Deathloop absolutely has its issues, but none of them ultimately get in the way of the experience the game is trying to provide. There is so much delicious freedom available that you really feel as though you get to form your own identity in the game. It's a point that's made abundantly clear as you study the various playstyles of the people who invade you as well as the ones you invade. Arkane has built a reputation on making smart games that play as well as they're designed, and Deathloop is only further evidence of that fact.

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.

Some mechanical nitpicks aside, the 4 to 5 hours it takes to travel through Planet of Lana are punctuated by striking moments of remarkable beauty and a strengthening bond with your cuddly companion. With so many massive games releasing this spring and summer, it’s worth taking a night off to embark on an adventure that still feels like you’re visiting a rich, full world, but in a more succinct package.

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.

It all adds up to make Far Cry 6 a game that is obviously flawed and obviously similar to other Far Cry games before it, but has such a strong spirit that it ends up being memorable regardless. Far Cry 6 is a compelling reminder that video games can be so silly and that sometimes that's exactly what they need to be in order to be effectively cathartic. Yet in spite of that silliness, the game actually isn’t shy about having something to say. Here is a game that is many, many things all at once, but it also seems to understand itself so well.

Despite having to endure a small yet annoying cast of characters, and the usual performance weirdness inherent in open worlds, Riders Republic is a huge step up from Steep. Newcomers can slowly develop their skills, focus on being creative, or just enjoy some of the most incredible places on earth. The truly competitive can get knocked around in Mass Races or replay events for every last star. It’s an inviting world that’s packed with crazy competitors and an addictive series of trials to master.

Boss battles aside, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a remarkable first effort from Ember Lab that showcases their amazing potential. They’ve crafted a beautiful world and touching story that really highlight the strength of their writing and animation capabilities, and the soundtrack is captivating. While Kena provides engaging activities as you explore, the inexperience with combat clearly shows. Kena serves as a strong foundation for Ember Lab to build upon, and it’s clear that given more experience they’re capable of great things to come.

Everybody’s Golf is engaging for players of all skills levels and it does a fantastic job at easing players in. Simple mechanics ensure anyone can play, but additional shot types add extra layers of depth and strategy. A steady stream of rewarding unlockables is bolstered by seamless online integration. Even if you don’t like golf, Everybody’s Golf is worth the time.

Yoshi’s Crafted World is beautiful and inspiring. While it isn’t all that demanding, it isn’t boring as Good-Feel has found a number of ways to make the game continuously fresh and engaging. The process of repeating levels to clear 100% of everything does get tedious, but if you pick and choose your battles, it delivers one delightful surprise after another.

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.

Katamari Damacy is still very much worth playing, especially if you haven't done so before. It is disappointing how barebones the rerelease feels at the asking price of 30 dollars. Bandai Namco should have made Katamari's rerolling onto the scene just a little more spectacular, but even with those grievances, it is without a doubt a gem of a game. Katamari is still just as ridiculous and heartwarming as it was on the PlayStation 2.

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.

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.

After all is said and done, Forspoken emerges as a solid new IP. It has its fair share of issues, but the longer you spend time in Athia, the more its world draws you in with its intriguing combat and the simple pleasure of freely crossing massive environments with spellbinding abilities. Luminous Productions is definitely onto something with this concept, it just needs a bit more focus and refinement. At the very least, Forspoken proves its worth on its own terms, and demonstrates the potential to someday hang alongside Square Enix’s staple franchises.

Even if you’re fatigued by the endless amount of Marvel content, Guardians of the Galaxy shows a lot of heart and soul. The cast delivers unforgettable performances that are further highlighted by meaningful exploration and impactful narrative decisions. The adventure loses a bit of steam the longer it goes, due to overly familiar combat, but the team’s banter keeps things entertaining. Eidos Montreal has delivered a memorable and intimate take on the team of misfits that truly stands on its own.

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.

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.

