Two Point Hospital is a colorful clown car of character, warmth, and comedy. Spend some time under the hood, however, and you’ll find a deep, rewarding, and challenging simulation experience.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the most badass DOOM has ever been. A killer soundtrack, first-person melee combat better than it has any right to be, and the most intriguing version of The Doom Slayer we've ever seen.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a thrilling and rewarding adventure into the MetroidVania genre. It is a fantastic entry level title for those yet to familiarize themselves with the genre, and a brilliant entry of quality and character for veterans.

Ghost of Tsushima is the best Sucker Punch game to date. Anyone who is a fan of the developer, or samurai games in general, should not hesitate to pick this one up.

Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled’s sheer amount of content and modes make it the best kart racer value on the market today. Packing both skill and charm, this is one title worth its weight in Wumpa Fruits.

Newcomers to the series will be baffled by the complexity and bizarre nature of Kingdom Hearts III’s story. Despite this, if you like good combat and want to visit Disney World, you can do far worse than this title.

Battlefield 6 is the best Battlefield entry in years, taking the fight to Call of Duty this holiday season.

Despite being a great game and a worthwhile remake, NieR Replicant ver.1.22 is not for everyone. Some of the dated design elements are frustrating and needlessly time consuming. The story, while incredible, is locked away behind multiple playthroughs and endings, with its true value being entirely subjective depending on how much time you're willing to invest. However, none of this is news to fans of NieR: Automata. Put simply, if you've been waiting for a deeper, darker dive into the world of NieR, ver.1.22 will not disappoint.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 improves upon perfection, making the finest fighting games ever made even better. Newcomers and veterans alike, get ready for the most exciting battles in history with Capcom Fighting Collection 2.

It's simple: If you want to play as a cat, then Stray is the game for you. However, if you're more of a dog person, then skip it.

While the changes are minimal, Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered shambling undead have never looked better. Fans of the original and newcomers alike will find plenty of zombie-slaying fun.

There is no other game like Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. It’s a fantastic experience, one unique in the gaming space. The constant grind to manage and progress with your kingdom is hard work – really hard work – but the payoff is spectacular. This is not a game for everyone but if this is your kind of thing, you’re going to love every blood-stained minute of it.

Wave 6 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass continues to bring more great tracks and characters to the game, but some odd choices prevent it from taking first place. Mario Kart fans will have an absolute blast, but more casual players will rue the day they ever came across Rosalina’s Ice World.

As a newcomer to the Anno franchise, Anno 117: Pax Romana has completely blown me away. I've sunk days into this game, and still feel like I need weeks to get comfortable, and months to get confident - and I absolutely love that.

Simply put, Starfield is Bethesda’s greatest-ever RPG. The living, breathing universe they have created is one of the most impressive in the gaming space and the sound effects and musical score push the immersion to near perfection. If only I didn’t have to speak to the back of NPCs head.

Those that take the time to know MiSide’s many Mitas will be rewarded with a surreal horror title that will constantly keep the player on their toes.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is a prime example of developers learning from the first game to improve upon the second. While there are still technical issues, it is a great game for Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder fans alike.

Mortal Kombat 1 delivers one of the most impressive and exciting storylines I've ever experienced in this genre. The voice acting, the facial animations, everything comes together in near-perfect harmony. Fighting is fun, challenging, and rewarding every step of the way. Mortal Kombat 1 is brutally brilliant, and probably the best Mortal Kombat game I've ever played.

Those willing to truly master The First Berserker: Khazan will be treated to a world that is equal parts brutal and rewarding.

Another home run for the series, fans of old-school JRPGs will absolutely love Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.

A cozy cooking game that’s got the sauce, KuloNiku: Bowl Up! hits the sweet spot with its signature blend of minigames, social elements, and over-the-top personalities.

The Plucky Squire oozes creativity and charm on every page. It stands aside Balatro and Animal Well as one of the best indie games of the year.

You'll struggle to find a more immersive and rewarding setting in which to forge your own odyssey. Assassin's Creed Odyssey is the complete package.

VA-11 Hall-A’s fresh take on the visual novel genre makes the jump to consoles with relative ease. Those that don’t mind the occasional bit of salty language will find a cyberpunk adventure that will captivate you to the very end.

Despite having four years of updates behind it, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition is far from the definitive version of the game. Though the core fighting engine powering this title is sound, its poor netcode and lack of polish stick out like a sore thumb.

