The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a complete triumph and an instant contender for Game of the Year. While no game is truly perfect, it follows up a title that many of us would consider one of the very best ever made and manages to improve on it in nearly every way. Believe the hype. If you have any way to play Tears of the Kingdom, you owe it to yourself to do so as soon as possible.

I was still itching for more just to keep lapping up the myriad nostalgic references scattered everywhere. Astro Botis a product of passion, playfulness, and perfectly portioned platforming pastimes. Team ASOBI has hit it out of the park with this one and quite possibly landed a Game of the Year grand slam.

Despite the lacking performance, it’s impossible to call Shadow of the Erdtree anything other than a masterpiece and perhaps one of the most generous slices of DLC I’ve ever encountered. In doubling down on what made the base game such a triumph and wrapping it up in an irresistible new map that begs to be explored, FromSoftware has created something truly special that ramps up the difficulty in a way that never feels unfair as a result of well thought out progression systems. Between new regions, enough new weapons to arm a small army, and an unrivaled enemy roster that trumps everything that has come before both in terms of design and difficulty, Shadow of the Erdtree is FromSoftware firing on all cylinders. We don’t know at this stage if the intent is to release any further expansions for Miyazaki’s masterpiece, but if Shadow of the Erdtree is to be it, then it’s as close to a perfect way to bow out as possible.

Metroid Prime Remastered modernizes a classic, keeping everything good about it and fixing some of the few things that wouldn’t make sense to modern players. While a few late game design choices stop it from being near perfect, there are precious few better games you can play on a Nintendo Switch in 2023. New players should run to pick this one up, and those who haven’t touched it in twenty years won’t find a better way to revisit this classic.

Cobalt Core was a wonderful surprise for me, and is absolutely one of my favorite games of the year. It marries two disparate genres effortlessly and has a deep but easy-to-understand combat mechanic, engaging and lovable characters, and a mysterious plot. If you love rogue-like, deckbuilder, or Shmup, you can’t go wrong with this one.

Video games are a form of art and Metaphor: ReFantazio is the embodiment of that. The game’s ability to weave together thought-provoking themes, engagingly unique gameplay, and memorable characters in a beautifully stylized package is beyond remarkable. This is Atlus at the height of their creativity.

Naysayers will point to reused assets, a lowering of the difficulty in Spirit Summons, but these people miss the point. Elden Ring is the definitive Souls experience, introducing a class-leading open-world design and mechanics that will draw more people to the franchise. And that’s nothing but a good thing.

Few games released in 2022, or any year for that matter, are as well designed and made as God of War Ragnarök. While it doesn’t completely move beyond its predecessor, it eventually offers enough fresh content to stand apart, and additional variety helps make it the stronger game of the two, even if it’s perhaps a bit less focused. A beautifully told story that carries the themes of the prior game while allowing Atreus to stand on his own kept my interest until the very end. If you didn’t care for 2018’s God of War, then Ragnarök won’t change your mind, but everyone else should absolutely check it out.

Hades remains an absolute must-play modern masterpiece on the Xbox Series X. I’m thrilled to see new ports bring it to a new audience. With a wonderful story, memorable characters, some of the best voice acting around, a stunning soundtrack, variety that keeps things fresh even after dozens of runs, incredibly tight gameplay, and game design, which will allow even those who don’t usually care for roguelites to engage with it, this is a game that every player should try.

Despite how long I’ve been ranting here, there’s plenty more I could say about Hades. But honestly, I feel it’s best you discover for yourself why I’m so enamored of Supergiant’s latest adventure. Though the game isn’t quite perfect, it truly earned the accolades it’s been receiving. And honestly, if they decide to implement some additional content later on, most of my complaints would be rendered moot. This is honestly my favorite game yet by Supergiant Games, and easily one of my favorite indies of 2020. If you love rogue and need something new to enjoy, be sure to put this one on your wishlist.

Resident Evil 4 remains a must-play title in 2023, and while it may not be better in every possible way, this is overall the best way to experience it.

It’s not often we see a Game of the Year contender so early in the year, but here we are. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unforgettable follow-up to one of the finest remakes ever produced. Deftly building upon the rock-solid foundation of its predecessor, it evolves the combat and progression systems in subtle yet exciting ways while setting you loose in a massive world that you’ll want to explore to the fullest. With countless activities to keep you busy and a gripping story that will leave both Final Fantasy VII veterans and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unmissable adventure.

Those are minor missteps, though, in an otherwise fantastic release. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is easily the most interesting a 2D Mario title has been since the 90s, and any fan of platformers absolutely needs to play this game. The Switch has had a fantastic year for first-party releases, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands alongside the very best of them.

