Jack Jeanne is an amazing otome experience that you won’t want to put down. Still, repetition within some of the systems hurt the pacing on multiple playthroughs, and the narrative is practically begging for a sequel. However, it managed to keep me engaged, with some routes being an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. Hopefully, we see Aksys take more chances on these lesser-known otome developers in the future.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on PC elevates the already stellar experience with exceptional optimization, quality-of-life improvements, and expanded gameplay customization. Its immersive exploration, engaging combat, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of JRPGs, whether newcomers or returning players.

Persona 4 Golden is a terrific JRPG through and through. It contains a must-experience narrative, thrilling strategic combat, addictive customization, tons of optional content, and an endearing cast; all you could want from the genre. Furthermore, its shortcomings, like the mediocre dungeon design and unnecessarily long start, are relatively minor, not drastically affecting the quality of the experience. Regardless of your history with Persona or JRPGs in general, Persona 4 Golden is worth the time if you stick with it, as it’s near the heights of its contemporaries.

Shujinkou is a masterfully crafted JRPG that seamlessly blends dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and an innovative Japanese language learning system. With deep gameplay mechanics, rich world-building, and a clever integration of language education, it’s a unique experience for both RPG lovers and language enthusiasts. Though some mechanics, like ailments and demon negotiation, feel underutilized, the game’s engaging story, stylish UI, and immersive soundtrack make it a must-play.

If the issues get fixed in a timely matter, I say Ori and the Will of the Wisp is a must-buy for platforming fanatics. The mechanics are smooth and intuitive without being repetitive. The well-made map layout, good soundtrack, and modern animated movie quality rivals what can be seen in high-budget titles. As the standard of mainstream gaming improves, Ori and the Will of the Wisps can be the game that raises the bar in quality, as long it’s playable.

Hi-Fi Rush is, by every possible measure, one of the biggest surprises of 2023 and will probably stand as my Game of the Year for at least the next few months. I have never seen a game tt so successfully blends rhythm and action, and despite its platforming not being much to write home about, the combat is so superb that it may even surpass all of its most apparent influences.

Ultra Deluxe is easily going to be one of the finest gaming experiences of the year, despite its short length relative to most. This is a game that gets in, says exactly what its creators wanted to say, and then gets out…maybe. The most ridiculous elements of the original are still perfectly preserved here, and then amplified in the new content, letting the player experience exactly what they want to. I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.

With an expansive story and unique presentation bringing everything beloved from the prior Opus entries, Opus: Echo of Starsong is by far the franchise’s best outing. We get some standout narrative and interactive segments by taking what worked before and improving the design and presentation. The random elements and item management require more hands-on from the player, but the result is a gorgeous and low barrier of entry adventure through space.

Chicory provides an earnest and genuine adventure full of fun puzzles, charming characters, and cute aesthetics. With a surprisingly deep and impactful storyline, the game delves into realistic themes that may hit more than you think. Though controls are clunky and there’s a level of monotony to the painting, Chicory seamlessly weaves comfort and emotions into a strong narrative adventure.

Tekken 8 is a masterpiece of a video game, fighting game, or otherwise. It isn't even a question of being a fighting game purist, as this is a title that needs to be part of any gamer's library, irrespective of skill level or genre preferences. Tekken games were always about the thrill of combat and discovery, with a memorable graphical and musical presentation and a larger-than-life story mode starring some of the most iconic characters. Tekken 8 is the kind of game designed for heavy mileage, a game that's easy to come back to time and time again for years to come.

Thirteen years of expectations is a lot for a game to overcome, but believe me, Alan Wake 2 is here to deliver on everything you’ve wanted and lots of things you didn’t know were possible. Be prepared for this game to scare you but also for it to blow your mind wide open. In typical Remedy fashion, just when the player might think things are going off the rails, Alan Wake 2 will remind them that the rails never existed – and I wouldn’t have it any other way, for every second I spent sent me into an emotional rollercoaster that stuck it as the only thing on my mind, making this my absolute favorite game of this year.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes for an excellent new entry in this long-running series. The developers took a chance on a new protagonist and battle system, which forces fans out of their comfort zone for a very different yet, familiar Yakuza experience. Although the opening exposition can be a bit overwhelming, this is a standout video game on its own with plenty of emotional story beats, insane sub-stories, and plenty of ways to spend your time around Ijincho.

