Directive 8020 kicks off this new season of The Dark Pictures Anthology in style with a well-executed sci-fi horror journey, featuring revamped gameplay that pulls the player out of the role of spectator and turns them into a full-fledged participant. Can we talk about a Supermassive 2.0 formula? In any case, Directive 8020 is clearly heading in that direction.

A fascinating yet frustrating experience, driven by outstanding art direction and solid gameplay, but held back by its lack of challenge and distant storytelling early on.

Drop Duchy isn’t a flashy game, but it’s devilishly clever. It’s a title built on a strong concept, executed to perfection, that manages to captivate players with its rich systems, all while drawing on classic mechanics—some of which even trace their roots back to the very history of video games. Addictive without being flashy, challenging without being frustrating, it stands out as an excellent surprise for puzzle and strategy enthusiasts—now available to everyone.

The storytelling is the standout feature of this melancholic adventure game, which is sure to utterly destroy you emotionally.

Darwin's Paradox is a delightful surprise. Original, clever, and polished, it confidently carves out a niche in the competitive platformer genre by offering a physics-based approach and making perfect use of its main character, a cephalopod with endless possibilities. While it doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it stands out as a memorable experience, driven by a strong identity and fun, inspired gameplay, despite a few tedious back-and-forths and an ending that falls short of the rest of the adventure. We can’t wait for the sequel—whether it’s in the form of DLC or a bigger, more expansive adventure.

Memorable for its excellent game feel and striking artistic direction, Marathon is a punitive, extreme and exponentially addictive extraction shooter.

Although there are still a few areas that could use some tweaking —particularly in terms of ergonomics— Crimson Desert manages to live up to the hype. It’s not perfect, but the authenticity of its world, the richness of its content, and its engaging gameplay make it a standout title for the start of 2026. Pearl Abyss has a diamond that’s still a bit rough around the edges, but with a little polish, it’ll be nothing short of divine.

Going Medieval is already incredibly addictive in its own right, and you’ll always be left wanting more – something that’s sure to continue in the years to come. It’s a strong contender alongside established titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld, offering a less punishing, visually appealing experience that’s quite varied and brimming with architectural possibilities.

Everything has been improved and refined to make this third installment not only the best in the series, but also a must-have for all fans of J-RPGs and monster capture and management games.

Beautiful, new, returning, but also more questionable choices that will make this annual episode a very good vintage, unfortunately marred by a formula that is increasingly similar to that of its basketball cousin.

Old-timey fun, Demon Tides fills a long-awaited spot: an adventure/platforming game who understand its genre and zeitgeist. An hidden gem.

Requiem is a pivotal work that manages to reconcile two long-standing, contrasting visions of the saga. Tension and Action. It takes the best of what Resident Evil has to offer and elevates it to a level of polish rarely seen. Though the alternating structure between Grace and Leon locks the pace and limits the kind of replay freedom found in some earlier entries. Yet, in the face of such mastery, this compromise feels almost negligible.

Challenging yet addictive, generous yet confusing, Blazblue Entropy Effect X is an original offering that manages to surprise us and draw us into a sea of possibilities for hours on end. In my opinion, it's the indie surprise of the moment.

A filmed chase, twists and turns, and high replayability with a rich, well-crafted story and clean acting: The Run claims the title of king of FMVs, and it has what it takes.

Short but memorable, Reanimal stands out as an atmospheric horror experience that is as disturbing as it is masterful. Tarsier Studios delivers a dark journey with a strong identity, whose simple gameplay serves an adventure that is as unsettling as it is memorable.

RIDE has always aimed to be and remain the benchmark for motorcycle simulation, and this year once again, it has achieved its goal, surpassing itself in order to retain its crown. RIDE 6 is more than just an evolution of its formula, and that's a good thing.

Romeo is a weird sci-fi story, a sometimes stiff action game, but most importantly, it is memorable adventure and a very surprising videogame.

If you like turn-based games, cats, and Edmund McMillen's sordid universe, don't hesitate to dive into Mewgenics. Even more so if you like to suffer. The crazy roguelite from the author of The Binding of Isaac still needs a few tweaks in terms of progression, but already offers a bottomless pit of content.

Nioh 3 is the culmination of Team Ninja's three previous souls-like games, pushing each aspect a little further. While not entirely perfect, it is steadily approaching perfection. It is one of the must-have souls-like games for any fan of the genre.

