Legends of Kenzera: ZAU is a triumph of storytelling. It's immersive and thoughtful in every element of Zau's journey. But the narrative, for all of its impact, doesn't stand alone. Instead, the difficulty and complexity of traversing Kenzera complement and add a tactile nature to the emotional endeavor of moving through grief.

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a masterclass in handling nostalgia in video games. Classic characters and settings are married perfectly with a more modernized feel to create an experience that will bring smiles to so many gamers’ faces.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth feels like a victory lap while simultaneously paving the way for the future of the franchise.

Axiom Verge 2 is an outstanding game that really sets the bar for future indie Metroidvania games. It builds on the original’s success by introducing new mechanics and ideas that help freshen up a classic and sometimes stale genre. I loved every second of my journey as Indra, and I know you will too.

Figment 2: Creed Valley dives into the human mind and perfectly balances the story, gameplay, and visual design to present a complete package worth checking out.

Dragon Age The Veilguard is a massive new world full of thoughtful stories, epic battles, and beautiful visuals to accompany them. This round of companions is among the most interesting, thoughtful, and downright charismatic, and adventuring with them made for an unforgettable journey.

No maps. No markers. No mercy. Hell is Us trusts you to listen, to feel, and to get lost. And in doing so, it offers something truly rare: a soul.

Pokémon Pokopia is a massive love letter to the series, one that fittingly hits in the 30th year. It’s the gold standard of Pokémon spin-offs, letting you live in a Pokémon playground.

Townscaper is the perfect game if you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind while flexing your creative muscles. The mechanics may be limited, but the game itself is absolutely limitless. Townscaper is like a nice warm batch of cookies from grandma, and I can already tell I will be returning quite often to the comforts I found while playing.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is a game with a ton going on. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a creative and enjoyable experience. The only question for those who played the original version is whether or not they enjoyed their first trip through Kojima’s brilliant creation. If you did, or if this is your first time playing Death Stranding, you are absolutely going to love every second of the Death Stranding Director’s Cut.

I cannot think of a single negative thing to say about The House in Fata Morgana. My time with the game was well spent, and I crave a replay as soon as possible, so I can dive even deeper and appreciate the game at a different pace. This definitive version of the Fata Morgana series is perfectly suited for the Switch, allowing you to read on the go as you move through one of the most beloved visual novels in the genre.

Ivy Road has made a game that has impact and one that doesn’t change its protagonist, but you, the player, too. Wanderstop is monumental because it provides comfort by simply giving us all permission to slow down.

Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels has again found a way to raise the bar for the Forza Horizon franchise and, in general, DLC. Its speed, races, and varied tracks almost make the base game not nearly as fun to experience.

NORCO is a game I could not stop thinking about. Even long after completing my first playthrough, I find myself thinking about Kay, Catherine, the AI security robot Millions, Private Investigator Leblanc, and the multitude of ordinary citizens I encountered that profoundly impacted me throughout my time in NORCO. It’s been a while since a game has managed to cause so much emotional damage in such a short period of time, and I cannot recommend NORCO highly enough.

Whether it’s the game’s not-too-subtle commentary about climate change or Nava’s explanation of the Wraith, Sword of the Sea is trying and succeeding at making an impact. No singular thing can change the world, but it can plant a seed, and with this title, I hope everyone feels hopeful for a time to rebuild.

Lushfoil Photography Sim succeeds in its approachability and how it garners intrigue. It gracefully connects the world of photography and creative curiosity, naturally on display in gaming.

In a world full of games trying to stand out, Final Fantasy XVI has no problem rising above the rest. Wonderfully fun combat and beautiful presentation help make the excellent story even more impactful in an adventure well worth the price of admission. This is one that will surely sit with players for many years to come and will surely be one for the history books.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is excellent and joyful and has just the right amount of chaos thanks to that Rabbids touch. The dev team has put time and care into the humor as much as the gameplay and I can't name a single time I felt bored or unconnected to the material...This is the perfect gateway to the tactics genre for any age and a true testament to the originality and beauty of collaborations.

