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.

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.

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.

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.

The prospect of playing alongside the Ghostbusters in a story that serves as a proper sequel to the original films is exciting, but this adaptation only leaves us heartbroken. Initially a captivating experience, the magic fades fast, dispelled by poorly designed sections, bad AI, and a repetitive gameplay cycle. Thankfully, the series has since been revived with new and upcoming films, but it’s a shame that Ghostbusters: The Video game squanders a golden opportunity to become something truly special in this medium.

Though we’ve seen far more ambitious entries in the genre over the past year or two, Ori elevates itself by doing the basics very well and wrapping them in an emotional experience brought to life by stunning visuals and a wonderful soundtrack. If you missed out the first time around, here’s another chance to dive into the captivating world of Ori and the Blind Forest, and just in time before the sequel arrives early next year.

The Surge 2 is a good follow-up to its predecessor. The level design and lock-on based combat are really enjoyable, but boss encounters and the story’s presentation feel a bit lacking. It won’t blow you away by any means, but it does well for what it is. If you’re a fan of the first game or simply want to see this type of game in a more futuristic setting, The Surge 2 is a fine choice.

Link’s Awakening is as charming today as it was 26 years ago. This remake addresses many of the original’s shortcomings, but at the same time, the original still does a few things better. The new visual style is gorgeous, but the frequency of the performance issues leaves room for improvement. Despite this setback, precious few Zelda games have the emotional payoff or the narrative richness of Link’s Awakening. This is still an unbelievable adventure and an absolute must-play.

What succeeds above all else is the script. The writers know the right times to drop references to the film and faithfully stick to the first story’s warmest moments. It’s a shame Gobbler’s Knob can’t look the same as it does in the movie, and there’s an unavoidable clunkiness to the way people move around, but there’s a surprising amount of heart in this goofy sequel. It’s worth experiencing if you’re already set up for VR and Groundhog Day is something you like to revisit again and again.

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.

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.

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 the most vital ways, Iceborne nails what it needs to as an expansion. It's easy to marvel at both how much there is and the quality of so much of it. There are things this review hasn't even mentioned, such as the elaborate endgame, but these elements are probably better to discover on your own. There is no doubt that Iceborne is worth both the money and time, leaving such an impression that it's hard not to be optimistic about the series' future.

Oninaki tells an emotional tale about life, death, and the will of humanity. Its action-based combat and flexible Daemon system are enjoyable, but the game’s mundane world and presentation hold it back. Tokyo RPG Factory has done a great job of finding an identity of their own with Oninaki, and though it struggles in some areas, it's worth seeing through to the end.

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.

In a lot of ways, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is exactly what you would want a well-respected series to do when transitioning to a new console. It pushes the series in a discernible new direction with purpose. The game's problems are relatively minor and Three Houses largely nails the most important aspects, namely having excellent characters and tactical combat that contains depth without being overwhelming, leading to a strategy game that's very easy to feel connected to.

Shadowbringers is easily the best Final Fantasy XIV expansion to date. It marks the highest point in the MMO’s lifespan, which has seen its fair share of impressive updates over the years. If you’ve been dismissing XIV because it’s not a single-player Final Fantasy, you’re missing out on one of the best installments in this series and letting an excellent game pass you by.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Judgment manages to be great regardless of where you're coming from thanks to the direction the game takes and how well it tackles that direction. If you're a longtime Yakuza fan already endeared to the series, there are enough tweaks and ideas to make the familiar enticing again. If you're brand new to the Yakuza style, no knowledge whatsoever of the past games is required, serving as a perfect starting point. No matter what your experience, know that Judgment is very much worth carving out time for.

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.

Regardless of a few dry spells, it’s where this seven-hour adventure takes you that’s most compelling. It isn’t a branching narrative, but there are multiple layers to how events unfold, and the game puts you in the middle of complex situations without over-explaining them, making them just as bewildering as if you were really there. It’s well worth grabbing a pair of headphones, turning out the lights, and seeing where this dark tale leads.

Rage 2 has some of the most rewarding and impactful combat in the genre. However, the bland world, repetitive missions, and weak story make it hard to care about the lives you take or the lives you save. Driving controls well, but ends up feeling completely unnecessary other than getting you from point A to B. Fortunately, shooting things never gets old, and the combat shotgun will surely put a smile on your face.

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.

Beyond its charming artstyle, Ghost Giant is a surprisingly emotional game with an intriguing story, filled with likeable characters and some enjoyable puzzles. Though it does have a few technical issues, it’s well worth the time.

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.

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.

