While the quality of every game is ultimately subjective, Once Human is unique in how, other than its serious technical issues, all of its problems or strengths are contentious ones that it is easy to imagine every person feeling differently about. For many, however, I suspect that it will end up being such a mixed bag as not to be worth sticking with in favor of a more focused and refined competitor.

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.

SCHiM is worth jumping at. It's approachable for most players and unearths a deeper story about life's unexpected lows and highs.

The Dawntrail MSQ is salient and beautiful in the exact way that has made the Final Fantasy XIV narrative so beloved…It has its hiccups, and the future will determine its staying power, but in the end, it's an expansion that opens Final Fantasy XIV up into something larger and leaves the Warrior of Light with a vast new future to explore.

From better versions of characters available for a premium to its ammo types and generic clean science-fiction setting, there is little about The First Descendant that feels original. Every element feels like a cheap facsimile of the successes of other loot-based games without understanding what makes those systems work in their original contexts. This leaves The First Descendant feeling like an online shop with the imitation of a game built around it with gameplay and mechanics relegated to second-thoughts at best.

After numerous hours bouncing between fun, if repetitive combat, and annoying characters occupying a forgettable story, Zenless Zone Zero falls well short of what it needs to be.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is a highly entertaining game, and the remaster enhances the experience with more approachable controls and modern visuals. As such, despite some of its flaws, both new players and returning fans can still enjoy the new package.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin blends the essence of the Monster Hunter series with the charm of a turn-based RPG. It sports a fun story, strategic gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters, resulting in an excellent experience.

If it weren’t for the prevalence of strange control issues, Monster Hunter Stories on PC would be an easy recommendation for fans of Pokémon or other creature-based RPGs. Without those issues, it is a charming and smart RPG with some fun, unique ideas and smart design.

Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon features compelling storytelling, complex characters, and rich thematic depth. Despite minor flaws and oversights, the remake is a must-play for fans of dark fantasy and narrative-driven visual novels.

Victoria 3: Sphere of Influence is a big leap forward compared to the content packs that have been released since launch… As a player who enjoys building up the neighboring nations instead of conquering them, these new additions felt like great upgrades to the diplomatic system that keeps the game from going stale.

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.

Eldritch Realms is a game-changer.

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.

#BLUD is one that can’t be missed. For any cartoon fans, there’s so much to love here. The cutscenes, animations, and writing are pitch perfect and feel ripped straight from Cartoon Network. The combat is fun and constantly presents new challenges. It’s a love letter entirely devoted to the animated medium, from its design to its characters. Pair #BLUD with a Saturday morning, and you will not be disappointed.

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

Destiny 2: The Final Shape delivers on its promise to give an emotional and exhilarating ending to a 10-year saga. There is still more to come as the story wraps up loose ends, but the direction in which this finale is heading is truly great.

F1 24 does not reinvent the wheel, but it does bring in some changes that keep the series feeling fresh and fun to play. The new Driver Career changes and Dynamic Handling system might not seem like massive upgrades at first, but their addition to the game makes it worth checking out.

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.

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.

While Wuthering Waves delivers some strong story moments and fun gameplay within its interesting world, it has a lot of problems.

Venture To The Vile is clearly a Metroidvania built with a deep knowledge of its genre. More importantly, it’s an indie game that embodies passion, creativity, and a special kind of whimsical weirdness that will stay with you past rolling credits.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II won’t be for everyone. But if you are looking for a brutal continuation of a fantastic story that feels like you’re actually playing a movie, you’ll have a great time here.

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.

The modernization of the series has yielded amazing benefits that make it feel like the definitive Homeworld experience unless you are looking to go back and experience the whole story for yourself. It isn't easy to make a sequel worth a decades-long wait, but Blackbird Interactive has managed to pull off just that.

Animal Well delivers a gorgeous art style paired with unique gameplay and an uncompromising vision.

Demon Slayer Sweep the Board! does exactly what it sets out to do by combining the excitement of a party game with the world of Demon Slayer. It’s tailor-made for the niche audience of anime enthusiasts and party game aficionados alike.

