The experience is so phenomenal, it deserves to be in the conversation about the best Zelda game of all-time, if not the best games of all-time. When I say Breath of the Wild is a must-play title, it’s not hyperbole, you simply must play this game.

Super Mario Odyssey is exactly what we all expected, a great 3D Mario game. It doesn’t shake up the formula, but it nearly perfects it. This is the collect-a-thon platformer that people have been waiting for, a chance to bring the genre into the modern day gaming environment. All it took was a massive expansion of scope.

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.

This is the Metal Gear universe as it was always meant to be.

God of War takes everything good about the franchise and elevates it. Almost every aspect is polished to a fine sheen, with a particular standout being the world itself, and the new emphasis on telling a mature and meaningful story that explores remarkably complex themes. God of War sets a new bar for storytelling and world building in games, and transforms Kratos from a one note character to a fascinating man with a story worth hearing. If you have a PS4, this is a must have title.

The Witcher 3 is a huge game sure to satisfy fans of the genre and the series, and does a great job of welcoming new players by just being damn fun to play. While the combat falls short of Shadow of Mordor and games like Skyrim and Dragon Age: Inquisition both do many individual things better than this title, The Witcher 3 undoubtedly deserves a place beside the great action RPGs of the modern era.

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.

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.

Stop whatever it is you’re doing right now, and go play this game. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a definitive game-of-the-year contender, and one of the best RPGs to be released this entire decade.

Persona 5 is a JRPG that deserves to be played, period. There are few other games that understand their genre as well as Persona 5 does. It knows exactly what Persona fans, JRPG fans, and gamers in general want to see. It’s not just a game, it’s an addiction, and if you give it a shot you too will find yourself playing and replaying Persona 5 for the better part of 2017.

Have you ever wanted to get your blood pumping and your feet moving but couldn’t make it to the club? Beat Saber is the remedy.

I can’t say that Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is Naughty Dog’s best game (that honor goes to The Last of Us, hands down), but it is the best game in the Uncharted series with probably the best and most appropriate and comfortable ending to a series. If you own a PlayStation 4, the game is a must have. If you’re looking to buy a PlayStation 4, this should probably be the first game you get.

Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fantastic game no matter what type of Smash player you are. Casual, hardcore, or complete newcomer, this is one Switch title you don’t want to pass up.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive Mario Kart experience. It’s got the most complete roster of characters, tons of tracks, a litany of game modes, and an ultra-polished presentation mixed with pitch-perfect gameplay. A must play for all Switch owners.

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.

Overwatch could very well come to dominate the hero shooter genre. There's plenty of room for improvement around the edges, but the core is strong enough to make this another huge hit for Blizzard.

Forza Horizon 3 is a visual feast and an impressive entry into the Forza line-up. The Australian environment feels and looks realistic, with lush rainforests tapering away into the red and dusty outback. Whether you’re a casual racing player or a motorsport enthusiast, Forza Horizon 3 will meet your expectations of a non-simulator racing game. The handling of the vehicles is, as always, finely tuned like only a Forza game can deliver.

Shadow of the Colossus is a veritable masterpiece from top to bottom and will surely be remembered as one of the greatest games ever made.

Celeste is one of the most entertaining 2D platformers in recent years. It'll defeat you from time to time, but its inviting controls, level design, and presentation will keep you coming back until you persevere and overcome every challenge thrown your way.

I’ve never laughed this much while playing a game. Well-read, nihilistic, dark, and intellectual, Disco Elysium is like your favorite poli-sci professor huffed paint and ran naked through the quad.

Resident Evil 2 is loyal to the original where it counts, while also upgrading the experience with beautiful visuals and modern gameplay conveniences. It’s so loyal that newcomers might find it a touch archaic, but for fans of the original, it’s an absolute joy to play, and a fantastic horror game in its own right.

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.

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.

Monster Hunter: World is the type of game that will take over your life. The world is massively detailed with tons of things to do and it will undoubtedly end up yielding some of the very best gaming moments of the year -- guaranteed.

With Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, From Software has proven once again that has no qualms about pushing its own boundaries. The studio has made a name for itself by creating incredibly difficult games, but the breadth of innovation spread across the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and now Sekiro shows how good the studio is at defying fan expectations. Sekiro isn’t perfect, but like the various Soulsborne games before it, From’s latest shows the wisdom in pushing players beyond their pre-conceived limits.

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.

Dead Cells takes the best gameplay elements from Metroidvania and rogue-lite games and combines them into something that sinks its hooks into you and won't let go.

Dark Souls 3 was clearly tailored to draw dedicated fans back in for one final adventure, though it’s nice to see From Software also put some effort into making the signature combat more accessible to casual players. Still, if you’re thinking of picking the game up on launch day, I’d advise you to wait and see if the infamously bad framerate issues have been addressed.

If you’ve enjoyed playing deck-building card games and roguelikes in the past, you owe it to yourself to give Slay the Spire a try. It might take a bit to fully wrap your head around the game’s concept, but once it click, it’s addicting. Now’s also a great time to get in on the action, since Slay the Spire will only continue to grow in the future.

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.

This is the first solo Tetris game in a long time that truly brings something new to the formula. If you are a Tetris fan, then you owe it to yourself to give Tetris Effect a chance.

With a superb conversion handled by M2 and lots of options to take on solo or with a friend, 3D Streets of Rage II is a game that has managed to stand the test of time. It's a must play on the 3DS, and fairly affordable for just a few bucks – a far cry compared to what the original game sold for.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a true masterpiece of strategy game design. If this is where the franchise is going, I’m very excited for its future.

Lone Echo is a smart VR experience that handles movement exceptionally well. It’s one of the most polished and engaging VR games currently available.

Rez is an on-rails shooter that shines due to its unique auditory and visual design. Rez has aged well, and the added immersion of VR makes a great game even better.

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.

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.

If you’ve been playing consistently for the past year and already have the past two expansions, The Taken King is a must-have. Bungie made this for you.

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the most entertaining open world games I have played in a while. It’s a truly creative take in an otherwise saturated genre.

Stardew Valley is the best and most entertaining farming RPG to come along in years, and it's filled with such sheer charm and sincerity that it'll instantly win you over.

What Remains of Edith Finch may not be a very challenging game, but the story it tells is one which will undoubtedly resonate with players in ways they may not expect. If anything, it proves yet again that video games can be used to tell some truly immersive and thought-provoking stories, ones which stick with us long after we put down the controller.

Super Mario Maker is more than a just an amazing toolbox for content creation — it's also a big, beautiful toy box filled with all sorts of incredible, remarkable toys each with individual parts for you to spend hundreds of hours falling in love with. Even if you've never liked this type of game, Super Mario Maker may just win you over.

The action-heavy moments are really polished and a pleasure to participate in, the story is interesting when it feels like divulging itself to the player, and the entire theme of the thing is just downright cool (there’s a sect of robots that live at an amusement park and literally exist to throw confetti in the air at all times); but when you boot up this Square Enix title hoping for some RPG character building mechanics to fill the gaps in between the barrage of action that’s presented, it can be difficult to maintain your zest for an otherwise mesmerizing experience. There’s a reason straight-up action games aren’t 40 hours long, and unfortunately, Automata is worse for it.

XCOM 2 is a big success that delivers in just about every way you could ask for. Fans of the franchise or the strategy genre in general will love it.

Cuphead is one of the most innovative and interesting games to come out of the indie space in the past few years. It was well worth the wait and will please anyone who likes a good challenge.

If you are a fan of Fire Emblem or tactical games in general, Fire Emblem Fates will not disappoint.

Like we said, we can’t call Super Mario Maker 2 a bad game, not by a long shot. It’s just that it could be better. Heck, if a few usability issues were fixed and a few more items were added to maker mode, we would be giving this game a perfect 10/10. As it stands, there’s room for improvement and hopefully we will see that improvement in future DLC patches.

If you are a long-time Devil May Cry fan, or just an action game fan in general, then Devil May Cry 5 is a must-buy.

This is a deep, massive, complicated game in the best traditions of the franchise, and though it doesn't do everything right, it's likely that strategy fans are going to be very pleased with what they get with Civlization VI.

