The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand. For those willing to piece things together and live in the moment, this title’s mystery – and its many puzzles – are just waiting to be explored.

Windjammers 2 is a worthy successor to the disc flying action of the Neo-Geo classic. While it is a bit light on modes, its core action has enough variety to be the next big competitive hit.

In a world where everything moves fast, Lushfoil Photography Sim’s tranquil experience provides the perfect getaway for those looking to slow down and truly appreciate life's beauty.

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.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Disney Afternoon Collection features a wealth of 8- and 16-bit classics, its light amount of extra content makes this after-school escapade feel more like an elective than a requirement.

“Cozy” and “cleaning” might sound like polar opposites, but Hozy’s cozy world provides the perfect cure-all for those looking to unwind with some spring cleaning.

As a fan of the Dynasty Warriors series since the PlayStation 2 era, I can confidently say that Dynasty Warriors Origins is the best mainline game in the series. Needless to say, I eagerly anticipate the release of a new Dynasty Warriors: Xtreme Legends.

Rift of the NecroDancer packs a steep learning curve, but those that come to know their way around slimes and skeletons are in for a real treat. Those that take the time to learn the inner workings of Rift of the NecroDancer's Action Row will be blessed with good tunes, a high skill ceiling, and plenty of replayability.

Pack your bags for South Town - KOF is back. The deep and stylish gameplay that put the series on the map is back and better than ever, and the inclusion of rollback netcode ensures this dream match never ends.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is one of the best Like a Dragon spin-offs to date, and we are eagerly looking forward to Majima's next adventure.

The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian Entertainment's best work to date - a perfect RPG for those seeking an old-school approach, one with more substance than expanse.

Wanderstop sets out to deliver a relaxing narrative experience - and absolutely nails it. Needless to say, it's the barista life for us in Wanderstop.

While Resident Evil 2 Remake is the better game, Resident Evil 3 still makes for a good time. For those looking to pay a trip to Raccoon City and face off with Nemesis, give it a go.

For those looking for some co-op fun, Nobody Saves the World is your game. If you’ve got a buddy that likes top-down action RPGs, make sure to add this one to your queue.

Star Wars: Squadrons is a solid Star Wars game, but it will only have legs for a specific kind of player. If you are okay with more sim-based fliers instead of arcade ones, be sure to check this one out.

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.

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

River City Girls gives the beat-em-up genre a new lease on life with its solid combat, stellar spritework, and sprawling world. Those that can stomach some backtracking will find an adventure worthy of biffing a few baddies over.

While Elden Ring Nightreign The Forsaken Hollows' new characters are truly great, the lack of new weapons proves to be a sticking point. Hardcore players shouldn't hesitate to download this DLC, but more casual fans best wait for a sale.

The Capcom Fighting Collection has some of the greatest CPS2 and CPS3 titles ever to be released, but this barebones package leaves something to be desired. It’s the best legit way to play these games, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more – unless you like Darkstalkers.

Rival Megagun deftly changes up the shmup formula while effortlessly nailing the basics. PVP is a game changer, and while more characters and stages would be welcome, what is here provides a compelling competitive challenge that places an emphasis on both defense and offense.

The single-player in Wasteland 3 runs fine, but the co-op is currently a hot mess. If you plan to play co-op, wait for a few more patches before picking it up.

PGA Tour 2K25 stands tall with its deep EvoSwing system, stellar graphics, and in-depth MyCAREER mode.

Digimon Story Time Stranger is easily the best Digimon game to date. Fans of the series - or RPG fans in general - should at the very least check out the demo.

With Olija, what you see is what you get. It is well-executed for the most part and is an absolute joy to play. If this is your type of game, don't hesitate to pick this one up.

A stellar example of storytelling in the video game space. What initially seems like a futuristic science-fiction story quickly steers into a very real struggle of freedom vs. oppression which has been endured throughout history. With just one single playthrough, Detroit: Become Human will warm your heart, provoke your thoughts, and light a fire in your stomach.

