Kirby’s greatest strength lies in the versatility and inventiveness of the powers he can absorb. Forming a team and combining those powers only adds to that joy of experimentation, but it’s disappointing that the places you go don’t do more to make the most of those abilities. Kirby Star Allies does get better in its later stages, it just isn’t particularly memorable as a whole.

Sea of Thieves is an ambitious game filled with some great ideas. Being able to explore the high seas with friends while collecting treasure, battling other pirates, and solving riddles is fun the first few times. However, after the short honeymoon phase is over, there’s not much left to keep your crew from abandoning ship.

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.

The Secret of Mana remake adds a few good things like hot keys and cut-scenes, but fails to improve upon some of the most notable flaws of the 1993 original. The adventure that so many people fell in love with is still there at its heart, but this version fails to show it off in the best light.

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.

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

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

If Divinity: Original Sin 2 had only been an enormous single-player RPG, it would still be far better than most of what you could compare it to. The fact that it has such well-implemented co-op and a user-friendly game master mode gives it a tremendous amount of value at a time where such a thing can feel like a rarity. Even if you never touch all of its various components, you'll still be left with a role-playing game that exemplifies the best aspects of its genre.

Fe’s shortcomings definitely hold it back from being something spectacular, but what it manages to achieve is still admirable. The stunning visuals, emotional singing mechanic, and the wonder of the world itself are top shelf efforts. Beneath its initial ambiguity and occasional rough patches lies a charming adventure.

There’s no denying Dissidia takes a huge risk in trying to do something unique, but this game simply asks too much of the average person. The online features will satisfy seasoned players, but there simply isn’t enough to keep everyone else coming back, especially considering the story mode’s numerous shortcomings. There’s certainly potential here, but it’s clear Square Enix needs to go back to the drawing board if Dissidia hopes to have any sort of future.

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.

Despite the cumbersome online and overly long story mode, Dragon Ball FighterZ is without question the best time we've had in a Dragon Ball game to date. It's such a delight to be able to play as characters who look and feel as powerful as they do in the source material. Yet even if you strip away the outer wrapping, there’s a completely solid and frantic fighting game underneath.

Lost Sphear successfully captures the essence of classic role-playing games. It tells an engaging story with likeable characters and satisfying combat, though for its simplicity and shortcomings, the $50 price tag does seem a bit steep. Tokyo RPG Factory hasn’t come close to reaching the heights of the classics, but Lost Sphear is a worthwhile addition to the genre.

Shadow of the Colossus sets the standard for remakes with its gorgeous visuals, new extra features, and refined controls. The essence of what made it great remains pure and untainted -- the epic battles against the Colossi, the great atmosphere, the amazing sense of wonder, and one of the best soundtracks to grace a video game. It’s a class act that manages to rekindle the raw emotion of exploring the Forbidden Lands for the first time, and reminds us once again that video games can truly be works of art.

here are so many moments of triumph, so many things to explore, and so many new creatures to see that it's fun letting it all surround you and simply settling in. The game lends enough of a guiding hand to get you in on that fun and excitement but never oversteps its bounds, creating something remarkable that really anyone can be a part of.

The Inpatient feels half-baked. The story and mechanics never come together in a satisfying way. Despite moments of terrifying audio-visual design, the cumbersome controls and a lack of interesting characters make The Inpatient a chore to play through.

While it may not do anything groundbreaking, there’s a decent game buried somewhere in Need for Speed Payback. It’s hard to deny the fun that still comes from sliding through mountain switchbacks or launching through the air like a rocket. However, the promise of pulling off epic heists falls flat, and Payback is crippled by its progression system. A car’s performance shouldn’t be determined by a slot machine, and a racing game shouldn’t force you to wait out in the parking lot.

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.

Star Wars Battlefront II features stunning audiovisual design, but it sets a new low for loot crate systems. With advantages determined by random chance and possibly returning to microtransactions in the near-future, it destabilizes the fun and spirit of competition. Meanwhile, the much-touted campaign is devoid of any memorable moments. Fans will certainly enjoy playing as the heroes and villains, but it’s hard to recommend Star Wars Battlefront II.

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.

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.