The tools Watch Dogs provides give you power over your environment, and now you have dominion over who fights and who dies in a desperate and sometimes uncomfortably relevant struggle to save a troubled London. This freedom may make you feel more attached to your crew than the drama unfolding in the main story, but any investment you make to grow Dedsec is justly rewarded. There aren’t enough mission types and voice actors involved to make the whole thing as impactful and realistic as intended, but you can easily find a few recruits, or a few dozen, that are worth putting on the front lines of this bloody cyber war.

Ghostwire: Tokyo stands out with distinct elemental combat that feels fun to perform, and great care has been put into its haunting urban settings. The story and tactics lack development and variety in later chapters, but it’s still worth exploring Tango’s spooky rendition of Tokyo.

Like each of the hundred or more photos you’re likely to take in one playthrough, Toem is exactly what it appears to be: an eye-catching but short adventure about exploring and puzzle-solving. Your photo targets range from loud and obvious to near-invisible, so everyone should find something fun to hunt. The textures don’t always hold up from every angle, and the trip ends far too soon, but there are definitely memories here worth keeping.

For as empty as the story can feel, it really speaks to how remarkable much of the rest of the game is that it ends up being worthwhile overall. If you care about action games, Astral Chain is worth experiencing for yourself. The mechanics underpinning combat are generally fantastic. Not to mention Astral Chain has some absolutely ridiculous and visually striking boss fights. With a better script or structure, Astral Chain could have been an all-time classic, but as it stands, it's still a pretty great Platinum game.

What really makes PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds work is the fact that anyone can jump in and walk away with stories to tell. There are so many different ways to approach the game, and in every round, you’re starting on a level playing field where all that separates players are skill and experience. Having a committed friend or two can offer memorable moments to bond over and alleviate some of the more mundane periods. For players looking for more immediate engagement the deliberate pace of each match might be a turn off. Despite a simple premise and only two maps, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds manages to be unpredictable every time you jump out of that cargo plane, for better or worse.

Crisis Core –Final Fantasy VII– Reunion is a great update to the PSP classic. Numerous changes improve both visuals and gameplay, helping to modernize it for new and returning players. Some elements such as the story, characters, and large number of random battles may not land with everyone, but Square Enix has done an excellent job updating an important title in the Final Fantasy VII compilation, resulting in the definitive version.

While there are only brief glimpses into the life of each person, there’s a sense of connection that grows with the Finch family over time. The episodes that make up its story explore a variety of subject matters, tapping into the psyche of getting to know your roots, with all of the flaws and mistakes of the past laid bare. What Remains of Edith Finch isn’t a long tale, but it’s a sensory journey, imaginative and thoughtfully realized. It makes an impact that keeps us thinking well after it’s done.

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.

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.

Immortals Fenyx Rising lays a solid foundation for a new open world game by drawing inspiration from other successful contemporaries. It boasts an impressive combat system, but the limited enemy roster fails to showcase its true potential. Yet there’s so much to do and see, with numerous opportunities that highlight the amazing puzzle designs and the enormous scale of the world to explore, all set to a wonderful soundtrack composed by Gareth Coker. For those looking for a more stylized open world experience that doesn’t strive for realism, but rather revels in its mythology, Immortals is your type of odyssey.

Although its lack of online multiplayer at launch is disappointing, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is still a charming platformer. Going through each of its stages is a pleasure. Collecting things and dressing up is delightful, and multiplayer is a lot of fun if you have friends around. It may not be the most ambitious title to feature Sackboy, but what's here is nothing short of jolly.

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.

Ever since entering the modern era, Call of Duty has rapidly improved its tech, but Infinite Warfare is not the pinnacle in this era of drones and starships. That said, there is a lot going on this year’s Call of Duty, including moments no game in the series has given us before. The campaign is a little dry, but multiplayer is deep and rewards you often, incorporating the best ideas from years past. Zombies continues to be a zany palate-cleanser for those that crave it, and your ticket lets you revisit one of the best shooters ever made. Infinite Warfare’s defects hurt the Call of Duty series much more this year, going up against several incredible and highly competitive shooters, but you still get your money’s worth if you enlist.

