If you love the Metroidvania genre not just on the surface but deep down, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game so detailed, polished, and content-rich that it can practically feel like paradise. It tells a highly original story, delivers a feast both visually and sonically, and even after finishing the main narrative, it offers so much to do that you won’t want to put it down before fully wringing it dry - assuming, of course, that the occasionally nonsensical difficulty doesn’t leave you tearing your hair out first.

It will undoubtedly take some time for Blizzard to regain the trust players lost, but to be honest, Dragonflight is definitely a solid step in that direction. If they keep their communication with the players and continue on this path, it may be the expansion that saves WoW which hit rock bottom with Shadowlands. We'll see if they can manage this or not.

China is on a roll and nothing can stop it. Maybe WUCHANG won’t create as much buzz as Wukong but it certainly left a stong impression on me with it’s brilliant level design, art direction and elegant action. It’s the soulslike game that has it’s own unique identity and hopefully a franchise starter like Nioh. Play it, you won’t regret it.

A genuine science fiction work that, even if it slightly sidelines gameplay to stay true to its original concept, manages to captivate players with its strong emotional core.

With its atmosphere, story, gameplay, editing, sense of tension and fantastic finale, it is an experience that everyone should experience.

Yes, in terms of graphics it still didn’t quite deliver what people were hoping for, but Pokémon Legends: Z-A fulfills many of the dreams that anyone who watched or played Pokémon as a kid once had. And for the things it doesn’t yet achieve, it plants the seeds. While it offers a different experience for those who prefer the classic turn-based Pokémon games, at its core, it’s undoubtedly a delightful experience for anyone who loves Pokémon.

It is possible to say that this is the best game of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series so far. If you like strategy games, I strongly suggest you make a place for RotTK 8 Remake on your list of games to play.

Havsala easily made its way into my top 10 puzzle games list. With its interesting and unique story and great art design, it's a must play for puzzle lovers.

If you enjoyed Two Point Hospital and Two Point Campus, then Two Point Museum is a fantastic game you can grab without hesitation. If you haven’t tried this type of game before, it’s a great opportunity to start.

The best game ever to come out of the Wizarding World. Especially if you're still a fan of the series...It's an experience worth playing, even if it stumbles at times in the long run.

EA Sports FC 26 has undoubtedly become the best football game of recent years by a wide margin. While the fast-paced, competitive gameplay is addictive, the unique mechanics and distinct feel of the gameplay add a second identity to the game.

It is a short and impressive game that criticises Russian Orthodoxy and its effect on the individual in a very harsh language and draws attention with its visual language.

EA Sports FC 25 has been the game that has received the most serious development among the football games released in recent years. The depth that FC IQ adds to the game and the revolution made in tactical sense will give great pleasure especially for those who like to read the game from the sidelines. However, it should not be forgotten that this is ultimately an EA Sports football game, if it can maintain the same pleasure after a patch or two, EA FC 25 can successfully write its name in the history of football games.

Ender Magnolia is a superb metroidvania brimming with quality, filled with features that future games of the genre will likely take as an example. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next Ender game.

Fatal Frame II Remake still holds a very special place among horror games because it doesn’t make you feel powerful, it makes you feel uneasy, and it does that exceptionally well. The combat system is creative, the atmosphere is outstanding, and the sound design is disturbingly effective. But yes, some of its mechanical stiffness and slow pacing aren’t something everyone will have the patience for. In other words, this game tells you: “You have no weapons. No comfort. Barely any escape. Take this camera and go deal with the spirits yourself!” And the strange thing is: this idea still works incredibly well.

Darkest Dungeon II is a game that deserves to be evaluated independently from the first game, a game that paves its own path by moving in a different direction. With that in mind, it definitely deserves to be played.

They managed to take the experience offered by Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake a step further. While it still has some aspects that could be criticized, it promises a very enjoyable "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

A Requiem is not a final, but a threshold. And as it crosses that threshold scented with nostalgia, it renews confidence and hope through the path it opens for the series' future. If only they hadn't forgotten the puzzles.

