Ragnarök is here, and it is everything you expect from a God of War game (and some more). It has the personal, emotional storytelling of GoW (2018), epic and brutal battles of Greek-era and a unique, interesting take on Norse mythology. It's a beautiful and satisfying sequel through and through.

Those who love PvE and don't play Helldivers 2 don't realise what they are missing.

I am still not sure how to feel about Remakes, especially about a Remake, which we already had a Remaster of. But I know The Last of Us is a masterpiece; whether it's a Remake or a Remaster. There are only a handful of games that could make me feel this entertained and emotional (and occasionally fill my eyes with tears) at the same time. This is one of them.

There is a new contender for the "which Final Fantasy game is the best?" debates now. But if you ask me "which is the best Final Fantasy VII?", them we have a clear winner.

With impeccable pacing and moment to moment grandeur of little details a fight in TEKKEN 8 looks and feels like dancing. Every movement, every sound effect and every camera angle captures perfectly these wild celebration of the human body. A meaningful story mode and with different fighters feels truly different then ever before this whole package is just a love letter for long time fans and newcomers alike

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is big, bold and broad in all fronts. It’s captivating narrative gives endless purposes to the gamer and tells a different tale this time around. Although it uses many anime style shenanigans here it has a very uniqe premise about regret, hope, meaning of going on and of course friendship. The music, deep class system, breathtaking locales and general production quality is top notch and I really liked how it’s big big world captives my soul and never ever a borefest. This is easily the best game in the long running series and one the best JRPG’s all time.

Astro Bot is by far the most fun, feel-good game I've ever played on Playstation 5. Not because it's easy, not because it's a snack game, but because it does everything perfectly and never fails to make the player smile. As many have said, Playstation may have finally found its defining mascot.

Sometimes I get excited and say "this is not only the best Paper Mario game, but the best Mario game" for The Thousand-Year Door. I don't think I'm wrong.

We praised Larian a lot for Divinity: Original Sin 2, but Baldur's Gate 3 is without a doubt their masterpiece. It's an experience that deserves its name in every sense and trilogizes the Baldur's Gate saga in a spectacular way. If it makes up for its shortcomings with an Enhanced Edition, we can easily call it one of the best games of the 2000s.

Balatro is one of the best examples of the growing number of deck building games in recent years. With the freedom it offers, the joy of new strategies and much more, it's a royal flush.

We wouldn't object if they sold such a big, comprehensive and good DLC. But the fact that they're releasing it for free is incredible. And the fact that it complements Ragnarök even more is priceless.

It's addictive and has a calming effect. Do not play while operating heavy machinery! I couldn't praise this game as much as it deserves - may Arceus forgive me.

You can bet we'll see Tears of the Kingdom at the top of every "best games" list for the next few centuries.

Capcom somehow managed to bottle the same lightning twice! Resident Evil 4 Remake is everything you expect from the reimagining of the same game. My only gripe is the missing Separate Ways story. If they eventually add it as a DLC, then this should be the definitive best version of the timeless classic that is called “Resident Evil 4”.

Diablo IV is definitely one of the best games Blizzard has ever made. And possibly the best story they've ever told.

Monsters that can chew through metal, a forgetful drone, lots of ontological questions you can push from the high ground as a cat... All of these come together and create a sincere and compact story that you should definitely experience.

I can easily say that Persona 3 Reload is the ultimate Persona 3 experience, despite missing The Answer and FeMC. If you have never played Persona or Persona 3 before, Persona 3 Reload is definitely a game you should experience.

It’s a Remaster that elevates the king of tactical RPGs, Final Fantasy Tactics, to new heights with its improvements—reinforcing its throne and making it even more enjoyable than it was on day one. If only it also included the PSP content.

It’s like Astro Bot and Super Mario Odyssey have been thrown into a blender, then packed with bananas, filled with monkeys and gorillas, and turned all the way up to maximum fun! All that’s left for us is to dive into this joyride and join an unforgettable adventure in one of Nintendo’s most entertaining and downright hilarious games.

If they had also integrated swimming and flying dinosaurs into a natural park environment, it would have been a perfect 10 for me; still, it ended up being the best dinosaur park game to date and my favorite Management/Tycoon game I’ve ever played.

We need small games as much as we need big games and I personally don't remember playing such a solid small game for a long time.

The 21-year longing of Indiana Jones fans is over. No longer will they only think of Fate of Atlantis when they think of "the best Indiana Jones game". The Great Circle is definitely one of the biggest, most beautiful surprises of this year.

This is how you bring a classic back to life! Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is exactly the kind of game an iconic name like Joe Musashi deserves, and Lizardcube has delivered a masterclass in how to modernize old classics. With its action, platforming sequences, visuals, music, and gameplay details - in short, with everything - it’s an outstanding title.

