Hazelight Studios gained more attention after It Takes Two, a fully co-op game, surprised the world by winning the 2021 GOTY. Split Fiction is an evolution of that model that made Josef Fares' studio stand out, more refined and much more varied aesthetically and in terms of mechanics, interspersing antagonistic magical worlds with problems and challenges from different gaming genres, all very well structured in a story with a huge heart, that celebrates creativity and friendship.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is an improvement on every aspect of the first Warhorse game and is an action RPG in its own right. With an epic story, delightful sidequests, a fantastic hand-to-hand combat system and a world that grips you from the very first moment, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the crowning achievement of Warhorse Studios.

Santa Monica did it once again. God of War Ragnarok offers us pretty much everything, relatable characters, the evolution of the combat that won us over in 2018, epic and stunning settings and a huge world to explore, with a guarantee of dozens of hours of gameplay and a set of characters of curious characterization, something that we know will be widely discussed. Until November 9, stay away from spoilers and enjoy, Ragnarok could be just around the corner.

Baldur's Gate 3 is Larian Studios' Magnum Opus. It's a must-play masterpiece that sets a new bar in the RPG universe. Even at over a hundred hours, it never fails to surprise and impress with a deep story, hypnotic villains, enticing companions, a world where you can get lost forever and a combat system that rewards creativity. But more than all this, Baldur's Gate 3 is the fruit of the passion and love of an entire team that has dedicated body and soul to capture the magic of video games.

I could label Marvel's Spider-Man 2 as one of the best PlayStation 5 games, but the truth is that would be an understatement because Insomniac's sequel has gone straight into my top of the best games ever. The depth of the city, which has been expanded with additional districts, is impressive, the gameplay is always enjoyable and so is the combat. Marvel and Insomniac have outdone themselves on the narrative side, with a story about tragedy, overcoming, friendship and love. I can find room for improvement, in the AI of some opponents and in certain facial animations, for example, details that don't detract from what is an absolute masterpiece that we as gamers should applaud, hoping for more.

Over eight episodes, Dispatch doesn't waste a single second. There's no filler here, just quality, in a touching narrative told at a perfectly paced rhythm, brought to life by animation quality that rivals the best productions. Aaron Paul and Laura Bailey stand out in a cast marked by surprising performances, bringing to life a group of villains who have become heroes in my heart. The writing and dialogue are so superb that they immediately made me forget the odd narrative cliché. What remains is the mark of a story and a team of superheroes that I will not soon forget.

The innovation that Metroid brought to the platforming genre, in each and every aspect (gameplay mechanics, power system progression, synergy between exploration, combat and narrative development, among many others), inadvertently turned it into something bigger than the game itself. The unexpected remaster reinforces this argument, through impressive visual and gameplay improvements that push it to the border between remaster and remake, thus inviting not only veterans, but also new players to visit and explore the delicious biomes that Talon IV holds in store.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is confirmation that Kojima's radical vision was not a cosmic accident, but rather a new way of thinking about what video games can be and do. It is a game that trusts in the inherent genius of Death Stranding's central formula, and the good news is that there is no tension between these two perspectives. For those who fell in love with the original, this sequel is a deepening and refinement of everything that made that experience special. For skeptics, it's a second chance to understand a work that time has validated as visionary, with far fewer barriers to entry to embrace that vision. It's not a game for everyone, and it never intended to be. It's a deeply personal work about human connection, disguised as a futuristic delivery simulator. It's ridiculous and sublime, frustrating and transcendent, familiar and alien. It's unique.

It Takes Two is a journey through a magical world, expertly crafted with the greatest of affections. There is not a single dull moment along the journey, which is full of humorous moments, a dash of mom and dad rivalry and a cast of characters that manage to be memorable, even with short appearances. The puzzles are imaginative, the action is fluid and the experience is a must.

Deathloop is yet another clear example of Arkane's potential, with the studio refining its Prey and Dishonored formula, injecting it with a massive dose of style, creating a game that overflows with confidence and creativity. Deathloop’s mix of genres and flawless execution makes it one of the strongest candidates for best game of 2021, burying any doubts about Arkane's talent.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is yet another masterful testament to the talent and ingenuity of Ninja Theory, which has once again created a frighteningly tangible world with some of the best sound design I've ever experienced. Even though the studio closely follows the formula of the first game, Hellblade 2 is an experience you absolutely cannot miss.

Being used to fast-paced, visually exuberant titles Housemarque brings us one this year’s good surprises. A game that in keeping its studio’s tradition takes a step forward on a very specific genre. Returnal is aesthetically delightful and has a very important narrative basis, but the gameplay is the true protagonist and motivating agent for its fluidity and fast paced constant confrontations against creatures and machines that challenge our understanding, mainly for the certainty that the failures of the past where not in vain, and that next time everything will be different.

