Everything from characters, soundtrack, story and voice acting is absolutely stellar. If you can get past the outdated graphics, all I can promise you is that this game hits like a truck and charms like a beautiful sunset. There’s no doubt about it, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is truly a masterpiece, and I’m very curious where the folks at Monolith Soft will be going next with the series.

F1 Manager 22 is a great way to create alternate narratives for fans. Pick your favorite team, try to find ways to push it to ever-increasing performance, despair when races don’t go according to plan, pump your fist when you create the perfect strategy, and manage to get past Leclerc and Hamilton on the final two laps of Bahrain. The game will draw in fans who simply want to see if they can do better than real managers and obsessives that aim to tinker with the setup during each practice session. The biggest drawback of the experience is that it requires patience and time for the gamer to enjoy everything it offers. Yes, you can simply simulate everything else and engage with the races. But true joy lies in exploring all simulated aspects of Formula 1. Give F1 Manager 22 your attention and it will deliver a wonderful racing experience.

Without being groundbreaking or revolutionary, Red Dead Redemption 2 does almost everything perfect. The level of polishing and the amount of content makes its “the beauty” and “the beast” at the same time. No matter what you decide to do in Red Dead Redemption 2, it's impossible not to notice the amazing level of detail.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is not just the biggest expansion released by CD Projekt RED, but also one of the best pieces of content. The quality of the storytelling, art direction and level design in Phantom Liberty is incredible, even in comparison with the base game. Instead of getting more of the same, CD Projekt RED created a spy thriller that’s taking place in a dystopian slum, offering both search Cyberpunk fans and newcomers to the universe something to enjoy. Featuring two extremely different endings, which I strongly recommend all players to unlock, Phantom Liberty augments the entire search Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay experience and brings it to a whole new level.

What I really liked about Knights of the Frozen Throne is that the cards introduced allow for so much synergy that the result is extremely funny in many cases. Every day I discover new effects that I didn't think could be possible, which is Knights of the Frozen Throne's main quality. With each new Hearthstone expansion, Blizzard has outdone itself, and Knights of the Frozen Throne is no exception to the rule. I can't wait to see what's next for Hearthstone and its very strong community.

Obliteracers is one of the most fun combat racing experiences I’ve had in years. It’s hectic, fluid, a blast to play and a treat for the eyes. The fact that it can easily support unusual control inputs, as well as the online multiplayer makes it even easier to recommend.

Lil' Guardsman is a fun game that expertly combines story and gameplay. It’s built around a loveable central character who finds herself at the core of an interesting although familiar narrative. The deduction mechanics require players to pay attention, but the game also smartly gives them a rewind ability if they want to retcon some choices. There are a few rushed moments toward the end and a few choices feel frustrating. But these are small problems given how good everything else is. I love Lil’ Guardsman because it kept me engaged, gave me space to interact with a wide cast of characters and allowed me to rewind time when my teasing didn’t lead to the expected results.

The combat and exploration are fun, and while the game may seem a bit difficult, don't forget that running away is always a good idea.

Divinity: Original Sin II Definitive Edition is so complex that I think everyone will find something to like, whether it’s combat or an exciting story. The best thing I can say about it is that if I’m asked what I liked about it, I can’t pinpoint something. It’s the complete experience and the feeling of joy that it left behind.

For a game that tells a fictional story, Hell is Us feels unusually familiar. My only comfort throughout the game was the fact that I managed to save a few NPCs from a horrible death, everything else was incredibly bleak. This is a mature game that treats serious topics like war, hate, violence, torture, politics extremely well. Aside from the fact that you’re facing strange creatures, little else is fictional about this game, and that’s very scary. That said, Hell is Us was one of my most anticipated games of the year, and after finishing it three times, I strongly believe it was well worth the wait. It’s an experience that you don’t want to miss.

The Alters brings you an amazing story, interesting survival mechanics, and stunning visuals. 11-Bit Studios did a masterful job creating this game, since it truly is a breath of fresh air. Anyone that enjoys sci-fi media will have a blast exploring this world they created, making choices and dealing with the consequences of their own actions. I think the main appeal for the game stems from creating alters, learning their stories and making you think about what choices you would change in their lives. There are some enemies you face on the planet, but combat is light and certainly not the game’s forte. Instead, The Alters shines when it comes to its world, great characters and the pressure that comes from pleasing your team and moving onto this planet, which can easily become your resting place.

