It's hard to go into more detail about why The Alters is so great without spoiling the experience—it truly is a game that is best enjoyed with as few preconceived opinions as possible. What is more or less undeniable is The Alters' ingenuity, its clever and thoughtful narrative structure, and its satisfying, genre-defying gameplay loop. The Alters represents a massive step forward for 11 Bit Studios, positioning its greatest strengths in a new light, and ultimately unfolding into one of the best gaming experiences you're likely to have all year.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a well-made game, but the story mode can be a drag and the multiplayer implementation may not be what fans expect. There is still room for improvement with this franchise, and it's easy to see how a third entry that addresses these concerns could very well end up being a classic.

Overall, The Rise of the Golden Idol is a massive achievement in storytelling and gameplay, especially for a point-and-click puzzle game. Despite its steep challenge and the potential for players to encounter a game-halting bug, The Rise of the Golden Idol is worth a try, even for those who might not consider themselves a fan of the genre. Its gameplay is slow and intentional, but filling out those Event pages, completing every objective, and witnessing the whole story unfold is highly satisfying — something even some of the most fast-paced action games fail to accomplish.

Ratchet and Clank makes the rest of the current-gen remasters looks lazy, by rebuilding the original game from the ground up and delivering a hilarious adventure full of enormous guns.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land being a super easy game is to be expected as a low difficulty is really one of the Kirby franchise's defining traits, but that, combined with how short it is, may leave some fans feeling somewhat unsatisfied. However, Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a consistently entertaining, adorable, and clever little 3D platformer while it lasts, and it even has some surprising Kirby lore revelations thrown in for good measure. Despite its short length, Kirby and the Forgotten Land marks yet another must-play Switch exclusive, especially for fans of the franchise.

As someone who has always admired visual novels from the outskirts but has always been hesitant to dive into the genre, it's a testament to the greatness of The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy that I now find myself eager to go back and play through its creators' previous works. But that won't be possible until I invest dozens more hours into Hundred Line's story in an attempt to unlock and see all 100 endings the game has to offer, which feels practically essential given how much enjoyment there is to be found in both its narrative and its TRPG gameplay.

In short, FIFA 17 is a fuller experience than previous games, and when that’s married up with the slick, licensed depth and complex player ratings that fans expect, it’s hard to find reasons not to pick it up. The gaming equivalent of a half-volley into the top corner.

The Nintendo Switch edition is a great choice for anyone who is feeling nostalgic or hasn’t picked up the game before. The Switch’s visuals are on-par with the other remastered releases of Final Fantasy X/X-2, but with the added plus of custom controller binds and the Quick Recovery system.

Desperados 3 is a stellar game with tight mechanics and a healthy dose of variety. A strong cast of characters and a setting that feels foreign to stealth games make it a unique experience, even with some frustrating moments sprinkled within. Its challenging moments may be a barrier for some, but it ultimately succeeds as one of this generation's best stealth games.

During the 20+ hours that can be plugged into Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle campaign, fans will be exposed to a funny and visually engaging world worth exploring that features some genuinely challenging portions of combat. Reoccurring enemies may weigh down an otherwise varied universe, but the end result of this partnership between Ubisoft and Nintendo is a wonderful, tactics-heavy venture that Switch owners won’t want to let pass them by.

The controls are tight, the challenge is stiff, and the graphics are second-to-none. Crash Bandicoot 4 is a highly-polished platformer and stands out as easily one of the best platformers available on current-generation consoles.

It’s safe to say that anyone who has nostalgia for Spyro or Crash will likely have a great time with Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and while the difficulty will be polarizing, the game is stuffed with content, and since it’s available at a budget price, picking it up is a no-brainer.

A high quality collection that will enthral new players and offer those who haven’t picked up the series in a long time an excellent reason to revisit it. Minor technical issues and dated gameplay aside, it is hard to find a compilation with this much value built-in, and Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is the best excuse Square has given players to brush up on Kingdom Hearts yet.

Rare Replay is exactly what’s been advertised and it’s so modestly priced that it’s easily one of the biggest no-brainers in gaming.

