Pentiment displays Obsidian Entertainment's full capacity of developing excellent games in lesser-explored genres and Xbox Game Studios capacity of offering these games to new platforms.

Even underutilizing the rich narrative universe from which it borrows iconic characters, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is simply brilliant, overcoming the sameness that the roguelite genre has been sinking into in recent years by betting on a sharp, dynamic, and adaptive gameplay system. The diversity of characters and the cycle of entry and exit strike a rare balance between temporary bonuses and permanent improvements, which becomes a genuine invitation to an adventure that, within the precepts of the genre, knows how to seduce, keep interest high, and reward the player.

Trek to Yomi honors all its best references and the result is an aesthetically brilliant game, with a solid combat system (even if it may seem repetitive in some parts), a safe exploration model and a narrative cadence faithful to the great works of the genre. As a whole, a worthy and memorable experience.

GRIME II succeeds greatly in expanding gameplay freedom, offering an extremely well-constructed world, and rewarding players who dedicate themselves to exploration and learning combat. The variety of approaches and intelligent level design significantly enhance the experience, but technical problems, such as persistent bugs, and some excesses — mainly in length and dialogue — prevent it from reaching an even higher level. Still, it's an ambitious and memorable sequel within the genre.

With a lot of references from classic games, delivered with quality and fun to spare, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is a must-have title for all players, regardless of their preferred playstyle.

Tales of Arise: Beyond the Dawn delivers a lot of extra content and manages to delve even deeper into the history of the people of Dehna and Rena, making it a mandatory DLC for anyone who loved spending hours on end helping Alphen and his friends in the main campaign.

Signalis is a pleasant surprise explicitly inspired by the best-known survivor horrors of the 1990s. The title adopts typical 32-bit mechanics and aesthetics to build a sci-fi horror that manages to establish an immersive and thought-provoking identity.

Alan Wake 2 is the result of all the experience that Remedy has accumulated over the last ten years. Surreal, scary and simply excellent, it's an experience that will live in my head for years to come.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a rare collection where every single game that composes it is great. Watching the evolution of the most important franchise of RPGs by itself make it worth it, but the fact that its made of two of the best games of all time as well as four other excellent titles takes the collection to an even higher level.

Two Point Museum is a great choice for those looking for a fun and engaging management simulator. With a well-balanced learning curve, a console-friendly interface, and a campaign that remains interesting for hours by always introducing new mechanics in various scenarios, the game is ideal for both beginners and veterans of the genre.

Mediterranea Inferno challenges the narrative, social and emotional conventions of what we've already seen in visual novels, and gets it right by problematizing conveniences in a bold and incisive way, without being shy about saying, showing or poking at topics that are still so sensitive in a world that prefers to ignore its own scars.

GRIME combines the core elements of two of the best action RPG game styles, but also introduces its own ideas to make it a unique experience. With the addition of its free expansions and the quality of life improvements, GRIME reaffirms itself as one of the best options among Soulsvania games.

With a powerful narrative and subtle adjustments to the base game's quality of life, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a beautiful complement to the original game, a good "more-of-the-same", bringing another region and especially a very interesting new class to further expand this fascinating universe.

Fight'N Rage surpasses the bias of a modern clone of beat 'em up classics, deserving to be at the top alongside those that inspired it. It is fun, challenging in the right way, beautiful, and has some of the best soundtracks of all time. For fans of virtual beat 'em ups, it is practically mandatory.

Afterimage has all the elements of a great metroidvania. More than that, it's also a game with excellent graphics and setting, which undoubtedly makes it one of the best games recently released in the genre.

Delivering a cohesive game with addictive gameplay and mechanics, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin brings back classic characters in an honorable way. It is a good choice for fans of the franchise and lovers of the genre.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a great sequel. The story is very good (especially in the final parts) and there is a lot of optional content. The gameplay remains excellent and with many new features. The technical part, however, needs adjustments.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen expands, improves, and refines everything that already works extremely well, proving that this game as a service is still far from exhaustion. Moreover, it offers an engaging new journey, important revelations, and a turning point that only builds on promise for what lies ahead.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak is a more somber and interesting take on one of the best JRPG franchises of all time. The gameplay additions enrich the experience, but what really makes it so remarkable is the excellent cast and narrative that lives up to the series' reputation.

While it may seem like just another rehashed product meant to cash in on nostalgia, Heretic + Hexen is the definitive way to fully appreciate two of the genre's most important games. Welcomed accessibility and quality-of-life updates, which add value to what was already incredible, make this package an indispensable library addition for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a great sequel for a surprising Metroidvania. A new franchise is born, one that should prosper for years to come.