Against the Storm is an engrossing and fun game. Its focus is on moment-to-moment settlement management but with a ton of gameplay ideas that make each new expedition feel unique. I love the unpredictable nature of the glades as well as the many ways to interact with the Queen’s requests and the dangerous ruins. Winning isn’t easy, although it helps a lot to open up city upgrades, but this is the rare game where failure is enjoyable. Against the Storm is compelling from the start, combines lore and mechanics in interesting ways, and offers gamers a lot of depth to explore.

There’s no doubt that Diablo IV is one of the best action-RPGs of all time and on par, or probably better, than Diablo II, the pinnacle of Blizzard’s creative work. The amount of content you have access to even before you finish the story is staggering. As far as the end game goes, the part where the game truly starts for many players, I’m confident that Diablo IV will keep you entertained for years to come. Featuring a compelling story, amazing cutscenes and great voice-acting, Diablo IV is the Diablo game that I’ve been waiting to play for a decade. It’s everything I wanted and more.

Tchia has heart, a beautiful world, and some cool gameplay concepts. The story is filled with emotion but also grounded. Exploration is easy and rewarding, with a lot of great sights to see and interesting characters to interact with. Even the ukulele mini-game associated with musical numbers works. I liked this New Caledonia-inspired universe enough that I actually wanted more of it, a few extra islands, a few chests hidden for me to discover. The developers' commitment to making it all as accessible as possible is also worth praising. Get Tchia and then spent time seeing the world and make sure to pet then take over all the animals you encounter.

What’s even more exciting is that it gave me and most of the other players, a new reason to memorize gamepad combinations, and to find new ways to humiliate our friends. And I know that I can't ask for anything more than that.

Grand Theft Auto 5 on the new platforms is a great comeback for the already impressive game. The first-person view mode, the enhanced visuals, and the many different smaller alterations transform the game into an even better experience. However, lingering problems with the gameplay and a few visual issues keep it from achieving perfection.

Kingdom Come Deliverance II proves once again that you can create a great game without taking into consideration any survey or “market trend.” Although it remains a sandbox RPG at its core, the writing and voice acting make the sequel to Kingdom Come Deliverance an incredibly immersive experience. Without reinventing the sandbox formula, the fine folks at Warhorse Studios deliver an outstanding overall gameplay experience. There are very few things that I would change at KCD II like some of the mini-games, which are frustrating at times. Even though it’s probably one of the best games of the year, I wouldn’t recommend Kingdom Come Deliverance II to those who aren’t used to the sandbox experience and would rather chase the main story. This game is built to rather let the players create their own story, so it might become boring after a while.

Even with some of its shortcomings on PS5, Baldur’s Gate III remains one of the best games of our time. Looking at the amazing quantity and quality of the content, you will most likely forgive the developers for the bugs – that most likely will be fixed through patches. No matter if you are a fan of RPGs or not, Baldur’s Gate III is a game that you should experience and let yourself be enveloped in the adventure that will make you feel not just part of it but will actually make you believe that you are living it.

Having 2 main protagonists with such a different game style was a bold choice, but Capcom nailed it. Resident Evil Requiem feels not only a refreshing take on the Resident Evil series, but it also manages to add some interesting lore, along with offering us a great blend of horror and action. There are plenty of jaw-dropping moments, along with fan service and two endings that will certainly make you think what will happen next. And although I played every Resident Evil until Requiem, I didn’t know how Grace would fit in, considering how expansive the series had become. She is a stellar addition to the series, and having Leon back was definitely a blast. All in all, Resident Evil Requiem is an excellent game, a stunning entry for the series and it will keep you glued to the screen no matter if you’re killing enemies as Leon or experiencing true survival horror as Grace.

Tales from the Borderlands Episode 1: Zer0 Sum sets the stage for another amazing adventure experience from Telltale Games.

Diablo 3: Ultimate Evil Edition is a great translation of the core RPG dungeon crawler experience for consoles. While, of course, the PC edition reigns supreme, the PS4 and Xbox One versions aren't that far behind, especially when playing with friends cooperatively, either locally or online.

Wolfstride is an obvious labor of love that manages to be much more than the sum of its gameplay and presentation parts. The mecha battles and management would have offered a very solid loop on their own. The game could have easily been a mostly narrative-driven game with a relatively small number of repetitive mini-games. The combination of both creates an emotionally charged adventure that immerses the player, makes him care about relationships, and drops in cool mechs engagements. Think of it as heavily inspired by Cowboy Bebop but with more mech brawls.

