Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a worthy graphical update to the beloved original. The overhauled graphics are beautiful, breathing new life into a world many care about.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut is the definitive way to play and is fantastic as part of the Switch 2’s launch lineup.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a fantastic definition of what a sequel should be. Its overall presentation showed that Respawn and the amazing team of developers listened to the criticism. From the improvements to combat, to exploration, to even just finding ways to add more depth to the characters, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the Star Wars game that fans have been waiting for.

Sumida and its urban legends come to life in PARANORMASIGHT in a way I didn’t expect from a 2D visual novel. I expected something artistic, yes, but I got something that engaged me, sent a shiver down my spine, and that I ultimately couldn’t put down.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid’s Curse is an appealing and unique thriller visual novel that, despite some minor drawbacks, provides an enjoyable experience. As such, It’s a visual novel thriller and mystery fans shouldn’t miss.

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.

What is most impressive about Frostpunk 2 is how well it blends its emotional narratives with its gameplay mechanics. It challenges the player on an emotional and moral level while also challenging them to grapple with some of the most intricately linked and well-refined gameplay the strategy genre has seen in years.

DOOM The Dark Ages is aggressive as hell, loud, fast, and all the fun you want. Sometimes you just need to pick up a shotgun, a flail, and a saw-bladed shield and rip through baddies. To put it simply, DOOM The Dark Ages is rewarding. The gameplay matters and ultimately makes up for any weaknesses in the story.

Kunitsu-Gami Path of the Goddess is an incredibly mixed bag that, while including several great elements, is held back by overly simplistic, floaty combat mechanics and a lackluster narrative.

Pragmata is a great sci-fi action adventure game that doesn’t demand much from its players and provides an entertaining experience throughout.

Tunic was definitely worth the wait. I honestly can’t remember when a game has gripped me the way Tunic has. For the past two weeks, I haven’t stopped looking into certain puzzles, finding new secrets, and thinking about what I could’ve missed. It’s just amazing that the small team behind Tunic has created a game with this much depth.

While the Playstation version of Deep Rock Galactic has a few downsides here and there, overall, the game is a blast to play with your friends. The procedurally-generated environments, endless variations on missions, and the customization will provide hours upon hours of fun and challenges.

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood crafts a story that encapsulates the feelings of being restricted while nudging players towards a place that may feel uncomfortable yet relatable. It is a story worth experiencing as choices begin to matter and fate rests in your hands.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector tells a powerful story that, combined with a soft thought-provoking soundtrack, will leave you ruminating long after the credits roll.

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

A Space for the Unbound gently reminds us of the value and importance of human connection through our words with dream-like, mindful storytelling.

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.

The Alters teaches us that along the non-stop race for survival, sometimes you need to relax with a movie night with the people who know you best.

The Rise of the Golden Idol scratches a very specific puzzle-solving itch and provides plenty of “Eureka!” moments.

Europa Universalis 5 is a fantastic addition to the franchise that will likely only improve over time as bugs and UI issues are addressed. There are so many different possibilities for replayability, not only from the selection of nations, but even playing the same nation over again will result in a different game.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land’s simplicity is its greatest asset as well as its greatest weakness. It makes it a fun and simple platformer filled with great copy abilities and a drive to work towards upgrading them all into cooler and more deadly versions. But it won’t likely have the staying power of some of the franchise’s earlier entries either. It’s a AAA Switch game though made by Nintendo, so surely it’s fun and will have its fans nonetheless.

The Ace Attorney Investigations Collection does an excellent job of bringing the spin-off titles to a new audience through great features that support both games’ stellar narratives and gameplay experiences.

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.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a vibrant reimaging of ancient Persian myth... The Lost Crown is the right mix of difficult ingenuity and self-pacing that makes the Metroidvania inspiration and the franchise a perfect pairing.

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.

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.

Two Point Museum is a fantastic addition to the Two Point management sim title list. It lives up to the studios' past games but never feels derivative. Everything about the game feels special, providing a blended experience that is accessible to new players at first before it begins to layer new systems into the game, building depth for the more seasoned management sim fan.

Whether you’re looking for a great adventure or a devastating one, Unsighted is absolutely both and then some.

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.