Thank Goodness You’re Here’s humor is its strongest asset, so the trade-off is worth it. Games don't usually prioritize comedy, much less nail it, and that makes developer Coal Supper's first full title that much more impressive. Like a lot of sketch comedy shows, a decent portion of the gags in Thank Goodness You're Here don’t hit their marks, but the ones that do are utterly delightful bursts of joy that are funny to both watch and partake in.

Putting aside slight gripes with performance, Shin Megami Tensei 5 is still largely excellent on Nintendo Switch. Returning fans, especially those with a love for SMT 3: Nocturne, will absolutely enjoy the fifth entry. New players and fans of JRPGs will equally find a lot to love with this entry as well. SMT 5 plays out like a true modernization for the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, overhauling and revamping the visual and gameplay design in a way that remains both traditional and progressive. Atlus is taking a big step forward with Shin Megami Tensei 5, and for the most part, nails all of the aspects that make it a stellar entry in the long-running JRPG franchise.

Horizon Zero Dawn is already an exceptional game in its own right, but on PC it is easily the better experience. Whether gamers weren't interested the first time around or they don't have a PS4 but do have a PC, this is still a must-play. Even those that enjoyed Horizon Zero Dawn will find that the PC version brings some new layers to the table thanks to the higher frame rate and improved visuals. The game still adheres to the open-world mold a little more than some might hope, but the environments, story, and gameplay help elevate it enough to be memorable.

It’s an absolute blast to build attractions and customize each park’s look from the ground up, and the game consistently keeps things fun and light. It’s hard to shake a feeling of utter satisfaction when one grabs a first-person seat and rides through a freshly built coaster, or watches as a series of triggers make a giant leviathan pop out of a lake every time guests walk near it.

After the slightly disappointing Gears of War 4, Gears 5 shows that the series is back with a vengeance, with what is the best Gears of War game yet.

Some flow hiccups will do little to interrupt the fun for most players, who will instead see a uniquely clever game, full of wonderful idiosyncrasies, that tells a delightful tale of murder and deceit.

Ska Studios’ Salt and Sanctuary is obvious about trying to emulate Dark Souls, but offers enough deep gameplay and beautiful aesthetic to stand tall on its own.

Gears 4 is a painstakingly crafted love letter to those that have a meaty soft spot for the franchise. Aside from the costly cosmetic-focussed transactions, this is the exact experience that fans have been waiting for.

Halo 5: Guardians may stumble in regards to split-screen multiplayer, but it’s still a game that’ll grow in the months proceeding its launch.

Darkest Dungeon is one of the best roguelike games to be had, and anyone who enjoys a challenging dungeon crawler will find themselves playing adventure after adventure with rotating rosters of forlorn heroes. At its heart, Darkest Dungeon is Lovecraftian horror of the finest caliber – it’s unforgiving, brutal, and filled with misfortune.

For many, DiRT Rally 2.0 will check off all the right boxes for those who have been fans of the series thus far. It offers plenty of compelling modes, a new challenge, and its weather system helps give the courses a lot of character. Yes, there are going to be moments where the game doesn’t function as realistic as one might hope, but it’s only a small bump on an otherwise enjoyable ride.

Soulcalibur 6 might not be quite as groundbreaking as past games, but it’s still a must-buy for fighting game enthusiasts or fans of the franchise.

And that can be said of Guardians of the Galaxy in a multitude of ways. As chaotic as it gets and despite any faults players may have with it, it’s hard not to feel like Star-Lord himself at the end of the game. For a game with such a heavy focus on narrative and choices, player investment is crucial, and Guardians of the Galaxy delivers tenfold.

The colorful levels, the synth heavy soundtrack, and the varied weaponry create a feel that’s unlike anything seen today, and the boss battles are equal parts challenge and bombast.

Keep Driving could perhaps be improved through a couple of quality-of-life enhancements, like the ability to zoom out on the map or a better way to manage quests, but these shortcomings pale in comparison to its overwhelming charm and effective small-scale storytelling. It's a game worth recommending to anyone seeking a unique, satisfying, surprisingly replayable experience. It's a truly special game.