A Monster’s Expedition is a brilliant little puzzler. It gets incredible mileage out of a simple mechanic and manages to use it in unexpected ways. The game’s Zen-like presentation, open-ended exploration, and sense of humor create a relaxing environment that soothes away the frustrations found in other puzzle games. I do wish I had a little assistance in the late-game portion, but maybe I’m the only one who needs it.

Despite a few minor quibbles, Forza Horizon 5 is a triumph for its series, taking everything the last several titles set up so well and making a bigger and better game than its predecessors. Any fan of racing games needs to check it out now, and even if you’re not usually into the genre, you may surprise yourself with how well it pulls you in. Forza Horizon 5 is a taste of gaming nirvana that is not to be missed.

Even now, I want to go start another run of Blue Prince. I have ideas floating around in my head and if I just draft the right room I’ll be on my way to unlocking more of the mysteries of this mansion. I’ve had more than a few late nights since starting this title, telling myself that I was on my last run but then instantly starting another once it ended. That’s what a great roguelike does to players and Blue Prince is certainly that, as well as a great puzzle game. Blue Prince constantly forced me to learn new things and work towards a wide variety of goals in a way which forced me to change my entire way of thinking about similar titles, even changing how I think about progression. It’s a masterpiece that players should run to play.

Capcom may have made significant mistakes in the development of Street Fighter V, but it’s clear they were determined not to repeat them with Street Fighter 6. I can’t remember the last time a fighting game offered such a complete package, with something for every type of player. Combine that with best-in-class mechanics and a visual identity that truly sets it apart, and Street Fighter 6 is everything fighting game fans have been dreaming of. There’s no need to put your quarter on the machine to save your spot anymore. With Street Fighter 6, we can all have next.

The developers of UFO 50 took on a monumental task in creating 50 unique games for their fictional collection but they accomplished it in wildly successful fashion. Not only are the large majority of these games excellent, but when taken as a fictional canon, they make each other even better. Seeing how they bounce off each other, interact, and tell a story just in the way they evolve is a wonderful experience that’s unlike any other game I’ve played.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not be perfect, but for a first game from the team at Sandfall Interactive, it’s a remarkable achievement that tells a wonderful story while offering incredibly engaging combat and worldbuilding. This is an RPG I won’t soon forget and one that lapsed fans of the genre should absolutely check out.

Split Fiction is one of the most audacious games I’ve ever played, constantly reinventing itself in ways that somehow work when they simply shouldn’t. There were numerous moments that stunned me into wondering how this game just kept getting away with design decisions that seemed like a disaster waiting to happen but instead led to some of the most memorable stages I’ve ever played. Finding someone to play with may be a challenge for some, but if you can remotely do so, you won’t regret it.

I wasn’t sure if Donkey Kong Bananza would hold up to my hype, but thankfully, it absolutely did. Not only does this game reinvent Donkey Kong for a totally new era and console, but it manages to bring it to the present with style to spare, and even makes the game part of the broader universe seen in Super Mario Odyssey. Throw in tons of replay value, some really fun cameos and surprises aplenty, and you have one must-own adventure and the first truly great game in the Nintendo Switch 2 library.

Despite that, Balatro is an incredibly easy-to-learn deck builder with plenty of room for experimentation. Even after hundreds of runs, you’ll still encounter new options and combinations to twist your brain around. Even if roguelites and deck builders aren’t normally your favorite genres, Balatro is a game you need to check out.

There’s still a ton of things to like about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. Insomniac wisely kept the formula that worked so well in place and expanded it, removing a lot of what didn’t work and filling it in with new side content to leave players with plenty to do. There are few open-world games that are anywhere near as engaging, in large part because so few of them can capture the genuine joy of simply moving through the world in the way these games do. That so much of the game’s content has been broken down into its best parts makes it all the more frustrating, though, when the game continues to make a few major mistakes it’s been making since the very first entry. Still, any fans of the first two games will have a blast returning to this world in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a stunning showcase for the Xbox Series X. It makes a stronger case than any other game on the system about what the next generation of gaming can bring. While a little more direction and a better interface would have been nice, my head has been stuck in the clouds ever since my first jaw-dropping flight. I can’t think of a better time for the sort of freedom it provides. If you have an Xbox Series X, you owe it to yourself to check this one out.

Even as it nears its fifteenth anniversary, Persona 4 Golden is still one of the best RPGs ever made and an absolute must-play for fans of the genre or really anyone who has spent all of these years wondering what the big deal is. This isn’t a case of having to choose style or substance. Persona 4 Golden has more of both than you can fit in a hollow bear suit. Don’t let it pass you by.