It’s hard to find much of anything to complain about when it comes to God of War Ragnarok. The complex characters and storyline provide a plethora of feelings. The developers have breathed so much depth and life into this series that previously focused on combat over narrative substance. There’s still plenty of violent combo-focused action, but the option for exploration and puzzle-solving balances out the mechanics and adds a bit of curve to the otherwise linear storyline.

Marvel Snap is a fun, mentally challenging game that rewards creativity and adaptability and that can be played in a snap. Whether an old hand at card games or a novice, this game should have plenty to offer as you battle with some of your favorite superheroic characters.

Metroid Prime Remastered is the gold standard for how to remaster an old game. Retro Studios have earned a reputation as one of the best game developers in the business, perfecting the balance between nostalgia and modern game development. Fans of the original Metroid Prime and newcomers to the franchise alike are in for an absolute treat.

The charm, character, and challenging gameplay that made it an instant hit last year gives it more than enough appeal to warrant a second go.

The Expanse: A Telltale Series is off to a great start with Episode 1. It offers all the important things that a fan of the show would need to feel at home if this is their first time playing a game from Telltale and it offers enough new mechanics to grab the interest of long-time Telltale fans.

With Sea of Stars Sabotage has crafted a unique and engaging game that any fan of the genre will enjoy playing. Its polish and innovation make it not only a Game of the Year contender but also makes it deserving of being added to the pantheon of indie games’ greatest right up there with the likes of Celeste and Hades.

Hades 2 is a standout experience in a year full of highlights, keeping the player coming back run after run for just one more go. The art style and graphics are as impressive as ever, a visual feast at every turn.

The game is stunningly beautiful, incredibly smooth to play, and brilliantly written. A truly vibrant and dynamic universe you will never want to leave.

Forza Horizon 5 somehow raised an insurmountable bar to new heights. Playground Games continued to show off their prowess with game development and their striving to make a game that is fun for every type of player in every aspect of gameplay. Regardless of if you’re a racing fan or not, if you have Game Pass, Forza Horizon 5 needs to be the next game you play. You never know, it could be the jumping-off point into a new genre that you never knew you’d click with.

Elden Ring was a massive endeavor and success, and instead of coasting on that success, they turned Shadow of the Erdtree into a thrilling final adventure with its own identity.

Elden Ring Nightreign does its best to let players have fun, get stronger, and take down big, bad bosses together. I can't speak for the greater FromSoftware fanbase, but after these shared triumphs, I'll have a hard time going back to doing it alone.

Where Cocoon shines is in its creativity. Bosses, level design, and use of puzzles, all through its use of orbs, are extremely fun. Plus, every section ends without overstaying its welcome.

When all is said and done, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story blends wonderful characters and a fascinating world with some of the finest turn-based gameplay I’ve ever experienced. Despite a few stumbles, this is a package that anyone who loves this genre should check out. While I still have to give it some more thought, this game is most likely going to end up being my game of the year.

Hardspace Shipbreaker has cemented itself as one of my top three games of the year. It’s not without faults, like its superfluous room you’re forced to visit. However, the complete package is marvelous in the way it tells a powerful story mixed with chill, yet stressful gameplay.

Saros is Housemarque at its best. It nails the roguelike formula, with each run feeling completely different than what came before thanks to changing areas and a variety of weapons. The story grips you and doesn’t let go, with Rahul Kohli’s fantastic performance at the heart of it.

Halo: Infinite delivers an amazing entry into the franchise. While it doesn’t manage to take the top spot on my personal list of favorite Halo games(Remember Reach!) it is easily in my top three. And with Xbox looking to keep players engaged with Xbox Game Pass I can only imagine that we will be getting more stories with the Chief as he continues his fight against the Banished. If 343 Industries can keep what comes next to the same level of fun and polish they have established here, I will gladly pick up my trusty Battle Rifle anytime they have a new mission for me.

Neon White nails the “one more try” mentality. With complex and fast levels, great enemy variety, and easy readability, it feels like a fantastic intro to speedrunning. My biggest gripe? I want more! Not that there isn’t enough, but I just can’t get enough of the Neons and the gripping nature of this game.