To keep it simple, Two Point Campus delivers. It’s everything fans of Two Point Studios’ works would expect. An expertly crafted management simulation experience with the perfect amount of humor, wonderfully designed characters, and charming graphics, it is a game full of heart from start to finish.

Lost Judgment is another great entry in the Yakuza franchise, but one shadowed by better entries. The combat is incredible, the world still exciting and full of character, and the story is a worthwhile telling - but please, please don't make me tail anyone anymore.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is all killer and no filler, offering up the finest Vocaloid action to date. Rhythm game fans, arcade junkies, and music lovers, rejoice; this is your game.

While greatly enjoyable on its own, PowerWash Simulator 2 is one of those games that is better together with friends. If you have a buddy in tow, don't hesitate to get washing!

The Yakuza franchise has never managed to attract mass mainstream appeal, and that’s fine; it’s not for everyone. However, for those already enthralled by the journey of Kiryu and friends, Yakuza 5 Remastered is another great upgrade on an already beloved game.

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 raises the bar for the looter shooter genre. Put simply, it is the complete package.

Tadpole Treble Encore will be the most charming game you play this year. Despite its corny vocals, hardcore rhythm game fans will enjoy the sheer amount of replayability Baton’s grand adventure brings to the table.

Chock full of mystery and fanservice, The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog takes the blue blur in a refreshing new direction. This trip on The Mirage Express might be a radical detour for the blue blur, but one should grab their ticket for this wild ride.

Between its humor and its off-the-wall action, Moving Out 2 is sure to be a hit at one’s next shindig. Those flying solo will have fun, but be sure to bring a friend or three along to get the best Smooth Moves experience.

The Word of Cult of the Lamb is good, providing roguelike action with heaps of that good ol' fashioned ultraviolence. Those that don't mind a lack of depth with its cult management shenanigans - and can also turn a blind third eye to its hit-and-miss weapon selection - have found their calling.

Children of Morta is the best roguelike I've played in 2019. A strong story, exciting combat, and great characters make it a must-play for any roguelike fan.

A Plague Tale: Requiem takes what made the first game good and improves upon that. If you can handle the constant stealth sections, this game is for you.

Death Stranding’s core gameplay mechanics will not appeal to everyone. What I found to be dull and monotonous at times, others will find relaxing and rewarding. It’s rare for a game with such a big push, such a huge marketing presence, to be so niche in its design. However, if you have the patience to trudge through this long journey, you won’t be disappointed.

Those that can turn a blind eye to Mortal Kombat 11’s grind will have a good time turning their opponent into meaty bits. The core fighting engine powering this title isn’t drastically different compared to previous entries, but there’s no point in fixing what isn’t broken.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is twice as nice, featuring the same stellar campaign from the original release along with a solid side-story featuring the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. While this new content doesn’t quite hit the same highs with a number of hands-off sequences, it’s still worth a go for those who just can’t get enough of this malcontent.

Control is a treasure trove of storytelling that is supported by great dialogue, intriguing characters, and stellar voice acting. When paired with its badass combat, it proves to be the complete package.

Little Nightmares 2 improves upon the original with more terror, better puzzles, and a fantastic atmosphere. Fans of horror or puzzle games shouldn't hesitate to pick this one up.

For a game about dinosaurs and the end of the world, Goodbye Volcano High’s coming of age tale ironically plays things far too safe. Those looking for a comfort tale akin to an anime will enjoy its trappings, but those who have already graduated have no doubt seen what this title has to offer.

A true love-letter to the platforming genre, all those who grew up with monkeys and bandicoots will come to love Nikoderiko: The Magical World – Director's Cut’s mongooses as well.

Much like its iconic Lancer Assault Rifle, Gears 5 functions as perfectly as it was designed. The developers threw on a chainsaw of character, narrative, and content to make an over-the-top, thrilling experience from start to finish. Gears 5 is a badass game, and you'll come away feeling more badass than the legendary Marcus himself.

NBA 2K19’s on-court disappointments are somewhat remedied by the hugely entertaining off-the-court shenanigans, but a steep learning curve may leave less experienced players a little overwhelmed.

Loop Hero does what it sets out to do, making for a fun and compelling roguelike that deck builder fans will love.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is an excellent stopgap until The Elder Scrolls VI hits the scene. New players and fans alike shouldn’t hesitate to visit Cyrodiil.