Cairn is a challenging and immersive game, far more than a simple climbing title. Its realistic gameplay puts the player to the test while remaining fair. The carefully crafted art direction, appealing cell-shading, and immersive soundtrack enhance the experience, while the survival elements and the management of stamina, weather, and time add a strategic and authentic layer. A demanding challenge for the most seasoned players, yet made accessible thanks to the assistance options.

MIO : Memories in Orbit is this year's first surprise. Mesmerizing visuals paired with demanding gameplay and an engaging narrative make it a must try metroidvania for anyone remotely interested in the genre.

The Legend of Heroes Trails Beyond the Horizon is a major milestone in the franchise and the history of Zemuria, but also the culmination of many years of gameplay refinement. A superb conclusion for Calvard.

No revolution, but a new, modern, and solid vintage for even more fun with friends, family, or online.

Its humor, sensitivity, and finesse almost make you forget how challenging it is at the end, but Rhythm Doctor is indeed a rhythm game that uses and questions rhythmic grammar. This makes it an original, often cozy experience, somewhere between VA11 HALL-A and Sayonara Wild Hearts—anyone can give it a try, with varying degrees of success. The last sweet treat of the year truly is heartwarming.

Bannerlord confirms its status as the benchmark in medieval simulation. War Sails broadens its horizons without betraying its identity. The experience gains in scope and depth, driven by a renewed sense of coherence. An essential return for anyone looking for a game combining strategy, action, and total freedom.

An accessible and fun VR shooter, faithful to the Men in Black universe. A dynamic campaign, designed like a roller coaster ride, which provides entertainment without pretending to be anything more.

Without attempting to reinvent the genre, Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure offers a stable and well-constructed experience. A serious and enduring roguelite deck builder that delivers on its promises without getting sidetracked.

While it doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, Forestrike's smart mix of puzzle and action offers a very gratifying experience when you play by its rules.

It's all in the title. A true sandbox of gags and violent action fully exploiting VR.

With a classic but captivating story, endearing characters, flawless staging, and genuine replayability, Dispatch easily stands out as one of the must-haves of the year.

Clearly aimed at players who are still attracted to this genre, Lumines Arise enhances its formula in every way. We could have hoped for a few more backgrounds and slightly more intuitive controls.

A very solid proposal that strives at all costs to diversify its mechanics in order to match other standards in the genre.

With Arc Raiders, Embark Studios delivers a manifesto of what a modern extraction shooter can be: intense, immersive, and exceptionally elegant. Everything about it exudes mastery, from the world design to the precision of the gameplay. You come back to it again and again, not to check off objectives, but to experience that unique tension. One of the most accomplished games of its kind, and undoubtedly one of the big names of the year.

More generous than its predecessors, the new Katamari still rolls with it, aided by its silliness and artistic direction. An excellent introduction to the saga.

Unsurprisingly and without disappointment, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is a superbly enhanced and accessible collection of the Elric trilogy, now available to anyone who wants to discover this chapter in video game history without the hassles of the past.

While remaining (too?) accessible, Jurassic World Evolution 3 refines its formula to give its fans a little more room to express their imagination.

Ninja Gaiden 4 acts like a kind of gameplay, setting and structural time capsule brought up to today's standards by Platinum's craft. The sharpness of another time honed by a brand new grindstone.

Disgaea 7 Complete is nothing less than the ultimate Disgaea with an XXL formula.

Addictive, fun, and rich in variables, BALL x PIT will appeal to players who are always looking for more depth in their games, even if it means repeating the same adventure many times over.

An essential two-parter, Mario Galaxy shines with its creativity and dazzling artistic direction. Together, both games make for a particularly generous bundle, offering insight into the franchise’s future: a level-design masterclass set in space. Fun, iconic, and accompanied by an unforgettable score from the very start, this is a true classic worth rediscovering — though it’s a shame Nintendo has been a bit greedy about it.

Battlefield 6 is everything we expected from a true next-gen BF: solid tech, rocking and solid gameplay, an old-school feeling with a modern touch that matches with BF's DNA. Battlefield 6 ticks all that boxes.

It has it all: it's beautiful, captivating, exhilarating, addictive, and fun. The only flaw in this title could be its lifespan, or the fact that the challenge isn't quite enough for the most determined players. But aren't we always wanting more?

A brilliant and inspired JRPG for a sharp reminder to some sleepy rivals that legacy alone isn’t enough.

A cooperative game that is simple and powerful, fun and generous, all at a low price: a combo that has everything to meet success.

