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.

Elden Ring is everything that I dreamed of and more. Although I did expect From Software to refine the Souls recipe, I was quite surprised by the large amount of new mechanics and how well the Souls formula has been implemented in an open-world environment. But it’s not just the exploration aspect that makes Elden Ring the best Souls game out there. The massive open-world that doesn’t feel empty at all, the huge number of bosses and dungeons, as well as the boss fights elevate it to an entirely new level. Elden Ring is From Software at its best.

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.

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by today’s standards, the newest Zelda game is a technological wonder considering it’s been made to run on a rather outdated console.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.

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.

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

God of War is definitely good, but some aspects lack a certain depth that will make them interesting enough to turn it into a great game. There's a very meaningful armor and weapon upgrade system that allows you to increase your power level to make fights easier, but many of the skills you unlock throughout your journey feel absolutely useless.

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.

While the main storyline doesn't exactly live up to expectations and it has quite a few smaller annoyances, it's still a blast to play and should offer hundreds of hours of enjoyment to any RPG fan.

The story, the combat system, the art style, the possibilities, the twists and also the technical performance makes Hades one of the best roguelite games released so far. It is a game that should not be missed, no matter your genre preferences.

I'm quite sure that Red Dead Redemption 2 doesn't redefine the open-world genre, but it surely brings it to a much higher level. And it's not just through sheer size that it does that, but by combining writing, visuals, music, voice acting, and gameplay mechanics to deliver an engrossing experience that sometimes is better than the one in the real world.

Some minor nuisances aside, I definitely enjoyed saving the president’s daughter once again, and the new elements made the experience feel much more than just a trip down memory lane with improved graphics.

Resident Evil 2 comes in 2019 in all the glory you'd expect from such a mammoth franchise, bringing players new and old the same magnificent story but with spine-chilling new graphics and mechanics that will make even those of you with nerves of steel to experience the occasional lift-off from your gaming couch. Nothing negative can be said regarding the game, except for the difficulty and sense of dread and helplessness you get sometimes, but then again, that is the recipe for a good survival-horror title!

Bloodborne is the kind of game that keeps you engaged with it long after you put it down, haunting you with a unique mix of hope and hopelessness, flaunting your own shortcomings and provoking you to overcome them through constant struggle, at the end of which awaits only more dread.

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.

Street Fighter 6 is not perfect, but it is revolutionary. It manages to cater to so many tastes and expectations, without dropping the ball that the developers deserve all the praise they get. Of course, some of the fan favorites all not in the initial roster, but this probably will be addressed by the nowadays mandatory Battle Pass. But, just this once, instead of crying wolf about the greed of publishers we have to admit that we are pleasantly surprised by all the content included in Street Fighter 6. Whether you are a fan of fighting games or not, this is one title you should not miss.

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.

Chained Echoes is a deep JRPG that will satisfy fans of the genre but is easy enough to understand to attract novices. The combat system, centered Overdrive balancing, is interesting and pretty fast for the genre. The universe, with its mix of influences and retro presentation, offers plenty of secrets and details. I would have appreciated fewer battles but with bigger consequences and, maybe, increased difficulty. But for anyone who wants a solid party-driven role-playing experience, Chained Echoes is a good choice, made with a lot of love, able to keep players engaged for its 30 hours long story.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain makes good on its word and delivers a great experience that's more than worthy of the saga's heritage. However, it's not exactly perfect, as the story requires a lot of pre-established knowledge, not to mention cassette-listening to make sense.

Overall, I found the new Shadow of the Colossus a pleasant journey peppered with some frustrating moments, especially when battling the colossi. If you can get passed that, Shadow of the Colossus can offer some epic moments and a beautiful world to explore.

Crusader Kings III has good mechanics and production but what sets it apart is the way it connects to the era it depicts. The experience leans into role-playing and personalities in a way that feels true to the image that most players have about the period between 867 to 1453. Without striving to be educational, the Paradox title also manages to be an excellent jumping-off point to learn more about the period, its main characters, its social dynamics. The development studio has also done well when it comes to post-launch support. There’s downloadable content, of course, but free patches have also arrived regularly, improving systems and eliminating bugs. But more work is needed both in the balance and the immersion department. Crusader Kings III is an excellent way to tell and enjoy stories and I can’t wait to experience how Paradox will add depth to its various mechanics.

