There's nothing groundbreaking in Samus Returns, no element that strays too far from what’s established Metroid as a series all those years ago. Yet there doesn't need to be. For all of its imitators, nothing has ever completely captured what makes Metroid the captivating series that it is. There’s a mystifying quality that sparks a natural desire to see what strange things are waiting to be discovered. MercurySteam seems to understand this and has provided a striking reminder of how powerful Metroid can be.

13 Sentinels is not the first gorgeous game Vanillaware has made. The reason it’s exceptional is because of how exciting the journey is. Sure, there’s the mystery box pull as you peel away layer after layer, but a giant reason you’ll want to hungrily jump to the next chapter is because the characters are just so charming. It is relatively rare that a video game story is this captivating and it’s absolutely worth making time for.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an excellent sequel that expands upon the strengths of its predecessor and introduces great new ideas. Exploration is engaging, and visiting each of its vast and detailed locations is a pleasure. Combat is satisfying with some solid new additions, and its story keeps you invested until the end. It's a fantastic sequel and one of the best Star Wars games around.

Doom honors its legacy while setting the stage for a new era for the long dormant franchise. Intimately gory encounters and a surprising emphasis on story more than make up for the bland multiplayer.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a love letter to classic beat ‘em ups. The simple mechanics ensure everyone can hop in and have a good time, while each stage is a joy to kick shell in. The bosses are a blast from the past, while modern control ensures pummeling the Foot Clan has never felt so excellent. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, or the new kid on the block, the Turtles are here to start your summer off right. COWABUNGA!

Whether you’re taking in the details up close, or soaring over the freezing skyline, Spider-Man: Miles Morales looks and performs better than the first game in every way. It’s clearly setting the stage for a massive sequel, but this is more than just a stop-gap between generations. The struggles that Miles faces and the fears that he conquers to become a hero on his own terms make this short but sweet side-story memorable and meaningful. It’s an unmissable adventure for any Spider-fan that can’t wait for a second chance to suit up.

Assassin’s Creed Origins isn’t the reinvention of the prolific franchise that many had hoped for. Instead, it refines the formula put in place a decade ago while telling an important story about the Assassins. Ancient Egypt is a compelling playground to explore, and the RPG elements make it easy to stay engaged. If you love the franchise, Origins is an easy recommendation. Just don’t except much change.

With a plethora of retro-inspired games available, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. However, Tunic makes a good case for itself. Along with its vibrant visuals and soothing music, Tunic provides a strong sense of discovery and adventure thanks to solid world design and its excellent in-game manual. Tunic doesn’t reach the heights of the games that inspired it, but it's a great time and worth your attention.

While there are some details to refine, what stands out most is just how complete and cohesive The Outer Worlds is. Every system works in tandem. Companions support your skills, people comment on what you wear, and choices have lasting consequences. There are so many variables in how the story can go, but as you play, it does such an excellent job of reinforcing your decisions and making you feel like you’re on the right path.

While the narrative doesn't especially resonate, the rest of the game very much succeeds. In other RPGs, extraneous features and side activities feel like they exist merely to tick off expected boxes, but in Ys VIII, they serve a much more significant purpose. There's a cohesiveness to everything that makes the individual components stronger than they would be by themselves. Ys VIII ends up being so enjoyable because of how thoughtfully most of its pieces are considered and implemented.

Even when considering its shortcomings, it's hard to deny the quality of Nioh 2 overall. There’s a lot here, and considering how heavily the game leans on combat, it's very smart to offer the player so much freedom to find their own way forward. All of the weapons feel viable, and not only are there so many to choose from, but how you specifically wield each one and what you support those weapons with can vary significantly. While Nioh 2 doesn't have the same sort of spark that accompanied the original game, in many ways, it highlights why the series is special and refines the groundwork of what came before.

SteamWorld Dig 2 doesn’t quite break new ground, but the process of digging your way through its spaces square by square as you gather resources and upgrade your character distinguishes itself from other Metroid-style games. Tight controls, pleasant backdrops, and a stronger sense of space make it worth unearthing this gem however you can.

