Hunt down Huntdown as fast as you can, because this game is just concentrated action movie goodness delivered straight into your veins.

Control is a marvel both story-wise and technologically, with its extensive use of ray tracing technology. Although the gameplay has a few quirks, it's easily one of the best action games to release this year.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess manages to pull two genres together in a way that captures the best of both worlds, and wraps them up in beautiful traditional artstyles with a soundtrack to match.

It's rare to find a game that does this much right so often. With a huge amount of content, an entertaining story, and interesting, varied gameplay, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is really an unmissable title for anyone with even a passing interest in games about building.

The first season 3 out of 10 ends too abruptly and introduces far more questions than it answers, but it is a welcome weekly dose of humor.

This tremendously excellent Death's Door is a well-polished action/adventure hybrid that is worth your attention.

Amid Evil is simultaneously breathtaking and exhilarating in a way that most of its ilk could never hope to be. It's truly an epic adventure filled with impressive sights and dangerous foes.

A noticeable improvement over last year's installment. Football Manager 2021 addresses many of my personal peeves with the series whilst keeping the core design philosophy of the franchise intact. However, it is lacking a little in the way of new game-changing features and the few added haven't been implemented too well.

Total War: Three Kingdoms captures the spirit and essence of the time period. It's filled to the brim with unique and thematic detail, with aesthetic beauty that's a wonder to behold.

While Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's story doesn't match the immersion of the gameplay, it does its best to hold everything together during its second half. However, with solid but challenging combat and platforming, it seems like the Prince is using his strengths to deliver what may be the franchise's most compelling adventure yet. It's not perfect, but it's far from subpar.

A solid, speedy, brutal, and surprisingly lengthy campaign combine with an intriguing map-making facility to make Doom a pretty easy recommendation. The multiplayer may not grab you, but there's plenty of content here without it.

Atelier Ryza 2 has great crafting and combat. But that's because it mostly copies and pastes them from the last game. There's still some new stuff to see and the game is enjoyable regardless, but don't expect them to reinvent the wheel. Mostly, expect the same wheel.

Horizon Zero Dawn is gorgeous and innately playable, even if the open-world gameplay it presents will feel overly familiar to most. The port has some issues that will almost certainly get stamped out in short order and the gameplay has its fair share of frustrations, but anyone looking to stalk some robots will find plenty to like.

Planet Coaster has been great to play. It’s been too long since there was a decent theme park sim and I think Frontier has nailed it. The only criticism I have is that it’s quite hard to fail at making a working park, even in hard mode, and hardcore sim fans may find the finance management a little lacking. That doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of creating park though, and difficulty is almost secondary here. Once you’ve played it for a while you just want to be creative.

Judgment is another high-quality release in the Yakuza franchise, complete with a ton of compelling side content, a great story, and enthralling drone races -- all wrapped up in a very nice PC port.

343 Industries has managed to bring Halo: The Master Chief Collection to a stellar close with the release of Halo 4. Despite the campaign's storyline being a bit of a mess, the developer still managed to deliver an outstanding singleplayer experience that's worth a replay. Mix in esports-level multiplayer, and you have a recipe for an outstanding last stand.

Survious has done it again. They have managed to create a unique VR experience that is highly engaging, looks great in the Vive, and is incredibly exhilarating to play. The movement system is brilliantly executed offering a unique VR gaming experience that also doubles as solid workout. Be warned though because your arms will ache if you play long enough. Sprint Vector is a must-have game for any VR gaming enthusiast.

It's a puzzle game, it's an action game, it's a rogue-lite, and it does all three of those very well. It might not be bursting with content, but this is an extremely unique, captivating experience that's sure to have players eager for just one more go.

Quirky, funny, demanding, and requiring an awful lot of skill: Enter the Gungeon is one of the best action-roguelites in years.

With a compelling, troubling, and disturbing story and art style, Little Goody Two Shoes is a must for anyone that is familiar with or new to the genre - in this case, a multitude of genres. Creepy, beautiful, dramatic, and memorable.

Not very lengthy, but bolstered by strong level design and tight controls, Infernax is a worthwhile experience.

Frostpunk is no city builder, if that’s what you’re looking for then this is not a game for you. If you are on the other hand wanting to be pushed when it comes to city management, survival, research and moral decisions, that’s where Frost Punk delivers. Be prepared to be stressed when things don’t go your way.

A stunning modern sequel to a classic series, Streets of Rage 4 delivers great combat, wonderful music, and guaranteed enjoyment every single time. Once you get stuck in, you will be coming back for seconds.

This Italian job is another dynamic, and darkly comic, Hitman mission.

Light on content but heavy on satisfying gameplay and great artwork, Shredder's Revenge is exactly what fans of Turtles in Time would want out of a beat 'em up.

Buoyed by consistently strong writing, Gerda: A Flame in Winter handles its compelling narrative with aplomb.

