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.

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.

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.

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.

Overall though, Omega Force has really outdone themselves with Three Hopes in terms of capturing the essence of Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It nails so much of what makes Three Houses one of the best entries in the series, while simultaneously introducing improvements to go beyond the original’s scope. It would almost be the perfect follow-up if not for the limitations of combat, which falls a bit short of the mark, despite a sincere endeavor to capture a sense of those grand turn-based battles. In spite of these drawbacks, Three Hopes marks another high point for the musou genre, and stands as one of the team’s better collaborative projects in recent memory.

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.

Fire Emblem Engage is a return to the series' more established format, and the renewed emphasis on combat and strategy is a boon. Yet these improvements come at the cost of losing the charm and character depth seen in Three Houses. Ideally, there needs to be a path forward that combines the best of both approaches, and in that regard, Engage feels like a missed opportunity. Additionally, the developers really need to address some quality of life issues that kill the pacing, especially when it comes to interacting with your home base. It’s a good effort, but it definitely falls short of the total package we’ve come to expect from Fire Emblem.

There’s a lot to rightfully criticize, but this is also the most vibrant and exciting Halo has felt in what feels like an eternity. Regardless of the rewards, it’s hard to put the multiplayer down. Infinite needs to absolutely be called out for its glaring shortcomings, but it's also important to recognize that at its heart, there is something undeniably special here.

Amnesia: Rebirth is a triumphant return to form for the franchise. A few puzzles might stump you and the story can be a little hard to follow, but carefully managing resources is a fun balancing act with meaningful stakes for failure, while the environmental variety keeps you feeling vulnerable. Arriving just in time for Halloween, Amnesia: Rebirth is here to remind you of the true meaning of fear.

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.

When compared to past Yakuza games, Zero in particular, Yakuza Kiwami simply has less going for it. There's only one playable character, a single city to explore, and fewer activities. However, Kiwami is launching at a heavily discounted price, and when viewed from that perspective, it feels like it has a lot to offer. The story is consistently interesting, the fighting still brutally satisfying, and Majima Everywhere is a clever addition. Yakuza Kiwami may not be the biggest in the series, but it's a solid remake of the game that introduced the Dragon of Dojima.

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.

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.

If you have a decent interest in Pokémon, there is a largely enjoyable time to be had with the latest generation. There’s still a magic present that nothing else has been able to quite replace, and the improvements and additions are meaningful. It's also easy to want a mightier effort. There are times when you can see where the game could be so much better, and it's frustrating how it falls short of ideas that seem to be right in front of it. Whether it's the fact that a beloved pokémon might not be in the game, the mediocre story, or a strong sense of having seen a lot of this before, you may be left hoping that the next effort packs a more substantial punch.

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.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare successfully reimagines the iconic series. A few key mechanical additions refine combat in important ways while the campaign returns with some of the series’ best missions. With cross-play and free updates planned for the next year, Modern Warfare is just getting started.

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.

If you have a decent interest in Pokémon, there is a largely enjoyable time to be had with the latest generation. There’s still a magic present that nothing else has been able to quite replace, and the improvements and additions are meaningful. It's also easy to want a mightier effort. There are times when you can see where the game could be so much better, and it's frustrating how it falls short of ideas that seem to be right in front of it. Whether it's the fact that a beloved pokémon might not be in the game, the mediocre story, or a strong sense of having seen a lot of this before, you may be left hoping that the next effort packs a more substantial punch.

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.

It might not achieve the levels of ingenuity displayed by some of its counterparts, but Rime stands on its own merits. Its captivating visuals, engrossing soundtrack, and rewarding puzzles are a wonderful combination on their own, but the game’s narrative elements and ultimate payoff go well beyond expectations to deliver something truly memorable. It’s been a long journey to get here, but Rime is most certainly an experience you don’t want to miss.