Battlefield fans are going to absolutely love Battlefield 1, and casual first person shooter dabblers will find enough in the variety of modes to entertain for hours. However, this is still a Battlefield game at heart, and those who have shied away from the objective-focused mentality in the past are likely to shy away from Battlefield 1 as well. Having said that, everyone should at least try Battlefield 1 because it is one of the more enjoyable shooters in recent memory.

It isn't perfect, but StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void allows the series to end on a high note, offering a comprehensive experience which should make every type of RTS player happy.

It’s Diablo 3 on the go! The added local multiplayer functionality and the fact that it’s a thoroughly competent port make this an easy recommendation for fans of the franchise who want a portable version, or for newcomers who want to jump in.

Pillars of Eternity II isn’t a perfect RPG, but it comes pretty darn close. The game’s highly refined dialogue, combat, exploration, and character development systems come together in a way that just feels right for fans of old-school isometric RPG’s. Making a sequel to one of the best roleplaying games in recent memory was a tall order to be sure, but Obsidian definitely cleared the bar and then some.

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.

The Talos Principle has made an effective jump from PC to PlayStation 4, thanks to the addition of expansion levels and a presentation that really makes use of the hardware at hand. While it's not quite a perfect transition, it remains a very applicable one, as the level design and snowballing level design continue to keep their momentum. Even if you're not entirely a fan of first-person games, Talos is worth a look, if only for the story alone.

Forza Horizon 4 is a tremendous achievement and will most likely displace Gran Turismo Sport as my racing game of choice. Yes, even without a racing wheel. With hundreds of cars and dozens of race tracks and more to come, I won’t run out of stuff to do any time soon. See you in Scotland.

Much like From Software’s Souls games and Team Ninja’s previous Ninja Gaiden efforts, Nioh was clearly designed with a very specific sort of gamer in mind, namely a very patient one who doesn’t mind having to constantly learn from their mistakes. If you find enjoyment in the punishing difficulty of such games and you want to delve into a title which could easily suck up hours upon hours of your gaming time, Nioh will certainly not disappoint.

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.

While the multiplayer aspects of Injustice 2 are lacking, it still manages to be an incredibly strong fighting game title that is worth checking out, even if you've never picked up a DC comic in your life.

The Witness is one of the most elegant puzzlers around. It'll make you think, it'll make you laugh, and it'll make you yell. Above all else, though, it'll take you on one memorable journey that will stay with you for a long time.

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.

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.

Pokémon Sun and Moon is full of welcome innovations that make the Pokémon formula feel new and fresh. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Pokémon’s 20th anniversary.

A must play for any fan of VR or evolving video game narrative. It may not be the kind of game that redefines motion controls and popular VR mechanics, but it proves that quality storytelling can be enhanced by placing the player directly into the world, rather than hiding them behind the safety of a screen.

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.

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.

Anyone who hasn’t played the original should pick this up just to experience Link’s Awakening in its most graphically impressive form, and anyone who fondly remembers the original should pick this up too just to take a wonderful trip down memory lane.

This is best Spider-man game ever made, and one of the top games on PlayStation 4. There’s a little something here for everyone and even if you’re just a fan of the movies or a die-hard that reads the plethora of Spidey comic books, you will find something to love.

Pokémon Sun and Moon is full of welcome innovations that make the Pokémon formula feel new and fresh. It’s a perfect way to celebrate Pokémon’s 20th anniversary.

If you can accept the fact that some Drivatars are going to be weird, and some cars will take a heaping amount of time to unlock, Forza Motorsport 6 is an awesome ride that you'll return to often. In fact, it's likely to keep you busy until the next Forza ride – potentially 7 – makes its arrival.

If you haven't discovered this gem yet, you won't find a better time.

M2 has once again produced a commendable presentation of a classic for the 3DS with 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2. It continues to be a fun game after all these years (and way better than whatever Sega's been churning out with the blue guy the last couple of years), and the 3D conversion is simply fantastic. Vintage Sega fans – and new players as well – shouldn't miss this gem.

Raw Data might not be reaching for artistic profundity with its narrative or setting, but what it lacks in creativity it makes up for in polish and sheer entertainment value.