I feel like calling SEASON "the Death Stranding of indie games". SEASON is a very meaningful game where you can deeply feel that loneliness, music, sounds and the feeling of "keeping memories alive".

Incredibly British and nonsensical slapping-simulator. And I mean it in the best possible way.

A game that will feel like a remedy for those craving Disco Elysium. Those who can’t find an FRP group but still want to dive into a tabletop-style adventure can also pull up a chair and join in without hesitation. With a bit more production backing, it could have been a true contender for the top of its genre.

If not for some design flaws, Afterimage could have been an exemplary metroidvania. Not knowing where to go most of the time and the confusion of the story prevented it from getting a higher rating, but for fans of the genre, it's a real (and endless) blessing.

Atelier Yumia has managed to add a new color and flavor to the series while preserving the essence of the series. We have a game that will appeal not only to the series' followers but also to a wider audience. If you want to start the Atelier series from a certain point but are intimidated, don't be afraid, take your first steps with this game right away. You will most likely continue.

A time-travel game that pushes the boundaries of the “remake” concept, delivering a deeply satisfying experience with its unique atmosphere and exceptional writing.

It's not as dark and gory as the first one, but it smooths out the rough edges and visibly surpasses it.

One of the best RPGs of this year. Stray Gods is an experience not to be missed for lovers of music and mythology.

Shredder’s Revenge may not be an AAA game, but it's by far the best game of TMNT series.

I lowered the score a little bit because it was separated from the modern story, a little bit because the track was not as smooth as I wanted to be. But I really cried in this game, friends. I cried because I really missed being the assassin in Assassin's Creed games.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails beyond the Horizon isn’t exactly an ideal entry point if you’re jumping into the Trails series from scratch—just like the other eight games before it. That said, it easily stands as one of the strongest entries in the franchise. With its quality-of-life improvements and a roster of returning characters, it delivers a refined, confident Trails experience that knows exactly what it’s doing.

Chrono Cross is a timeless classic and this renewed form definitely deserves to be given a chance. You won't regret.

With its eye-catching graphics and heartwarming story, Pragmata offers a truly delightful experience. The tension that the hacking mechanic brings to the combat, in particular, has a very unique feel to it... I’m really happy with where Capcom is at right now.

Viewfinder satisfied my recent puzzle curiosity and my search for new mechanics. Perfectly executed.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition will make you forget you're playing on a Switch with its breathtaking landscapes. It’s an incredible game that lets you fully immerse yourself in the sense of exploration. While the story left me slightly disappointed, the game never felt boring at any moment. For a game that offers over 100 hours of playtime, this is an outstanding feature. Whether you're a fan of the Xenoblade series or not, if you own a Nintendo Switch, I highly recommend getting lost in the vast world of Mira and finding your way back someday.

Under normal circumstances, this game would deserve a much higher score, but optimization has become the true enemy of what might be the most fun Borderlands game ever. If you can somehow get it to run properly, there’s no way you won’t have a good time. One day, when Borderlands 4 finally works as it should, it’ll carve its name into history in Eridium letters.

Nixxes has come up with a quality, smooth flowing port that will make you forget the stumbles of Rift Apart.

Stellar Blade is one of the best action games to come out in recent years. Even though its story is mediocre, its excellent gameplay keeps you engaged every second - there’s no chance to get bored. On top of that, the PC version is flawlessly optimized. It runs perfectly clean without any stuttering or freezing issues. If you even remotely enjoy action games, Stellar Blade is definitely a title you should try.

In a crowded genre like Metroidvania, it’s no easy feat to carve out a unique identity without imitating others and to stay true to it. Grime II does a fantastic job in that regard, delivering an experience that’s immensely fun to play and wonderfully bizarre.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a fantastic starting point for Nintendo to keep third-party developers on board. I can't think of a better game to showcase what the console is capable of.

