Enhanced with fantastic and fresh content, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a game that dances through the vulgar and the sublime in an experience that excels in delivering superb storytelling with compelling gameplay mechanics; it’s a hallmark of the genre that deserves every ounce of credit attributed to it.

Like with the Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Baldur's Gate 3 feels like an impossible video game. Everything it does flies in the face of modern gaming and it fulfils almost all of its goals with a tactician's precision and clarity. From its stellar story with hundreds, if not thousands, of meaningful choices and consequences which make every single playthrough special, to the deep and compelling combat which you can spend an age learning, to its impeccable world and sound design, Baldur's Gate 3 is truly something special. While it isn't perfect and stumbles here or there, especially in terms of bugs and technical performance, it would be a crying shame for anyone to miss out on a masterpiece like this. Baldur's Gate 3 is my personal game of the year and I beg everyone who is even remotely interested to try it out.

To call Baldur's Gate 3 a great game would be an understatement. Overlooking a handful visual glitches, every moment of Baldur's Gate 3 is dripping in fantasy goodness. Flawlessly succeeding in what most choice-based narrative games seem to fall short of perfecting, the freedom of choice is endless. The D&D based gameplay sticks close to its roots, with a blend of genres and lore as well as the implementation of the ever-present dice roll and turn-based combat. After "only" 80 hours of gameplay, every moment of my playthrough has engulfed me in a sense of childlike wonder which comes from a well crafted piece of fantasy. No game is perfect, but with Larian Studios staying committed to player experience and releasing quality of life patches since launch, Baldur's Gate 3 is not far from it.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom improves on what many considered a masterpiece in Breath of the Wild. From expanding the locations you can explore, to the new abilities that give the player infinite control with their imagination, Tears of the Kingdom has it all. A few frame rate drops and inventory management can, at times, take away from the experience, but very rarely. Overall, Tears of the Kingdom is a must play for any fan of video games, and is an achievement that many games will strive to top for years to come.

Every once in a while, a game comes around that takes the world by storm, becoming an instant classic. Not only is Elden Ring one such game, it is also one of the most profound among them. FromSoftware’s first foray into the open world genre is nothing short of breathtaking. It effortlessly balances exploration and tough-as-nails action gameplay in a way that has seldom been seen before. While not entirely flawless, it manages to instill a sense of wonder that will make even the most hardened of players feel like a kid again. Although it stumbles, Elden Ring is still leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

God Of War Ragnarok is an instant addition to the collection of PlayStation classics, standing as one of the best games of all time. It manages to outdo its predecessor in every way possible and despite some of its issues with its ending and a few plot points feeling rushed, it does not take anything away from the masterpiece this title is. Santa Monica Studio continues to produce excellent and masterful experiences with Kratos, and the door is most certainly open for more.

The graphics and lighting make this one of the best looking games I have ever seen, especially on the current-generation of consoles.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a masterclass in modernizing a tried and true classic game. Though not without faults, they are so few as to be insignificant to the overall experience. Every aspect of the game has been rebuilt in order to make the time spent as Leon Kennedy an utter joy. With a riveting story, rewarding gameplay, and gorgeous design, it is a masterpiece in every sense.

With a gripping, haunting narrative that isn't afraid to tackle darker themes, one of the best turn-based battle systems in RPG history, a gorgeous world to lose yourself in, and some of the best music and performances in years, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a miracle game. How Sandfall Interactive managed something this amazing on their first go around is a genuine Herculean achievement. This game is a love letter to the rich history of RPGs while also being the blueprint for the next step forward. This is my current Game of the Year frontrunner for 2025 and I can almost guarantee that if you love RPGs - whether you prefer turn-based or action - this game will blow you away.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is without a single doubt the most ambitious FF game to date and drives the story to a much better-crafted concept than its predecessor. It is massive, it expands and upgrades several aspects that previous games of the series have failed to construct. Even with its few but notorious flaws, it marks a benchmark on modern FF games and gives Square Enix the crucial responsibility to make the conclusion of this trilogy as memorable as we all expect it to be.

Although I'd like to see Capcom go further in their story modes by adding a more consistent story, Street Fighter 6 is an absolute blast and a perfect jumping point for those looking to get into the fighting genre. The inclusion of the Drive Gauge Bar adds plenty of new strategy beyond just landing combos and the amount of content packed inside this game to help players get better is unrivaled. Aided by energetic visuals and a confidence in almost all aspects, Capcom has once again kept their winning streak going.

If there is only a game that's worth playing in this year, it would be Diablo IV. There's a lot to do, a lot to explore whether its the game's world or its skill and Paragon tree combinations, lots of monsters to slay and loot their items, and so much more. It might be priced steeply, but once you understand the core fundamentals of the game, it's without a doubt worth the investment.