Borderlands 3 does very little to reinvent itself. It plays it safe, sticking to the tried and tested formula that made the original games such a success. A must-play for fans of the genre and past Borderlands games, but much of the same for anyone else.

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.

Despite its light roster and stage selection, Granblue Fantasy: Versus’ sheer charm and accessibility will appeal to veterans and newcomers alike.

If you enjoyed the original game, Jurassic World Evolution 2 is sure to bring you hours of entertainment (not including the “campaign”). However, for players hoping for more than a full priced DLC, disappointment is unavoidable.

Dying Light: The Beast is another terrifying foray that provides a unique spin on the survival horror genre. However, its horde of bugged missions and objectives damage its otherwise immersive terror.

Years of Funcom’s expertise managing Conan: Exiles have paved the way for Dune: Awakening to be one of the most impressive online survival games ever made.

Arcade aficionados and Gundam fans alike will have an absolute blast with Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON. While there is a bit of a learning curve, the sheer speed, depth, and fanservice on display make it a shining example of the fighting game genre.

While Atelier Ryza 2 won't set your world on fire, it does serve as comfort food for JRPG fans looking for a fix. However, those who aren't fans of the genre should stay far, far away.

The fight is calling in Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, promising a Kollection of Klassics that prove to be the ultimate way to Test One’s Might.

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden provides an exciting take on the strategy RPG genre. Fans of X-COM or similar games shouldn’t skip this one.

Wildmender is one of those cozy farm games that you can lose yourself in for hours; just don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated.

An epic platforming challenge awaits all those that brave Abathor’s trials. Those willing to cut their teeth with its “traditional” controls will enjoy taking on this demonic horde.

Brilliantly crafted boss encounters, challenging enemies, immersive environments – Remnant: From the Ashes has everything you could want from a Souls-inspired game and more.

Redout 2 is a spectacle that will have players on the edge of their seat. Just be warned; one will need to cut their teeth with its difficulty curve – one best bring their A game.

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.

Eastward will be on many shortlists for indie GOTY, and possibly on some main lists as well. If you like what you see, don't hesitate to pick this one up.

Fans of the original Trails of Cold Steel will want to pick up this second entry, but newcomers might want to get up to speed before diving in.

Despite its lack of difficulty, our time with Forager was enjoyable to the very end. For those seeking out a new chill crafting game, Forager is worth your while.

Pepper Grinder is anything but a grind, letting players drill through land, sea, and air with relative ease. While we would have loved to see more content – and more bosses in particular – this title proves that it’s the pirate’s life for us.

Roguebook has everything it needs to set the genre on fire. A gorgeous visual feast, combat as deep and challenging as any CCG, rewarding roguelike mechanics - it has it all. If you're a fan of the genre, this one is quickly setting up to be a GOTY contender.

WWE 2K26 still represents the best wrestling game on the market today, but it does very little to distinguish itself from last year's release. Combined with egregious monetization and the needlessly mundane grind across nearly every single game mode, and this year simply feels like a step back.

Borderlands 4 is easily the best entry since the hallowed Borderlands 2, reclaiming its title as the best looter shooter in the biz. Whether co-op or solo, fans of the series should check it out.

Date Everything!’s romance packs heart, with its stellar voice work and sheer wit stealing the show. Grab your Dateviators - there’s a world just waiting to be swooned.

Love, Ghostie is more treat than trick, bringing together time management, good vibes, and dad jokes into a lovable package.

Elden Ring Nightreign is truly worthy of its namesake. Fans who still have the Elden Ring itch even after the DLC should gear up for some jolly good cooperation.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction. Those that don’t mind the same old song and monkey dance will have fun, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

Those with a pocket full of quarters and a fervent love for the classics will be right at home with the side-scrolling action of Steel Assault. It might be a bit on the short side, but it encourages absolute mastery - just mind the gap.