Hot Wheels Unleashed appeared without warning, in a fast, abrasive way, much like the miniature cars that lend it its name. The game is one of this year’s surprise hits, e one of the best arcade racing experiences in recent memory. It easily earns its place has the best Hot Wheels game ever, with slick, balanced driving and a phenomenal variety of miniatures.

Gran Turismo 7 is the prime example of a driving simulator. It doesn't offer too much in the way of sandbox options, because that is not why Polyphony created this franchise. Gran Turismo today serves the same purpose it served 25 years ago: showing that automobilism is an art form. It does so by incorporating the DualSense in the track experience and through the respect it shows for any of the cars we drive. From the heavy turning of a Fiat 500 to the incontrollable kicks of a Ford Mustang, Gran Turismo 7 is passion on wheels, this time with some neat content creation tools added.

How does one innovate in what is already the best sports management simulator of this generation? Sports Interactive knows the answer: with gradual improvements and small adjustments. This translates in the introduction of the Data Center, a welcomed addition for stats enthusiasts. But Football Manager 2022 doesn't reinvent the wheel, because it doesn't have to. It's a franchise that gets deeper and deeper for players who want a true simulation, and more and more accessible for newcomers.

Persona 3 Reload is a worthy and fabulous remake, packed with numerous improvements that turn the original into an even more appetising RPG. Although it has some dated aspects, Reload exudes style, thanks to its revitalised visuals, a well-paced turn-based combat system, an infectious soundtrack and a cast of actors who bring unforgettable characters to life. It's just a shame that the FES and Portable content isn't included.

Helldivers 2 is a brilliant, merciless and precise co-operative shooter. Freedom isn't just a battle cry, it's an authentic motto that guides every moment of its gameplay. The result is a fiendishly addictive mix, capable of keeping anyone hooked on the screen for hours and hours.

In the post-apocalyptic and ruthless world of Arc Raiders, the human touch gives this extraction shooter a fantastic soul. With a unique and well-executed aesthetic, the focus on player interaction makes Arc Raiders greater than the sum of its parts, which, by the way, are also brilliant. Each trip to the surface has the potential to become a unique and exciting adventure, between ambushes, betrayals, or unexpected rescues, which at the end of the day showed me that there are more players with hearts of gold than I thought.

Guilty Gear Strive is a strong fighting title, with a surprising story, a deep and rewarding combat system and bold visuals that extol the best of Anime. Arc Systems first next-gen title is a clear winner, with the studio following its crusade in a genre where it continues to stand out. Although the series may not say much to many players, just give it an opportunity and surrender to one of the best fighting games of our days.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the best way to experience one of the most memorable trilogies in video game history. The remake doesn't just capitalizes on the nostalgia of an entire generation of gamers – it keeps the original experience intact while modernizing it, opening the door to a whole new legion of fans who have here the greatest example of Bioware's magic.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 took me by surprise and I'm glad it did. Sandfall Interactive has managed to create a delightful RPG that combines modern influences with an irresistible old school sensibility. The story is another of its great assets, enhanced by an excellent cast who, with a fantastic performance, help paint this canvas that I won't soon forget.

Psychonauts 2 is a brilliant experience that makes the 16-year wait since the first game worth. Creativity is the key, in a title that offers one of the best audio-visual experiences of the year. Expectations were high, but Double Fine corresponded to the fans expectations with a game that follows the formula of the first, while adding a series of improvements and features that make it a must for any fan of the genre.

The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story isn't just another Riot game exploring the Runeterra universe. It is the first to open the curtains of Demacia and make us travel to a kingdom with a strong history of magic and militarism. It is all about two forces in constant struggle, which we now have the opportunity to lead as Sylas, in front of the sorcerers. The visuals are absolutely stunning, the mechanics live up to the original champion we know, and all the elements around it enrich the story that promises to win the hearts of fans of League of Legends lore, even those who are not fans of pixel art.

After 13 years of waiting, Alan Wake II is everything fans could ask for, and more. Despite some bugs and performance errors, Remedy delivers a memorable experience, full of moments of terror, action and, above all, mystery. The cast is charismatic, the environment fascinating, and the combat fun. Not only is it the best technical production from the producer, it is also an example of how a game should be presented in 2023.

Shadow of the Erdtree is an expansion that offers more for those who weren't satisfied with Elden Ring. More than a complement to the base game, it's an extension of what the base game offers, a kind of new endgame, built in a compact world, absurdly dense and unbelievably, better than the original. Robust and incredibly solid, it's an essential expansion for anyone who wanders the Lands Between in search of a new challenge.

With Elden Ring, FromSoftware adds new ingredients to the Dark Souls formula, creating a world that is an absolute masterpiece. Combat remains as fluid as we’re used to, providing us with even more tools to master and ignite our sadomasochistic tendencies. The game's plot is often impenetrable and requires a tremendous investment to decipher it, but they payoff is there, if have the time and soul to endure it.