A Remake that is a lesson in how to make a game more enjoyable without losing its originality. Some of the mechanics may feel dated to modern gamers, but players who grew up with retro J-RPGs will be in heaven.

If you loved the first The Outer Worlds, you can be absolutely certain that you will adore the second game. Obsidian has worked its magic to deliver a masterpiece that fully lives up to its reputation as the "spiritual successor to Fallout: New Vegas." It thoroughly satisfies our craving for well-written western RPGs.

Legacy Of Thieves Collection is a gem for those who will play the game for the first time. With its magnificent visuals, magnificent atmosphere and non-stop action, these two games offer a 20-25 deeply enjoyable hours. If you've played the games on PS4 and again craving for treasure hunting, they deserve an another chance with their polished visuals and the comfort of shooting with the mouse.

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG that I can recommend with my eyes closed, open, one open and one closed, in any way you can imagine. It's a solid starting point for getting into both the genre and the Persona series. Yes, it's a relatively long experience, but it definitely worth it. The fact that it comes with such a successful PC port also makes my recommendation process much easier.

Unlike the first game, this is a pure travel story. Moreover, the new characters, new places we discover, and the Hugo-Amicia relationship that deepens in the middle of all this makes this journey a memorable experience. I was expecting this game to be good, but wasn't expecting this much.

Eurojank, but the very best kind; a grand adventure polished to shine, earning your affection without pandering to the player.

The Case of the Golden Idol is one of the biggest surprises of this year. I liked the demo a lot, but I honestly wasn't expecting the full game to go far beyond that and offer a completely original and memorable experience like Return to Obra Dinn. You'll be sorry if you miss it.

Sunbreak expansion is everything you could hope from Monster Hunter and more. Newly (and mostly welcomed) addition of Monsters are both scary and fun to fight and those 14 weapons felts so fresh somehow. You can go into Super Saiyan mode or can have self inflicted wounds for boosted damage output. This time Capcom has gone nuts and all the players will be mindblown with overflowing content and new ways to play their beloved game. Monster Hunter Sunbreak is a delicious treat for fans of the series and a real “rise” of the bar for the genre.

Jedi: Survivor is an excellent sequel for Fallen Order. Not only has it gotten rid of the weaknesses of its predecessor, but it has also turned them into strengths. If only I could say the same thing for its technical problems.

A story expansion that builds on the already top notch presentation of the main game and also one that represents a return to form for CD Projekt Red.

The Cowabunga Collection is a definite example of how a compilation should be, both with the number of games it contains and features and extra content it offers. Obviously, Digital Eclipse acted with great respect for both its work and the history of the series. For fans of the series, it's a dreamlike time machine that takes you back to the golden days of Ninja Turtles.

While Street Fighter 6 is bolder and more accessible than ever and packed with content. Although it’s single player open world-ish venture is a bit of a chore, meaty new elements and a great roster almost makes up for that. Flourishing and dazzling visuals with killer soundtrack also worth to mention. It’s a dream comes true for every fighting game fan.

Split Fiction sets a new benchmark for co-op games. Grab a friend and be sure to experience this game.

I wouldn't be lying if I called the PC version of Persona 3 Portable "an upscaled version of the original game". But that doesn't change the fact that Persona 3 Portable is a great game and I would blindly recommend it to anyone who hasn't played it.

Nintendo finally managed to make a true "online shooter" with the third game of the series. If you thought Splatoon 2 was inadequate as a "second game", I can guarantee that you will not think the same for Splatoon 3.

Are the everday struggles pushing you too much? One nail drives out another, go for The Delicious Last Course! It is an incredible addition to a masterpiece, you'll enjoy every single difficult moment.

We have a much more different and packed Diablo IV than we had a year ago. There is plenty of endgame activity now and it shows that Blizzard really is listening to it's community's desires, so we can say Diablo is back on the race. If you haven't played it for a while, now is the time to try again.

This is the prime version of Rogue Legacy series; better, bigger and badder! Impossible not to fall in love with it.

Daemonhunters isn't just one of the best W40K games of recent years, but also one of the most solid tactical strategy games ever.

Obsidian continues to expand its formula for how a great RPG should be made. From now on, the bar has been raised a notch for fantasy RPG/FPS games.

Everything you want not just from a puzzle game, but from video games in general, you'll find in Humanity's simple yet effective formula. Enjoyable gameplay, level designs that make you use your brains but don't drive you crazy, and a sweet, sweet main character... WOOF WOOF! Well, I mean, definitely play it..

Housemarque’s new hit Saros will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the moment you take down a boss, you’ll find yourself doing a victory lap around the room. If you play games for excitement and adrenaline, there’s nothing better than Saros right now.