Pharaoh: A New Era is a great remake of a classic city-building title. The first three Caesars might have established the formula for the historic side of the genre, but the first Pharaoh refined it and impressed with its pyramid and other monument building. A New Era captures that magic and brings it up to modern standards.

I can't recommend Monster Hunter: World enough to anyone who's after possible GOTY games. It's not just the best Monster Hunter game to date, I'm pretty sure it's one of the best titles of the year, and that's a big achievement for CAPCOM and this particular franchise mostly known in Japan.

For fans of turn-based strategy or tactical RPG games, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles will certainly become a benchmark for the genre. This game was a masterpiece when it was released nearly three decades ago, and it’s even better now thanks to all the new features added.

LittleBigPlanet 3 is the greatest installment in the series so far, bringing not just a complex toolbox for imaginative players but also a great story campaign that delights and amuses practically all the time.

Velocity 2X is a stellar 2D shooter that blends all sorts of different mechanics in a successful manner. Throw in the gorgeous visuals, the smooth framerate, and the imaginative design, and you have a winner. Sure, the controls take some getting used to and getting high scores requires dedication, but that doesn't weigh the game down all that much.

There is no doubt The Outer Worlds is almost a masterpiece. Sure, it could use some work here and there, but it's a perfect delivery system for the hungry human imagination that longs for the stars.

Frostpunk says that’s it’s a city building game, but it’s much more that. It’s a test and to pass it you must fail somewhere. Save a few and sacrifice many, or let them all die, but your conscience is clear. I can only hope that players won’t be discouraged by the insanely difficult learning curve because I promise you, on the other end is a beautiful game that everyone has to experience.

The overly simplified, fluid combat system, along with the level design make Dead Cells an approachable platformer even for those who don't especially like this genre. It's one of Twin Motion's great achievements: making a platformer that is both addictive and pleasant, but above all else it can be enjoyed by a very large audience. If you haven't yet picked up Dead Cells, even if you're not into roguelike platformers, I strongly recommend getting it since it's one of the best of its kind.

A true masterpiece by today’s standards, the newest Zelda game is a technological wonder considering it’s been made to run on a rather outdated console. This is a must-play even if you haven’t played a Zelda game before, but you might not enjoy it if you’re not into sandbox experiences.

Dark Souls 3 is the final game in the franchise according to director Hidetaka Miyazaki, and the game is clearly designed with the previous two installments in mind and with ideas taken from both Bloodborne and Demon's Souls, to create a balanced, accessible and beautiful experience.

Final Fantasy XVI is one of those very rare masterpieces with issues. Developed by a stellar team, the game shines when it comes to story and combat, but fails in other aspects like narrative structure, itemization and RPG elements. Featuring an enthralling story and gripping characters that scream Game of Thrones, Final Fantasy XVI is an emotional ride from start to finish. With more than 10 hours of cinematic cutscenes and an amazing soundtrack, Final Fantasy XVI is a feast for the senses. And the best thing is that you don’t even have to have played any of the previous Final Fantasy games to enjoy the latest entry. Final Fantasy XVI is a must-play regardless of whether or not you like action RPGs.

Dave the Diver is captivating. It throws a lot of ideas at players, most of which are great. The dominant mechanics, diving and restaurant work, have depth and plenty of surprises. Even after many hours of harpoon fishing, it’s still thrilling to evaluate a target, aim, fire, struggle with it, and repeat until the result is extra sushi material. The many narrative threads don’t always connect with each other meaningfully, and there are some side activities that don’t impress. But Dave the Diver has cool characters, a strong core gameplay loop, and plenty of attention to detail to impress players with.

30 Birds is a wonderful experience with a great world and impressive presentation. Zig is a fun protagonist, and the development team has innovated a lot for its varied mini-activity line-up. Music is an integral part of the game, with a focus on creativity that gets highlighted when players get a chance to get on a synthesizer and create some tunes of their own. Exploration is mostly a pleasure, as long as players don’t rely much on the smartphone map. The four Lantern hubs are stunning and feature a mix of characters and secrets. 30 Birds is a unique game that showcases how variety, both in terms of gameplay and influences, can create a wonderful world for players to get lost in.

There’s no doubt that Nioh 3 is the best game in the series. Even though everything has been streamlined and made easier and more fun, it’s hard to make a Nioh game easy for a newcomer to the series. There are two things that will help new players from having an easier time in Nioh 3. One of them is reading each of the dedicated tutorials in the game. The second one is simply practicing everything that the game teaches you. If you’re on the fence about the game’s difficulty, don’t be. Nioh 3 offers so many ways of defeating every challenge in the game that it would be a pity to lose on so much fun just because of a misconception. Nioh 3 has everything that a fan of the franchise had dreamed of and more. I don’t think I need to recommend this to those who loved the previous titles, but as fan who developed an obsession for the series, let me just say that Nioh 3 absolutely blew my mind.

