Perfectly suited for portable play, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a must buy for any RPG fan on the Nintendo Switch with the game's most definitive release to date.

Giving players more of the same isn’t always a bad thing and Splatoon 2 gives Switch owners another fantastic game to add to their lineup. Taking the formula from the Wii U original and tweaking it here and there the game might not surprise all that much, but it does deliver a fantastic and unique shooter experience from start to finish.

Taking one of the most genre defining and well-loved games of all time and rebuilding it from the ground up was a tall order, but Square Enix pulled it off with modernized gameplay and a fleshing out of the world and many characters compared to the original. While only featuring a portion of the story fans know and love, Final Fantasy VII Remake still manages to feels like a complete game, yet still part of a larger narrative to come, and will have fans waiting anxiously for the next entry as soon as they finish.

A unique and excellent adventure, with puzzles and mystery at every turn. Although its main appeal will be to retro gamers, there are enough strong qualities to attract those who may not normally play within this genre. Graphics and soundtrack are charming and a joy to experience.

Even with no new upgrades, Final Fantasy VII on Nintendo Switch is without a doubt the definitive way to play the game on consoles with the ability to not only play at home, but also take the game on the go.

Whatever you like games for, graphics, gameplay, fun factor, Hades has this all in spades with equally exceptional quality wherever you choose to play it.

Trover Saves the Universe is a great addition to the PSVR lineup, offering some solid gameplay with a comedy flavoring that brings it to the next level.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was already a fantastic remake, literally bringing the franchise back from the dead. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Next-Gen is just the definitive edition of an outstanding project, making it worthy of those extra bucks. Besides some very minor nitpicks, like what more could be added to increase its content, the game runs, looks, and plays flawlessly, just like its predecessors.

We didn’t get it with the last two entries in the series, but Far Cry 5 feels like the generational leap that fans have been waiting for. This installment certainly feels like the biggest in terms of content and it just might be the best Far Cry game to date.

Raw Data is like the final solid release of VR gaming's first wave, and the beginning of the second. It's gorgeous and features a large, expansive world, but it does still offer the same wave based shooter gameplay that has dominated the VR space. It does it much better than most of its competitors though, and the added touches of turrets, multiple weapons, and special abilities really bring it to a new level.

Team Ninja took their time to ensure that Nioh was as good as it could possibly be, and that time wasn't wasted. The finished product is a fantastic action RPG that may borrow a lot from the Souls series, but nevertheless adds plenty of great twists to the formula to allow it to stand proudly on its own.

Pokemon Sun and Moon are a fantastic new addition to the storied franchise. They make improvements in a ton of key areas, shaping the experience so that it is more fun, less frustrating, and just overall more enjoyable. The new mechanics, such as Z-Moves, range from good to great, but the lack of some older features might annoy a few players.

Sonic Frontiers really picks up the slack where this franchise started to falter. It’s still a Sonic game at its core and makes sure to stay true to the name even when branching out into other areas unfamiliar to the series.

Middle Earth: Shadow of War is bigger and better than its predecessor in almost every conceivable way. If you don't mind the repetition found in most open world games, there's a robust strategy layer here that combines with a great combat system to offer hours and hours of Orc slaying, army building fun.

Pokemon Sun and Moon are a fantastic new addition to the storied franchise. They make improvements in a ton of key areas, shaping the experience so that it is more fun, less frustrating, and just overall more enjoyable. The new mechanics, such as Z-Moves, range from good to great, but the lack of some older features might annoy a few players.

This collection is a must have for any Yakuza players that are familiar with the series and want to jump straight into the story after Yakuza Kiwami 2.

A true return to form for the long running series, Resident Evil 7 reinvents itself while still retaining that classic RE feel. Delivering a real horror experience, the game can definitely scare, but it also just works as a fun and engaging survival experience.

The Red Strings Club is a true cyberpunk classic. Pixel-art visuals and a cyberpunk world make way for fascinating gameplay and a truly compelling, well written story. The game will force you to make tough decisions while questioning your own thoughts about important, current day topics. This is an indie title you won't want to miss.