If you can overlook the minor localization issues, what we're left with is a near-perfect JRPG. And if you've been hesitant to start due to the sheer size of the Trails series, this is your chance.

Unlike the usual historical games, it is a game that is very realistic and sometimes sad, but definitely needs to be experienced at least once.

While it retains some of the flaws of the first game and is far from satisfying story-wise, it is a unique experience in terms of adventure with an open world that is fun to explore. Struggling to beat dragons in a sandpit has never been so enjoyable.

The Lost Crown isn't your typical Prince of Persia game. But it's the first big surprise of this year with its smooth gameplay, challenging enemies and glorious bosses. Ubisoft has not only returned the series to its roots, but also made one of the best metroidvania games ever made. Prince would have been worthy of such a return.

While offering a much freer and more exaggerated power fantasy compared to DOOM Eternal, it also does a great job of setting itself apart from it.

A frighteningly enjoyable fast-forward button that you can use in real life.

A game that is clearly the pinnacle of the Pikmin series. A near-perfect adventure that blends the best of the old Pikmin games.

A product of a 7 years of hard work, Chained Echoes is a very, VERY successful debut game for a game made by a single person. I recommend it not only to JRPG fans, but to anyone who is interested. Who knows, maybe your entry into the JRPG genre will be Chained Echoes.

As Capcom continues its winning streak at full throttle, Monster Hunter has raised the bar back to its former glory after the bittersweet Wilds.

Live A Live is a gem that has been sleeping in Square Enix's archive for years and is finally open to everyone. Whether you are just a newbie or a seasoned veteran to JRPG genre, Live A Live is a masterpiece that you should definitely not miss.

It's a perfect remake of the original Riven! Simply marvelous!

Darker, bolder and faster than ever Final Fantasy XVI is a fantastic return to form for the series. After years of trial and error this would be the absolute outcome but some light RPG elements and bland level designs puts it a little farther from perfection. Yet mind-blowing spectacles and a memorable story makes this entry one of the best of the series in the end.

Konami, wanting to revive the series, has successfully remastered these underrated legendary games, making them much more enjoyable to play on modern systems. If you haven't played Suikoden 2, this is a must-have collection that represents the peak of classic J-RPGs.

In addition to being the best and biggest add-on from From Software, it underpins its scale even better than the main game.

Return to Monkey Island is a game worthy of the Monkey Island name. Not only has it retained the spirit of the series, it also has cleverly paid homage to previous titles and incorporated them into the canon. We can't thank Ron Gilbert, Dave Grossman and all of their teammates enough for making a 30-year-old dream come true.

Animal Well brought a new breath to the metroidvania genre with its clever puzzles, endless mysteries, great-looking pixel design and intriguing exploration structure. Animal Well will be in the 2020s what FEZ was in the 2010s.

If we weren't in a year full of good games, I would definitely say "the best game I've played recently" for Ghostrunner 2. It is one of the games that should definitely be mentioned years later when we talk about "what the hell was 2023?".

Just like Chained Echoes, Sea of Stars successfully adapts 90s console RPGs to modern day.

A sequel that makes you forget its narrative shortcomings with its addictive gameplay - yet those very flaws keep it from finding as special a place in your heart as the first one did.

A port of a cult-classic with few issues or concerns, other than delivering low performance considering it's a game from the previous generation.

Bungie has ended a 10-year adventure in an incredible way. I hope they always come up with additional packs at this level instead of saving it at the "last minute".

Take our word for it, this is the best soulsborne clone we have until From Software does better. This is a great game that has done its homework and successfully applied its own touch to the genre without being lazy.

Atlus strikes gold again! With many thought provoking themes and ideas Metaphor just gives the player enough reason to believe that video games are an artform and could shape our future in many ways. Fast paced battles, a masterful score and an otherworldly art direction seals the deal for this epic JRPG adventure to be the most powerful contender for GOTY for sure.

Kojima has once again managed to deliver an emotional and deeply layered story that will have us trekking through mountains and valleys for 90 hours - it simply doesn't get better than this. Our second journey through this world, brought to life by the magic of Decima Engine, promises to be a far more satisfying experience in every aspect, finally realizing its true potential as an unforgettable adventure.

A true masterpiece, Remedy's master work. With its gorgeous atmosphere and cinematographic narrative, immersive script, next-gen graphics and enjoyable gameplay, this is a thriller that comes along once in a decade. Sam Lake first illuminates the "are video games art?" debate with a flashlight and then shatters it with a shotgun.

As the series goes big this time Bayonetta 3 is more personal than ever. It’s creativity and larger than life characters boast a huge amount of fun while it’s scope is mindblowing. I know it’s a dying breed of a game but even in it’s last breath it goes with bang. All action fans and series veterans should play this magnificent gem of a game.

The most magnificent and biggest game of the Yakuza series. You will be stuffed in terms of entertainment and content.

