Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an epic medieval RPG that excels in immersion, both in its narrative and historical setting. Sometimes the former two hold it back from being the best RPG of the year. The game is a slave to its mechanics and systems, some of which feel tedious and slow, and the combat is, at least for me, punishing and clumsy – as if I’m awkwardly puppeteering Henry from behind, flailing his arms in battle. But nothing a bit of modding did not fix.

Keep Driving is a true gem worth your time. It’s immersive, nostalgic, and packed with captivating stories and encounters. With one of the best soundtracks and atmospheres in gaming, it delivers a road trip adventure you won’t forget.

Somber Echoes is a competent metroidvania that is highlighted by its design and atmosphere. The Greco-Roman style intertwined with sci-fi elements is a winning combination and it presents itself perfectly. Even though the gameplay is simplistic, the traversal and the overall feel of the game are very compelling and made me enjoy every second of it.

Slice & Dice is a roguelike gem that brilliantly combines strategy and RNG that’s actually fair! With a huge variety of heroes, items, game modes and other content, every run feels fresh and challenging. The retro pixel art style is charming, and the well-balanced difficulty keeps you coming back for more.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth works really well on PC but heavily relies on DLSS to run smoothly. With no FSR support (yet at least), only DLSS makes the game look nice. The TAA and the TAAU make the game look blurry, especially on the Steam Deck where the Verified badge is underserved. However, if you are lucky to have a DLSS capable PC, the enjoyment this game provides cannot be overstated.

The Yellow Brick Games team consists of many experienced developers from renowned studios, and their first collaborative project reflects that. While the combat is a little bit janky, the world-building, characters, and overall design are excellent.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a masterfully crafted game and easily the best entry in the franchise. It delivers a somewhat convoluted yet beautifully presented story, paired with deep and exhilarating combat that will keep you engaged for hours. The gameplay truly makes you feel like a combat demigod in Ancient China.

The original DKC Returns pushed the genre so far that now, 15 years later, it is obvious just how much this game has aged. Some graphical improvements keep the game fresh but it still can’t hide the outdated design, which makes the new price tag even less justified. It is the definitive edition of this cult classic, yet it did not age all that gracefully.

Code Alkonost: Awakening of Evil is a short yet enjoyable survival horror game inspired by Slavic mythology. It starts off as atmospheric and immersive but is ultimately undermined by poor audio design and overall jankiness.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is a fantastic sequel that expands upon its core concepts and gameplay mechanics while delivering an even more emotional and thrilling story. A true masterpiece and yet another GOTY contender from the talented team at Jump Over The Age.

UFL is a welcome addition to the football gaming world, especially as it introduces some much-needed competition to the EA FC-dominated market. While it’s not yet on the same level as its competitors, it offers some great gameplay ideas and even outshines FC in several areas. I hope that it will evolve into a more simulation-focused experience in the future.

Slay the Princess is a brilliant psychological horror that puts a creative twist on the 'damsel in distress' trope. It delivers an intense narrative where every choice shapes the story, filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable outcomes.

Shadow x Sonic Generations combines nostalgic stages with fresh gameplay, allowing players to experience perspectives of both Sonic and Shadow in a single package. With stunning visuals, energetic music, and dynamic level design, it’s a thrilling ride for fans. While the campaign is short and some of the boss fights lack creativity, it remains a standout title in the franchise.

As a co-op game, Ravenswatch offers a fantastic opportunity for you and your friends to spend hours grinding and fighting formidable bosses. As a solo experience, however, it can feel like an almost insurmountable challenge or devolve into a monotonous slog.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is a by-the-book remaster that successfully breathes new life into these 20-year-old masterpieces. The more I played, the more I craved, and I truly hope that this is just the first step in the revival of this beloved franchise.

Hironobu Sakaguchi is back with a game that feels as close to Final Fantasy as it gets. While it introduces fresh gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other JRPGs, be aware that the combat might prove challenging even for the most seasoned veterans of the genre.

Fairy Tail 2 faithfully adapts the anime's story, offering vibrant visuals and emotional moments that all the fans of the series will enjoy. However, repetitive gameplay, shallow combat, and technical issues hold it back. While it adds some exciting features, the overall experience feels underwhelming for newcomers. It’s a solid pick for fans but far from a must-play.

Echoes of Wisdom proves that Zelda can be a true protagonist of its titular franchise. It’s maybe a bit slower when it comes to pacing, or a bit less engaging when it comes to combat, but it’s truly a title that feels like one of the building blocks of Hyrule Castle. A nice break while we’re waiting for a bigger, mainline entry that hopefully won’t take long.

Jamboree tones down the overall quality of its minigames but shifts up the gear when it comes to charm. Maps and the overall spirit of the world now score most of the points, with a few enjoyable new mechanics and strategies. If in doubt, you can be sure that this is one of the better titles the entire franchise has to offer.

Stalker 2 is an immaculate game, riddled with so many technical issues that it sometimes becomes unbearable. Despite the issues, the game below the surface is spectacular, providing you with some of the most immersive survival FPS experiences you can have. Its mystical setting and stellar shooting mechanics are enough to transcend the technical issues and provide you with an unforgettable experience.

After more than 20 years, Silent Hill 2 is back in its best form. The remake is an audio-visual marvel while maintaining the original atmosphere and stellar story. Despite some lackluster choices and repetitive combat, it is a must play for any horror fan.

Phoenix Springs is not for everyone, but it is one of the most thought-provoking and beautiful experiences I’ve had in gaming recently. It is adorned with gorgeous art and an intriguing, albeit a bit confusing story, and a great protagonist who will break the fourth wall and immerse you in this dark and gritty neo-noir world.

Metaphor: ReFantazio is an exceptional demonstration of creativity and years of experience within a well-known studio that is not afraid to experiment with a completely new world and IP. A must-have for all RPG fans.

Except for the expected technical advancements, the sequel did not really develop in any other of its segments. One could even say that it got degraded in certain aspects. The main mechanics of the game stagnated and brought nothing truly fresh to the table. When everything is taken into account, this sequel is a game just slightly above an average experience.

Is This Game Trying to Kill Me is a fun little indie title, obviously inspired by Inscription. With its meta-narrative, playing as a game within a game, it utilizes its environment for puzzle solving very cleverly. Sadly, it is a bit short, and it left me wanting more. Nevertheless, it will provide you with a fun afternoon with some nice brain teasers.

The remastered version of Zero Dawn makes the game as impressive as the original was back in 2017, if not more. Yet the entire package feels more like a luxury than a necessity. If you are a hardcore fan or someone new to the series, this is a true gem. But it undoubtedly offers very little if you’ve already experienced its world a few years ago.

Factorio: Space Age might be an expansion for one of the best games of all time, but it looks more like a fully fledged sequel worth hundreds of hours of your time. It captivates you, making you explore multiple planets, increasing the complexity and creativity possibilities almost tenfold, while maintaining the high level of quality and satisfaction with each factory built. A masterpiece.

Epic Mickey Rebrushed is another spectacular remaster, and we’ve had a few in recent history. It’s an amazing upgrade to the original, not just in the visuals department but also in its great adaptation for the modern consoles. If you want to play a dark and gritty(ish) Mickey adventure, Epic Mickey Rebrushed is for you.