SteamWorld Quest scratches the RPG itch with an accessible take on card-based battles. It’s never overwhelming which is both a benefit and detriment. The characters are lovable, but the plot fails to capitalize on its engaging foundation. In the end, it’s a solid entry in the SteamWorld franchise, just not the best.

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.

It’s true that Falcon Age is burdened with its share of annoyances, but it overcomes them through the strength of its sense of companionship. By the end, you feel both as if the falcon is a trusted partner and a part of who you are. Even though the story may not have a satisfying payoff, it’s effective at putting you in the main character’s shoes and allowing you to identify with her struggles. There’s a greater sense of meaning here as well as a heartfelt connection that’s well worth exploring.

Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain has its heart in the right place. Instead of simply treading water, it wants to push ahead. Such a drive makes the game entertaining, especially if you're already invested in the series and are curious about the evolution. Sadly, the game doesn't match its own ambition, grasping at greater heights without fully solving the problems its ideas create. Even so, there's something valuable here, and hopefully Yuke's gets another attempt to refine its direction.

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 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.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an exhilarating journey that demands your full attention. Taking advantage of stealth and mastering its posture-based swordplay is immensely satisfying. Meanwhile, the wonderful, expansive world is a joy to explore thanks to intriguing design and the emphasis on grappling to new heights. Sekiro often feels daunting, leaving you bloodied and broken at its feet, but overcoming each challenge it throws your way fills you with a triumphant sense of accomplishment.

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.

Devil May Cry 5 has a lot going on in almost every possible way. Some ideas such as gold orbs and linked missions feel undercooked, yet it's hard to describe the fighting as anything other than spectacular. The number of options within any single battle is nothing short of ridiculous. If most games are defined by having a bunch of ideas and then trimming them down to the best ones, it's almost as if DMC5 couldn't say no when it came to weapons or abilities while also taking the time to give each a strong purpose. Beyond the mechanics, what lingers even longer is that some of the encounters, especially toward the end, are exciting because you'll care about the events that led to them. Devil May Cry 5 has been a long time coming, but it feels like hitting the jackpot.

With all its design hiccups and elaborate but exhausting missions, Anthem is tiring to play, and that’s too bad. You can tell the game is capable of incredible things when you first try on a javelin and see the massive, beautiful world waiting to be explored. But it’s safe to say Anthem’s launch has not been very inspiring, despite the freedom of its excellent combat and a surprisingly broad story told by a devoted and expressive cast. We could see ourselves one day returning to this fascinating place, but we have no problem leaving our javelins in the forge for now.

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.

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.

Crackdown 3 is partying like it's 2010, ignoring almost every advancement the open-world genre has made in the past decade. The attempts at humor and provocation are forgettable, and if it wasn't for Echo and Goodwin in your ear, there would be almost no real meaning to any of it. Crackdown 3 excels at almost nothing, especially in comparison to several of its recent groundbreaking competitors. No matter how strong your agent can get or how much demolition you can cause, there are simply better cities to save.

Far Cry New Dawn offers a leaner take on Ubisoft’s open world formula clocking in at about 13 hours, but hardcore completionists can stretch beyond that. The characters and narrative drag down the fun, but the variety in your tactics and arsenal allow you to approach each activity in different ways. It doesn’t revolutionize the series, but New Dawn is a solid entry that makes us eager to see where the franchise goes next.

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.

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.

Resident Evil 2 manages to remain faithful to the original while simultaneously feeling new and modern. Superb visuals bring everything to life, emphasizing the constant sense of terror. Puzzles are brilliantly balanced, and slowly escaping the RPD by uncovering its many mysteries is incredibly rewarding. Meanwhile, new additions like the secondary weapons and defensive herb increase the depth of consistently dangerous combat encounters. Whether this is your first trip to Raccoon City or one-thousandth, you are not prepared for the horror that awaits.

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.

Travis Strikes Again has the right attitude, or at least an attitude you want to get behind. Yet it stumbles time and again with execution, taking an abundance of energy and squandering it in a game that’s often dull more than anything else. It's also frustrating when comparing the game to No More Heroes and No More Heroes 2. Travis Strikes again is not trying to be a direct follow-up, but those games still have a focus and flair that’s lacking here. By the time everything is over, it's hard to add up the experience in any sort of coherent way, and unfortunately, it's not even that entertaining of a trip.

While Vane may not reach the heights of its contemporaries, the bleak world it paints presents some interesting concepts. However, these ideas fails to coalesce into truly memorable moments, and it continually gets tripped up by technical issues.