Sonic Forces doesn't ever reach the lowest lows the series has gone through in the past. Yet it also has almost nothing in it that leaves a lasting impression. It's the kind of game you can breeze through in an afternoon and then forget about immediately after. The customization in Forces is appreciated, but it’s nowhere near enough in a game that lacks great ideas.

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.

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

Super Mario Odyssey embraces its heritage at every turn, and the payoff isn’t merely a warm feeling of nostalgia at the fan service, but a reworking of the old with the new to produce something completely unique. Previous games have brief moments of wonder and charm, but they do not come close to the emotional gratification of Odyssey. Near-flawless controls, amazing worlds, a phenomenal new special ability, and a sense of freedom that’s not been seen in any previous game all add up to something special. This is another Mario game that will be remembered for ages to come.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a snarling beast of a game. Both its action and story feel like riding a raging bull - it’s exhilarating yet terrifying. But that's also the point. New Colossus knows how to elicit so much emotion from the player because it absolutely refuses to back down in any sense. It knows exactly what it wants to say and what it wants the player to overcome, leaving an impression that won't soon be forgotten.

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

Fire Emblem Warriors absolutely makes good on its combination of strategy and action, working better than many other licenses that have adopted the Warriors format. While it's definitely rough in spots, it does manage to capture a lot of the Fire Emblem spirit. If Nintendo keeps mixing its properties with the Warriors style, hopefully those games will learn a lot from this experiment.

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.

The driving is excellent, there’s an enormous amount of cars to explore, and the improvements to weather and race length are appreciated. Yet there’s no defining element to really get behind aside from the ability to play in 4K after the launch of the Xbox One X. On its own, Forza Motorsport 7 has merit, but if you’ve invested a lot of time into the series, it can feel like it’s spinning its wheels.

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.

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.

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.

Cuphead has had a long journey, and it’s great to see StudioMDHR’s efforts pay off. It does a superb job of capturing the essence of the early days of animation with fantastic art and a jazzy soundtrack. Its challenging difficulty provides some heart-pounding moments and an immense feeling of satisfaction once a boss is defeated. Although it suffers a bit in co-op and platforming levels, Cuphead is more than worthy of your time.

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

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is a hard game to pin down, a task made even more difficult by the plentiful competition of other recently released fighting games. It's easy to see the areas where the game could have been so much more, an especially frustrating exercise when you consider how much it gets right. If the most important part of a fighting game is the joy you can have during an individual match, then Infinite manages to capture that. Hopefully future updates can smooth over some of its roughest aspects so the game can shine more brightly.

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.

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.

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

Knack 2 is an improvement on the original in nearly every way. Constantly changing enemies and environments, a sizeable set of abilities, and seamless co-op are hindered by a mediocre story that’s hard to invest in. Still, it’s safe to say that Knack has been redeemed.

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.

Agents of Mayhem has some positives to work with. The animated cut scenes and original songs definitely show off some flair, and the characters present a strong range of fun play styles with room to experiment. However, the enemies and environments aren’t nearly strong enough to match, and the game is further weakened by progression issues. It maintains interest well enough as it introduces each new agent, but the repetition smothers it in the end.

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

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.

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.

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

Although you’ll appreciate certain elements more if you’ve loved Sonic for years, the game transcends the need for such deeply held nostalgia. In this or any other era, Sonic Mania is a vibrant and challenging platformer that draws you in through its passionate design.

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

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

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.

Final Fantasy XIV Online has come a long way since 1.0. Heavensward was an amazing first expansion, but Stormblood outclasses it in just about every regard. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s off to a very good start. Newcomers have a wide variety of options to jump in and get started, and veterans will be amazed by many of the new changes and alterations to the core experience. Anchored by superb visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, a compelling narrative, tons of side content, and an ever-increasing amount of end-game activities, Stormblood is an amazing expansion that delivers an excellent multiplayer experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is more than a simple port of the Wii U game. It’s a superior iteration of its counterpart, a superb racing game, and one of the best entries in the series. With the wide range of modes, racers, and characters at your disposal and so many different ways to play alone or with friends, you’d be remiss to pass up Mario Kart 8 a second time.

