Red Dead Redemption 2 offers epic missions, a large number of sub-missions, and high-quality dialogue that brims with originality and changes depending on how you play. It should be said that the emergent encounters feel contrived rather than truly random. However, a map that skillfully withholds information until the right time, layered status systems and gunfights filled with invention, the fusion of the Wanted system and the story, and the excellent storytelling and how this ties in to the previous game – all these elements are worthy of high praise.

The Outer Worlds is an RPG with an incredible amount of choices to make, to the extent that it can sometimes feel more like an adventure game. While it becomes more linear near the end, there are few games that give the player this much freedom of choice.

Dragon Quest XI on Switch is a richer and more convenient experience than the original Japanese PS4 version. That being said, the additional scenarios have a slightly negative effect on the story as a whole, and it can not be denied that the Switch version is visually less impressive. While that makes it hard to call this the definitive version of Dragon Quest XI, it's still an amazing experience.

AI: The Somnium Files has a lot of dirty jokes, and its story is not very surprising. But still, it can not be denied that Kotaro Uchikoshi has created yet another work of outstanding artistry.

This masterpiece is an indication that eccentric developer Swery still has it. The touching story is so cleverly intertwined with its game design that it will leave you speechless.

With the addition of the Champions League license, FIFA 19 is able to realistically portray the European soccer experience. Introduction scenes and team anthems will satisfy soccer fans without a doubt. Alex Hunter’s story also gets a conclusion in The Journey’s third season, and while it may be a classic success story, the dilemmas you have to face as Alex allow you to feel like you’re living the life of an actual soccer player.

It is easy to tell that the developers studied the history of the genre through and through, delivering a stellar run and gun experience brought to life with unique old fashioned cartoon graphics. It may have it flaws, but when a game is this appealing it is easy to forgive.

While flaws such as repetitive side quests and an often-annoying navigation system can sometimes drag the experience down a little, epic sword fights, beautiful locations, amazing discoveries and a deep Bushido story make Ghost of Tsushima a unique open-world adventure.

Astro Bot is a fantastic 3D platformer that does not disappoint. Astro and the other bots are always endearing, stages are full of variety and creativity, and the incorporation of the DualSense controller and classic PlayStation characters offer plenty of new gameplay. While the game isn’t very long, top-notch quality shines throughout.

The Messenger's game design may originate from NES and SNES classics, but it functions as an ancient scroll that passes pixel-perfect gameplay on to a new generation in the best possible way.

Patrick’s Parabox shakes up the traditional formula of Sokoban (box pushing) puzzle games by implementing boxes within boxes. The moment you realize the box you are pushing is a stage in itself is something truly magical that adds new depth to the genre. The visuals, polish and difficulty balance make this one of the best games in the genre to date. A must-buy for any puzzle gamer.

While being presented in the format of a traditional RPG, Weird West has shoot-outs that feel that they come right out of a cowboy movie, and offers quests with a ton of freedom. While the gameplay itself is simple, seeing the crazy Western setting through the lens of five different main characters is fascinating, and the mysterious story wraps up in an interesting way.

Ghostrunner is a masterful pure-parkour video game that has you athletically traverse through dangerous environments. The only downside is that you’ll be so busy maneuvering your way through that there’s no time to pay attention to the story.

Astro’s Playroom is an exciting 3D platformer full of surprise and wonder. While its task of introducing the PS5 controller’s new features can sometimes be a double-edged sword, full-fledged implementation of the DualSense’s haptic feedback creates a next-gen experience only possible on the PS5. The game design of adding new ideas for each level, iterating on them, and then switching them for something completely different is reminiscent of Nintendo’s design philosophy, and Astro does it just as well as Mario. At the same time, Astro’s adventure through the history of PlayStation is a journey only Sony can deliver.

The vast and detailed world of Monster Hunter Wilds is spectacular. Although I have some minor complaints, Capcom has managed to expand the game's scale while also making it easier to play, which is quite an achievement. The Focus Mode mechanic that allows players to target their prey's weak points is another welcome improvement. Although the story becomes a little frustrating towards the end, Wilds is carefully crafted to allow you to concentrate on the narrative and enjoy it.