Since its debut in 2006, Yakuza has been relegated to a niche audience in the West, which is more heartbreaking than ever after finishing Yakuza 0. It's a game that offers an abundance of varied activities and memorable stories. Even with a lack of difficulty and a few minor pacing hiccups, Yakuza 0 demonstrably proves that this long-running series has so much bite left in it.

This is the biggest Show yet with a tremendous amount of options and ways to play. A few online hiccups and microtransactions hamper the overall package, but nearly every other aspect of The Show is wonderful. Whether you are a veteran of the franchise or a newcomer intrigued by baseball, MLB The Show 17 is a towering home run.

Death's Door is a solid title that gives a great sense of discovery, while also providing some challenging highlights that never feel unfair. A few more bosses would be appreciated, and some of its characters could use some more love, but the fluid combat and simple but enjoyable puzzles make it a pleasure to play. It's an easy recommendation to anyone looking for a lighthearted, quirky adventure.

Destiny 2 is very similar to the original which is both good and bad. The lack of any new enemy types or classes is baffling, but the shooting still feels incredible. Storytelling has improved significantly and gearing up for the end-game content is much more accessible with a sizeable amount of variety. It’s still very early, and judging by how much the original grew after launch, it’s hard not to be optimistic for the future. Even as it stands now, Destiny 2 is a great foundation for an extraordinary social experience with engaging combat.

Emotional side quests, engaging combat, and a dramatic plot combine to make Yakuza Kiwami 2 another solid addition to the franchise.

Ratchet & Clank looks and plays as well as it ever has. Fans will enjoy the nostalgic journey through familiar planets, while newcomers will appreciate the chaotic and creative weaponry. But for the ninth game in a franchise that built its name on unique weapons, it’s a shame that the arsenal just coasts on fan-favorites. Insomniac played it safe.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 isn’t a huge evolution of the formula, but right now it doesn’t really need to be. If anything, this is exactly what the series needed -- to go back to what made many of us fall in love with the original and ramp it up to 11.Yes, some of the kinks still aren’t ironed out after all these years, and that’s something that can’t be overlooked. It’s not as groundbreaking as the original, but even after a decade, Valkyria Chronicles shows it still has the magic.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land is an adorable game with creative levels that make the most of the excellent power ups like mouthful mode, and it’s all set to a remarkable soundtrack. There’s a surprising amount of extra activities, and levels do a superb job of incentivizing you to seek out hidden objectives in order to expand the charming hub town and power up your arsenal. The technical shortcomings and some minor platforming woes at the hands of the camera work are the only blemishes on an otherwise marvelous game.

Pyre offers a unique blend of storytelling and thrilling arena combat. The ability to duel against friends adds incentive to keep playing even after the game is finished but it’s the cast of characters that steal the show. They are unquestionably worth investing in due in part to the sprawling history and noble journey they embark upon which you won’t soon forget.

Outside of a few other minor blemishes like jarring animations during cutscenes, Mario + Rabbids is a great game that has a lot of unique elements you simply can’t find in other strategy RPGs. Ubisoft puts all concerns to rest with an amazing effort that hopefully paves the way for more collaborations with Nintendo.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time lives up to its namesake. It’s been a long wait, but Crash returns to form in this sequel with wonderful new additions. It doesn’t redefine the genre or really strive for innovation, but rather embraces some brilliant ideas first seen in its contemporaries while remaining meticulously true to the classic style of the series. The difficulty can be frustrating, but even if you don’t see and do everything, this is still a highly enjoyable platformer that marks a new high point for the series.

Some may argue Revenant Kingdom clocks in a bit on the short side at around 30 hours to finish the story, but it’s a nice departure from the trend of top-rated JRPGs that last 60 hours or beyond. Ni no Kuni II is a brilliant follow-up that outdoes and improves upon its predecessor in just about every category. This is one fairy tale that most certainly earns its happily ever after.

Although Valkyria Chronicles Remastered isn't the most fully featured rerelease, it's nonetheless an excellent way of experiencing a classic. Valkyria Chronicles is every bit as good as it was last generation and reminds us how desperately we want new entries in the series. If you haven't played through Squad 7's story yet, that's a mistake you should correct as soon as possible.

