The simple addition of a "shield" has drastically changed the game. Combat has become formulaic, forcing players to constantly think on their feet and react specifically to green-marked enemy attacks. The game is certainly fun, but the instinct-driven, fully immersive combat that once defined the essence of DOOM has noticeably faded.

A new RTS that evokes classics like C&C and StarCraft. Its familiar UI and layout are impressively reworked to be accessible even for RTS newcomers. However, Tempest Rising still lacks defining elements to establish a unique identity, and the absence of features like replay support leaves something to be desired in terms of polish.

Just a while ago, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 could have been called a dark horse — a hidden gem with untapped potential. But not anymore. With its official release, it’s proven itself worthy of being a Game of the Year contender.

You can now enjoy Lunar: Silver Star Story and Lunar: Eternal Blue in a single title. While there aren’t major visual upgrades, the cleaner presentation, still-impressive animation, and added battle speed options make for a much smoother experience. Though many aspects of the game feel dated, for those with fond memories, it’s like the heart-fluttering feeling of meeting a first love all over again.

A fighting game spin-off that basically turned into a full-on dating sim with cute girls. The graphics and presentation really capture the whole dating vibe, and the game's well-designed so you can easily follow the route you want. It's just a bit of a shame that the photo-focused, static setup doesn’t quite show off how lively the character models could be.

A game that faced more negative controversy prior to release than almost any other, yet its actual gameplay is far from the mess many expected. With classic Ubisoft-style open-world gameplay, stunning visuals, impressive lighting effects, and solid action, Assassin's Creed Shadows may fall short of being a masterpiece, but it's still an enjoyable and well-crafted experience.

Yumia’s Atelier is a game that mixes the classic alchemy RPG style with today’s popular open-world gameplay. The main character looks great, the battles feel quick and fun, and it’s really satisfying to make items easily while exploring the world. But the game could be better when it comes to performance, and a lot of the open-world quests feel kind of repetitive.

The First Berserker: Khazan is a game that most action RPG fans will likely enjoy. While it has its flaws and falls short of being a masterpiece, it delivers exactly what was expected. At the very least, it’s a solid and well-crafted title.

Hazelight Studios sets a new benchmark for co-op games with Split Fiction. Its dynamic split-screen cinematography and genre-blending gameplay keep things constantly engaging. For those who resonate with the creative struggles highlighted in the age of AI, the story may strike an even deeper chord.

FragPunk brings a fresh twist to the classic 5v5 team-based FPS by blending hyper-FPS elements with rule-altering cards. It offers plenty of variety, including casual-friendly deathmatches and the Outbreak mode, a unique take on the zombie formula. However, the lack of a proper tutorial, somewhat unclear audio design, and matchmaking issues hold it back.

Project Tachyon stays true to the roguelike formula, challenging players to adapt to randomly generated environments and loadouts. While the unbalanced weaponry and predictable enemy patterns are noticeable drawbacks, the game shines in its replayability, offering adjustable difficulty settings that cater to different skill levels.

The Two Point series returns with a museum theme. Despite added complexity from research, exploration, and interlinked systems, it retains its signature casual charm, making it a great entry point for management sims. However, the cluttered UI struggles to keep up with the game's expanded depth.

Monster Hunter Wilds has everything it takes to be a Game of the Year contender. It masterfully refines the series’ essence, delivering the most exhilarating and weighty hunting action yet. While the increased system requirements may be a hurdle, the sheer enjoyment makes it well worth the effort.

After tackling its most serious story, the latest Like a Dragon embarks on its most lighthearted adventure. Majima and the pirates are a perfect match, and the narrative ties up neatly in a single installment. Naval battles may feel light, but Majima’s determination to fulfill a ten-year-old boy’s dream is anything but.

A well-crafted suspense game that cleverly weaves urban legends and social media into its narrative. While it lacks complex detective puzzles or interactive elements, the subtle hints and foreshadowing make it thrilling to piece together the story and see if your predictions come true.

With its well-established lore, solid narrative, and highly polished world, Avowed is a fantastic game that lives up to Obsidian Entertainment’s reputation. However, compared to other games in the genre, its world feels overly rigid and lacks the sense of being truly alive, which keeps it from standing among the very best.

The Virtua Fighter series returns to PC after 28 years, bringing its signature intuitive mechanics seamlessly adapted for keyboard controls. Even with excellent 4K support and optimization, it feels like a solid revival. However, the lackluster single-player content and unstable rollback netcode, struggling with severe ping issues, show that it still needs some fine-tuning.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has all the potential to be one of this year’s standout titles. It improves on its predecessor in every way, bringing 15th-century Europe to life with deep historical accuracy and rich cinematic storytelling. If you can embrace the first-person perspective, an unforgettable experience awaits.

Civilization VII refines its strategic depth through era transitions and civilization changes, though the most thrilling moments feel more spaced out. Despite these shifts, the game retains its signature "just one more turn" appeal—undeniably Civilization.

The Dynasty Warriors series has a solidly enjoyable gameplay experience, but this paradoxically presents a weakness in its difficulty to innovate. However, Dynasty Warriors Origin is a definitive work that demonstrates how the series can evolve while maintaining its traditional values.

Marvel Rivals is a must-play for fans of the Marvel universe and hero shooters like Overwatch. With its polished, well-rounded gameplay and engaging design, it stands out as a near-perfect entry in the genre. This title has all the makings of a new flagship for team-based hero shooters.

A standout collectible SRPG that brings charming characters to life with expressive graphics and strategic elements like suppressive fire. However, the lack of content to fully utilize its strategic potential and short daily playtime are notable drawbacks.

If you are a fan of the original movie series, you will find complete satisfaction with this game. The unique elements of the original film—storyline, camera angles, visuals, sound design, and even clichés—are seamlessly incorporated into the gameplay. However, the somewhat lackluster action sequences leave something to be desired.

GSC Game World brings its ambitions to life in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, with a hauntingly atmospheric open field that perfectly captures the bleak, morally ambiguous life of a stalker. However, severe technical issues make even shader compilation feel like a prayer-worthy event.

It’s great that the game retains the nostalgic feel of '90s Hong Kong, but the gameplay itself feels like something from console generations past. While it may not suit everyone, those with the right taste might still find it unexpectedly enjoyable.

This game generally falls within the category of a decent ARPG. The combat feels satisfying, and the progression system provides a rewarding sense of growth. The main quest and especially the final chapters deliver plenty of excitement. the characters’ narratives lack intrigue, and there are aspects that may disappoint fans of the series.

COD: BO6 presented its own answer regarding the direction of the single-player campaign that had continued for several years. While I'm quite satisfied with it, the narrative within feels lacking. It may not be the best Call of Duty, but it has the potential to be the best among its predecessors in the series.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure offers not only a wonderful opportunity to follow Max's story as an adult but also hints at a broader expansion of the universe. However, it’s uncertain if this will align with what fans have been hoping for. Like a double-exposed photograph, excitement and apprehension intertwine.