Anyone who likes the idea of being a bounty hunter in space will enjoy their time with Rebel Galaxy Outlaw. Just don’t expect the casino to blow you away.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax has remained an arcade staple for good reason - it’s got a perfect learning curve, fantastic sprite work, and oodles of fanservice. However, this lackluster port job is a disservice to the title. If you’ve never checked out the Midnight Channel, it’s a must play; however, those who have years of experience might feel like this is a rerun.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Indivisible is a great game, but it could have been amazing. The lack of weapons, armor, or other collectible items to make exploration worthwhile really makes a lot of the adventure a bit dull, and the repetitive nature of its level design definitely leaves a sour taste. Many of these issues will be off-putting enough for potential players, but if you can look past its seemingly basic design mistakes, Indivisible’s level of charm, passion, and character are rarely seen in the genre.

EA SPORTS FC 26 is a fantastic football package. Not only is this the best the franchise has looked in years, its nuanced yet worthwhile gameplay improvements keep every match fresh and exciting.

Observer: System Redux combines a psychological thriller narrative with psychedelic visuals, terrifying chase scenes, and next-generation graphics to provide one of the most impressive remaster packages I’ve played in ages.

While MOUSE: P.I. For Hire doesn’t quite scratch that detective itch, its incredible aesthetics and lively cast make it well worth the trip to Mouseburg.

While we don't envy it going up against Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hell Is Us is one of the best games we've played this year.

20XX’s physics are almost a perfect recreation of a certain blue bomber, but the roguelike elements don’t always work as they should. The procedurally generated levels don’t have the same spark as Capcom’s offerings, and its permadeath is an acquired taste.

Adding pizzazz to the world of Pong is a tall order, but the RPG mechanics in Hypergalactic Psychic Table Tennis 3000 largely pay off. The challenge may be uneven and the humor crude, but those looking for something new can certainly find it here.

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.

Even with the bugs, Warhammer 40K fans will enjoy Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader immensely. If you are a tactics RPG fan looking for your next fix, this is your game.

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER provides a fantastic futuristic experience that we were all too eager to dive into. While we would have appreciated more runway with its brief tale, ES88’s hunt for the Golden Butterfly is well worth a trip down memory lane.

The three button setup of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown has stood the test of time, providing an incredible amount of depth with a strong emphasis on the fundamentals. It’s just a shame that the spotty netcode drags down the overall experience; those looking to seek out new challengers best come with a bit of patience.

XCOM: Chimera Squad is a brave adventure into new territory. Featuring a more interesting narrative design, some much-needed changes to combat, and a cast of interesting characters, all of these things would lead to a brilliant game if it weren’t for the myriad of bugs, crashes, and usual XCOM tiring randomness. It’s an absolute must-buy for fans of the genre, especially at its current price, but a bit more time in development wouldn’t have hurt.

Dark Souls has often been used to measure one's gaming prowess, but that measuring stick has changed with Crimson Desert. Not only does it boast some of the most challenging boss battles ever seen in the industry, its required levels of patience, determination, and ability have set a new gold standard.

Parking Garage Rally Circuit channels raw thrills to create something truly magnificent. For those always on the hunt for the perfect line, Parking Garage Rally Circuit’s speed, challenge, and aesthetics help this arcade racer fly sky-high.

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.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale boasts a deep and engaging combat system that is as rewarding as it is ruthless. A worthwhile adventure into Arthurian Legend, it’s a fantastic entry into the tactical RPG space that unfortunately begins to suffer with technical issues as the story unfolds. As many of the cutscenes tell you, it’s a work in progress.

Anybody who likes fast-paced platformers with a gorgeous sense of style will enjoy Solar Ash. Who knows – maybe fans of a certain blue hedgehog can play a good 3D game for once.

Immortals Fenyx Rising is a charming and fun adventure into Greek mythology with Ubisoft's trademark core design elements thrown in to support the experience. It is a worthwhile adventure for those looking to scratch that Breath of the Wild itch, but one that experienced Ubisoft fans may feel is a little too familiar.

Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers’ gathering of wolves never looked better than with Code Mystics’ new Steam release. While light on options, there's no better way to get serious than with this solid SNK fighter.