Instead of aggressively sanding off any and all edges in order to appeal to the broadest audience possible, the game takes the exact opposite approach. It not only wears those edges like gleaming badges of honor, but is fully intending to stab you in the throat with them. It wants to challenge you, to desperately shake you out of complacency. SMT V is not a game for everyone, far from it, but what it trades for accessibility it gains in depth and lasting satisfaction.

Gears has had its ups and its downs, and thankfully, Gears 5 does a good job of lifting the series back up. Its improved focus on characters and more open areas really helps to strengthen the campaign, and the multiplayer offers the same over-the-top action you've come to expect. It won’t likely bring in many new converts, but if you’re a fan who’s felt alienated by more recent entries, Gears 5 is a great place to jump back in.

What does stand out are the weather effects, which fill the screen with debris and drop cover in your path - or just as easily rip it away. With constant windflares and lightning storms, this might be the loudest Gears yet. There are some off-the-wall vehicular segments and executions are at their goriest peak. Technically speaking, Gears of War 4 is solid.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla further refines the RPG style of Origins and Odyssey and their enormous worlds. Addictive progression and an engaging story tie everything together in meaningful ways, but the bloated length almost ruins the impact of the story, while lackluster AI causes combat to wear thin. Still, England and Norway are breathtakingly beautiful with an outrageous amount of things to discover and unique tales to tell.

Mankind Divided isn't quite the Deus Ex game of our dreams, but it's a strong step in that direction. There's a high emphasis on choice and experimentation, killer side quests, and dense, detailed levels that are a joy to explore. With momentum pushing towards the next chapter in the story, here's to hoping it won't be another five years before we see Adam Jensen again.

Streets of Rage 4 masterfully revitalizes the 26-year old series. The nostalgic feeling of bashing thugs into the pavement solo or with friends has been expertly recreated with loving faithfulness. The soundtrack and atmosphere pay tribute to the original trilogy while forging their own identity. The future looks bright, on the Streets of Rage.

Despite its shorter length, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy embraces the same level of quality that we’ve come to expect from the series. Some repetitive combat encounters dampen the proceedings, but the emphasis on exploration and puzzles is a refreshing change of pace. Most importantly, Chloe and Nadine shine as the game’s leads, contributing to a high stakes adventure that’s easy to invest in.

Soulcalibur VI falls into some of the same pitfalls that plague the genre, namely poor storytelling and a lack of robust and polished online options. Still, the game gets so much right. The fundamental fighting feels great and the new mechanics only enhance what was already excellent. Soulcalibur VI sets out to revitalize the series and it largely succeeds, making Soulcalibur genuinely thrilling in a way it hasn't been for an extremely long time.

Hyper Light Drifter places high value on your efforts and sense of discovery. The impressionistic storytelling, inexplicit clues, and tough challenges, place the emphasis on your journey as a player. Things are never clearly laid out for you, but in the end, it’s both beautiful and satisfying.

On PlayStation 5, Village looks and sounds exceptional. Locations are intricately crafted, as each new room you step into is packed with eye catching details to investigate. Paranoia easily sets in as you hear enemies lurking in dense foliage and adjacent rooms. With ray tracing on, the visuals look marginally better, but the performance takes frequent, noticeable dips. Turning it off yields a steady 60 frames-per-second. Resident Evil Village’s imposing environments lay the groundwork for exhilarating action and slow, creeping fear. Exploration and resource management are among the best of the series. A few story elements miss the mark, and Mercenaries is over too quickly, but Village is another remarkable entry in the long-running survival horror series.

Shovel Knight: King of Cards is a wonderful send-off to an already amazing game. Its platforming and level design are excellent, and the extra card game keeps us coming back for more. Though it's a little sad that this is the grand finale for a game we love so much, Yacht Club Games has done an excellent job with bringing the Shovel Knight saga to an end.

With that being said, Like a Dragon is easily more than the sum of its parts. Although it can be drawn out, the story has some incredibly emotional moments that really resonate and will likely end up being some of the most memorable of the entire year, and it's propped up by a cast that's equally relatable and charming. Whether you've stormed the streets of Kamurocho before or are completely new to the dealings of the Tojo Clan, there is so much to appreciate in this game if you're willing to be patient.