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.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fantastic game and one of the best entries in the series, and the only serious issue holding it back is the online performance. The various modes and features will satisfy those seeking a significant single player component and those desiring countless hours of local multiplayer mayhem. Ultimate celebrates the rich history of Nintendo and several other beloved franchises, and it’s the perfect game to end the year on. This is an excellent fighting game that people will clearly be playing for many years to come.

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.

After the forecasted storms turn out to be little more than hot air and the sedated story fades into bland repetition, you’re left with little more than effective new ways to customize your grapple abilities and the same gratifying destruction that the series has nailed from the beginning. Just Cause 4 clearly didn’t get as much briefing as it should have before deployment. It’s rough edges are unmissable, and its structure weighs too heavily on the simple pleasures of blowing stuff up and funneling your own creativity into how you use the chaotic tools at your disposal. It’s still fun to start a revolution, but it feels like this series can do so much better.

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.

Fallout 76 is a game where you keep hoping that things will get better if you stay patient and play just a bit further. Such a moment never arrives, and with more time, it only becomes more obvious just how broken it is. When something goes wrong, you're not quite clear if it's your fault or the game's because of how many issues you run into. Any game releasing in this state is unacceptable, but the problems go well beyond the technical ones. When this hollow game is not actively breaking, it feels as though it's barely hanging onto a concept that doesn't seem in any way remarkable even in the best circumstances.

Darksiders III has a good framework, including the simple yet fun combat and interesting Hollow system. Unfortunately, it’s held back by its weak puzzles, uninteresting environments, and numerous technical issues. If you’re already invested in the series and want to see it through to the end, there’s enough to enjoy despite its flaws, but it’s not the strongest return for the franchise.

Battlefield V is another solid entry for the long-running series. War Stories and fortifications miss the mark, but the risky changes to spotting, squad synergy, and limited resources have added depth and shaken up the flow of matches for the better. The limited number of maps is unfortunate, but free content updates provide some hope for the future. Battlefield V deftly delivers on its promise of large-scale team-focused warfare, and we’re only just getting started.

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.

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.

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.

Déraciné maintains a calm and quiet focus on puzzle solving, characters, and its world above all else. Although it has a few underutilized mechanics and increasingly confusing time jumps, its story and atmosphere are strong enough to keep you engaged until 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.

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.

Red Dead Redemption 2 tests the boundaries of interactive immersion. Few games look this good, play this well, and have this much to offer. It begs you to slow down, turn every page of its dramatic tale, and savor every last breathtaking detail. It challenges you to be prepared for anything, and make the right decisions when your choices matter most. Arthur Morgan is the lead, but the world takes center stage to pull you in. With a list of challenges left to finish and an online mode launching soon, we plan to spend a lot more time in Rockstar’s unparalleled recreation of the old west.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a good platformer with tight controls that’s greatly enhanced by making the most of VR. Platforming, exploring environments, and fighting bosses, are all given additional layers of depth and scale that feel completely fresh and unique. Not only is it a good proof of concept for the PlayStation VR, it’s a legitimately great game, and one of the best uses of the technology so far.

It’s clear there’s some friction between the vision for Starlink and what we’ve come to expect for Star Fox as the two don’t mesh together perfectly, but what Ubisoft manages to accomplish is pretty remarkable. It’s a good game with a lot of small flaws, and this imperfect union shows amazing potential. It’s repetitive and certainly could use some more polish, yet it’s still strangely addictive and fun. If Nintendo is smart, they’ll continue this collaboration with Ubisoft, only hopefully next time it will be a dedicated Star Fox project instead of a tacked-on console exclusive.

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.

While it’s easy to find areas to improve, the British countryside is gorgeous, the driving is incredibly well-balanced, and seasons have been masterfully implemented, allowing for more variety than ever before. Make no mistake that Forza Horizon 4 is one of the most comprehensive and polished racing games ever made.

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.

At times, it feels like the game isn't able to properly justify its own meandering tendencies. Yet Torna also proves that Xenoblade can often feel like it's pushing ahead, restlessly trying out new mechanics that can be intriguing and fun. While far from flawless, the standalone chapter is one that is worth paying attention to.

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.

Despite the piles of issues and annoyances, Little Dragons Café isn’t an unpleasant game. The overall art direction, character design, and music all present a storybook charm that pulls you in early and keeps it enjoyable in the midst of the grind. More than anything, the simple gameplay just gets stretched thin over the 40 hour story. While we don’t often focus on cost, the full $60 price tag also seems particularly difficult to justify. With a stronger investment and more developed gameplay, a sequel may still have potential, but as it is, Little Dragons Café could have used a bit more time in the oven.