Split Fiction is an amazing game, and it is akin of any kids first visit to a candy store. It is crammed full of new ideas, new gameplay mechanics, bigger and shinier levels, but somehow along the way it’s lost a part of its soul and along with it some of the appeal It Takes Two had. Don’t get me wrong, it is a very good game, and I cannot recommend it enough, but the characters and the flow of the gameplay seem to have been misplaced among all the new things the developer throws at you. For me, this is a split experience.

Persona 5 Royal takes the formula established by the previous games and refines it to almost perfection. The intricacies of every system in the game, be it social- or combat-related, might be hard to understand at first, but Persona 5 Royal is pretty generous with objective deadlines, as well as tips and hints. However, if you want to get all that the game has to offer in terms of story, that’s a completely different tune. The outstanding soundtrack and visuals, as well as the top-notch combat system, social interactions, great characters and voice acting make Persona 5 Royal a JRPG masterpiece. This is a game that has little to no flaws, so everyone who loves the genre should make the time to play it.

Balatro is fast and addictive, a game that takes familiar ideas and adds enough twists and turns to keep players engaged. Take a look at the Collection to see how many potential jokers, booster packs, tags, and more can influence a run. Each run generates a sense of excitement and possibility, even if it ends quickly after a run of bad card draws. And I love it when a strategy comes together, getting just the right cards to activate the strong multiplier to defeat a boss on the last hand. The feeling of achievement, even if luck is a big element in every run, is something that many games struggle to deliver. Balatro has a great rogue-lite concept executed with care and I plan to play at least one run a day for the foreseeable future.

Slay the Princess takes the adventure game’s classic mechanics, including loads of dialogue and player choices, and uses them in cool new ways. It quickly becomes clear that killing the scion of royal blood is not what the experience is all about. And the story delivers interesting moments, tough choices, and satisfying revelations. These mix with the strong voice acting and engaging visual style to make the experience worth playing despite its limited gameplay. Fewer attempts at jump scares would have made it even easier to focus on the world's strangeness. Slay the Princess should appeal to fans of the uncanny who are interested a good story and solid twists.

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.

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.

The Talos Principle 2 is just as brilliant as the first game was, being larger and more detailed. During the over 30 hours it needs to finish, the fans of the puzzle genre will be delighted and immersed in a world that serves almost as a philosophical lesson. The already great puzzle design is now joined by a brilliant narrative and a pretty good pacing. There is no real replay value, but the content is rich enough to keep you engaged for a long while.

Sekiro is a beautifully realized next step in the evolution of From Software’s staple genre, but the renewed focus on combat mechanics and increased difficulty level might prove too much even for some Souls veterans. If you keep at it, however, the game’s world, level design and story (not to mention the nicely done nods to previous Miyazaki games) make the effort more than worthwhile.

Tekken 8 feels like a great game that with a bit more tuning could have been the best fighting game out there. The last fight of the campaign feels unnecessarily long, the Arcade Quest mode could have been made into a better fit with the rest of the game and there are some other aspects that commenting upon almost feels like nitpicking. Tekken 8 remains one of the best fighting games available, but it does not have a secret move to beat Mortal Kombat 1 or Street Fighter 6. There is no clear winner, and it all comes down to personal taste and which universe do you prefer.

Even though this is certainly one of the games that won't let you leave the station until you finish it, what really makes Devil May Cry 5 great is how it captures all the elements that fans enjoyed in the previous games, makes them better, and removes the rest. As for those who haven't played any of the other titles, Devil May Cry 5 should be the reason to rectify the error. It took CAPCOM quite a long time, but at least they got it right, Devil May Cry 5 is a masterpiece.

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.

Rhythm Doctor doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but the gameplay that it provides is engaging, fun and very addictive. You will find yourself trying to play one more time, hoping you’ll achieve a great rating for the next level. Plus, the spin they added where you are healing patients with these beats feels very fulfilling. It seems like you’re doing something more than just enjoying your time, you’re also helping people feel better, too. The game is not meant to be difficult, instead it’s continually offering you an innate sense of fun, with a great dose of humor along the way. Rhythm Doctor made me laugh, lose my mind at times, but overall, it’s a great experience for rhythm game lovers, but also those that want to unwind and step away from life’s challenges. It’s a game where every moment is worth it, no matter if you fail and you have to start over. There’s always the satisfaction of trying to save someone, and the happiness that comes from succeeding. That’s why Rhythm Doctor is a game everyone should try, especially if you need a healthy dose of good time.

Pillars of Eternity is a must-buy for anyone who has played classic titles like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights or Planescape, and it will certainly deliver the story, the conversations, the companions, the combat and the big themes that they are yearning for.