For character action and Soulslike fans, Stellar Blade is absolutely worth picking up on PC, and it joins a growing roster of like-minded games while simultaneously standing out as one of the better entries in the genre. PC players have been waiting over a year for Stellar Blade to make its way to the platform, and ShiftUp has put in the work to make sure it arrives in the best possible state, delivering a port that lives up to the game's quality and sets a bar for how other developers should approach their PC ports of formerly console-exclusive titles.

That Ragebound's story runs concurrently to the events of the first Ninja Gaiden is fitting, as Ragebound is the best the series has felt in 2D since that iconic 1989 classic, and it's more than deserving of being talked about in the same breath as one of the greatest action-platformers of all time.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a fantastic homage to the classic TMNT games that players loved thirty years ago. It doesn’t do anything new with the beat 'em genre and could use an extra game more or two, but that’s ok; the game's core is still incredibly entertaining and is sure to satisfy fans of the Ninja Turtles. Shredder’s Revenge offers deep, fast-paced combat while being widely approachable to new players, and it's all packaged inside a loving tribute to the 1987 cartoon, teeming with personality and admiration for everyone’s favorite heroes in a half-shell.

As a remake, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D honors the spirit of the original game in a way that preserves it for future audiences. For better or worse, this means retaining the grindy nature of an old-school JRPG and some occasionally obtuse mechanics. But throughout the experience, it's hard to shake the undeniable feeling of nostalgia that permeates every moment of gameplay. Playing Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is the equivalent of JRPG comfort food, and if that's any indication of what players can expect from the upcoming remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, I can't wait to pull up a seat at the table again.

Magic Arena is easily the most accessible and user-friendly version of the classic strategy card game. As the platform grows, makes improvements, and adds additional sets over time, it is sure to continue to be one of the main ways that gamers experience Magic: The Gathering at both the casual and competitive levels.

Avalanche has created something truly special with Hogwarts Legacy. It succeeds at being the dream Harry Potter game that many fans were hoping for, and if nothing else, it creates a rock-solid foundation for future Wizarding World games to be built upon. Hogwarts Legacy lives up to the hype, and we can confidently say it's the best thing to come out of the Harry Potter franchise since the original books and movies.

Resident Evil Village doesn't have the most engrossing or satisfying story in Resident Evil history, and its more action-oriented approach is likely to disappoint fans that enjoyed RE7's pure horror. However, Resident Evil Village is packed with replay value, rarely has a dull moment, and should leave Resident Evil fans excited for the franchise's future.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is one of the prettier games on Nintendo’s Wii U console, and it’s a standout addition to the platform’s library. Setting aside the learning curve for newcomers and an astute lack of immediate aid from the game itself, the title offers fans a massive world that they’ll easily get lost in.

Viewfinder is fun while it lasts and has more than one moment that will leave players with a smile on their faces. It doesn't live up to its full potential, but it's still a solid game and one that will hopefully inspire others to explore similar concepts. It's easy to see how Viewfinder's picture-to-reality idea could be huge for something like a horror game or even a first-person shooter. Applying the brilliant idea at its core to something with a better story and more content would be the makings of an instant classic. What's here is still certainly worth the price of admission, however.

Frictional Games has a psychological thriller on their hands with SOMA, a game which prompts questions about humanity amidst the chaos that lurks within PATHOS-II.

Having reached what amounts to the “end game” of modern Pokemon titles,it becomes clear that Ultra Moon is easily the better experience when compared to the original jaunt through Alola.

WWE 2K25 is the best WWE 2K game since the franchise made its return with WWE 2K22. The in-ring action is top-notch, MyGM is more fun than ever, and there is enough content here to keep WWE diehards busy for months on end. And that's not even taking into account the inevitable community creations that will supply players with an endless supply of new characters and content. The community creations will no doubt make WWE 2K25 an even stronger game, but even without them, it's a blast to play and has quickly become one of my favorite wrestling games ever.

Fans of classic survival horror games don't need to think twice about picking up Crow Country. The game is a love letter to old-school horror titles from the 90s, and is one of the better attempts at recreating the feel of PS1 horror on modern platforms. It's a short, but sweet adventure with solid replay value and fun puzzles that perfectly captures the feeling of playing an old horror game on a PS1. The optional Exploration mode, which does away with combat to let players focus entirely on puzzle-solving, means that even horror fans who don't like 90s-era survival horror combat and ammo management can safely pick up Crow Country and have a great time.

