Super Mario RPG is an outstanding remake of the 1996 classic, remaining remarkably faithful to its predecessor while introducing changes to welcome new players to the RPG genre and Mario’s first foray into it. It also adds new elements for returning players to explore, all of which they are sure to enjoy. For players seeking their next RPG adventure, Super Mario RPG delivers, making it another great Mario game to play as the Christmas season approaches.

During my time with Genshin Impact, I fell in love with it. After only a few hours, my thoughts about what this adventure was faded away as it truly evolves into a unique experience. There’s a fine level of detail that went into crafting this beautiful world, and you can’t help but want to see every inch of it. Although the grind and the gachas systems are present, this is a game that I will gladly return to again and again. Regardless, all of this is available for free, so nothing stops you from finding out for yourself.

Prodeus is an excellent experience for modern and retro first-person shooter fans. The pure carnage of the gameplay and high replayable offered makes it a game that can be easily returned to in small bursts or long play sessions. The level themes may be limited, but if you’re here for a challenge and gallons of pixelated blood, you’ve just found one of the most addictive shooters of 2022.

UmaMusume: Pretty Derby blends gacha mechanics, roguelite training, and idol spectacle into a quirky, stats-heavy mobile experience that rewards dedication but challenges casual play with its steep learning curve and monetization layers.

Berserk Boy emerges as a standout 2D platformer that beautifully marries fast-paced action with deep narrative elements and vibrant visuals. The game excels in creating a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience through the introduction of Berserk Orbs, offering players a variety of elemental suits with unique abilities. While it excels in presentation and the initial gameplay experience, some aspects, like the underutilized elemental suits and challenging navigation, indicate areas for growth in future entries.

Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island revitalizes the roguelike dungeon-crawler genre with a compelling blend of classic mechanics and modern gameplay innovations. This installment captivates with its challenging adventures, strategic depth, and evolving storylines, making each playthrough uniquely rewarding. Despite some balance quirks, the game excels in offering a rich, strategic experience that keeps players engaged through its intricate dungeons and diverse scenarios. A must-play for genre enthusiasts, it stands out for its satisfying blend of difficulty, discovery, and depth.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is the most well-executed entry in this long-respected franchise yet. Exceptional stage layouts, terrific implementations of player choice, and rewarding enemy design alongside the new shield and parry mechanics make this riveting FPS familiarly refreshing. Despite a few bumps in the road where spectacle overtakes ingenuity, DOOM: The Dark Ages is an undeniably must-play outing that can effortlessly appeal to prospective new and veteran returning DOOM fans.

Ghost of Tsushima makes it easy to immerse yourself in this dark and historical setting. The story’s pacing is expertly tuned to how the player wishes to take it on, and the controls allow actions to be both fluid and responsive. The enemy AI could definitely use some attention, and the menus are exceptionally vast, but in the end, I was glad to find something that reminded me I was playing a video game because there were moments I forgot.

Overall, if I had to describe Everhood in a single word, it’d be “experiment.” It’s a game that tests interesting concepts to become its own thing. Combining adventure with RPG-Esque mechanics and an enjoyable take on rhythm combat that offers a unique experience for any looking for something new.

I don’t think anyone expected Persona 5 Strikers to be as fleshed out as it is. There's a massive full game here with well over 50 hours of content for you to experience. Further, it's a way to reunite with a cast that you’ve probably already spent just as long with, if not more. The action-RPG systems make for a surprisingly fun and addictive gameloop that isn't overshadowed by the mainline entries and it still offers enough unique elements to differentiate it from other Musou titles.

If a strong narrative is required to keep you invested in a game, it’s probably not the one for you, but for those out there who love the steady feeling of progress for its own sake, it’s a lot more fun than the idle games clogging the market and trying to scratch that same itch.

With a simple but efficient PC port, Triangle Strategy proves to be an excellent option for strategy RPG fans who may have missed its Switch release. With an engaging story and solid gameplay elements, the title remains one of the most notable releases for the genre this year.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is the fittingly excellent final collection for this franchise, bringing over two spinoffs, including one that was never officially localized. That alone deserves celebration, but this sequel is at the franchise's heights, while its predecessor doesn't particularly stand out by comparison. Still, Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an undeniable must-play for franchise fans as we all await the series' future.

Splatoon 3 has come a long way since the series’ inception on the Wii U and has become one of my favorite competitive games to date, shining brightly with its new quality of life improvements. There’s still a lot on the horizon for this game, given that there are promises to keep the updates coming until 2024, but as it is, you will not regret spending on this fantastic title.

Judgment on next-gen consoles provided a completely new experience through some amazing visual updates. I was genuinely immersed in the world and felt more attached to the narrative than I have ever been before. If you have yet to experience this game, then do yourself a favor and play this version. On the other hand, if you're looking to run around Kamurocho again as a Detective Yagami, then this is the perfect way to replay the adventure.