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.

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.

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.

Dead Space is more than just the fantasy of any fan of the original game – it feels like the developers once again wanted to prove that their game is the gold standard in its genre. The fine folks at Motive Studio tweaked the experience in the right places to make the game feel fresh without weighing it down with unnecessary bling. Of course, there are still elements that could have benefitted from more attention like all the end game content, especially the final boss fight, but once again Dead Space offers an experience that is more than the sum of its parts and reconfirms its status as the king of the genre.

TimeMelters has a very good core idea and uses it expertly, finding cool new ways to challenge players while also offering them the tools to come up with interesting solutions. Rewinding when close to death isn’t a bad idea but it’s much more interesting to create a dull loop for a past self and only then move on to another timeline. The game’s fictional universe is decent if not exciting and the presentation doesn’t shine. There are moments when trial-and-error challenge design can generate some frustration. But TimeMelters is mechanically unique and I hope the team at Autoexec Games finds ways to refine it for future projects.

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.

Nuclear Throne manages to walk a fine line between challenging, with options for the player who wants to succeed in the post-apocalypse, and unfairly difficult, filled with obstacles that will induce frustration for even the most hardened fans of the rogue-like genre.

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.

Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars: Reforged is a laudable effort that despite its merits annoys me. First and foremost because it’s part of the remaster trends that keep plaguing this generation. Secondly, because it made me realize that one of my childhood’s iconic games was a much more special experience in my memories. There’s nothing really wrong with this remaster, but unlike Full Throttle or Grim Fandango, it shattered some illusions I was holding onto regarding the golden age of point and click adventure games.

If Disco Elysium The Final Cut would have been launched a bit later, with the subsequent patches already incorporated there would have been little to complain about. It is a masterpiece that needs to be played by every RPG fan out there. Despite the state the game was released in, the developers went through a lot of trouble to bring the experience they promised. Right now Disco Elysium The Final Cut is damn close to that vision. It is not often that I can forgive a messy launch, but the fixes that patched up things quite quickly and the experience itself outweighs any issues that are already in the past. If there was any game from the ones presented in a while that I wholeheartedly recommend, this is the one.

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.

The most recent installment in the Monster Hunter series is the best way to start experiencing thrilling hunts, deep combat mechanics, and a rewarding gameplay loop. It is the friendliest installment to newcomers and a must-play for veterans of the series – if they manage their expectations. I have no doubt that Wilds refines and enhances the existing Monster Hunter experience rather than redefining it. At the end of the day, those who embrace the franchise’s signature challenge and depth will find that this game stands as another solid and satisfying entry in the franchise, even if some mechanics may need some time to get used to.

Wednesdays isn’t a traditional video game that gives players a clear problem to solve using a particular set of mechanics. The title seeks to explore a very difficult theme, sexual abuse during childhood while giving players the space to process their own emotions. The entire effort is sustained by good writing and by a focus on healing and what the future has to offer. The Orca Park game-within-the-game is simplistic but works well as a framework for the conversations. Gameplay is easy to understand and serves the theme well. Wednesdays manages to explore Tim’s life without being preachy and without giving into despair, offering hope that healing is possible.

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.

It has plenty of high-speed and high-stakes action, it moves pretty fast at times, but it also gives you the time to plan your next move between objectives, and to select the ones you feel most familiar with.

MULLET MADJACK is a great first-person action gamer with a strong core idea that it executes beautifully. It plays fast, it’s violent enough, and it gives players a variety of weapons to eliminate evil robots with. There are enough difficulty levels to cater to the most hardcore FPS fans looking for a challenge while also welcoming players who simply want to enjoy the action and take in the atmosphere. The story setup is good enough for the short and adrenaline-filled runs, although some lines tend to get repetitive and slightly annoying. The game looks impressive and has a very good soundtrack. The only gameplay-related issues are the relatively uninspired bosses and the end-of-floor upgrades, which sometimes feel divorced from the player’s situation. MULLET MADJACK is fun and fast and shows how a carefully designed FPS can satisfy a large audience.

Deathloop is far from being the sum of my worst fears, but it went into a direction that does turn it into a mixed experience. There are some good ideas in the game, but repetition kills most of the fun. Still, it is not a bad game. If you have the patience to put together the story you will find it quite appealing, the level design is as brilliant as ever, but on the other hand the maps are really small, and the combat system is half baked. Overall if you expect another Prey or Dishonored you will be disappointed, but if you are looking for an action game that is quirky and different you might have fun with it.

