There’s no denying that Astro Bot owes a lot to its predecessors, but it still manages to find ways to innovate and make its own mark, from the excellent integration of PlayStation’s history, to the unbelievable Hero Worlds, to the creative new mechanics and power-ups. Add in gorgeous visuals, joyful vibes, near-perfect controls, a terrific soundtrack, and excellent rewards for curiosity and exploration, and you have the makings of something truly special.

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.

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.

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.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a hardcore action RPG that demands patience and perseverance. It doesn’t hold your hand, and figuring out how to progress can be cryptic. Combat is spectacular with a variety of classes that all feel distinct and viable, while exploration feels particularly rewarding. In a crowded genre, Dragon’s Dogma 2 feels special, with old school sensibilities that reward you for paying attention.

As big of an impact as Remake made upon its release, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth eclipses it in nearly every way. It improves upon just about every facet of its predecessor by introducing incredible new mechanics, an unbelievable world to explore, countless charming mini-games, another out-of-this-world soundtrack, some of the most memorable characters, and a fascinating storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is truly a must-play game for anyone who loves RPGs.

Revisiting a classic is an exciting proposition, yet there are always concerns about respecting the original. Persona 3 Reload doesn’t quite address all the shortcomings of its previous renditions, nor does it include all the extras added over the years. However, it’s another incredible take that stands proudly alongside the other stellar versions of the game. With all of its new additions and features, especially the updated visuals, rewind function, and new battle mechanics, Reload is the best way to experience Persona 3.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a successful reinvention of the dormant franchise that carves out a marvelous new identity, one that clearly has a bright future. While it doesn’t revolutionize the Metroidvania genre, it certainly elevates it to new heights by refining it and blending in the best aspects of previous Prince of Persia entries. Combined with a terrific soundtrack, a stylish aesthetic, and an intriguing narrative that avoids the pitfall of becoming too overbearing, The Lost Crown marks an excellent start to 2024.

Alan Wake 2 is both a survival horror and psychological horror masterpiece. It represents the best of the genre with extraordinary atmosphere, characters you root for, and a high stakes narrative with horrifying and emotional weight. Exploration is rewarding, its presentation is pioneering, and it continually makes you question just how much you think you know about what’s going on. Remedy has delivered a special game that will be adored forever.

Nintendo chose the perfect word to affix to this latest Super Mario Bros. title. It’s the word that best sums up everything about this game. After so many iterations of the 2D Mario formula, it’s a wonder that the developers could still come up with something this innovative, with crazy new levels and cunning secrets that reward your curiosity. The sense of wonder is palpable any time you encounter one of the game’s signature blue flowers, with no idea what will happen next. And the Wonder Effect concept is one of the best new additions to the franchise since Mario first hopped on Yoshi’s back. Most of all, it’s wonder that you’ll feel as you play through one of the best Mario games of all time.

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

Spider-Man 2 is an excellent sequel that smartly builds on the solid foundation set in the previous installments. The web wings are a fun addition to traversal, while combat and stealth have been improved and refined with easier access to gadgets and the new web lines. Swapping between Peter and Miles is not only fun for gameplay variety, but creates a convincing sense of individuality as they go off and do their own things. After a three year wait, Insomniac has delivered a definitive Spider-Man, yet again.

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.

In all, Cocoon lasts about four to five hours, and it twists your brain up in knots the further you go. Despite its heady concepts, puzzle solutions never feel too frustrating or obscure, and interacting with different objects feels tangible and tactile. It’s mesmerizing from beginning to end, tightly crafted and wonderfully creative. If anything, the succinct length just means that there’s no excuse to let this one pass you by.

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

Put it all together and Sea of Stars is a work of incredible craftsmanship that captures the essence of the classics that inspired it without feeling like a mere copycat. It’s easy to feel the love that went into every inch of making it, and it simply gets better as it goes. Not only that, but in a year with so many massive games with complex systems and inventories to manage, Sea of Stars feels genuinely refreshing, like a splash of cool water on your face.