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.

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.

Scarlet Nexus more than delivers on the action with its impressive combat system, which alone almost makes it worth the price of admission. Surrounded by an intriguing world and strong cast of characters, it has the makings of a solid new series for Bandai Namco, though exploration leaves something to be desired. Offering up two similar campaigns might seem like a huge misstep, but completing either protagonist’s story provides a satisfying narrative and conclusion on its own, and the intimidating task of a second playthrough is tempered by the inclusion of new game plus. At the end of this journey, we’re left fulfilled, but strangely still yearning for more, wondering at the possibilities the future might hold for this striking new endeavor.

Dishonored 2 offers players an immense amount of freedom to solve each scenario and imprint their own choices into the story. Exploration is not only encouraged but rewarded, and the use of powers to navigate the environments and eliminate targets adds a complex layer of strategy to nearly every moment of the journey. Bland story and combat hold Dishonored 2 back, but the quality of everything else make the journey to Karnaca a memorable one.

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.

A Hat In Time is a charming adventure filled with personality. It has some truly unique moments and varied locations, putting its own spin on the foundation of 3D platformers from the past. Although it’s not very challenging, the platforming is solid, and its worlds and stages are imaginative wonderlands that make for a satisfying journey.

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.

While it may be easy to say that much of Prey has been done before, whether it’s the space station setting or emergent gameplay, there is more than enough subtlety and nuance to set it apart. Consequential upgrades, smart resource management, engaging difficulty, and a mysterious story make Prey a game worth fighting for.

The Call of Duty franchise has had a long history filled with ups and downs, and WWII stands on the better end of the series. It has a strong campaign filled with interesting characters, mission variety, and over-the-top set pieces. The multiplayer is satisfactory thanks to its deep customization and new modes like War, and Nazi Zombies is as crazy as ever. It’s a shame that loot boxes and CP make a return, but there’s still much to enjoy.

The first Titanfall is a solid execution on a great idea. Titanfall 2 feels much closer to reaching that idea's full potential. It's clear that Respawn labored over every tiny detail, from the powerful sound of each gunshot to the convincing sense of weight present in every titan step. The level of effort pays off tremendously, creating a shooter that can compete with the stiffest competition. It's too bad the campaign never comes close to the overall level of quality that some of its best ideas hint at, but the multiplayer will likely keep you happy until Respawn decides it's time for a much deserved third entry.

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.

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.

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 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.

Punctuated by an impressive original score, Attack on Titan has just about everything one could ask for from a video game adaptation of the series. A few blemishes hold the game back from being something truly special, but Omega Force and Koei Tecmo are certainly on the right track.

Wonderlands does not reinvent the wheel, or in this case the rocket launcher, but strides forward confidently enough to prove that it doesn't exactly need to. It would be an even better game if its own humor just let up a bit, but even so, the journey through such fantastical realms is also ultimately a success exactly because Gearbox has such a proficient understanding of its distinct genre.

Compared to past games in the series, Gran Turismo Sport is an admittedly trimmed-down experience. There are fewer cars and features with no trips to the moon. However, it’s also true that much of what was lost really needed to be cut. GT Sport makes the most of its new focus on competition and it does an admirable job of training you to be a better driver. It can be intimidating to head online for the first time, but once you finish a race in a respectable position, it feels like all the time you’ve invested has truly paid off.

If you have an attachment to the world and characters of Persona 5, you owe it to yourself to play Strikers. The shift in genre makes combat exciting, and the story manages to capture so much of what made Persona 5 such an outstanding game. The Phantom Thieves are back, not in some watered down spin off, but in a way that will very likely steal your heart all over again.

It’s clear that The Fractured But Whole has a few issues that could have been ironed out prior to release, which is surprising given the game’s delays. However, like The Stick of Truth before it, this game absolutely nails the look and feel of the show. Overall it’s a slightly weaker effort than its predecessor, but it is still one of the funniest games out there.