Grid Legends could have been left behind, having launched at same time as another fairly big name of virtual motorsports. However, Codemasters gave us one of the best simcade experiences ever. With an impressive Story Mode, the usual variety in events and classes, and an acessible Race Editor, Grid Legends honors its TOCA origins and places itself right back on the main... grid.

Without forgetting the past, and again with Ethan Winters as lead character Resident Evil Village picks different celebrated elements from the franchise throughout the years and adapts them to the modern first-person view format, in an adventure that explores different atmospheres and dimensions of interactive terror, alternating between action moments and total despair. It is not revolutionary, but it is the most complete RE ever, without fear of treading supernatural paths and trapping itself in narrative alleys.

With a few additional online options and perhaps more rewards added to Free Play for the open world, Mario Kart World would be perfect. In every other respect, it's an absolute win for Nintendo and the plumber. The visuals are incredible on a TV or in portable mode, the gameplay is extremely polished, easy to learn, and deep to master, with new options and a remarkable fluidity that blends beautifully with the new Knockout mode. I predict a long and prosperous future for it on the Nintendo Switch 2, now with even more options that serve solo play, in a franchise where it's not easy to uncover new ways to play and where Nintendo still manages to innovate.

What Metroid Dread ultimately represented for Metroid, Super Mario Bros. Wonder achieved for 2D Super Mario titles. The comeback is more than triumphant, effortlessly dominating the genre it helped create, with refreshing ideas and stunning aesthetics. It definitely raises the bar for what the gameplay and aesthetics of a 2D Super Mario game should be. I see Wonder as a solid starting point, a sort of "Super Mario Bros." so that one day the "Super Mario World" masterpiece of this new era of two-dimensional Super Marios can emerge. The foundations are laid, the base is established, the door is open and the carpet is rolled out. Now it's onwards and upwards.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon takes Bayonetta into Wonderland with 'Burtonesque' tones to tell the origins and formative years of the most badass witch of today. Judging the book by its cover, this prequel spinoff might seem like a cute game. And it's true that the poorly filled narrative and a combat system that's afraid of being challenging are flaws that interrupt the experience and may push away the franchise's most demanding fans. However, it's very rewarding to see the little Cereza take on the personality traits that are familiar to us and shape her adult version, something provided by the exploration of the beautiful Avalon Forest, by the interactions and growth of her relationship with Cheshire, and by the challenges and fights they overcome.

Without straying from the excellent formula they gave us in Returnal, Housemarque has delivered a spiritual successor in Saros that achieves the rare feat of improving in almost every aspect. At the same time, it is far more accessible and respectful of the player's time, without ever diluting the level of challenge and adrenaline the studio is known for. Frenetic from start to finish, Saros leaves us with that "just one more run" itch while simultaneously inviting us to discover all its secrets through a narrative that starts slow but ends up being truly surprising.

The fact that Unicorn Overlord is both accessible to new players of the tactical genre while still managing to please the most experienced and demanding fans of the genre through its complex and extensive customisation of strategies and units is an achievement. With five regions to explore, more than 60 characters to unlock and 7 or 8 dozen hours of gameplay, the it's only real problem is the emptiness it leaves behind once you've finished it.

Samus Aran's triumphant return to a genre that she herself helped to name proves once again that there are no styles worthy of being caged in the past. The risk taken by MercurySteam results in one of the best games ever in the series, a chapter with its own personality that puts the bounty hunter alongside Link and Mario, making it one of the console's must-have titles. From the memorable bosses, to the harrowing encounters with the E.M.M.I. all painted by an artistic direction that takes the most from Nintendo Switch, making Metroid Dread one of the best of 2021.

In short, there are two things that both games do very well; they surprise you at every corner and offer more than just a way of using a certain mechanism or dealing with an issue. No matter how carefully the next "piece of the puzzle" is hidden, there's a magical hand to guide your behaviour, through inducement or muscle memory, depending on the type of problem, in a constant stream of rewards that appeal to the "completionist" in all of us. It's charming but difficult to explain, the same way it's hard to figure out where the pleasure of crushing the head of a goomba, or stomping on the shell of a turtle comes from.

Little Nightmares II captures the fear of a being little in a grey, hostile and oppressive world that is exceptionally built. In a constant game of hide-and-seek, the tension is overwhelming, and you feel the weight of every heartbeat or the desperate gasping of enemies over your shoulder. Unfortunately, it's a short experience, much along the lines of the first in the series, and although it doesn't completely eliminate the weak points, it grabs on to its strong points in a sublime way.