Quake II is the new King of remasters. Proving that with a fresh coat of paint, some of the 90s’ best games can still hold up brilliantly today, Quake II is the best shooter I’ve played in years. Its visceral action is far more satisfying than the vast majority of shooters that release today, and modern improvements have helped sand away some of the rougher edges of its era. Whether you spent hours enjoying this one 25 years ago or you’ve never touched it before, you should absolutely make sure to check out the year’s best bargain.

Maybe that’s enough, though. Making one of the greatest SHMUPs ever released available to more players isn’t exactly nothing, and Radiant Silvergun still deserves that distinction even after all these years. Those just getting into the genre may want to cut their teeth on a few more forgiving titles before diving into this one, but SHMUP veterans should be ready for one of the most exciting games in the genre.

Dave the Diver was crafted by video game visionaries with a pure love of fun. I have never seen a game jampack so much into one seemingly tiny title and somehow make it all work with the clarity of something smaller in scope. Dave the Diver doesn’t just deserve your attention, it demands it, and if you’ve been waiting for your sign to dive into this addicting game, I’m telling you now it’s time to take the plunge.

Look, I can wax poetic about this absolute wonder all I want, but you’ve got to play it to really see how epic this game is. Not even the biggest nitpicker could find a thing to make better in this, because it just does such a damn good job of being exactly what it aims to be. Do you like music? Do you like action games with a bit of platforming? Do you like charm and atmosphere in your games? If you answered “yes” to any one of those three, go boot up your console or PC of choice and find this gem. You owe it to yourself.

I’ve played a lot of retro-inspired games this year, and Chained Echoes easily stands out as one of the best – and it’s not even particularly close. With gorgeous artwork, addicting mechanics, and a world that blends steampunk with high fantasy seamlessly, Chained Echoes is a loving homage to old-school RPGs while still managing to proudly blaze its own path. If you’re looking for a challenging (but not punishing) RPG with an engaging story, enjoyable characters, and mechanics that will keep you coming back for hours at a time, Chained Echoes is an absolute must.

Whether you’re pondering the meaning of life and existence or racking your brains solving some carefully crafted puzzles, The Talos Principle 2 takes everything great about the first game and refines it to perfection. Croteam spins philosophy in just the right light, asking hard-hitting questions in a lenient and digestible manner while presenting the player with a wealth of ways you can respond to them. But if you’re just here to solve a few puzzles, there’s no skimping on the quality here at all, and you’re free to skip right through the plot if you want to get straight to the mind melting.

The Making of Karateka is perhaps the most impressive rerelease of a retro game I’ve ever played. It’s a collection but one dedicated to a single release. This is the sort of release that movie fans get when they buy a Criterion Collection release only for a video game. The new versions of Deathbounce and Karateka alone are worth the price of admission, but with everything else included, this is an easy purchase for anyone remotely interested in classic games. I can’t wait to see what Digital Eclipse and their Gold Master Series have coming next.

Tekken 8 offers a ton of ways to fight whether you want to head online or you’re looking for a fully featured single-player experience. A lot of them are just okay, but when you have this much variety, something is bound to stick, and even when some of its modes weren’t blowing me away, the fantastic combat at the center of this experience did. This isn’t a massive evolution for the Tekken series, but fans looking for their new fix will get what they want, while new players will find perhaps the most accessible Tekken yet.

While the story never fully grabbed me, Neon White is an absolute joy to play, keeping me hooked and repeatedly making me ask myself if I had one more run in me. Even if you’re not the sort of player who usually gets into chasing high scores and leaderboards, Neon White might surprise you.

Deathloop remains Arkane’s best work, and it’s fantastic that Xbox players can finally get in on Cole’s deadly groundhog day. Its unique structure and sheer scope, coupled with the signature Arkane gameplay that has been polished to within an inch of its life, feels like the work of a developer finally fully realizing a vision that began many years ago with the original Dishonored.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade offers a fantastic journey on the Switch 2 which is a must-play for anyone who still hasn’t been able to dive into this modern take on an all-time classic. It comfortably sits among the most impressive experiences I’ve had on Nintendo’s latest system thus far.

While it doesn’t end as well as it starts, that doesn’t ultimately change how much I love Xenoblade Chronicles 3. With fantastic characters, deep combat, and an enormous world to explore, it was more than worth pushing through those final hours to see the ending to one of my favorite RPGs in years. Monolith Soft have the Xenoblade series back on the right path, and I can’t wait to see where they go next. I just hope next time they have the confidence to end their game when it’s ready to end.

