Two Point Hospital manages that fine balance of nostalgia and new idea while making for a brilliant and fun management sim.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 heralds the return of the Nintendo Wii's best game, improved to a dazzling starry shine on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.

I can’t think of another game that manages to evoke the themes it presents to players so well. In every way imaginable, from the plot, to the scenery, to the music, and even to the combat system, I am Setsuna wants players to question their mortality, the time they have left, and the decisions they can make in that time.

Nioh 3 takes the best elements of the series past and Team Ninja's legacy in delivering one of the most fun and feature-rich action games to start off the new year.

With its impeccable presentation, its focus on history, and its ability to remix its challenges to make decades-old games feel brand new, Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2 is a necessity for Mega Man fans.

Coming back after over a ten-year hiatus, Company of Heroes 3 revitalized the World War II strategy genre with an enormous arsenal of playstyle focuses and choices.

The Homeworld collection is a fantastic and complex RTS that will challenge players with an almost intimidating amount of depth of choice.

Shin Megami Tensei V is an excellent Switch exclusive worthy of its name, with the game feeling like the natural next step in the long-running series while introducing new elements that elevate it above even its contemporaries while not straying too far from its roots, offering fans a must-play experience and for everyone else, a JRPG worth jumping into.

I firmly believe Insomniac has crafted the best Spider-Man game to date. Whether you are a just a fan of the movies or a devout reader of the comics, Spider-Man is a console exclusive everyone who owns as PlayStation 4 needs to experience.

The newest entry in the Smash Bros series truly earns the title of Ultimate.

It may just be nostalgia, but for its price, Mercenary Kings Reloaded feels like a perfectly fair package.

Cuphead is a great addition to the Switch library, it’s also a game that just feels right at home on a Nintendo platform, thanks to its colourful aesthetics and old-school difficulty. I can’t recommend the game enough, even for those players who may have already played the title during its initial release on other platforms.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is an intoxicating blend of style, accessibility and fun. Even if you don’t know the franchise, you’ll love this incredible fighter.

Look Outside is genuinely one of the scariest games I’ve played since P.T., and that’s an incredibly high bar to clear.

Grim Fandango is back, and, unlike The Longest Journey, it’s gotten a bit of modern spit and polish for its console/PC debut, and it goes without saying that for fans of adventure games, this is a must own title.

N++ has an excellent blend of stylishly simple visuals and taxing puzzles, all put to an excellent soundtrack.

Returnal sets a new standard for Housemarque and delivers a must-play game for fans of roguelike titles while offering everyone else a genuinely unique experience. The game masterfully blends arcade-inspired gameplay with AAA quality chops usually reserved for a first-party PlayStation developer.

The Alters is a masterfully crafted sci-fi adventure about survival, self-discovery, and learning to live with the version of yourself who tried a little harder.

Earth Defense Force 4.1 is a smoother, more polished version of the same cheesy, excellent product that Sandlot’s gotten so good at making.

Super Mario RPG is as good today as it was 27 years ago, and this remake simply brings it into the modern day.

Wasteland 3 is a lovely return to the post nuclear apocalypse with fun gameplay and interesting choices at its forefront, though at times it can be a bit clumsy in its implementation.

The Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is an excellent package of three solid games, filled to the brim with bonus content and QoL features.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is an amazing—albeit, questionably expensive add on.

Western Press is a great party game for those with friends who want a challenge and are sick of playing Mario Party 2 (the only good one.) It’s fun, exciting, tense, and has a ton of indie charm. For a good time that won’t cost a lot, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Castlevania Dominus Collection is a solid compilation that brings three exemplary classics out of their DS dungeon, and it’s a must-play for any Metroidvania fan.

A novel twist on familiar gameplay elements, Yakuza Zero once again delivers a unique blend of real-world immersion, humanistic storytelling, and some of the best action gameplay on the market.

In terms of PlayStation 5 upgrades, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate delivers a razor-sharp 4k image, with brief loading times thanks to the power of the new SSD in addition to a consistent and locked high framerate, making it the ideal choice for competitive play outside of perhaps the PC. Like the Switch version of MK11, thanks to the Dualsense controller, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate feels excellent, with each attack and blow accompanied by a satisfying rumble that helps bring the game to life.

Life Is Strange: Reunion does right by past, present, and future, bringing Max and Chloe back together for a worthy final mystery.

Life Is Strange: True Colors - Wavelengths is an intimate look at one of the game’s most dynamic characters, and a laid-back experience with meaningful messages behind it.

I am Setsuna lends itself perfectly to on the go gaming, making the Switch the ideal console to experience this unique RPG.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is both a love letter and a remix of everything FromSoftware fans adore. While the multiplayer focus won’t work for everyone, the sheer amount of challenge, variety, and the ever-elusive dopamine hit make it something special and something to be remembered.