I loved I Was a Teenage Exocolonist. I assumed it would be something you could play in small bursts to completion, like Growing Up, but each lifetime requires significant time investment. But with how good the story and characters are, I actually like it better this way. The challenges are tough, but fair, the characters are engaging and relatable, and despite being set on an alien planet with a literal dog-boy as one of your potential friends, I can’t help but be dragged back to my high school days as I play. For better or for worse.

Crusader Kings III is a near perfect sequel that expands upon the elements and gameplay of the previous instalment in a way that offers a challenge for veterans and is more user friendly to newcomers. However the game's A.I. is prone to moments of stupidity which can make or break your conquests and the U.I. can be over cumbersome.

Rogue Legacy 2 is a captivating, addicting, and truly unforgettable experience. It doesn't just improve on the first game, it renders it wholly obsolete. It's a truly amazing roguelike, one of the best in the industry. The art is beautiful and the combat is buttery smooth. Everyone should play this game. Especially if you love pizza. And who doesn't love pizza?

Overall, Slay The Princess is a groundbreaking indie horror game. Choose-your-adventures often share the flaw of pointless choices and straight storylines, but Slay The Princess offers a unique story in a way that a choice-driven narrative should be played. With great characters and stunning visuals, it's important to detail how Black Tabby Games ensures a captivating narrative as well. This is a game you could play for hours and still discovers new scenes. A game that deserves to be played.

Insomniac once again delivers an authentic Spider-Man experience with Spider-Man 2. With improvements across the board from previous installments and an expanded New York City to explore, any Spidey fan will enjoy this game. Even if you are not a fan or haven't played the previous games, Spider-Man 2 brings an amazing open-world experience that can make anyone a fan of Peter and Miles.

Ori and the Blind Forest was already a fantastic game, but the Definitive Edition smooths out the edges and adds in extra content that slots in comfortably and adds to both the story and the gameplay. It looks brilliant, it sounds amazing, and it plays smoothly and satisfyingly. Be sure to pick this up if you’re a fan of the Metroidvania genre and fancy a challenge in an incredibly appealing package.

It was a blast to take a trip down to memory lane of playing this beloved '90s relic. Quake II has certainly stood the test of time and is easily one of the best from the retro first-person shooter scene. The amount of value that the remaster version has given the players is simply unmatched and Call of the Machine is also a nice addition to the diehard Quake II fanatics. Quake II Remaster is easily a must have game for the lovers of retro first-person shooters, and can get you into the game if you didn't play it during its heyday.

Sea of Stars is a modern take on the best JRPGs of old. With this, there are parts that don't feel wholly unique. But, with remasters of classic Final Fantasy games and Super Mario RPG coming out, gamers are looking for an experience similar to those days. With a strong cast of characters and engaging story, along with a beautiful soundtrack, any fan of classic JRPGs should give this a try.

OPUS: Echo of Starsong pulls you in like a beautiful black hole, immersing you into a galaxy that will feel familiar to you only after a few hours into your playthrough. The narrative builds steadily on its incredible lore and endearingly imperfect cast of characters, leading up to a worthy emotional payoff. OPUS: Echo of Starsong makes the most of every moment of the player's time, rounding out into an breathtaking intergalactic experience that adventure game and visual novel lovers shouldn't miss.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition perfects and fine-tunes one of the most venerated RPGs of the last decade. While the English voice acting and the occasional resolution dip is disappointing, they made such a meaningless difference that it didn't matter in the end. The gorgeous visual upgrade, the wide and varied locations, the deeply entertaining battle system, and the exquisite soundtrack all add together to one of the best RPG experiences possible.

There is frankly no getting away from it. Pizza Tower is a fantastic platformer sporting some great levels, rock-solid gameplay, an amazing soundtrack, and brilliant animation. It quite possibly will be one of the best indie titles to release this year. And could be in the running for game of the year. However, as good as it is it can be repetitive at times and it could be too difficult for some.

While some may have passed on this game whether for console or preconceived reasons, this re-release package deal provides a great opportunity to jump back in. All the variety and creativity of 3D World returns on a portable console, featuring an Odyssey-like bonus mode that takes all the fun from the base game and experiments even more. It's not the definitive Mario experience that other consoles have featured, but there's no denying the amount of flexibility this game provides with its seemingly endless design spectacle, now complete with a chance to live out everyone's fantasy of Nintendo-esque Kaiju battles.