Tales of Arise is a genuinely exceptional JRPG that does little wrong. The reworked combat mechanics aren't perfect, but in the grand scheme of things that doesn't matter. Its storytelling, character development, visuals, accessibility, and PC version quality have all been produced to world-class standards. Bandai Namco should be proud, and fans should be thrilled.

Black Mesa is dated in several ways and the new Xen levels have some issues, but this is an excellent experience that old fans of Half-Life and people who may have never played it before should absolutely check out.

Guacamelee! 2 has a few minor issues, but the core is so good and the game improves in all the right ways on its predecessor.

Massive Entertainment have outdone themselves in crafting a sequel for the ages. They understood the shortcomings of the first game and doubled-down on what made fans stay for the long haul. Although there are some issues, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 exemplifies what happens when you do an online, shared-world looter-shooter the right way from the get-go. This is something that Destiny 2 struggled with in the past, and what Anthem can’t seem to solve.

In the end, NieR: Automata reflects what’s in your heart, and it’s possibly the most playable introduction to the glorious madness of Yoko Taro there is. Whether that’s worth something to you I couldn’t possibly say, but it’s left quite a mark on me.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has the content to keep you entertained for a time. Unfortunately, the visuals and core mechanics are woefully behind 20 years after its initial release. It's a nostalgia trip for fans given the low price, but it's lacking in this new age of strategy games.

I really liked Thimbleweed Park. I loved its little references, I loved its knowing winks, and I loved the way it successfully feels like a game that’s timewarped out of the early 90s. Do you wistfully think back to those years and those games? Then you should definitely play this. It might not rank up there with the absolute best, but it captures the essence of the adventures of yesteryear and provides a sharp, witty, and genuinely puzzling experience.

The fact that it's heavier on combat than stats is sure to annoy RPG classicists, but the fact that the combat is fantastic helps a lot. So, too, does the intriguing world, the excellent characters, the hidden secrets, and the difficult decisions.

Neverawake doesn't just have stellar graphics, it offers up some really special shmup gameplay with a surprising amount of content.

It’s a more physical FIFA this year, with greater emphasis on build-up passing and positional movement than one-on-one dribbling. Aspects of these changes can irritate, but the major disappointment with FIFA 17 is its failure to engage with any of the series’ lingering legacy problems, even on a new engine.

An amazing game only dragged down a bit by luck or prior knowledge being required to make it through side areas earlier, plus the most unnecessary bit of artificial difficulty I've seen in recent years. It's called the Ruins of Trash and I just wanted to say that one more time. I'd write that on a brick and throw it through a window if I could.

Unsighted delivers engaging top-down action combat and a heartwarming narrative about connection, sacrifice, and love. The gameplay is fast and victory tastes sweet. Not everyone will enjoy the journey's burdens, and getting lost can frustrate you immensely, but the destination is worth the journey.

Gris is a beautiful experience that will be well-regarded for it's visuals, themes, and game design for years to come.

Bloodstained has some mighty big shoes to fill but does so admirably. It delivers a classic, yet satisfying experience that fans have been wanting for years.

Making fantastic use of the VR medium, I Expect You To Die 2 picks up where the original left off, in the most literal sense possible. Sure, it may not be treading any new ground and is somewhat on the brief side, but even when viewing it as an expansion to the original, it still offers a stellar experience for all comers. Rest assured, that mission isn't firing any blanks.

EA Sports College Football 25 is a triumphant return for the NCAA, and the excellent framework makes us incredibly excited for the road ahead.

A great game, even if it's horribly frustrating a lot of the time. While it's a wonderful follow-up to a classic series, this port makes it a bit of a tougher sell than other versions of the game.

If you've been praying for a good Metroidvania, then Blasphemous 2 has come to offer you salvation. Strange cutscenes aside, this is an exceptional game full of tight combat, satisfying secrets, and incredible bosses.

A beautiful, heartbreaking, and surprisingly dark Telltale-esque adventure that betters pretty much every Telltale-esque adventure that's come before it and has enough twists to make it unique. Life is Strange has a few flaws, but that shouldn't dissuade you from hopping on this emotional rollercoaster. And it's okay: you're allowed to cry.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, in certain aspects, is a wonder to behold. The crisp animations, fluid movement, solid gunplay, and frantic action that has defined the franchise is here in its full glory. Losing the single-player campaign isn’t a big issue once you’ve tried and tested the different features the game has to offer. Treyarch made this bold decision, and Beenox followed through with creating a PC version from the ground up.

A simple game premise turned chaotically good fun. The variety in the ways you get your golf ball (or car, or barrel, or egg, or...) to the goal will always keep you on your toes. This might not be a game that you're going to spend your next 80 gaming hours with, but it will be a great game to binge over a day or so.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is gorgeous and extremely well made, but there's less heart here than I was expecting. It's still a worthy adventure with great controls and lots to see and do, though.