It’s hard to be both a great introductory game into management sims and also offer the die-hards a level of depth that doesn’t leave them wanting, but Jurassic World Evolution 3 does it perfectly.

Octopath Traveler 0 is another stellar entry in Square Enix’s HD-2D series that rivals not only the wonders of 2, but some of the best 2D turn-based RPGs out there.

By the time I reached the end of my journey and my nation stood above all the rest, I was left with one of the most satisfying gaming victories I’ve ever experienced. While Ara: History Untold asks a lot of players, it rewards those willing to put in the hours with a deeply rich gameplay experience that makes them feel like every choice they made shaped their nation and helped their people achieve greatness. From large-scale design innovations to the smallest details, the game delivers an almost flawless experience.

Disney Illusion Island is quite possibly one of the best Disney games about Mickey and Friends made to date. The world of Monoth is such a joy to explore and is made fantastically to feel like a modern Metroidvania platformer.

Baldur's Gate 3 deserves the title of Game of the Year, plain and simple. Having sunk around 100 hours into the game since its launch, and with the city of Baldur's Gate still a distant sight, it's a challenge to tear myself away from the captivating narrative I've woven. Both my impressions from the early access phase and my time with the full release have remained consistent: the game is a masterpiece.

Directive 8020 is a love letter to the space horror that looks beyond just going bump in the night. The distrust sown across the small team, the dialogue choices, and the interactions all craft a game that feels like it belongs on the shelf alongside titles like Dead Space, Sunshine, Event Horizon, and even The Thing.

Sifu is surprisingly difficult, at a level that will deter most players. However, getting past that wall will reward you with an amazingly crafted game that stays true to the developer’s vision, one that celebrates kung fu and its core meaning.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is magnificently crafted, oozing with detail, love, and care. What it does amazingly is give you all the tools you need to figure out this mystery within the hotel.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is your new favorite cozy exploration game. While it looks similar to others in the genre, once you start playing, the truth is that there is nothing like Hello Kitty Island Adventure when it comes to exploration.

No Longer Home is an authentic and often unsettling story about the process of moving out and moving on. Of course, every player will take something different away from their experience playing, but it is an experience that I highly recommend. With beautiful designs, excellent characters, and a great soundtrack, No Longer Home is well worth picking up.

Cozy Grove succeeds on all notes, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Having put time into both the Steam and Switch versions of the game, the latter is the perfect home for this game. As cheesy as this may sound, turning on your Switch, curling up with some coffee, and getting cozy with Cozy Grove is just what you need. Whether you’re looking for a game to play in bursts or a new world to just never leave, this is a title you need to pick up.

The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos is a marvelous farewell to the memorable cast and locales that this game has delivered to players. If you have enjoyed the quirky adventures of the Unreliable’s “heroic” crew, you owe it to yourself to experience this last hurrah in Halcyon.

I ultimately found very little that I disliked about GNOSIA. If anything, I can’t recommend it enough, and honestly, I can’t wait to get back to playing it. In fact, I’m ready to loop through another fight against the Gnosia again.

With an exciting new region, new mechanics, and themes adding a bevy of new strategies to the game, this new expansion looks to really shake up the meta in an exciting way.

Metaphor: Refantazio is the culmination of everything that came before it. It's a mixture of Atlus' RPG track record crafted into something bold and new.

If you’re one of the many gamers who hasn’t played The Outer Worlds before, then now is the time. Given that I’ve scored the base game and its DLCs highly in the past, coupled with the gameplay improvements and a reasonable 60-dollar price point makes, this is the best way to experience all this game has to offer.

Narratively, visually, and mechanically, Alan Wake 2 is what horror should be.

Street Fighter 6 is accessible for players of any skill level. It's open enough to new players but offers what fighter vets need to stay invested in a new title. Good net code, interesting characters, and new features that make it stick out from previous iterations are the things that ensure longevity in the community.

Dark Deity delivers virtually everything I could ask for from an entry into one of my favorite genres. Fun, intricate battles, meaningful character progression, and a cast of characters I quickly became invested in. If these features sound appealing to you, I cannot recommend this game enough.