Gran Turismo 7 is a love letter to motorsport history and an impeccable technical showcase. The franchise's traditional formula gets good improvements, but it's still extremely true to its roots. One of the best racing series ever shines spectacularly on the PS5.

Dragon's Dogma 2 puts us back in the role of the Arisen on a journey through a world full of dangers and exciting moments. With an exploration encouraged by an excellent combat system based on the best mechanics of some of its most famous games, Capcom consolidates Dragon's Dogma as one of its best franchises. Dragon's Dogma 2 is one of the best action RPGs ever released and a must-have title for fans of the genre.

Need for Speed Unbound is a pleasant surprise, one of the best releases of the year and also one of the best and boldest games in the series. It's an easy recommendation for any racing games fan and we hope that EA and Criterion continue to improve the formula delivered with this title.

With minor technical adjustments to be made, Tchia is a true masterpiece in all its aspects, which together allow us a journey through the rich and still unknown culture of New Caledonia. With solid and light gameplay, captivating graphics, mesmerizing music, and a subtle and delicate narrative, it is a simply delightful game.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a great remake of not only an excellent Action RPG, but one of the best and most influential games from the golden age of JRPGs. With a unique and pleasant look, considerable new features in its gameplay that will keep even long-time players engaged and several quality of life improvements, Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a must-have for fans of the genre.

To the beat of its own drum, Tango Gameworks managed to develop something rare, unique and very, very fun.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a timeless classic with simple gameplay and narrative that engages and captivates the player. The title delivers a polished experience from start to finish thanks to its myriad of welcome improvements, stunning graphics, and delightful soundtrack.

OneShot: World Machine Edition offers all the best you can expect from a point-and-click adventure. There are creative and coherent puzzles with the gameplay system, and a captivating and, at times, surprising story. Added to all this is the curious way in which it plays with the game's own limits and even with a slip or another, it can become one of the favorite games of the genre for many people - myself included.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2 is exactly what a sequel needs to be. Evolving on almost every aspect of the previous game, it takes to a new level what already was one of the best examples of a hidden gen in the genre, thanks to its challenging gameplay and exceptionally well-told story.

Chronicles of the Wolf is a magnificent spiritual successor to the Castlevanias that followed the metroidvania structure. This game continually surprised me with the depth of its exploration, which is both challenging and intuitive. The retro feel of the experience may end up intimidating to some audiences, but if you enjoy side-scrolling action platformers in general don't let this rich and dark adventure pass you by.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has an amazing campaign, an extremely polished gameplay, and multiplayer modes that round out the package and give longevity to a game that will be played for a long time. It's easily one of my favorite titles in the franchise so far.

Salt and Sacrifice is a game that can be frustrating for those who are not used to it, but it manages to be very fun, addictive and with a considerably high replay factor, thanks to New Game Plus. In the end, it is worth the investment for fans and for those looking for a 2D action RPG with a good duration.

With a minimalistic approach, taking you back to your childhood, Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation -The Endless Seven-Day Journey- is a unique title in our current market, bringing players an unusual and sweet combination.

Destiny 2: The Final Shape is the promised and deserved conclusion to a saga that began so many years ago. It combines a very well-structured (albeit predictable) narrative, wonderful setting and the usual excellent gameplay with some important additions. It's the best the franchise has to offer.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion is pure nostalgia, embodied in one of the most fun beat'em ups of today. It's a must-have title for all generations of Marvel fans due to its huge variety of characters, combat system full of possibilities, and guaranteed fun thanks to a cooperative mode suitable for all ages.

Dordogne captivates us not only with its beauty, but also with its delicate narrative. It's another indie that deserves to be highlighted for being able to transport us to rural France while telling a story that brings a feeling of comfort and familiarity. In addition, we have a gameplay that fulfills its purpose, stunning scenarios and a soundtrack that gives the final touch.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is yet another huge hit from Kotaro Uchikoshi. The plot captivates you from the beginning, leaving you practically unable to let go by the constant desire to know what else is coming. That's thanks to the captivating mystery and well-written characters that make even the little glitches in the exploration parts go unnoticed.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is the definitive experience of one of the 2003 horror classics. With enhanced graphics, new mechanics, high replayability, and a story that offers significant weight for players, the title establishes itself as one of the best games in the franchise by far.

With gameplay improvements and excellent additions to its modes, EA Sports FC 26 is a stunning achievement in a series that remains at a level unreachable by its rivals.

Atomic Heart has several fun elements that keep the player hooked from start until the end. Although it has some technical problems, they are passable in the face of the final work, which delivers much more than players expect. Diverse combat, lots of exploration and clever puzzles are just some of the points that make this game a must-have for PS5 owners.

Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 is an excellent wrap up for the trilogy. It delivers not only a great narrative ending, but a beautiful evolution of the gameplay systems that make it a must-have for fans of the series.

Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth is one of the most important classic JRPGs in history, even if it is less well known than other titles in the genre, and this new version maintains all the best that the game represents. Even if one or another aspect seems dated, the whole remains beautiful, captivating, and charming, which guarantees it a top recommendation for old and new fans alike.

By uniting great systems of side-scrolling, turn-based combat and generous touches of a good RPG in the best pixel art style, Monster Sanctuary is a beautiful example that a mixture of several known things can result in something full of identity, charisma and enchantment. And with an expansion of respect, it shows that it is far from exhausting itself.

Overall, Witch on the Holy Night is an excellent visual novel that shows why the studio behind it is so famous and responsible for some of the biggest franchises of the genre. Apart from some minor criticisms, such as the localization and the balance of the scenes, this might be the genre’s best release this year.

Starfield seems to have suffered from a kind of misguided expectation syndrome two years ago when it was released, but it is definitely a true masterpiece waiting to be discovered. While it may not be perfect, especially in terms of freedom of exploration, minor graphical glitches, and fluidity of navigation between worlds, the excellent balance between precise gameplay, resource management and crafting, and a dense narrative for those with the maturity the genre demands, makes this game a true spectacle on many levels.

Ys X: Nordics is an exceptional action RPG. The game returns to the series' roots to deliver a solid experience built on a more strategic gameplay system and a great narrative with excellent characters that captures the sense of adventure and exploration that makes the series so fun.

One of the genres biggest foundations, Ever 17: The Out of Infinity is a mandatory game for visual novel fans.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is bigger and better than its memorable predecessor. While its "bigger" nature brings side effects inherent to its excesses, the gameplay changes and the meticulous attention to detail are important motivators that keep us persevering through the numerous challenges of a rich, deep world filled with secrets that invite exploration for those curious and eager to dedicate themselves.

Stainless, Age of Mythology: Retold arrives mature on PlayStation 5, bringing with it all the quality of its celebrated original version, along with all the technical and quality of life improvements of a good remaster very well adapted to the console's control system. With epic adventures worthy of the golden age of classic RTS games, it is an easy recommendation for both veterans and new enthusiasts of the genre.

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is the biggest proof of how amazing the series is when its elements click and bring it back to the right direction after some missteps. Combat, story, characters and setting all work together to make it one the best game in the whole franchise.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged improves everything that was already great about its predecessor, adding game modes and mechanics to offer more diversity and quality of life to a simple but very entertaining game.

Rogue Legacy 2 enhances all aspects of the first game and delivers a vast amount of content that provides many hours of quality entertainment. Every journey is unique and well balanced. Although failure is recurrent along the way, the game gradually provides small upgrades that will allow even the most casual players to succeed in the end.

Based on Naoe's strength as the protagonist and the renewed focus on its stealth gameplay, Assassin's Creed Shadows is yet another resounding success for the franchise. Its only flaw is its inability to put Yasuke on the same level as his companion, a minor thing when so many other elements make it a must-have for those interested in the series or the setting.

V Rising is easily one of the best survival and creation titles on the market, largely due to the great use of its world and setting, simplified design and excellent quality overall.

With well-crafted writing, engaging and dynamic battles and luxurious pixel art embellished by vivid lighting, Sea of Stars nails the test of being a turn-based RPG that's both retro and modern. We can still notice some small outdated legacies of the genre, but that doesn't affect the pleasure of embarking as young heroes to save the world in an epic and witty campaign worthy of the new old days.

Outlaws is a fantastic adventure worthy of the Star Wars universe. Competent in several areas and shaking up Ubisoft's open-world formula for its games, Kay Vess's adventure is fun and interesting from start to finish, filled with unique details from an incredible universe.

A Little To The Left is nothing exceptional, but because it is unpretentious, it can surprise you positively. Get ready to relax and spend hours organizing the most diverse types of clutter, barely noticing the time passing.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is basically two excellent games in one. Sonic Generations is a remaster of one of the hedgehog's best titles, while Shadow Generations is a new game that builds on the Sonic Frontiers formula to revisit the past of one of the most beloved characters by fans. Shadow's gameplay mechanics are great, the levels are fun and exploring the White Space is great. It's a complete and recommended package.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, when combined with update 2.0, brings a series of new features and adjustments to the original game. Some of its worst technical problems are resolved, adding new narrative layers, improving problematic systems and, finally, taking the game to the level we expected at launch.