Octopath Traveler 2 is one of the best JRPGs ever made. It continues to deliver on what made the original so good while improving on its weaknesses. Its only true flaw is that the new Crossed Paths stories are treated as a side act rather than the main selling point. Despite this shortcoming, when all is said and done Octopath Traveler 2 will be remembered as an all-time great.

Mankind Divided trades some global breadth for localised depth, setting the majority of its free-approach missions in Prague. The narrative feels closer to home too, thrusting Jensen in with the oppressed augmented masses. It’s a strong sequel, reinforcing the mechanics of player agency and unique world design Deus Ex is famous for, but unresolved plot points do disappoint.

Hogwarts Legacy sets a new benchmark for video game adaptations of novels and films. Although it has some notable flaws, it has numerous moments that leave you spellbound.

With hyper-fast action and super addictive gameplay, One Finger Death Punch 2 is a near perfect kung fu fighting game featuring stick figures.

Curse of the Vampire Coast rides a wave of momentum, fully fleshing out the Great Ocean of Total War: Warhammer II. Exploration and treasures abound in the DLC, and is a treat for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Two Point Campus is a fantastic management game that picks up right where Two Point Hospital left off. It isn't the most innovative successor, but it doesn't have to be. Two Point Campus offers more than enough to keep you entertained right up to graduation.

Cute, charming, and surprisingly satisfying, Unpacking scratches an itch that no other game attempts. But it's also too bossy for its own good at times.

Despite a couple of hurdles, Little Nightmares II remains true to the eerie, terrifying foundation built by its predecessor. It can't completely avoid comparison, but its expanded world and NPC co-op features are well implemented and make the journey worth taking.

Age of Mythology: Retold is brimming with contrasts, and yet the game's most important asset, the combat and myth units, aren't as interesting or exciting past their legendary visages.

The new money lives up to the Blood Money in this darkly comic, icy cool stealth/brain-teaser/drop-a-toilet-on-a-target's-head-'em-up. It's a hit, man.

An extraordinarily solid mix of racing, platforming, and puzzling your way through stunning and devilish obstacle courses, only let down by the fluff surrounding the core experience.

Although it has it's charm, there is little substance to this cat based pirate game. It is a game decidedly marketed at young children.

The first JRPG Yakuza game has some issues in execution, but nothing that amounts to more than a minor annoyance. This is a truly excellent revamp of the long-running series, and a superb starting place for newcomers.

Crisis Core is still a favorite of mine after all these years and it's even better with greatly improved combat. The character models aren't necessarily an improvement and the price is too high, but this is a reunion that's well worth attending.

Hardspace: Shipbreaker is a fun romp as long as the ships you're gutting are new and fresh, but it can lose some charm when the plot thins and boats repeat.

This court finds The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles guilty of being a bit uneven, but it more than makes up for it through the quality of the second game in this two-game package.

Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is the best installment in the franchise yet. The vast innovations made to the alchemy gameplay loop make sure that the franchise's main selling point is the best it has ever been. Not only will Atelier fans love this, but just about any JRPG fan will have a great time playing it.

Featuing stellar depth and compelling storytelling, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the next logical step for the franchise. It improves upon its predecessor in every feasible way, despite its intimidating exterior. This is an adventure that you won't want to miss.

A game that has more bugs than it intended but still produces a standout experience. Helldivers 2 gives scale and gravitas to alien warfare in good old-fashioned multiplayer fun.

The Plucky Squire is a gorgeous, entertaining adventure that will keep you hooked until the final page. While lacking in challenge, the creative set-pieces, beautiful visuals, and mini-games do the heavy lifting.

Lies of P plays well enough with a world that's reasonably captivating but it struggles to find an identity for itself and follows in the footsteps of Dark Souls and Bloodborne without managing to step out from their shadow.

A Highland Song is a gorgeous game that will deliver a genuine and beautiful story. There are many secrets to discover, despite the travel mechanics that get in the way.

Pig Eat Ball is easily one of the best games I’ve played this year. Hell, it’s just a great game in general. Anyone who enjoys zany, creative games will probably find a whole lot to like here. In the end, this is an extremely fun, lengthy, and unique experience, and I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go work on getting some more gold medals.

Marvel's Midnight Suns offers a surprisingly complete experience, going above and beyond what you're used to in XCOM-esque tactics games. From the dynamic card combat system, robust customization options, and hilarious banter with teammates to the fact that you've got a fully explorable hub with secrets, it's got everything you could ever want and then some.

It demands dedication (unless you’re a series vet) and neither AI nor UI are exactly flawless, but once you’re entrenched Hearts of Iron IV reveals itself as a capable and absorbing alt-history WW2 generator.