Hitman 3 is not just the final chapter in the trilogy for the series' fans; it's also a gateway for newcomers, who have an opportunity to experiment with its best version here. The story isn't the strong point, and even though it doesn't introduce many levels, they're all exhilarating, incredibly detailed and varied, with a range of challenges that make you go back, again and again, to complete the puzzles in different ways, expressing all your macabre creativity.

All in all, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown proves that less is more, and although the story is a bit convoluted, not granting much room for the characters that fill it, everything else is excellent. The combat is exciting, precise and challenging, while maintaining a surprising simplicity, without ever being unfair. On the same level is the level design, which oozes style and offers dozens of puzzles to solve with a handful of acrobatics, thanks to a fluid and very well executed movement system.

The main conclusion that we have arrived at after spending hours and hours with Horizon Forbidden West is very simple, the new generation of consoles is finally here. No, this is not Playstation's first exclusive worthy of mention, but it's visually imposing, gigantic in content and production values, very well written and interpreted, and has an entertaining gameplay that sometimes touches what we call excellence. Welcome back, my dear Aloy.

DOOM: The Dark Ages gives you a whiff of the brakes, but only to fool you. The combat is still deliciously intense and violent, even more visceral, than its antecessors thanks to its melee combos, paired with a satisfying gunplay. The best compliment I can give DOOM: The Dark Ages is that it's a fantastic DOOM, which, without escaping the formula of the last few games, shakes it up enough to offer a fresh and equally violent experience, inviting us to rip and tear demons apart with our bare hands.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is the result of a studio's love for a character, a story, proving that the best of the past can be transported to the present, hand in hand with what today's technology can offer. Ratchet, Clank and Rivet deliver the best PlayStation 5 experience, a memorable story that takes its inspiration from the greatest animation. From weapons to enemies, from characters to the environment, this is a title that grabs us, being one of the most fantastic gateways for the youngest to this universe of incredible and impactful experiences that we call videogames.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon isn't one for half measures. It's a game that knows exactly what it is and doesn't waste a single minute getting me into the cockpit and letting me live out the fantasy of piloting a giant Mech. The story may not leave its mark, but the customization system won't leave my mind any time soon, constantly inviting me to create a new solution to the game's missions and a new way of approaching combat.

Almost thirty years later, Final Fantasy Tactics stands as both a mirror of its era and a lesson for the present. The Ivalice Chronicles isn’t a nostalgic love letter, it’s an act of respect that proves a classic can be rewritten without losing its soul. It’s absolutely essential for fans of the genre, even for those who, unlike me, devoted the hundreds of hours it deserved in its original form. For everyone else, trust that it’s still possible to learn strategy through repetition and pain, a certain kind of integrity from another time, when suffering wasn’t frustration or bad design, it was part of the fun.

Donkey Kong Bananza was a pleasant surprise on first contact, it made me forget the absence of a new 3D Mario in the initial line-up of the Nintendo Switch 2, and now a pleasant confirmation of the excellence of the Nintendo EPD team, in this case led by Kazuya Takahashi. It manages to revamp and revitalize a franchise in one fell swoop, it's an irrefutable proof of concept for a technology that we'll certainly see return and the second major exclusive to grace Nintendo Switch 2 in less than two months. In the meantime, it has even resulted in the strengthening of the partnership with Universal for another movie, meaning you can be sure that we'll be seeing more adventures from DK and Pauline.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous has the potential to be one of the most memorable RPGS of 2021 - not only for its scope, but also for its quality and accessibility. Fans of this forgotten genre have here a massive sequel that has learnt and grown from past mistakes, while newcomers have a fantastic game in which to take their first steps in the world of CRPGs.

Mortal Kombat 1 maintains the violent tradition of the series, with a very interesting narrative campaign that presents the classic characters in a new light. Although the multiplayer component isn't as rich as some of its counterparts, at least for now, Mortal Kombat 1 offers plenty of single-player content and troves of cosmetics to unlock. All of this comes wrapped in a package with breathtaking visuals that set a new bar in the genre.

Silent Hill 2 Remake is a masterful modernization of a survival horror masterpiece. The depressing narrative and oppressive atmosphere combined with the haunting audio design creates an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing. It's an uncomfortably striking, psychologically challenging experience and just like the original, its influence will be felt for decades.

We are enjoying Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin more than we should. It looks like Capcom may have well found a franchise bestseller. It matches beautifully the world of the series, filled with enigmatic monsters and a JRPG model filled with customization and progression potential and a unique random element that incites our curiosity and our most adventurous side. It does not have a story to fall in love with but it’s filled with memorable character. It would gain with better fluidity within the world navigation, but it is something that is easily forgotten as soon as we meet Gatovan and losing ourselves in a turn style battle that is much deeper than we first thought.