Ori and the Blind Forest shows how relatively classic platforming mechanics can be enhanced by the addition of an understated but impactful story and by offering a gorgeous world that gamers can take in as they uncover more of the story.

In all honesty, I have to admit I spent a good portion of my time playing the game in the level editor mode, and it all seemed so exciting knowing I could make a level just the way a like it. The story mode isn’t all too shabby at all, but the fact that you always know you still need more coins makes it feel a bit grindy as you always keep your eyes on the score, even if you don't do it on purpose. All in all, I have to admit I had fun testing Super Mario Maker 2, and as soon as I’m done with this review, I’m going back to designing yet another level!

Shogun Showdown has one of the most focused designs I’ve recently encountered in the rogue-lite space. It is very easy to understand its movement and tile use mechanics, but it is very hard to master them and get through a location with minimal health losses. Still, there’s enough variety that it rarely feels repetitive. The lack of a proper narrative is only partially compensated for by the character and world design. Unlocks, handled via skills, can feel slow. But Shogun Showdown is impressive enough mechanically to satisfy any fan of its genre and has the potential to draw newcomers to it.

Everything that Capcom included in Monster Hunter Rise feels like it's been curated by a perfectionist. The soundtrack, visuals, gameplay mechanics, monster-hunting loop, and multiplayer have been thoroughly designed to offer players the ultimate Monster Hunter experience on a handheld device. With a little bit more investment in the narrative, Monster Hunter Rise could have been a perfect game. Without that it's just one of the best games in the series, a must-play title for every Nintendo Switch owner. I'm amazed that after two incredible Monster Hunter games, Capcom still finds a way to outdo itself and push out another nearly perfect monster-hunting title.

Starcraft II deserves its place as one of the most influential releases of the past five years, and this Protoss-focused chapter manages to deliver a fitting end to its core narrative while opening up the multiplayer in some interesting ways.

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.

Halls of Torment offers a good take on survival action mechanics. Many players will pick it up not only because of the strong core loop but also because of its presentation, which evokes Diablo in all but the smallest details. Anyone who loved the Blizzard titles and appreciates fast-paced combat with a focus on good upgrade choices will have fun. But nostalgia will not be enough for those looking for innovation in a crowded genre. The game’s world feels limited and the meta-progression mechanics aren’t enough to ensure the moment-to-moment action remains fresh. Halls of Torment does not transform its genre but can quickly become addictive for players who are into the mechanics and the general Diablo vibe.

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.

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.

Persona 3 Reload is a complete reimagining of the original. It feels just as modern as Persona 5, although it is less complex it does not feel rushed or less engaging. The developers managed to combine the best elements of the third and fifth episode into a remake that feels completely fresh. Beyond the grindy nature of Tartarus there are no real negative aspects to mention. Persona 3 Reload looks better, works better and plays better than the original, making it a must play for the fans of the series.

Few fighting games offer enticing background stories without neglecting the multiplayer aspect. Injustice 2 provides a balanced gameplay experience for both single and multiplayer fans, which I believe is its strongest quality. The amount of content is huge and can satisfy just about any type of gamer that wants to try it out.

Monster Train 2 is a successful follow-up to a very good game. The aim is not to take risks and try to remake the card-focused combat experience but to find ways to make it more engrossing for fans. The variety, which starts with clans and hero upgrade paths and extends to cards, upgrades, and artifacts, will keep players coming back to craft new strategies and fashion their unique way of taking the Titans down. The limited narrative and the uneven presentation might make it hard for newcomers to enjoy the combat. Even genre veterans will be surprised by some of the milestones they have to hit to unlock all the content. Still, Monster Train 2 creates engaging and fun runs and will reward players who are willing to invest their time and attention.

An innovative roguelike experience that deserves praise for its rhythm-matching system as well as for its mechanics that add replayability and encourage players to keep going even during the most difficult of stages. However, if you want to unlock more characters and really enjoy the game, prepare to spend a lot of time with it.

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.

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.

Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening perfectly evokes the original game's presentation on the Game Boy, while bringing the visuals up to date using ingenious toy-like character and diorama world designs. With a top-notch presentation and charming gameplay, Link's Awakening is the living proof that any good game, no matter how old it is, can be revived and brought to new audiences.

The team at Dinosaur Polo Club clearly has a knack for creating stripped-down but beautiful graphics and for simplifying mechanics down to their essence, which is a clear strength for a title that aims for success on mobile devices. But in order to make Mini Motorways engaging on other platforms, they needed to introduce a new mechanic or a new way to tackle the traffic challenge to add to the depth of the experience.