Despite the huge gap in time, NEO: The World Ends with You manages to capture the essence of the original while simultaneously moving the series forward. Although some aspects like combat can feel repetitive at times, it does a great job of translating the frantic nature of the DS original onto modern hardware. Its strong cast of characters are endearing and connect on a satisfying level. And its stylish urban setting is an enthralling backdrop. It may not be as innovative as its predecessor, but it's an excellent return to this distinct world that’s long been overlooked.

Gravity Rush 2 is a gorgeous game with stunning visuals accompanied by a stellar soundtrack that features tunes both old and new. Although there are some rough edges, it’s an emotional ride from start to finish and one amazing action adventure game. It’s a worthy successor, and an outstanding return to this enchanting world.

If you have a decent interest in Pokémon, there is a largely enjoyable time to be had with the latest generation. There’s still a magic present that nothing else has been able to quite replace, and the improvements and additions are meaningful. It's also easy to want a mightier effort. There are times when you can see where the game could be so much better, and it's frustrating how it falls short of ideas that seem to be right in front of it. Whether it's the fact that a beloved pokémon might not be in the game, the mediocre story, or a strong sense of having seen a lot of this before, you may be left hoping that the next effort packs a more substantial punch.

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.

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.

With so many great games available right now, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle but Lies of P is worth making time for. Although it doesn't do anything revolutionary, it's an all-around great game with satisfying and engaging combat, entertaining and challenging bosses, and strong atmosphere. On paper, it may seem like a bizarre concept, but once you hop in, Lies of P makes a strong case for itself with no strings attached.

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.

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.

Many of the best moments in Shadow of War come from elements returning from the first game, along with a few squabbles between Celebrimbor and Talion that begin to give them some identity. Otherwise, orcs always take center stage. The combat isn’t terribly difficult, but it’s a lot of fun to rip enemies apart. The story isn’t very satisfying, but it’s amusing to assemble a cast of murderous Captains. Shadow of War is a successful update to a smart formula, but it lacks enough depth and diversity to keep us enthralled.

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.

Star Wars is a beloved series, and when a new game comes out, some particular hopes and expectations come with it. There are excellent games in the franchise, but it's been a while since they’ve reached those heights. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has combat that feels tight and impactful, and exploring each of its imaginative worlds gives a great sense of discovery. It’s a fantastic title that stands as one of the best Star Wars games yet.

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.

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.

In multiple ways, Dawntrail is all about setting up events that will play out across future chapters. The narrative is certainly the most divisive element at the moment, so there’s a lot riding on where the writers go after the revelations and developments in the final act. The battle content is certainly heading in the right direction, but there’s still a question of whether or not the devs can sustain this momentum. There’s reason to be hopeful with what’s been established in Dawntrail, but what comes next will be crucial to Final Fantasy XIV’s outlook for the future.

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.

While players looking to check off all the boxes have their work cut out for them, a more casual approach to New Pokémon Snap really allows you to take things at your own pace, going down the rabbit holes you enjoy and ignoring the ones you don’t. Vague direction and limits on how many photos you can turn in at a time can get in the way, but overall, it’s a warm, peaceful trip as you discover these creatures in the wild and search out all the different ways they interact.

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.

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.

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.

Ultimately, this is an audacious experience, one that feels unique despite its age, and it deserves to be tried by anyone that seriously enjoys RPGs.

Resident Evil 3 is a superb reimagining that complements last year’s Resident Evil 2 by prioritizing frantic action without compromising its horror roots. Jill and Carlos’s emotional journey is bolstered by threats that build their bond in convincing ways, while Nemesis remains one of the series’ most memorable creations. More than a few surprises await veteran residents of Raccoon City.

There’s still a lot of good found in Berseria, specifically with the emotional story and unique cast of characters. The extra effort put into revamping exploration and traversing zones to make them more interesting shows promise too. There’s a solid foundation here for Bandai Namco to build upon, and for the first time in years, the Tales series shows flashes of a brighter future given the right ingredients.