Lost and Found Co may not be a game that tries to reinvent its genre or come up with ideas we’ve never seen before, but by presenting all its features in a package that doesn’t tire or bore the player and is extremely pleasing to the eye, it sends the message: 'Whatever you’re looking for, I’ve got it.' It’s one of the best in its genre.

If a game still provides immense enjoyment 9 years after its release, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Shadow Tactics: Blades of Shogun confirms this once again with its performance on the Switch 2.

The game that will immerse an individual W40K lover the most, but also the game that will make an action lover love the W40K universe. Whichever you are, you will have a very good time.

In this remake of the legendary survival horror game, Bloober Team have shown how to make a remake. Deserves a standing ovation.

The idea conveyed by the word Reforged doesn’t go much further than a light polish, but it’s still important in that it reminds us of Guild Wars. While it may not be able to offer more than nostalgia for veteran players, the experience it provides for newcomers is extremely valuable - especially at this price point, with three games included.

Football Manager 2024 seems to have tried to maximize what it can do while saying goodbye to its current game engine. The adaptation of QQL innovations has also been very successful. If you're already an FM addict, I'm sure by the time you read this you've already put the 35th Wonderkid candidate on your shortlist.

A masterpiece - but one that can wear you down (sometimes for no reason at all).

If you loved Ghost of Tsushima, you will love Ghost of Yotei even more. With five distinct weapons, its action has become much more varied and fluid, and with the subtle Japanese elegance that permeates every corner of the game, it is, as a whole, a truly "beautiful" production.

There's no doubt that Dead Space will have the same impact on new players in 2023 as it did when it came out in 2008. This is a textbook example of how much a game could be improved while remaining faithful to the original. Motive has set the bar very high when it came to remakes.

Battlefield 6 has finally recaptured that true “battlefield” spirit that brings the series back to life. With its gameplay, atmosphere, and technical solidity, it delivers the long-awaited Battlefield experience fans have been missing for years. There’s no unnecessary flash, nor any lack of content. In short, this game isn’t just another sequel — it’s a comeback that restores the series’ reputation.

A different and fresh Mario Kart game was exactly what the series needed, and with World, Nintendo has delivered. They didn’t really need to make the AI this ruthless though.

Tiny Bookshop is one of the best indie games of the year. It’s so soothing it makes you feel like cotton. If you’re looking for a relaxing game you can play without rushing, without stress, and in peace (especially if you’re a bookworm) I’d say grab it without hesitation. And if your reading habit has faltered lately, it even helps rekindle it. What more could you ask for?

This simple but effective fun formula, which I don't mind calling "pure Nintendo fun", combines with a bunch of toys you can use and drops you into an extremely cute looking playground.

Lost in Play offers a unique and must-have experience with its heart-warming story, amazing cartoon graphics, hilarious characters and unhindered imagination. I really wish to see a sequel soon.

The War Within heralds a return to that Warcraft vibe we've been craving for many years. It's hard to speak too soon without seeing how the expansion pack does in MMOs, but if they can keep this momentum going, we may be facing one of the best expansions of WoW.

This lighthearted and relatively easy take on the souls-like games is not only a good introduction for non-initiated players, but also a fun experience for the veterans of the genre.

This game became my Skyrim. Even though I've finished the game and seen a lot of things, there are still a lot of quests I want to do, a lot of planets I want to explore, a lot of people I want to meet. If you like science fiction, I'm almost sure you'll agree with me.

As a standalonegame, it is uniquely vast, diverse, fun, and exciting. But as a sequel to the Remake... That's another story.

If you want to play a boss-rush game with extremely difficult battles, awesome boss designs, artistic graphics, and a great soundtrack, Perennial Order is the game for you.

Stellar Blade does not hide its inspirations, but it presents all these elements with such a beautiful make-up and successful application that it is hard not to admire.

Although mechanically monotonous, it manages to entertain until the end with its dialogues and characters. Don't miss it if you are interested in relationships, social pressure, responsibility and food.

Age of Mythology: Retold builds on the original game, bringing the 22-year-old production up to today's standards and offering a long-running, enjoyable RTS experience.

Instead of explosive power fantasies, you're invited to an ecosystem-saving hero story.

The Talos Principle 2 is more than the first game in every sense, with more innovative puzzles, vast regions to explore, and more thought-provoking questions.

A PC version that's even better and smoother than Forbidden West's...

You know how sometimes you see stray cats with their noses and mouths all crusted over with snot? If you’re the kind of person who can’t handle looking at cats like that, STAY AWAY from this game. But if you’re the type who goes “ugh, fine, I’ll grab a pack of tissues and deal with it” and you also like turn-based strategy… then hey, come help me catch those stray cats once in a while. Doing it alone is rough.