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is about as definitive an Atari celebration as you can get. It doubles as both a game collection and an extensive history lesson on one of gaming's forefathers. Not every title is a winner, but in the end, younger players will gain a better appreciation for Atari's contributions and how far gaming has come.

While not suitable for those sensitive to flashing lights and jump scares, Alan Wake 2 is a unique must-play for fans of weird horror and creative flair. The additions and improvements to gameplay are a welcome change, with less focus on the action and more attention paid to narrative. That being said, Alan Wake 2 still excels in all departments, and the slightly frustrating sections can be forgiven when receiving the rewards of more story. I have avoided describing the convoluted story in too much detail - due to the high cinematic standard, Alan Wake 2 is best experienced first-hand.

While the price point might detract some gamers, The Last of Us Part 1 needs to be checked out. If you already played the original game a bunch of times, there's still a lot of value present. Players that haven't experienced one of the best games of all time should buy the definitive way to play this masterpiece.

Wednesdays doesn't try to wow you with flashy gameplay or plot twists. It's a quiet, honest and emotional experience of facing the past and learning to heal. It's the kind of game you play when you want something more personal - something that says something and makes you feel something. If you like narrative games, or crave a story that goes beyond surface drama, Wednesdays is definitely worth playing. It won't appeal to everyone - especially if you need fast-paced action or super-complex gameplay - but if you're open to something slower and more meaningful, it's a little gem that deserves your attention. You won't soon forget it.

Insomniac hits another homerun with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Another epic adventure with the Lombax and his trusty robot as they go to save the universe. Full of beautiful colors, incredible designs, and tremendously fun gameplay, it is something that cannot be ignored for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Animal Well takes the Metroidvania model and provides a challenging and satisfying experience while also cutting off all the excess fat. There's basically no story, no upgrades, no flashing fighing mechanics. It proves that you can create a fantastic game with smart puzzle and level design alone, and by giving the player the freedom to figure things out.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is one of the best examples of a video game remake. Not only has Vicarious Visions retained what made the games so well-crafted to begin with, but it has reminded us why a series with such refined gameplay should not just be left in the past. Though its character creation and multiplayer could do with some more attention, the addictive gameplay, stunning graphics and pitch-perfect sound ensure that the series has been given a new life. I cannot wait to see where it will be taken next, be it a remake of Pro Skater 3 and 4, or an entirely new entry – either way, I’ll be there. Welcome back, Birdman.

Metroid has officially returned to its pedestal of greatness among Nintendo's finest. Powerfully efficient in its details and ruthless in its effort to make the player writhe in agony. While not the greatest heights the franchise has ever seen, it's more than polished enough to be a respected and beloved addition to the franchise. While it marks the end of the original timeline, the future is vast and endless, and Dread marks the potential for a markedly improved vision of the genre. While the Switch has more than enough must-buys already, this is yet another. Just be warned that it takes no prisoners.

ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is a gorgeous looking game that delivers on all fronts. Not only does it look and sound phenomenal, but the gameplay is smooth and varied, and it contains a moving story that develops the more you play. The game employs unique mechanics that captivate your attention, and it's really fun learning all your new skills. Aside from a few issues with the combat balancing, this game does not disappoint.

Pixel Ripped 1995 is on of those VR titles that actually feel like a game instead of something you play in an arcade fashion or a workout game. It does rely heavily on the nostalgia but it does it in a superb way, and it can be a great, immersive experience. If you are looking at a sitting-down, not-too-challenging, not-too-easy experience with some great humor and funny characters, give this one a try. But just like the original scored with us, this is a superb VR experience.

The exquisite gameplay, graphics and sound design are let-down by some very iffy narrative devices and the game definitely suffers from some bloated sections that feel like complete filler - although your first playthrough will definitely keep you going for a while. All in all, part one is a success; let's hope the second installment doesn't take as long.

Five Nights at Freddy's: Into the Pit is a perfectly fine Five Nights at Freddy's game. Fans of the franchise will love it. Others will ignore it like they have every other game. The game itself has plenty of greatness within, mostly in the design of the sounds and the characters, but it really falters at the end with little increase in the scares and no worthwhile resolution.

Overall, Pikmin 4 is a great and fun time. This is the most beautiful game yet in the series and the best-looking Switch game to date. Plenty of new features elevate the Pikmin formula but also take some steps back in key areas. Being able to create your character is fun, and I love all the charming character conversations. The night mode and new Pikmin are also a welcome addition, adding variety to the series. By far, the best addition is Oatchi and all the abilities you can upgrade.

