It’s more comparable to Persona 5 Strikers than, say, Hyrule Warriors.

While I do think the audio mixing could use a little tweaking, I really enjoyed all of the music, voice acting, and even the sound of the wind blowing through the trees in certain areas. Little touches like that really elevated the overall experience.

If you want to test your skills against other players, you can do so with a couple of different modes. There is the "Grand Races," which are races with up to 28 players. These are in three separate sections and will take approximately ten minutes.

Goodbye Volcano High is rough and uneven, but it still contains some of the best individual moments I’ve had with a game all year.

Each game has been distinct in nearly every way, and Gunbrella is once again a standout among its peers. I came away with some disappointments, but those hours I spent going through the game twice melted away unnoticed. If that’s not a sign of quality, what is?

You have so much choice in what you do and how you do it that you might not be bothered by having overflowing pockets or being unable to find a store. Heck, bring a knife to a gunfight if you want. You do you. Me, I'll be exploring the stars, with a gun in my hand, a song in my heart, and a grin on my face.

Very minor issues aside, I think that Blasphemous II is an absolutely fantastic and challenging addition to the list of Metroidvania titles that exist, and the majority of fans of the first game are going to adore this. I know I do.

Much like many Uncharted-style navigation gimmicks that aren’t really puzzles, there’s a lot to the RPG systems in Sea of Stars that are present as fun elements to play with rather than obstacles.

There is a good amount of content here and the gameplay is fun. My only real complaints are that the game can be a pain to play solo, the class perks don’t always make a lot of sense, and the points grind won’t be a fun time for people who don’t want to move the difficulty mode up as their characters level up.

BG3 is a highwater mark for choice-driven RPGs and the new standard to which basically every other major RPG will be compared. I feel bad for Starfield at this point and for game developers in general. Larian Studios has set the bar incredibly high. Still, I hope other publishers will see it as an example to let developers have time and creative freedom to make incredible games without all the bloated live service and microtransaction bullshit. Also, you can play this game in four-player online co-op or even split-screen locally on a single PC, and in this day and age, that may be one of the most impressive features in BG3. If you love RPGs, you owe it to yourself to play this game.

Bravely Default 2 brings us back to an older era of simpler RPGs with deep systems and shallow stories. If that sounds like a feature, not a bug, then this is the RPG for you.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is an attempt to make an old-school absurdly difficult quarter muncher a game worth playing in the modern era, and it delightfully succeeds.

If you never played the original then picking this up is a no-brainer. 3D World is a fantastic Mario adventure, and you shouldn’t miss it. However, if you already played the original on the Wii U, Bowser’s Fury and the added online play don’t quite make it worth the full $60. That being said, it’s absolutely worth it if the price drops even a little, or if you just really want to play 3D World without having to hook up the Wii U. It’s a great game, but it still feels like Nintendo should have done more with it.

Persona 5 Strikers is a worthy addition to the Persona 5 game line. If you enjoyed the previous exploits of the Phantom Thieves, then you will love everything this game has to offer.

Destruction AllStars may not be a killer app that sells you on a PS5, but anyone who owns a PS5 will be happy to add it to their library. It is definitely one of the best perks of owning a PS5 yet.

Olija is, simply put, a great 2D action-adventure game. Developers Thomas Olsson and Skeleton Crew Studio knew exactly what they set out to deliver. This is a focused, refined adventure that’ll captivate you for a short while and provide you with a bite-sized albeit worthwhile journey.

The Medium is at its best when you are exploring its remarkable, beautiful worlds, or enjoying the excellent composition and art direction. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not meet that high mark, and often detracts from what is otherwise a stellar aesthetic experience.

Cyber Shadow packs a lot of quality into a small six-hour package. If you love indie platformers and have a soft spot in your heart for games like Ninja Gaiden and Shatterhand then you won’t want to pass this one up.