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a remarkably expansive game that I can sit and play for hours, even with its little notifications telling me to take a break. This is one of the best games I've played all year. There is a great deal of depth and customization that really showcases player choice and creativity, with an unbeatable replayability.

Live A Live is an absolute masterpiece, so much so that even the one chapter that frustrated me was still enjoyable once everything came together.

Tekken 8 offers great gameplay through precise controls, gorgeous visuals, and audio that energizes the player.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of everything that has made Power Rangers a beloved franchise for generations. Digital Eclipse has crafted an experience that pays tribute to the past while embracing modern sensibilities.

Island 4 and all that comes with it make an amazing game even better. This DLC is perfect for those who want to see Cuphead at its best. There is no fat; there is no fluff. There are only the best parts of Cuphead but much, much more refined.

EA SPORTS College Football 25 adeptly brings the joy and chaos of college football to life in a breathtaking way. Nothing has ever captured that gameday feel quite like this and fans should rejoice that the franchise they know and love is back and better than ever for them and new generations to enjoy.

Battlefield 6 is a giant leap forward for the franchise, returning it to the peak of online first-person shooters.

NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is an amazing port of one of the best narrative journies video games have ever produced. With only a 40-dollar price tag, it is a great opportunity to jump in on a modern classic, whether you have never played it before or simply wish to experience the journey one more time.

Aphelion is a small game that hits hard with big emotions by embracing the very best elements of science fiction. It embraces humanity and connection while still showcasing the genre’s love of alien planets and condemnation of evil corporations.

RKGK is an astounding debut game from Wabisabi Games. It is a platformer that wears its inspirations on its sleeves but never once feels like a derivative. Instead, RKGK shows the power of growing from the media you love and using it to create something special and unique.

Pokémon Legends Z-A is a welcome change of pace in a series that’s been running for almost 30 years. Here’s hoping the Legends games continue to serve as testing grounds for new ideas, and that the core mainline games can bring some learned lessons in exciting ways.

Avowed marks another triumph for the folks at Obisidan. Through its gorgeous world, memorable characters, frenzied combat, and intuitive yet deep customization system, it highlights player agency. Everywhere in its gameplay and narrative, ensuring that each playthrough offers something new. More importantly, it does so while never compromising the strength of its core story.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is the definitive package that makes a great role-playing game even better. Quality of life changes alongside and all-new storyline makes this a must-have RPG and one of the best releases of the year.

Stray astounds with its beautiful graphics, quirky characters, and puzzles that bring out the best and worst in a cat.

Forza Horizon 6 is the near-perfect racing sandbox fans have wanted for years.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a massive undertaking that hits some extremely high points while only presenting a few issues like the performance struggles at times due to the Switch’s limitations. I fell in love with the cast almost immediately, and I can’t wait to see their stories progress in future DLC. This is a game that is going to sit with me for years and is a very serious Game of the Year contender.

With great enemies to battle, unique elements that shake up the formula, and some of the genre's best-ever gameplay/customization, [REDACTED] is a must-play for enthusiasts and casual players looking for a great time.

At first glance, In Stars and Time seems like a simple turn-based RPG. But through its amazing story, the game becomes so much more.

Mouthwashing is a must-play horror experience and has cemented Wrong Organ as a team to continue to watch moving forward.

After Us is a grim yet hopeful tale of what the future of humanity and our planet looks like, given our current actions. Within its dark moments shine a fantastic platformer that shouldn’t be missed. It not only carries a strong message, but it also shows what is possible for the platformer genre on modern consoles.

Ultimately, Compulsion Games has created a love letter to the South, to its beauty and its stories. The dark fairytale we see in South of Midnight is narratively one of the heaviest hitters I’ve played, and that’s something special.

God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is not only a can’t-miss DLC, but it tells an even more personal story. What Sony Santa Monica has done is beyond impressive, forcing Kratos to confront his past in ways never expected... Even if you don’t like roguelikes, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this DLC for what still may be one of the greatest action series ever made.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 is another example of how to breathe new life into a classic without losing touch with what makes the originals great. There is plenty of replay value thanks to online mode and important improvements to the Create-A-Park mode.