Control is a short game and has occasional technical hiccups, but it's still a fantastic experience all-around and quite possibly Remedy's best game yet. The combat is exciting and satisfying, the game is gorgeous, and horror fans will enjoy the creepier elements.

But a few oddities and some missing content don't hurt too much compared to what the remaster does offer. The reworked art is sharp and beautiful without losing sight of its roots, and the new soundtracks are subtly triumphant. The challenge is lessened, but that's largely in the hands of players. That control is a big part of what makes this collection great - the flexibility easing the aches and pains of aging design. Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a solid compilation and a recommendation for both long-time fans looking to relive the good old days and hesitant first-timers alike.

The Resident Evil 3 remake will appeal to hardcore fans of the franchise and those needing their survival-horror fix, but its especially short length and lack of replay value, even compared to the PS1 original, definitely makes it harder to recommend than Resident Evil 2.

The remaster is a great reminder of the potential that the series had and hopefully any future iterations of Ni no Kuni return to this winning formula and bring back the story, cinematics, and combat system that all come together to help make Wrath of the White Witch a modern classic.

Obviously, it's not a perfect game, but Genshin Impact deserves a try from RPG fans. There's plenty of in-game content to explore, and while many assumed this was just Breath of the Wild with microtransactions, Genshin Impact has a surprising amount of depth and content for players to enjoy.

After a decade of work, Square Enix has succeeded in delivering a Final Fantasy experience that can please long-time fans, while simultaneously luring in a new generation of adventurers. The game isn’t quite perfect, but it is close enough that it will very likely be a game of the year contender on many lists.

The game may not be an evolution of the genre but it is one of the best versions of it. By mixing a beautiful setting with visceral combat, Ghost of Tsushima hopes that its lesser elements won’t be as bothersome and its story will be able to propel players forward. Personally, the compulsion to uncover every question mark, complete every Tale, and master the combat was very strong. If the idea of controlling a deadly Samurai in an Assassin’s Creed-style open world sounds enticing, the game more than delivers.

On its own, Astro’s Playroom would be a fun platforming distraction fit for younger gamers or families. Its world is vibrant and wonderfully detailed, and it looks exceptional on the PS5. But in all honesty, this isn’t so much a game as it is a showpiece for what the DualSense controller can do. And as a result, this isn’t so much a review, as it is an opportunity to highlight how well the features on the PS5 controller work.

Guacamelee! 2 does basically everything else right, and arguably better than a lot of other Metroidvania games on the market. Its core gameplay is tremendous, building off the original and feeling like a true step forward.

Overcooked 2 is better than the first game, but yet again, there is room for improvement. Ghost Town Games is still trying to nail the recipe for the perfect local co-op party game, and perhaps it will succeed if it delivers a third title with more levels that drops some of the more frustrating elements and irons out the lingering technical issues.

The lore may make the game seem too intimidating to jump into, but Kingdom Hearts 3 offers an exciting and over-the-top adventure that any light-hearted gamer could enjoy. You may find yourself googling character names and plot details from 15 years ago, but all of that confusion fades away when you get lost in the moment summoning tea cups or a giant rollercoaster to help attack a big boss with your best friends.

Octopath Traveler got a mobile spinoff and a sequel for a reason. It was a successful bridge between SNES-era turn-based RPGs and modern gaming expectations, and it offered engaging gameplay that could suck away hours of free time. Octopath Traveler 2 is more of the same with side quests, interesting characters, and a large world to explore. It essentially gives fans of the first game an additional 60 hours of what they already enjoyed, and newcomers can jump right into the sequel without worrying about what they might have missed.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way and delivers an incredibly tense and entertaining action role-playing game.

As mentioned, this remaster is geared for newcomers and so it's the best way to experience the game, even if it isn't a must-play for those who already experienced it on last-gen.

Battlefield 6 is the most fun you will have with a Battlefield game in nearly a decade, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

The opportunity to revisit Call of Duty 4‘s multiplayer without the annoyance of hackers ruining the fun is one that will be hard to pass up for those that loved the original. Even so, the multiplayer also feels somewhat dated compared to most modern shooters on the market. While there’s something to be said for the impeccable map design and polish of Modern Warfare Remastered‘s multiplayer, it’s still the same experience as before, and may come across as rather simplistic and plain to those that have been playing this year’s new shooters.