Even with a few technical hiccups, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night delivers on its promise, and it’s a great successor to past Castlevania games. Its sense of exploration, flexible shard system, and wonderful atmosphere far outweigh the negatives. Whether you’re a fan who’s been waiting for this day to arrive or you’ve taken more of a wait-and-see approach, having this worthwhile new adventure from Koji Igarashi is like reuniting with an old friend.

Ghost of Tsushima has a lot going for it. Combat is fast and fluid, and the story is engaging thanks to some great characters. Most disappointing is that taking a stealthy approach can sometimes make victory feel simple and unearned. Despite that, the island itself is the biggest draw, taking you on a captivating adventure through its beautiful world.

It improves on many of the ideas of the original while adding some fun new additions like the more versatile chicken form and better platforming. Its jokes are still a bit hit-or-miss and some combat sections slow down the flow, but Guacamelee 2 shouldn’t be missed.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled is an impressive remaster from top to bottom. Beenox’s work here is certainly worthy of praise, but some of the credit also goes to Naughty Dog for crafting such an amazing game in the first place. It’s certainly one of the more complex and challenging kart racers, but it ranks right up there alongside the other greats in the genre.

Kingdom Hearts III brings the entire series to a climax and serves as a satisfying conclusion to the Dark Seeker saga. New additions to combat like attractions and Keyblade transformations are wonderful spectacles, and the worlds you venture to are some of the best ever in the franchise. Though some of its story may be lost on those who haven’t kept up, it rewards those who have stuck with it over the years. It may have a been a long time coming, but Kingdom Hearts III delivers on its promises, and it’s easily the best game in the series.

Black Ops 4 is by no means a perfectly consistent game, with the limp storytelling being a considerable low point, but it is the most exciting and ambitious the series has felt in quite some time. It's easy to focus on one particular mode, but the game becomes most impressive when taken as a whole. All three branches feel equally valuable, and jumping between them offers something different without sacrificing quality. Call of Duty has been going every year for what feels like forever, but Treyarch clearly shows that there's still plenty that can be done.

Splatoon 3 continues the winning combo that Nintendo’s landed on with this series and remains as fast-paced and addictive as ever. Aside from some work needed to make Splat Fests less frustrating, the bigger issue is that it follows in its predecessor’s footsteps perhaps a bit too closely. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer though, Splatoon’s unique gameplay style, strong design, and wide variety of weapons do so much to get you invested and coming back for more.

As the future season of baseball remains in doubt, there is truly no better time for MLB The Show 20. A host of subtle refinements on the field rewards skillful play, while the new Showdown mode is both high-stakes and easy to jump into. The ability to buy stubs outright is annoying, but the streamlined progression rewards are another step in the right direction. Whether you’re a veteran or a newcomer, MLB The Show 20 is a comforting doorway into Major League Baseball.

An abundance of patience is required for Nier, and many will understandably be uninterested in making that commitment. But if you do, know that you are in for a genuine classic. It is a wild game that seems thrilled at the very notion of being provocative. It isn't shallow shock value, but rather something that tries to reach out, grab you, and give you an experience you can't easily get in many other places. Replicant is a second chance for the original Nier, and one it unquestionably deserves.

Unpacking is disarmingly deep and surprisingly emotional. The journey opens by asking you to line up action figures and stuffed animals, and by the time it's over, you’re marking major milestones and surviving life’s most difficult decisions. The fact that it accomplishes this without a line of text or speech is really impressive. Just when you think you can predict which item’s next, you’re hit in the gut with a relic of unexpected meaning and charm. With a wonderfully consistent pixel aesthetic and a soundtrack that breezes by in the background, this is a gem that anyone with an affinity for interior design or inventive storytelling shouldn’t miss.

Dragon Quest Builders is one of the best evolutions of the Minecraft model, and it features the sights and sounds of one of the biggest RPG franchises to boot. Hopefully bringing it to the states was worth Square Enix’s time, because a sequel could work on a lot of trouble areas and make the journey even more immersive. If this world looks like one you’d like to make your own, don’t hesitate to start chipping away.

Despite the wireless issues, weird schedules, and a bit of familiarity, Splatoon 2 comes out on top overall. The various modes, weapons, and gear offer a lot of strategic options to experiment with, but anyone can jump in, have fun, and feel like they’re contributing. It’s easy to get carried away for hours, splattering the world with ink, and we look forward to seeing how Splatoon 2 expands as Nintendo adds new elements over the coming months.