Even with the disappointing episodic format, if you're looking for classic Castlevania, Curse of the Moon 2 is a largely excellent way to satisfy that craving. It can be grueling at times, but the gauntlet it runs you through is worthwhile to conquer. Considering there hasn't been a peep about any proper Castlevania games, hopefully there can be a lot more Bloodstained in the near future.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a solid return for the long-running series. Sure, the story has its weak points, but it honestly plays second fiddle to the impressive aerial combat. The unique handling of each aircraft, and the excellent mission scenarios deliver on the goods, and it’s further enhanced by stunning visuals, effects, and masterful sound design. There’s still room to improve, but Skies Unknown definitely hits its mark.

A Way Out is an exceptionally unique game. It asks a lot out of its players and demands they work together and trust each other in order to progress. The story is somewhat inconsistent, but offers enough variety and surprises to keep things fresh and exciting. If you are even remotely interested in co-op, A Way Out shouldn’t be missed.

Bravely Default II is a familiar yet enjoyable JRPG. Though some aspects like its visuals may not hit the mark, the job and combat system are excellent and give you freedom with your party. It can feel a little safe at times, but Bravely Default II is still a solid choice worth seeing through to the end.

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.

Outlast 2 is relentless in its assault on your senses with palpable feelings of tension, danger, and anxiety. You’re always on the run, constantly at risk, and lost in the Arizona wilderness, surrounded by menacing nightmares.

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.

Cyber Shadow is a great modern take on the retro games that inspired it. Jumping and slashing your way through each of its areas is a lot of fun, and its checkpoint system smartly eliminates potential frustration and repetition. Even though some aspects could be better, Cyber Shadow is still a very enjoyable adventure and a strong debut for Mechanical Head Games.

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.

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.

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.

Though it has its issues, Lords of the Fallen is still solid overall. Its dark and brutal world is a compelling backdrop, filled with enticing exploration and deadly foes. Meanwhile, combat is engaging and offers a fair amount of flexibility. It may not be the next big breakthrough for the genre, but it's a good time and worth fighting through until the end.

While more variety and polish would be appreciated, that doesn’t stop Creature in the Well from being enjoyable throughout. It feels great to grab a bullet out of the air, charge it up, and slam it back in the other direction, and getting a ball to ricochet through a narrow gap is always satisfying. Gorgeous visuals certainly help, but it’s the gameplay’s intrinsic rhythm and the sense that there’s always room to improve that serves as a solid hook through to the end.

In an era when Monster Hunter dominates the space, it's nice to have a newcomer step up to the plate and offer some competition, and Wild Hearts is a good start. It has a solid core with fun monsters to fight and the Karakuri system is genuinely great, setting it apart from its peers. While performance woes can hinder it, Wild Hearts is still a good time overall, and hopefully the start of a bright new future for the IP.

While there’s certainly more to be desired in terms of exploration and discovery, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is a solid first take from Surgent Studios. There are enough tools to keep combat from getting stale, and the platforming challenges are sure to keep most players on their toes. (Although they could throw in a couple checkpoints between the instant death spikes.) With full completion taking just ten to twelve hours, it’s worth joining Zau on his journey and experiencing everything Kenzera has to offer. There’s clearly a lot of love put in from the team, and that passion comes through in every aspect of its presentation.

Despite its technical hangups, Haven has passion and charisma to spare thanks to some clever writing and an honest portrayal of a devoted relationship. There are rough patches when you get stuck on confusing terrain or come up against a temperamental adversary, but the journey is mostly as difficult as you want to make it. Keeping these wanderers together is a pleasant challenge, and re-assembling the puzzle pieces of their past has a satisfying payoff.