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.

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

The Armored Core series has a long history dating back decades, and Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon feels like the start of an exciting new era for the series. There’s a strong sense that the team has learned a lot over the years, and they’ve expertly weaved those lessons throughout this game. Combat is smooth and satisfying with good controls, fun, diverse weapons, and a wide variety of missions. And customizing your AC is addictive with a ton of options at your disposal. It may take some time for newcomers to get acclimated, but once you sink your teeth into it, it becomes apparent that Armored Core VI is something special.

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.

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

Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is a difficult case where strong individual aspects don’t fully come together as a strong whole. There are precious characters here that are worth getting to know, but it feels like they get lost in the macro-events of later chapters. And while there are numerous variations and endings to replay this 10-hour story, the systems governing which choices you make feel more limiting than liberating.

Final Fantasy XVI is a phenomenal game, through and through. A marvelous battle system, incredible story and characters, a wondrous world full of exploration and intrigue, plenty of RPG tropes, and an outstanding soundtrack all highlight why Final Fantasy XVI is truly something special. The last few entries stumbled out of the gates, sowing some doubt about the future of the franchise. In stark contrast, Final Fantasy XVI rises to the occasion, restoring the lofty status the series once enjoyed and taking the franchise in a new direction while still honoring its legacy. In a year full of amazing games, Final Fantasy XVI emerges as a frontrunner.

Building off the foundation of Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way. It's filled with wonder and discovery throughout, constantly rewarding your curiosity. New mechanics like Fuse, Ascend, and Ultrahand transform how you interact with the world and give you even more opportunities to think differently about traversal and problem solving. Temples are a good upgrade and feel more clever and fleshed out, and the new sky and underground areas are excellent and serve as stark contrasts to the surface. Some technical aspects can get in the way at times, but not nearly enough to diminish the experience. It's been a long time coming for Tears of the Kingdom, but Nintendo has once again delivered a fantastic adventure that shouldn't be missed.

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.

Redfall is an epic miss from Arkane. The combat is mind-numbing, the quests are uninspired, co-op is a bummer, and the story doesn’t reach its potential. The only saving grace is its setting, but it’s pulled down by everything else. While co-op is the focus of the marketing, it doesn’t feel like a priority in Redfall’s design. There is some basic enjoyment in the solo campaign if you just want to turn your brain off, explore the town, and blast some goons, but there are easily better alternatives out there.

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

On the surface, Dead Island 2 is certainly all about slicing up zombies without a lot of emotional stakes, but there’s a notable attention to depth and detail that’s evident throughout. The sense of impact as weapons crack bone and send bodies flying entices you to keep tinkering with abilities, to go back for side quests after the story’s done, and to consider giving it another run with friends. Zombies have splashed down in LA: grab a hammer and get to work.

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.

Resident Evil 4 more than lives up to the legacy of the original game that released almost two decades ago. Combat is dramatically improved thanks to smoother controls, more threatening enemy behavior, and most importantly, the new knife mechanics. Treasure hunting has been rebalanced to highlight difficult decisions regarding resource management. Optional side quests incentivize risk vs. reward, while certain boss fights have been dramatically improved. Capcom continues their winning streak with an absolute masterclass in survival horror.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is another exceptional entry in the long-running franchise. The change of scenery does a lot for the game. It offers a fresh take on combat, it helps to alleviate the building franchise fatigue for veterans, and it provides a less-intimidating starting point for newcomers. Regardless of the different setting, though, Ishin is one of the best games in the series, with an emotionally engaging story, a memorable cast of characters, and a host of meaningful activities. It took almost a decade to release outside of Japan, but the wait was worth it.

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.

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.

Blanc isn’t a heady game or a particularly sad game, it’s about the simple beauty of companionship. As you clamber over rooftops, slide down hills, or push through blinding winds, you’re doing so with someone you care about at your side, going out together for a memorable walk in the snow.

