Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 was well worth the wait after all these years, as it magnificently captures the essence of the source material. With its intense and visceral combat mechanics, stunning visual design, and bombastic multiplayer action, it stands as a must-play title for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. That being said, the game desperately needs more content, but Saber Interactive has already got that covered with their long-term roadmap.

The simple, pick-up-and-play racing action keeps things tame so anyone can pick one of the several rides and zoom down the masterfully crafted tracks without any fuss and little learning curve. With only a few misgivings to work on as of this review, Hot Wheels Unleashed has first place already in the bag, and I’m eager to see it continue succeeding down the line.

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.

Coming from the ranks of Dota 2, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story caught me off guard. It’s almost unfair how this League of Legends adventure manages to weave such an enthralling narrative, making me, a Dota fan, momentarily question my loyalties. It stands as a shining example in the League of Legends universe, offering a heartwarming tale that resonates with both fans and newcomers alike. The game’s strengths lie in its compelling narrative, beautifully crafted world, and thoughtful sound design, all of which come together to create an immersive and emotionally impactful experience. While Song of Nunu may not pioneer new gameplay mechanics or offer extensive replay value, it triumphs in delivering a narrative that is both engaging and meaningful. More than just a game, it is a fun-sized odyssey that resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the heart and spirit.

Despite some issues with the Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is a fantastic package filled with content that will give those who don’t have another way to play it or who want it on a handheld a game that has risen from the ashes to be what it should have been from day one. Cyberpunk 2077 still isn’t a perfect game, but it is an excellent one which anyone who enjoys the genre needs to give a second chance if its poor launch put them off.

I’ve barely scratched the surface on every last amazing detail in Gnosia, but the truth is, this is a game best experienced and explored by the individual. I would be doing a disservice to everyone by explaining any further; if you thought Among Us needed more storyline, mechanics, and a single-player mode and you enjoy beautiful graphics with a compelling story, you absolutely must pick up Gnosia. The fate of the universe rests on your sleuthing skills, lest you become doomed to repeat history again and again and again and again and again…

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.

While its always-online nature can occasionally result in headaches, Diablo IV ultimately delivers exactly what fans of the franchise deserve: a meticulously crafted action RPG that’s great alone and even better with friends. With a sprawling world to immerse yourself in and near-limitless room for experimentation, thanks to its excellent progression system, Diablo IV is a worthy successor to Diablo III that shouldn’t be missed — and these are just the early days! I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

Those issues aside, though, I truly adored Sigma Star Saga DX. It’s fun, full of great characters and storytelling, and it’s a wholly unique hybrid of top-down exploration and Shmup combat. I enjoyed this adventure so much that I truly hope we get a modern sequel. For everyone who missed out on this adventure the first time around, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It’s one of the very best games published by WayForward.

If you were looking for the perfect excuse to dive back into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, look no further than Dimension Shellshock. With an addicting new game mode that will test your ninja skills, two new unique and exciting characters to master, and the chance to control the Lord of Kitchen Utensils himself, it’s a must-play update to an already stellar title.

So, should you add Mushihimesama to your Switch library? If you’re a fan of the shoot ’em up genre, I’d say it’s a no-brainer. It’s an exhilarating ride that will put your skills to the test. But you don’t have to be a shooter veteran to enjoy what the game has to offer. The Novice Mode dials back the challenge considerably and serves as a great tool for dipping your toe into what the Bullet Hell genre is all about. If you’re curious about Cave’s shoot ’em ups or are a veteran flyboy looking for a robust addition to your Switch library, don’t hesitate. Mushihimesama is a must-buy.

My small complaints aside, Yohane the Parhelion: BLAZE in the DEEPBLUE is still one of my favorite games from Inti Creates. It’s an incredibly solid Metroidvania with gorgeous artwork, amazing music, and a deep and fun combat system. While it’s disappointing there’s no bestiary and frustrating there’s not much in the way of postgame content, it’s still a very worthy adventure.

Strange Horticulture is the botany game of my dreams. It has that research-minded gameplay I’ve been seeking for years. And while its story has a lot of moving parts that makes it hard to shift gears between listening carefully to a few patrons and peeking through a microscope, poring over books, and braving the elements to find exotic flora, it pulls you in with its deeply intriguing mystery nonetheless. I can’t recommend Strange Horticulture enough, and for a multitude of different reasons that all boil down to a unique blend of elements entrenched in an unsettling mystique, I declare this to be the bar by which all other games released in 2022 shall be measured.

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.

