Baldur’s Gate 3 is nothing short of a masterpiece. The story is incredible, the world gorgeous and immersive, voice-over and writing of the highest quality, an amazing soundtrack, everything comes together in near perfect harmony. It’s not only the best RPG of the year, it’s the RPG of a generation.

Astrality does some interesting things with the rail shooter formula in the form of its meter, but the awkward shooting is like walking and chewing bubble gum at the same time. Those that can tolerate a bit of awkwardness will dig this interstellar adventure.

Episode 1 of The Expanse: A Telltale Series is designed by and for the fans, but sci-fi aficionados will appreciate its worldbuilding and deep atmosphere. Those that like a good story will enjoy their time exploring the UNN Urshanabi.

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.

The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is a bit light on content, but what is here is a worthy follow-up to the side-scrolling cult classic. Those that don’t mind a short runtime will have a great time minmaxing the Battery Gauge to cause massive damage.

Lost Connections has a powerful message about overcoming social anxiety, but there just isn’t enough substance to really drive its messaging home. As a result, this visual novel fails to make a lasting connection.

Exoprimal was clearly designed to be free-to-play, and much like Capcom’s other competitive multiplayer offerings, I kept trying to find a hook. It’s worth a go on Xbox Game Pass, but this dinosaur just can’t beat the kings of the genre.

Wave 5 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass provides a compelling case to come back nearly a decade after its vanilla release. Whether one wants to hit the town or the tub, there’s a little something for everybody here.

Gimmick! Special Edition still holds up after all these years, but there’s just not enough beyond the main game to entertain players. This little green guy deserved so much more, resulting in what is a one-and-done type of title with little reason to go back.

Taking players back to an age of city pop and vaporwave, STONKS-9800: Stock Market Simulator lives up to its title by providing a chill text-based experience with plenty of variables. There might not be much dialog to speak of, but there’s enough action to make sure players will always come out ahead. [Early Access Review]

Oozing with style, Galactic Grinder channels the best score chasers with its skateboarding action. Those who love to gun for the high score – and do it with panache – shouldn’t miss this sleeper hit.

The inclusion of Amy Rose in Sonic Origins Plus is most welcome, but everything else in this DLC is roughshod. The poor port job of the Game Gear titles makes them borderline unplayable, and the package is a bit light when it comes to any other additions.

Breadsticks is a short but sweet platformer that will test players’ reflexes and speed. There’s not much to this package, but there doesn’t have to be – there is beauty in its simplicity.

The Cooking Class’ dive into survival horror is a mixed bag. Those that enjoy stumbling around for clues will enjoy visiting the DuPont family, but those less inclined to stumbling around will lack an appetite for this title.

Avani takes liberal cues from other isometric hack-and-slashers, but still manages to nail the landing. Those who don’t mind a title that primarily focuses on battles should check out this short jaunt.

It’s been a long time coming, but Diablo 4 is the game fans deserve. Put simply, Diablo 4 will easily be many people’s Game of the Year.

Kizuna AI: Touch the Beat! is a disservice to the VTuber sensation. There’s not enough content to justify a repeat performance, and what is here makes for an underwhelming show.

Street Fighter 6 is the complete package, with decades of refinement proudly on display. Whether you’re flying solo or hitting the streets with others, this is the definitive Street Fighter experience.

It is good to know that we already know the worst game of the year in May. Do yourself a favor and forget about The Lord of the Rings: Gollum – it is anything but precious.

BATSUGUN Saturn Tribute Boosted has detailed spritework and a novel leveling system, but there’s not enough in this 90s throwback to justify the steep price tag.

Synthwave FURY looks and sounds the part, but everything else misses the mark. The broken physics make this title unplayable, and any sort of course correction on each track is simply a lost cause.

Locke(d) attempts to convey a deep message, but ends up feeling hollow. There’s simply no substance to this visual novel, making it feel more hopeless than the message it is setting out to convey.

Moonleap’s day-night premise has merit, but this puzzle-platformer is far too simple and short to make a lasting impact.

Much like the ZINEBOT 6000, Endless Monday: Dreams and Deadlines excites and delights. This visual novel keeps things simple, but it also does the unthinkable by making corporate life the most fun it has been since Office Space – minus the red Swingline stapler.