INDIKA grounds intrigue with its arthouse cinematic flair and satire. It engages curiosity and entertainment. Its world is shrouded in emptiness and questions that mirror Indika’s internal struggles.

Sea of Thieves is a great game that offers a lot. Between the PvE elements, PvP chaos, story missions, added content, and the upcoming Season 12, there’s a ton to engage with. Playing solo may be a mixed experience, but when it clicked, there was so much to enjoy with your time on the sea. Hitting the high seas with a crew is a genuine blast, leading to absolute chaos in no time flat.

Another Crab's Treasure is a fantastic soulslike for those looking for an entry into soulslikes. Its storytelling and embracing of an unfamiliar setting make it stand out.

SAND LAND is a gorgeous and heartfelt game that brings together unlikely allies on an epic quest. It is fun to play, beautiful to look at, and an unforgettable journey for everyone to enjoy.

Stellar Blade is a fantastic addition to the PlayStation-exclusive library. The combat is slick and fun, the story deep and interesting, and the set pieces all bigger than the last. It's obvious why Sony scooped this one up, fitting into its story-rich third-party pedigree of titles.

No Rest for the Wicked is off to a promising start. With great combat, a gorgeous world, and an intriguing story, there’s much to dive into, even in its Early Access form. Ironing out the performance issues and having a good flow of content will be critical to the game’s long-term survival. I’m excited for the adventure to come with future updates. [Early Access Review]

TMNT Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has its moments of fun but needs to have more variety to be truly great. It is worth the price of entry if you just want to mindlessly kill some TMNT-themed enemies, but don't expect anything revolutionary.

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.

Final Fantasy XVI: The Rising Tide is an excellent addition to an already great story that fits seamlessly into the world of Final Fantasy XVI. Clive’s latest quest is challenging but rewarding, and it allows him to grow more as a character as he continues serving the people around him.

Life Eater takes an interesting premise but loses itself in monotony.

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.

Gigantic: Rampage Edition is a valiant effort, and it is always great to see fans of a series or game get to revisit it. However, there’s fear that what it offers is far too little to entice many players who aren’t fans.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions shows how games can go beyond escapism or entertainment. They possess significant potential to enhance mental health and improve quality of life but are underutilized within this medium.

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.

Buckshot Roulette is an adrenaline-fueled gameplay experience that unfolds roughly under twenty minutes. While surprisingly short, it manages to maintain its twisted, macabre thrill.

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.

It’s easy to say that Open Roads is cozy and simple. Truthfully, though, its simplicity is its strength… Everything you do feels personal, especially as a daughter who still has endless questions for her mother.

With a focus on style over substance and a lack of any real friction in gameplay, Princess Peach: Showtime! is not going to provide a deeply engrossing experience. However, fans of the character and people looking for a relaxing jaunt into the dramatic arts will find plenty to enjoy.

Pepper Grinder is a treasure trove of excitement and charm, beckoning players to sail into its captivating world and embark on a thrilling adventure unlike any other.

Millennia is a perfectly adequate 4X strategy game that will be easy for players to pick up and play. It does not try to reinvent the wheel, for better or for worse.

It is hard to discern just who South Park: Snow Day! is for. Diehard South Park fans will not get much out of its lackluster references and lack of new ideas for the franchise. Meanwhile, those who care more about playing a fun game won’t find the mechanical complexity that can be found in previous franchise RPGs.

Ultimately, Rise of the Ronin will be a mixed bag for people. The combat will carry it for many, but the lack of variety in the open world, messy story, and performance issues will take away from others.

MLB The Show 24 is another excellent update in one of the best sports game franchises. The Storylines mode continues to shine a light on forgotten Negro League legends, and the addition of women to Road to the Show is a welcomed one. Combine that with a refreshed look and you have the complete baseball package.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an intricately crafted and highly engaging action RPG. However, it has many frustrating mechanics that could potentially alienate many players. Despite its disappointing narrative, it still provides a highly entertaining experience that Dragon’s Dogma and hardcore action RPG fans will undoubtedly enjoy.