Forza Motorsport 8 is masterfully made. The driving feels fantastic. The races at first are exhilarating. Plus, all multiplayer modes are enjoyable, and hours will pass in the blink of an eye.

When Lost Records: Bloom and Rage is strong, it's strong. But without the Tape 2 Rage, I'm unfortunately left with too much gap to close, not enough life lived, and not enough of a tactile interactive experience to immerse me in Swann's life and Velvet Cove.

MLB The Show 23 does enough to revamp an excellent formula, while the Storylines: Negro Leagues mode serves as an important history lesson within the confines of the game.

Even with its faults that can easily be patched up, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is an absolute love letter to the property and one that any fan should be excited to play. Yes, the gameplay is excellent, but for this game, it's all about the characters. It's about small moments, big moments, and everything in between.

The developers at AstralShift clearly love anime, and it comes through by virtually creating their own. While there are elements that a well-versed shoujo fan will see, Little Goody Two Shoes is something entirely original.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals’ story is moving, moody, and meticulously crafted in line with your choices. Immersive in every way, the gameplay is deeply tied to the game’s narrative, never feeling disjointed even as you move from chasing frequencies to traversing the land, and all of that succeeds because of how you, as Riley, fit into the story.

While not without flaws, Stellar Blade‘s PC version is the definitive version of the game, thanks to the upgrades and all the included content. The game remains fun and engaging a year later, with the experience only getting better.

Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is an incredibly engaging game, offering excellent gameplay elements. It sports great references that series fans will appreciate, and an overall phenomenal experience, making it one of the best games of its genre.

Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an excellent RPG launch title that has now been given a second life through the Switch 2. Maybe with some refinements and fixes, this Phoenix Down’d game will be remembered again as one of the greats.

Ghost Trick Phantom Detective, even with its quite obtuse puzzles, is a joy to play. Particularly with its interesting story full of twists and turns and unique characters.

Life is Strange: True Colors lands itself as one of the most cathartic and emotionally resonant video games I've played in a long time.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a brilliant new iteration of a classic formula, with some breathtaking bouts and intense action. It might not be exactly the Dynasty Warriors formula that got me into the series, but it feels like the right step for right now.

Super Mario RPG does a great job of mixing charming characters and fun, intuitive gameplay into an easy-to-enjoy package. Despite a few stumbles along the way, this classic journey largely lives up to its reputation, giving fans, new and old, something wonderful to experience.

After a bit of a letdown last year, Football Manager 2024 gives new life to a storied franchise. As far as management simulators go, Football Manager 2024 remains among the absolute best of them.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a return to form and gives a great blend of action, intrigue, and beautiful chaos. It is exactly what the franchise has been missing and is a wonderful continuation of the Black Ops storyline all while setting the stage for the story to continue.

It's not to say that Dragon Ball Sparking Zero reinvents the arena fighter wheel. It just reminds players why we loved the genre in the first place... Dragon Ball Sparking Zero feels like a collective celebration for Akira Toriyama and the characters he created.

Still Wakes the Deep nails exploring a unique setting while finding ways to tell a compelling story.

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.

Age of Wonders 4 is a fantastic entry in the Age of Wonders series, giving players freedom and choice. The game is so full of customization that it gives unlimited possibilities that no two games will ever be the same, nor would anyone want them to be.

Blasphemous II is a fantastic game that meets expectations as a fan of the first game and leaves the player satisfied and engaged throughout.

Resident Evil Village is a great game that embraces the elements of the series that we know and love while also carving out its own space nestled deep in dark fantasy. In fact, this game beautifully finds a middle ground to please existing fans of the franchise but also serves as a great entry point for new players.

Loop Hero was already a Game of the Year contender for me, but the ability to play it on the go makes it very difficult to keep out of the top spot. It is essentially a role-playing game management simulator, and I mean that in the best way possible. If you have not had the chance to play Loop Hero yet, do yourself a favor and pick this up on Switch as soon as possible. I promise you that you won’t regret it!

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a strong game, it’s a contender for game of the year and it’s ultimately one well worth playing. It’s a stunningly astute and whimsical take on death, life, and where we fit in all of it. The game is about Kena finding her place and helping others find there’s too. Beautiful, immersive, and dynamic, I can’t recommend this game enough.

