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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thrilling, inventive, accessible, and supremely fun, Kirby Air Riders is a packed family game that works for everyone.

Exquisitely designed with astonishingly deep gameplay mechanics, Farthest Frontier is the second masterpiece in the simulator genre this year that will impress fans for years to come.

While the gameplay itself is superficial, Dispatch is a surprisingly funny and poignant debut that shows great potential.

A technical marvel with enough lore and addictive gameplay to satisfy both fans and newcomers alike.

Packed with superb design and a kicking soundtrack, Sektori is pure twin-stick shooter nirvana that is as close to arcade perfection as you can get.

Smartly designed, impeccably produced, and tremendously enjoyable, Anno 117 is one of the best games in its genre this year.

Often sublime but mostly simply fine, The Outer Worlds 2 is a good enough game that could be so much more.

At its best, Ninja Gaiden 4 is an exhilarating bloodbath that has finally struck the perfect balance between hardcore and accessible. It's a reminder of how invigorating this franchise once was, and how, in the right hands, it can be once again.

While the asking price is high, these masterful platformers have never looked or played this good, and that alone is worth the cost.

Cronos isn't big or new and there are numerous frustrations that keep it from the all time best lists. But when it works, it's a gorgeous horror fantasy well worth playing.

A superb addition to the franchise, Ragebound is both a fantastic throwback and a great entry point to the series for newcomers.