Ori and the Blind Forest rivals the very best games in terms of presentation and controls. It offers a challenging path for you to follow on this touching emotional journey. So good, so beautiful, you can't help but want more reasons to play.

Command & Conquer Remastered isn't just the best way to replay these classic RTS', it's one of the best and most consumer-friendly remasters ever made. Welcome back, Commander.

Sea of Stars manage to stand amongst its inspirations as a fantastic role-playing experience. Beautiful graphics and a fairly charming story are joined by creative turn-based combat and mind-bending dungeons, making for an incredibly fun adventure. With so much to love, one can only hope that Sea of Stars will go on to inspire other games as well.

A year of updates and a ton of great new content to explore is making Destiny 2 feel fresh again. There’s always been a great base in place for Destiny 2, but now there’s more than ever to sink your teeth into.

From the expertly interwoven gameplay loops to the horrifically charming story and art design, Dredge succeeds in creating a new genre blend that I desperately need more of.

Not only is this a great Disgaea game, but it is also the best introduction to the franchise or even the genre.

Behind the depth of Lara's character and a compelling and emotionally charged story, the series is at its best in Rise of the Tomb Raider.

Duke Nukem 3D: 20th Anniversary Edition World Tour is a fantastic remaster of a true FPS classic. Doing exactly what a good remaster should, this re-release improves in many areas that needed it, while leaving in others; warts and all. The new graphics, sound, commentary, and other features are all cherries on top of what is easily the definitive version of this seminal title.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey gives the very best modern open-world RPGs a run for their money when it comes to the sheer amount of content and level of quality found across the board.

A perfect cross-buy option for puzzle lovers, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is the next great entry in the long running series. This time adding new mechanics and the online level sharing to create near infinite possibilities.

While the Rogue like genre may be getting a little crowded, there's certainly room for the likes of Enter the Gungeon. It ticks all the boxes, with gameplay that beckons you to come back for one more run, a great art style and presentation, and seemingly something new discover or unlock on every playthrough.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE takes a lot from the Shin Megami Tensei series and mixes in some Fire Emblem-flavored icing, and the results were fantastic. It's a superb RPG with a lot to offer, and is a must-have game for Wii U owners.

Spider-Man games have a long history of being disappointing on some level, but Insomniac has crafted a game worthy of the name.

The complex and engrossing world of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is one that sinks its teeth into you right from the beginning, and as you journey through it you never want it to let go. We had to wait awhile for it to finally arrive, but our patience was rewarded with a definite game of the year contender.

While the original Fire Emblem Warriors offered a decent Musou game in the shell of a Fire Emblem game, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes provides the full Fire Emblem experience by offering a deep story and social system on top of slightly reworked Musou mechanics that are grounded in the rules of Fire Emblem's turn based combat.

Watching the rise of John Cena was electrifying, and the general gameplay improvements have made this the most competent Wrestling game to come out in decades. With an almost overwhelming amount of content in this entry, it's going to be hard to find time for many other games coming out this year.

Destiny: The Taken King and the Year Two Update is a significant step forward towards making this game something more enjoyable rather than a chore, but it still focuses very narrowly on pleasing its existing player base.

Homeworld Remastered Collection simultaneously lives up to the legacy of the series while forging ahead with updated graphics and UI elements. Genre fans will love this collection, while others should be able to find something to enjoy with all that it contains.

Everything, down to the puzzles, feels appropriately placed. That's before even acknowledging the gorgeous cast of actors involved in the project and the truly compelling story that unfolds for Alan as well as Saga, who each gain an interesting presence in Bright Falls and the world beyond. It doesn't feel like the most satisfying combat, and it's rather easy to beat, but this is also exactly what I wanted and more from an Alan Wake sequel. It is also the best original horror game of 2023 by a wide margin, and a damn fine video game overall.

