While it’s not perfect, Madden 25 is the biggest step forward this series has seen in years. Superstar Mode and the gameplay upgrades shine brightest, but just about every area of the game is moving in the right direction.

This innovative debut visual novel from Cyrus Nemati and Little Bat Games is enlightening, endearing, and entertaining at every turn. Letting yourself get lost in this world is a must, and you’ll probably find something you really needed along the way.

This online multiplayer brawler is a great first offering from new indie developer Hardball Games, and there’s room to grow both for the game itself and this studio. OutRage blends multiple mechanics for a seemingly easy to grasp but hard to master fighting system, and rotating between match types will keep things from getting stale too quickly.

Despite its half-baked story, forgettable characters, and insincere world-building, I couldn't help but enjoy my time with Stellar Blade. Perhaps it's because it knows what it is, and I knew what I was getting into. What you see is what you get. The combat is the heart of the experience, but so is playing dress-up with Eve. If you're okay with all of that, Stellar Blade is a game worth your time and money.

If you've been yearning for the fun of Top Spin 4 and wishing something would scratch that tennis gaming itch, TopSpin 2K25 is exactly what you need. Settle in for some lessons with John McEnroe, work on your timing, and smash your way all the way to international stardom. The match isn't over for TopSpin, but they've delivered a power serve to bring this franchise back to life and get it on the right track.

Crow Country is a modern survival horror title that draws from the best aspects of Silent Hill and Resident Evil to create an immersive, fun experience that will draw in both devoted fans of the genre and those who have never tried it before. From its story to its graphics, it brings back the elements of survival horror that we love the most, while putting its own unique spin on the classics.

Paper Trail is a beautiful indie puzzle game with unique mechanics that isn’t afraid to present its players with a challenge. Its strong color schemes and charming characters will make this a great addition to your cozy games collection, especially if you’re looking for something to put your brain to work. However, finicky controls on console creates some very minor hindrances which, if you’re already feeling a bit stumped on some puzzles, can lead you to stepping away for a short spell.

What The Fog is great for what it is — a redeemable freebie, or a little $4.99 game otherwise. While it is a totally different experience to Dead by Daylight, and doesn't have nearly as much content, it's definitely worth checking out if you want a fun platformer/roguelike combo to play with your DBD duo and sink a couple of hours into.

While other games like Stray have dug deeper into the existential storytelling that playing as a cat can provide, nothing else has quite captured the whimsy and joy of a feline perspective like Little Kitty, Big City. For players who might be worried the fun goes by too quickly, this one has already been a blast to replay. This could become the cutest speedrunning game around, but it's just as easy to kick back and relax as you take charge of that city.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is Ninja Theory's magnum opus. It's a sequel that's ambitious but not overbearing. With this game, the studio has perfected its craft of portraying immaculate cinematic experiences, glimpses of which can be traced back to its earlier games, like 2007's Heavenly Sword. Most importantly, with Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory has created an utterly refreshing AAA single-player experience that is unlike anything Xbox has currently to offer this generation.

It doesn’t hold much in terms of replayability, but the emotional and concise story is well worth experiencing. Pine Hearts is a great game to cozy up with for an evening, and one that’ll definitely leave you misty-eyed before the credits roll.

Even for those who aren't rabid MotoGP fans, there's a serene intensity to finally settling in while playing MotoGP 24. Every frustrating wipeout feels worth it once you're zooming around a curve without ever feeling the controller budge. If you've been waiting a few years to upgrade from a past edition, MotoGP 24 is the perfect time to leap forward. Despite a few areas that still need improvement, it's hard not to call MotoGP 24 one of the best motorcycle racing games in years.

It's nearly impossible to please players of every single skill level, but F1 24 gameplay is some of the best the series has been in recent years. An extensive amount of optional systems allows more casual players to simply focus on the track, and the dedicated veterans have even more small settings to tweak as they fine-tune high difficulty strategies. Driver Career is a blast, especially when playing as iconic drivers of the past and present. Sadly, the missing story mode and poorly executed quick play options make it difficult for F1 24 to fulfill its potential.

In the game's current state, I recommend it as an above average, albeit not groundbreaking, psychological horror title - but I can't recommend it as a simulator. Autopsy Simulator ironically isn't a simulator, but it's a pretty good psychological horror game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Still Wakes the Deep is an example of modern psychological and survival horror done right in just about every way possible. It's obvious that The Chinese Room has learned a lot from creating titles like Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, and that expertise has culminated in the studio's best title yet.

ESO: Gold Road boasts an exceptionally well-written storyline, a compelling main character, scenic landscapes, and a World Event worth sinking your teeth into. However, the Scribing system feels incomplete but has the potential to become a useful mechanic with time and effort.

Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree is a groundbreaking experience for gamers worldwide, exemplifying what a DLC should be while continuing the legacy of the base game brilliantly. The Land of Shadow is filled with adversity and danger, but you have everything you need to overcome the challenges and emerge as a true Elden Lord.

Despite a midpoint lull, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a stunning expansion with an evocative soundtrack, challenging dungeons, and emotional story. An exciting kick-off that leaves you hungry for the future of FFXIV.

Zenless Zone Zero had the potential to be another well-rounded game by HoYoverse, but its development ultimately felt rushed. While I loved the idea behind it, I could only admire a few aspects, such as the combat, city design, and art style. Aside from these, it was an underwhelming experience for me. I often criticize the current state of Genshin Impact, apart from the Archon quests, but Zenless Zone Zero despite being new is already lifeless.

Fast-paced and hard-hitting gameplay brings the excitement of the collegiate gridiron back to gaming in College Football 25. Even with a few areas for refinement, the foundational Dynasty and Road to Glory experiences make this the best football game in years.

Norland is an exceptional medieval colony sim that marries the absurdity of Rimworld with the Intrigue and political Strife of Crusader Kings. A delightfully enjoyable game that brings something new to the genre, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend strategy fans check out. [Early Access Review]

With the added ease of a modern platform release, and all the benefits of new quality of life features, there’s never been a better time to experience this underrated classic. While Tomba! Special Edition very much feels like a retro title, its unique gameplay merits the attention of a modern audience.