Final Fantasy XVI is the definitive real-time combat experience of the series. It expands the horizons of the franchise and mixes the concepts of RPG and Hack & Slash into one masterpiece. Being by far the most epic installment of the franchise yet, it delivers an astonishing soundtrack, a dark-themed story with deep characters and relationships, and an unmatched feeling in combat that even the most experienced will be in awe with.

Blind Drive is a masterpiece. I haven't come across many games which can take your breath away in the first few minutes as this one did. I had a single session of almost 2 hours playing this bad boy before I even realised how much time had passed. Blind is very addicting and it's almost impossible to find any flaws with it. I played it on the Easy mode and I'm definitely going all the way to Blindfold mode to claim moral victory over the game. I highly recommend you to go show some love to Blind Drive and the devs behind this beauty.

Mini Motorways is the ultimate blend of city management and arcade mechanics. Much like running a real city, you don't always know what your options will be in a week, but the population continues on. From the minimal art style and controls to the exciting pace of long runs, there is plenty within this seemingly small offering to enjoy. Suddenly identifying a game-ending traffic jam and heading it off before things get bad is satisfying, and there's always fun to be found in beating your own high score.

Immortality is a story of art and authority and the humans responsible for all the best and worst aspects of moviemaking, and it's also a step forward in the way stories can be told through the interactive movie genre. A hidden mystery under the initial intrigue of trying to find out what happened to missing actress Marissa Marcel, and the way it's discovered, is the gem at the heart of this beautifully shot, acted, and scored production.

Minishoot' Adventures is a smart, joyful answer to a question most players never thought to ask: What if you fused a top-down action-adventure with a twin-stick bullet hell shooter and wrapped it in a handcrafted metroidvania structure? Its exploration is rewarding, its combat feels precise and satisfying, and its boss fights regularly punch above what you might expect from a tiny-ship indie experiment.

Like any good superhero, Dispatch has a secret identity. On the surface, it’s a goofy, Office-style visual novel stuffed with fart jokes and the occasional bit of casual nudity. But that’s just the costume. Step closer, actually engage with the narrative, and it transforms into something much more sincere. It’s a story about the weight of our pasts, and what it means to finally move forward from them. It’s about choosing who you want to become instead of quietly accepting the role Fate hands you. I’m not even a little embarrassed to admit this game made me cry—yes, the same game where a drug-addicted bat monster gets handcuffed to a weight rack because he thought the angelic assassin was going to show him her boobs. Beneath the absurdity and the superpowers, it’s the real people who break through: the flawed, messy, painfully human characters who reach out and connect with you. That’s where Dispatch truly shines.

In this thoughtful exploration into the minds of a damaged group of powerful psychics, you may actually learn a little about yourself. Through all the goofy humor and endless puns there is something special here. Psychonauts 2 is visually stunning at times, and a little repetitive at others, but the soul in this game stands out. The developers at Double Fine Productions took good care to make something special and refreshing.

Bionic Bay is inspired by old puzzle platformers with it's art style and level design but brings a modern touch with innovative physic mechanics and more active movement. They've essentially merged Mario-type movement with Limbo-stle level design. No point in Bionic Bay is dull but it still somehow drags on a little too long.

ARMORED CORE VI: FIRES OF RUBICON delivers an astonishing experience of mech battles, combining freedom of choice with incredibly smart enemy AI, making every battle feel different and challenging. The story within the game is also intriguing, and the weight behind it is very real and memorable. Moreover, the superb graphics and sound design make the experience of playing the game more surreal, setting us on a journey that will remain in our hearts for years to come.

Minds Beneath Us sets a new bar for the world of choice-driven narratives. Whether it is the story, the art, or even the gameplay, Bearbone Studio excels in their creation of a game that is both compelling and fun; Seperating itself from its competition. It's unique yet familiar and while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I implore those who are searching for a taste of a good story or even for a player who wishes to experience a more cinematic style of gameplay to try this game out. Minds Beneath Us may be an eye opener to both narrative fans and gamers alike.

Overboard! is a bite-sized puzzle adventure at sea. The compelling story and schedule-solving action are tied up into a neat and stylish package. The impeccable puzzle logic will make you feel like you are battling Holmes or Poirot, doing your best to be one step ahead in each playthrough. Overall, Overboard! is a worthy puzzle game, especially if you've ever wanted to play a murder mystery game as the villain!

UnderHero is a hidden gem of a game with a brilliant soundtrack, a great cast of characters, and an engaging combat system. However, the game is dragged down slightly due to issues in the game's pacing. Its humour is consistently witty, and its story often emotional and inspired. It is a must-play game for anyone who wants a game similar to the early Paper Mario titles.