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

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.

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.

There's a lot to pick at with Dragon Quest XI, be it the sometimes inconsistent storytelling, the lack of difficulty, or the MIDI quality, but these complaints feel oddly muted when playing because of how much the game fundamentally gets right. The craftsmanship of the world, loveable characters, and wide-ranging exploration add up in a truly fulfilling way. If you want an RPG to make you feel like you’re conquering a sprawling adventure, Dragon Quest XI does that handily.

Insomniac Games has used their power responsibly while translating their vision of Spider-Man, and they’ve created his largest and most detailed adventure to date. They’ve taken lessons from their previous action-adventures, along with recent successful franchises in the super hero genre, showcasing what’s possible not only for Spider-Man, but for all comic book characters in this generation of games.

It’s tempting to make comparisons given the deluge of similar games in recent months, but The Messenger proves its worth through unique merits. The eventual shift from linear to open progression, the swapping back-and-forth between two retro aesthetics, and the evolving mechanics and satisfying platforming make a strong argument for why you should give The Messenger a closer look.

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.

Despite a notable amount of bugs and exploitable mechanics, We Happy Few presents an entrancing world to explore. Exceptional voice acting and interesting characters help alleviate the lesser qualities of combat and repetitive mission objectives, but it’s overstuffed length and half-realized ideas hold it back considerably.

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.

Dead Cell’s challenging encounters, rewarding exploration and meaningful upgrades mash together in a slick and successful way. While some moments can be frustrating and feel like a bit of a grind, conquering the island and unraveling its many mysteries is a gratifying journey.

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.

Even though it makes some steps forward, The Crew 2 doesn’t offer much beyond wandering aimlessly and stumbling across landmarks. The variety of vehicle types removes any barriers on where you can go, and the creative racing scenarios keep things somewhat interesting. However, these strengths are overpowered by the annoying dialogue, pointless features, and considerable lack of challenge. Stats are king of the road in The Crew 2. Racing skill is supplanted by thoughtless RPG mechanics, and before long, it all just feels like going through the motions.

Vampyr wastes its setting and premise on tedious combat and a story that’s much longer than it needs to be. Technical problems and dimwitted AI make progression a chore, while the striking locations become mundane. Just a few standout characters and excellent story moments help Vampyr claw out of the grave from disaster to mediocrity.

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.

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.

Onrush does an admirable job of inventing an energetic new type of racer, mixing the thrill of high speed carnage with a rewarding layer of strategy. All of its various parts complement each other extremely well. More than anything, it’s just one of those games that’s easy to jump into for a few quick matches, only to find yourself hooked in hours later, still going round after round.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit tells an intimate familial story about coping with loss. It speaks to the power of a child’s imagination and resilience in the face of a hopeless situation. The episode may be short, but it leaves us wanting to spend more time with Chris and the world of Life is Strange.

PixelJunk Monsters 2 is exceedingly similar to its predecessor. The core mechanics remain simple with deep, nuanced strategy, but the short length and lack of multiplayer innovations are a letdown. It’s an easy game to recommend for fans and newcomers to the tower defense genre, but it lacks the impact of the original.

izard of Legend nails the feeling of being a grand wizard. Experimenting with all the different spells is a blast, and there are some heart-pounding boss fights. The peripheral elements fail to deepen or expand Wizard of Legend, but the core gameplay makes for a good time if you’re looking to fill a roguelike fix.

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.

State of Decay 2 has so much potential that's not fully realized. The simple brutality of combat and the demands of keeping up a base offer noteworthy moments on their own, but that enjoyment is hurt by an array of bugs and a gameplay structure that loses much of its challenge and intrigue far too quickly.

With complex characters and an impressive branching plot that emphasizes choice and consequence, Detroit: Become Human keeps you invested in your own story and makes you eager to see what other possibilities you might have missed. It’s Quantic Dream’s strongest interactive tale so far.

Despite the confusion, the conflicting design choices, and the bugs, the gameplay keeps us coming back to Trailblazers. The process of forging a line around the track, coordinating with other drivers, and trying to maintain the fastest speed shines through the flaws. There’s a worthwhile racer here, but be prepared to hit some speed bumps to get to it.

Aside from the minor revisions and additions, Tropical Freeze is the same great game as before. All of the extras, modes, and secrets return, providing plenty of replay value, and David Wise’s stellar soundtrack is arguably his best work. This is the perfect opportunity for veterans to dive back into this fantastic game, as well as for newcomers to finally experience one of the best platformers around.

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.