It's rare for a game to deliver the same mind-blowing impact two decades apart, but The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered pulls it off effortlessly. While the core gameplay remains unchanged, it's just as engaging and relevant in 2025 as in 2006—proof of how ahead of its time Oblivion truly was. The visuals, however, have been completely overhauled with Unreal Engine 5, giving the game a stunning new identity that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the current ninth-generation titles. Oblivion is how you make a game, and Oblivion Remastered is how you remaster it.

While MotoGP 25 doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel or radically transform the franchise, it understands its audience and remains focused on its core strengths. The game continues to deliver the demanding, true-to-life simulation that long-time fans have come to expect while also making thoughtful strides toward accessibility. With improved tutorials, more forgiving assists, and a streamlined user experience, MotoGP 25 opens the door to newcomers and casual players without compromising the depth that defines the series. It's a game that knows what it wants to be and who it's for and succeeds by staying true to that vision.

It’s been 24 years since we last experienced the magic of an actual Commandos game with Men of Courage. Commandos: Origins boldly takes the franchise back to where it all began. After the 2006 release of Commandos: Strike Force, the series felt lost to history. But Origins storms back onto the scene, capturing the heart and soul of what made Commandos legendary and even pushing it further. Sure, it’s not without flaws, camera quirks, and occasional bugs cropping up. Still, for veterans and newcomers alike, Origins delivers an irresistible mix of stealth, strategy, and endless replayability that’s hard to put down.

Koira excels at conveying deep, often indescribable emotions in a way that feels both accessible and profoundly moving. Combined with its stunning art direction, the game offers an incredible and memorable journey. However, when it comes to gameplay, it falls short. The mechanics lack the depth and variety needed to match the emotional and visual heights of the experience. Ultimately, Koira is a good game that is emotionally resonant and visually striking. Still, it doesn't bring anything particularly special to the table regarding gameplay.

The PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is as impressive as its PC and Xbox counterparts—if not better. It stands out as one of the best action-adventure games in recent memory, with the iconic Indiana Jones himself serving as the perfect cherry on top.

While South of Midnight pioneers in its narrative, art design, and the seamless incorporation of social challenges into its world, its gameplay, though not flawed, treads familiar ground without introducing anything new.

While not groundbreaking, the newest WWE 2K boasts stunning visuals, arguably the best wrestling sim currently available. Yet, the series struggles to evolve, with annual releases often feeling incremental rather than transformative.

The first part of Lost Records does a great job of building anticipation for the second, thanks to its well-written characters and slow-paced yet engaging story. While there are some issues, both big and small, that need to be addressed, the overall experience remains promising.

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Feudal Japan as a stealthy assassin, Shadows is the game for you. It stands out as one of Ubisoft’s best efforts in blending history with fiction, while there’s still work to be done to fully restore the series to its former glory, Shadows is undoubtedly a significant step in the right direction.

Monster Hunter Wilds doesn't just rest on the laurels of its predecessors; it boldly elevates the series' foundational monster-hunting experience. Every core mechanic has been meticulously refined, demonstrating a clear commitment to player satisfaction, while a wealth of ambitious new features promises to redefine the genre. This is set within a sprawling, meticulously crafted world, teeming with life and secrets, inviting players to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Much like its predecessor, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is a solid roguelike action RPG with plenty of entertainment. However, the similarities to the first game are so pronounced that it sometimes feels like a retread rather than a true sequel. This is especially evident in the core gameplay mechanics and environments, which, while still enjoyable, hold the game back from taking the series to the next level.

Obsidian's signature is evident throughout Avowed, from its richly crafted setting to its deep role-playing mechanics and meaningful quests. That said, Avowed remains an AA title, lacking the extra budget needed to realize its potential fully and if you're expecting vast open worlds, ambitious design, or cutting-edge visuals, you may find yourself disappointed.

With massive changes and a wealth of new ideas, Civilization VII appears to be steering the series in a bold new direction. While some hardcore fans may not embrace all the changes, the core gameplay remains intact. However, the overall package could have benefited from a few final refinements.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii takes the series to the high seas while staying true to its signature formula. Packed with side quests and mini-games, it delivers everything fans expect from a Like a Dragon game. The core gameplay remains as content-rich as ever, and with smooth, fast-paced combat both on land and water, the final package is a must-buy for longtime fans.

Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered brings together three games from different eras, each with varying levels of quality at the time of their original release. If you're new to these classics, the collection offers a solid experience. However, for those who have already played them, there isn’t much new to discover.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an epic first-person RPG that delivers everything fans of the genre crave. It’s brutal, expansive, historically rich, and visually offering an experience that refuses to compromise its authenticity for mass appeal. Unlike many modern RPGs that soften their mechanics to accommodate a wider audience, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stays true to its roots, embracing realism, complex gameplay, and a richly detailed medieval world. This dedication ensures that those who appreciate deep, unforgiving role-playing experiences get exactly what they desire. The game doesn’t hold your hand; instead, it challenges you to adapt, learn, and survive in a world that feels as authentic as unforgiving.

Dynasty Warriors: Origin offers thrilling gameplay, wild combos, and massive-scale battles that define the series. However, the game's incomplete story is a noticeable blemish. It feels as though a significant chapter is missing, leaving players with unanswered questions and a sense of dissatisfaction. Despite this narrative flaw, the core combat loop remains incredibly engaging.

Almost two decades after its original release, Ninja Gaiden 2 returns in Black form. While the core gameplay loop of cinematic action remains as compelling as ever, the focus here is clearly on updated visuals. The $50 price tag, however, feels a bit steep for what is essentially a visual refresh of a nearly 20-year-old game. Whether or not it's worth the price will likely depend on your level of nostalgia for the series. Hardcore Ninja Gaiden fans may find it hard to resist, but more casual players might want to consider waiting for a sale.

Immerse yourself in the serene world of Botany Manor, a visually stunning and creatively designed indie game. The game's evocative atmosphere and ingenious puzzles create a truly captivating experience. Botany Manor is the perfect antidote to a hectic day, offering a chance to reconnect with nature at your own pace. While the story may not be the primary focus and the gameplay is more meditative than energetic, its charm lies in its tranquil beauty and engaging puzzles.

Eternal Strands offers glimpses of promise with its stunning boss fights and intriguing gameplay mechanics. However, its repetitive structure and lack of depth make for a shallow experience. The game also falls short in storytelling and character development, leaving little to keep players engaged and making it difficult to recommend.

Completely Stretchy is easily one of the most fun and innovative indie games of the year. Though it’s a bit shorter than expected and can be challenging for some players, its creativity and engaging gameplay make it a must-try experience that’s well worth your time.

As a modern-day gamer, Soul Reaver Remastered might not be significant for you. But for an old-school 40-year-old gamer, it brings back memories of a golden era of gaming and legendary titles. While the remaster sparks nostalgia, it falls short of addressing the gameplay mechanics—especially in the sequel—leaving the experience somewhat dated. For those who cherished the original, the remaster is a bittersweet reminder of a time when storytelling and atmosphere were king, even if it struggles to fully modernize itself for a new generation.

It’s been 22 years since The Thing’s first release, and during this time the horror genre and the video game industry as a whole has seen massive changes both in terms of visuals and gameplay mechanisms. The Thing Remastered falls short when compared to modern standards and can’t hold a candle to even mediocre horror games of modern times. However, if you fancy visiting the memory lane or want to see what older games have to offer, it might not be a bad idea to give The Thing a shot.

What better way to wrap up the year than by diving into Indiana Jones and the Great Circle? MachineGames' latest release is nothing short of a masterpiece, living up to the legendary Indiana Jones name. Opting for a first-person perspective in an action-adventure game was a bold move—especially with heavyweights like Uncharted and Tomb Raider dominating the genre—but MachineGames took the risk and delivered. The result? A thrilling, immersive experience that sets a new standard for Indiana Jones games and proves the studio’s knack for crafting unforgettable adventures.

At its current state, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is practically crippled by tons of bugs and technical issues. Do we care? Absolutely not! S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is a majestic return to the brutal and unforgiving world of Chernobyl; it’s deep, complex, insanely atmospheric, and exactly what a S.T.A.L.K.E.R. fan would want from a sequel. It’s a miracle that GCS Game World managed to release the game in the first place given the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the technical issues are something that will be eventually ironed out. What matters is the strong core gameplay, stunning visuals, and exceptional setting and atmosphere. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is not a game for the typical first-person shooter fan; you have to feel it, absorb it, and live it. Happy hunting Stalker.

Nine Sols raises the bar and sets a new standard for Indie games. It's engaging and full of emotion and tells a deep and meaningful story through its stunning art design, once again proving that big ideas are better than big budgets.

Ravenswatch is unique, stylish, and smooth, and its art style is irresistible. It is everything that you would want from an Action Rogulike and then some, and I'm sure you will fall in love with it if you give it a fair chance.

All in all, Planet Coaster 2 is a massive improvement over its predecessor, and new additions such as the Water Park make it a more complete package. It’s a great experience for fans of the city-builder and simulation genre, but the steep learning curve and overall complexity of the gameplay will probably push away the more casual players.