Firaxis has managed to deal with all the criticism leveled at the first title in the rebooted series and has created a great new classic, with XCOM 2 set to become one of the video games that generates record-breaking hours played numbers for fans of the strategy genre.

Playing SUPERHOT is fun even when I constantly fail because I know the game is now cheating in any way and that next time I have a chance to be more stylish, better prepared, smarter and faster to reach a new high score in Endless Mode or deal with another of the challenges.

Invisible Inc. has a ton of deceivingly complex interactions hidden behind its glossy exterior, and although it lets you take your time when it comes to plotting, due to its turn-based nature, it's always reminding you that you’re running against the clock.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses offers an incredible experience from beginning to end, although the “end” is not really the END, as the story certainly deserves to be viewed from more than one perspective.

Thanks to an amazing cast that’s doing an outstanding job, a compelling story told through the eyes of multiple characters, and top-notch combat, this epic and heartfelt journey strikes all the right chord. It’s impossible not to recommend God of War Ragnarok, but just in case you had any doubts, I strongly advise anyone mildly interested in gaming to play Santa Monica Studio’s latest masterpiece.

Episode 5 delivers a stellar conclusion to the adventures of Bigby Wolf. There are great conflicts in terms of dialog and combat, so players will be solicited in all sorts of ways. It also displays Bigby in all his big bad wolf glory and leaves a fair amount of possibilities for a likely second season of series.

Ultimately, Journey to Un'goro manages to excite even the most hardcore Hearthstone players, which is no small feat these days. I believe Blizzard has outdone itself with the new expansion, as Journey to Un'goro is not just fun to play but also extremely versatile.

The writing, arguably the most important part of any role-playing game, is solid and surprising, humorous at times, and full of gravitas when the action calls for it; there is a ton of innovation as far as the character system goes, which also translates into gameplay mechanics, the interactions with the game world are rich and rewarding, and there is overall a lot of thinking involved in playing through it.

The Legend of Tianding shows how indie developers can mix solid mechanics and cool history-based protagonists to deliver a fresh take on the classic side-scrolling brawler experience. The game is tough but fair, asking players to master a series of moves and constantly finding new ways to test their skills. I would have liked less backtracking and, maybe, more meaningful side quests but simply engaging with the core missions is very fun. The Taiwan historical setting mixes very well with the presentation. More developers should try to use universes that have not been previously explored to add another dimension to their titles. And all fans of the genre should play The Legend of Tianding to enjoy its many good ideas and great execution.

Naughty Dog worked hard to improve the textures seen in the PS3 game, not to mention the character models, the animations, and much more.

Tales from the Borderlands Episode 2: Atlas Mugged is the best in the series so far and a high point in recent Telltale experiences. It shines both through its story, its action sequences, its clever dialog, and the pretty impressive scenes scattered through its plot.

Victoria 3 is a video game that existed as a hope and a meme for so long that it’s hard for any real-world product to satisfy every fan. But the game as it stands on launch, with its focus on pops, its economic model, and its diplomatic plays concept, should satisfy most newcomers and long-term fans. Some mechanics feel a little undercooked but will surely be built upon via expansions. I really want to see more depth for internal politics and diplomacy. The launch version of Victoria 3 still delivers a great grand strategy experience that allows players to engage with an exciting historical period, as long as they invest time and energy.

Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a unique experience that uses familiar gameplay concepts. The setting, combined with the supernatural elements, gives players an interesting setting to engage with. The narrative is carefully constructed and has plenty of emotional moments. Ting is a great main character. The mechanics are pretty simple, with mini-games that are easy to master and some QTE sequences that aren’t too frustrating. Try to play just one or two episodes at a time. Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open nails the atmosphere and the story and I suspect many players will start researching Malay culture after playing it.

If you've ever had more than enough time for a movie, but not enough to finish a season of your favorite TV show, then you know the pleasure of watching a mini-series. That's precisely the feeling that Bladed Fury will give you, as it will charm you with the fluid, fast-paced combat, tease you with the beautiful and surreal art-style, and then leave you wanting for more at the end of the short campaign.

