Winter's Warmth is a quintessential addition to the library of any Moomin fan, and a wonderful introduction to new ones.

A perfect marriage between difficult and accessible, Saros is a brilliantly designed and majestic sci-fi nightmare that is as compelling as it is challenging.

Mouse: P.I. For Hire is beautiful and has a beautiful soundtrack. It's the rest that gives me pause.

An innovative and bold genre cocktail that is packed with incredible set pieces and gameplay-first joy, Pragmata is Capcom at its finest.

Like Veronica Mars, Life is Strange is still charming in its later seasons, but you can see where the conflicting visions over the story don't mesh. It's lovely to see these characters again, I just wish they'd be allowed to have an ending.

One of the most fascinating and intricately designed city-building games ever made, Timberborn is a charming and joyous experience that is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Disciples: Domination knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do. It's an old-school strategy game with great combat but also frustratingly shallow mechanics in other areas. Fans will love it; everyone else will wonder what the big deal is.

It's the kind of indie gem that deserves a major audience. An addictive hybrid that moves beyond mere imitation to something that is entirely its own thing. I've loved every minute that I've spent with it, and I can't wait to return for more.

Crimson Desert is a gorgeous audiovisual experience with obtuse mechanics, poor mission design, and a nonexistent story. It plays like an MMO trapped in the frame of a single-player adventure game with too many cooks in the kitchen.

Superbly written and acted with some of the finest worldbuilding in any RPG this decade, Aether & Iron is an instant classic and one of the best games of the year.

Heartwarming and immensely charming, Pokémon Pokopia is one of the best Pokémon games in years, and a loving celebration of friendship that will delight generations of fans.

Packed with incredible atmosphere and intriguing lore, Marathon is hampered by a nightmarishly bad UI and punishing game mechanics that make the experience frustrating for anyone but groups of dedicated fans.

What begins as a Disco Elysium imitation quickly grows into an exciting and compelling RPG experience that stands firmly on its own.

Toxic Commando has immaculate vibes and incredible set pieces for fans of post-apocalypse mayhem, but it struggles with mission design and performance issues. For fans with friends, it might still prove indispensable.

Intricate, immense, and incredible. Twisted Reflection is the biggest and most immersive expansion of the iconic franchise so far.

Mario Tennis Fever is wacky and wild fun that understands the fundamental beauty and simplicity of tennis. It's a perfect addition to Nintendo's party game lineup.

Compiled with love and care for its iconic mascot, Rayman's 30th Anniversary Edition has some odd and major pitfalls, but it's still a worthwhile package for those interested in gaming history.

Heavy on nostalgia and fan service with the occasional violent delight thrown in, Requiem is a mostly fun Resident Evil title that still feels like a step down from its predecessor.

Beautifully realized and smartly updated, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is the best way to experience the iconic series for the first time.

Overshadowed by a very troubled production and awful casting choices, Kiwami 3 is still a worthwhile expansion of the Yakuza saga.

Smart design, a fantastic script, and a stellar soundtrack all make Relooted a delightful indie surprise to seek out.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is as addictive as ever and the new quality of life improvements make the return to its quaint charms that much more alluring.

Despite these issues, which are notable, I would recommend Cairn to almost everyone. Even as a thought experiment. It's the kind of passionately designed indie game that deserves attention, even or especially when it gets in its own way. In the moments where it focuses on the pure experience of climbing, it is an atmospheric masterwork. Visually, it is one of the pretties games released this year. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't grab a bunch of awards on art design alone.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a masterpiece. It is one of the most beautiful games ever made and already a strong contender for one of the best games of the year.

An initially frustrating puzzle-action-hybrid that quickly reveals itself as a revelatory meditation on perseverance, Forestrike is an odd anomaly worth experiencing.

Immaculately restored, warts and all, Tomba! 2 is a wonderful throwback to a simpler era of platforming greatness.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is half the classic adventure we love and partly a step into the next evolution of the franchise. Sadly, it refuses to fully commit to either one, leaving this adventure halfway between the two.

Exciting and addictive as ever, Legends: Z-A isn't as big and varied as Arceus, but it is still a terrific refinement of the trusted franchise.