No matter how you play it, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a stunning success. While it doesn’t take as much advantage of the PS5 as I’d have liked, this is still the best version of this excellent remake. I’m a huge fan of the bold new direction they’re taking this version of Final Fantasy VII in, one which has even a veteran of the original game on the edge of his seat waiting for part two. Whether you played Final Fantasy VII in 1997, 2020, anywhere in between, or even if you never played the original, you owe it to yourself to check out our favorite game of 2020.

It Takes Two takes the tried and true action/adventure-puzzler genre and turns it into possibly the most collaborative split-screen co-op game ever created. Coupled with the presented marital issues between the main characters that make for fantastic springboards to discuss with your own Player 2, It Takes Two will strongly resonate with just about anyone who picks up a controller. Although character development was a bit lacking and the story somewhat sluggish, these issues do not diminish the incredibly imaginative level design and supremely enjoyable boss battles. If you’re looking for a case study in co-op puzzle games that deserves to define the genre going forward, grab a partner and pick up It Takes Two.

Don’t let a few issues dissuade you, though. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach smooths out almost all the issues I had with the original game and allowed me to dive in and fall in love with its addicting gameplay. The story may still be mostly nonsense, but it’s not unenjoyable nonsense, and it does nothing to keep me from wanting to deliver just one more package. Seeing what’s over the next horizon has never felt better in a game. Those who loved the first game will almost certainly love Death Stranding 2, but even those who bounced off of it should give the series another chance here.

Occasional pacing issues aside, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a fantastic follow-up to one of the best games in the series’ history. Its refined combat is snappy and satisfying. The three in-game cities are filled to the brim with activities to keep you busy, and Ryū ga Gotoku Studio’s penchant for weaving a compelling narrative remains unrivaled. Throw in a pair of unbelievably feature-rich games within the game in the form of Sujimon League and Dondoko Island, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an adventure fans of the series can’t afford to miss.

While its underwhelming boss battles and environmental design feel like a small step back from previous entries, Resident Evil Requiem is an equally terrifying and thrilling installment in Capcom’s long-running survival horror saga. With a lengthy campaign that blends the original trilogy’s tense, methodical exploration with the action-packed set pieces that define the franchise’s modern offerings, Requiem also delivers a gripping story, making it a must-play entry that honors the series’ survival horror legacy while pushing it forward in an exciting new direction.

Still, despite some minor complaints about the ending, I had an absolute blast with each episode of Dispatch. For the last few weeks, checking out the new episodes has become a part of my Wednesday schedule that I couldn’t wait for and now that the game is over I’m going to miss it next Wednesday. With excellent characters, an interesting world, and a mostly satisfying conclusion, my only real complaints are that I wanted more of it. More room to develop the plot and more of the interesting gameplay. Hopefully it won’t be too terribly long before we get more of Dispatch.

There’s a reason why Death’s Door won the 2021 Golden Joystick Award for Best Indie Game and was nominated for the Best Independent Game Award at The Game Awards this year — it’s damn good. Nothing is missing here, every component perfectly balanced against everything else to make for a near-spiritual gaming experience. With gorgeous visuals, a stunning soundtrack, multiple combat styles, a mixture of creative comedy and relatable existential crises, and sprawling environments that naturally invites players to explore every pixel, Death’s Door deserves all the praise it’s received and more.

I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a character in a video game than I do to Kay. Our experiences aren’t identical, but her pain is mine, or at least it’s close enough that I can feel it. Norco isn’t able to fully give her the healing she’ll always want but never fully achieve, but its understanding of pain, loss, and the need to keep moving are a remarkable achievement which helped me process some of my own feelings as well. Any fan of adventure games should absolutely check it out.

I have to admit, it’d been a little while since I last fired up my PlayStation VR. However, now that I’ve experienced Synth Riders, I don’t plan on hanging it up anytime soon. It’s the kind of game you pick up and play for ten minutes and feel totally satisfied, or marathon for a solid hour and get a killer workout while soaking up all the sweet soundscapes. If I have one real complaint, it’s that the game only offers a handful of backgrounds to choose from. Still, with so much going on on-screen, you probably won’t be spending too much time taking in the scenery anyway. Synth Riders is Beat Saber for the VHS generation. If you’re a rhythm game junkie with a soft spot for synthwave, this is a must-buy addition to your PSVR library.

Featuring more modes and options than I knew what to do with, SNK vs. Capcom: The Match of the Millennium is still worth the time of fighting game fans 22 years after its initial release. With tight controls, deep combat, and a huge roster, there’s so much to keep you busy. I’d love to see PC releases of the arcade Capcom vs. SNK titles, but for now, this alternative will keep fans plenty busy.