A solid title that is as entertaining as it is satisfying to play.

Titanfall 2 is the sequel that Titanfall fans wanted. A great and satisfying single player campaign. A filled out and content rich multiplayer. And a host of new titans with their own characteristics and specialties. Titanfall 2 is definitely a winner.

Destiny 2 is an overall improvement over the original with changes that make the game more rewarding, valuable of your time, and gameplay that anyone could get into.

Owlboy tells a story of failure, redemption, and heroism with an excellent art style to prop up an addictive and creative platformer that continually throws new game mechanics at you to keep things fresh. It’s hard to put down once you get started.

Playdead's Inside may have been the follow-up to Limbo six years in the making, but the wait was certainly worth it.

It's a really great package for Sonic enthusiasts, and if you don't already own Sonic Mania then buying Plus is a very easy recommendation.

Best sports game ever made (probably!). I can’t wait to see them top it next year.

Total War: Warhammer 2 manages to iron out almost all the rough edges from its predecessor while throwing in enough quality new content to keep things fresh and challenging. The result is a journey into the Warhammer fantasy universe that’s both engaging and infinitely fun to play.

Total War: Warhammer is a lot of fun, but keeps the complexity that can make Total War titles intimidating for new players.

The Gallery: Heart of the Emberstone proudly carries the torch from the first chapter in The Gallery series. It offers an experience that feels totally unique in the gaming world. It does a fantastic job of breaking away from the stigma of short, proof-of-concept VR titles to deliver a quality narrative experience that’s a must-have for any fan of the genre.

Guilty Gear Xrd –Revelator- makes some amazing innovations in tutorials, lobbies, modes, and new characters that no one will notice because there simply isn’t enough here to warrant purchasing the game again at full price. It’s a shame, too, because many fighting games can learn from its exhaustive teaching tools.

Better than the first game in every way, Dishonored 2 is a creative stealth/action adventure packed with replay value.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a powerful game that tells a relevant story. It doesn't innovate much in terms of gameplay, but everything else about the game is executed at an impressively high level.

Sonic Mania is a wonderful blend of classic Sonic and new ideas, and should serve as an example of the great things that can happen when game companies embrace fan creators. There's no reason Sonic Mania shouldn't be followed by multiple sequels that continue its remixing magic.

Due to the fact that Pony Island only asks a minor investment in terms of both time and price point ($5), but even more so because it's just so much fun, it falls under "must-play" territory and provides a vastly different experience from other modern-day indies.

Resident Evil 7 is a highly effective horror title fans of the genre will enjoy, as long as they can tolerate its short length. It's different than the past few Resident Evil titles, but it's different in the right ways.

While 2013’s Tomb Raider reboot was great, fans of the series were pining for more tombs to explore and relics to collect. Crystal Dynamics addressed that and then some in Rise of the Tomb Raider, improving on its upgrade system, telling a fun story, more puzzles, and adding bears, tigers, cheetahs, and more packs of wolves to kill and skin. Just like we remember.

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.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a nice spooky treat for your Switch. Anyone who loved the original will love this one too, and the game is easily welcoming enough to rope some newcomers into the franchise as well. How could anyone find issue with a game whose menu screen is a Virtual Boy? Ah, Nintendo. You know how to laugh at yourself.

Dragon Quest XI is a gorgeous throwback to 8 and 16-bit JRPGs, with a lengthy story and engaging cast of characters.

At 15 dollars and a little bit of elbow grease to get it working, Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is one of the most enjoyable and affordable RPG experiences in recent memory.

Mortal Kombat X is a feature-packed experience that sets the bar high for content in fighters this gen. While it doesn't eclipse the previous Mortal Kombat's amount of content, it does surpass all of its other competitors.

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.

The game does require you to work to earn your keep and master your racing skills, but it does so with fluid controls and an outstanding presentation that keeps you on your toes at every turn. Eventually, it does offer an enriched experience that surpasses most of its other racers – including the classic Dirt games we love so much. This series has truly grown up, but in a very good way.

Metroid: Samus Returns is a must-purchase for any long-time Metroid fan and a perfect example of the genre. It bodes well for Metroid’s future and makes me excited for Samus’s next big adventure.