Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best game Rockstar Games has ever made, as it deftly combines one of the richest open worlds ever made with one of the most compelling stories of this generation.

How Nintendo somehow keeps their lil’ platforming plumbing mascot relevant and exciting decades later is a mystery, but there’s no denying the company has delivered another Mario masterpiece for The Switch.

If GTAV was more fully devoted to being either a comedy or a drama, its narrative may have been more successful. As it is, the most fun to be had in the game comes almost entirely from the moments when the player breaks away from the mission structure and enjoys the world without worrying about the context of its plot.

Baldur's Gate 3 masterfully blends gameplay, story & music with incredible player agency & emotional tension, a true gaming masterpiece.

Elden Ring is an epic. With a beautifully designed open world, FromSoftware takes the Souls formula to new heights and crafts a journey that needs to be played.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is easily the greatest open world game ever made, and may well be Nintendo’s finest achievement.

Vampire Survivor’s loving tribute, Ode to Castlevania, has come around full circle (of the moon) for an incredible add on that increases the fun of the main game ten fold.

Hades II marks the first sequel done by Supergiant Games, one that takes the beloved essence of the original and betwitches it with all the right elements indicative of a stellar roguelike sequel.

Persona 5 Royal takes an already stellar game and reinvigorates it with content that is sure to please both fans of the original and those playing the game for the first time.

Tetris Effect: Connected is a must-play game, and should not be missed by anyone.

ASTRO BOT is creative, inventive, insanely fun, and a true love letter to the legacy of the PlayStation.

God of War is back with one of the most rewarding experiences on the PlayStation 4 to date.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree elevates the already stellar base game to new and challenging heights, adding a wellspring of content that cannot be missed, making it an essential must-play for all Elden Lords.

Metroid Prime Remastered is a masterclass example of updating a classic title for modern audiences. Retro Studios' should be praised for their work, while both series veterans and newcomers alike are encouraged to check out one of the Gamecube's best exclusives, now made better than ever.

Persona 5 Royal may be one of the best Switch-ports to date, and should absolutely be played by fans and newcomers alike.

Metaphor: Refantazio excels in emotional, personal storytelling and sharp intriguing combat, making it a must play for any JRPG fan.

Enhanced Edition brings a breath of fresh air into the Original Sin experience in a great way.

With vivid environments and incredible acting, God of War Ragnarök is the sequel that we have been waiting for.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must play title for any gamer, and the next gen upgrade is an excellent excuse to jump back into the bleak monster ridden world.

The Last of Us Part II is a perfectly paced emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish and a worthy sequel that lives up to the original.

I’ve never had the chance to review a perfect game, nor did I ever think I would, but Hades is that game. SuperGiant Games prove once again that no one is creating games as unique and fun as they are.

Genre-bending and hauntingly mesmerizing, Half-Life: Alyx brings the series as it should have always been experienced while doing the impossible: surpassing Half Life 2.

Divinity Original Sin 2 is a master class in what RPGs should be. Amazing writing and detail paired with astounding freedom. A must play for RPG fans.

God of War was a big deal when it hit PS4 in 2018, and it still is in 2022 when it hits the PC.

It’s an easier experience with a story that’s markedly simpler than past entries, but Persona 5 is still operating on a whole different level than its peers. A simplistic yet ultimately winning JRPG with loads of content.

The PC release of Red Dead Redemption 2 is without a doubt visually breathtaking to behold, but a wide range of issues at launch sour the experience of revisiting Rockstar’s captivating Western.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is an exhilarating game to play that has massive narrative shortcomings.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a fantastic reexamination of one of the best horror games ever made and is an awesome adventure for newcomers and series veterans alike.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End will be regarded in the same light as Ocarina of Time and Grand Theft Auto III as a game that pushed the industry to new heights we’ve never seen before.

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

If you even remotely enjoyed Limbo, you'll feel right at home with Inside.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a sheer triumph in every department, evolving beyond its inspirations to present one of the most engrossing RPGs of the last decade.

Forza Horizon 4 feels more focused and creative than its immediate predecessors, thanks to a well-designed open-world that readily encourages hijinx.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition is the best version of the best RPG of 2017. If you like these games and have a console you’d be a fool not to play it.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth delivers upon Remake's thesis, increasing a classic's scale and character tenfold to create a new modern-day masterpiece.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a complete reinvention of everything that makes the franchise great, and the best 2D Mario game ever made.

The game is exactly what Souls fans have been hoping for in this new generation of consoles. It’s gorgeous, terrifying, relentless and highly addictive. There’s so much depth to this game that it’s impossible to go over everything, and there will be many surprises in store over the next few months as swarms of Hunters descend on Yarnham and explore its twisted alleyways and endless secrets.