Jected – Rivals flying and driving mechanics get the job done, but those looking to rise to the top should learn to overcome its different quirks and repeated events. Nevertheless, this battle royale shows promise, and we’re eager to jump back into this show for future seasons. [Early Access review]

Super Dungeon Maker’s Fink might not have the pedigree of The Legend of Zelda’s Link, but paving the way for one’s own adventure shows promise. The suite of options is a bit limited as of this writing, but this toolbox has enough to let spelunkers have a grand ol’ time.

Bullet Hell Monday: Black has the bullets and challenge, but this danmaku focuses more on flash than substance. There’s just too much to process, leading to an unnecessary handicap more casual fans will have a hard time overcoming.

Redfall is a fantastic idea that just doesn’t pan out. Clunky combat, horrible AI, and boring gameplay make this one an easy pass.

Omega Strikers always has you thinking “just one more match” before sucking you in for countless more hours. At the low, low price of free-to-play, it is a minimal investment for potentially big fun.

Punch a Bunch packs a punch but lacks the follow-through. This lightweight fighter simply doesn’t have enough meat on the bone, and its casual action means that only the most diehard of pugilists will stick around – especially at its high price point.

This entry proves yet again that letting Respawn handle the Star Wars IP is the right call. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a Game of the Year contender in a very stacked year.

Synth Retro Vapor Wave is a game without purpose, style, or polish. An absolute resource hog with the looks to match, this game is anything but a relaxing Sunday drive.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a fantastic action RPG and a worthy spin-off. If you like fast-paced top-down action, give this one a shot.

While the tactical options are more limited when playing solo, Minecraft Legends is a blast to play. Pick it up if you are a Minecraft fan or if you just want to have fun playing a chill game with a friend.

Tron: Identity’s mystery has a strong foundation, but there’s just not enough meat on the bone. There’s a lack of places to go and people to see; this rendition of The Grid looks the part, but it ends up being too one-dimensional due to its short length.

Featuring deep swing mechanics and incredibly detailed courses, EA Sports PGA Tour sets a new gold standard for golf games. The title is every bit as deep as one wants it to be, with RPG elements that encourage replayability and self-improvement.

Maze Blaze is a solid roguelike that truly makes players feel like an unstoppable tank. While the control scheme and Artifact system is a bit of an acquired taste, the foundation is here for some good ol’ fashioned blasting.

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.

While I still think the Resident Evil 2 Remake is the king, Resident Evil 4 Remake is still a fantastic game. Fans of Resident Evil or survival horror, in general, should check it out.

There is nothing inherently wrong with Alpacalypse, but there is nothing unique about this platformer either. It is safe and average through and through; a template that serves as a baseline and nothing more.

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.

For those who don’t mind a short runtime and a somewhat steep price tag, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined’s old-school cool is a retro revival that evokes nostalgia while still being new. For those that appreciate a challenge, its insistence on muscle memory and pattern recognition will be just what the shrine maiden ordered.

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.

Wave 4 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass is arguably the best to date, featuring serious glow-ups to fan favorites. The inclusion of the new Yoshi’s Island track would have been more than enough to steal the show, but the rest of its roster this go-around most certainly strives for greatness.

In The Rural Village Of Nagoro has plenty of character, but sadly does not have the substance to match. This walking sim ends up telling players the plot, rather than actively showing it through gameplay. It’s a fascinating vignette, but be ready to do some digging if you’re looking to learn more.

Metal Black S-Tribute is a bland port of what amounts to a bland shoot-em-up. Its leveling system is novel, but everything from its action to its feature play things far too safe to consider over greater entries in the genre.

While Monster Hunter still reigns supreme, Wild Hearts still holds its own in the hunting arena. Those on Xbox Game Pass shouldn’t hesitate to give it a go.

I have absolutely no doubt that 18-24 months from now Blood Bowl 3 is going to be the game the community has dreamed of for so long. However, as it stands today, it’s the game we all hoped it wouldn’t be.