ULTROS is a masterclass in environmental storytelling combined with solid Metroidvania mechanics in a truly excellent package. Go into this one slow and ready to enjoy the journey and it will more than pay off.

Like a Dragon Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one of the best Like a Dragon/Yakuza spin-offs, joining the likes of Judgment and Like A Dragon: Ishin. It's a fast and frenetic pirate adventure that constantly calls the player back to its high seas, and it's an adventure you won't want to miss.

The Spider of Lanka builds off an already amazing base game to give players a deeper look at such an intriguing world. It is full of political intrigue, shady characters, and countless mysteries waiting to be uncovered. While I might have liked to see a few more cases, that is only because what was presented was just that good.

A Plague Tale: Requiem brings back everything to love about the first game and builds an even more heartrending tale of the things people will do for love.

Balatro’s genius is exposed when you take the simple individual components of a run and combine them in the perfect mixture to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. And then you start trying to see how far you can push it, or what other combinations can help you reach e-notation. And then you’re there. You’re a Balatro fan.

Kirby Air Riders is a fantastic follow-up to a GameCube classic. The racing is deceptively complex with a high skill ceiling.

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 on the Switch 2 are as excellent as ever. Both still hold up entirely, from the action to the narrative to the ridiculous side quests; each entry is fantastic in its own right.

Yakuza Kiwami & Yakuza Kiwami 2 on the Switch 2 are as excellent as ever. Both still hold up entirely, from the action to the narrative to the ridiculous side quests; each entry is fantastic in its own right.

Elden Ring is an absolute triumph that will surely please all of the many players eager to get their hands on it.

Overall, Dorfromantik lives up to its billing as an incredibly relaxing game. It’s the perfect game to play while on a train or just lounging around the house. It takes seconds to pick up, and can easily provide seemingly limitless hours of gameplay. If you are in the market for a chill, calming game, you can’t go wrong with Dorfromantik.

Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade offers a fun and enjoyable new adventure with new characters and new game modes that improve performance and graphics. While nothing new is added to the base game, the new modes will certainly make either replaying the game or starting it for the first time worthwhile. The DLC adds more to the story for new and old fans to enjoy. The upgraded version and DLC will certainly leave fans excited for what’s to come in future games.

Its combat is as brutal as one would hope while bringing the mechanical density and numerous options to engage any type of player. Its narrative is gripping with veins of humanity throughout that make it nearly impossible not to get invested in it. While sometimes feeling a bit sluggish or as though they just need a tiny bit more tuning, its new mechanics have brought new life to the series in a monumental way.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp combines two of the greatest turn-based strategy games of all time in one beautiful package.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is an amazing remake of an excellent game. While it isn’t perfect, it provides a highly entertaining experience in almost every way.

It is no exaggeration to say that Company of Heroes 3 is a triumph of the RTS genre…It offers an amazingly deep strategic experience, fantastic onboarding for newcomers, and plenty of content to keep fans playing for dozens of hours.

Octopath Traveler 2 not only iterated or refined, but it also made the Octopath Traveler series a highly anticipated series in my eyes.

Total War: PHARAOH is a smashing success as a grand strategy game and brings the hit franchise to a new historical era. Fascinating leaders and subplots with mechanics to match help make each play session fresh and enjoyable.

While there is still more to come with “The Witch Queen,” in the form of the new raid launching on March 5th, the content given in the base expansion is simply Destiny at its absolute best. The campaign is by far the best of the series, both in terms of storytelling and gameplay itself, and might be one of my favorite shooter campaigns of all time. The bar has been raised going forward; the only question is whether or not Bungie can keep it up from here.

Children of the Sun is one of my favorite games this year. It makes you feel like a badass as you guide the bullet as it soars through each level.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a perfect entry point for newcomers to the Digimon world, without alienating long-time fans.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is an excellent installment by all metrics. It sets a new narrative standard for the series and franchise as a whole while providing several enhanced signature elements. As such, it’s a game that can easily be recommended to both new and returning players.