In spite of the occasional glitch or physics hiccup, nothing in Friday the 13th: The Game is enough of a knock against the package to keep me from preventing it. This is some of the most fun multiplayer I’ve touched in quite a while, and definitely the most fun I’ve ever had with an asymmetric multiplayer title.

While Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse feels a little too similar at times, it’s one of the tightest JRPGs on the 3DS.

WipEout Omega Collection is a fantastic update that runs as smooth as a supersonic hovercraft.

Nintendo delivers a new twist on Punch Out for The Switch and it already feels like the foundation of a new franchise.

Overcooked! 2 may not feel like a fully realized sequel, feeling mostly like more of the same with just a dash of new mechanics and online gameplay, but I suspect that's enough for most fans of the original game. I'm certainly not burnt out just yet.

Hyrule Warriors returns to form in Age of Imprisonment, borrowing from and enriching Tears of the Kingdom in the process.

Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom adds enough to the ESO formula to make another compelling expansion, easy to recommend to veterans and new players alike.

While Sonic Mania hasn’t taken the place of my favourite Sonic game, it’s definitely a top contender. If there ever is a follow-up, I hope to see it introduce even more original elements with slightly better level design but as it stands, Sonic Mania is one of Sonic’s best games to date.

Tides of Tomorrow takes an engaging story and utilizes an unbelievably dynamic way of telling it that combines community with player choice for an experience like no other.

Thanks to numerous modern conveniences and relatively easy and linear puzzle designs, Heaven’s Hope is an enjoyable, light-hearted adventure. Characters are funny, puzzles are satisfying, and the world is fun to explore.

Danganronpa V3 unravels the series' tightly wound coil of bloody intrigue in spectacular fashion.

With the series ending its run on the 3DS, Etrian Odyssey Nexus proves itself to be the strongest entry in the franchise yet.

While not being the scariest horror game of this year by modern standards, Worse Than Death is a game that feels personal and terrifying at the same time.

Planet of Lana is a must-play for platforming fans, boasting vibrant visuals and a unique, family-friendly take on the classic action-adventure genre.

Despite a few technical shortcomings, People of Note is a truly inventive game with a real sense of charm and a BANGING soundtrack.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a unique and incredibly charming game that is constantly changing and constantly engaging.

Whispering Willows wants you to learn its story, connect with its characters, and become engrossed in its world.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 improves upon the original in exceptional ways and is a must-play RPG for fans of the genre.

Doraemon Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom is a great game and an even greater collaboration between iconic franchises.

Final Fantasy VI Pixel Remaster is emblematic of the whole Pixel Remaster line: an accessibly modern yet aesthetically authentic re-release of an essential RPG.

Though there are some quality-of-life improvements Hozy could benefit from, it is the perfect game to kick back, relax and get creative with.

Forza Horizon 5 truly has it all for a racing title, depth of gameplay, customization, good online presence, fun activities… and the list goes on. With the inclusion of Horizon 5 hitting GamePass day one, I consider this a must play for all gamers, racing fans or not.

Priced at a more reasonable, $50, Blood & Truth comfortably finds a middle ground between a full retail release and something more indicative of a smaller, VR experience. Owners of PSVR, especially those yearning for more, after their time with PlayStation Worlds, are wholly encouraged to check out Blood & Truth.

Short but packing a hell of a wallop, Gravity Circuit delivers on most of what fans of Mega Man X and Zero would want out of a fast, challenging 2D platformer.

Overcooked 2 is an essential party game, now made worthwhile on the Nintendo Switch 2 with a version of the game that matches the quality of its other releases on more powerful hardware. If you’ve never experienced the popular party game, Overcooked 2 is an essential must-play for co-op gamers and those looking for a sure-fire party hit.

A Hat in Time is a short but great spiritual successor to Super Mario 64 and the best 3D platformer released on PC this year.

Even without the IP, Dex manages to be the absolute best Ghost in the Shell game we’ve ever gotten.

As long as all you’re asking for is the epic conclusion to the Kazama Kiryu saga on something other than a PlayStation and you aren’t expecting the game to fully leverage the added horsepower of an Xbox Series console, you should be in for a great time with Yakuza 6: The Song of Life.