Puzzle Bobble2X/BUST-A-MOVE 2 Arcade Edition & Puzzle Bobble 3/BUST-A-MOVE 3 S-Tribute are barebones ports that deserve so much more. Those looking to play as Bub or Bob should look elsewhere.

There’s not much to Hike Trip, but there doesn’t need to be. For those who enjoy relaxing during a real life hike, Hike Trip manages to hit that same vein. It might be difficult to ask a gamer to enjoy the journey more than the destination, but those with an open mind that are willing to tune out for a respite will have a good time here.

Flinging oneself head-first into danger in Graze Counter GM is a thrilling feeling, but the execution of this death-defying adventure could use a bit more finesse. Those who don’t mind some stacked odds and cheap hits will enjoy this adventure, but less experienced pilots will quickly come to learn what the “hell” in “bullet hell” really means.

I ultimately think SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is going to be a turbulent release. As a fan of turn-based combat, I loved every minute. Exploring the world, finding new and powerful allies to add to my armies, discovering new Necromancer recipes to summon deadly hordes of the undead, fighting off the constant attacks from The Circle - it's a game I will return to time and time again. However, long-time fans of the franchise may struggle with the stark differences between turn-based and real-time strategy in a franchise they've grown to love for the latter.

Hi-Fi Rush is a stone-cold stunner, one with gameplay in lockstep with the beat. While finding one’s groove takes some getting used to, those with a keen ear will be in tune in no time flat.

My time with Forspoken was a strange one. Elements of the game are fantastic, with an engrossing story and a gorgeous world. However, it all just feels segmented, like nothing really wants to work together. Forspoken is a good game and one I would recommend to most open-world fans, but it just feels so close to greatness that I can’t help but walk away disappointed.

Monster Prom 3: Monster Roadtrip’s basic presentation and crude humor will appeal to a select few, but those looking for a good tale with some ghoulish creatures will enjoy hitting the road.

Impasto has a great premise, but that’s the only thing this walking simulator-stealth hybrid has going for it. A glorified fetch quest at its core, this title is downright insulting to players.

It’s Kooky’s object finding shenanigans are certainly silly, but it is far too simplistic for its own good. Those looking for a challenge best stick with Waldo’s adventures.

While it might not appeal to everyone, Vacuum Pilot gives speed freaks their new addiction. The mouse-based control scheme and momentum mechanics take some getting used to, but there is most certainly genius in its simplicity.

Devil Devour Alive DX works better as an art piece than a video game – and even that is a bit of a stretch. This title has the depth of a puddle, and while the graphics are true to the 90s, it also captures the worst elements of the time.

Trapped with Jester is a proof of concept and nothing more. The voice work is at the top of its class, but it serves as more of a portfolio than a real game.

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.

Gravity Chase cribs F-Zero’s style wholesale with varying degrees of success. Squirrelly controls and questionable design choices somewhat take away from the game, but there’s a healthy variety of options for those who just can’t get enough Captain Falcon.

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

GOODBYE WORLD provides a great tale, albeit one without too much room to grow. Those who don’t mind a brief story will enjoy this tale of game development, but it needed more time to really flesh out this pair of fledgling designers.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a worthy successor to Vermintide. Fans of good first-person melee combat shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

While I don’t think Evil West will be anyone’s game of the year, it’s rare to get such a pure action game these days. For those looking for pure vampire punching, this is your game.

NeverSynth is a rhythm game without rhythm, with procedurally generated courses that don’t quite match up. While it is great to rock out to your own tunes, those looking for near infinite fun best stick with the Audiosurf series.

While not all the tables designed for Slot Shots Pinball Collection are winners, the physics for pinball wizardry are on point. Pinball FX3 is still the 800-pound gorilla of the space, but this collection is still worth a go for diehard fans – albeit with a healthy amount of caution.

Deneb: Across the Stars has the framework needed to be a speedrunning sensation, but its brutal difficulty will only appeal to the hardest of the core. Those looking to brave the wild unknown best bring some patience.

Summoners War: Chronicles is a fantastic new addition to the Summoners War franchise. While it may not appeal to all fans of the MMO space, it’s definitely going to entice more fans of mobile gaming into bigger and broader open-worlds. There’s already a lot to love about the game, but I cannot wait to see where the developers take it after launch.