XCOM 2 doubles down on everything that players enjoyed about the previous game. A deeper story, more strategy options, more enemies, and just more mechanics makes for an improved experience all around. Some technical issues pop up, and newcomers will have trouble wrapping their head around the vast array of game mechanics, but once it all clicks there is a lot to love about this game.

The collaboration between Slightly Mad Studios and its community of fans have led to fantastic results. Project Cars is one the best, and most authentic racing experiences we've seen in quite some time.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is the next chapter in an already exhilarating game, a chapter that in and of itself reiterates and expands on the existing excellence of the core game. With a thrilling new campaign, an exciting new weapon, the addition of crafting and its impact on the weapon economy, and an upgraded subclass, The Witch Queen is Destiny at its all-time best.

While the Director’s Cut improvements are appreciated, the Iki Island expansion is the real star of this release. Iki Island distills all the best parts of Ghost of Tsushima into one focused experience, and it provides an incredibly compelling reason to return to the game.

Halo Wars 2 is the best RTS you can play on consoles today. Whether you're a Halo lore junky looking to toy around with the campaign or a competitive RTS player looking for intense multiplayer matches, you can't do much better than this. Creative Assembly definitely stuck the landing with Halo Wars 2, pleasing fans of the original, bringing new players into the fold, and delivering a worthy successor to Ensemble's 2009 cult classic.

Forza Horizon 5 is ultimately a game in the franchise that continues to evolve in a more and more enjoyable direction, even if there is a core to the game that feels very familiar.

With easy to learn, hard to master controls that build up as you progress through the game, and an addictive scoring mechanic that is always pushing you to master the game, OlliOlli 2 is a great addition to any PC gamer's library.

From the gorgeous visuals that transport you directly to the field, to the stellar controls, you won't find another sports game out there that will captivate you quite like this one. Feeling the roar of the crowd swelling up as you continue to rack up points, to the way that your players will express their emotions on the field, this is a sports title that other developers of the genre should take notes from.

Parts brutal and beautiful, Demon's Souls on the PlayStation 5 is the definitive way to play this modern-day classic.

Looking and performing better than it ever has, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Switch is the best Mario Kart experience to date.

Providing gamers with two very fun and lengthy games within Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, there is no doubt that this is the ultimate Borderlands experience for everyone.

Filled with an abundance of content across the two Kombat Packs and Aftermath expansion on top of the base game itself, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the best way to experience what was already arguably the finest that the long running series has to offer.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD is a fantastic upgrade to an already magnificent game. Certainly, it hasn't aged as well as some of the other games in the series, but the work done to bring it to the Wii U fixes most of the problems that could have arose. Nintendo also tweaked a bunch of gameplay elements, on top of adding in Gamepad support, making for the definitive way to play one of gaming's best adventures.

If you’re looking for endless side-scrolling action on a handheld, you aren’t going to do better than Super Mario Maker on 3DS. It’s the most Super Mario we’ve seen packed into the handheld to date with a seemingly endless number of levels to tackle that will keep you busy as long as you let it.

For Honor offers up one of the most visceral multiplayer experiences in video games. The single player campaign is a nice diversion, but won't satisfy those seeking a full experience. Once you hit multiplayer though, you'll be hooked and finding time for other video games will be the real problem.

Evil Dead: The Game is a fun, varied horror experience with plenty of challenges and depth, even if you choose not to play as any of the 4 Ash variants.

Darkest Dungeon will push even the most hardcore gamers to their breaking points, but those who are brave enough to take it on are in for a dastardly roguelike rivaled by few others.

While it may have a few flaws, Biomutant is a great game that reminds of a simpler time for video games.

Offering up some of the most unique gameplay to the genre over the last decade, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D shows exactly why the game was so beloved on the Wii and this time it is actually affordable.

Turn 10 turned in their biggest game in terms of tracks, cars, and features with Forza 7, and it very well may be their best one yet.

Mortal Kombat 1 is one of those rare legacy games that manages to improve very element it inherited from it's predecessors. Superb graphics and a rich combat system come together to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave fans of the fighting game genre begging for more.