With the console version of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Asobo and Microsoft managed the incredible feat of creating a demanding PC experience on the Xbox Series X with absolute detail and fidelity. It may not appeal to every gamer due to its structure but deserves to be played even once by all Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

I have many hours on my back, and will have many more to unearth all the secrets of Legends: Arceus. It’s remarkable the care that Game Freak had with all the key ingredients they seem to have found a future model for Pokémon. I am convinced that it will earn a place of success among the franchise main hits and, more importantly, will make even the most hardcore fans fall in love, for those have been waiting, for a long time, for the true modernization of Pokémon.

Final Fantasy XVI is an admirable new direction for the franchise. Square Enix shows tremendous confidence in moving away from one of the franchise's cornerstones, while never letting go of the essence that defines the magic of Final Fantasy. With an enticing story, unforgettable characters, a striking soundtrack, and epic battles, Final Fantasy XVI has its place reserved in the pantheon of the franchise.

Mewgenics is an ode to feline chaos. The game triumphs by mixing tactical precision with the unpredictability of roguelikes and Edmund McMillen's characteristic scatological humour. Although the meta-progression may seem obtuse and slow at first, and the interface lacks management tools, these flaws are quickly forgotten when the music starts playing and the battle unfolds. It is a title that shines for its ability to create emergent stories and trap us in the cycle of "just one more run." Progression is not fast or linear, but it is delightful and unmissable for fans of turn-based strategy who are not afraid to sacrifice a cat or two.

Rogue Legacy 2 is a worthy heir to the 2013 original and solidifies the legacy left by one of the best examples of what a roguelike/Metroidvania is. Its difficulty may put some players off, but don't be fooled, Rogue Legacy 2 is highly addictive, deep and fun.

The Tales series celebrates its 25 years with a fantastic title that deserves to be played by all fans of the genre, in yet another demonstration of the good path that Bandai Namco has traced over the last few years, at least with PIs that don't come from known Anime and Manga. The intricate narrative accompanied by a relatable cast bursting with personality and an artistic direction so rich that paints the game's combat and setting elevates the series and makes Tales of Arise one of the best JRPGs of 2021.

Sid Meier's Civilization VII is a fearless evolution of a formula that risked becoming static over the years. The result is undeniably positive, but the idea remains that the studio has kept a couple more weapons in its pocket to stretch out the experience with DLCs and expansions. Even so, and despite a few bugs, Civilization VII is an unmissable experience and is more than ready to stand the test of time, turn after turn.

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most disturbing and mind-blowing RPGs in history, where every decision has a deep impact on our trail. CD Projekt RED tosses us to the center of a city filled with disgusting delights where every character deserves our attention in an immersive experience and overall, very rewarding. From the sarcastic and shadowy tone imposed by the countless scenes in the game, to the flexibility we have on the choices to face every situation that is presented, Night City is truly memorable. It’s a shame that the countless bugs spoil or diminish the impact of some resounding moments, but we are without a question, in the presence of one of the best games in 2020.

Death Stranding Director's Cut is more than extra content, it's a new chance to experience a title that many see wrongly and that deserves to be experienced by all those who love this industry. Kojima's work, misunderstood by so many, reaches its final evolutionary state, with new technological additions that neither compromise the trip nor take away its meaning. A lonely but wonderful journey that deserves a second chance from those who threw the towel in 2019, with visual improvements that elevate the narrative experience, music that enhances a deep soundtrack, and new activities that drown us even more in an hallucinated America. Director’s Cut is the end of a piece of art that has remained closed to so many people, which is now opening doors again, re-presenting one of the most brilliant works of the past generation.

Resident Evil Requiem is a conscious exercise in reconciliation, bringing face to face two fundamental ideas that have always defined the series: vulnerability and competence. Capcom revisits the traumatic memory of Raccoon City and attempts to stitch together narrative threads that for decades seemed scattered, placing that weight on the shoulders of two dichotomous protagonists. Grace embodies fear, scarcity, and psychological burden. Leon symbolizes legacy, experience, and the inevitable erosion of terror in someone who has already seen too much. This duality is not merely narrative, it is mechanical. Requiem builds two distinct rhythms and alternates between oppressive tension and controlled release, in a carefully designed cycle that draws from the franchise’s own history and intersects it with an intelligent evolution of design. The result is a succession of memorable moments, not always staged with the restraint horror requires to fully assert itself.

For less titles like Jump Force and more like Guilty Gear Stive and Scarlet Nexus, with interesting stories that lock you to the screen alongside unique mechanics that fuse the best various genres. It lacks scenery and setting variety, but that goes to a secondary stage with the sheer will of all the other presente elements. An interactive Manga/Anime with bright colors, with dynamic combat that never becomes boring with a daunting and complex tale that is both overwhelming as well as captivating.