At 10 to 12 hours, Röki is a substantial adventure that avoids some of the typical pitfalls of the genre. While there is a fair bit of backtracking, puzzles feel naturally entwined with the story as it unfolds, with significant new elements that change things up just when it’s needed. Meanwhile, the nature of where this story goes effectively draws you closer to this family’s struggles, taking it beyond a simple fable. It’s a small game with a lot of heart.

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.

Mario Tennis Aces is an improvement over its predecessor with the long-awaited return of the story mode and exciting new mechanics which make for much more intense and enjoyable matches. The limited scale of the story mode and lack of additional challenges, especially in regards to the mini-games, do hurt its appeal. The online mode is solid, if not a bit sparse, so your mileage may vary depending on your affinity for multiplayer. It’s not quite at the level of earlier installments, but Aces shows that the Mario Tennis series is back on the right track.

Peril on Gorgon lasts around 12 to 15 hours, depending on how much you want to read and scavenge, and there’s more than enough here to warrant the $15 price tag. It’s a solid journey, particularly if you want to reconnect to your crew and learn more about Halcyon. Digging through the ruins can get a bit lonesome after a while, but once you start meeting new characters and picking up the scent of where all this is going, it can hook you in through to the end.

Koei Tecmo and Nintendo have laid the groundwork for something really special in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Whether intentional or not, their ambition crafts a new subgenre of Musou that’s mostly held back by the limitations of the Switch hardware. The post-game and extra modes fall short of what the original Hyrule Warriors offers, yet its solid storytelling and diverse set of characters are captivating until the journey's end. With a bit more refinement and polish, Hyrule Warriors could become something truly legendary.

Sea of Solitude tells an emotional story about what it means to be human and struggle with all of life's highs and lows. The gameplay itself isn’t as strong, and a few enemy encounters can drag down the pace. However, the introspective tale crafted by the team at Jo-Mei leaves an impact, and it's well worth exploring such challenging themes.

As our minds turn toward more haunted holidays, it’s a good time to get lost in Random. Even’s commitment to her quest is enough to carry you through an awkwardly told story, and despite some parts of combat that feel too dependent on luck, the card-dice fights are truly unique. The pace of the journey, from drawn-out conversations to endings that cut you off from the best parts, befoul what is otherwise a fun world to explore.

The world of Cat Quest 2 is sizable, but there isn’t much complexity in its minute-to-minute gameplay. However that directness, along with how quickly you level up, finish quests, and discover new locations, can make it a hard game to put down. You handle one task at a time, so it’s easy to pick back up or add a second player. At 8 to 10 hours or so, depending on your focus and patience, this adventure ends abruptly but doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s challenging enough for solo players, but also fun for two players of any age and skill level.

VR has had its share of gun-toting adventures, but Blood & Truth feels different. It streamlines a lot of your typical movement options in favor of letting you feel like Jason Statham for ten minutes. Pairing these action scenes with a cast that can actually support the story’s intensity slows down the pace sometimes, but the overall effect is entertaining. We wish there were more ways to play around with it, but Blood & Truth is still a fun ride.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War is a solid addition to the zombie genre. Thoughtful enemy encounters and meaningful progression contribute to an energetic and chaotic pace. It’s also agreeably accessible for players across a range of skill levels whether you play solo or with friends. If you’ve never played a Zombie Army title and love killing Nazis, this is a great place to start.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a worthy but familiar follow-up to the groundbreaking original. Incredible visuals and a legendary performance from Melina Jurgens do much of the heavy lifting, but in some ways it feels safe and plodding, with a surprisingly slow pace despite its fairly short runtime. Facing Senua’s insecurities and experiencing her growth remains a defining factor, but it feels less potent now, while simplistic exploration and repetitive combat hold it back from greatness. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of Senua, because she deserves much more.

Days Gone is incredibly moving, but occasionally frustrating. Just when you start to get burnt out on resource collection and uniform side-missions, the story suddenly hooks you back in. Despite Deacon’s impatience and short temper, his story is often compelling. His actions have consequences, and the map evolves as you make positive and negative changes. Unfortunately, it can also be buggy and less than believable, which is heart-breaking considering the care given to this world and its characters.