Alan Wake II is a masterfully made horror title filled with audacious storytelling and some of the best moments in any game released this year. The moment-to-moment gameplay may not be quite as satisfying as some of Remedy’s other titles, but its atmosphere is perhaps the company’s best. After thirteen years of waiting, fans finally get to see what comes next for Alan Wake. It was worth the wait.

Warhorse Studios have created a triumphant sequel that improves and expands on the classic original in every way. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a game of staggering scope, depth and complexity, allowing you to be a smooth-talking diplomat, a cunning craftsman, a sneaky cutthroat, a chivalrous knight in shining armour, or any combination of the above. Whatever aspects of gaming you enjoy, there’s something for you here, and I can confidently say that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a medieval masterpiece.

While light in the storytelling department, there’s enough here to keep fans happy and more than enough stylish demon slaying to keep this series engaging.

For new players, the more logical difficulty curve that Sunbreak presents, with a meaningful endgame challenge now correct and present, means there has never been a better time to jump into Monster Hunter Rise. Similarly, for lapsed players who were eventually put off by how trivial things had become, Sunbreak provides the perfect excuse to jump back in. Whatever angle you’re approaching Sunbreak from, sharpen those blades – you’re going to need them.

The closest to a negative thing I can say about COCOON is that I wish there were more of it. I wish I could forget everything I know about it so that I could experience it again for the first time. That those moments of jaw-dropping awe could hit as hard as they did my first time through. While I can’t have those moments back, though, you can still experience them. If you haven’t played COCOON yet, they’re still waiting for you to find them.

Genres have bled into each other so much over the years that it can be hard to classify a game like Final Fantasy XVI. Some fans of the series still long for a return to traditional turn-based RPGs, and this definitely isn’t what they’re looking for. When judged for what it is, rather than what some want it to be, Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent action game with a mostly compelling story and great characters. If you haven’t had the chance to play it elsewhere, this Xbox version offers an excellent opportunity to check it out.

It is a devilish delight to navigate Dusk’s hellish environments and labyrinth-like levels, all whilst laying waste to its army of twisted enemies with its second to none gunplay. Not only is this title a fitting tribute to the games that inspired it, but it’s also something that manages to feel entirely relevant to the modern era due to its impeccable gameplay and emphasis on providing a simple but intriguing story. So if you are in any way nostalgic for retro FPS experiences, or for that matter, just a lover of FPS games in general, then do yourself a favor and check out Dusk on the Switch.

Streets of Rage 4 continues to be everything you would want from a modern beat ‘em up. With excellent controls, smooth gameplay, beautiful animation, and a stunning soundtrack, it is well worth your time. For existing fans, nothing in the Mr. X Nightmare DLC is going to blow your mind. This isn’t a huge addition. It’s a bonus, some new content to push you back into the game. It won’t change anyone’s opinion about the game as a whole, but if you already enjoy raging through these streets, these new characters and survival mode are great additions.

AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative isn’t a perfect game, but it offers one of the best mysteries I’ve ever seen in a game. Combine that with a wonderful cast and somnium sequences that blow away the original game, and you have a visual novel that is a must-play for anyone interested in the genre. AI: The Somnium Files was minor Uchikosi, but nirvanA Initiative stands among his best work.

Tunic is intuitive gameplay at its finest, requiring you to figure things out as you go. You’ll either sink, or you’ll swim, and though I sank far more often than I swam, I still couldn’t get enough of this game. If you need a little Dark Souls with your Zelda, this is one of those games that you don’t want to pass up.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is another excellent expansion for the base game. It’s remarkable that nearly five years after its initial release, the development team continues to provide so much additional support, making one of my favorite games of 2018 even better. There’s a ton to like here for fans of both sides of this crossover, but you do have to appreciate both to get much out of it, as the difficulty of this new content will mean its best experienced after gaining some experience with the base game and upgrading your character.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart doesn’t try to teach an old Lombax too many new tricks. The core of the series still works and is a ton of fun to play. The PS5 provides just enough to make it feel fresh while new friends provide new possibilities. I’m glad to say that the team at Insomniac has this iconic duo back on track. There’s no better game to show off the power of the PS5.

Rogue Legacy 2 offers so many options when it comes to classes, upgrades, and ways to play it that anyone remotely open to the roguelite genre should check it out. I might have asked for a bit more direction in how to approach certain upgrade paths since the volume of choices can be borderline overwhelming, but it’s a minor quibble when everything else about the game is so fantastic. Rogue Legacy 2’s memorable world and overflowing personality will keep you invested until the very end.