If it isn’t obvious at this point, cat parents and cat enthusiasts are going to fall in love with Stray. Yet its appeal scratches deep below the surface by weaving a powerful story about the struggles of humanity, wrapped up in an alluring dystopian world. Stray excels at delivering simple pleasures that all add up to leave you with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.

Yakuza 6 is undeniably one of the best entries in the long-running series. Memorable side quests and engaging mini-games offer countless diversions and emotional encounters. The combat becomes routine, but the personal struggle of Kazuma Kiryu brings a satisfying and remarkable conclusion for the legendary Dragon of Dojima.

With a less tiresome structure and more interesting narratives, Octopath Traveler could have been an outstanding RPG, but even as is, it's a very good one. It's exceedingly rare that any combat system can remain interesting throughout the sometimes gargantuan lengths of these games, but the system here has done just that. Thanks to the abundance of freedom provided to the player and the design of them fights themselves, it's a joy to fiddle with everything the game has to offer, particularly if you're already wired to obsess over that sort of thing. Octopath Traveler does not in excel in every area it pursues, but the ones in which it does shine strongly.

Starfield is a very ambitious game, and while it brings much of what veterans of past Bethesda games love to the table, it under delivers on the promises of captivating space exploration. It could also use a bit more polish, especially when it comes to some notable quality of life omissions and visual hiccups. Despite these shortcomings, Starfield affords you the freedom to play how you want and provides worthwhile storylines that are rich and complex, regardless of which paths you go down. Sometimes it truly is all about the journey.

Gris takes you on a relaxing yet emotional adventure, encouraging you to take your time and soak up its world along the way. The gameplay may be simple, but it provides a strong enough bridge to engage with this enchanting world. It’s an inspiring work of beauty that’s well worth the journey.

Katana Zero is a great action platformer with tight and precise combat that makes you think through every move you make. The way it frames its gameplay is interesting with an engaging story and flashy visuals. Though it could use some more variety, Katana Zero is an enjoyable venture into this dark world.

For as much as the game asks of its players it gives just as much back if not more in return. In every aspect, you can see the love and care that went into it, be it the charming characters, inventive world, or carefully contextualized story. Pure fantasy is at its best when it desperately and genuinely wants to transport its audience to a place that is so very different yet immediately relatable. To do that, it must in some ways believe in the magic it’s trying to sell. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 absolutely believes and is all the better for it.

The Frozen Wilds is best discovered during a first playthrough, and recommended for anyone that wants to get the full experience out of everything Horizon Zero Dawn has to offer. You definitely see Aloy increase in power, with new weapons, skills, and armor. It feels strange to return to a side-quest missing from the game’s story, but it’s easy to re-learn this special form of frantic combat, and conquering the new territory is a blast.

Mortal Kombat 1 is another strong entry in the franchise, with a polished presentation, high production values, and good core mechanics. The Kameo system, enhance meter, and air combat add tons of creative possibilities to combat. The story has an incredible presentation, but loses steam when the scope gets too big and messy. Meanwhile, Invasions are a promising new addition that will hopefully get meaningful support in future seasons, but the full package feels like it’s missing just another piece of the puzzle. Time will tell how it will evolve with future additions and balance tweaks, but for now Mortal Kombat 1 has everything you need for a skull-cracking good time.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey doesn’t reinvent the franchise but introduces enough fresh mechanics to deliver one of the best entries to date in the long-running series. An increased emphasis on stealthy kills harkens back to the early days of Altair and Ezio. Engrossing naval exploration would make even Edward Kenway jealous, and choices that truly matter tie it all together in a meaningful way.

By shifting the tone and putting the emphasis on your hacker tools rather than guns, Watch Dogs 2 feels like a more fun and more thoughtful game, without losing the ability to create mayhem when the itch strikes. The controls can be an obstacle at times, and it’s a shame that it’s missing online features at launch, but it gives you a lot of room to experiment and play with your options.