Ghost of Yōtei is a love letter to feudal Japan, its contradictions, its aesthetic rigor, and the fantasy that has inspired generations. It is not just a competent sequel, it proves that Sucker Punch's formula has room to grow and mature. The transition to Hokkaido gives it its own identity, both because of the colder and more isolated landscape and because of the cultural weight of the protagonist Atsu, whose personal journey changes but never loses relevance amid the visual spectacle. The evolution of combat is one of the great triumphs: refined, varied, visceral, and always demanding, it is the spice of a world that breathes life and that you will want to explore to the limit, full of interesting characters and arcs that contribute to a narrative mechanism that, with a little more audacity, would live forever in our hearts.

Pokémon Pokopia is one of the year’s biggest wins, a game where the motivation isn’t about defeating some looming antagonist, but about the calm, deliberate restoration of order, reclaiming a space that was once beautiful, a process that feels within reach of our own hands. There’s no combat and no urgency, just a therapeutic hypnosis carried by the gentle brushstrokes of the adorable creatures that have captivated multiple generations. It’s probably the best Pokémon spin-off to date.

Life is Strange: True Colors is a “must-play” for all those that played the first title and felt that something was missing in the second. It’s a game of landmark events, strong emotions and tough decisions. Be prepared to meet Haven Springs and unravel the secret that hides within the city and that conceals the death of so many other characters. Having the risk of becoming one more death, Alex does not give up on bringing justice and truth to all those that accompany her, including you.

Bayonetta 3 is a brilliant feat of video game design. It makes a commitment to absurdity from its very start, and makes that commitment its greatest strength. The Demon Slave abilities give us the largest-scale battles in the franchise, and the introduction of Viola is like an homage to the purest hack and slash games of the past. Everything about this title screams passion, competence and personality.

Forza Horizon 5 is a monument to freedom, adrenaline and arcade fun, in a Mexico whose dimension is rivaled by its breath-taking beauty. With hundreds of cars, dozens of events and an immaculate driving experience, it's by far the best arcade racing game of the year, with a surprising depth that might even surprise the sim racing purists.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has been both a respite and a surprise, and this for someone who didn't play the Remake but finished the original several times. It's much more than a remake, even though it shares the same themes and motifs, centered on Sephiroth's manipulation and uncertainty regarding Cloud's memories. It's a gigantic title, with a remarkable visual scale and a fantasy world where we would be able to live in and therefore want to get lost in. It's also one of the best games of early 2024, packed with content that's bound to keep you engaged for many hours.

I’ll admit I was hesitant at first, but I ended up liking Metroid Prime 4: Beyond more than I expected. It carries a density and maturity that the series deserves and that’s increasingly rare to find, especially within its genre. It’s a deliberate continuation, built with care and respect for its own legacy, a design that favors subtlety over forced innovation, and a story about returns, about the weight of waiting, and about how the past, when properly unearthed, can still cast light on the future.

The biggest part of what lies within Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is not new, but we are standing before a flash flood of content from the best that Playstation has given us in the past few years with new additions and improvements that are more than enough to deserve the attention of all those who complimented the game in the past. The story of Jin in Iki is well framed and is not narratively superficial, and the consequences will be felt as soon you find him again, which bears to mind that this expansion is also a good sample of what it may be a sequel free from the bindings that hold down Gen 8, with the same aesthetical identity but with a new power to explore.

Capcom did not forget Nintendo, delivering a mesmerizing and anticipated entry using what has been done so well in MHW. It adds something new to the series, with a mantle of Japanese folklore and culture. The innovations are enough to make us feel the weight of Monster Hunter Rise, a truly differentiating title that, like Monster Hunter World, will leave its mark to be replicated in future generations. Fast, fun and extremely addictive, Rise shows that Nintendo platforms continue to be one of the best places for memorable hunts.

Much to the chagrin of some extreme fanboys, who incomprehensibly defend the total and eternal exclusivity of PlayStation Studios' games, Sony seems to have other ideas. And I'm glad that's the case, because a game like Spider Man Remastered deserves to be played by all video game enthusiasts, whether they are Spidey fans or not. Who knows, maybe they will be finally convinced.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy surprises with a remarkable, true and emotional story with excellent performances, all in a unique graphic style, full of effects and color that give strength to the game and above all to its message. The gameplay is not at the level of everything else that is presented, but that doesn't make it a truly negative element. An ode to books, movies and fans, with a team that goes back to giving it all, something that the player won't forget, taking us to moments of laughter and sadness like no other Marvel game has ever done.

Timberborn is a fantastic city builder that hides surprising complexity behind its adorable beaver aesthetic. Although its systems are not always clear at first glance, building dykes and dams to tame waterways proves to be an incredibly satisfying and addictive experience, capable of keeping you mesmerised for hours on end. Essentially, each map is a survival sandbox that begs to be solved, subtly transforming into a game of management and automation.

