From the gorgeously animated visuals to the expansive open world filled with mystery, there really is a lot to love about Windbound. Although bogged down by some rather technical gaffes, there’s a satisfaction that comes from exploring each area, scavenging for resources, and building an awesome sailboat to take you between islands. A little tightening up would take Windbound into the realm of open-world survival games that it’s trying to be a part of, but as it stands, it’s doing its best to stay afloat.

The procedurally generated tracks look and feel great, providing plenty of challenge for those looking to master the downhill course, but being welcoming enough for casual players looking for something more than another Trials-clone.

Crusader Kings 3 is so complex that even after hours of playing, you can still discover new features or uncover intricate systems you've not needed before. For those who want full control of a domain and dynasty, you won't be disappointed. Just be prepared to put a chunk of time into learning the ropes.

Soccer is a game all about teamwork; which is fitting for Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, a title where the multiplayer and co-op features shine the brightest. However, when it comes to single-player features, like the game's Journey mode and figuring out the soccer gameplay mechanics, you're better off benching those aspects.

Last year’s Madden release was one of the best in recent memory, so - at least in my eyes - Madden 21 had a lot to live up to. For the most part, it did so. Madden traditionalists will enjoy familiar game modes (which are all par for the course in their own right) with improved control mechanics, while The Yard adds an exciting element for those looking for something new. The Yard still has room to improve, but, personally, I’m excited to see where the game mode goes and how its long-term placement in the game (and competitive esports scene) plays out.

Wasteland 3 attempts to make a world that the player exists in rather than just moves through, and it is a complete success.

It’s not the sort of game that could be sold successfully in a thirty-second elevator pitch, but No Straight Roads is a nearly-flawless title that serves as an awesome homage to the rhythm games of yesteryear while simultaneously offering up new and inventive gameplay and narrative elements.

Kandagawa Jet Girls won’t appeal to the masses, but those who enjoy lighthearted anime (and of course, SENRAN KAGURA) will find a lot to love. The visual novel elements outweigh the flaws found within the racing mechanics just enough to make Kandagawa Jet Girls a splash.

No doubt about it: Project Cars 3 is an absolute treat. In-depth and expansive enough for veteran racing genre fans, yet accessible and inviting enough for more casual players, Project Cars 3 is a title that other racing games should aspire to be - from its selection of vehicles to its contact-packed Career mode to the online features and events that are sure to foster a fun and competitive community. While (for me) many racing titles grow stale fairly quickly, Project Cars 3 is one game that I’ll be playing for a very, very long time.

There is a ton of content in the game’s 20+ hour main story campaign, which is equally as impressive considering its price point of under $20. With its vibrant world, unique narrative, and expansive Nexopedia (that is going to keep me busy for a while), Nexomon: Extinction is, in fact, a successful return to classic monster-catching games.

At its core, it's little more than a standard hack 'n slash title. While the environments look good, the game's lack of obstacle-filled platforming is a missed opportunity. While there are far better action games to play, none have the iconic laughter of Aku.

Microsoft Flight Simulator was well worth the wait. For enthusiasts of past installments, there is so much to look forward to. For those who might be on the fence about a flight simulator that is virtually an endless sandbox game, the great news is that it has been added to the Xbox Game Pass on PC right from launch, and players can check it out there before making the plunge.

A realistic take on the Nidhogg formula does sound intriguing. However, after spending some time with Griefhelm, I would much rather go back to the outlandishly gross-out world of Nidhogg 2 than hang around this bland, grim-dark setting.

However, aside from some general random glitchiness - such as the choppy stuttering that sometimes occurs when camera angles switch - UFC 4 drew me in and really hasn’t let me go. I love the type of experience that the game’s career mode has to offer, and with so many detailed gameplay mechanics, I feel like I’m learning something new every time I jump into the game. For those who love MMA and understand all of its intricacies, you’ll likely come into UFC 4 ahead of the curve. However, UFC 4 also has plenty to offer to newer fans who are just starting to cut their teeth on the sport. Simply put, UFC 4 is the best MMA game out there right now, and is a must-own for lovers of The Octagon.

