Control's thin protagonist and abrupt ending are propped up by an abundance of mystery, wonder, and glorious room-destroying combat.

Heaven's Vault communicates the beauty of assigning meaning to symbols, and thus the people who wrote them.

The turn-based combat isn't the best, but it's a delightfully written RPG absolutely packed with humor.

A novel, homicidal romp acted out by charming, cliches. [Feb 2011, p.73]

A wonderfully executed, brilliantly stressful reinvention of party-based dungeon-crawling, Darkest Dungeon is great fun, even when it’s cruel.

Challenging but immaculately calibrated controls power an exciting and enormously rewarding sci-fi roguelike.

So, McRae-tagged it may be, but DiRT 2 isn't really a rally game. It has thrown off the stern shackles of the sport it theoretically represents, determined instead to turn racing into one giant party--and everyone's invited. [Jan 2010, p.82]

Quake Live may be a 10-year-old shooter, but it's still a rush. [Nov 2010, p.85]

However, if you've been level 60 for a while and let your account lapse, The Burning Crusade is reason enough to reactivate your account. [Apr 2007, p.46]

A vast and incredible playground for destructive experiments and improbable stunts. [Jun 2010, p.64]

The deep career mode is even better when managing your own team, and the racing is superbly tactical.

A beautiful and beautifully-written narrative game that makes masterful use of its early modern setting. One of Obsidian's finest.

Night of the Raving Dead lacks a truly memorable, show-stopping sequence to really put it over the top, but it's Grade-Z(for zombie and zany)through and through. [May 2008, p.66]

The Wings of Power add-ons exist to place PC pilots in the cockpits of the world's most storied warplanes, and they do so with style and panache. [Nov. 2006, p.118]

A brilliant, massive sandbox of systems, albeit largely the same one Bethesda has been making for years.

An atmospheric, brilliantly written and acted detective thriller that tells a compelling story in a unique way.

Two Point Hospital is a brilliant management game, regardless of nostalgia.

With some nifty tweaks to the engine, A-class writing, and a dazzling implementation of the D&D 3rd Edition rules, ID II is like hauling out yesterday's burrito casserole and realizing that it tastes even better reheated. [Oct 2002, p.87]

Paradox’s biggest expansion yet brings Stellaris closer to its original promise with a stellar rework of internal politics and new endgame goals.

More of a refresh than expected, but still hands down the best modern way to conquer unknown space.

There’s a lot to parse, but understanding the nuances of Frozen Cortex reveals a deep strategic experience that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Frozen.

A gorgeous remake of a true classic that could, and maybe should, have tried to do a tiny bit more.

A beautifully designed, tough, and cheerful roguelike that rewards perseverance with a singular feeling of finesse.

A bold and ambitious sequel set in a satisfying, densely connected world.

Brutal, beautiful, emotion-wringing turn-based storytelling muffled by flat base design.

Vampire Survivors has been an early access sensation, and its full release would be well-worth your time even if it wasn't the price of a large latte.

Pragmata's confidence in its punchy shootouts and old-school cool pays off, and the two leads roved their way into my heart despite a predictable plot.

A little obtuse in places, but otherwise this is the best new RPG in years. Demands your time and your brain, but it's worth it.