More than a recommendation for its unique accessibility features, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is, as a whole, a robust and very well-articulated project. Aside from the lack of localization and advanced new generation features, it is an absolutely necessary game for each of us, sighted or not.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty doesn't try to reinvent Nioh's formula, but manages to bring together its main elements and make specific changes, which allow it to be enjoyed by different types of audiences. And even with a combat system that may feel random at times, it's still able to provide a great feeling when overcoming its challenges. The setting is excellent and its engaging storytelling makes the future of this new franchise very promising.

ARC Raiders may not be extremely innovative, but it's almost perfectly executed for the multiplayer environment. It has an interesting and fun premise, full of action and tension, and it serves as a benchmark, shaping part of what games of this style should be like in the future.

Walking the fine line that distinguishes metroidvanias from Zelda-likes, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo nails the fun of adventure and displays a strong identity of its own, which is shown both in its irreverent satire style, as well as in the gameplay of ricochets and yo-yo tricks.

With new fun and challenging modes, Days Gone Remastered brings technical and aesthetic refinements that, although subtle, adapt Deacon's journey to the current generation, thus giving it an opportunity to reach its full latent potential. Without reinventing the Drifter's two wheels and adding quality of life to the game with new options, it is certainly the opportunity to rediscover (or discover for the first time) this beautiful work underestimated by time.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened has dynamic gameplay and the dark story leaves no loose ends in its conclusion. It's a smart game (as expected) and transforms its predecessor's open-world experience into something more linear and succinct. Some might see this as a positive thing, while others might be left with the impression that there's something missing compared to the previous title. Either way, it's clear that Frogwares has masterfully remade a game that was already successful at its time, taking it to another level - and this needs to be recognized.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a bold new beginning for the series that brings a new dynamic to combat while still living up to the series' legacy. It may not be the Ninja Gaiden longtime fans were hoping for, but it's an excellent game and one of the best action titles of the generation.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is basically a "Super" Granblue Fantasy Versus. In other words, it is an updated package with all the characters so far, netcode via rollback and some new modes. If you liked the original, you'll enjoy this new game even more. Otherwise, as the foundation is still the same, your opinion is unlikely to change.

Them's Fightin' Herds is an excellent fighting game that definitely deserves respect for its high audiovisual quality and solid gameplay, both online and offline. Not even the modest cast and uneven pace of the story mode detract from the fun and well-rounded experience of a game that exudes care and competence.

Shogun Showdown is a turn-based strategy roguelite that will definitely require all your concentration to overcome its biggest challenges. The large number of weapons and abilities, in addition to a great setting inspired by Japanese culture, allow the game to hold your attention for many hours.

Yooka-Replaylee fixes the main flaws of Yooka-Laylee, offering a much better experience in basically everything: graphics, soundtrack, gameplay, content and fun.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of RGG's most ambitious titles. The union of the two dragons brings a mature plot, full of intrigue, with fun and exciting moments, but also a strong criticism of our society. The improvements in combat and the occupation system make the gameplay even more refined and with the possibility of new strategies. The visual part shows that the Dragon Engine still has a lot to offer and exploring Honolulu is not only fun, but also rewarding. All of this is surrounded by one of the best soundtracks in the franchise. Its big problem is the replay factor, since the New Game+ campaign is paid. A spectacular game that brings dozens of new features, but without forgetting to give a warm hug to longtime fans.

Excellent in many aspects, with great atmosphere, fun combat, a constant sense of discovery and novelty on an absurd scale, Crimson Desert is one of the best open-world experiences of this generation. Some problems don't detract from the brilliance of a title that always rewards the time invested and makes the player want to play more whenever possible.

Born of Bread is one of the biggest surprises of the year. An initially simple RPG, but one that captivates with each new mission and companion we encounter. In addition to the visuals heavily inspired by Paper Mario, the game brings a lightness that I haven't found in a title of this genre for some time. Fun, with delicious exploration, combat that works, an excellent soundtrack and full of pop culture references, Born of Bread is a game that deserves attention and that fulfills its main objective: to entertain and, at the end of the day, leave us with a smile on his face.

Helldivers II came as a surprise and marks a significant moment in PlayStation Studios' console and PC releases. If it has the right support, it will be a game remembered and played for years to come.

Another hit within the DRPG genre, Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society marks another entry in NIS' successful franchise. An unmissable title for fans of the genre and a strong recommendation for JRPG fans in general.

Stellar Blade is a great action game with an interesting story. It's challenging and its content is varied enough to keep the player entertained. However, certain combat mechanics require some adjustments. Furthermore, the main campaign is somewhat short, and can be completed in around 10 to 15 hours (the side content compensates the situation, potentially doubling this number).