Hades II builds upon the already near perfect first Hades in all the possible ways, making its big brother feel like a draft. Supergiant caught lightning in a bottle and carved it into a perfect bolt worthy of the King of Olympus.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian brings enough new features to its historical formula to keep us hooked for hours on end. A good episode, original and addictive.

You can’t really knock a game for being iterative when it both builds on and refines the brilliance of the original. Ghost of Yōtei makes returning to Sucker Punch’s Japan a thrill, delivering a memorable ride. Atsu’s journey may start from a familiar revenge tale, but it constantly finds ways to surprise. Brutal, visceral, and impossible to ignore, it’s one of the PlayStation 5’s standout experiences. A must-play for fans, though some may feel a little déjà vu creeping in.

Dying Light The Beast capitalizes on the improvements made over the last two episodes and its numerous DLCs to offer the ultimate version of its game. It's not perfect yet, but The Beast is the most complete and entertaining episode of the franchise to date.

Being way more immersive and comfortable, Final Fantasy Tactic The Ivalice Chronicles is a no brainer for every fan of the genre and even of Final Fantasy in general.

Silent Hill f is an intense and immersive entry, where precise combat, polished art direction, and a gripping story meet an oppressive atmosphere. Only the puzzles, vague and frustrating at times, disrupt the flow, but the New Game Plus and multiple endings extend the adventure brilliantly.

(Re)discovering a production as massive as Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter with a remake of this quality? Bingo!

A dense and rich return to the franchise that only the most daring will be able to master.

The magic works over time, thanks to the regular additions and new features and the rich, comprehensive gameplay: while Towa is fairly classic in its construction, it is in its form that it stands out from its competitors. And what about the unexpected cooperation aspect?

Team Cherry confirms their mastery over the metroidvania genre, their raw artistic talent and their somewhat sadistic tendencies too in this sequel that's as enchanting and generous as it is demanding.

Borderlands is back with a game that is much closer to its DNA, boosted by modernity and dynamism, but still suffering from a slightly outdated structure.

NBA 2K26 remains the ultimate basketball simulation, with demanding gameplay, rich solo modes, and stunning presentation, but the grind and slow VC earnings slightly tarnish the experience.

You might think that Hell Is Us is just another Soulslike among many, but its blend of classic elements and unique touches gives it tremendous potential. Rogue Factor offers an original and refreshing journey, sometimes shaking up established codes to bring its own vision of a challenging ARPG, and they do it well.

The effect no longer hits the mark as much as at the time of Journey, nevertheless its spiritual sequel captivates us and transports us on a journey sometimes déjà vu, but always sumptuous.

This new version rejuvenates the old Ultimate Cut, which was already intended as a soft remake of the first episode. Without being a revolution, it brings new access to a whole new audience, whether on the studio's original console, or the PlayStation audience.

Joe Musashi makes a thunderous return to our screens thanks to perfectly calibrated gameplay and a devilishly effective art direction.

A faithful remake, sometimes too rigid, yet a striking reminder of why Snake Eater remains a monument in video game history.

Mafia returns more beautiful, more cinematic, and more linear than ever, but still suffers from bugs and a structure that loses some of its flavor as the game progresses.

Demon Slayer The Hinokami Chronicles 2 builds on the foundations of the first instalment and takes each slider up a notch. Even if there's room for improvement in one area or another, we've finally got a big Demon Slayer fighting game in our hands.

A fierce and stylish comeback for Ninja Gaiden, powered by tight, demanding gameplay and a gorgeous pixel art. A true masterclass in pain and precision.

Achilles Survivor delivers a new vision of Bullet Hell with its original building feature. A solid game at a low price, that's what we like.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a very good remake, which succeeds where it's important : gameplay, respect for the original and immediate pleasure of the ride. It may not be a revolution like 2001, but it's a beautiful love letter to an era when skateboarding was more than a sport, it was a culture. At this price, it's almost a free trick.

A short but intense adventure. Eriksholm shows how a small studio can do what the big ones do. Beautiful and touching, it's an excellent surprise.

Vision, authentic gameplay, a lot of heart and a lot of fun - it's an unqualified success: the Switch 2 has an excellent argument in its favour.

More than just "another Soulslike", Wuchang Fallen Feathers delivers a solid trip in Antic China with several with its own mark on this genre. Just remains few tweaks and here we go.