Vampire Survivors is a very content-rich game for its genre, with tons of unlockable characters, stages, items, and more. It can be a fun time if you just want around 10-30 minutes of casual gameplay. The game mostly plays itself with the player's only real input being moving around and selecting items and upgrades, so it might not appeal much to somebody looking for more in-depth gameplay. If you're looking to get into the horde-survival genre that's been getting popular lately, this game is a good place to start.

It's been a while since a game captured me like this, not only engaging me, but making me want more. I'm sad that New Game + doesn't do any more than skip tutorials, because despite how substantial the game was, I wanted more. The characters. The intriguing and irreverent lore. The feeling of accomplishment when you nail a run. It certainly has some rough spots here and there, but they are vastly outnumbered by the game's virtues. It's humorous, it's fun to play, it actually made me enjoy a Metroid-vania! I think it's definitely worth a look.

F1 2020 continues to be one of the best racing simulator franchises out there at the moment. Whilst the game is visually lacking in places, that doesn't take away from the game's overall consistent quality. With tonnes of new additions, and some I didn't even mention like the new split-screen mode and two new tracks, F1 2020 is terrific value for money. It has a couple of flaws, but is overall a great racer that is welcoming to new players and challenging for grizzled veterans.

Monster Hunter Rise is a brilliant addition to the Monster Hunter lineup. It delivers incredible combat with newly added monsters and highly-desired mobility. However, it does suffer from messy systems, a mediocre story and can become quite grindy. Despite these flaws though, I have had countless hours of fun and will continue to do so. The co-op aspect just adds even more enjoyment to an already enjoyable game. I just wish the system UI had been redone for PC.

30XX is far from the first Mega Man game with user-made content. Mega Man Powered Up had it as a feature (preserved by fans despite the closure of online servers), the fanmade Mega Man Maker is incredibly ambitious and feature rich, and user-made levels were the central concept for the cancelled Mega Man Unvierse. But of all these games, 30XX is the one I want to play the most. It masterfully plays tribute to the Mega Man series while managing to stray away from it and have its own style. If you're patiently waiting a thousand years for Megaman X9 like I am, then 30XX is a must buy.

Silent Hill 2 is everything we hoped for so many years. It takes the beautifully imperfect aspects of the original game and adapts them wonderfully in a new, amazing, and also beautifully imperfect remake. Living James' horrifying journey with modernized graphics and gameplay made me feel like a kid again. And even if I once thought otherwise, I'm now certain that no other developer studio could have done it better. Thank you, Bloober Team.

As far as it goes as a photography game, OPUS: Prism Peak is probably one of the best I've played. In fact, this game is probably up there as one of my favorites so far in 2026. I had a great time playing OPUS: Prism Peak. Even though I missed some information and couldn't get 100% completion in my first playthrough, this didn't really matter as I had fun playing anyway. The level of detail that's gone into making this game is just impressive. I can definitely see myself playing this title again sometime soon in the future, so I can grab those photos and field notes that I missed or got wrong. I'm surprised actually that OPUS: Prism Peak hasn't received more attention, as this is definitely one to consider adding to your collection.

Bayonetta 3 is a fantastically stylish game with invigorating gameplay, empowering music and a narrative that reaches deep to pull on the heart's strings. Despite its understandable graphical affordances and its slightly rushed story, it makes for a show-stopping, action-packed experience that can be enjoyed countless times over.

When it comes down to it, The Sims 4 Life & Death Expansion Pack is one you should seriously consider adding to your collection. Ravenwood is an excellent world to play in, the new Soul's Journey and Bucket List gameplay is ideal if you're into goal-oriented gameplay, features such as Wills and Funerals makes the process of death feel more meaningful, the Reaper career feels like a surreal dream come true, and the Tarot Cards are probably one of the best collectibles in the game. Don't be put off by the initial grim impressions that this pack gives. It's inspiring, encouraging you to get more out of your Sim's lives.

Crypt Custodian is a great game. It’s story is simple but defined by love, loss and resolve. The exploration along with the excellent music, made it such a comfortable experience. Then there is enjoyable combat and great boss encounters, with plenty of items & upgrades to build out your character Pluto. While there is map overuse, whether you play this for 15 hrs or 40, you should have a great time with this.

Ryukishi07 has crafted the best narrative and storyline possible for a purely Japanese Silent Hill game. And even if the combat design pulls this game back from being one of the very best of the series, Silent Hill f has a lot of personality, boldness, and an unwavering passion for the daring story it wants to tell. Get lost in the absolutely stunning town of Ebisugaoka and discover the meaning of "Find the Beauty in Terror". It will be worth every step of the way.

Total War: Warhammer III is a fantastic game, with some great factions, brilliant production value, and some much welcome quality of life improvements. However, the game at launch is rather buggy and the main campaign might be too narrative heavy for some.