Matt Thorson succeeds once again in crafting a tight, beautiful retro experience.

Blue Prince was the most fun I had playing a puzzle game thanks to the variety of challenges and freedom, but it suffered from the chance of RNG ruining the run.

The Witcher III has a compelling plot, combined with some old school, complex game systems that encourage exploration, crafting and experimentation. It has some rough spots, but when the plot and characters suck you in the way The Witcher III does, it’s worth forgiving the unrefined aspects of the game for the expansive world and engaging, morally ambiguous storytelling.

Street Fighter 6 packs a punch and should not be missed by fans of Capcom's legendary fighting franchise, while new accessibility controls make the game more welcoming than ever.

The best looking console game I’ve ever played, and one that can easily stand toe-to-toe with the best the PC world has to offer — and I can play it on a big-screen from the comfort of my couch. Bluepoint knocked it out of the park so far the ball killed someone in a distant suburb.

Undertale is like Earthbound if it were a Hayao Miyazaki movie: strange, interesting, and profoundly unique. The ways in which each little choice can affect the game will constantly keep you guessing, and its multiple paths are each truly moving experiences capped off by a “true ending” that actually had me weeping by its sheer force of power.

Mario Kart 8 remains one of the highlights of the franchise and while it would have been nice for The Switch to get a new title rather than a Deluxe repackage, this thing plays like a dream and is overflowing with content.

Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 2020 heralds the return of the beloved simulation series, bringing with it a first-glimpse into the next generation of simulation games.

Scarlet Hollow proves not all horror games need jump scares or hyper violent animations for them to work. Its execution in a horror visual novel works well through old-school mysteries and slow buildup in its short time.

Diablo IV's dark allure combines ingenious design choices to create an extraordinary Diablo that we couldn't have dreamed possible back in 1997.

I mostly enjoyed my time with Overwatch as it is very easy to pick up and play. The characters are diverse and just as colourful as the levels where battles take place. As a free-to-play title, I’d have no problems with the grinding and micro-transactions, but these mechanics in a feature-lite, full priced title, mar the overall experience for me. Maybe you’re okay with that, but I’m not. No matter how many games do it, I’ll never be okay with it.

Forza Horizon 3 is an invigorating open-world racer, although it may be a little too familiar to anyone who’s been down this road before.

Sonic Mania Plus adds more to a game that was already perfect.

The Shadow of the Colossus remake enhances the themes of the original, stirring up a crushing sadness in the player in their actions only moments after taking them to heights of excitement. It’s a master class in how to remake a true classic.

Overall, Blood and Wine is a worthy addition to the Witcher 3 experience. While it may not be perfect, it provides enough wonder, excitement, and adventure to keep the player invested.

Crusader Kings 3 is a compelling strategy game that deserves to be played. Paradox Development Studios outdid themselves on this one.

Split Fiction is a masterpiece. Between engaging emotional storytelling and wildly experimental gameplay mechanics that manage to stay fun start to finish, everyone should play Split Fiction.

Hollow Knight: Silksong takes the masterclass design of its predecessor and elevates it to set a new gold standard in Metroid-like design.

Thanks to its writing and emphasis on freedom, it’s unlike any other RPG out there.

Resident Evil 2 excels at putting the player in close quarters with things that will upset and unsettle them, always drawing them into ever more tense, disturbing fights.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a fantastic showcase for the Switch 2 and the start of new things to come for the Donkey Kong property, which puts him on par with his overall-wearing Italian rival.

The PC version of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach maintains, and in some ways, lifts the high bar of quality its console counterpart set.

The original version of Dragon Quest XI was already a near perfect JRPG that I would’ve recommended to anyone to at least try out. Though the changes aren’t huge, Dragon Quest XI S adds just enough to make it the objectively better option between the two. If you have any interest in replaying Dragon Quest XI or if you’re looking to play it for the first time, Dragon Quest XI S is the way to go.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons takes everything good about Animal Crossing and improves it ten-fold.

Shadowbringers is more than just a masterful arc in a beloved tale; it’s one of the best Final Fantasy stories ever realized, showcasing an MMORPG at the apex of its craft.

Rogue Legacy 2 is finally on PlayStation, the uninitiated MUST play this title.

Make no mistake, Shovel Knight is a classic, side-scrolling, retro platforming, and if that’s the kind of game you’re looking for, it’s one of the best out there.

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

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 builds upon its strong foundation to present a captivating narrative and gameplay experience that stands in the franchise’s upper echelon of tales.

The Final Shape is simultaneously Destiny 2's most personal, most daring, and most conservative expansion yet, pushing boundaries while also playing it safe.

Animal Well kept me captivated from start to finish and long after. Fans of Metroid-likes NEED to play this.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a masterpiece, featuring exceptional characters, stunning environments, engaging combat mechanics, and captivating performances that hold up even after a third playthrough. It is a game everyone should experience.