You won’t find many strategy RPGs that are better than Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles in any year. It looks fantastic, it plays wonderfully, and it tells an incredibly compelling story. If you’ve never been able to experience this classic, it’s a must-play, and even if you have, this is a game well worth giving another try. I’m very glad I did so.

Horizon Forbidden West improves on its predecessor in nearly every way, offering a stunning follow-up to an already excellent title which shows just how much a game can improve through refinement. Fans of the original will feel immediately comfortable, but they’ll find a far better adventure waiting for them. If you disliked the original game, Forbidden West won’t change your mind, but this is a must-own for everyone else.

There was so much room for 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim to just not work. So many threads are weaved together in a way where, by far, the most likely outcome of the whole thing should have been an interesting failure. That it instead sticks the landing, weaving together a plot that has no business being this moving and satisfying, is astonishing. If you’re at all interested in visual novels, or adventure games, or science fiction, and you don’t play 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, you must be suffering from brain overload.

Ultimately, I have more positive things than negative to say about FEZ. Sure it can be cumbersome and confusing at times, but it’s still a beautiful and creative game. It’s nice I was finally able to play this one-time exclusive on a Nintendo console.

If you've been waiting for the PlayStation 5's first true killer app, this is it. Deathloop is an innovative and satisfying take on the shooter genre that you can't afford to miss. Developer Arkane Studios has managed to take Dishonored's rock-solid foundation and hone it to a razor's edge. With a rewarding progression system and a gameplay loop that encourages experimentation and exploration, you can't help but wonder why Colt would ever want to break this cycle. Sprawling, cerebral, and consistently exciting, Deathloop deserves a spot in every shooter fan's PS5 library.

Metroid Dread is a must-own for any Metroidvania fan. Featuring some of the best 2D combat I’ve ever played and a world dying to be explored, I couldn’t put it down until I reached the thrilling conclusion. Its difficulty and atmosphere help it live up to its namesake but never chased me away. There are minor issues, but nothing that stops this from being one of 2021’s best.

Pocket Trap and PM Studios haven’t just given us a lovingly crafted adventure with unique mechanics and memorable characters. They’ve given us one of the best games of the year. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a great reminder that indies are blazing a path for everyone to follow.

Sometimes it’s hard to determine what the best game in a series is. This time, it’s not. Regardless of what charms the Monster Hunter games of the past might have to offer, they’re no match for Rise‘s huge jump in overall quality and polish. I’m sure that Capcom will make a new Monster Hunter game someday and, when they do, maybe it will dethrone this one. But, until that time comes, Rise will be sitting at the top—and I’m very happy that it’s there.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a phenomenal video game when it was initially released on Xbox, and it’s only gotten better with this PS5 release. The same excellent foundations of stealth, exploration, and puzzle-solving remain as strong as they were the first time around, with the PS5 and PS5 Pro enhancing the experience further through the neat implementation of DualSense functionality and some additional visual enhancements that leave Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looking better than ever. Combat may still be a drag, but it’s not the main focus in any sense and is a minor blemish on an otherwise incredible experience. If this is what we can expect from Microsoft’s turn towards becoming a multiplatform behemoth, then the future looks very bright for Xbox games appearing on other platforms.

Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush returns to the stage with an encore on the PlayStation 5. If you missed playing it last year for whatever reason, do yourself a favor and snag it up right now! Its innovative gameplay combining action-combat with rhythm-based timings, coupled with a charming narrative and stunning visuals, makes it an outstanding performance worth attending.

While it’s over all too soon, if you grew up in the 16-bit era and love retro games, you owe it to yourself to give Pixel Ripped 1995 a try. And with the PSVR2 version’s improved visual fidelity and superb controls, there’s never been a better time to do so. Pixel Ripped 1995 is escapism at its finest, a nostalgic love letter to classic gaming that will transport you back to a simpler time. If that sounds up your alley, then don’t hesitate to add the game to your PSVR2 library.

Neon White may not be a widely different game two years later, but it’s still fantastic. If you haven’t played it yet, this new Xbox release, which is available on Game Pass, is as good an excuse as any to do so. If you’ve somehow overlooked Neon White thus far, now is the time to change that.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter may be missing a bit of the charm of the original English translation, but it makes up for it with a deeper and more fully realized combat system, a ton of style, and the most fully realized version of an incredible game. New players couldn’t ask for a better place to start, and returning players will be thrilled to find the developers nailed this reimagined take on a classic.

I’ve played a lot of retro-inspired RPGs over the past few years, and while I’ve enjoyed many, rarely have I come away with the opinion that they can hold a candle to their inspirations. Sea of Stars, on the other hand, not only manages to confidently stand shoulder to shoulder with the greats, but in many ways, improves on them to create an unmissable JRPG experience.