If you're looking for a solid Action-RPG this game ticks most of the boxes. It's not going to be for everybody, as I said the way the quests are so open-ended can be a major turn off for some gamers. But, it does feel extremely satisfying when you discover a unique way to achieve something. The combat is the real selling point. I've honestly spent more time fighting monsters than I have progressing through the story and I'm still only experiencing a small part of the total combat experience. If a game with a few quirks but a solid base sounds good to you, then this one is definitely worth a try.

Do not pick up the game if you are looking for a fast-paced adventure heavy on whipping out six-shooters. Fans of real-time tactics should give it a look though because the gameplay here is top-notch. With Mimimi still improving the game with the Bounty Hunters update and level editor, Desperados III is a game you will want holstered when riding off into the sunset.

If there was any concept that the card battler genre had completely tapped out with Slay The Spire, Monster Train proves that assumption wrong. Combining scaling difficulty, combo troops and cards, and an amazing amount of replayability under the hood, this is a game that can easily devour hours of your time pursuing "just one more run."

Every aspect of the game is fairly simple. Nothing really drags the game down or carries the game alone, though the character stories are a particular strength. What really makes the game shine is that every aspect of the game complements the others. The developers aimed to create a “myth-making tactical RPG”. I'm not sure I knew what that meant going in, but I do now.

Returnal is a game that sucked me in through its design, and achieves the eerie atmosphere promised from its promotional material. It then kept me hooked by having some of the best feeling combat and boss fights I have ever experienced, which is helped by its on-point audio implementation. It’s a shame then that poor pacing and lack of save structure tainted my experience with Housemarque’s unique third person roguelite experiment. Despite this disappointing downside, I still can’t help but recommend it to anybody who enjoys satisfying combat with a horror-tinged mystery to explore.

Sumire is a beautiful and emotional roller coaster ride that is a balance of beauty and darkness like no other. The entire package - art, story, writing, sound design, and gameplay - reveals a lovingly crafted experience. Sumire is a game that could convince you that the first step to a whole new life is one perfect, courageous day.

Overall, Astral Ascent hits the mark in basically every single category that matters. Truly dynamic combat that requires you to strategically plan your attacks and dodges is very well-implemented. As a result, the importance of movement in this game is further elevated by just how smooth the game feels to play. This is all without mentioning the incredible boss fights, engaging upgrade systems, amazing ambience and atmosphere, and magical art-style and soundtrack. You can tell that the developers were not only passionate, but also dedicated in delivering a polished finished product - which they successfully achieved.

Cyberpunk 2077 has something special deep inside it, but its ambition falls short, leading to consistent issues that hinder the game's positives. Some areas hit where it should for an RPG, but the lack of meaningful choices make the main and optional quests feel hollow. Maybe with bug fixes and content updates, we will see the true potential of Night City.

The multiplayer action of Chivalry 2 has depth, replayability and, most importantly, it's fun. Torn Banner Studios have built upon the success of the original to create a game that could have a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. However, there is a distinct lack of variety in other modes and many key features are missing in regards to quality of life and accessibility. Modern multiplayer games are an everchanging experience, regular support and updates is a promise that the developers need to keep. Perhaps in a few months, the game will be in a better state with the inclusion of new modes, added customization and a greater parity between platforms.

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope is a masterfully made Tactical-RPG which brings both color and flair. If you are looking for a light hearted adventure carrying the spirit of the Mario + Luigi series look no further than this game. It features visually stunning environments and incredible music all meshed together alongside amazing gameplay that never gets old. What it lacks in challenge Sparks of Hope makes up for in pure fun that will keep you coming back to play. The amount of polish and effort here is astounding and makes the game worth your time.

In the gaming industry today, the multiplayer looter genre is by no means niche. But even with all the money thrown into these projects, most end up being mediocre due to unrealistic scope. Deep Rock Galactic by Ghost Ship Games manages to break the mold by creating a memorable experience in atmosphere, gameplay and cooperation. There are some limitations throughout, namely when it comes to story and graphics, but I never found these to hurt the immersion. The gameplay is addictively deep, while procedural generation and extensive loot keep me coming back for more. If you and your friends are fans of the multiplayer looter genre, or just love dwarves and space mining, you need not look any further than Deep Rock Galactic for your next gaming adventure.

StarVaders strikes a balance between accessibility and deep strategic layers. Whether you're a newcomer to the deckbuilding genre or a seasoned rogue strategist, there's something here for you. With tight mechanics, meaningful progression, and addictive replayability, StarVaders earns its place in the indie strategy spotlight.