The Banner Saga 2 is a very solid sequel, improving both on the story and the gameplay mechanics of the first title in the series, with the only major downside being the fact that newcomers will have to play or read about the first title to have a clear idea about the narrative and the choices that they will have to make.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is hands down one of the best RPGs launched in the last couple of years, but I'm more anxious to learn when we'll get PoE III since the ending of Deadfire is awesome in a painful way.

Rebel Galaxy is clearly designed to appeal to those who played and loved Elite and Freelancer when they were popular but I suspect that the game also has the potential to attract classic RPG lovers who are looking for something more than classic fantasy.

As someone who played all Borderlands games, and even the Tiny Tina spin-off, I can definitely say that Borderlands 4 is my favorite one so far. Not only does it have very satisfying gameplay and a great story, but the open world of Kairos is amazing and full of quests, side content, collectibles and so on.

Aether & Iron is one of the most atmospheric video games I've played in recent memory. Even characters who show up for a scene or two seem to have an inner life, and the aether-powered New York is an excellent example of alternate history. After a while, I started playing in shorter sessions, completing only two or three quests at a time, to extend my time with the game. Car combat is a good gameplay system, adding variety and tension, but the mechanics do not match the storytelling. The vehicle customization is a little fiddly, while the idea of environmental dangers for flying cars is a little incongruous. These are minor issues for Aether & Iron, which is impressive in its ability to marry a cool world and strong characters with decent, if not innovative, gameplay.

Empire of the Ants is a gorgeous video game that gives players an ant’s eye view of both combat and platforming. It looks spectacular most of the time, especially the environments, but takes plenty of liberties when it comes to ant society and general creature abilities to create a decent narrative. The strategy game elements work well, although there aren't many complex systems to master, while platforming feels unnecessary. The single-player campaign offers some interesting tactical challenges, and the free-for-all three-sided multiplayer is pretty exciting. Empire of the Ants does not innovate much but offers a unique strategy experience.

Dragon Ball FighterZ truly is one of the best fighting games made in a long time hands down, so I'd suggest anyone who's into the genre get it sooner rather than later.

Crown Gambit is one of the rare video games that effectively combines a gripping story and engaging gameplay. The premise is a little familiar but the title, while borrowing from popular culture, focuses on three very likable characters and spins plenty of narrative threads smartly. Choices matter and replaying to test different paths is viable. The card-focused battles are fast and varied. The many boss engagements and the artifact fights ask players to carefully consider each hero’s abilities and when to dip into artifact use. Crown Gambit has only one slightly annoying idea, the chases, but all its other ideas work together beautifully to tell a good story using solid mechanics.

NBA 2K16 is a great sports simulation, a title packed with content that will allow basketball lovers to live out their fantasies, create some impressive matches, and experience presentation that rivals real-world broadcasts. The only major problem with the package is that the Livin' Da Dream narrative is relatively poor, given the hype associated with the involvement of Spike Lee, and some people might actually give up on MyCareer early because of it.

Overall, Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an awesome game and a must-have for any Ace Combat fan, as well as a great game for players who enjoy fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thrill rides in short doses.

In an industry where conflict tends to be approached mostly in heroic terms, with only limited attention paid to its effects on individuals who are not wielding power, This War of Mine is a solid surprise, and given its small price, as many gamers as possible should try it out and see what it has to offer.

For the most part, Tropico 6 is an almost perfect experience. It’s not too bold, but it’s not rehashing older concepts. It stands on its own and sets up for something expected from a new developer. Tropico 6 is a bridge between the glorious past of games like Caesar IV and Sim City and the future. I can’t wait to return to those beautiful islands, and that’s everything I want from a game.

Darkest Dungeon II is everything I expected and more. An evolution of the series that introduces so many new mechanics that I can hardly believe that this is a sequel to the original Darkest Dungeon. Less punishing and frustrating than the first game, Darkest Dungeon II offers fans of the series a myriad of options when it comes to creating the perfect party. The thing that didn’t change from the first game is the pain you feel when your most powerful hero fails a “death’s door” check because you thought it would survive one more hit. Darkest Dungeon II is a near-perfect roguelite that’s hard to surpass.

A Highland Song looks good and has plenty of impressive moments. Moira is a great character, able to take her love for her uncle and Scottish legends to imbue the world around her, harsh as it might be, with magic. The combination of mechanics means there’s variety but also leads to limited depth for each. It will probably take players two or three tries to get to the lighthouse and many more to find characters and secrets. A Highland Song is a good exploration-focused game that puts Moira’s spirit and Scottish charm front and center.