It is Overwatch’s diverse group of characters that make the game shine, though. Blizzard has crafted each to stand on their own even within the same role class thanks to their weapons, abilities, and ultras. There is no mistaking one from the other thanks to supremely intelligent design from player silhouettes to character voices and sounds.

Blood and Wine feels like it was made as a loving goodbye to both Geralt and the Witcher series in general, as there’s so much attention to detail that it’s impossible not to regularly be in awe of it all. It’s the perfect bow on a game that has been nothing short of a gift that keeps on giving, and I expect it will continuing doing just that for all who fancy an adventure with a certain Witcher.

Don't let the LEGO license fool you. This is the Star Wars game we've all been waiting for.

It may have taken a long hiatus, but the return of Samurai Shodown was every bit as good as fans remembered the series to be when it released last year. Even without any new content or the inclusion of the season one characters in this latest port, this release of Samurai Shodown is still worth your attention thanks to the superb gameplay and the added portability that comes with the Nintendo Switch.

With a refined battle system, a stellar supporting cast, and the best side content the series has ever seen, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best RPGs of the modern era.

Truly showcasing creativity at its finest, Super Mario Maker is yet another gem in the stellar Wii U exclusive library that any Mario fan needs in their life.

It feels like the game equivalent to your favorite art house movie, where it speaks a message that is both universal, and yet completely personal to you. Even beyond the artistic, the game functions well on a technical level, delivering both great graphics and fantastic music, while also hitting on some great gameplay. Trial and error deaths get in the way, and some puzzles might frustrate, but overall Unravel is a triumphant experience from start to finish.

Persona 3 Reload is a remake done right. Everything you love about the original game is improved upon, leading to a new experience that feels fresh and brand new while not forgetting its source material. Visual enhancements, inclusions of addicting combat mechanics, more enjoyable social links -- this game has it all. This is the definitive way to play the beloved JRPG, and once you get your hands on it, you won't ever want to return to the original.

Saying goodbye is always hard, and with The Walking Dead: The Final Season we've all had to do it twice now. This second time may be bittersweet, but it's a farewell worthy of the series and its beloved characters.

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier comes to a great conclusion with Episode 5 "From the Gallows". Telltale delivers on the family drama, and dials the action up for this season finale that will have you begging for Season 4.

The Legend of Zelda series is known for its quality across both consoles and handhelds, with the latter often standing out for their uniqueness within the franchise as a whole. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening was a shining example of that on the Game Boy and once again proves why it deserves to be talked about among the best in the series with its remake on the Nintendo Switch.

The main story is possibly the best that the entire series has offered yet, and the sheer amount of additional and worthwhile content both inside the main game and outside of it with Expeditions is staggering. The series' future may have been in question a few years ago, but it now finds itself standing firmly with the best that the action-adventure genre has to offer.

There's a lot to love about The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth. It's a great expansion to a great base game. If you enjoyed Rebirth, you'll love Afterbirth.

While many players may have not used their PlayStation VR in awhile, Marvel's Iron Man VR is without a doubt the game to get people to dust it off and play again. Far more than a tech demo, Marvel's Iron Man VR actually makes you feel like you are flying around and firing repulsor blasts in one of the most immersive VR experiences to date.

While Square Enix is largely focused on the future with upcoming games like Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts 3, they are not one to forget the past and I Am Setsuna is one game that not just '90s RPG fans will love, but even general fans of the genre should really enjoy.

Divinity: Original Sin Enhanced Edition is a grand adventure that rewards those who are patient enough to wade through some of the game's less polished aspects.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered adds some additional visual flair to a game that didn't really need any, but the new No Return roguelike mode makes it well worth the upgrade.

Destiny 2 is a significant improvement over the original and its expansions in that the game makes more sense this time around. The campaign, cooperative and competitive game modes come together to form a more cohesive and focused experience.

Tetris Effect is a great take on a classic formula. The immersive visuals and music add a new layer that Tetris fans didn't even know we needed.