Gran Turismo 7 is the definitive driving experience of this generation, but may be a lot to take in for the casual player.

I’m not really surprised that Bayonetta holds up, but I am surprised that it holds up this damn well, and handily one-ups most games that are coming out these days. To me, this is still one of the gaming’s landmark achievements, and now, it’s better than ever.

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a triumphant return for the series that brings back the best the series has to offer.

The Nioh Collection on PlayStation 5 collects two excellent and instant classics together in one well polished and tough experience that will give new console owners something to sink their teeth into for the foreseeable future, while bringing with it, technical improvements that take advantage of the more capable hardware.

Ultimately, Doom Eternal is a violent and visceral tribute to single-player shooters, one that rewards skilled players and punishes those who may think they already know everything there is to know about the first-person shooter genre.

A charmingly old-school and endlessly engrossing title that boasts over a hundred hours’ worth of content, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past earns a slot in any JRPG lovers’ library.

Spelunker Party! Is a hardcore yet cute platformer that you can play in its entirety with up to four players locally or online. What a novelty.

This is easily one of the most purely enjoyable titles available on the Wii U and given that’s exactly what a Nintendo game should be, it’s impossible not to recommend it through giddy superlatives. Get thy ass out there and purchase thee a copy post-haste, fellow Nintendo ninnies.

Dragon Quest XI’s strength lies not in defying conventions, but in refining the concepts its predecessors pioneered to the absolute apex of what a Dragon Quest game can be.

RoadCraft is everything I had previously enjoyed in Expeditions while building upon it with increased challenges and task that will test players each step of the way and require some clever thinking at times.

Observation is a thought provoking, eerie space drama with dubious computers, failing equipment, and very threatening geometry. Don’t let it get away from you.

The introduction of “The Journey” makes a traditional game mode into something new and exciting, complete with a storyline, character back-story and more.

This game is Bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana makes a handful of smart improvements to an already great action RPG, making it look and feel better than ever.

Desperadoes III is a highly-addictive and engaging real-time tactics game that offers endlessly satisfying experimentation and replay value.

World of Horror is an intense and existential horror experience that perfectly captures the work that inspired it.

Indivisible is a fantastic RPG hybrid brought to life through beautiful hand animation, a captivating score and an insanely addictive combat system.

Kirby Air Riders combines tight controls, excellent gameplay and a plethora of content to make the best mascot racing game on the Nintendo Switch 2.

Bloober Team has crafted a Silent Hill 2 remake that respects the original while delivering a fresh, terrifying experience.

TUNIC is a genre-bending breath of fresh air that includes elements from other popular games that all grease the wheel for an exceptional gaming experience. A must-play for all gamers, especially due to its inclusion on Game Pass.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is a loving recreation and just pure, uncomplicated FUN.

Super Beat Sports succeeds at doing something familiar but fresh with the rhythm genre and is a blast to play with friends.

Ufouria: The Saga 2 is one of the most immediately charming and consistently interesting exploration games I’ve ever played.

Easily the funniest videogame since Stick of Truth and sure to be the funniest until whenever the hell Trey Parker and Matt Stone decide to do this again.

Despite being a slightly pared down re-release of Skyrim, the portability aspect really makes this work.

The Outlast Trials captures the gritty and often dark atmosphere of the series in an over-the-top, unique multiplayer experience and a must-play for fans of the horror genre.

Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a gorgeous adventure and an engrossing tactical romp that offers a solid challenge and some unique combat quirks that will please tactical fans. Add in the ridiculous antics from the Rabbids and some wonderful creativity in the environments in the music and Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a strategy game players dare not miss.

TMNT: Splintered Fate is not only a finely crafted roguelike, it's also one of the best takes on the franchise in recent memory and an instant contender for its best video game.

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is both a charming love letter to the AVGN series and a challenging retro sidescroller that is immensely fun.

Dredge remains an incredibly playable and captivating game in a uniquely eerie package and while The Pale Reach DLC is a decent enough addition, it doesn’t offer enough to justify being paid content.

The Super Bomberman Collection is a genuine celebration of the SNES era of Bomberman games. Five amazing games, tons of goodies, what more could you want?

This Switch version is hands down the best way to play these games. They hold up remarkably well in 2020 thanks to the engaging story and memorable cast of characters.

DUSK is a bloody good time on Switch that perfectly evokes the spirit of the best 90’s shooters.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is a safe but faithful remake and the perfect entry point for newcomers or those wanting to relive the exploits of Naked Snake in a brand new light.

I just can’t stop playing Super Mario 3D All-Stars. The joy of movement, the sharp controls, and the endlessly imaginative worlds keep bringing me back, even after all these years.