It may take a while for the true depths that Monster Train 2 holds to become apparent, but once you really dig into the minutiae of each deck, the options that present themselves in front of you seem almost limitless, and that’s my impression having only spent a substantial amount of time with two of Shiny Shoe’s fantastic new decks. For fans of the original, or newcomers who didn’t stamp their ticket for the first trip aboard the Monster Train, climb aboard Monster Train 2 right now. And, get comfy as I suspect you won’t be disembarking for a while.

If you’re new to the Guilty Gear series, there isn’t a better place to start than -Strive-. If you’re a returning veteran, enough has changed to keep things feeling fresh, but I have a feeling you’ll be up to speed in no time. While definitely complex and at times a bit intimidating, it does a fantastic job of initiating players. Guilty Gear -Strive- never holds back. If you remotely enjoy fighting games, this is a stunner you shouldn’t miss.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance brings plenty of additions to the table, including a separate narrative, new content, several quality-of-life updates, improved technical performance, and updated gameplay systems. It is a fantastically refined JRPG that seeks to achieve and expand far more than the original release did, as well as right many of its predecessor’s wrongs. This is the game’s second chance, and it’s well deserved.

The team at Digital Eclipse has done some of their finest work with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. Creating a compilation that could quite easily be translated into a museum exhibit, they’ve set a new standard for the presentation of retro collections, one I hope future collections will follow.

Like Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap and Streets of Rage 4 before it, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance proves once again that Lizardcube knows how to bring Sega’s most beloved properties to the modern era with its crisp, combo-driven combat and fast and fluid platforming action. Whether you grew up with Joe Musashi or are stepping into his tabi boots for the first time, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a spectacular evolution for the series that cuts through the competition.

From the very beginning until reaching the postgame, I never had anything less than a blast with Pikmin 4. While we may have waited a long time for the latest installment in this wonderful series, the wait was worth it. With several cool new types of Pikmin, an excellent new canine companion, and more variety than ever, this is easily the best installment in the series. It won’t necessarily change the minds of anyone who has bounced off past games in the series, but if you’ve remotely enjoyed any of the games or are new to Pikmin you should absolutely give Pikmin 4 a try.

I may be a diehard classic Final Fantasy fan at heart, but there’s no getting past the fact that this game, with all of its high-octane, DMC-inspired action, is an absolutely phenomenal example of RPG craftsmanship. Setting out in a new direction once again, the oft-bitter, yet irresistibly engaging story and addictive, action-focused gameplay allow Final Fantasy XVI to stand tall as a phenomenal example of contemporary video game craftsmanship.

Gran Turismo 7 provides an excellent entry point to the series for players who are new to it. If the 7 in the title feels intimidating, you can let that go. Once you do, you’ll find a game that plays as well as any racing title on the market. Some strange choices along the way hold it back from racing perfection, but this is still a game that should keep PS5 racing fans busy for a long time.

Considering it’s a game all about cars and congestion, you’d think Mini Motorways would be a tense and stressful endeavor, but it’s by far one of the most addictingly chill game I’ve played in recent memory. I’m pretty sure it lowered my blood pressure, setting a nice calm mood right before bed. Players expecting a sandbox city planning game will be momentarily disappointed, but after only a few minutes with it, that disappointment will melt away (along with the day’s worries and woes). If you need to relax, like, right now, you must check out Mini Motorways.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is, in many ways, a new direction for this series, but there’s enough pulled from the past that it very much still feels like a Prince of Persia game. With excellent combat, some of the best platforming you’ll find in any Metroidvania, a fantastic world to explore, and a series of incredible powers to unlock, The Lost Crown keeps getting more interesting as you make your way through it. Fans of the series, the genre, or simply great games will want to check out Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.

Even days after seeing the credits roll, I can’t quit IMMORTALITY. I want to understand more, dig deeper, and find more clips. There’s so much to see here and so many mysteries hidden inside this game, seemingly just one moment of intuition away. I enjoyed Sam Barlow’s past work, particularly Her Story, but I was unprepared for the depth of feeling I found within IMMORTALITY. What he and his team have created is nothing short of a masterpiece.

With fast loading times, an impressive 120 fps mode, and added immersive features, Monster Hunter Rise on PlayStation 5 is a must-play for any fans of the franchise and newcomers looking to get into the hobby of hunting monsters.

Most players will finish Tinykin in only a matter of hours. It’s a small game that provides a bit of fun before you move on to something else. There are certainly elements of it taken from other games in the genre, but it brings them together in a way that is new and shows a great deal of imagination, and it really doesn’t do much wrong. So if you’re craving a 3D platformer that doesn’t just feel like all the other ones you’ve played before, you should absolutely check out Tinykin.