Hitman 3 was a fun game, but I definitely put it down quicker than I did Hitman 1 or 2. If you wanted more of the same it gives you that on top of being a really convenient platform for the content of the previous games, but that doesn’t change the fact that this feels much more like an expansion pack than a new entry in the franchise.

I want to recognize how ambitious and fun this game is while simultaneously warning people about how incomplete and sloppy it is. Whether or not this is a worthwhile purchase will be entirely up to whether or not you want to brave the bugs, glitches, and general half-baked feel in order to get to the core roleplaying game underneath.

This is not BOTW2, but it’s still a very fun game that is worth your time. It’s fanfiction with an awesome hybrid action-RPG with BOTW mechanics attached. Just don’t get too wrapped up in the non-canon Ganon and you’ll be fine.

The Pathless is as majestic as it is haunting. It’s ruminative and captivating. Above all, it’s one of the most incredible meditative adventures ever created.

Bugsnax is a truly weird game that is worth trying just for the concept. As the theme song goes “Everyone’s talkin' bout Bugsnax.” Well not everyone, but maybe they should be.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War brings the series back to the start in a much-needed way. Treyarch proves yet again that it is the king of multiplayer, providing exceptional, genre-defining gameplay along with a decent mix of new maps and modes that help with the lack of Zombies content. And Raven Software takes the single player campaign in a different direction that stumbles a bit in execution but lays the foundation for games to come.

Miles Morales’ biggest problem is by far its length which will turn some people off. But honestly, there’s room for more short form experiences, even as major console release titles. Miles Morales doesn’t waste any time with padding and instead keeps pushing high quality Spider-Man gameplay at you, which in my opinion is a strength, and not a weakness.

Fuser is a great little program that serves as an introduction to the art of DJing. It’s just not much of a game. So think about this as purchasing entry-level DJ software, and as entry-level DJ software, it’s pretty good. It’s never going to be as powerful as dedicated DJ software, but if you just want to have a bit of a DJ fantasy then Fuser will give you just that.

If Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an indication of the direction the series is going in from here, I’m all in. Valhalla sheds light on the Viking era in a distinctly hopeful way with fantastically written characters and story arcs that feel like you’re bingeing an excellent show. The gameplay is at its finest, too, brilliantly balancing stealth and combat in equal measure. If it weren’t for an overwhelming number of frustrating bugs and the lack of quality side content, this could have been the best Assassin’s Creed yet.

The latest Dark Pictures Anthology installment takes narrative risks and refines mechanical gameplay. While I still take issue with photorealistic graphics, Little Hope is still worth visiting.

Ghostrunner is an all-around great action game. The first-person parkour mechanics will make you feel like a badass, as will chopping up bad guys. The game doesn’t always control perfectly, but everything still comes together to create an awesome, action-packed cyberpunk experience.

Watch Dogs: Legion is an interesting game with an innovative system and a compelling story. It’s not a blockbuster hit and it probably won’t make the running for GOTY this year, but its experimental systems and socially resonant plot make it worth checking out.

Orangeblood offers a unique spin on the offbeat RPG formula that was popularized by EarthBound. This is very much a quirky turn-based game, but its foul language, hip hop music, ‘90s-inspired tone, and adult themes make it a weird, enjoyable curveball. Performance is stunted slightly compared to the PC version, but the game is still a good time.

Cloudpunk succeeds in delivering a worthwhile open-world adventure. The story isn’t perfect, but the characters are extremely well-written. The audiovisual design also drives the game forward, presenting a world that’s dark, futuristic, and mysterious. You might struggle with the camera and controls at times, but don’t let that detract from what is an otherwise awesome character-driven game.

Lucifer Within Us has more than a few flaws and is unmistakably indie, especially with its short length, but it’s still one of the better mystery games I have played in recent times.