Cassette Beasts was clearly made with love. It’s packed to the brim with places to explore, relationships to develop, and monsters to capture (er, record). The few issues are minor and hardly detract from the overall enjoyment. If you love monster collectors, retro RPGs, or just want to feel like a kid again, Cassette Beasts won’t disappoint you.

Nier: Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is a beautiful experience and exactly how you should play this amazing game. Upon finishing, it's easy to say that it is unequivocally one of the best games I have ever played. This story emotionally moves players with the help of its character-writing, intense action, and somber tone, making it easy to immerse yourself in their world.

Gradius Origins is a masterclass in retro game preservation, delivering a definitive collection of Konami's classic shooters. With M2's unmatched attention to detail, rare content, and the surprise inclusion of Salamander III, this package is essential for both longtime fans and newcomers to the genre.

When it comes down to it, Danganronpa Decadence is a must-play, even if you don’t consider yourself a visual novel fan. The enticing overarching mysteries and superb character writing are reason enough to give them a shot. Unfortunately, the 10th-anniversary edition contents, essentially just a gallery feature, might not be enough to warrant a full playthrough from seasoned fans, but the portability of the Switch and the ease of accessibility makes this one of the best collections available on the console to date.

Unpacking has a simple presentation with some thought-provoking moments for players who are willing to immerse themselves in the experience. The story is straightforward, yet the method by which the player engages with it is so novel that it feels grander than it truly is. It’s a shame the abrupt ending left a bittersweet taste in my mouth. However, for a title designed to be played in one sitting, it manages to pack many different emotions into its short runtime, and utilize its medium so creatively that it has become one of my favorite games of the year.

It’s safe to say that Stray wasn’t what I was expecting it to be, but that’s why I try to go into any game with as little advance knowledge as possible. Keeping an open mind to let this title be what it is and draw me into its world left me with a range of emotions by the end. I don’t know that I was expecting a game about a cat to make me cry for the reasons it happened, but I’m certainly not complaining. Anybody with an interest in cats, dystopian fiction, or questions about what makes something truly human, will feel right at home here.

Little Nightmares II is easily going to be one of the best games of 2021. Its horror themes weigh on the player throughout the entirety of the adventure to a climax that will leave you breathless. Pacing through the various puzzles creates a nice balance of linear game design and subtle exploration. It's a game that anyone can get through if they can stand to be scared a little, but the trial-and-error approach makes it an easy recommendation to gamers of all skill levels.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster allowed me to re-write the past where I once passed on the franchise. Surprisingly, even in 2024, this insane combination of genres holds up. Discovering the various ways of using items and navigating this mall over multiple runs was consistently fun, capped off by some of the most insane psychopath bosses I've ever fought against. Dead Rising was released almost 20 years ago, making it a product of its time, but I feel the changes to the script were unnecessary and hurt the uncomfortable impact these characters were meant to deliver. The updated visuals and controls may entice modern players to this release, but the core systems that make Dead Rising a must-play have been here since the beginning, and I'm glad to be able to join in the hype surrounding this series.

Tevi stands as a testament to the creative brilliance of developer Crespirit. It seamlessly blends the bullet-hell and Metroidvania genres into a captivating and immersive gaming experience. With its non-linear narrative, intricate gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, Tevi is a must-play title that deserves recognition within the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to Metroidvanias, Tevi offers an adventure that will keep you hooked till the credits.

Yet, despite this, I enjoyed playing Crypt Custodian; despite the setting in Afterlife, it’s a soothing story that can tug on you at times. I liked its themes of forging new friends in the most unexpected of places and how sweet it feels at most points. It also gave off a fun Metroidvania adventure-like theme that reminds me of classic Zelda titles.

Centum is a psychological escape room experience that forces players to question their reality, identity, and choices. With eerie storytelling, cryptic puzzles, and an unsettling atmosphere, this narrative adventure keeps you engaged until its thought-provoking conclusion. While some mechanics feel obtuse, the game’s unique approach to introspection and mystery makes it a compelling experience.

s.p.l.i.t is a tense, minimalist hacking simulator from Buckshot Roulette creator Mike Klubnika that challenges players to navigate a terminal-driven psychological thriller. With no hand-holding and a deep sense of isolation, the game rewards persistence and experimentation, though its cryptic design may alienate those unfamiliar with command-line systems.

Iwakura Aria is a hauntingly intimate visual novel that blends surreal classical-inspired art with a slow-burning narrative centered on mystery, trauma, and complex relationships. With evocative storytelling and a unique aesthetic, it’s a compelling experience for fans of character-driven drama, though its limited interactivity and occasional translation hiccups may deter some.