Grim Dawn is one of the easiest ARPGs to recommend in recent years.

If you haven’t played Horizon Zero Dawn, or are looking for a reason to experience Aloys story from the beginning, then this is the way forward. A gorgeous remaster that brings all of the charm of the original and all of the graphical deliciousness of the sequel.

This is easily the best game on the Wii U. Monolith Software is probably the best developer Nintendo has under their umbrella at the moment, and Xenoblade Chronicles X is without a doubt their crowning achievement.

Players looking for a Souls-borne meets Link From the Past meets Metroidvania experience all wrapped into one need look no further than the delightful Death’s Door; just make sure to pack plenty of patience and don’t let the door hit your face on the way in.

Project CARS is a game that punishes every mistake you make, which makes successes and victories infinitely more rewarding.

God of War Ragnarök continues Jetpack Interactives' excellent porting efforts to provide PC players with the definitive version of the game.

Each level feels like a real place, inhabited by real people with their own goals and routines.

Cities: Skylines is definitely a must-own for fans of the genre, or gamers with a nostalgic itch for SimCity that EA certainly won’t scratch.

Despite a few minor flaws, and an avalanche of controversy, Pokémon Sword and Shield prove themselves to be excellent games, and stellar new Pokémon adventures.

Yes, there are better, more realistic racing experiences on the market, but few titles can match the pure engagement that this year’s Need for Speed offers.

Although some visual and design elements feel a bit dated, Alan Wake Remastered is the definitive version of an all-time classic horror game.

Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is more than a love letter to Final Fantasy and its esteemed soundtracks—it’s a robust hybrid of RPG elements and rhythm gameplay, bolstered by accessibility options and a mountain of content, building on its 3DS forefathers in every way.

Despite a few minor flaws, and an avalanche of controversy, Pokémon Sword and Shield prove themselves to be excellent games, and stellar new Pokémon adventures.

You might pull your hair out trying to complete the story mode, but you'll have a blast doing it.

It’s never been easier to play the Zero Escape titles than it is now, and for the money, any fan of heady narratives and fun puzzles is in for several hours of quality entertainment.

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a pure kart racer that feels like a return to form for the series and a fun racing experience regardless of your affinity with the blue hedgehog.

Stellaris: Biogenesis is a deep dive into the series' DNA, allowing players to mutate its most basic mechanics. The Evolutionary Predators Origin alone offers endless space for creative strategy and engrossing role-playing. Dense but original, it's a welcome addition to the libraries of returning fans and new players alike.

It’s been years and several sequels, but where Samurai Warriors was the perfect game for me in my early teens, Samurai Warriors 4: Empires is the perfect game for adult me.

I never got hooked on Minecraft because I never felt any real satisfaction from building a new mansion or creating a town with friends. Dragon Quest Builders delivered that feeling to me by making me care for villagers and setting me on some great RPG-like quests. It is easily my preferred title in the crafting game genre.

The first three Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters deftly walk the line between old and new, but might not convert anyone without the stomach for old JRPGs.

If you’ve played the game on the Wii U to completion, then I’d recommend passing on this one as there is little new here outside of a stable framerate, Toadette, and the highly overrated HD rumble. But if you skipped the Wii U and loved Super Mario Bros. 3, then this is a must play. It’s challenging (there’s even a challenge mode for the True Gamers(tm)), it controls great, and it pays homage while still managing to expand on the series gameplay with a few clever new gimmicks, like baby Yoshi abilities.

The first three Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters deftly walk the line between old and new, but might not convert anyone without the stomach for old JRPGs.

EA Sports College Football 26 is like being in the stands among the fans of your favourite team, living the traditions and experiencing the explosive gameplay as if you were actually there.

With stunning hand-painted graphics and simple platforming and puzzles Seasons after Fall is sure to be adored by many.

With updated controls and modern visuals enhancing the experience, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos is a PlayStation classic worth revisiting.

Age of Wonders: Planetfall excels thanks to an emphasis on customization that makes it stand out from the competition.

New World: Aeternum is the MMO that New World should have been in 2021. A few small niggles are keeping it from truly elite status.

Here They Lie is grotesque and horrifying, but it’s also a thought-provoking, philosophical head trip that makes some of the best use of VR to date.

The first three Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters deftly walk the line between old and new, but might not convert anyone without the stomach for old JRPGs.

Hell Is Us is a darkly engaging adventure puzzle game that blends the uncanny character vibes of David Lynch with exploration elements found in Fromsoftware games without its punishing difficulty.

A few minor shortcomings aside, Battlefield 1 is just the type of reinvigoration that the franchise needed.

Deathsmiles on PC is arguably the definitive version of the classic bullet hell, and worth every cent. Bullet heaven.