Rogue Company is a reliably fun, engaging, and well-positioned F2P title from the publishers behind Paladins and Smite. The game has a ton of potential and we’ll be watching it progress in the next year. Though it borrows many of its concepts from other games, it manages to feel fresh and new, and utilizes its lack of real originality to leverage its top-notch gameplay.

9 Monkeys of Shaolin is the type of game you pick up and play over the course of a weekend or after a long day at work. The martial arts movie style works well and wears its grindhouse love on its sleeve. Combat is entertaining and challenging, and like a proper beat ‘em up, you can have a friend join you for the ride. It’s over after about five hours, but in that time you’re treated to a really good time.

Mafia: Definitive Edition improves on the original in every way. It does this by telling a remarkable story bolstered by beautifully detailed visuals and excellent performances. The outdated mission design and gameplay keep it from ever feeling truly modern however.

Crash 4 isn’t just a competent sequel, it’s a genuinely well-made platformer in its own right. It expands on its now-ancient predecessors in meaningful ways, and incorporates some truly lovely visuals alongside plenty of compelling and challenging level designs that manage to stay fresh throughout.

Squadrons is a Star Wars experience I’ve been looking for since the ‘90s. A two-decade quest has come to an end. I’d happily pay for a bit more single player content, and I hope the devs have some tricks up their sleeves to expand the multiplayer. I’d love a PvE horde mode of some kind.

It may not top Serious Sam 3, but even then, this latest entry in Croteam’s beloved series is still a winner. Serious Sam 4 is fast, loud, insane, and just straight-up cool.

Spellbreak’s combat is stylish and offers a lot of flexibility. If the developer follows through on its roadmap (which promises more storytelling among other things), it could really turn into something special.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is the best WWE game in a long time. Its over-the-top combat leans heavily on cartoon violence, so if you’re looking for a wrestling sim, you won’t find that here. What you will get, though, is a fun, fast-paced, and lighthearted wrestling game.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 lives up to the hype, reinventing itself for a new decade of technological possibility. Accessible but challenging, and with mind-boggling graphics, this entry from Asobo will continue to be the gold-standard for years to come.

Hades is a shining example of what the roguelike genre can be. The combat is fast and frenetic with an unbelievable number of options to tailor Zagreus’ fighting style to your liking. Though the story isn’t remarkable, everything else is in this gorgeous must-play indie title on Nintendo Switch.

13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a fantastic game that will appeal to a very specific slice of the strategy gamer fanbase. If there is even a chance that you are in that slice, then I suggest you check it out.

WRC 9 proves that there’s a good reason to own more than one rally sim. It’s an exciting game with tons of options, and its training courses make it more accessible to newcomers. Wrapping your Volkswagen around a tree has never been so much fun.

At its $40 price point, this is a great value for anyone wanting to dip a toe into the skateboard game genre. If you’re an old hand, it won’t disappoint. If you’re brand new, get ready to fall in love. With the addition of the skate park editor, this is truly an infinite skating machine.

Marvel’s Avengers isn’t quite a slam dunk, but as a co-op friendly superhero game it does a lot more right than wrong. Major tentpole features such as the game’s story campaign and diverse roster of heroes are further bolstered by accessible progression systems, well-balanced team play, and the unshakable resolve of protagonist Kamala Khan. The game is obviously better with friends, but even as a solo venture it makes a strong showing out of the gate while also teasing plenty of future potential.

It’s a shame that the gameplay is so shoddy at times, because I truly believe that Tell Me Why is one of the most important games of our time, in terms of social impact. Hopefully later episodes won’t feel as awkward to play.

Wasteland 3 is an outstanding RPG. It features a rich world with fun battles, great characters, and plenty of choices to keep you busy for a very long time. This is a best-in-class game that achieves what it sets out to accomplish. Players who opt to take the deep dive into the game’s awesome end-of-the-world landscape are in for something spectacular.

Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is an enjoyable nostalgia trip both in gameplay and story, but it’s just not quite $40 worth of game.