The Sims 4 High School Years fulfills its purpose: giving players as much gameplay possibilities as it can, with one of the richest Sims 4 packs yet. Despite some stubborn rabbit holes, the recriation of High School's highs and lows is very well done, from the clothing to Copperdale High's hallways.

Star Wars Outlaws will continue to occupy my time over the next days, fortunately with the advantage of becoming an experience shared with many other people. Personally, it's one of the good surprises of the year, it takes different styles of gameplay and stitches them together into a very well-tuned amalgam, without exaggeration and with protagonists that it's impossible not to like. All this, in the Star Wars universe, is an excellent example of how Lucasfilm's world has much more to offer than lightsabers and Jedi.

Beyond being a strong contender for the Guinness record for the longest video game title ever, Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is an excellent example of what a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition should be. It offers more than enough content to surprise veteran players with new features and encourage them to approach the original adventure in fresh ways, while also standing as a complete and absolutely essential package for those who have never played it.

Metal Gear Solid Delta is one of the best examples of what a remake should be. Without disrespecting the original masterpiece, it introduces graphical and quality of life improvements that make the game more accessible to a modern audience, accustomed to some advances in the genre, freed from the technical restraints of the PS2. All the changes are subtle and optional, making Delta an experience capable of pleasing purists and novices alike, something that few remakes are capable of achieving.

This remake reveals the secret of Naughty Dog's latest success, the way it has perfected its gameplay model, without ever neglecting the cinematic element. The story remains central to the experience in The Last of Us Part 1, but taking everything it learned from the second part, the studio gives us a true masterclass in set pieces of action and emotionality. We go through scene after scene totally immersed in Joel and Ellie and their quest, as if to "live a movie" that we no longer remember, even though we know how it will end.

12 Minutes is a welcome and delicious experience, inspired in the mystery classics by some of the best masters. It can make us feel the entire spectrum of emotions and making us think on how we deal with the truth, while navigating with equal artisanship through various genres. The small imperfections that you may find are the sign of a limited production team, but they are insignificant and incapable of meddling in this claustrophobically welcoming journey.

The secret of Astro Bot lies in its aesthetic and mechanical variety, and the reason why we can easily lose hours with its animated charm.

Far Cry 6 is the ultimate exponent of Ubisoft's open world formula. It’s a great pleasure to explore the island of Yara and all its corners, where we have enormous freedom and options to face all of its challenges. Giancarlo Espostio shines as Antón Castillo, a villain that will go down in Far Cry history, even if the other characters in the narrative are not up to him. A must for fans of open world games.

Dead Space Remake is the new benchmark for what a successful remake should be. Motive Studio has shown that the right formula is one that treats the original content with courtesy, adding only the strictly necessary elements to adapt the experience to the current technology. Once again, Dead Space takes the crown of the sci-fi horror genre, with a gameplay experience that is absolutely fascinating and gripping across the board. The care and respect invested in this remake is evident at all times, making it it a strong candidate for the GOTY title.

There's never been a better time to take a look at Cyberpunk 2077. Phantom Liberty is what any content expansion or DLC should be: meaningful, relevant and deep. It adds tremendous value by adding an engaging story, a vast cast of captivating characters and mechanics that revolutionize the gameplay. Added to this are dozens and dozens of hours of secondary content, a new place to explore and an impressive direction that switches between gameplay and cinematics, putting us in the driver's seat of a spy movie. It doesn't do it without stumbling slightly, but I feel that Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty are CD Projekt Red's ultimate redemption, finally presenting the Cyberpunk 2077 they always wanted to deliver.

If memory can be an anchor and the future an unknown, then Season: A Letter to the Future asks us to be mindful of the present as we explore the beautiful world it has created. Armed with a camera, a recorder and diary, riding a bicycle trough gorgeous sceneries, we dive in a story about memories and new eras to unravel. To say it's not for everyone is to belittle both the game and those who play it, so it's really best to recommend it to everyone. Change is scary, but maybe Season will help us find some answers.

Pikmin is Nintendo's ugly duckling. The idea of having plants that act like worker ants, of different colors and qualities, isn't all that appealing. Funnily enough, it works: I surrendered to the gameplay, creativity, lightness and relaxation that Pikmin 4 manages to deliver. Admittedly, there is still work to be done on other components, such as strengthening the cooperative mode, local and online, in order to offer a more interesting shared experience for all players. Still, the solo story mode made me feel the Nintendo magic again, the one I felt when I first played Pokémon, Super Mario, Wario or Zelda. It's a title that proves how little our age matters in the face of a game, only mattering how it makes us feel.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes the risky option of including RPG elements in its core, but it does this absolutely brilliantly. It's a new approach that may make those fans of action in previous games a little apprehensive, but it does deserve a chance. It's a fantastic gateway to the series and not to be missed by fans of Japanese RPGs. It maintains the series' spirit, refreshing it with Ichiban Kaguya, heroes who risk becoming the new icon of Yakuza.