While some of its changes are more impactful than others, most of what is on offer in the Dynasties update for Total War: Pharaoh are net positives. The additions and tweaks bring some much needed depth to the game’s campaigns and help keep things fresh on subsequent playthroughs. However, it does not address some of the core issues that longtime fans have voiced and will likely not be enough to bring them back to the Bronze Age despite it being free.

Splatoon 3 is a well-crafted game that provides a highly enjoyable experience for both fans and newcomers to the franchise. While the campaign isn’t long at about 8-10 hours, it still sports a good amount of varied content with a multiplayer mode that’ll keep you engaged for hours on end.

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

While not every game in Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is equally balanced or polished, the variety and care taken in preservation make it a standout retro bundle that’s definitely worth the price.

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

Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World is just more Kirby. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up to you and how much you liked the base game.

WWE 2k24‘s attempt to appeal to all of its possible audiences is an admirable goal. It is disappointing though how that effort leaves its various elements feeling either disconnected from one another or generally under-baked.

Even if roguelites or rhythm games don’t typically grab you, Fresh Tracks expertly mixes both into a form that almost doesn’t feel like either.

Whether you are a longtime Ys fan or a newcomer looking for a genuinely fantastic action RPG, you owe it to yourself to set sail with Adol and Karja.

Triangle Strategy feels like a love letter to classic tactical role-playing games in the best of ways. The story is compelling and detailed, and the characters you interact with really feel like they each matter. Artdink knocked it out of the park aesthetically as well, bringing the complex world of Norzelia to life in an incredible way. I loved every second of my time with Triangle Strategy, and I am looking forward to future playthroughs to explore the different branch options as well. If you are a fan of tactical games with an enticing story, Triangle Strategy checks off all the boxes and is an absolute must-play.

Starfield is Bethesda firing on all cylinders.

Mixtape offers a unique experience, even if it looks familiar at first. The narrative approach to memory and growing up creates a coming-of-age story that weaves through the messiness of teenage emotions. While the very small amount of gameplay can feel repetitive, the story mitigates that weakness.

Cat Quest 3 pulls off a balancing act that few games manage to. It is accessible enough for nearly anyone to jump in while being fun and engaging enough for players who prefer more mechanically dense RPGs to still have a ton of fun. It is oversaturated with personality and charm, making every minute of playing it filled with something funny, interesting, or unique.

MLB The Show 25 hits a home run by building on its past and making minor improvements that make a world of difference.

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.

Justant is a testament to letting environments speak for themselves instead of relying on dialogue. Don’t Nod trusts its ability as developers to create a game that relies on experience, not words and it trusts its players to understand narrative subtleties. Jusant may be simple, but its layered vision of a world is timeless.

There’s a lot to love in Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar. It’s the perfect game to snuggle under a blanket with a hot tea, a welcome addition to the incoming fall and beyond.

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

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.

Long-time fans of the Pokémon franchise should be very excited about the future of the Pokémon games, even if not everything in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a home run. Despite the flaws, I really enjoyed my time and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Whether you’re starting a fresh island on the Switch 2 or hopping back in on your OG Switch, it’s never been a better time to get back into the daily swing of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Mortal Kombat 1 stands out among the best in the franchise, taking some of the best elements from games past and introducing new ways to grab new players.

DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined uses modern visual and gameplay improvements to breathe new life into a classic game. It is a prime example of how to approach a remake, and there is so much to enjoy for both new and old Dragon Quest players.

KuloNiku: Bowl Up! is a delightfully cozy cooking game filled with mouthwatering recipes, fun character designs, and an intriguing, slow-burning story that unfolds at its own pace.

The whole third act will especially leave you smiling like a fool, because at its core, The Plucky Squire is good, simple fun. It presents an earnest story with enough twists, fun references, and jokes to keep you looking for more, and it inspires us all to be more than we are.

While some elements of the puppet aesthetics aren't necessarily original, and those who have played Bloodborne will see similarities, Lies of P is a gorgeously grim experience that offers difficulty and magic through immersive and dynamic gameplay with enough content baked in to make replayability a must.

Even though it is nearly twenty years old and I can’t wait to see how my next playthrough goes since Knights of the Old Republic is a game that keeps on giving.