With its intricately woven story and memorable characters, Yakuza 2 was already viewed as one of the best in the series. And now with improved graphics and a refined Dragon Engine, it's remake, Yakuza Kiwami 2, could be the best of them all.

Psychonauts 2 was a long time in the making, but the wait has certainly been worth it.

Most of what fans of Soulslikes want are at the maximum: masterclass-level design, unforgettable bosses, and extensive freedom toward build creation. The combat can feel rough at times, and there are way too many enemies in certain levels, but these downfalls don't negate the fact that Lords of the Fallen reaches for a spot in the highest tier among the genre's greats and finds itself right at home.

Borderlands 3 delivers the game fans have been waiting for.

Nier: Automata takes fantastic action and RPG elements and blends them into a game world unlike any other, creating a truly memorable experience. The game continuously pleases and surprises with terrific gameplay that is constantly transforming, and a narrative that keeps you thinking and guessing. It has a lot to offer, and is an experience that shouldn't be missed.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions is one of the best in the Mario RPG series, and this 3DS remake only makes it better. The story, characters, and world are all a blast to explore, and longtime Mario fans will love every second.

Kingdom Hearts 3 has been a long time coming, leading some fans to wonder if it would ever finally get there. The long wait proved to be well worth it though, with a satisfying ending they’ve been wanting for years, while also managing to setup the future of the franchise as well.

Endless Dungeon excels in blending various genres seamlessly and providing an engaging, constantly fresh, thrilling experience to anyone who enjoys innovative games.

Although it’s been a while since the last mainline game, Shin Megami Tensei V lives up to the hype. This is a JRPG you won’t want to miss.

Dying Light 2 is a bigger and bolder sequel that improves upon the original in every way. Not only does it have one of the most enjoyable traversal systems in any game ever, but it also provides players with interesting characters and quests to break up all the running.

With two new modes and a ton of improvements and additions, Football Manager 2016 is another great entry into an already stellar series.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla takes all the previous systems introduced in Origins and Odyssey, and streamlines them into a more focused experience. The game may have some flaws, and it's a shame to see the combat remains mediocre after all these years, yet Valhalla is easily the best entry in the recent trilogy. Grab your axes and shields: it's time to go a-viking!

Out of all the games that have attempted to master a Soulslike, Lies of P stands in a league of its own and should be experienced by anyone who is a fan of the subgenre.

Wasteland 3 is one of the best RPGs I've played in years, and it's one you absolutely should not skip.

Life is Strange has been getting better with each episode and with the best story by far found in Episode 4 – The Dark Room, the upcoming finale is setting up to be mindblowing.

Final Fantasy XV had quite a lot to live up to after so many years, and while it may have taken a decade to get here, the journey was worth the wait with this phenomenal entry in the series.

A captivating story and strong cast of supporting characters, along with the very well designed gameplay and impressive breadth of pure content make Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, Conquest, and Revelation a must own trilogy for the Nintendo 3DS.

Sony has rarely struck out with their annual MLB The Show series and this year’s entry manages to keep that trend going. With the worthwhile improvements to Road to the Show, Franchise Mode, and the incredibly fun addition in Retro Mode, San Diego Studio has knocked it out of the park with MLB The Show 17.

Turtle Rock Studios' brand of Asymmetrical Multiplayer in Evolve is right up there with the very best that we've seen, with a complimentary presentation to match. For anyone looking for a reprieve from military shooters, Evolve can be an exhilarating change of pace.

One of the few PS4 exclusives that lives up to the "Greatness Awaits" slogan. There's a special element to games from Naughty Dog that deliver the type of single player experiences that can stand on their own, offering the perfect blend of story telling, visuals, and gameplay -- everything else I just consider a bonus.

A great cast of characters and a wonderful story, it's tough not to fall in love with Ni No Kuni 2. If you're looking for a world to get lost in this is a game that will provide you with many hours of enjoyment, amazing you at every turn with a barrage of beautiful imagery, incredible music, and gameplay to match.