Respawn delivers a sequel that's shaped like our favorite cake, even if it lacks the icing on top. Despite performance issues and poor improvements to some gameplay elements, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor comes to show just how cohesive the Star Wars universe really is. The title offers us the most fun version of the Jedi to play so far, in a vastly improved environment, with countless planets to explore. Cal Kestis returns for a new adventure with enhanced habilities, an assortment of lightsabers, enhanced strength, new friendships and a charming style.

Like a well-tuned train, Monster Train 2 doesn't deviate from the tracks it laid in the first game. The experience of the sequel is familiar to those who already know the franchise, but the new mechanics and new game modes translate into (another) hundreds more hours of fun.

Without ever completely abandoning the franchise's defining elements, Fire Emblem Engage leaves behind Three Houses' web of friendships and relationships to focus on the battlefield. The result is a somewhat uninspired story and an absolutely brilliant, fluid and extremely engaging combat system capable of being both accessible for beginners and profound for fans of 'min-maxing.'

The perfect sequel exists in Tears of the Kingdom and is scattered throughout Hyrule. It can be found in the vast improvements to the mechanics introduced in Breath of the Wild, the narrative expansion, the attention given to certain characters, and the increased participation they have in the story and combat. It gets lost, however, in an unnecessarily prolonged stay, with new game mechanics taking center stage at the expense of exploration and challenging puzzles. The feeling of being in front of a DLC, with dozens of hours, with repetition of ideas and assets, is therefore inevitable.

It's true that Sparking Zero becomes repetitive once you get to know the different characters and their methods, but the advantage is that with so many characters and modes, it'll take a while to get to that point. I don't think it's ideal for long sessions, but it's one of those games that, within its genre and style, is guaranteed to be relevant for years to come.

Being a fan of RPGs is not a prerequisite for enjoying a well-done remake of an unlikely cult classic. Super Mario RPG might not have the deep narrative or challenging combat that the genre is known for, but it does offer a very entertaining, epic and timeless journey of good versus evil, starring Mario and and his friends, which will delight any fan of the franchise.

Convergence: A League of Legends Story is another success story in the League of Legends universe. With Ekko at the forefront, Double Stallion has managed to create a solid and fun Metroidvania, perfectly combining precise platforming with intense combat, without losing a drop of the personality of this intrepid hero.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, recognized as one of the great GameCube classics, is back, this time on the Nintendo Switch. The improvements are clear to see in a remake that highlights the original's greatest qualities, without ever losing the charm of the GameCube's unique atmosphere. The sublime art direction and delightful soundtrack are still present and make this the best way to experience what will go down as the biggest and best Super Mario epic to date.

Dead Island 2 is like a good B movie. It's imperfect, but it doesn't commit to more than it's capable of offering. Incredibly entertaining, it keeps in the foreground what makes it stand out: the destruction of zombies, without a single shred of shame. It doesn't revolutionize the genre and never breaks free of the genre's moorings, but it's a real pleasure to smash zombies - from zombie number 1 to zombie number 1000.

Humankind doesn't reinvent the fire nor the wheel, but it brings freshness, new ideas and visual beauty to a niche genre, with systems deep enough to win over 4X fans and a visual interface that open the door to new ones. Although the artificial intelligence leaves a little to be desired and some systems need tweaking, the cultural evolution mechanic allows for very interesting flexibility and dynamics.

Football Manager 2023 wanted us to gawk at the new licenses, but it forgets that the franchise has become immortalised by the authenticity of its gameplay and not the logos of teams or competitions. The Champions League and Europa League have a new look, but it is through the new Squad Planner and recruitment system that FM23 truly stands out from its predecessors, although some tactical systems still have a clear edge in the game.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139 is an extremely well-thought-out remaster that puts our resilience to the test, with a fantastic story and captivating characters. It does not completely let go of its origins, which at times are somewhat painful. It's a difficult love affair, it demands a lot of our time but it rewards us with one of the most curious and interesting stories of its genre.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream managed to captivate me as a beginner of the JRPG genre. There's a story that, though it doesn't truly stand out, left me just interested enough to be able to experience the hours of alchemy, in a sort of Next Gen Connect 4 game. The turn-based combat system is also incredibly welcoming for newcomers, and the whole campaign has this unique ingenuity about it, even when we're fighting interdimensional threats or water dragons.

Stray is the perfect game for all cat lovers. Not only does it gives us a full experience of a cat's life, but also a narrative that is impossible to ignore, especially when the mission is to save the world. In a city with vibrant colors, enigmatic sounds, unlikely friendships and full-fledged mischievous threats, what keeps Unity together is the resilience of an orange cat who doesn't give up hope of finding his family. Stray has an implicit lesson or moral, just like any good story told to a world in constant wave of skepticism, disbelief and uncertainty.