Lunchbreak Tactics is a smart and fast auto-battler that plays to the genre’s strengths. A complete winning 12-battle run can take under 20 minutes once gamers understand the mechanics and know the type of team they want to create. The fast speed, with its cool rock soundtrack, condenses a battle to under one minute. The game looks good, and developing a team during the shop phase involves a balance of long-term thinking and luck. The only issue I have with the mechanics is that the meta-progression feels a little slow. The world-building is a little limited, but it doesn’t matter much given the engrossing gameplay loop. Lunchbreak Tactics is easy to learn, quick to play, and gets more fun as players understand it more and unlock new heroes and clans.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is without any doubt the biggest game of the series published so far and arguably the most engaging one. Each and every part denotes the developer’s passion for their craft and the end result is one of the most atmospheric games I have had the chance to play lately. I cannot recommend the game highly enough, despite the controversial decision of putting NewGame+ behind an extra paywall. If you have never played Yakuza before, Infinite Wealth will open up your appetite in the best way possible.

Spyro's original adventures have been lovingly recreated in the Reignited Trilogy, so if you're ready to fire up the legends again and explore a vast and beautiful realm disguised as a fire-breathing dragon, then you simply can't miss this one.

As a whole, I found Crashlands 2 to deliver that quirky, beautiful and engaging isometric survival experience I always wanted. I enjoyed the first one quite a lot, but I can happily say this new one blows it out of the water. The plot is great, the game is easy to get into, and there’s plenty of replay value, along with some cool end-game activities you can do over and over. Knowing how the devs continually updated the first game, I am expecting great things to come for Crashlands 2 in the future as well. Even if it would remain in this state, this is the quintessential survival experience that everyone should try. I guarantee you’ll die laughing, while also feeling the need to explore this eye-catching alien world for at least 1 more hour.

Sins of a Solar Empire II is a great space-based real-time strategy game. It is designed to primarily appeal to those who liked the original, splitting factions into two, introducing variation to the star systems, and adding to the tactical complexity. The game does not offer a campaign, but each match generates its own unique stories. The multiplayer infrastructure is solid and there are plenty of options to work with. And the game offers quite the visual spectacle, as big fleets clash with energy beams and missiles striking targets everywhere. Sins of a Solar Empire II could have used an entirely new faction, like the threat the Vasari are running from, and a few more innovative ideas but I like its mechanics and every match feels unique.

Inkulinati is impressive in its ability to marry theme, mechanics, and presentation. The ink-driven combat is exciting and tense, rewarding experimentation and good use of gestures and abilities. The world, inspired by the marginalia of Medieval manuscripts, is beautiful and immersive. The campaign is strong but playing against another human, in local multiplayer, is even more fun, especially if both involved players have learned a few tricks while facing the computer. Inkulinati is incredibly inventive visually and features engaging combat mechanics.

Some of the physics could have been better, but overall, it’s going to probably be one of the most beautiful games in 2018. It would be interesting to see where the story goes from here. Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the highlight of the series, and topping it will be difficult.

The Knight Witch is a good game with well-executed familiar mechanics. Combat, especially in the bigger and more open areas, is a joy, even when it’s against a tough boss with some dirty tricks up his mechanical sleeve. The narrative is interesting enough, even if some of the fourth-wall-breaking might be hit or miss, and the game looks impressive. Play it in short sessions, with a clear goal in mind and a willingness to tweak approaches on failure (don’t forget about the cheat options). The Knight Witch offers a good mix of action and exploration, even for players who have little experience with the genre.

In a nutshell, this isn’t a revolution, but rather an evolution of the game in the same direction that Blizzard has been pushing the game for the last few years.

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions is a great new entry in the series. It offers plenty of things for all players, as the Adventure mode draws in new fans, the Classic mode appeals to veterans, and the leaderboards manage to fuel their competitive natures.

A worthy investment for any fan of the original game and a pretty good one for those who weren't exactly thrilled with the initial experience.

Expelled! might be built on the bones of Overboard! but it manages to improve on it both mechanically and in terms of story. Verity is a great protagonist, and the many mysteries linked to the characters and the school itself are a pleasure to unravel. A run can end in 15 minutes and in utter failure but still feel like progress. The idea that turning more towards evil opens up new options is a good one but simply choosing the red option to get results sometimes feels artificial. And the characters are strong enough that I wanted to interact with more of them. Expelled! doesn’t innovate mechanically but the narrative is engrossing and fun, with a great heroine at its core.