While Squadrons may not be the most ambitious in scope, it does a great job of making you feel like a pilot in the Star Wars universe. Soaring through space and blasting ships is a lot of fun, and its implementation of VR is so good it feels mandatory now for future Star Wars flight games. More variety would go a long way, but at least it comes in a little cheaper at $40. Squadrons is easily one of the best Star Wars games to support VR, and it’s a solid choice all around.

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.

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.

For the three to four hours that it lasts, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a largely pleasant return to a series that deserves a bit more attention. With that said, although the gorgeous art and the other updates are welcome, the game has too many points of frustration to rise to a truly great level.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fully understanding the nuances of For Honor’s intimate melee combat requires patience and dedication, but players willing to fully commit themselves to mastering the art of battle will be undeniably rewarded. There are still some questions regarding peripheral elements like the Faction War and Ranked Play, and there are some small missteps with the campaign and micro-transactions. However, For Honor brings melee combat to life in a fundamental new way with complex and satisfying mechanics. If you enjoy meaningful victories, For Honor is for you.

The joyous carnage of Superhot remains solid throughout Mind Control Delete, despite the fact that the road you take intentionally tries to delay and derail you. If you’ve been waiting for more of this distinct gunplay, there are at least eight hours of it here, including infinite and endless modes. VR felt like the perfect evolution of the series when it launched, but this new entry lacks an identity beyond just bringing more Superhot to the fans that crave it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A wonderful trip beneath the waves, abounding in small surprises and impressing with the sheer density of life in certain scenes. Whether you’re riding a manta ray or zipping along a speedy current like a highway, it makes the natural world fun while adding its own intriguing mysteries to uncover.

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.

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.

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.

Dying Light 2 is an enjoyable zombie survival game, but little else. It's hard to get attached to the world on any sort of deeper level because it's too overstuffed for any one thing to strongly resonate. And it really, really wants you to care since it spends so much time trying to generate those feelings. It's a good and occasionally great game buried in an abundance of ambition that is never fully realized.

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.

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.

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.

Quantum Break is an incredible game that will hook you for its ten hour duration and stay with you long after that. The story is packed with mystery, suspense, and engaging characters caught in a high stakes situation where every decision is significant. While adding TV show may not have revolutionized storytelling, Quantum Break is a must play game for those looking to sink their teeth into a meaningful adventure.

World of Final Fantasy certainly is an inconsistent, yet intriguing experience. There’s a touching tale set against wonderful locations and characters drawn from Final Fantasy’s rich history, but its best parts are short-lived. The visuals nail the storybook vibe, and they’re accompanied by a solid soundtrack featuring original compositions and beautiful new arrangements of classic pieces. Yes, the combat system is obviously heavily influenced by a certain popular Nintendo franchise, but Square Enix has put a unique spin on the formula with the stacking mechanic.

Back 4 Blood is a solid return to the genre Turtle Rock helped define. Intense encounters and essential teamwork highlight the bonds of multiplayer, but uninspired missions leave many of the chapters feeling unmemorable. Meanwhile, the card and loot systems are easy to learn and deep enough without getting in the way. It will take more to keep players eager to return for another decade, but the foundation is a firm starting point.

Nintendo aims to expand the game with free updates after release, but for now Arms lays a solid foundation for the future. The vibrant cast of characters, accessible mechanics and couch friendly co-op offer a distinctive fighting game that feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The battles eventually become routine but offer an alternative to other complex and competitive fighting games.

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.

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.

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.

Even with a few frustrating aspects, Panzer Paladin is still a solid choice. Going through each of its stages and ripping enemies apart is a good time overall. The additional modes add some nice longevity, and its anime-inspired presentation is wonderful. It's time to suit up and save the world.

Sniper Elite 4 is a game for stealth enthusiasts. Setting up the perfect kill from a huge distance after sneaking past a base full of Nazi soldiers feels rewarding and earned. However, the scenarios fall flat, and the scope of the game is fairly limited. Attempts to offer more options and extend its lifespan don’t really pay off, but it’s still satisfying to shoot someone’s eye out.