An already great game made perfect for modern systems. The enhancements, content and extras are a labor of love and deserve respect. This is definitely the definitive version of the game.

SILENT HILL f blends the foggy, oppressive atmosphere of classic Silent Hill with the hallmarks of Japanese horror, delivering an experience that is both aesthetically rich and deeply unsettling. The narrative depth brought by Ryukishi07’s writing, combined with the intricate design of Ebisugaoka town, its overarching symbolism, and Hinako’s diaries, elevates the game far beyond a mere spin-off. That said, the question of whether it really needed to carry the Silent Hill name remains open for debate; it could just as easily have stood on its own as a Japanese horror title in the vein of Fatal Frame.

OFF really tastes like a fine aged wine. Even though plenty of games in the same vein have come out since the original release, OFF still manages to impress with its story and atmosphere even after 17 years. I just wish that, after going through all the trouble of a remake, they had done more to update the action system. But everything else, especially the weight and impact of the underlying metaphors, delivers an experience you won’t easily forget, even years from now. In fact, when it’s over, you might find yourself, like me, just staring blankly at a wall for a while.

The most intricate, most frustrating, most satisfying, and most mysterious puzzle game I've played recently.

If you can find the experiences you're having in Mixtape game within your past or within yourself, you can be sure it promises an unforgettable feeling. Johnny Galvatron, please continue, but make it a bit more gamified. Thanks.

It’s always fun to hunt a giant monster with your over the top weapons and Monster Hunter Wilds delivers that epic feeling most of the time (except for the low difficulty). It courageously aims for the high bar that MH World has been set up but can’t reach there. Yet.

Without comparing it to other big adventure games of the year, I'll say this directly: The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is one of the best adventure games released this year. Folk horror fans will feel right at home anyway, but I think this game is also a great opportunity for everyone to meet Dave Gilbert, Shaun Aitcheson and the Wadjet Eye adventure games.

Football Manager 2023 never disappoints, but your star player that leaves the nest just at the last day of transfer may. With the innovations in the squad planner, European Cups and the match engine, wonderful adventures await us where we will spend hundreds of hours and play matches all over the world.

The combination of great story, interesting game mechanics and enthusing music is just excellent. I hope Neon White's success will inspire such experimental games.

As Kirby emerges from the 3D waters where he sailed for the first time, he also manages to shed light on the future of platform games with its wide variety of gameplay and meticulous location designs.

If you were looking for a foxy answer to the question "What would happen if Zelda was a Soulslike?" (I don't know why you're looking in a foxy way), you found it.

Neva is a work of art that you will never get tired of looking at, and that has more craftsmanship than GRIS in every way. I demand that it be exhibited in museums.

Tiny Tina's Wonderland is not only a DnD parody, it's wonderfully mocked by the many universes and characters that exist. If you love classic Borderlans action and are interested in the world of FRP, it's a wonderland where you'll both laugh a lot and have a lot of fun playing.

Last Train Home is an enjoyable and deep game that manages to be innovative by blending two different genres very successfully and putting a lot of different factors on it. It is a bit difficult to get used to, and even more difficult to learn all the dynamics and use them actively in the game. But once this threshold is crossed, an unforgettable strategy experience awaits you.

I hereby announce that Endling as the animal game of the year. I'm sorry Stray.

Cairn successfully conveys the physical and mental challenge of free climbing in the most realistic way possible, making it an experience with "that magic" you can only see in video games.

Unable to decide what it wants to be and trying to cram everything together, Crimson Desert may not be a game that appeals to everyone, but it’s an adventure absolutely worth trying. Its story isn’t deep, but it offers a world where you can fully indulge your desire to explore different places across its massive map.

The Warlock and quality-of-life improvements provide enough reason to dive back into Diablo II. But the price is a bit steep. If you're getting into it from scratch on Steam, the full pack is a great deal, but if you're only buying it for the expansion… decide based on your love for Diablo.