Neon White is a combination of genres that probably shouldn’t work, yet I had a fantastic time playing. Each stage tests your platforming skills, and new cards keep traversal fresh. The speed and level design are impeccable, but I couldn’t help but feel burnt out after multiple replays in some areas. Regardless, the character writing grounds you in this unique space and urges you to complete every optional mission to unlock everything this game offers.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition offers the best way to experience this timeless RPG for again or for the first time. The improvements to the game’s graphics, UI, and battle system make many complaints about the Wii release a thing of the past. Furthermore, the added Future Connected story content bridges the gap of loose story arcs and paves the way for the future of the series. It was a joy to once again group up with these characters and set out to uncover the mysteries of the Monado as this is truly one of the standout JRPGs of this generation.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arrives on Switch 2 as a technically impressive and emotionally rich reimagining of Midgar, blending fast-paced combat with a thoughtful narrative expansion. The port runs exceptionally well on Nintendo’s new hardware, maintaining its cinematic presentation and smooth performance. While some pacing issues and a weaker DLC chapter hold it back slightly, this remains a must-play RPG experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened is a surprisingly topical game to come back to in 2025, and neither its plot nor its excellent puzzle-solving gameplay has aged a day. Not everything in the experience really benefits from the graphical rework that significantly increases the system expectation, but the new expansion takes full advantage of both the more advanced engine and the player’s high understanding of game elements, even if I’d describe it as punishingly difficult. Croteam shot for the sky with the original and lands among the heavens with this remake.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a game that almost suffers from its own perfection — every individual idea really is a perfect combo of the lessons learned from Xenoblade 1 and 2. But together, it can’t quite maintain a consistent quality. These are some of the highest highs the series has ever given me, but the occasional lows make for a game that’s only ever so slightly flawed to perfectly work.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a wholly satisfying gameplay experience that offers some of the series’s best multiplayer mayhem. The tweaks might seem minor, but they result in much better execution of an already amazing game. Also, the inclusion of Bowser’s Fury just makes this re-release that much sweeter. You can tell real effort went into this updated version, and it’s one adventure that I appreciated and enjoyed from beginning to end.

Dead Space is a brilliant and terrifying horror experience made better with this release. Everything you remember loving about the original is still here, with added quality and updates that improve it for a new generation. While playing, I could feel my muscles tense, and my hands clam up, desperately trying to use a healing item I didn't have as I nervously rounded a corner. This will likely be something I share with all who play, no matter their past with the series. But, even without the nostalgia, I can't recommend a better survival horror gaming experience than this.

Gravity Circuit redefines the 2D platforming action genre with attention put on melee action systems that benefit all other aspects of the experience. Your skills are constantly being pushed to the test, but you aren’t allowed to get too comfortable as new abilities are unlocked with ever-changing level gimmicks keeping you on your toes. One look at this game in action, and it’s no surprise that it’s a must-play release of 2023.

Forza Horizon 6 is a gorgeous open-world racer that absolutely sells the fantasy of driving through Japan, from winding mountain passes to neon-lit streets packed with cars worth obsessing over. The presentation is top-tier, the customization systems are deeper than ever, and there’s still a ton of fun to be had cruising around with friends, but underneath all of that, the game feels a little too comfortable repeating the same Horizon formula. The campaign quickly falls into familiar patterns, and despite finally bringing the series to Japan, it barely scratches the surface of the underground drift and street racing culture that made this setting so exciting in the first place. It’s still one of the best arcade racers out there, but longtime fans may come away wanting more than just another beautiful map and a recycled checklist of activities.

If you’ve never played NieR:Automata or intend to replay it, I highly recommend picking up this release above all others. The game itself is certainly not perfect, what with its sometimes shallow combat and instances of heavy-handed messaging, but it usually illustrates its intentions splendidly. Plus, the former is made up for with sheer variety and eye-catching animation. You need to have an open mind and accept unconventional pacing to truly appreciate NieR:Automata, and once you do, you’ll never be off Yoko Taro’s wild ride, nor would you want to.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth epitomizes the challenge of meeting diverse fan expectations. This ambitious entry skillfully balances legacy and innovation but occasionally falters, resulting in a multifaceted narrative that excels in character development and thematic depth but is marred by pacing issues and an incomplete conclusion. Despite these shortcomings, the game's combat enhancements and engaging side activities, set against the rich backdrops of Hawaii and Japan, create a compelling experience. For series enthusiasts, Infinite Wealth may not tick every box, but it stands as a heartfelt homage to the franchise's enduring narrative, offering a glimpse into its exciting future.

Cuphead The Delicious Last Course is one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had, managing to serve as a primarily standalone accompaniment to an already masterful title. It’s emblematic of why I enjoy video games by providing challenges that demand continual and natural player growth, with unquestionably fair enemy design.

After spending most of my life with this series, I approached Resident Evil Requiem with equal hesitation and open arms. It stumbles where certain mechanics fade out too quickly and a few systems could have gone further, but this is one nightmare I could not put down. The contrast between Leon S. Kennedy stepping into chaos with confidence and Grace Ashcroft walking into it unprepared gives the game its identity, balancing action and vulnerability in a way that feels true to the franchise’s history. It is not flawless, but its confident storytelling, tense survival design, and deeply replayable structure pulled me back in, reminding me why I keep returning to this series after all these years.

Fate/stay night Remastered is an excellent official English debut for visual novel and Type-Moon fans worldwide after a two-decade limbo of existence. The well-implemented script, gorgeous 16:9 visuals, and in-depth customization options make this debut of the Fate series its best iteration yet.

League of Legends: Wild Rift is the quintessential competitive mobile MOBA that you should be playing. It differentiates itself from its PC counterpart by offering simplified modes and rebalanced champions. This allows it to be more accessible to newcomers and feels great during long play sessions. There’s definitely room for updates and refinement, but what’s offered now is a great mobile experience.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 offers more than just a nostalgic experience. It’s a return to the skateboarding movement that shaped my early teens and will surely give gamers growing up a chance to capture that same feeling I did. The experience expertly balances the arcadey systems of the series without pushing it too far to the mundane or cringy. Instead, what you are left with is a genuine Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater experience and one that I immensely enjoyed.