Despite some shortcomings, Octopath Traveler II is one of the best JRPGs of the year. It’s nice to know that developers have took all feedback to heart and addressed the main issues with the original game, while adding new mechanics and improvements across the board. The semi-open world is alive as long as you spend most of the time in cities, whereas the wilderness and dungeons feel rather empty. Also, even though the pacing is better than in the first game, Octopath Traveler II is still a little too slow by today’s standards. I wholeheartedly recommend Octopath Traveler II to anyone who is even just mildly interested in JRPGs. It’s very close to the masterpiece status and you don’t even have to play the original. In fact, I would strongly suggest you skip the first game and play this one instead.

The two new tables do not deliver any new narrative elements, but they manage to create a new level of excitement around the adventures of Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, and the rest of the cast by delivering interactivity, even if it is somewhat limited by the pinball mechanics.

Projected Dreams is a good puzzle game with a unique take on the genre. The shadow work starts off pretty easy, but the developers find ways to add variety and increase the challenge level. The rooms where shadows are projected are also fun to interact with, especially when hunting for a new cassette to play. The story and graphics are pleasant enough but don’t stand out. The shadow puzzles are the main reason to engage with Projected Dreams, especially for players who are interested in looking for multiple solutions for each album photo. The entire experience is even more interesting when playing with a kid who hasn’t yet had the experience of shadow play in the real world.

It's got good puzzles, some of which may be a bit too obtuse, and a very lighthearted overall tone, as well as a ton of wit and some loving pop culture references to enjoy, as well as an interesting storyline to follow.

An exquisite combination of deep storytelling and refined card game combat mechanics, Thronebreaker delivers an exceptional RPG experience that not many developers can achieve these days. It's a pity that Geralt's saga has ended after just three games, but Thronebreaker is definitely going to quench your thirst for anything The Witcher related, at least for a while.

Fresh Tracks is a great game with very good music designed to appeal to those who already know they love the rhythm genre. On the higher difficulties, it will challenge anyone to get past a level’s challenges but also makes accommodations for those who might not be as in sync with the rhythm. The rogue elements might help with the game’s longevity but feel somewhat like an afterthought. Play on the lowest difficulty level if the rhythm challenges seem too hard, and try to unlock as many of the songs as possible. Fresh Tracks works best played in sessions of around two runs, when players hit the right balance between enjoying the music and mastering the rhythm mechanics.

In a nutshell, it's a great table for newbies and pinball wizards alike, that can offer tons of fun even to those who are not particularly crazy about flipping metal balls around, but are into Portal.

DREDGE is both atmospheric and mechanically engaging. The story threads are very personal and, at times, heartbreaking. Even though I didn’t catch all the species featured in the encyclopedia, I had plenty of fun moving around the world, trying to identify the best spots for certain species and mastering mini-games. Narrative progression can sometimes feel slow, especially if players only approach fishing as a means to an end. Catching some fish feels needlessly complicated. But these are minor issues with a game that has a big dark heart and makes exploration and fishing very fun. DREDGE is a great experience that mixes genres and ideas while keeping the experience accessible to everyone.

Firewatch shows the way video games, without creating major conflicts or over-the-top conspiracies, can elicit strong emotional responses from their audience, and it should be applauded for that even by gamers who do not appreciate the first-person adventure mechanics.

MechWarrior 5: Clans brings the series’ mech combat formula closer to perfection. Players have access to a wide range of Smoke Jaguar mechs to customize and take into battle as they take on Inner Sphere tanks, complete lances, SOKOLs, and even a dropship. The action looks and sounds good and even the story, built around Jayden and his four comrades, is solid. Gamers who can find four friends can tackle the entire campaign in coop. MechWarrior 5: Clans could use some extra encounter variety but it nails the tension and excitement of pitting a Timber Wolf against an Atlas.

Overall, the folks at Complex Games have done a great job adapting one of the most popular tabletop games in the world and turning it into a video game. Ironically, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters feels like the natural evolution of the XCOM franchise.

Field of Glory: Kingdoms is a grand strategy game designed for players who love both history and complexity. The grand campaign offers freedom to change the destiny of most featured nations but only for those who carefully craft plans, invest resources wisely, and pick the right moments to expand. Players can create impressive narratives that remain rooted in the reality of the early Middle Ages even as they diverge from it. The game asks gamers to invest time and energy to understand all its mechanics (the manual is well-written and informative) and, more importantly, all the complex ways they interact. Field of Glory: Kingdoms rewards those who do with plenty of variety and tens of hours of fun.