Ultimately, WWE 2K23 has something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual wrestling fan looking to jump into the squared circle for a quick match, or a die hard WWE fan looking to create and brand your own WWE Universe, each game mode brings something new and exciting to the table – even if the depth is somewhat lacking. The gameplay and combat is the best the franchise has seen for over a decade, the customization suite offers near endless possibilities, and the community content portal is incredible. All this, but I still can’t help but feel the game was so close to something more.

I didn't dive into LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga expecting to have a lot of fun, but that's exactly what I had: a lot of fun. The witty writing is well timed and expertly delivered, reliving the events of the Star Wars franchise was a welcomed nostalgia trip. Even after completing the game, I woke up excited to dive in and explore more worlds, solve more puzzles, and unlock more characters.

Episode INTERmission is a fun few hours most Final Fantasy fans will enjoy. That being said, its short length and uncertain future make this DLC a hard sell at its current price point.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is another strong entry in the AC universe, excelling by building on the series' strengths. Japan is stunning, and both Naoe and Yasuke shine as some of the franchise's best protagonists to date. However, even for seasoned fans, its repetitive and unimaginative mission structure may be tough to overcome.

Any Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, or JRPG fan shouldn’t hesitate to pick up Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. It’s fantastic to see another lost gem from the Wii U shine brightly on the Nintendo Switch.

Ultimately, WWE 2K24 is the single best wrestling game on the market today, and the best one in decades. Building on the already solid foundations of WWE 2K23, the in-ring action is smooth and rewarding, the flurry of game modes offers a little something for everyone, and the Wrestlemania Showcase retells some of WWE’s most iconic stories in new and exciting ways.

Much like what Arkham Asylum did for Batman games, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order sets the new standard for Star Wars titles. Not only is it a great Star Wars game, it is also the best game of the year.

Everspace 2 is still in its infancy. The lack of roguelike elements many have come to love from the original may be a step in the wrong direction for many fans. However, in their absence is a bigger, more exciting universe, a passionate story, and a thrilling adventure. I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for Everspace 2.

Samurai Shodown's signature deliberate pace is perfectly captured in this entry, though the small roster and lack of options somewhat hinder its replayability.

Fans of beat-'em-ups or kung fu movies will instantly fall in love with Sifu. If you can handle replaying levels multiple times, it's a must buy.

Fate/Samurai Remnant is a great palate cleanser after all the massive games of 2023. Fans of either the Fate series or Musou games shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

Worst-case scenario, Genshin Impact will cost you a few hours of your life. Best-case scenario, it will be your surprise hit of the year. There are zero reasons not to at least try this title if you are a fan of action RPGs.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is, without question, my Game of the Year and has quickly become one of my favorite games of all time.

Any JRPG fan who missed Tales of Vesperia the first time around shouldn’t hesitate to check out this definitive edition of the title. Despite its age, the game still holds up in 2019.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a game for JRPG fans and Monster Hunter fans alike, perfect for those that have a thing for capturing and raising monsters.

Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition is a true love letter to 70s movies, 90s arcade run-and-guns, and countless pop culture legends. While players will have to take on the syndicate locally, Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition is a modern-day throwback classic.

Moonlighter is an exciting action adventure-shop simulator game that shouldn’t be skipped. If you have any interest in running a shop and dungeon diving, then this game is for you.

Fans of the SteamWorld series will be happy with Heist 2. If you like steam bots and robot pirates – and who doesn’t? – pick this one up.

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is the most fun I’ve had playing a Yakuza game since Yakuza 0. Any fan of the series or fans of samurai games, in general, should check it out.

SteamWorld Quest is a solid RPG that contains a number of interesting ideas and packs the charm of the other SteamWorld titles. Fans of RPGs or SteamWorld games should give it a go.

Much like a goofy game show, the zany antics of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout will appeal to gamers of all types. Though the first season has some nasty bugs and Show duds, those that bring some patience into this battle royale will enjoy their race to the top.

Despite its brilliance, Lost Ark’s ARPG nature won’t be for everyone. However, if you’ve been yearning for a new free-to-play experience to explore, you won’t get much better than this. The combat is exciting, the progression is quick and accessible, everything about Lost Ark screams a level of quality we’ve not seen in an MMO for many years. Lost Ark is the best free-to-play game to launch in the last 10 years, and I cannot wait to dive in at full release.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a classic example of the old mantra: get past the start, and you’ll love it. If you have Xbox Game Pass, you have no reason not to try this game.