13 Sentinels is a visual novel unlike any released this year and offers a unique experience that is unlike any other game. It's refreshing to play during a time of first-person cinematic open-world shooters, to find a story unraveled in a non-linear way to draw the tension and mystery of it out. There's no one way of summing up this experience, and that's the beauty of it. 13 Sentinels is something players will have to experience for themselves.

Metal Gear Solid Delta is a great way to experience the all-time classic, whether for the first time or as a nostalgic trip. The gameplay elements feel fresh thanks to their original, groundbreaking nature and their corresponding refined, polished upgrades. However, for its price, there were no valid motives not to remake the whole story and dialogues from scratch as well, which ultimately held this game back from the possibility of being one of the best remakes of all time.

Frostpunk 2 introduces expanded social dynamics, larger city management, and deeper decision-making with factions and laws. It shifts from basic survival to improving quality of life, offering potential for world-building and colonization. The game maintains emotional depth, with difficult laws provoking strong reactions. While streamlined mechanics reduce some of the original's immersion and complexity, Frostpunk 2 is definitely worth trying out for its new experience and larger population scale.

Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is truly one of the best launch titles to date. With the release of the PlayStation 5, Miles Morales stands as an impressive achievement in visual design, engrossing gameplay, and an unforgettable story about responsibility, culture, and family. It's well worth the price of admission for all the fun, content, and interesting story this game delivers. The neighborhoods of New York are in good hands with this new and improved Spider-Man.

So what makes Huntdown so great? It’s the satisfaction. It’s the way the tiny pixelated people burst into flame when you roast them with a stolen flamethrower; it’s the bits of meat scattering across the screen when a cluster grenade you’ve thrown pulverizes your enemies. It’s the rage you feel when the boss you’ve spent 45 minutes trying to defeat kills you when he has 1 hp left. It’s the elation you feel when you finally beat him.

Batman: Arkham Shadow succeeds in being an actual game where a lot of other VR experiences are just that: experiences. Arkham Shadow allows you to embody the Dark Knight and have a proper good time fighting and sneaking your way around enemies in a way no other VR title I played has so far. While not a quintessential title in the overall Arkham experience, it is a must play for Quest 3 owners that are also Batman fans. Each gaming session will present you with a good challenge with a decent story and great immersion, leaving wanting more.

Overall, Solium Infernum is a great option for groups of friends who enjoy strategy and/or board games. The satisfaction of success is immense. The artwork is fantastic but more unique army character models would be nice. The gameplay is enjoyable with options for different approaches. The lack of actions per turn is a bit disappointing, especially when play asynchronously.

Tunic is truly a masterpiece of game design: a modern day Zelda with all the complexity it needs to thrive with gamers today. If you like running around a beautiful fantasy land, sword fighting fantasy baddies, or translating ancient languages, Tunic will have something for you to sink your teeth into. If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend picking this foxy little gem up.

3 Out of 10 is an outstanding mixture of cartoon and game, which gives an ironic look at the video game industry. It's a genuinely funny title, which at the same time makes use of all of the power of Unreal Engine 4 and manages to handle serious subjects. The season ends with a huge cliffhanger, which isn't bad at all. But there's a flip side to that coin, though, since I cannot wait a year to see more misadventures of my beloved characters.

Appropriately, this adventure of rebirth was the product of the glory from the past. Metroidvania fans will feel right at home with Phoenotopia: Awakening, a modern answer to the 2D action-adventure born from the passion provided by the genre. Some may seem surprised at the volume of content available in a seemingly simple indie game. Yet passionate indie developers around the world have shown that with enough work, anything is possible, even triumphantly fun games such as this one. It's all that an adventure should be: you look back at all that you've done after so long and realize that none of it was wasted.

"Night Springs" is a great expansion to Alan Wake II that gives players a few hours of entertaining content with the kind of writing and style that Remedy excels at. It shows off the creativity of the studio, and how committed they are to doing things no other studio is doing. Some people may be disappointed that it doesn't explain the main game's confusing story, though.

Pieced Together is a fantastic game. You really feel as if you've been taken on this wonderful journey with these two sparky girls, following their lives and adventures, watching them grow before your eyes, curious to know where their lives will ultimately take them, and whether they'll stay friends forever. I had a great time playing this game. It was honestly much better than I was ever expecting it to be. I thought it would just be a simple scrapbook game, and it is, but it's much more that this. It's just brilliantly creative, and I loved the incorporation of puzzle-solving that avoided being too frustrating so it remained cozy and relaxing. I'm very glad I got to play this and can't wait to play it again sometime near in the future.