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

This new version of Dead Space is the gold standard for what a remake can be. Remaining faithful to the original game while also creating meaningful additions to exploration and character interactions. It’s perfect for either new players or those who have trekked through the Ishimura countless times. After being dormant for nearly a decade, Dead Space has finally returned, and it’s better than ever.

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

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

It's been a long time coming for Bayonetta 3, but PlatinumGames has delivered once again. While the technical aspects are disappointing, new additions like taking control of Bayonetta’s giant demons are awesome. As always, the refined combat mechanics are where Bayonetta truly shines, with a diverse and over-the-top arsenal that’s a blast to get your hands on.

Somerville has some rough edges to iron out, and in both puzzle mechanics and atmosphere, it doesn’t stand quite as tall as some of its contemporaries. Also, while the family dynamic is a key part of the narrative, it feels like there’s more gameplay potential there that could have been explored. That said, Somerville still offers a worthwhile and moody sci-fi journey with a few fun tricks up its sleeve and secrets to unravel.

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

God of War Ragnarok is a worthy follow up to the 2018 masterpiece. It’s easily one of the most epic games of the year, but it’s hard to shake the sense of safe familiarity, diminishing that rare, magical feeling that came with its predecessor. Combat is undeniably superior and more polished, but the story can drag on for long stretches of time, while the limited exploration is saved by excellently balanced puzzles, meaningful side activities, and engrossing conversations. Expectations are enormous, and despite some limitations, God of War Ragnarok delivers another precious entry to the tale of the Ghost of Sparta.

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

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

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a splendid sequel with a terrific new take on exploration while simultaneously revamping the combat for the better with the clever addition of Sparks and marvelous new characters. It definitely could use a bit more polish, but it’s still a gorgeous looking game in spite of some technical shortcomings. Clocking in at roughly 20 hours to complete, plus several more for extras, it feels like the perfect length and never overstays its welcome. It’s definitely worth the wait, but here’s hoping it’s not another five years before we see a follow-up to this magnificent series.

The DioField Chronicle establishes a decent framework for a fresh new strategy franchise with a solid, streamlined control scheme, but it's not quite fleshed out enough to keep gameplay interesting until the end. The lack of a more dynamic story and a flat presentation don’t help either. Despite its flaws, there’s still some fun to be had here if you’re looking for mechanics that tread different ground from the usual Square Enix tactical fare. Hopefully it will do well enough to get a sequel that can realize its full potential.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a clear improvement over its predecessors in almost every way. It streamlines so much and avoids past pitfalls, though there’s still work to be done in terms of balancing the difficulty. There’s a grounded story here with a solid cast of characters, and the basic plot is much easier to digest. The world design exceeds past efforts with ease, and the implementation of Hero Quests is a game changer. While the devs have done an admirable job making the battle system easier to grasp, it feels like the series has fully explored and exhausted these core combat mechanics, signaling it’s time for the next game to change things up. As a whole, it stands as a phenomenal RPG with a one-of-a-kind sense of exploration you can’t find anywhere else.

The Last of Us Part I is faithful to the original masterpiece, preserving the emotions of Naughty Dog’s groundbreaking tale while removing some limitations of aging technology that held it back. The story is still as powerful now as it ever was, and the stealth action combat remains tense and meaningful. The visuals are undeniably breathtaking, but contribute to a different vibe that isn’t always better. The world will surely debate which version of The Last of Us is superior in the years to come, but really, there’s no right or wrong answer.

Thymesia is a solid debut for OverBorder Studio. It has some rough edges, but it's still a good time thanks to a focus on core combat mechanics, aided by the versatility of its plague weapon system. It may not stand among the best in the genre, but it has enough going for it to see it through to the end.

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

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

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.

In spite of any criticisms, however, it is undeniable that Sunbreak is an exceedingly excellent expansion. At their best, the battles with such incredible creatures are really the sort of win by the skin of your teeth affairs that provide such magic and excitement. Sunbreak also props up ideas that were introduced in the base game, feeling like it's actually enriching what's already there. If you've never played Monster Hunter or have always been scared to dive in, you are truly missing out — a sentiment I cannot overemphasize. The particular intricacy of the mechanics and how they all meld into something unique is really quite unlike anything I've experienced.