Ring Fit Adventure is the most fun players can have doing these exercises, and it's the rare game that is great as both a video game and an exercise tool.

NieR Replicant overall is a successful remaster, with a bit of spit and polish improving many facets of the original game, but with some of the negatives unfortunately carrying over as well. The end result is an action RPG that will keep most players entertained for many hours, as the story, combat, and characters outweigh the boredom of Replicant’s sometimes repetitive gameplay.

The Zombies, multiplayer, and campaign are all presented with impressive graphics that ensure Call of Duty remains one of the best-looking games on the market. Breathtaking lighting, highly-detailed maps, smooth as butter frame rate, and next-level audio design come together expertly, solidifying Black Ops 6 as the best Call of Duty game in years. Black Ops 6's post-launch support should mean that the game only gets better with time, but what's available at launch is already fantastic and will keep franchise fans entertained for months on end.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is one of the more impressive entries in Capcom's growing series of compilation titles precisely because it unearths and preserves an eclectic selection of titles that often get overshadowed by larger series like Street Fighter or Darkstalkers​​​​​​. Each of the included titles' arcade modes is still incredibly fun while they last, and bringing underrated classics like Power Stone to a modern audience brings hope that Capcom might revive the series someday. Casual fans will quickly run out of reasons to regularly return to each of the included games unless they decide to dabble in online multiplayer, but as another entry in the Capcom Fighting Collection series, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is just as essential as its two predecessors and a must-have for fans of Dreamcast-era fighting games.

Dragon Quest Builders demonstrates that a JRPG can think outside of the box and successfully incorporate elements out of games like Minecraft, although the experience needs a little refinement before it becomes perfect.

Splatoon 2 builds on what its successor did so well, with a much larger base of assets that has allowed Nintendo to provide more to consumers right off the bat.

It's true that some may be underwhelmed by how Stray handles its platforming and by how short it is, but these issues are easily overlooked because of the high quality found throughout the rest of the game. Stray is a genuinely unique gaming experience and is worth checking out for the cat alone. Stray looks great, plays great, and accomplishes exactly what it set out to do. It's a must-play, especially since it's available at a budget price and can be played in its entirety with a PS Plus Extra subscription.

WWE 2K24 is a gorgeous wrestling game with hard-hitting fights that will keep players plugged in for hours on end. The series seems to be settling in to the annual release trap of small steps forward over major improvements, but hopefully next year's entry can provide the big leaps that modes like MyGM need to help the WWE 2K series reach the next level and finish the comeback story that started with WWE 2K22.

Overall, Age of Mythology: Retold feels like a strong remake of the original. Ensemble seems to understand how to craft an engaging RTS that not only feels great for newcomers but also honors the past. However, its graphical style may be a bit too rough around the edges for some, and it may not be modern enough for others. That being said, it still feels well worth the price of admission for anyone looking to sink their teeth into a brand-new RTS. And with all the content on the horizon, the fun may never have to end.

Madden NFL 17 doesn’t move the series forward in any significant ways, but it provides one of the most polished NFL football video game experiences to date.

Whether played alone or with friends through local co-op, it’s hard to resist the urge to take to the skies for one more jaunt through Mars’ danger-filled atmosphere.

More of the same from Spike-Chunsoft, which is not a bad thing at all. The games are still engaging, fun, and in the case of Virtue’s Last Reward, have some of the most challenging puzzles in the visual novel genre. Zero Escape: The Nonary Games is an above-average compilation that offers just enough changes to make it a good purchase for both newcomers to the series and franchise veterans, although, as always with this genre, those looking for action had best look elsewhere.

All in all, the Kingdom Hearts franchise coming to PC is something that fans have been looking forward to for a long time. Kingdom Hearts 3 is a great port that will delight both new and dedicated fans of the series. Whether it’s a worthy conclusion to the “Dark Seeker” arc will be in the eyes of the beholder, but playthrough-wise, Kingdom Hearts 3 is a great addition to any PC collection.