Everything about Gears Tactics screams quality, and it's easily one of the best debut titles this genre has seen in years. It's nearly time for X-COM to step aside - this genre just went up a Gear.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a fantastic (and pun-tastic) tool that dishes out good vibes as players knock out their tasks. While the title could use more customization options, we enjoyed getting down to business in its cozy world.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the best tale the franchise has ever told, featuring the most varied and rewarding gameplay the series has seen in years. Valhalla will forever dine in Odin's Hall as one of the greatest RPGs of this generation.

Frantic, fluid, and fun, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] features all the greatest parts of the fighting game genre. It’s not a revolutionary update, but rather an evolutionary one designed for those looking for accessible yet nuanced gameplay and a truly diverse roster.

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is a flarkin fantastic game; it's easily the best game of the year so far. My only disappointment? We need more Lipless.

Hardened Warhammer fans finally have the ultimate Space Marine experience with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Gory, bloody, and brutally entertaining combat stands at the forefront of Space Marine 2, delivering one of the most immersive Warhammer worlds to date.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is another fantastic shooter from Infinity Ward, but it’s still just a Call of Duty game. If you’re a fan of the heights of the franchise, you’re sure to have a great time. However, for those hoping for a more daring and innovative leap, there’s not much new to see here.

I'll make this as simple as possible: If you like the idea of controlling a Roman Legion and conquering in the name of Rome, you will like Expeditions: Rome. If that doesn't sound like fun, then this game won't be for you.

Ready or Not absolutely nails the feeling of being in an Elite SWAT unit, packing mass appeal for tactical shooter fans.

Metro Exodus has the potential to be a solid game, but it just isn’t there in its current state. Those on the fence best wait for a few patches before picking this one up.

Avowed takes a few hours to find its feet, but once it does, this RPG provides an unforgettable journey that never outstays its welcome. Avowed features a jaw-dropping world to explore, complete with a solid cast of intriguing characters and choices that will remain with you long after the credits roll.

Arcade legends who cut their teeth on run-and-gun greats shouldn’t hesitate to join the Family for Neon Inferno’s new-school, old-school thrills.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a solid experience for fighter plane enthusiasts, but it plays things too safe. Sticking to a tried-and-tested formula that has ensured the series' success and continuation for nearly 25 years is a sound strategy, but it lacks in innovation and any new exciting creative direction.

Nelly Cootalot: Spoonbeaks Ahoy! HD proves that charm does not age, but some of the gameplay mechanics in this point-and-click adventure are a little long in the tooth. Those that can overcome this facet will have a great time on this swashbuckling adventure.

NEO: The World Ends With You is a unique and colorful action RPG that packs a fun combat system. While it’s certainly not for everyone, those drawn to its stylish vibe will absolutely love it.

I find myself thinking this about a lot of games this year, but in a weaker year Remnant 2 could be a GOTY contender. Don’t hesitate to check it out if you like these types of games.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has got that dog (or is it wolf?) in it, bringing depth, originality, and countless ways to throw down in South Town.

Infinity Nikki radiates a charm that warms your heart, engages your mind, and sweeps you off your feet. It’s a refreshing and heartfelt take on the gacha formula, truly promising a little something for everyone.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level. If you’re still on the fence, check out the demo and get yourself hooked.

My time with WWE 2K25 is one of mixed emotions. So much of the game is great, but it’s the same stuff that has been great for some time. It’s a worthy addition to 2K25’s redemption arc, but one that may see the crowd turn if we see more of the same next year.

Fans of tense melee terror - or old-school DOOM games in general - shouldn't hesitate to check out Total Chaos this holiday season.

While it takes a while to get going, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is well worth the wait. Fans of quick-paced co-op action RPGs shouldn't hesitate to check it out.

Lies of P is a fantastic gothic Soulslike that is worth playing even during this hectic game season. Pick it up if you want a game that will bite back.

For those who have never played a Lumines game before, Lumines Remastered is a must buy. However, though the HD upgrade adds to its audiovisual splendor, don’t be surprised if it feels a little too by the books.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is on the cusp of greatness, only let down by its tiresome combat system. Nevertheless, this adventure is one worth taking for most Paper Mario fans.

The Banner Saga 3 puts a cap on a great trilogy with a fantastic ending.