SaGa Frontier Remastered is a good slice of JRPG nostalgia that will please fans of the original classic.

Sniper Elite 5 knows what it is excellent at and sticks with it. If you like gory headshots and taking out Nazis, this game is a good time.

WWE 2K19 struggles to meet expectations. It’s a mid-card talent with potential, but is too set in its ways to leave any lasting impact.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle has got the fanservice down, but it feels more like a tribute to Arc System Works’ other games than its own unique beast. Its simplified fighting game mechanics, along with its reused assets, makes it only worth it for the most diehard of fans.

Only the most die-hard fans of the Mana series should consider picking up Trials of Mana. While the remake may be faithful to the original, it doesn’t make for a good game or a good time.

Mirage is the Assassin’s Creed many have been waiting for. It pays homage to its roots, bringing with it the challenge and satisfaction of a well-planned and executed stealth assault. It effortlessly blends together the old-school approach with updated design philosophies, a deeper and more immersive game world, and a story that enthralls from start to finish.

Mortal Shell shines brightly as an example of the Souls formula done well. Anyone who is a fan of the challenging gameplay the genre is known for will be happy with this title.

Planet Coaster 2 harbors a level of creativity unmatched in this space. Its attention to detail is so intense, that its biggest challenge is forming a straight path without destroying half the planet. A wonderfully creative playground is available for those with the patience to work through it, but it proves to be a frustratingly cumbersome journey for the rest of us.

Packing retro aesthetics and just the right amount of challenge, Blazing Chrome is the best run-and-gun in years. Though it is a bit on the short side, it perfectly encapsulates the pure kinetic energy that put the genre on the map.

The Surge 2 combines a rewarding combat system with a fantastic game world to craft one of the best games of 2019. Fans of Soulsborne games shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

For The King 2 is the perfect sequel. It takes the very best components of its predecessor and uses those time-tested elements to raise the series to new heights. To put it simply, For The King 2 is one of the best strategy-based co-op experiences on the market today.

The AWE DLC for Control is a great little piece of content that ties into the Alan Wake mythos. If you enjoyed Control and want more, be sure to pick it up.

Dying Light 2 is so close to being great, but it is held back by a myriad of technical issues. It's fine with friends, but wait for some patches if you intend to fly solo.

Neo Cab is a delightful experience that sometimes trips over itself due to certain design choices. Make sure to check out the demo before purchasing.

Combining the world of puzzle games with platformers is an interesting proposition, but UFO: Unidentified Falling Objects manages to keep players engaged with intuitive controls, plenty of unlockables, and countless reasons to come back.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands might as well be an expansion for Borderlands 3. Only fans of Borderlands who can tolerate Tiny Tina should consider this game.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is another solid entry in the Call of Duty franchise. Fantastic shooting, great visuals, a strong story – fans of the series will find a lot to love in the latest entry. Unfortunately, for anyone else, it’s just another Call of Duty game that relies entirely on the same old multiplayer and zombies to carry it through.

Barring its numerous bugs and shoddy netcode, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition captures the spirit of the IP quite well. The leveling system makes the title a bit of a cakewalk, but the presentation makes up for its shortcomings.

Rematch is like attending football practice with a group of eager five-year-olds. Sally's kid turns up in jeans, Bob's son refuses to even get out of the car, and Steve's lad turns up in a £150 personalized Real Madrid kit. What follows is rarely ever considered football.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is Lara’s most dangerous journey yet, but also her best. Action-adventure aficionados and Tomb Raider fans alike shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit attempts to set the stage for Chris and his heroic adventures, but the execution is lacking. Its lack of focus, along with its robust “Awesome Things to Do” chore list, make its two hour runtime drag out far longer than it has any right to.

The perfect history lesson, World Heroes Perfect combines timeless fights with rollback netcode and more in what amounts to a title that respects the past while also looking to the future.

Ultimately, New World: Aeternum is a fantastic MMO, building on the foundations of the greatest games of yesteryear. However, after 60 hours, I’m just not sure if I’ll be returning to the shores of Aeternum anytime soon.