Centum isn't going to make you jump out of your seat with gratifying gameplay, nor will it provide those "aha!" moments associated with the best puzzle or point-and-click adventure games. This makes it a game that certainly won't please everyone, and that's fine. But if it does resonate with you, it will hit like a truck. It's the type of game you dream about, not because it's a blast to play or because you've always wanted something like it, but because it worms its way into your DNA, scratching an itch you didn't know you had.

Starfield delivers on everything it promised and then some. It's the ultimate sci-fi game, giving players an incomprehensibly massive world to explore and letting them play however they want. Starfield has what it takes to be another Skyrim-level game that's played religiously for the next decade. It's utterly engrossing, an absolute must-play, and the best Xbox console exclusive in years.

Castle Crashers Remastered seems like a no-brainer, but since it’s virtually the same game that released seven years ago, it still has the same flaws.

From a studio that's never really ventured into the genre of traditional JRPGs, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an impressive inaugural effort. It's not perfect by any means, as the turn-based combat still has some growing pains in its current iteration. Coupled with repetitive dungeon design and an unfair endgame grinding requirement, these downsides cast an unfortunate sting on an otherwise very solid JRPG.

While there are other PSVR games that players should check out first if they just picked up the headset for the first time, Moss: Book 2 is still a quality puzzle platformer that can be finished in just a few short hours, providing folks with light puzzle-solving and a pretty emotional adventure.

Spike Chunsoft does it again, combining intuitive, puzzle-based gameplay with one of video gaming’s best narratives in the wonderful Zero Time Dilemma.

Project Cars is most definitely not the game for someone who wants to chase down experience points and unlock new items on the way through a game. Players who just want full access to an incredibly difficult and realistic driving simulation will find all that they are looking for with this one, though.

This is the current-gen Mortal Kombat we all wanted: it’s smooth, mechanically sound, unbelievably gory, and looks great.

Monolith Soft has crafted a game in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that takes the very best of JRPG elements and mixes it with some of the open world massiveness we’ve seen in titles like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Breath of the Wild this year.

With a greater focus on receivers/cornerbacks and a fantastic new Draft Champions mode, Madden NFL 16 represents a vast improvement over last year’s game in nearly every way.

Whether it’s the engrossing gameplay, endearing character designs or light-hearted plot, Freedom Planet will likely offer something that puts a smile on your face. Plus, it’s probably the best Sonic game we’re likely to receive for the foreseeable future, even without the presence of the blue-haired hedgehog himself.

Ultimately, Little Nightmares strikes a fine chord between charming and creepy in a way that perhaps only a former LittleBigPlanet developer could do.

Despite the negatives, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is overall an exceptional and colossal CRPG, a true spiritual successor to the original Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale titles. For those who love this type of game — the challenges, micromanagement, deep lore, and stat tracking in a fantasy RPG setting — Owlcat Games’ latest offering will more than satisfy. Gamers hoping for a less intense, less mentally demanding, more polished RPG experience would be better off looking elsewhere.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus's gameplay is simple but incredibly rewarding, stripping away much of the tediousness that has plagued recent entries in the series to focus on what's fun. Those who grew up with Pokemon should like it especially, as while it makes dramatic changes to the core formula, it somehow feels truer to the spirit of Pokemon than the older releases.

Despite its old-age, the Sega Ages treatment was able to add to the game's value by including some essential modern-day features that make it easier to play on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the new Switch version also includes tons of display customization options and was able to retain the fast-paced but balanced gameplay that made Sonic the Hedgehog 2 one of the most loved games of all time.

Along with the pleasant narration of voice actor Kirsten Mize, the Beacon Pines development team consisted of only three other people — Matt Meyer, Ilse Harting, and Brent Calhoun — who all wore multiple hats including creative director, writer, artist, audio editor, music, and sound effects. It’s an impressive feat that makes the game that much more worthy of appreciation. Unfortunately, despite its positives, Beacon Pines simply won’t be a hit for everyone. And while its story and gameplay mechanics are interesting and fun, they aren’t necessarily memorable. This is a game that will certainly draw in a select few, but that an even smaller group will add to their list of favorites.