Tombwater is very good at mixing two very different inspirations into a coherent experience. Bloodborne, moved into two dimensions, supplies the core combat mechanics, the feeling of eerie transformation, the magic system, and the fire. The Wild West brings in the characters, the dusty town, and the taciturn main character. Anyone who loves both will have a lot of fun exploring this world, discovering its past, conquering its many challenges, and developing their combat abilities. It helps that players have the option to make the game easier in the Settings menu once they start their adventure. Tombwater can be frustrating at times, but its core combination of ideas is very good.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tales of Arise is a successfully comeback story. It’s definitely one of the most refreshing Tales game and probably one of the best JRPGs launched in 2021. I’m not sure if Bandai Namco planned to make the Tales franchise mainstream, but that’s something that Tales of Arise manage to achieve, and that’s probably the best compliment I can give the game. My only concern is related to how Bandai Namco chose to advertise the paid DLC in-game, which consists of cosmetic items and spice up your adventures through Dahna. Resting in camps will always run an advert in the right corner, which totally breaks immersion. Other than that, I believe Tales of Arise is not just the best game in the Tales series, but also one of the best titles launched this year. More importantly, the Tales franchise has finally gone mainstream and I’m very happy that more players are joining its fan club.

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.

Absolum’s moment-to-moment action is very good, accessible for newcomers, and with plenty of complexity to appeal to side-scrolling combat fans. The heroes play very differently, and their unlockable powers introduce even more variety. They all look great in action, with fluid and powerful moves, and I love the design of both normal enemies and bosses. The fantasy story is decent but not on par with the combat mechanics, and the rogue-like elements are not as inventive as they could be. But, especially when playing with a friend, Absolum creates exciting and fun battles.

Arco has a unique look and world and a set of mechanics that are easy to understand but grow in complexity as characters unlock more options. I never got used to the ghosts that randomly join the fight but was eager to replay engagements to avoid losing even one pip of health. The game might rely too much on Western tropes at times and the unique look will not be for everyone. But Arco tries to innovate, mixing and matching ideas, and manages to deliver a constant sense of discovery.

For long-term fans of the franchise, the title offers a simple way to experience the solid stories and the engaging gameplay once again using improved visuals, getting a deeper understanding of the links between the installments and how they might influence the coming A Thief's End. For those who have not played an Uncharted game before, The Nathan Drake Collection is the perfect way to see what the series has to offer and why so many gamers see it as one of the most important ones in the history of gaming.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is great remake in terms of quality, remastering the original experience in a fantastic way. The original story still holds up, and while the gameplay may be a bit too hard for some newcomers, it's still rewarding, despite a few not-so-great aspects, like the sound effects.

Minds Beneath Us is spectacular when delivering slice-of-life moments, both if they involve the main character and when it comes to ancillary conversations in the background. It’s also good at creating an interesting vision of the future while offering a core narrative that tackles modern themes in engaging ways. Its presentation adds to the immersion level, although the lack of faces will be a little disturbing. Its mechanics do not stray from the adventure game standard and when they do QTEs make an unwelcome appearance. A few conversations are over-written, especially when the game tries to focus on emotions. But Minds Beneath Us offers a good enough story that these are small problems. Play around a full day at a time and savor every interaction.

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.

Rise of the Tomb Raider successfully reiterates the success of its predecessor by updating and upgrading quite a few different things, like combat, crafting, or RPG mechanics, while improving the environmental design and the general flow of the campaign. There are very few downsides, and no matter if you were a longtime fan or not, you can have plenty of intense fun with Lara’s latest adventures.

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.

Toy Tactics is a good entry-level strategy experience that finds a host of innovative ways to use its central brush mechanic. Players can direct a variety of warriors and activate spells by simply painting the ground, then use these violent tools to solve a lot of combat puzzles. The game offers a variety of modes with plenty of interesting quirks. The world-building is limited but the presentation, especially if players zoom in to watch the figurines take each other out, is good. Toy Tactics is easy to pick up and play but still challenging, a great way for someone new to the strategy genre to have fun while picking up the basics.

DmC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition lives up to its name. It offers the already-solid hack and slash experience, plus all of its different add-ons, not to mention a few all-new enhancements that make the game a must-buy.

Reborn is by far the best version of Tactics Ogre. Adding many much-needed quality-of-life improvements and removing some of the more tedious mechanics have completely turned Tactics Ogre into a very enjoyable experience, despite its difficulty. In between the tough fights, a great story unfolds that you really learn to appreciate after several hours into the game. Above all that, Tactics Ogre: Reborn proves that the game that established an entire genre remains relevant no matter how much time has passed since its original release.