Tempest Rising is a game that will surely please dinosaurs like me who miss Command & Conquer but want to see its dusty pages presented with a modern aesthetic and comfort.

Few games manage to capture the spirit of classic arcade titles this successfully. It’s a game worthy of the Ninja Gaiden name, both in beauty and in challenge.

These days it's hard to find a more action-packed, more colorful, more addictive game than Returnal. Even if you've played it on PS5, Returnal is the perfect game for keyboard & mouse control and you should give it a try on PC.

Too Kyo Games team has managed to transfer their past experiences to their new game and once again they have presented us with a game that can be written among the best examples of the genre they have shaped.

Playing Born of Bread was the best choice I made to finish 2023. I was very happy that my last game was a party-based RPG that warms you so much in these winter days.

Overture is a DLC that maintains Lies of P’s exceptionally high quality standards without missing a beat, both in terms of design and technical performance. And it doesn’t stop there - because it also knows exactly how to tug at the heartstrings, it delivers yet another unforgettable adventure in Krat.

Mimimi Games shocked us all by saying "let's retire when we're at the top" after delivering their masterpiece with Shadow Gambit. It's a must-play game, the cursed crew needs our company.

A heavy, slow, complex and truly grand strategy game that demands your full attention and continues to occupy your thoughts even when you’re not playing. Yes, it has some big problems but I’m sure it will reach perfection before long.

Arc Raiders’ success is definitely no accident. Embark, driven by genuine passion, has really nailed the PvP aspect - the single most critical element an extraction shooter needs. In this game where you shouldn’t trust anyone, it could have been an almost flawless experience if not for a few critical missteps.

It's great that they've offered the Atelier Ryza (Secret) series, including all its additional content, in a single package. There are also some nice additions, which is a welcome addition. It's a great way for players new to the series to start their Atelier journey.

Pierre Shorette shouldn’t keep us waiting, the new season of Dispatch needs to arrive as soon as possible.

Insomniac mastered the PS5 technology beautifully and showcased it in full glory here. The story is thrilling and well done. Gameplay is refined but mostly in line with the previous games. It's not a major leap, but it definitely deserves and respects your time.

Persona 5's winning streak continues. Tactica is a Phantom Thieves story that, while narrowly missing perfection, is definitely worth playing.

With its brilliant blend of beat ’em up and roguelite mechanics, a carefully crafted atmosphere that clearly comes from skilled hands, a well-thought-out progression system, and satisfying combat, this is one of the year’s biggest surprises. If not for a few minor issues, it could’ve been a Game of the Year contender. Definitely worth checking out.

Yes, the familiar formula at the heart of the game is still very much intact. At times, it even makes you think that you've played this before. But once you start speeding beneath Tokyo’s neon lights or weaving through the chaos of the Shuto Expressway, that feeling quickly fades away.

A comeback that builds upon the already solidified Ninja Gaiden gameplay with complementary mechanics - and if it hadn’t done Ryu Hayabusa an injustice, it could’ve been hailed as a true classic.

Octopath Traveler 2 retains all the truths of the first game. Unfortunately, it couldn't make enough bold decisions to go beyond being a very good game and become a classic.

Three Hopes tried to spice up the classic musou formula while staying faithful to the essence of Three Houses. If you like Fire Emblem you won't regret playing it, but if you're not familiar with genre it may take some time to get used to.

Vanillaware's epic fantasy Unicorn Overlord is a successful game with its characters, side stories and tactical gameplay, despite a somewhat clichéd story.

A Star Wars fan will find many beautiful details in Outlaws that appeal to them. In particular, the crime gap between the 5th and 6th film is perfectly reflected in the gameplay. Those who like the classic Ubisoft formula will also be very pleased with the abundance of planets and atmosphere changes.

One of the best Spider-Man games ever made, where the production quality truly makes a difference, has finally arrived to PC. It's such a high quality port that I'd recommend in a heartbeat.

