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.