The Nintendo Switch and Persona 4 Golden were made for each other. This classic stands the test of time and thrives with a modest, affordable remaster.

Not being able to turn the ever-present bright flashes off is a shame, but Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a ridiculously unique, captivating game that is very much worth puzzling through.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered takes an excellent game and polishes it into a gleaming gem made brighter than ever, thanks to the inclusion of new content.

Dave The Diver will end up being one of those fundamental titles that people talk about in the same breath as Stardew Valley, where it achieves on nearly every front.

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

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.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s PC version is really good. The inclusion of No Return, Lost Levels not to mention the plethora of graphical options and features make it the best way to experience the game.

Monster Hunter World is a fantastic action RPG that players can enjoy for hundreds, if not thousands of hours due to its sheer amount of quality content to experience.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is still a wicked game no matter what version you choose. This updated version is sure to be enough to please perfectionists and looks incredible. Here is hoping we get more Tony Hawk games for years to come. Wonderful job again Vicarious Visions.

It’s still a FromSoft game, and it feels like one, from the familiar fonts and dialogue to fast-travel options and epic boss fights, but it’s both fresh and familiar, and still as challenging and mysterious as its predecessors.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is an absolute delight—fun, engrossing, and bursting with creativity.

Mixtape is a greatest hits of gameplay, storytelling, music and animation. Its a true work of art that would be a crime not to experience.

Bayonetta & Bayonetta 2 are a perfect witch’s brew of fun and functionality on the Switch.

Priced at a lower entry point than most retail releases, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission is a must play for owners of the PlayStation VR headset, even for those who may not necessarily have a fondness for platformers or are turned off by the cute, cartoon-like aesthetics of the game.

In Endwalker, Final Fantasy XIV does the impossible: bringing a complex narrative arc, woven over the last decade, to a nigh-perfect conclusion. The latest expansion is a masterpiece that justifies the game’s current popularity and the best new story released in the franchise in recent memory, and it sets an excellent foundation for the MMORPG’s next years.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the the perfect jumping-in point for newcomers to the Yakuza franchise who want to experience what all the fuss is about without all the baggage, but with Ichiban Kasuga as the fresh new face of the franchise, a genuinely entertaining story and a surprisingly solid RPG battle mechanics as the game’s backbone, there’s a good deal here for series veterans like myself to discover and enjoy as well. No question I still want my traditional Yakuza beat-em up adventures, but if we could look forward to seeing another Yakuza JRPG of this game’s quality every other year or so, I would definitely be down.

As suggested by its tagline, ‘made by freaks for freaks’, this game might not win you over if you are not already interested in speedrunning, puzzle-shooters and/or anime-inspired visual novels but, if you even slightly happen to be, Neon White is a bona-fide cult classic with a genre combination made in heaven.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is, without a doubt, the best way to experience Shulk’s story and manages to earn a place as a standout title in the Switch’s overall library.

Neva is a sublime experience, using a deceptively minimalist approach to tell one of the most heartfelt stories of the generation.

This might be a re-issue, but it’s still easily one of the greatest titles that you’ll ever play on the 3DS.

Iceborne is the definitive endgame of Monster Hunter World and a proper sendoff to the game that ignited a new generation of fans in the West to experience the series for the first time.

Sea of Stars accomplishes everything it sets out to do in becoming an amazing SNES-era RPG, while only faltering in a couple mechanics and story beats.

In the end, I did compare this favourably to my experiences with Baldur's Gate, a game which excited and interested me. I'd played that game recently, so it was easy to compare, but Pillars stands on its own as an immersive world and fun gameplay experience.

Rez has never looked more mesmerizing or been this fluid. The VR ads a new layer on the experience making it one of the most engaging and hypnotic games I have ever played in VR.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade makes a compelling case for the Switch 2's technical potential, and remains a must-play experience.

Everything that was great about The Talos Principle has been made new again with The Talos Principle: Reawakened. A brand-new DLC called In The Beginning and full remastering of the game and its other DLC lets players relive all of their favourite puzzles with stunning graphical upgrades to boot.

It’s not a perfect game by any definition, but what game is? It’s also not a game that will convert random people into first person shooter fans. What you will find in this game is a series of shooting and platforming set pieces that will make you think, “Wow! I just did that? I am awesome, all hail me!”

Glaring and recurring technical flaws aside, the game goes back to its roots in both story and gameplay, and will certainly help fans wash the bad taste of Dark Souls II out of their mouths. I can’t wait to see what From has in store for Dark Souls 4.

Pokémon Pokopia is one of the most robust cozy games to-date, essentially melding two Nintendo franchises into one content-rich whole that should keep fans pleasantly busy for some time.