Battletoads is a highly entertaining beat ‘em up. It’s a throwback to the series’ roots while still managing to reinvent that series. The action is fast and flows smoothly, and the whole thing is just filled with slick style. This is a revival done right.

Spiritfarer is worth playing for the visuals alone, but the mature storytelling and fascinating look at a concept we don’t see explored very often make it well worth checking out. Expect to put at least 35 hours in if you want to see the whole story, more if you’re a completionist.

Skater XL tickles the same part of my brain as my favorite racing sims. It provides a compelling sandbox with enough depth that it makes me want to do a difficult thing well. It’s simultaneously relaxing. You can fall on your face 500 times, but there are zero consequences for any of it. No one’s keeping score, not of points or broken bones. In troubled times, a low stakes challenge can be a welcome one.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is worth playing for multiple reasons. It’s fast-paced, silly, and fun. It’s a unique take on the battle royale formula. It’s great in short bursts or longer play sessions. This is just a really entertaining online multiplayer game, and it’s some of the most fun you’ll have with a game this summer.

CrossCode is a love letter to 16-bit RPGs and action-adventure games and features a fun projectile-based combat system. Its lengthy development time was well-spent, and it’s clear that time was used to put together an RPG experience that’s completely worthwhile. Whether or not you play a lot of RPGs, there’s a lot to love here.

Carrion is a fun but flawed 2D horror game with a fun hook. It doesn’t play perfectly, and the controls are particularly hit-or-miss, but overall, there’s a lot of fun to be had when you get to be the monster and leave a path of destruction in your wake.

This is no Thousand Year Door, and it’s not really an RPG at all, but it is a nice little diversion to keep your thumbs busy between other bigger releases.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete may have gotten its start as an expansion, but it ultimately evolved into a very complete-feeling standalone product. The new gameplay mechanics are awesome, and there’s a lot to love about its dozens and dozens of levels. Taking on a room full of enemies in slow motion continues to feel incredible, and there’s really nothing quite like it outside of the Superhot series.

I was hoping for an original take on the open-world genre, but I got Assassin’s Creed in samurai drag. If that sounds like a blast to you, it will be, especially if you go into it with the knowledge of the game’s design missteps. It’s not that it’s bad - it’s just bad for me.

Rite captures the magic and difficulty of games like Celeste, but by scaling down the overall level of challenge, it’s a more inviting 2D platformer. It’s still pretty tough, and if you’re a completionist, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Thankfully, the slick level designs make playing through the game a worthwhile venture.

While this won’t keep you playing for much more than 10 hours, it’s still a fantastic throwback to classic Castlevania that oldschool action platformer fans will love.

Neon Abyss is one of the best roguelite action games to come along in recent memory. Given how many great roguelites we’ve seen the past few years, that’s definitely a tall order. But thanks to its smooth gameplay and compelling upgrade systems, there’s no denying just how entertaining and exhilarating Neon Abyss is.

Ninjala may very well be Nintendo’s next hot online multiplayer game. It’s free-to-play and totally worth a look, and the action is so fast-paced and addictive that you’ll likely find yourself with a new ongoing game to eat up all your free time.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition brings one of the best Nintendo RPGs to the Switch in grand fashion. The updates are great, and everything that made the original release an outstanding game is still present here.

If you are the type of person who is going to raise a stink over Ellie being gay or Lev being trans or the game suggesting that self-centered individualism is toxic, and you know who you are, just stay away. This game isn’t for you...But for everyone else, this is one of the greatest masterpieces that the PS4 has produced. I’ll admit, I came into this title with a skeptical eye, ready to knock it down a peg from all the praise other critics had been giving it, but even with that pre-existing bias, I can’t deny that this is an amazing game, and you should play it.

West of Dead is a refreshing take on multiple genres. It’s a great cover-based twin-stick shooter. It’s a different kind of roguelite. And it’s just a solid all-around action game that’s a joy to play. It’s highly challenging, and it rewards smart play, so what you ultimately get is a satisfying experience that’s fun and invites you to put the time into learning its intricacies.