Over the years, Sega has kept up a brisk pace with Yakuza and its spinoffs, releasing games that share a lot of the same DNA. However, despite the similarities between them, Lost Judgment still manages to stand out and make a strong case for itself by tightening up a lot of the weaker aspects of the first game. It introduces fun and addictive side activities like the school stories and seamlessly immerses you into its world. It may seem easy to write it off as just another Yakuza-type game at first glance, but once you start to walk the streets with Yagami, you’ll want to see this case through to the end.

The Banner Saga 2 fuels momentum towards the next chapter with rich new territories and captivating mysteries. Gameplay is less frustrating without losing its sense of challenge, pushing you and your people on through tough scenarios at the height of desperation.

While it may not have a ton of new features or a gripping story, Shadow of the Tomb Raider improves upon just about every aspect of the previous titles. Its combat is a bit tighter, characters feel more personal, and the locations you visit are more intriguing than ever. If you’re fan of the previous Tomb Raider entries or looking to jump in for the first time, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is Lara’s finest adventure yet.

The Division 2 improves upon the original in nearly every way, offering a staggering amount of content to engage with. The Dark Zone still stands apart, delivering tense multiplayer scenarios, and the ability to play either solo or co-op is something we don’t take for granted as it’s not always easy to coordinate game time with friends or family. While we’ve grown accustomed to rocky launches from similar games, it’s easy to recommend The Division 2 as it is today, and the year one road map makes us incredibly excited for where the game is heading.

Tekken 7 is every bit as great as its over-the-top presentation suggests. The fighting is immediately gratifying, the roster impressively expansive, and there’s a fair amount to do regardless of the type of player you are. Here’s a game that takes pride in its own legacy and instead of that pride feeling unearned or overstated, Tekken 7 makes a thorough case for itself. At a time when plenty of fighters are competing for attention, it seems there’s more than enough room for the King of Iron Fist.

If you’re fine with never completing the Impossible Lair, you’re still left with a great game. It’s a massive improvement over the original and a much better direction for the series. The way in which it handles its overworld is masterful, as is the way it interconnects with each level. Not to mention Grant Kirkhope and David Wise’s amazing talent is once again on display with another stellar soundtrack. Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is a wonderful platformer that could have been even greater if only it stuck the landing.

Donkey Kong Adventure clocks in at around 3-4 hours just to complete the story, though you can add on another few hours if you’re trying to do everything the DLC has to offer. It’s every bit as good as the main campaign, yet it manages to work in some new additions and surprises to keep things fresh. Even if you have no interest in the other components of the Mario + Rabbids season pass, Donkey Kong Adventure is easily worth the price, and it’s the next best thing to a proper sequel.

Rather than trying to latch on to current trends, Borderlands 3 stands confident in the fact that there’s still no other game that does exactly what this series does so well. The sheer creativity and inventiveness presented in its arsenal is hard to match, and while the humor may not be for everyone, it keeps the gameplay in perspective as we’re all just here to have a good time. It isn’t as big of a leap forward as Borderlands 2, but it’s well-refined and there’s a lot to experiment with to keep you coming back for more.

Metro Exodus falls easily into the "rough around the edges" category. Yet all of its issues are worth dealing with to experience the incredible amount of effort that goes into its world building. It does such an effective job of evoking fear and anxiety just while walking around. The shortcomings sometimes feel as though Metro Exodus is reaching beyond its own capabilities, but that same ambition is also what ultimately makes it such a powerful journey.

Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon captures the essence of the NES Castlevania titles wonderfully. It has great levels, tight gameplay, and extra modes that make it more than worthy of its $10 price tag. It may stick to familiar territory, but it’s a great start for a new legacy.

The Banner Saga 3 is both heavy and beautiful. The characters that you get to know throughout the Trilogy are not invincible heroes but ragged, flawed, and incredibly vulnerable. It’s melancholy and fraught with distress, yet even its darkest moments tend to have some form of silver lining. In every struggle, as you question whether you’ll live or die, there’s a sense of satisfaction that at least this is a life worth living.