Clown for Speed will only make you feel like a clown. The drifting is simple and the cars fun, but everything in this package feels like the circus is in town.

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.

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.

Once Again has a fantastic foundation, but the follow-through just isn’t enough. We’re dying to know more about Sia and his time-traveling adventures with his mother – it’s just a shame that things are over before they even begin.

Gotham Knights is up there with Elden Ring as a Game of the Year contender. Its fast, responsive, and action-packed combat is surpassed only by a narrative that had me glued from the very first cutscene. A must-play for fans of open-world titles, and an easy pickup for anyone invested with the Gotham Knights or DC Universe.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope improves on Kingdom Battle, but drags things out far too long near the end. Fans of the original - or tactical combat games in general - should still check it out.

LEGO Bricktales is exactly the kind of game you would expect as both a work of Thunderful Games and a product of the LEGO brand. Seeing your creations come to life, even visually sickening ones, is a rewarding experience and a must-play for LEGO enthusiasts.

Striking a perfect balance between casual and pro, PGA Tour 2K23 will appeal to golfers across the spectrum with its new three-click system and accessible modes. Even if you’re not gunning for the FedEx Cup in its MyCAREER mode, players will still enjoy making courses, hitting up Topgolf, and taking things at their own pace.

Hole in the Clouds is a golf game in the very loosest sense of the word, but this puzzle-platformer fails to have a personality of its own.

Booster Course Pass Wave 2 runs with the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe formula and takes it to higher highs than Wave 1 from earlier this year. Some tracks are noticeably better than others, but these eight tracks are well worth a race-through.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R’s weighty combat is a bit of an acquired taste, but the sheer amount of fanservice on display will appeal to those who have a knack for the bizarre.

Break out the personal pan pizzas - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is the best way to experience these heroes in a half shell. This is more than just a collection; it’s a tribute of the highest order.

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.

Yars: Recharged has all of the underpinnings of a successful score chaser, but the premise just isn’t taken far enough to stand out in this day and age.

If you’ve ever played a visual novel in your life, you’ll know exactly what to expect in The Sound of Fireworks: The Haiku. This title is a walking, talking cliche, cribbing notes from the best without doing anything unique.

Thymesia is a Soulslike that rewards aggression and precision; more methodical or sword and board players might want to look elsewhere.

Cleaning garbage in a video game is about as fun as it sounds, and Vacuum Story doesn’t make a compelling case to pay for the privilege. Not even its vague story can hide how dreadfully dull the whole affair actually is.

Tyrant’s Blessing is a fun tactical game that tasks players with controlling their opponents as much as destroying them. If you’re a fan of tactics titles, add it to your queue.

Neodori Forever might look the part, but the stiff driving quickly gives away the fact that this racer is a poser. Those pining for days gone by best stick with the tried and true.

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.

For those itching for some new oldies, Donut Dodo is the tribute you need. The controls take some getting used to, but those weaned on the classics will take to it like a dodo to water.

BALLYGON’s tribute to SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball might border on plagiarism, but it has got the physics and overall action down to a science. Those that don’t mind a package lacking an aesthetic charm will enjoy its roly-poly action.

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 everybody loves the game of skee-ball, Extrorb does not make a compelling case to switch to the world of video games. Do yourself a favor and stick to the analog version of the game.

Void Prison is good for short bursts of play, but there’s simply not enough meat on the bone. It doesn’t do too much to stand out, and while it does have a solid foundation, it does not have too much more beyond that.

The titles found in Deathsmiles I・II are still some of Cave’s finest, but this slapdash port is a disservice. Between its rampant slowdown and its steep price tag, this collection is only suited for the most diehard of shmup fans.

While DNF Duel’s MP system adds a new layer to the fighting game genre, this title plays things far too safe. Fans of Arc System Works’ other fighters will enjoy throwing down as wind wielders and puppet masters, but the studios’ other titles manage to do everything on offer here.

Sonic Origins is a raw deal, providing little content with questionable edits. The widescreen support, drop dash, and Mission Mode are welcome additions, but they all come at a (steep) price.