NetherRealm has raised the bar for storytelling in fighting games once again. The additional RPG elements could have gone sideways, but the long term goals and rewards create a sense of ownership with each character. The few additions to combat add thoughtful strategy to every encounter while maintaining accessibility for casual players. It’s clear that a lot of care has been put into every element of Injustice 2, making it a game that everyone should try.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While it’s easy to rattle off the merits of the various gameplay systems and gush about the presentation, those aren’t the things that make Persona 5 stick with you. It’s a game that’s willing to comment on the issues of today both in a broader sense and on a personal level. It doesn’t just have typical characters but rather people that you come to know by investing serious time in them. Persona 5 honors the now decades-old Shin Megami Tensei legacy without feeling content to stay within its limits, serving as a prime example of what a modern JRPG should be.

What it manages to faithfully recreate from the past is merely a facade that quickly shatters as you dig deeper into the game and stumble through its numerous faults. All that’s left is a platformer that fails to rise above mediocrity, in this day and age or any other.

For all Andromeda does right, the game constantly feels like it’s going to fall apart, suffering from countless bugs and performance issues. We’re playing on a standard PS4, and the game constantly struggles to load in assets. Simply driving across the environment often results in the Nomad stopping in place for a moment before moving on. Large sections of landscape will just disappear under the right circumstances. Even in small areas, like our ship, we’ll see entire rooms missing at times. We’ve encountered doubled character models. We’ve had XP notifications cycle endlessly and minor quests that won’t complete. We’ve been forced to reset when we couldn’t choose any dialogue options, and we’ve regularly encountered enemies that get stuck in the walls or just stand there unresponsively...It’s hard to wrap your head around how much of a mess it is when other areas of Mass Effect: Andromeda are such a step forward.

If you’re a newcomer to the series, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a laid-back setting. If you’re a pro, you’ll relish the new options in place for making your Pokémon all they can be. Sun & Moon is a Pokémon vacation we’d gladly take again.

If you’re a newcomer to the series, this is an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals in a laid-back setting. If you’re a pro, you’ll relish the new options in place for making your Pokémon all they can be. Sun & Moon is a Pokémon vacation we’d gladly take again.

True authorship is a rare thing to find in games, yet it’s very present in Nier: Automata. Like Yoko Taro’s past work, Automata challenges gaming norms through narrative structure, subjects discussed, and even how the nature of games can be used to convey ideas that other mediums can’t. In the past, appreciating these things meant accepting middling or even poor technical and mechanical aspects. With Nier: Automata, far fewer excuses are necessary. It’s a bold, stylish, and intelligent game that leaves an indelible mark.

Fire Emblem Heroes is a watered down version of the traditional Fire Emblem experience. While it’s completely possible to enjoy the game without spending a single cent, it’s designed with the pay to win model in mind so that spending cash will ensure a quick and fast route to victory. Coupled with the extremely aggravating and excessive stamina system, those trying to play the game for free will encounter numerous roadblocks and turnoffs. If you’ve never tried Fire Emblem before, this is a quick and easy introduction, but if any of its concepts appeal to you, you’re better off abandoning Heroes and jumping into any of the other great entries in the series.

Nintendo has achieved something really special with Breath of the Wild. All that’s holding it back are the glaring framerate issues, but even that’s not enough to dim the greatness that shines through. After trying for nearly a decade, the Zelda team has finally made a radical departure from the established Zelda formula. This is a bold new direction for the series, one that so perfectly embraces the spirit of the original NES adventure and re-imagines it for a new generation. Rather than striving to outdo Ocarina of Time, Nintendo has given us something entirely different, yet its impact is just as profound. Breath of the Wild is a landmark game that’s hopefully just the start of an amazing future for Link’s continuing adventures.

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.

Horizon Zero Dawn feels like a franchise in the making. While not packed with narrative high points, it’s still a compelling introduction to a world in turmoil that answers a lot of questions, but still gestures toward a more climactic future. Its primary element, squaring off against mechanized animals, is such a success, it makes up for the ongoing repetition of the game’s activities. When we look into Horizon’s future, we see a sequel that can take this world and make it into something remarkable.

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.

