Not quite content with improving the graphics and lumping in the downloadable content and calling it a day, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin feels like From Software's definitive vision for the game.

SIE London Studio delivers yet again with another must play PSVR exclusive in Blood & Truth, which combines a compelling story with very enjoyable gameplay in one of the best AAA VR experiences to date.

Fans of Call of Duty shouldn't have had to wait this long for the definitive edition of a classic.

Forza Motorsport 6 sets a new bar in terms of visuals for a console racer. A more player-friendly progression system in single player and new online components compliment the massive track and car list.

It’s one of the best games of the last few years – but the PC version especially is a sight to behold, so much so that returning players should absolutely consider double-dipping for the PC version of Horizon. It really is that much of an upgrade over the PS4 version. Not only do the graphical and technical improvements make the world much more exciting to explore, but the increased framerate and ability to use a mouse elevate the combat to new heights. The PC platform allows Horizon Zero Dawn to be the best game it can be.

Dragon Quest VII was already a great game when it released on PS1 15 years ago, but the remade Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past takes that experience and improves on it twofold. The rebuilt visuals look great on the 3DS and pair well with the already exceptional story and gameplay to make Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past the definitive experience for the seventh entry in this long running franchise.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy not only does the original games justice, but successfully expands on the original vision behind them. This is Spyro at his very best.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is another must-have release for the Nintendo Switch. Featuring some of the most robust and enjoyable turn-based combat around, along with characters you'll truly want to keep alive throughout the entire 50+ hour story.

Deathloop takes Arkane’s fantastic level design and world building and adds and interesting story with great characters on top, leaving you in a time loop that you won’t want to break.

Super Meat Boy on the Switch is a fine port of the game. If you've yet to play it, this is a modern indie classic that holds a lot of value in its challenge and depth.

While last year’s game may have been really one of the first outings for the series that felt like little more than a roster update, the series has truly returned to form once again this year with MLB The Show 16.

Monster Hunter Stories remains a blast from beginning to end, offering tons of content and a unique take on the Monster Hunter formula.

Deus Ex Go is another home run from Square Enix Montreal, creating yet another engaging puzzle game from one of their established AAA franchises. The new gameplay tweaks set it apart from the previous Go entries, while also ensuring that it is the most challenging and rewarding puzzle adventure from them yet.

MLB The Show 23 will have you practice your best home run calls because the latest installment in the iconic franchise knocks it out of the park. The game’s new storylines mode, improved animations, and latest gameplay changes are worth the price of entry to your favorite ballpark this year.

With a clear identity, a charming setting, and one of the best combat systems out there, Rise of Ronin is indeed Team Ninja’s best Action RPG so far.

There are some things that I can nitpick about, but all in all, this is a pretty great game and a great way to end Lara’s origin story. Fans of the rebooted Tomb Raider series are sure to be pleased, and if you’re someone who has yet to get into the franchise, maybe now is the time to do so.

Adding another excellent Zelda title to Nintendo's handheld library, Hyrule Warriors Legends is without a doubt the definitive version of an already enjoyable game with plenty of content to keep you busy until the upcoming handheld exclusive DLC arrives.

Monster Hunter Rise takes the best elements from the series and mixes them with a few new mechanics to give players a fresh experience that is the most accessible in the franchise to date.

God of War has seen considerable changes across the board from previous games in the series, but almost all of them feel like they were for the better.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is an absolute must for flight sim fans, but anyone with the even the slightest bit of an explorer’s nature will be sure to enjoy as well.

Noita is a true standout title in the roguelike genre, featuring endlessly deep gameplay that plays off of its engaging pixel art style.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is absolutely stuffed to the brim with content on all fronts, and nearly none of it feels like filler.

Far Cry New Dawn takes players on an interesting journey to tell the story of what happened after the cliffhanger events of Far Cry 5. It mixes and matches franchise staples with new RPG mechanics and gameplay ideas to offer something familiar, but fresh.

It's a sprawling, ambitious, beautiful representation of a dark fantasy world, and games like this don't come along often. By no means perfect, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt still one of the year's biggest and best releases.

Post-launch support will ultimately determine Shadowlands' fate, but as it currently stands World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is a fantastic expansion that once again proves why Blizzard's 16 year old juggernaut remains the king of the MMORPG genre. While we may be touring Azeroth's afterlife ourselves, it's clear World of Warcraft won't be sauntered off into the great beyond any time soon.

Persona 4 Golden is an essential experience not only for JRPG fans, but people who appreciate a strong narrative with an endearing supporting cast of characters, along with a tight battle system that feels as modern as its iconic sequel. The poignancy of your interactions with the characters will resonate on a deep level with you, and will more than likely warm or break your heart on more than one occasion. It's exciting that modern players get to enjoy this, and if you're a Game Pass subscriber, this is a must-play.

Even with plenty of superb 2D platformers releasing in recent years, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair easily belongs alongside the best the generation has to offer thanks to excellent level design and platforming that is evocative of past classics from the genre.

It’ll give you just about everything you’ve come to expect from From Software RPGs — new enemies to fight, new weapons and items to uncover, a big new map to explore, and of course, the soul crushing defeats.