I believe that if anyone is looking for a challenging experience, then Death Howl is the game for them. I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, but it did leave me with a lot of respect for the game. It has a clear identity, strong art style, and a combat system that'll really click for players who enjoy the grind. Like most souls-likes, I can see myself coming back to Death Howl when I'm in need of a mountain to climb.

Monster Hunter Rise was a fast, frenetic entry into the long-standing series, and Sunbreak improved even further on it. This title update is the first of many, according to Capcom. If you want to enjoy Monster Hunter at its flashiest, speediest, and by far its most crazy, Rise and its update Sunbreak are more than perfect for you.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is a game that demands a large time investment in learning the systems and experimenting in dungeons. It’s not an easy game to master, and you will need large amounts of patience to wade through the failures. But if you stick it out, there’s an enjoyable story to experience, and the thrill of discovering new paths on your own. You can also build your puppet team any way you want, and have the flexibility to choose your own combat style.

A cartoon in the best way possible. Despite some hyperactive side games that take away from the full experience, The Wonderful 101 is an exciting romp that brings the laughs and serves the audience a unique and fun combat system. If you want something to lift the spirits this game gives you that times 101.

An unforgettable lesson on coping with the immutable march of death that'll shake even the rugged individuals out there. Packing few but extraordinarily fleshed out characters, levels, story beats, and gameplay elements, Death's Door shows restraint and temperance, standing as an indisputable triumph of the top-down dungeon crawler formula. It's bursting at the seams with good writing, humour, and an eagerness to use every last bit of its 10 to 13 hours of playtime in good faith. That's the crowning achievement of Death's Door: nothing feels left out or bloated. Acid Nerve managed to deliver a perfectly balanced cup of existential dread and philosophical remedy on all accounts.

Hogwarts Legacy is littered with small niggles which, when stacked together, make the game feel like it was released over a decade ago. While the castle is a large enough area to explore, the monotony of repeating quests and tasks makes the game feel last-generation and boring over time. Hogwarts Legacy could already use some DLC's in order to expand the size of the world, add more complex spells, and introduce a wider array of enemies. If you are a power-nerd looking for a new and complete RPG, you will have to wait for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor, coming in April 2023. While most critics agree that Hogwarts Legacy is near perfect, due to the incomplete feeling of the game and lack of a solid story arc, it feels more Muggle than magic.

Hitman 3 is a worthy end to a fantastic trilogy which does justice to this legendary franchise. Its willingness to put the power into the gamer's hand gives a sense of freedom which few other games can rival. A must-buy for fans of the stealth genre.

Overall, Promise Mascot Agency is a charming and absurd experience that would fit perfectly in a Like a Dragon game. The story isn't as thrilling but the wacky world building and the characters that occupy it keep you from moving on. The gameplay may get tiring but there's still enough here for a good time. I'd recommend everyone play on hard if you want some challenge. Now, if you excuse me I've got a business to run.

Without a shadow of a doubt Kirby And The Forgotten Land is one of the best titles to have released in 2022. And one of the best on the Nintendo Switch. Offering bright, breezy, and downright fun gameplay all wrapped up with some brilliant and characterful levels and characters. However it may be too easy for the more hardcore gamer looking for a challenge.

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a wild, creative, and fulfilling strategy adventure taking place in the fictional Lost Caribbean. The ragtag crew of cursed pirates aboard The Red Marley compliment each other in both gameplay and personality. The fantastical abilities of each pirate, coupled with the large and open-ended levels, give players the freedom to approach their objective from any angle. This thrilling stealth tactics adventure is captivating, addictive, and definitely worth experiencing.

Death Stranding Director's Cut is an artistic vision fully realized. If the original Death Stranding did not entice you, do not expect to be converted. However, if you resonate with the experience being presented, the game is a must-play and the definitive way to enjoy a one-of-a-kind title.

Despite some glaring issues with its 100% quest and some unnecessary characters, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is so good that it's almost hard to believe. A true sequel to the 90's classics seemed too hard of a task at first, but Toys for Bob has passed the test and proven that Crash deserves new life in the modern gaming landscape. With fluid animation, excellent level design and eye-popping graphics, Crash 4 is the best Crash game of all time, and perfect for any new or returning fans alike.

When working, Hitman 3 hits new heights for the franchise. Every map is perfectly designed and is fodder for photo modes. Gameplay remains tight and stealth focused, benefiting from the impressive new hardware of the current-generation consoles and high-end PCs. With this said, my enjoyment was constantly staled by persistent server disconnections. As an individual game, Hitman 3 is the best in the franchise. Played as a trilogy, this is one of the best deals in gaming if you can sustain a server connection.