Conclusively, Alone In The Dark properly writes its love letter while creating appeal to a wider audience through cinematic aspects. The classic horror elements and nods to its origins are seen, heard, and felt from beginning to end.

The joy of Outcast – A New Beginning comes from the freedom of its nonlinear concept.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is the perfect way to relive one of the best Star Wars video game franchises. These games may be old, but that doesn’t stop new and old players alike from jumping into a galaxy far, far away for the time of their lives.

Goblin Stone is a delightful romp through goblin lore. By placing the power in the hands of these mighty green goblins, there has never been more of a reason to try a new turn-based RPG. Orc Chop Games has made something special here.

Unicorn Overlord is an homage to classic tactical role-playing games with a well-crafted story, interesting combat, and a fascinating world to explore. Vanillaware delivers a comfortable and familiar game that is unique enough to warrant spending countless hours playing.

The Thaumaturge presents a fantastical look into history and allows players to take the wheel. With supernatural creatures, investigations spanning whole neighborhoods, and solid voice acting, there’s a lot to enjoy. It doesn’t get everything right, but it does provide enough depth and creativity to take the journey once or twice.

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.

Cricket Through the Ages is minimalist in its visuals and mechanics. Its bright and bold color palette reflects the lack of seriousness and highlights its zany nature.

Welcome to ParadiZe is a nice time. It’s easy to get into a hole murdering zombies in every direction. While never too difficult by any means, there is a steady increase in the challenge as you go.

Age of Wonders 4: Primal Fury gives players new content that is the same but different to dive into. This is the third DLC, and while these DLCs all add the same type of items, such as new Tomes, cultures, races, and more, Triumph Studios has done a great job of making each one feel unique.

WRATH: Aeon of Ruin welcomes new players without holding your hand all the way through.

Pacific Drive thoughtfully translates simple yet overlooked human aspects through an experience that is truly unique and unforgettable.

Nightingale is starting off in an okay place as an early-access title. With time and some polish, Nightingale could capitalize on its unique setting and strong core mechanics to stand out from its peers. In its current state, however, Nightingale is a tough sell. For players who love its aesthetic or the genre overall, Nightingale likely has enough on offer that is worth exploring. For others, though, it is likely better to wait for the developer’s planned updates and improvements to be released. [Early Access Review]

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a grand adventure that, despite minor pacing issues, is incredibly engaging and exciting. There are so many discoveries waiting to be uncovered, and every inch of the game is dripping with love and care. If this is how great part two is, I can't wait to see how Square Enix finishes the trilogy.

For some, Mario vs. Donkey Kong is exactly what those who love the GBA release are looking for. For everyone else, this puzzle platformer is full of rough edges that are a deterrent.

Bandle Tale ties together a beautiful world, fun characters, and an immense but enjoyable crafting experience with a narrative that should resonate with anyone who’s ever doubted themselves.

As a whole, Skull and Bones is a very fun game, one that I genuinely couldn’t put down once the battles began. But that fun is uneven at best. Despite its long development cycle, the live-service element that is felt deeply throughout the game isn’t microtransactions. It’s emptiness.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is a mixed bag of a remastered bundle. While it offers players new quality-of-life updates and great new features, the experience is marred by frustrating movement and an unreliable camera.

Whether you’re a seasoned fighter fan or just looking for some lighthearted fun, Fight Crab 2 delivers on its promise of shellfish shenanigans in spades.

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.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden continues Don’t Nod’s recent success with a gripping new experience. While its combat isn’t anything groundbreaking, the world that it transports players to and the story that it tells within it are well worth checking out.

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.

FOAMSTARS is a fun party shooter with chill vibes and vibrant expression that just needs a few additions to be truly great. The foundation is there, Square Enix just needs to tweak the formula a bit before it is worth recommending without hesitation.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash isn’t bad, per se, but it is lacking. Maybe it’s hindered by the expectations associated with the IP, or maybe it’s just too much like every other arena fighter we’ve gotten. Either way, the lackluster take on the genre has a lot of jujutsu sorcery to learn.