With a first run taking 10 hours or less, Solar Ash is a focused affair that delivers on its vision without getting distracted by extraneous missions or checklists. The scale of its massive creatures pairs well with strong level design and interesting characters. It’s hard to avoid comparisons, but bold visuals and a sense of agility help separate Solar Ash from its inspirations and provide a surreal journey that’s all its own.

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.

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.

Though it’s a little shorter compared to its predecessors, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is a collection worthy of your time. The HD treatment on Dream Drop Distance is excellent. Birth by Sleep 0.2 - A Fragmentary Passage is a gorgeous prologue to Kingdom Hearts III, and while Kingdom Hearts X (key) Back Cover is the weakest link in the collection, it lets fans efficiently catch up on that chapter of the story. While it may just be an appetizer, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue is a fine example of why we’re still excited for the future of the franchise.

Although LawBreakers suffers from a sparse number of maps and shallow characters, its fast and fluid movement, gravity-defying combat, and emphasis on skill blend together to make for a solid multiplayer experience. There’s a decent core to build on, but it needs to do a lot more to stand out in the long run.

Tchia is a strong example of how such personal love and care can shine through every part of a game’s craftsmanship. Its environments, animals, clothing, dances, music, food, and folklore all convey a sense of deep cultural heritage as much as just being a fun video game to explore. Despite having a few rough edges to iron out, Tchia keeps you looking around every corner for the next thing to jump into, whether it’s a dolphin or a skateboard.

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.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a strong return to the original identity of the series. The increased emphasis on stealth encourages you to get more invested in your surroundings, while the streamlined equipment options and shortened length ensure Basim doesn’t wear out his welcome. Open combat and the story aren’t anything particularly special, but learning about Baghdad continues the series tradition of celebrating different time periods. With multiple Assassin’s Creed projects in the works, hopefully Ubisoft embraces the intimate focus of Mirage.

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.

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.

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.

If you're looking for a quick and bloody challenge, Bloodroots is a great pick. Running through levels and cutting down foes always feels satisfying, and its wide array of weapons is a pleasure to use. Bloodroots is a fast and frantic rush of violence.

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.

Mafia Definitive Edition is a loving and faithful remake of an underappreciated gem. The story, atmosphere, and sense of place have aged particularly well. The cover-based shootouts feature memorable scenarios, but the controls and Free Ride mode have room for improvement. After 18 years, Tommy Angelo’s violent tale of organized crime is still as memorable as ever.

It may not push its combat as hard as the original, but Axiom Verge 2 isn’t afraid of letting you forge your own path. Power-ups are spread out in a way that prevents them from simply feeling like keys needed to unlock the next area, and there are lots of extra goodies and fun secrets along the way. Axiom Verge 2 has a way of getting into your system and enticing you to uncover absolutely every last inch of its world.

At its core, Weird West is a solid game that presents a fun sandbox to play in. There are some aspects of its combat and story that aren't as strong as we'd hoped, but exploring the world and uncovering secrets with its strange and diverse cast of characters is enjoyable. It's time to saddle up and head out west.

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.

Ever Oasis is a decently enjoyable game, especially if you go into it aware that it requires some patience. It's just unfortunate that for all its various ideas, each of them needs work in one way or another. Still, Ever Oasis proves that there's plenty of appeal to harvest from its mixture of genres. Hopefully another game or even a sequel can more fully capitalize on such potential.

The Evil Within 2 is a ruthless nightmare that constantly challenges. The unsettling atmosphere contributes to a sense of unpredictability, and the unrelenting combat constantly takes more than it gives. Just when you start to get comfortable, it pushes back harder. Whether it’s a boss fight, a new enemy, or the ever-shifting environment, the circumstances always keep you off balance. The Evil Within 2 encapsulates the best elements of classic survival horror with a modern touch.

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.