This may be an expansion for a game that is essentially a multiplayer experience, but the solo campaign is the real attraction in Octo Expansion. If you couldn’t get into the multiplayer, give this a try.

Stray doesn’t just deliver on the promise of traversing a detailed cyberpunk city as a cat, it’s also an exciting and varied experience packed with memorable characters and rewarding exploration. While the story itself might not be super special, the city and its characters will stay with you for a long time.

Faithfully recreated cutscenes – featuring not just Goku but all your favorite Dragon Ball Z characters – manage to surpass the quality of the original anime series. With even nostalgic memories from before the Z saga included, Dragon Ball Z Kakarot is best described as a huge treasure box of fan service. While the battle system could have been deeper, flashy special moves keep things from getting boring, and while most quests may feel uninspired, this is still the ultimate game for any Dragon Ball fan.

If anything, the amazing story of the original Nier has only become more valuable today than it already was back in the day. While many elements have received a significant update, some remain the same, but the story more than makes up for it.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade doesn't just add on to last year’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, but brings it to new heights. Playing the game one year later made us rediscover the overall quality of the battle system as well. Yuffie’s story is much more than just a new standalone chapter, as it enriches the game’s lore and story by depicting the Avalanche headquarters and their members in more detail than before. On new-gen hardware, the game has become even more immersive, resulting in an experience that’s worth going back to even if you’ve already beaten the original remake version.

As with previous titles from Supergiant Games, Hades features stellar artwork and music, masterfully creating a world of Greek mythology. The fast-paced action feels great, and the roguelike elements create a synergy with the game’s story, resulting in a truly addictive experience.

Everything that makes Eiyuden Chronicle great is introduced in the first part of the game. From the 120 heroes that you can recruit to the epic one-vs-one duels, its game systems always make you feel the heat of the story. While the difficult turn-based battles might not be for everyone, as long as you prepare well they are a lot of fun to engage in. The soundtrack is great, but when played with headphones the sound balance seems a little off at times. Recruiting the 120 heroes functions as a rewarding side activity. Not being able to develop your town as you wish without certain heroes can prove frustrating at times, but the way your fate is influenced by the particular set of characters you’ve crossed paths with is a part of Eiyuden Chronicle’s unique charm.

As a historical game set during the end of Japan’s Edo Period, Rise of the Ronin is an absolute masterpiece that can not be praised enough. At the same time, as an open world game, Rise of the Ronin is a dated experience that I have many complaints about. For most players who are simply looking for an open world action game, knock one or two points off this score. That being said, its immersive storytelling is something truly exceptional, to the extent that your view on historical games will probably change after playing Rise of the Ronin. As someone fond of history, Rise of the Ronin is a game I won’t forget.

As a turn-based RPG, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an absolute banger. By allowing the player to freely move each character in their party during battles, combat is both more strategic and more exhilarating than the series’ previous turn-based installment. The Hawaii setting is both expansive and dense, with almost too much going on. The story features both protagonists Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu, resulting in a tale that culminates the series as a whole.

TOEM is a cute little game made by a Swedish studio that feels like a paper-made terrarium. From its unique art style to fun photography mechanics, user-friendly controls and a clear and lilting sound design, everything in TOEM works and feels polished. This is the kind of game that players may have a lot of fun with regardless of their skill or preferences. The ending of the game’s cozy journey is quite touching as well.

Meg’s Monster is a great story game with clever twists, and even its battles contribute to the narrative. The relationship between Meg and her monster companion Roy is well written and deeply touching.

While the story can feel childish, altogether Octopath Traveler II takes what was great about its predecessor and makes it even better, resulting in a great sequel.

ElecHead is a wonderfully crafted action puzzle game that reminds us that simple can still be best. It features a wide variety of gimmicks, some of which are masterfully designed to outwit the player.