All together, Mortal Kombat 1 is an impressive package, changing things up while showing reverence for even the most obscure parts of its franchise. With that said, nothing in MK1, from gameplay to narrative, is any more than a strict evolution of MK11. Mortal Kombat 1 contributes little new to the fighting game space, and the nearby Street Fighter 6 harshly contrasts it by claiming the custom fighters and open world Konquest mode Mortal Kombat left behind. Still, Liu Kang's new timeline shows great promise, and Mortal Kombat 1 should keep its community satisfied until the next Mortal Kombat begins.

Planet of Lana 2 won’t tickle the dopamine centers of your gamer brain, but there’s a very strong chance it will pull on your heartstrings. More than this, it will engage your imagination like few other games can, presenting its one-of-a-kind world with the utmost confidence and panache. And with best-in-class art direction and arresting musical composition to boot, Lana 2 is more than deserving of a spot on the narrative-platformer Mount Rushmore, right alongside the likes of Inside and Gris.

Those looking for a deep challenge won't find it in The Plucky Squire, but any gamer looking for something fun and charming will be entertained by the story of Jot and his friends. Despite its lack of difficulty, it's easy to think that most users will want to finish the story once they've started. Its creativity and level designs go a long way in turning something mediocre into something artfully enjoyable. Be it for the children who remember their parents reading stories to them or for the parents who remember reading to their kids, both will find a bounty of nostalgic adventure in The Plucky Squire.

The worst thing a strategy game fan or a Marvel fan can do is not give Marvel’s Midnight Suns a chance. Midnight Suns regularly feels like a game that shouldn’t be as entertaining as it is because it has some flaws with its presentation, technical performance, and writing. However, the combat system and team-building mechanics are so good that the game can stand tall despite its issues. Firaxis stepped out of its comfort zone and did an admirable job at making Midnight Suns its first tactics RPG game, even if its rock-solid gameplay foundations often pick up the pieces where other elements fall short.

If nothing else, the studio’s excellent work on Spyro: Reignited Trilogy shows the franchise in good hands, and a new game could address some of the poorly-aged elements and other fan complaints, like the the Reignited Trilogy‘s lack of subtitles.

Fans who arrive at Odyssey expecting the Assassin’s Creed experience they grew up with may be disappointed or confused, but gamers ready for a new era for the franchise should plan to be overwhelmed with opportunity.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero isn't a perfect sequel to Budokai Tenkaichi 3, but it has successfully recaptured its spirit. Effort is visible even in the areas where Sparking Zero falls short, and concentrating on the core gameplay, presentation, and progression has paid dividends. Custom Battle and a decent online suite help this game find its own voice, both compared to its PS2 forebears and its more focused modern Dragon Ball peers. Ultimately, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero does the late Akira Toriyama and his collaborators’ work justice, and that should help it find its audience.

It’s not perfect and it’s fairly complicated, but once it all clicks, it’s also really fun.

Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is an extremely familiar game that manages to feel new thanks to The Coalition’s vision for a fresher Gears. Just when something begins to feel stale the game changes and provides players with a wholly unique task or a gigantic set piece to draw them in to the action once more.

The Command and Conquer Remastered Collection looks great, it sounds great, and there's so much polished content to enjoy, including never-before-seen bonuses. But the dated core mechanics turn an otherwise intriguing strategy game into a sometimes unfair slog against a computer that will inherently have an easier time working around its own limitations. It's worth a play for fans of the franchise or RTS games in general, but newcomers might find there are a few too many cobwebs to overcome compared to contemporary offerings.

Helldivers 2 is an exceptional cooperative experience, featuring a tight gameplay loop that is easy to pick up, and extremely difficult to put down. While its launch was plagued with issues, the title ends its first week as one of modern gaming's best multiplayer experiences. From the moment the opening cutscene rolls, players are engrossed in a hyper-militarized world that is just as rewarding as it is deadly. Whether players achieve a glorious victory or fail miserably, Helldivers 2 finds ways to make every mission truly memorable, by injecting its vast battlegrounds with a dark sense of humor, gratuitous gore, and uncapped replayability. After just one week, the title has proven itself a must-play experience on both the PC and PS5. With the majority of its universe still waiting to be explored, and the foundations of its story beginning to take shape, Helldivers 2 is sure to be an experience that keeps fans coming back for more.