While perhaps not reaching the heights of Ninja Gaiden during its prime, it's nonetheless a revitalization. Nioh is much, much more than a summation of its influences. The game's white-knuckle action demands a high degree of determination, but controls so well that any failure can be attributed solely to the player. Although finishing a mission in Nioh is exhausting, especially the times when you walk away with only a sliver of health, it's very much a mountain worth climbing. There are few games currently available that are so utterly rewarding.

Resident Evil 7 is a glorious return to form for the celebrated franchise. Capcom has gone back to their survival horror roots while also remixing their original formula. PlayStation VR offers a unique way to play and the first-person perspective brings the horror to new heights along with an impactful cast of characters. After the concerning trend of action and explosions, subtle malevolent horror has finally come home.

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.

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.

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.

Dead Rising 4 offers players a chance to explore a zombie-infested open-world at their own leisure and kill throngs of enemies ad nauseam. While it’s fun to dispatch zombies with a multitude of toys, things quickly get repetitive and the lack of difficulty removes the excitement of overcoming the horde.

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.

Parts of the Alps absolutely take our breath away, and sky-hopping across the peaks in pursuit of sweet rides is sometimes as gnarly as its riders like Billy Romero or Ruben Bosman love to claim. But Steep is a repetitive climb through a vacant landscape. If you’re hungry for fresh powder, there are miles of it, sprinkled across some of the longest courses we’ve ever conquered in a video game, but Steep is going to have to figure out who it is before it can make a name for itself.

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

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.

Despite an inconsistent frame rate once again hindering the console versions, Dark Souls III is still an undeniable success. Before playing, we felt ready to say goodbye to the series, looking forward to whatever From Software gave us next. Yet after finishing, it's hard not wanting more. Few companies can craft a world so completely enthralling. Whether you've played every entry, started with Bloodborne, or are brand new, this is a game you should absolutely make time for.

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

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

Star Fox Zero is a wonderful re-imagining of one of the most beloved games in the series, blending elements from its early history in a tasteful manner. The meatier story mode leaves you with a better sense of fulfillment over its predecessors, and while there isn’t an online leaderboard to compare best times or scores, there are other extras to keep you playing. Adapting to the new controls might take more patience than some players are willing to give, but those who stick it out are rewarded with a higher-degree of precision than previously possible. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s safe to say Miyamoto’s latest experiment is a success.

Uncharted 4 is a landmark title that anyone remotely interested in interactive storytelling should invest in. Naughty Dog has once again raised the bar across the industry. Thrilling shootouts, a staggering level of detail, breathtaking visuals and emotional depth come together to make Uncharted 4: A Thief's End a must-play masterpiece.

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

We wish the story had a stronger narrative, the online restrictions weren’t so frustrating, and the humor had more variety. But the diversity in everyone’s abilities and playstyles should be enough to keep the light of this last star shining for dedicated Gearbox fans.

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

Though the game may seem sparse on maps and modes, the exquisite art direction, over-the-top action, and emphasis on teamwork all work together to provide endless hours of exhilaration. Most significant is the large cast of characters. With recognizable heroes that play as differently as they look, Blizzard has set a new standard for shooters. Overwatch is a triumph.

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

Umbrella Corps is another failed attempt from Capcom to capitalize on the current trend of team-based shooters. Aside from the locations and Umbrella logo, this game couldn't be further from the ideals established by Resident Evil in the last two decades. Maybe someday Capcom can find a formula that works, but Umbrella Corps is a cheap, uninspired, and unbalanced take on the genre that’s far too simple and messy to be worth the time. This game is a virus that should be avoided at all costs.

While there’s nothing else out there that can deliver the thrill of racing across this vast city and scaling massive buildings using insane parkour techniques, the sense of wonder isn’t as strong as before. Catalyst is held back by a horrendous combat system and a lackluster story that takes itself too seriously. If you can get past its flaws, you’ll find Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is still a modest platformer.

The Witcher 3: Blood & Wine is an exceptional expansion that reignites a sense of wonder even for players who have put in hundreds of hours so far. The breadth and variety of all that’s included stands stronger than many full-priced sequels. As a twenty-dollar add-on, it’s absolutely worthwhile.