FIFA 22 is undoubtedly a step forward for the franchise, and the new Hypermotion engine on new-gen consoles is totally worth it, though it’s pretty clear it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. EA clearly has a lot of things to polish in FIFA 22, and the first update that is already live on PC is the living proof the company is very committed to doing this in the short term.

Wadjet Eye Games is known for delivering exceptional, fun and very creative point-and-click games. Old Skies is certainly one of the best, although I still feel that Unavowed was better, at least for me. With that in mind, the gameplay, the amazing timelines we visit, but also the overall stories/quests they added into the game feel very special, and they are a blast to go through. Sure, Old Skies doesn’t have flashy graphics, they went with rather old school visuals, but for me, those stand out and make the game world very immersive. The voice overs are on point, and the dialog is very creative, although it can drag at times. All in all, Old Skies is interesting, exciting, and a breath of fresh air for the genre, especially with its time travel shenanigans.

Star Control: Origins perfectly combines exceptional writing, total exploration freedom, satisfying space combat, excellent voice acting and hypnotizing music. Although I felt intimidated by the importance of the journey ahead, the well written, humorous dialogues gently transitioned me into a state of pure excitement. No words can better describe Star Control: Origins than actually playing it. It's a masterpiece.

Kaiju Wars is the sort of video game that understands that huge monsters make for incredible threats, which in turn allows players to derive a lot of satisfaction from stopping them in their tracks. The game has the narrative, the mechanics, the scenario design, and the presentation to keep gamers always engaged, guessing how they can pick up an extra medal or tackle a mission on Hard. The development team has been quick to react to player feedback, adding more options. And I hope that they will also introduce more scenarios and, maybe, a few extra mega-monsters to deal with. Kaiju Wars is not revolutionary, but it delivers a tight strategy package that celebrates its inspirations while spoofing them.

Lumines Arise is one of those games that will automatically make a great impression, thanks to its visuals and music, but also the engaging gameplay. This iteration of Lumines Arise might be its Ultimate version, since you get to enjoy those amazing levels with a brand-new presentation along with a variety of game modes for you to check out. There’s also VR support, which I didn’t get to try, but many players already consider that the best way to play the game for excellent immersion. Even without playing in VR, it’s clear that a lot of care and attention went into creating this modern version of Lumines. Visuals are exceptional, the soundtrack is along one of the best I’ve listened to in recent times, and the gameplay is great, albeit a tad repetitive as you get towards the latter part of the Journey. Still, if you have even the slightest interest in Tetris, Lumines or similar games, this is a must-play.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is really fun to play and the natural progression of the players is a fantastic motivator to keep on playing. I can really say that Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 provides the best multiplayer experience in the franchise, and it’s not going to be a surprise when the next iteration is going to focus even more on this aspect.

Howl is very good without being too complex. It’s turn-based tactical gameplay has depth, designed to satisfy fans of this genre, but is accessible enough for newcomers. And the narrative elements are strong enough to keep both groups engaged, trying to collect as much confidence and skulls to open up new options. If a battle becomes frustrating, try as many different approaches as possible first but don’t hesitate to activate the Assist mode before frustration sets in. Howl is a great experience because it blends strong narrative and engaging combat in interesting ways.

I can’t recommend Anno 1800 enough. I was legitimately worried that Ubisoft might try to bring the entire franchise into the present, but I’m happy to say that my fears were unfounded. The game is a love letter to the old city-building games, while still managing to innovate and surprise even veteran players.

If you've played any of Wadjet Eye's games, you're probably used to the pixel art and the low resolution, but Unavowed is an exception since it has twice the resolution of a typical game released by the studio. Moreover, the jazzy and blues accords perfectly fit the supernatural theme and the New York City landscapes. Also, once again, the voice acting is top-notch, but wouldn't even expect less from Wadjet Eye.

The King's Dilemma: Chronicles manages to create a sense of place using a limited set of tools. The game does require quite a bit of reading but it rewards gamers with a deep narrative, a lot of artfully constructed events, and many complicated choices. The political simulation element is engaging and fun. If modding is possible it can deliver a great A Song of Ice and Fire experience. I do feel like the narrative is trying to juggle a few too many big ideas at the same time. The universe, which delivers a lot of names and concepts quickly, can be overwhelming. But immersion in King’s Dilemma: Chronicles will reveal a complex and intriguing narrative and plenty of tough choices. Be wary of anyone promising quick and painless immortality.