It's been a long time coming, but The Delicious Last Course is an excellent addition to Cuphead. Its presentation is a rare treasure that’s worth celebrating, showcasing outstanding animation and music alike. The new bosses are glorious spectacles, Ms. Chalice is a great companion to the original team, and The King's Leap challenges you in all new ways. If this is the last we see of our cup-headed buddies, it's a fantastic farewell.

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

Nintendo Switch Sports is a tricky one to consider. It’s as fun as the series has ever been, and online interactions ensure that you have a reason to keep playing between holidays. If all you’re looking for is the chance to bowl with your family without pulling out an aging Wii, Switch Sports is great, if overpriced. It could just use more – more sports, more mini-games, more progression, more cosmetics, and so on. There are so many ways that the concept could be expanded upon and made more robust without sacrificing its simplicity.

Rising is absurdly dragged out for no real reason and suffers as a result. It's still worth checking out for anyone excited about the upcoming Eiyuden Chronicle JRPG, but it's hard not to wish the recommendation could be more fully throated than that.

Trek to Yomi doesn’t offer anything essential, but it scratches a very specific itch. Edo Era Japan is an entertaining setting, and the lethal sword duels are engaging albeit basic. A few extra enemy types and further insight into Hiroki’s struggle could have elevated Trek to Yomi to greater heights, but it’s still a fun diversion for those looking to clash swords.

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.

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

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

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

Gran Turismo 7 certainly has its share of detriments and eccentricities, some of which are bound to bother some players much more than others. Yet, the parts that matter most are at the top of their class. The café guides players through the campaign in a way that feels fresh and fits the GT culture, the visuals can have you doing a double take, and all of it is in support of phenomenal next-level driving. Gran Turismo feels more welcoming and approachable than ever, without sacrificing its identity.

Any new From Software game comes with a lot of expectations, and Elden Ring delivers. It's a thrilling adventure that provides a wonderful sense of discovery through an expertly crafted world, seamlessly incorporating the excellent combat and encounters the studio is known for. The level of difficulty may be off-putting for some, but Elden Ring is so fantastic that it's absolutely worth fighting through to the end.

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

Horizon Forbidden West is a long game set in a huge world, but it earns that massive scope. The length is bolstered by performances as unique as the faces that bring them to life and a topical story that remains compelling throughout. The big map is stacked with small icons, but it all leads in the same direction as you cross expansive hostile terrain toward a threat the game never stops hyping up. Aloy’s observatory dialogue can get redundant and there are some other minor distractions, but the rest of the game is so excellent that none of that matters much in the end. It’s a potent evolution of the first game’s strengths, and the enthusiasm put into every element, from its distinct creatures to its signature combat, always shines through.

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 Gunk is a slippery one to pin down. It doesn’t get too bogged down in any major flaws, but it doesn’t do much to surprise either, sticking to adventuring basics, and a small toolset of abilities. That said, there is some good characterization here, and whether it ties into the SteamWorld universe or takes its own branch, it would be great to see Rani and Becks back for a more grand adventure.

There are numerous worthwhile aspects of Brilliant Diamond to dig into, but it's infuriating that you essentially have to trudge through an entire game to even gain access to so many of them. It's an absurdly high barrier to clear, one made even less palatable by the full retail price. The game is ultimately a giant missed opportunity. Instead of looking critically at Pokémon, Brilliant Diamond plays it as safe as it possibly can. The remake perfectly encapsulates all the good and bad of the series: there is something remarkable to enjoy, but you have to work through too much nonsense to get there.

Endwalker exudes excellence. The minor shortcomings pale in comparison to the sheer magnitude of its achievements. It’s one of the most ambitious MMO expansions ever made, and a magnificent conclusion to a journey that boasts some of the best storytelling in this medium. Those harboring reservations about the time commitment should carefully consider that you’re missing out on one of the best experiences in gaming. It’s been a remarkable eleven-year journey, and here’s to many more adventures to come.