Hitman 2 adds enough minor improvements to set it apart from its predecessor. Complex, intricate locations are rewarding to explore, while pulling off the perfect assassination remains one of the highlights of the stealth genre. In the coming weeks, Sean Bean will play the role of an elusive target, and hopefully, Ghost Mode will expand on its promising premise. A few uninspired locations and cliché targets hold back the proceedings, but Hitman 2 hits the mark.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is a solid follow-up to Hugo and Amicia’s haunting saga. The expanded scope offers deeper insight into the world and characters, even if some of the main plot beats don’t always hit the mark. Combat and stealth are improved over the original while the swarms of rats are as mesmerizing and threatening as ever. Just remember to stay in the light.

Death Stranding is an easy, easy game to complain about or even be angry at, but it's also a lot more fascinating than many other, more conservative works.

Mortal Kombat 11 is in a strange place. It's odd to see a game get so much right but also undercut itself. The push for more customization both cosmetically and with character abilities is a wise one that feels like a natural extension of the ideas presented in Mortal Kombat X. The story is also strong, and additions to the core fighting mechanics are immediately easy to appreciate. It's just unfortunate that some aspects are overly designed creating a brutal grind that can't help but taint the experience.

At $39.99, Spyro Reignited is quite the steal. This is a very good set of remasters that drastically improves the visuals while preserving the style of the originals. All three games show some signs of aging to various degrees, but they all manage to hold up surprisingly well. Throw in a few new improvements and additions, and you have a solid collection of platforming games that appeal to both newcomers and veterans alike.

Dirt Rally 2.0 is an excellent and demanding driving game that strives for authenticity through abundant detail. A lack of primers may make newcomers hesitant, but it doesn’t take long to get up to speed. At times it can take a lot of patience, with yourself more than anything, but it’s an exhilarating ride through and through.

Control is an incredible marriage of storytelling, world building, exploration, and combat. The obsessive attention to detail is bolstered by a superb ensemble cast and likable lead protagonist. The Oldest House is an astonishing place to explore, rife with unexpected turns and exciting battles that continually escalate in thoughtful ways. The performance has some room for improvement, but even now Control is a must-play.

Little Nightmares II once again takes you on a disturbing journey through a vividly realized world, and the sense of danger and desperation you feel is as chilling as ever. Inventive new gameplay elements keep you thinking about how to outsmart your hunters, and your partner brings a strong sense of companionship. Whether you're a fan of the first game or a newcomer, Little Nightmares II is worth taking a journey into the dark.

As with its predecessors, it has some issues with controls and performance, but these are easily outweighed by the astonishing grandeur of its scale and the lifelike connection with Trico. Like the bond that grows between you and the beast, the farther you get, the more memorable and dramatic it all becomes. The Last Guardian isn’t a perfect game, but it’s a mesmerizing adventure that we’ll never forget.

Despite the missteps, though, Mega Man 11 is almost exactly what the series needs. It's a vibrant, tightly designed action platformer that honors the history of the iconic character. If Mega Man 11 is trying to argue for why these games matter so much, it wholeheartedly succeeds.

A stronger story may have elevated Viewfinder more, but that does little to detract from the mind-bending mechanics of its puzzles and the smooth construction of its design. Viewfinder strikes an excellent balance between providing puzzles with intentional, satisfying solutions while also giving players freedom to experiment and come up with their own ideas. Plus, once you’ve finished, it’s a joy to then watch someone else discover its wild and inventive mechanics.

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a morbid adventure. The engaging mystery is highlighted by an endearing cast of characters and their ever-growing trust in one another. Combat and puzzles rarely push back, but they make it easier to engage with the memorable narrative. Through it all, the omnipresent scourge of rats leaves a lingering impact as their shrouded forms slowly work their way through the corners of your mind and settle deeply into your bones.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a unique achievement in interactive storytelling. An engaging combat system and rich mythology serve as backdrops to a profoundly emotional tale. Stepping into the mind of Senua and playing a small role in her life is an inspiring experience that leaves a weighty impression.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony isn’t easy to summarize, at least not in a way that manages to capture its full scope. It's outlandish, and an example of how deeply engaging such outlandishness can be when wielded effectively. So much of what we consume is content to play into what the audience wants, but V3 takes a different path. It often challenges instead of appeals, and though not all of its points are equally strong, the constant push against player expectations makes it a far more intriguing journey.