In Sound Mind definitely has some limitations in terms of its presentation and combat, but these elements don’t take too much away from what it does well. It’s more of a spooky mystery than a full horror title, and with its hub world, clever secrets, and evolving set of tools, it continually presents new opportunities to interact with its twisted environments. If you like games that try to screw with your head, it’s worth booking a session with Dr. Wales.

With its crisscrossing alternate storylines and the various possibilities of its branching class system, Trials of Mana is an interesting game to experiment with. There are some elements of this remake’s production that are worth griping about, but at the same time, it unquestionably improves on some of the more convoluted aspects of the original. What’s key is that whether you’re brawling with Kevin or casting spells with Angela, battles feel fun and active. Trials of Mana is not only worth giving a shot, but also worth coming back to for a second or third run as well.

Ultimately, Maneater's biggest flaw is repetition. What's here is good, and playing as a shark has never felt better. But, activities can quickly feel routine as you do the same types of objectives over and over. Still, if you want to carve a bloody path of carnage as a horrifying shark, there’s nothing quite like it.

It's easy to go into detail about Indivisible's shortcomings, but they don’t take away from a quality that's more difficult to articulate. Spending even a short amount of time with the game shows how much love and care went into its construction. There are plenty of times when the detail in a completely incidental room will catch you off guard, which speaks to the overall commitment to the game's presentation, including the grand and varied soundtrack. It's clear that several aspects could have been much tighter, but there’s more than enough in its favor to make Indivisible worth serious consideration.

The Callisto Protocol is a solid first entry in what Striking Distance hopes to be the next big horror franchise. Flawed, but unique and engaging melee combat is a fun way to fight against terrifying foes, while Black Iron Prison is an alluring space to investigate. Limited exploration, a cliché story, and forgettable firearms hold it back from being truly great. However, underneath the blemishes, The Callisto Protocol pushes horrifying visual detail to emphasize tense and perilous encounters.

Call of Duty has been an annual franchise for 15 years, but this year feels particularly unnecessary because Warzone and Modern Warfare continue to thrive. It’s a solid game, but with limited maps and a campaign that fizzles out, it’s a hard sell for players already committed to where they are. As the seasons continue, Cold War could certainly improve, but for now, it isn’t an essential purchase.

Though Code Vein starts off slow, nearly every aspect develops over time, gradually becoming more interesting and engaging. The environments and enemy designs leave much to be desired, but it also introduces intriguing ideas with its AI companions and Blood Code system. It’s not breaking any new ground, but there’s a solid game here if you stick with it.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! does introduce several good new features, but it fails to address some long-running issues. Though it’s nice to see Kanto brought to life again in this fashion, especially with some really nice new arrangements for the classic soundtrack, the game relies too heavily on nostalgia. It succeeds in making Pokémon more accessible than ever, but aside from the shift away from random encounters, it doesn’t take enough risks. This is a good entry point for newcomers to the series, but it ultimately leaves veterans yearning for more.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! does introduce several good new features, but it fails to address some long-running issues. Though it’s nice to see Kanto brought to life again in this fashion, especially with some really nice new arrangements for the classic soundtrack, the game relies too heavily on nostalgia. It succeeds in making Pokémon more accessible than ever, but aside from the shift away from random encounters, it doesn’t take enough risks. This is a good entry point for newcomers to the series, but it ultimately leaves veterans yearning for more.

One Piece Odyssey shows that the grand scale of the franchise is a good fit for a solid traditional RPG. The combat system is fun, and it’s great to get reacquainted with beloved characters and locations. If you're new to the series or just have some curiosity about it, the gameplay likely isn't strong enough on its own to keep you going. However, for fans that are already heavily invested in the Straw Hat Crew’s adventures, it's a tale worth checking out.