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.

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.

Battlefield 2042 is inconsistent. The maps and vehicular combat are top tier, while the specialists and redesigned scorecard diminish teamwork. Hazard Zone does its best to offset these issues, but playing without a dedicated squad can be tricky. Portal opens the window to what could be a brighter future for the franchise, and hopefully DICE adds meaningful updates to the service at a steady rate. Battlefield 2042 has a long and windy road ahead, and only time will define its lasting legacy. As of this moment, all but the most dedicated veterans should probably wait and see how things shake out.

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

With every new year, we get a new Call of Duty, and while this year's entry is decent, it's not essential. There’s still some good fun to be had here, but it never goes beyond expectations. In particular, Zombies in its current state feels like a lackluster step back. If you're an avid Call of Duty fan, Vanguard may still be strong enough to hold your interest, but if you've grown skeptical over the years, it isn't likely to bring you back into the fray.

After four previous tours, there’s certainly a feeling of familiarity that can lessen its impact at times, and hopefully the online issues will stabilize soon. Forza Horizon 5 is less of a leap forward than its predecessor, for sure, but that doesn’t stop it from delivering an impeccably crafted world with a staggering number of fantastic things to do and jaw-dropping places to see. As much as it’s a racing game, it’s also a driving adventure. It balances chaos and precision, exploration and speed, and it gets our wholehearted recommendation for anyone who wants to get behind the wheel.

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.

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

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.

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.

For as fantastic as Dread looks and generally runs, there are infrequent but quite noticeable instances when the framerate drops. It's also mildly annoying how long the transitions are from one area to another. While these are criticisms worth noting, they almost feel petty when compared to the staggering amount of things that the game crushes. Honestly, it's a relief that Metroid is finally getting the kind of care it so justly deserves. Metroid Dread is the very definition of a must-play title.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

After previous attempts only achieved half-measures, Tales of Arise finally takes the series in a new direction. There are sure to be veterans who lament some of the changes in the name of expanding the audience, but the risks taken here pay off nicely. The visuals are a marked improvement from any previous entry, and the combat looks and feels better than ever, even if it comes at the cost of losing some depth. Arise’s narrative admirably tackles some ambitious themes, though not all beats hit their mark. However, despite a few flaws, Tales of Arise is a fantastic RPG that stands as one of the best the series has to offer.

More than anything, such a strong and clear vision is what makes No More Heroes 3 work as well as it does. It’s beyond clear that Suda cares about this series from the bottom of his heart, and that love is what makes this game special. No More Heroes 3 is not just a good SUDA51 game, it's one of the best games of the year.

Even in retrospect, it’s easy to look at Hoa and imagine possibilities that it just doesn’t fulfill. The way it contextualizes its mechanics is wonderful, but there’s not enough depth, risk, or complexity to complement those ideas. As a result, the brief experience becomes rather flat and routine.

There are moments when elements jarringly clash, though. It can occasionally feel weird combing the environment for collectibles in the midst of a dramatic scene, or having minor dialogue loop incessantly, taking away from the otherwise impeccable and engrossing world. Such minor complaints truly sizzle into nothing though when compared to the gigantic achievements of Psychonauts 2. It's the kind of game that feels like it only comes around a scant few times per console generation. In an industry that can sometimes feel like it's just regurgitating the same cynical product repeatedly, Psychonauts 2 is a beaming ray of unbridled imagination. One that will hopefully get the love it’s due.

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.

Taking 25 hours or so to complete, Cris Tales isn’t exactly short, but it often points to a larger world and more consequential choices than it really has to offer. The world feels small and only seems to get smaller as you get near the end and revisit past areas. It’s an absolutely beautiful game with interesting mechanics and some fun characters, but it doesn’t fully flesh out the expectations it initially sets.

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.