If you love a novel experience that doesn’t take itself seriously but is genuine fun every step of the way (or you just really like precipitation-based gameplay), look no further than Rain on Your Parade.

Honestly, there’s very little I can complain about. ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is one of the best Metroidvanias I’ve played. Sure, it’s challenging, but also well balanced and fair. When you add stunning artwork, captivating music and a touching story, you have a winner.

Small issues aside, NeverAwake is still a transcendent and shockingly enjoyable adventure. Not only did I get invested in the story of the game, but the gameplay constantly kept me on my toes, and was a balanced challenge. While some may be irritated by the hardcore vibe of the game, I’d say this is a title that almost any gamer can appreciate. Add in the low price, and this is a must own adventure.

Unpacking was absolutely worth the wait. A delightful experience in every sense of the phrase, Unpacking will resonate with anyone who loves that feeling of fresh possibilities a new place offers. Even in its downturned moments, that unflappable optimism shines through, giving players a sense of excitement with each unpacked item. With its charming aesthetics, playful nature, and nuanced storytelling that will tug at your heartstrings, Unpacking unequivocally deserves a place in your game library.

Bleak Sword DX is an absolute treat that takes the core pillars of the soulslike genre and distills them into a wonderfully moreish, action-packed adventure. The narrow focus, coupled with the unforgiving nature of the gameplay and progression loops, may put some off, but not every game has to be for everyone, and I commend the developers for sticking with the vision they clearly had. If, like me, you love soulslikes, but have found yourself feeling slightly alienated due to the scope that some of the genre’s heavy hitters bring, then I urge you to check out Bleak Sword DX and let it get its pixelated hooks into you.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a swashbuckling adventure that longtime fans and newcomers alike can treasure. The spotlight on fan-favorite Goro Majima is sure to be a treat, even though the game can feel padded out at times. I’m a sucker for the Yakuza series, and even after numerous spin-offs, RGG Studio still has plenty of surprises up their sleeve.

If you love classic survival horror titles, Tormented Souls needs to be on your radar. It’s a terrifically terrifying love letter to Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Alone in the Dark. With brilliant puzzles, a genuinely scary setting to explore, and unsettling monsters to face, it’s the kind of game that will shock you to your core and stick with you long after the credits roll. While it undoubtedly wears its old-school inspiration on its bloodied sleeve, make no mistake: Tormented Souls is a modern survival horror masterpiece.

It doesn't take someone with spirit sense to see that Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is something special. A horror visual novel game that blurs the role between character and player, Paranormasight is unique in its ability to give horror fans a new brain-teasing experience while allowing those who normally chicken out over this genre the ability to finally play a scary game by themselves. Paranormasight manages to blend familiar elements from beloved genres into something innovative, inventive, and altogether new; it is my hope this becomes a continuing franchise for Square Enix, who is on the cusp of further greatness. Grab Paranormasight or be forever cursed to remain outside its sinister, alluring shadow.

Doctor Who: The Lonely Assassins is a refreshing take on a found-footage horror story that replaces the camera with a cellphone. Fans of Doctor Who, regardless of which was your favorite Doctor, should try it. Especially at this price.

Baldur’s Gate 3 may not be the most welcoming game to those not well-versed in the CRPG genre, but once you get past any initial hurdles, you’ll find one of the most profound and engrossing releases the genre has seen in the last decade. It allows so much freedom and so many options that it can be rather overwhelming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the sort of game I know I’ll be replaying to see more paths and more options for years to come.

If Ubisoft’s mission with Assassins Creed Mirage was clearly to create something that paid tribute to the series’ roots while acting as an entry point for new fans, and perhaps a re-entry point for lapsed ones, then that mission has been well and truly accomplished. The razor-sharp focus on throwback stealth gameplay, stripping back of RPG systems, and de-emphasizing of melee combat all come together to create the most focused entry in years.

Vampire Survivors is simple in so many ways. The graphics are basic, with many of the earlier versions’ assets taken straight from other games and asset packs, but they have a look that reminds players of a beloved series and simply work. Gameplay is literally just moving a character around with some planning along the way. Yet somehow, it’s one of the most addicting games of 2022, the one I most consistently come back to, and one of my favorites of the year. If you have a spare thirty minutes now and then, absolutely check it out.

Some of the best games come down to a few simple mechanics. A lot of times, all that sets a great shooter apart from a mediocre one is the feel of mowing enemies down. Tons of games tried to play in the same space as Rocket League before it took the world by storm, but it just feels right. The Ramp takes this concept to an extreme and comes out on the other side with a killer bite-sized experience.

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.