Honestly, Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is pretty much a perfect game. It’s packed with content, has lots of fun stuff to unlock, features different ways to play, and encourages players to take a chance on higher difficulties. While I do think that Ultimate and Supreme almost go out of their way to be overly punishing, that doesn’t change how much I still enjoy this game. Even if you’ve never played one Final Fantasy game, you owe it to yourself to see what all the fuss is about in Theatrhythm Final Bar Line.

After more than fifteen years, Raz’s return is everything fans could have hoped for. It tells a wonderful story about how we have to learn from our mistakes and continue to grow while keeping the humor we expect from any Double Fine production. Now and then, the control scheme can be a minor pain, but most of the time, it plays like a dream with a level of polish few games launch with anymore. Psychonauts 2 is one of the best games of 2021. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another sixteen years to team back up with the Psychonauts.

While Square Enix didn’t nail every element of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters, they got enough right that I can’t imagine revisiting any other version of any of these games. Some of the greatest RPGs of all time are once again available to players on modern platforms, and that’s a cause for celebration. Whether you’re yearning to reexperience epic journeys from your youth or are just curious about what all the hype is about when it comes to Final Fantasy, this is a collection well worth your time.

While I might have liked slightly more memorable levels or stronger personality from the supporting cast, OlliOlli World provides hours of skating bliss with rock-solid controls and a great sense of progression. Once you’re in the zone, it’s easy to lose hours as your quest for Gnarvana provides a sense of gaming nirvana. This one’s definitely worth a look.

Honestly, Grindstoneis a game I’m ecstatic I finally got to try. If I hadn’t known it was originally for mobile, I wouldn’t have believed it. This is a high-quality adventure, and a reason I keep following the work of Capybara Games. It’s full of content, amazing art, and challenge galore. Yet it never gets so hard that I decided to stop playing for very long. Honestly, this is the best puzzle game I’ve played in a decade. It’s tremendous fun, and the only real downside is that sometimes the difficulty will spike unexpectedly. If you have a Nintendo Switch and are looking for a game to grind away the hours, this is a wonderful choice.

Return to Monkey Island is consistently funny, with a ton of charm and interesting puzzles to work through. The interface is the best in the series, and it’s incredibly well-paced. It may not be what every fan of the series has hoped for, but I think those who can look at it for what it is rather than what they might have hoped it would be will have a wonderful time with it.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale spoke to me deeply. I think most people who have pursued any creative outlet will find something to latch onto in its story. If that were the only strength here, you’d have a game worth your time. When you combine that with a beautiful art style, fantastic music, entertaining exploration, thought-provoking puzzles, and unique boss battles, you have a masterpiece. Coming out during the lead-up to E3, the same week that several other heavy hitters release, it would be easy for Chicory to get lost in the shuffle. Don’t let them happen. Few games releasing in 2021 will be more worthy of your time.

Phantom Liberty almost feels like a celebration – CD Projekt Red bowing out on an amazing high, with fans finally able to play a version of Cyberpunk 2077 that feels closer to those original promises than it ever has. Whatever way you look at it, update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty combined are a fantastic capstone on the Cyberpunk 2077 journey, and one that everyone should experience.

Normally, games in a state like this leave me middled more than anything, but Nous Wave Studio’s first attempt at a premium, stand-alone JRPG in a gacha-saturated market, while a bold move, was a fruitful one. While the characters definitely need more seasoning and flavor, I especially would like to see the worldbuilding done a bit more elegantly than just dropping hot loads of info shovelfuls at a time. Yet, for all the problems I had with the worldbuilding and characters, the combat and general gameplay can carry Ex Astris alone. The visuals are stunning for a mobile game, the mechanics and systems baked in are so much fun, and the overall aesthetic designs of the world of Allindo are vibrant and unique. While off to a slightly rough start, I feel confident in saying that Nous Wave Studio’s first release has a lot going for it that makes it worth experiencing for fans of the anime RPG genre.

This package of the Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy is undoubtedly the best way to experience each of these brilliant JRPGS, with the additional content proving welcome if not quite essential. If you’ve never played through Ryza’s adventures prior to this repackaging, then this is undoubtedly the definitive way to do so.

Neva offers a stunning world, both visually and emotionally. This moving journey grabbed me from the very start, and I never let go. My minor issues with the combat and with a lack of thematic closure do nothing to diminish how it builds a bond with a fictional character while keeping me highly engaged with excellent platforming challenges throughout. This is a world worth taking on, challenges and all.