Sludge Life is graffiti-themed a first-person 3D platformer that works really well and is fun to play. Its emphasis on climbing high structures and getting to hard-to-reach areas to drop your tags makes the tough gameplay feel worthwhile. The controls can be a bit finicky, but there’s a lot of fun to be had here. There’s also a nice blend of real-world commentary and vulgar humor to keep things interesting.

If Slay the Spire was the roguelike deck-builder genre’s promising first impression, Monster Train feels like the genre really hitting its stride. In some regards, Monster Train feels like a full-on sequel to Slay the Spire, but it also changes things up enough to stand firm all on its own.

Valorant isn’t trying to appeal to everyone. It’s trying to appeal to a hyper focused slice of the hardcore shooter fanbase. If that sounds like you, you will absolutely love it.

Resolutiion may wear its influences on its sleeve, but even then it’s managed to carve out a unique identity of its own. You’ll see a little bit of Hyper Light Drifter, Dark Souls, and Metroid here, but the overall package is a wholly original sci-fi experiece that’s great for folks looking to get lost in a bleak futuristic world.

Whether or not you’re starving for your next couch co-op game, Moving Out is a lot of fun and should be played by anyone who likes fun team-based games. It’s not exactly the most varied experience, but there are plenty of laughs and hilarious moments to be had if you’re playing Moving Out with friends.

Legends of Runeterra is a fantastic digital card game that is still struggling with some flaws in its mobile implementation. However, if you have a PC and a space for a new collectible card game in your life, then this is one of the best you can play.

There’s not a bad thing to say about Streets of Rage 4. The action-packed gameplay and responsive controls give you an incredible, satisfying beat ‘em up experience whether you’re playing alone or in local or online co-op. The extra modes are fun, and the multiple difficulties are inviting, and each provide a unique dynamic. After 26 years, Streets of Rage is back and better than ever.

This is exactly what we wanted from a Trials of Mana remake. Square has become very good at updating their back catalog for the modern era. If you are a fan of Square’s 16-bit offerings, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. Hey Square? If you are gonna do a Chrono Trigger remake, do it like this.

XCOM: Chimera Squad is clearly meant to function as a sci-fi tactical strategy game that’s smaller in scale, easier to digest for casual players, and more financially accessible than what existing XCOM fans may be used to. Thankfully, Firaxis’ latest XCOM title succeeds in all three regards without compromising the frenetic tactical gameplay the series is known for. Chimera Squad may have smaller stakes, but it’s also an excellent example of how much potential the XCOM series still has.

Final Fantasy VII Remake falls just short of perfection, but it’s clearly one of the best RPGs to release so far and is definitely a contender for RPG of the year. I’ll go as far to say that this is one of the most important RPG projects of our generation, and I do think everyone, fan of the original or no, should experience it.

I’ve spent the last few thousand words explaining why RE3 isn’t as good as RE2, but it’s still a very good game. It’s like a big, six-hour expansion pack. If you liked last year’s RE2, you would enjoy this. Experienced players will want to give it a go on hardcore, as normal is pretty easy.

It's very easy to ignore the few rough patches in DOOM Eternal. This is a fantastic FPS with tons to do. It's also one of the most over-the-top and insane games ever made.

New Horizons is a great evolution for the Animal Crossing franchise. As always Nintendo has integrated some amazing innovations into the formula, but in the process made some really weird design decisions that detract from the fun.

If Iron Danger was the third game from a veteran indie studio, I’d be impressed. It’s Action Squad Studios’ first outing. I’m blown away. While it can occasionally be rough around the edges, I can’t wait to see what they do next.

Nioh 2 finds success by layering small yet significant additions onto a base which Team Ninja already perfected in the original Nioh. New features like character customization and Yokai abilities complement a robust gameplay template which was designed to appeal equally to fans of Souls-like games, RPG’s, and fast-paced hack-and-slash titles.