But the remake more than makes up for it with all the new changes and upgrades. While far from perfect, the game still stands out as one of the best remakes. It’s a title Persona fans will be proud of.

Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior encourages players to best themselves through each rewind of time which is challenging, rewarding, and fast fun.

Rocksteady did well with creating a story that can hit the heartstrings. Playing as each member of the squad brings their own unique forms of entertainment, where you’ll enjoy switching between each member as needed. But the writing and character growth can only do so much when the full package feels soulless.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a captivating albeit simple narrative, mesmerizing visuals, and a fun gameplay experience. If you’re a JRPG fan looking for a great new experience, then you’ll do no wrong with the game, but don’t expect anything out of the ordinary.

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

Enshrouded may only be entering early access, but there is already so much to see and do in the wonderful world of Embervale. Keen Games did not cut any corners when creating this excellent sandbox. Players will surely enjoy it as it evolves during the early access period. [Early Access Review]

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic simply wants players to experience ease in finding objects. Finding lost or misplaced items in our lives can feel frustrating and dire in our moments of need.

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

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

Sovereign Syndicate utilizes its pacing to gradually pull the curtain back on a world filled to the brim with character and detail. It allows its story to be delicately planned and comes together brilliantly while setting up possible sequels. I for one, will be extremely excited to return to the world of Sovereign Syndicate if any of those sequels come to fruition.

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.

One of the refreshing and less talked about features is how these heroes we’ve grown with begin to step out of the shadows from their former selves in Darkest Dungeon. Their idle sways and combat movements add an overlooked, unspoken narrative to these heroes not easily expressed through words. Darkest Dungeon II continues to distinguish itself by understanding how body language holds importance just as much as its mechanics. Undoubtedly, “The Binding Blade” is an exciting first DLC for Darkest Dungeon II that had me along for every wobbly stagecoach ride.

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.

Bahnsen Knights is a short ride with fun highs brought on by its timely features and mini-games that move the story along and keep players in the driver’s seat.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is a fantastic 2.5D fighting game that, despite some of its flaws, provides players an almost perfect and complete package that most Granblue fans will likely be proud of.

Rollerdrome beautifully meshes two very different genres and defies all expectations coming into it. The style practically drips out of the screen as Roll7 delivers one of the most unique and exciting games in recent memory.

Pioneers of Pagonia may only be in early access, but it is already showing signs of a truly impressive city-builder. The depth of mechanics and thrill of exploration help make it stand out in a genre full of imitators, and if the gameplay balance can be kept while making further additions, it will quickly become a game to remember. [Early Access Review]

Final Fantasy XVI: Echoes of the Fallen delivers beautiful scenes and incredible action but falters a bit with an anticlimactic ending. There is plenty to enjoy for fans of the main game, but the lack of a great ending means it fails to live up to the lofty expectations set by the main game.

With a variety of new friends and new ways to interact with them, “A Rift in Time” provides more of what made Disney Dreamlight Valley enjoyable: fun quests, the chance to befriend beloved Disney characters, and the chance to test your design skills.

While Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince offers a serviceable and sometimes fun narrative and gameplay, the overall experience is unfortunately bogged down by its performance issues and the lack of simple yet essential features.

Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader delivers a solid option for players who are looking to lose themselves in the darkness of the franchise’s universe.

Even with its faults, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a stunning visual achievement, much like the films on which it's inspired. Only here, a rich narrative pulls you deep into the Na'vi and explores more tangible means of fighting back against a colonial power that offers a cathartic experience... Blow up a pipeline, save an animal, and explore the vast world of Pandora. That's a heck of a way to close out a year.

Last Train Home does a great job of meshing a challenging strategic experience with an immersive setting and story. The difficulty curve can get overwhelming for less experienced RTS players, but the attention to detail and the wonderful character interactions make it worth taking the time to learn the ropes.