Live A Live is a delightful little RPG that’s thankfully gotten the second chance it deserves. Its new visuals look great and the rearranged soundtrack brings each time frame to life. However, its multi-scenario story is what makes it truly stand out. Though the quality varies between chapters, they're all interesting in their own ways and it’s worth seeing through to the very end.

Ghostrunner is a challenging, yet fair adrenaline-fueled escapade of violence and speed. Running through the streets, jumping off walls, and cutting through enemies is a lot of fun, and there’s a rush of satisfaction when you finally overcome a challenge. Some parts like its story could be better, but what it offers in terms of gameplay is nothing short of greatness. It may take a bit to settle in, but when everything clicks, you'll feel like a badass in no time.

After the explosively popular Fire Emblem Awakening, the expansive Fire Emblem Fates, and the mobile Fire Emblem Heroes, Fire Emblem Echoes is a welcome deviation. By stripping away some of the most familiar combat mechanics and digging into exploration and world building, Echoes satisfies in different ways than its immediate predecessors, and that satisfaction is more appreciated than expected. We’ve grown to deeply care about what we’re fighting for and relish the ways the game challenges our own Fire Emblem knowledge.

Life is Strange: True Colors is an excellent entry in the series, and a great place to jump in for newcomers. Some technical issues can’t be overlooked now that it’s a full-priced title, but it’s something that seems easily fixable with a patch or two. Alex Chen is an incredibly endearing character that asks us to face our grief and empathize with other people’s struggles, reminding us of our shared human experience.

It's frustrating that the elements surrounding Samurai Shodown aren't better, because the fighting itself can be so tremendous. The pace of battles, the unique mechanics, and general style all contribute to a game that feels worthwhile to learn. It's just a shame that it never really goes above and beyond when it comes to anything else.

Little Nightmares is a thoroughly creepy platformer with vividly disturbing imagery and a menacing world that drives you to look for an escape. Turn the volume up, turn the lights off, and let Little Nightmares keep you awake.

Sifu is intimidating but rewards patience and perseverance. An engaging tale of revenge is presented with slick confidence, but it’s the fluid fighting mechanics that really shine. It has the perfect amount of depth without being needlessly complex, putting a sense of weight behind every blow. Sloclap has delivered something special, and it’s up to you to experience it.

Timespinner is good callback to the 90s and games that inspired it. It has some solid combat, decent exploration, and a great soundtrack. The story and side quests are a bit dull, and the time mechanic never delivers on its potential, but it’s still an enjoyable adventure overall.

The burden of expectation weighs heavy and in that sense Final Fantasy XV is not a cure-all that will please everyone. At the same time, the game feels like a leap in the right direction. At its end, we aren’t thinking about story inconsistencies or derivative side quests. We’ve found ourselves attached to a group of four friends and we’re thankful for the adventure.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition lives up to its namesake, delivering new content previously exclusive to Japan and updated visuals that enhance an already gorgeous aesthetic. The fantastic cast of characters, breathtaking world, and amazing combat elevate Vesperia to the highest point of the Tales series. This is the perfect opportunity for veterans to rediscover their love of this great RPG, as well as the best way for newcomers to experience an incredible game that still holds its own.

Minit gets the most out of its small package with a charismatic presentation, smart design decisions, and taunting mysteries. And at an opening $10 price tag, it does so without overextending its reach. While Minit pushes you to accomplish your goals in 60-second bursts, you can get lost in its escapades for hours before you even know it.

Far Cry 5 will try to convince you the world is coming to an end. While the threat of the Eden’s Gate cult is ever-present, what we value most from our time traveling through Hope County are the individual encounters with clever quest-givers, our favorite specialists, or a trusty co-op buddy. It’s a shame the story unnecessarily brings things down to such a dark place, spontaneously interrupting your thrill-seeking pursuits with nothing but bad vibes. Far Cry 5 is like the 4th of July. There’s some serious subject matter being considered, but the experience is mostly about blowing stuff up.

Rough edges be damned, however. Such flaws don't prevent Zero Time Dilemma from being utterly enthralling. It's rare that a game's story captivates us so thoroughly that we lose sleep just to see what will happen next. Few other works have subverted expectations, toyed with our emotions, or simply shocked us the way the Zero Escape Series has. Zero Time Dilemma is a fitting end to a story we won't soon forget.