It perfectly marries gameplay and story in a way that isn't seen often. By the end, I had come to love Spiritfarer and am happy I stuck with it. Still, I can't readily recommend this to everyone. If you fancy story more than gameplay, then, by all means, go for it. If you're more of the type that likes being constantly engaged with challenging systems, Spiritfarer probably won’t get its hooks in you. Either way, Thunder Lotus has created a beautiful, thoughtful, and emotional journey that won't soon be forgotten.

While Mortal Shell does nothing to reinvent the Soulslike wheel, it still manages to bring many of its own ideas to the table while invoking the feeling, mood, and brutality of previous Dark Souls games.

If you’re a veteran RTS/grand strategy fan that is looking for something that innovates – Troy won’t fully satisfy your appetite, but it will entertain.

For those interested in a new type of gaming experience - along with fans of 90s-style shows like Beavis & Butthead or the weird situations presented in Daria’s “Sick, Sad World” - Teenage Blob will be right up your alley.

Metamorphosis offers a short, but memorable experience for gamers. Exploring the surreal insect world hidden around us is a genuine treat, and uncovering the story of Gregor's disappearance will keep the player hooked until the end credits. Metamorphosis definitely isn't for those who are scared by bugs, but it offers an unforgettable experience for those with the stomach for scuttling around on the floor.

That's why I mostly love Fast & Furious Crossroads. I do think there's something questionable about it being a full-price release, and I do think the engaging multiplayer content (which I'll detail in a separate feature) will likely die on the vine thanks to that. But what's here is a sumptuous feast for franchise fans and adrenaline junkies alike - more than enough to whet your appetite for next year's F9.

Tiny Racers succeeds in being a solid racing title, especially considering that the game is only $10 on the Nintendo eShop. The game doesn’t set the racing genre on fire, but is a great game to snag for younger gamers or for those just in need of some quick and unassuming MicroMachines-style races.

Any frustrations aside, from the boss fights to the platforming mechanics in the levels themselves, there is plenty of fun to be had here. While it may be difficult to wade through the countless games within the platforming genre, Skully is definitely a title that will roll its way right into your heart.

What Happened won’t appeal to the masses, but the game does well to convey its message of the internal struggles that so many face on a daily basis. It’s a dark, gruesome, and treacherous trek through some incredibly difficult subject matter that is worth experiencing for those who gravitate towards games surrounding themes of mental health.

The game is incredible, and for anyone looking for a great party game that is easy to jump into, Fall Guys might be the game for you. I'm not a big battle royale person, but Fall Guys will be my battle royale of choice for a long time. With its bright visuals, thrilling gameplay, and an excellent soundtrack, Fall Guys will make its mark on the battle royale genre in a way that no other game has before. If you are looking for a party game to play with your friends this summer, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is the game for you.

what is currently available feels like a prototype for something better. If the campaign were just longer, tighter, more refined, then Hellbound would be an easy recommendation. Saibot created something that feels solid in the hands but doesn't quite stick the landing. You can only play the campaign so many times before you've seen it all and Hellbound simply doesn't deliver much else.

Celeste is the superior platforming experience, but that shouldn't deter you from playing Ageless. Yes, the game could use more polish and the aiming mechanic could be tighter, but Ageless offers a challenging puzzle-platforming time.

Cradle Games at least tried to make something that was somewhat original in its tone and presentation, which is commendable. It doesn't do anything truly awful, and there are some unique features that aren't present in a lot of these titles. Plus, this has now made me desperately want a split-screen co-op Dark Souls game. Beyond that, Hellpoint is simply another Soulslike that might be an alright diversion if you can't wait for Elden Ring to finally materialize but is otherwise forgettable.

Perhaps it isn't the most polished or modern game of 2020, but it's definitely one that I'll keep coming back to, and it's absolutely the best remake to come out of THQ Nordic yet.