-access, with the official release for all platforms scheduled for this year. Confirmed | Shooter | Confirmed | No |
Phoenix Point | Phoenix Point Phoenix Point is a new strategy game from the creators of the original XCOM. And like the XCOM reboot, Phoenix Point will offer tons of customization through soldier development and weapon research/modification. Battles will take place in procedural, destructive environments spread across a large number of diverse missions. Backer builds (alpha) are available now, allowing you to get some practice in before the game’s official Mac release later this year. Confirmed | Strategy | Confirmed | No |
Griftlands | Griftlands This rather unique sci-fi RPG is coming to us from Klei Entertainment, and as is implied by the title, Griftlands will have you negotiating money, loyalty and your own morality as you seek to make your fortune within the game’s flowing economy. A full cast of characters are available for you to control and set up as companions. These characters will also engage in turn-based combat where the goal is to subdue, not kill, them. Kind of a refreshing approach these days, really. Killing people can lead to mechanical repercussions down the road, and NPCs remember what you did to them in the past.” Confirmed | Role-Playing | Confirmed | No |
Game | ★ Best Overall | Best Graphics | Best Value |
Genre | Simulation | Simulation | Soccer! |
Release date | 2017 | 2017 | 2015 |
Metascore | |||
Our rating | ★★★★★ Full Review | ★★★★☆ Full Review | ★★★★★ Full Review |
Requirements | Low | High | Low |
Check Price |
Games | Games | Our take | Demand Level | Free games only? |
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GRID Autosport ⚠️ Fairly Demanding | GRID Autosport | Trying to correct all the weaknesses of GRID 2, this game focuses on the refinements to bring back the greatest GRID 1 was. Metascore | Fairly Demanding | No |
BlazeRush ✅ Not demanding | BlazeRush | Another great multiplayer game, BlazeRush is a racing survival game with no health, no leveling, and no brakes! Metascore | Not demanding | No |
Absolute Drift ✅ Not demanding | Absolute Drift | This is a top-down drifting game anyone can enjoy. It’s fun and it has a nice zen-vibe to it. Metascore | Not demanding | No |
F1 2016 ⛔ Very Demanding | F1 2016 | F1 2016 is a fantastic formula 1 game for those looking for a slightly cheaper and/or less demanding experience than F1 2017. Metascore | Very Demanding | No |
SpeedRunners ✅ Not demanding | SpeedRunners | Cars may not be involved, but this cut-throat multiplayer running game is one of the best party games available. Metascore | Not demanding | No |
Neon Drive ✅ Not demanding | Neon Drive | Neon Drive is a slick '80s inspired arcade racer that can go from racing to exploding enemy spaceships. Metascore | Not demanding | No |
CSR RACING ✅ Not demanding | CSR RACING | CSR Racing is a simple drag racing game about winning races so you can upgrade your car or buy new ones. The controls are simple, as you only have to control the acceleration at the start of the race and then shift gears at the right time. With limited controls, it can get boring quickly, but for a free game, CSR has unbelievably high production levels. Metascore | Not demanding | Yes |
Guts And Glory ⚠️ Fairly Demanding | Guts And Glory | ide your bicycle to the finish line while dodging spinning saw blades, deadly spikes, explosives, and more! Metascore | Fairly Demanding | No |
Gods of Drifting ✅ Not demanding | Gods of Drifting | Gods of Drifting is a nice break from the other games in this section. In Gods of Drifting, you have to master the art of drifting through curves to achieve the top times and earn points. Again, this game doesn’t feature full-fledged racing, but gamers still agree this is a fun game to play (in spite of funky physics and OS crashes). Metascore | Not demanding | Yes |
Garfield Kart ✅ Not demanding | Garfield Kart | Join Garfield and friends in this kart racing game that isn't afraid of borrowing from Mario Kart, but does it well. Metascore | Not demanding | No |
Little Racers STREET ✅ Not demanding | Little Racers STREET | Little Racers STREET is a fun game that successfully combines top-down racing with street racing. Metascore | Not demanding | No |
F1 2013 ✅ Not demanding | F1 2013 | At one point in time, F1 2013 was one of the only decent racing games available. Unfortunately, it too was discontinued... Metascore | Not demanding | No |
Top Speed: Drag & Fast Racing ✅ Not demanding | Top Speed: Drag & Fast Racing | Similar to CSR, Top Speed is another drag racing game that limits gameplay to hitting the accelerator and shifting gears at the right time while you speed through a straight racetrack. The gameplay is limited but the graphics are great and you can let your creativity flow through a ton of tuning and customization options. Metascore | Not demanding | Yes |
Game | 2014 27-inch iMac | 2016 13-inch MBP | 2013 13-inch MBP |
DiRT Rally | 115.4 FPS | 53.9 FPS | 29.3 FPS |
GRID 2 | 79.84 FPS | 30.88 FPS | 27.46 FPS |
F1 2017 | 59 FPS | 25 FPS | 0 FPS |
Sonic All-Star Racing | 60 FPS | 51.6 FPS | 39.3 FPS |
Distance | 148.9 FPS | 54.2 FPS | 27.9 FPS |
AudioSurf 2 | 214.3 FPS | 114.6 FPS | 52.6 FPS |
Asphalt 6 | 60 FPS | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
Road Redemption | 103 FPS | 52.3 FPS | 27.1 FPS |
Race The Sun | 60 FPS | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
FlatOut 2 | 60 FPS | 60 FPS | 53.5 FPS |
Below 20 FPS | Unplayable | Laggy gameplay, full of stutters and slowdowns. |
20-30 FPS | Borderline | Can be Ok in slow paced games. Still, not optimal. |
30-45 FPS | Playable | Acceptable for most (most gaming consoles do this). |
45-60 FPS | Smooth | Fluid gameplay, with no perceivable stutters. |
60+ FPS | Very Smooth | For hardcore and professional players, a luxury for most. |