The Pathless is beautiful but repetitive. There is a somber emptiness to its world that tries to convey a sense of loss and impending doom, but it can also make the proceedings tiring if you don’t regularly redirect yourself toward the things you need to find and fix. It makes bold strides in exploration and world-building, but movement can feel awkward or overly simplistic, and the ruins you seek out house little more than a puzzle and some foggy memories. On a positive note, load times are wonderfully brief on PlayStation 5, and the controller pulses differently for each type of target you fire at. Navigating this world can be both a calming and thrilling experience, there’s just not enough to find to make the journey more than a pleasant trip through the trees.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a delightful game that sometimes jumps forward into greatness but never fully stays there. For as charming as so much of it can be and for how admirable its commitment to variety is, it's too bad that by far the best story moment happens fairly early on and the battle system too often feels like it lacks any real teeth. There's more than enough right to make it easy to recommend, but also just enough wrong to leave you wondering what could have been.

Shadowkeep puts Destiny 2 in a healthy position to kick off year three. Excellent new quests set up an intriguing narrative that will continue as it moves forward. The new seasonal artifact helps to alleviate pesky power blocks, offering a much smoother climb to the top, while finishers add another wrinkle to the already excellent combat. Destiny 2: Shadowkeep doesn’t offer a tremendous amount of new content, but the refinements are worth celebrating.

Playing through levels in Trials Rising is as addictive as ever, and the in-game tip making fun of the “just one more time” joke still rings true. For most players, the challenge becomes unbelievably difficult toward the end, but there are always other alternatives if you hit a wall, whether it’s multiplayer, trying your hand at the complex track editor, or going back to previous courses to improve your times. There are certainly a few faults along the way given the visual hiccups, the lackluster soundtrack, and the lack of options online, but this is another solid performance from the Trials team.

For the most part, the years haven't been kind to the Blue Blur, but while Frontiers has its problems, it's by far the most enjoyable and ambitious 3D entry in a long time. Its huge open spaces add a refreshing take, and zooming around at high speeds is still fun even after all these years. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of a glorious comeback for everyone's favorite speedy hedgehog.

The impulse to fall into one extreme opinion of Cyberpunk or the other is strong. There are moments when you can get so swept up with the world and characters that the very valid complaints seem small. Yet there are also moments when something will break yet again, and you'd give anything for the man behind the curtain to just hide himself better. The game's ambition is standing on very wobbly legs that feel like they could suddenly collapse at any time. There is greatness, but you really have to fight to see all of it, more than anyone should have to.

Ys IX: Monstrum Nox doesn’t amaze with branching storylines or groundbreaking visuals, but so much of its design, from smart shortcuts to platforming-based exploration, helps it to feel fast and light on its feet. Getting to know this world serves as a strong invitation to go back to past games, yet it doesn’t make you feel like a loser if you don’t. It’s RPG comfort food that lets you relax and have fun, without getting in its own way.

While Mortal Shell may not stand at the upper echelon of the genre, there's still plenty to enjoy. The combat and world are engaging, and its swappable body system feels unique and fresh. Despite its shortcomings, Mortal Shell brings enough new ideas to the table, and with less pressure and investment required, there’s plenty of freedom to experiment with them.

Ashen won’t light the world on fire, but it’s a decent RPG with a mysterious setting. While it follows a well-known formula, it has worthwhile side quests, and the larger spaces are enjoyable to explore. Though it may never come close to the heights of the games that it takes inspiration from, Ashen is still an entertaining expedition overall.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is a solid follow up. It doesn’t leave as big of an impact as the original, but the natural and seamless conversations do a wonderful job of immersing you in the supernatural tale. There isn’t much to do outside of walking and talking, but the relatable characters and engaging mystery are reason enough to book a trip to Camena Coast.

While Kunai might not stand toe-to-toe with the likes of Ori or Hollow Knight, there’s much to love, including fantastic controls, rewarding secrets, and zesty facial expressions. This little tablet has a lot of heart, and a lot of hats.