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.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 shines with personality, and every time you take the elevator to a new floor, it feels like a pleasant surprise. The game does a lot to move the series forward, but in ways that feel so natural, it’s hard to imagine playing without its new additions. It’s easily the best game in the series, and we’re glad Luigi’s been given another chance to step out of the shadows.

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

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.

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.

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

Returnal is a great debut for Housmarque on the PS5. The $70 price tag may be off-putting for some, but it makes a great case for itself thanks to excellent gameplay, an intriguing narrative, and replayability. It would be nice if some of the areas felt more distinct from one another and there are a few tech issues left to iron out. Regardless, Returnal is a blast to play and worth going down the rabbit hole in search of its secrets.

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

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.

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.

13 Sentinels is not the first gorgeous game Vanillaware has made. The reason it’s exceptional is because of how exciting the journey is. Sure, there’s the mystery box pull as you peel away layer after layer, but a giant reason you’ll want to hungrily jump to the next chapter is because the characters are just so charming. It is relatively rare that a video game story is this captivating and it’s absolutely worth making time for.

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.

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.

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!

Whether you’re taking in the details up close, or soaring over the freezing skyline, Spider-Man: Miles Morales looks and performs better than the first game in every way. It’s clearly setting the stage for a massive sequel, but this is more than just a stop-gap between generations. The struggles that Miles faces and the fears that he conquers to become a hero on his own terms make this short but sweet side-story memorable and meaningful. It’s an unmissable adventure for any Spider-fan that can’t wait for a second chance to suit up.

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.

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.

While there are some details to refine, what stands out most is just how complete and cohesive The Outer Worlds is. Every system works in tandem. Companions support your skills, people comment on what you wear, and choices have lasting consequences. There are so many variables in how the story can go, but as you play, it does such an excellent job of reinforcing your decisions and making you feel like you’re on the right path.

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.

Even when considering its shortcomings, it's hard to deny the quality of Nioh 2 overall. There’s a lot here, and considering how heavily the game leans on combat, it's very smart to offer the player so much freedom to find their own way forward. All of the weapons feel viable, and not only are there so many to choose from, but how you specifically wield each one and what you support those weapons with can vary significantly. While Nioh 2 doesn't have the same sort of spark that accompanied the original game, in many ways, it highlights why the series is special and refines the groundwork of what came before.

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.

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.

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.

Death's Door is a solid title that gives a great sense of discovery, while also providing some challenging highlights that never feel unfair. A few more bosses would be appreciated, and some of its characters could use some more love, but the fluid combat and simple but enjoyable puzzles make it a pleasure to play. It's an easy recommendation to anyone looking for a lighthearted, quirky adventure.

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.

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

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.