Death Stranding is precisely the kind of game you would expect from a creative mind when all the reins are removed. Finally, Kojima made the game he wanted to make, without compromises. It's a beautifully crafted story, albeit weird at times. Players can best answer the question of whether this is art. All I can say is that despite the uneasiness it causes me, I'm weirdly drawn to it, always looking to take a new challenge and spend a wrecking 30 minutes trying to get to my destination without damaging the cargo.

Silent Hill 2 Remake is at least as good as the Resident Evil 2 Remake and that says a lot. They explore the horror genre from different angles but offer the same immersive results. Konami seems to have learned a lot from Capcom, and they manage to offer their fans exactly what they expect. Silent Hill 2 Remake is not just the best remake of the year, but also one of the best games released in 2024. If you have fond memories of the original you will love this new release, and if you did not play it before you no longer have excuses to avoid it.

1000xRESISTgrabs players and does not let go, taking them through some impressive story moments and a few overly long conversations. The mix of post-apocalypse, clones, and memory exploration powers a narrative that’s unlike any other in the video game world. Speak with everyone and touch everything to get the most out of this universe. Unfortunately, gamers will have to deal with some annoying gameplay to experience the entire story. The platforming is the worst offender but none of this feels fun. The presentation also fails to consistently impress. 1000XRESIST is a showcase for what video games can deliver when it comes to emotion, held back by its gameplay.

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.

The Lost Crown deserves a chance both from new players and old-time fans of the franchise. Yes, you do not play with the prince, but that does not affect the game experience. Ubisoft managed to put together a challenging and very enjoyable experience that mixes elements from different genres into a real good end result. The first big title of 2024 is a pleasant surprise, and while it may not be the sequel many have expected, it is a game that shows the dedication of the team from Montpelier.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is not just a love letter to fans, but also a great gift that BioWare is making to newcomers to the series. Although some of the issues present in the original games haven't been fixed, there are so many improvements to the first two Mass Effect titles that I'm willing to overlook the minor bugs. The entire trilogy sends players throughout this amazing sci-fi universe that feels alive and vibrant everywhere you look. Perhaps these games should have been remastered separately to get the attention they deserve, but having the entire trilogy in a single bundle that's perfectly playable nearly 15 years after the release of the first game is surely convenient.

The Homeworld Remastered Collection offers players access to two of the best space based strategy titles ever created and to do so on modern machines, with no worries about compatibility or other hardware problems, which means that the fan community should be grateful for the work that Gearbox has put in.

The Roottrees are Dead is a great video game for any players who like experiences like Obra Din or the two Golden Idol titles. It feels good to investigate, starting with a list of names, and reveal the rich history of an entire family. The feeling that there’s something more to learn, to understand, is always present and the game has a decent hint system to help players who get stuck. As cool as the feeling of discovery is, the game is limited in terms of mechanics. Players search for text strings, read results, and make connections. The cool soundtrack helps with immersion, but the loop can become repetitive after one or two hours. The Roottrees are Dead is unlikely to draw new players to the deduction genre but has all the ingredients needed to keep fans engaged in the long run.

After Ninja Raiden Ragebound, SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance continues to offer amazing ninja platforming. However, SHINOBI stands out with a modern, hand-drawn visual style, a more methodical battle system and longer levels. That being said, the cool part that comes from finding collectibles and secrets is still there. The action is great, and they never shy away from bringing challenging bosses.

Pony Island is a small game that will never manage to get the audience of an AAA release but in many ways, this game is more engaging than plenty of the big launches of last fall because it features some truly innovative moments and can deliver a narrative that it's disturbing and interesting to the end.

Persona 4 Golden remains a very good JRPG, but the most important virtue of this re-release is that it makes you appreciate even more Persona 5 and the later entries. Unfortunately, this remaster will not make the list of best practices. In particular, the graphics are underwhelming, so only those with nostalgia for the PS2 era will probably be able to enjoy it fully. The rest of the players will tolerate it together with other quirks of the game, in order see through the great story, while focusing on the gameplay experience. With some more effort and budget invested, we could have gotten a true remaster, which could have elevated the entire game and make it memorable for new audiences.

There’s an immense feeling of joy and freedom that the racing experience from Playground Games can create, and the title can offer it to both veterans of the racing game genre and to newcomers looking for a fun title to spend time with.