My Hero One’s Justice 2 is an anime arena fighter with really good ideas. It probably won’t see anyone if they aren’t already My Hero Academia fans, but anyone who is already in the fanbase will eat it up. And hey, if you aren’t a fan but get a chance to play anyway, give it a shot, it might just surprise you.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps comes with some outstanding quality of life improvements over the gameplay of the original. The inconsistent performance won't completely break your engagement, but it will affect it. That said, there's just no denying that the world of Ori is one that's easy to get lost in and fall in love with.

Granblue Fantasy Versus is a fantastic game and an early pick for fighting game of the year. It has a lot to offer regardless of your skill level, and appeals to almost any fan. Are you a casual fighting game player? Buy GBVS. A EVO tournament pro? Buy GBVS. An RPG fan who has never played a fighting game a day in their life? Buy GBVS!!! This is a fighting game for everyone, and everyone should play it.

Kentucky Route Zero tells a story unlike anything else you'll find in gaming. It uses a point and click adventure format that's pretty basic, but hits high notes with its dialogue, themes, and music.

Dreams is really something special. Frankly, I’d like to see other game development tools come with curation suites like this. It would change the way we look at game design. Now if only these dreamers could get paid for their work.

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has its faults, and it certainly won’t appeal to anyone who isn’t already a DBZ fan, but if you fall into the niche that this title is aiming for, you will be very pleased. This is one of the most fun interpretations of the DBZ plotline that I have played in a very long time, and in my opinion it well outshines its brothers in the same franchise.

Weakless is not exactly a masterpiece, but it is a beautiful little game with an undeniable amount of charm and a heartfelt message. The game tells a story of the beauty of nature and perseverance through friendship. The narrative is kept to a minimum to ensure you experience its themes and concepts through the gameplay, which is a lot of fun despite some glaring rough edges.

I’m hoping that Coteries is the first modern step forward for an IP long overdue for mass recognition. Vampire: The Masquerade fans will enjoy this, and fans of vampire fiction in general might want to give it a whirl, as this is an easy introduction to an awesome universe.

Wattam is the Katamari successor you may not have known you needed. Keita Takahashi and the folks at Funomena have created a new kind of alternative game experience. If you long for the days when you used to collect toy figures and play sets, Wattam is a wonder to behold. It's joy, colorful and fun, in your hands and right in front of your face.

There aren't a lot of games out there like Heroland. The writing takes center stage, but the battles are also a lot of fun to witness unfold. You'll get a lot of laughs out of this game, and though it may seem long-winded at first, the writing is so good that you'll soon understand exactly why there's so much of it. This is just a really fun story to watch unfold and be a part of.

Arise: A Simple Story is well worth the $20 and six hours you'll spend playing it. Even though it can't seem to avoid problems that plague your typical indie game, the artwork and level design are beyond worth the small investment.

Pokémon Sword and Shield is a decent Pokémon game that will keep you playing until the end. It doesn’t deserve all the controversy it’s been getting, but it’s not a particularly stand out entry in the franchise either.

Pokémon Sword and Shield is a decent Pokémon game that will keep you playing until the end. It doesn’t deserve all the controversy it’s been getting, but it’s not a particularly stand out entry in the franchise either.

Pokémon Sword and Shield is a decent Pokémon game that will keep you playing until the end. It doesn’t deserve all the controversy it’s been getting, but it’s not a particularly stand out entry in the franchise either.

I don't think I'd be out of line by saying Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the best Star Wars game since 2003's Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and stands as one of the best Star Wars games ever made.

Death Stranding isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for a neat experimental exploration of the fetch quest, you’ll enjoy it. If you are looking for something more traditional, though, you should probably look elsewhere.

Afterparty is a fantastic story about booze, buds, and the nature of good and evil. It’s just not much else.