Rise of the Golden Idol has raised the bar it set one unit higher. An exquisite detective story full of incredibly well-crafted logic puzzles awaits you.

Marvel's Midnight Suns manages to make a hit with all comic book fans. By integrating cards into the XCOM-style turn-based combat system, it succeeded in enriching both deck building and combat system. If you want to hear firsthand about Wolverine being cut in half by a brutal Hulk, you have no other alternatives.

Although Sun Tzu said, "The greatest victory is achieved without fighting," the man never played Dynasty Warriors. Origins has practically written an epic about fighting like a hero in the heart of battle and winning the war through combat.

This game is like an oasis for someone who likes real-time tactical strategy. I hope Artificer will continue to carry this flag that he took over from Mimimi for a long time.

Probably never before has playing emperor been this flexible and enjoyable. In this masterful remake of a classic, Square Enix has prepared a fantastic package for both newcomers and fans of the series. Those hungry for JRPGs should dive right in.

After the linear and immersive nature of the missions, the transition to the open world is a welcome relief. While Atomic Heart takes us to a completely different dystopian USSR, it also made me smile by getting a lot of things right as a game. Sure, it's not a perfect game and it's a bit of a medley, but at the end of the day, it manages to entertain the player.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a fantastic JRPG in terms of its gameplay, story, and characters, but unfortunately, due to its excessively long playtime and a gameplay loop that lacks variety, it’s not a game I can recommend to everyone.

Victoria 3 is like a giant, complex machine where each gear affecting all the other gears. It just needs some more maintenance though.

Theatrhythm is a lovingly made game that celebrates Final Fantasy, the fans of the series and Square Enix with music they've been making for 35 years. With its difficult to master but easy to learn gameplay, incredibly large music library and cute character designs, I highly recommend every Final Fantasy fan to give it a try.

An enjoyable and entertaining experience that blends two seemingly unrelated genres with very good ideas. The initial impressiveness fades as you play, but still, anyone who likes this type of game should give it a chance.

Is this that amazing Dragon Age game we've been waiting years for? No, it's not. Is it a good game? Debatable. But it does so many right things at a few vital points that it managed to win my heart with those moments alone.

Fans of the original version and first person puzzle games in general shouldn’t miss this fantastic remake.

Getting used to its well thought out progression systems might take a little too long due to its user interface but once you do it, it’s hard to stop playing Pacific Drive.

Visual Concepts has once again come up with a game that follows the formula of plenty of content & enjoyable gameplay, and it's a good thing. Sometimes it's best not to break the formula that works. Aside from some minor issues, WWE 2K23 is a game that WWE fans can give a chance with peace of mind.

It's a delightful mix. It's really fun to fish peacefully during the day and try to escape the monsters at night to reach the nearest harbor. Unfortunately, the sense of tension wears off quickly and once you figure out the monsters, you can easily escape them all. Still, it's fun to try to catch all the fish species, solve the mystery of the islands and reach different endings.

Kathy Rain 2 has shown us how to make a successful sequel - with more challenging puzzles, more locations, more characters, and a deeper, more grounded story.

If concepts like Stephen King, John Carpenter, and low-budget 80s horror films hold a special place in your life, you’ll absolutely love The Drifter.

Atlus' return to a non-Persona Megaten spin-off after all these years is really exciting and I can easily recommend if you've been waiting for it. But that doesn't change the fact that Soul Hackers 2 hasn't reached its full potential and could have been a much better game.

If you set your expectations right, a truly very enjoyable game awaits you.

There are very few works that handle the concept of time travel so well while also carefully emphasizing its human dimension. Old Skies is one of them. In the end, don't forget that this is a character drama—adjust your expectations accordingly.

Don't be fooled by its fairytale-like graphics; in this exquisite example of the 2D soulslike genre, a grim, ruthless, and melancholic story awaits you.