Metal Head takes the mechanics of time, skill and priority management very seriously, and delivers a rich, immersive and gripping narrative experience, with a gallery of engaging characters.

A very good port for a poignant game with tactical gameplay of rare tension in an equally impressive universe.

It's hardly a video game, but it's a kind, witty video game whose remarkable ability to raise mountains - of fans - makes it better than the sum of its parts. There's no need to wait.

Date Everything has an ambitious vision of the genre and succeeds in making it a reality, but beware: it requires a player with just as much ambition to appreciate it to the full.

Roots of Yggdrasil offers a recipe that breaks with the usual moulds, producing a surprising but totally seductive mix.

F1 25 continues its annual evolution with a successful episode in many respects. The question is how Codemasters is going to take its license to the next level.

A revival in style for the Commandos series. The game is meticulous, with open-ended missions where your creativity will be put to the test to achieve your goal. A must-have for fans of the series and new players alike.

Elden Ring: Nightreign is a bold co-op spin-off that turns contemplative exploration into a tactical race against time. A brilliant concept held back by the lack of crossplay and voice chat, both crucial for full team potential.

Doom: the Dark ages shakes up the franchise with bold visuals and a brutal arsenal, even if it falls short of the relentless pace set by its predecessors

A very good interactive board game, accessible and enchanting, which just needs a little more autonomy to really last over time.

With MotoGP25, Milestone delivers THE moto simulation game so far.

A sumptuous, spellbinding work of art that never forgets its status as a game, offering rich and exhilarating gameplay.

An excellent comeback for this iconic game. Amerzone will delight nostalgic fans and seduce new players with a remake that pays tribute to Benoit Sokal, with magnificent graphics and a story that fully immerses us in the adventure.

Particularly well-informed and rigorous in its delirium, Promise Mascot Agency shines in its art direction and excellent translation.

With its new licence, Don't Nod is following in the footsteps of Life is Strange, while skilfully managing to distinguish itself from it.

A skillful blend of gameplay and compelling storytelling make for an adventure/puzzle game that's not to be missed.

A fascinating title, but one that needs a final polish to achieve excellence.

Atelier Yumia may not be fully perfect but remains an excellent RPG that tries and succeed to give its formula a new direction.

Everything isn't perfect and this probably is not Ubisoft's breakout game, but the good far outweighs the bad. There's no doubt that this Assassin's Creed will strongly resonate with a lot of players despite its shortcomings and flaws, and the others should still acknowledge its undeniable qualities.

A co-operative marvel, Split Fiction is a creative explosion that takes us on a journey through incredible imaginary worlds and constantly renews its gameplay mechanics. A must-have to share with your best gaming partner.

A staging that’s too absent and a career mode that feels austere, but precise gameplay and a wealth of content that could keep players engaged in the long run.

We could criticise Two Point Museum for not trying to innovate, but that's precisely the principle behind the studio's proposition: a game that's accessible to all, fun, quirky and terribly addictive.

A more organic, more fluid episode, with extraordinary staging, but whose accessibility outweighs its challenge, to the detriment of the license's veterans.

Like a Dragon: Pirate King in Hawaii delivers a tasty and surprising trip with some new heavy features. Back in Hawaii with a mix of Yakuza and Pirate style for several hours of pure fun. A must have for all LaD fans or for those who wants to discover this universe.

Obsidian delivers a new RPG that will be remembered for a long time. A unique adventure in the already rich world of Eora, a game that excels in respecting the player's choices, with tangible stakes, flawless writing, and a memorable group of characters. Avowed gives players everything Dragon Age promised: a true role-playing game.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II is a rare gem that requires total commitment. Its ultra-realistic approach will appeal to fans of immersive role-playing games but may exhaust players looking for a more accessible experience.

Firaxis gathered its courage to rethink a license which, more than ever, was in need not of novelty but of a new, solid foundation. There's still a lot to build on, but if we find that 'just one more turn' feeling back, Civilization VII also manages to seduce us for 'just one more game', which is probably the scariest thing I've ever written.

Eternal Strands is an ambitious and satisfying first game for Yellow Brick Games. Its sandbox is teeming with interactions and calls for experimentation, its world is a pleasure to explore, and you get attached to its universe and characters despite their somewhat uneven writing.

Dynasty Warriors Origins keeps giving the more you ask. Koei and Omega Force flex their mastery of large scales battles, their vision of frantic combat and of the Three Kingdom story before going the extra mile with a perfectly implemented post-game.