If you are looking for deep, turn-based combat, blended with a healthy dose of superhero angst, Marvel’s Midnight Suns will serve up something special and well worth making time for this holiday season.

Grounded provides some great survival mechanics and challenging combat in a rather novel environment with an intriguing plotline. The game can be very tough but also very rewarding. However, it can take a while to really get the game going with the analysis mechanic and the lack of explanation revolving around many other ludemes.

Roadwarden is a fascinating take on the RPG genre that has a lot to love. Its setting is deep and well fleshed out, and the interactions players have with it are impactful and fun to navigate. The stories it tells are often somber but handled in an undeniably human and engaging way. While anyone who doesn’t like reading will want to skip it, I cannot recommend it enough to players intrigued by the possibilities of a detailed, text-based RPG.

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is not only a perfect example of what a remaster should be but also the perfect way to play this classic game. Plus, it being available on so many platforms makes it the most approachable way for anyone who wants to experience this nonsensically beautiful mess. While it not a perfect game, I have been reminded why Crisis Core holds a special place in my heart. This is a special story that’s growing in new ways, and being able to experience it all again with almost remake-level updates to almost every aspect of the game while keeping its heart and soul the same is something truly special.

Even after finishing the game and getting the sense that much has already been discovered, there is still so much to explore.

Even with some difficulty when it comes to controls, Planet Zoo: Console Edition is still a must for any tycoon fans… And there are enough layered mechanics to keep even the most hardcore players tinkering for hours on end.

If you’re into the 4X strategy game genre, Nexus 5X delivers precisely what you crave. It boasts rapid gameplay, diverse playstyles, and a sole victor. All while immersing players in the heart of a galactic conflict.

Atelier Mysterious Trilogy offers up a lot of fun, though it might be frustrating at times. I think it’s a nice game to play a bit of at a time, each day, rather than all in one sitting. Not having a hard and fast time limit is definitely a perk. But there are still many little things that frustrated me at times while I immersed myself in the mysterious world of Atelier Mysterious Trilogy.

The gunplay is fantastic, the gameplay loop is satisfying, and the reward progression is consistent. Its live service plans are its biggest question moving forward, but right now, Helldivers 2 is a ton of fun.

Ultimately, much like one of Ryza’s alchemical recipes, there are a lot of great ingredients that went into creating Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key. The game may not look perfect, but there’s a lot of heart and fun to be found, and the ability to finetune new weapons, armor, and combat items to your exact needs is unmatched.

Throughout my time with Lost Judgement, I felt torn about how I ultimately felt about the game. There were moments that I really enjoyed, especially the combat, but the handling of sexual assault and some unimaginative mechanics left me frustrated at best. All in all, I would say Lost Judgement is a perfectly okay sequel that fans of the original Judgement are sure to enjoy. It may not be amazing, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth playing. If you can handle the negatives, some genuinely great moments in Lost Judgment are worth experiencing.

Powerwash Simulator 2 really has hit at the perfect time once again. Its stress-free gameplay feels so much better to use, especially in ways where you wouldn’t expect improvement.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a spectacular RPG. Its story is massive and expansive, leaping across time frequently. The combat is tight and satisfying, with plenty of freedom for exploration.. Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is one of the best RPGs of 2024 and should not be missed.

The Outer Worlds 2 comes together to deliver a fantastic journey. Despite some narrative hiccups, the worlds, organizations and individual players encounter, and sometimes kill, are always engaging and frequently fun.

EA Sports College Football 26 is a step forward in the right direction and builds really well from where CFB 25 left off. There are plenty of quality of life additions from menus and UI to even more sliders and options for players for the various game modes.

The technical issues do detract from the experience somewhat, especially when considering that many of the bugs are more than a decade old at this point, but they are not enough to keep Skyrim: Anniversary Edition from being the definitive way to experience the classic title.

Dreamscaper is a fun rouge-lite that offers hours upon hours of fun and novel gameplay. While the combat is entertaining and offers a variety that’ll never get boring, the way the game focuses on mental health is well-done and powerful because of it.

In its sound, mechanics, visuals, and narrative, Howl captures a dark fairytale and creates a gorgeous folktale without losing its way.

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.