Fantasy Finds adds a considerable number of expeditions and items to Two Point Museum through a highly entertaining theme. Additionally, new mechanics involving specialists and potion crafting refresh the gameplay with RPG-inspired elements, making this expansion a must-have for all Two Point County curators.

Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure manages to combine the best of a good puzzle game with a captivating and very well-told narrative. With simple concepts, it delivers a show of excellence in everything it sets out to do.

Tom Clancy's The Division 2: Battle for Brooklyn is a straightforward expansion that offers few new mechanics to the base game. But due to the new region and the intriguing narrative sequence, it's a great excuse to return to the game and remember why it's so much fun to play for hours, whether alone or with others.

Battlefield 6 marks the return of one of the greatest multiplayer franchises to its glory days. With one of the best sound designs in the series, a competent destruction system, extensive customization options, and varied maps, the game delivers intense matches and immersive gameplay. The single-player campaign and some design choices may not please everyone, but they do not compromise the overall quality of this excellent title.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers an exceptional package. It can easily be considered one of the best RPGs of this generation.

Dark Deity 2 is an excellent strategy RPG that delivers a strong sense of nostalgia while also bringing enough new features to its gameplay to maintain a modern feel. Its combat shines, and the story, despite some minor flaws, holds up very well throughout the journey, making the title an excellent choice for those who enjoy the genre.

Unpacking is a simple and relaxing experience that manages to tell an engaging story with a beautiful message while delivering a surprisingly challenging puzzle game. It is a title you need to play if you are interested in indie games.

Alien: Rogue Incursion is an excellent VR title. Very immersive, good gameplay ideas, accessible controls and the constant fear of a xenomorph around every corner. It's a must-have title in your PS VR2 library.

Freedom Planet 2 takes its inspiration from one of the biggest franchises in the history of video games, but refines mechanics, design and narrative that had already been presented in the previous game. The sequel manages to improve what was great and becomes one of the best exponents of the genre.

Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is a great DLC that further enhances an already incredible game. Although Ms. Chalice is not exactly a third character and works as a charm, she brings a lot of new features to the gameplay. Bosses are still amazing and challenging. The only problem may be the duration of the DLC.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is excellent in everything it proposes and certainly has the best ingredients to please different audiences, including the most skeptical ones. Beautiful, objective and exciting in the right way, the game is a sure presence on my list of favorites of the genre.

As a huge pleasure to play, Minishoot' Adventures builds a very fun gameplay loop that is intuitive and very efficient in everything it sets out to do. With a well-designed world to explore, many secrets to discover, upgrades to strengthen yourself, and options to adjust the difficulty of the intense bullet hell combat, it's a delightful experience that focus on what it does best.

Suikoden I & II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is an exceptional collection of two important JRPGs, including one of the greatest masterpieces of the genre. The gameplay system works well, but the real highlight is the two great narratives that deserve to be played by any fan of the genre.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is visceral, brutal and quite challenging - which is great. With beautiful pixel art graphics, a great soundtrack and satisfying combat, it's a must-have title for fans of the 16-bit era.

Separate Ways is a great expansion, bringing an additional campaign to one of the best titles of 2023. In addition to completely reinventing the mode from the PS2 era, the DLC brings new features to the gameplay and manages to deliver a complete package when we take the base game into account.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is another excellent release from one of the most consistent RPG series today. The narrative is the highlight, but the combat and synthesis systems bring their own brilliance to a journey that will please both old fans and new alchemists alike.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is the collection that fans have been waiting for years. In addition to bringing back Marvel vs. Capcom 2, we also have long-forgotten titles like X-Men vs. Street Fighter. It's a must-have title for any fighting game enthusiast.

Compared to the previous game in the franchise, EA SPORTS F1 25 takes few risks in terms of the driving itself because it knows it has already reached a level of excellence and stability. With some substantial changes to two of its main game modes and subtle improvements to the visuals, it is the most faithful and fun for fans of the category, valuing the most ardent followers without giving up on new enthusiasts.

Apart from the excessively long learning curve, Marvel's Midnight Suns is an amazing surprise with some of the world's most famous heroes in a different way than usual. It is certainly one of the best games of 2022 and yet another example of Firaxis' impeccable quality.

Hogwarts Legacy tells a great story of the wizarding world, with a beautiful audiovisual work and solid mechanics to the lore of this universe. Its greatest quality, however, lies in making all of this contribute to the fantastic experience of immersion and belonging that every fan has always dreamed of.

Masterful in artistic and narrative aspects and with an impeccable soundtrack, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the best surprises of the year and stands out positively in a market that has started to charge too much for experiences that don't deliver what they should.