While Resident Evil 7 has its issues, it’s actually better than I’d hoped. It’s tense and thrilling, varied, well-paced, and seems to be the revitalising shot in the arm the series needed. It’s far from the scariest of games I’ve played (it creeped me out, but I played it at night, for crying out loud) but it’s still a bloody good time.

It jumps between gameplay styles more than I expected and doesn't scratch the same itch as its predecessor, but this is a damn good game that every fan of the series needs to play.

Forza Motorsport is another fantastic entry into the series. Bringing some fantastic tracks, visuals, and elevating the already stellar driving.

F1 2018 is meant for the core racing enthusiasts first and foremost. If you do happen to like realistic racers but don’t want something as technical, I’d recommend Forza Motorsport 7. Nevertheless, Codemasters provided a great experience, as expected. Perhaps if I give myself time, I’ll grow to enjoy F1 2018 for what it truly is—a genuinely authentic racing sim. But, for now, I feel like I need a nap. My mind’s tired from the constant concentration.

Crown Trick offers turn-based tactical depth as you battle your foes on numerous dungeon floors. You'll chain the effects from traps, items, spells, and the elements, all while hoping you're lucky with the RNG. It's rogue-lite goodness wrapped in a challenging, engaging, and highly enjoyable package. Just be ready to restart manually often if you want to have an ideal run.

Crusader Kings III: Royal Court offers a plethora of customization options and more role-playing flavor. Sadly, it's bogged down by its reliance on random events that can get tiresome later in your campaign.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom has a lot going for it, but its frustrations and pacing issues are a detriment to the overall experience.

SnowRunner is an excellent game with wonderful visuals and great controls. It also has a massive amount of content for players to sink their teeth into. The game is slow and can be frustrating, but it's very much worth getting down and dirty with this one.

Chivalry 2 delivers plenty of intense, blood-soaked action, without taking itself too seriously. But you might eventually want to do more than blindly swing a sword around.

Familiar strengths and themes combine with FromSoftware’s apparently endless capacity for creative fantasy design in a finale of suitable grandeur and pathos.

Hitman 2 successfully builds upon the foundation IO Interactive laid in 2016. The sandbox structure of each map will surely facilitate several playthroughs before it gets stale. Meanwhile, new additions like Ghost Mode add multiplayer to the Hitman package. It's not perfect, but it's damn close.

The Banner Saga 2 reaps all the benefits and foibles of strict continuity. It maintains the outstanding presentation and decision-based narrative highs of the first entry, but minor changes to mechanics are unlikely to sway opinion on the unique, but slightly peculiar, combat system.

While on the short side and not particularly original, Kaze and the Wild Masks is an exceptional 2D platformer filled with well designed, engaging levels and tight, responsive controls.

It may just be an arcade-inspired rhythm game, but it's a damn good one at that. Mega Mix+ never tries to be more than it promises. The lack of any real sense of progression isn't ideal, but that can mostly be overlooked thanks to the immense tracklist and consistently fun gameplay.

Football Manager is an annual series that really only has to worry about competing with itself. Aside from a few pipe dream projects on Steam, there are really no other football management titles around. Despite not all the feature changes being an unqualified success, Football Manager 2018 is still to be recommended as an absurdly detailed simulation title. To this day, it has a propensity for generating narratives rivaled only by the Paradox grand strategy games. But if you do already own Football Manager 2017 I’d regard the yearly upgrade as gently desirable rather than an urgent necessity.

A concise central mechanic, framed by a clever, form-twisting premise and outstanding design in art and sound. Other games wish they could be this cool.

Mortal Kombat 11 pushes the brutal fighting action up to new levels, but fighting can quickly turn into a chore once the initial dust settles.

One Step From Eden provides a unique, fast-paced experience. The combat and deck-building are fun, but it does a poor job explaining game mechanics, and given the depth of the game's card system that makes it a little bit too difficult.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 doesn't hit all the notes of its predecessor, but it's still a gorgeous re-imagining of one of Sega's finest action games.

Stray is a fairly short game with a few notable flaws. Still, it's a joy to experience the wonders of playing as a cat in a marvelously designed world.

With gorgeous visuals, well-written characters, stunning atmosphere, and an amazing Photo Mode function, A Plague Tale: Requiem surpasses its predecessor. However, the gameplay and puzzles tend to remain fairly easy and straightforward.

Star Ocean The Second Story R is a fantastic remake with a gorgeous visual style. The specialty and item creation systems create a beautiful harmony with the gameplay to make this one of the most satisfying gaming experiences of the year.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's mission structure can be a little tedious at times. However, it still manages to exhilarate and excite thanks to its wonderful visuals, vivid landscapes, side activities, and brilliant combat mechanics.

Although far from perfect, Metro Exodus provides a breathtaking game experience across a post-nuclear apocalyptic world.

An enjoyable adventure, but one that hews a little too close to its FPS Fallout roots.