When all is said and done, Temtem is far more than its inspirations. Though it stumbles occasionally, the game offers an experience that even the most grizzled Pokémon fan will enjoy while also building up a new world for fresh players to marvel at. It’s a must-play and a strong showing of what could be a major series moving forward.

Nothing less and little more than Skyrim. That is either exceptionally exciting or a respectable pass, depending on how much Dhovakiin thirst the last five years has left you with. I certainly have enjoyed retreading these paths for the dozenth time. Though an inch of fatigue and diminished mod offerings weigh on me, this is a Skyrim more accessible, more colorful, and equally as lovable as the one I’ve known.

If you love the previous game or just are really craving a good giggle, New Tales from the Borderlands is most definitely a must-play title for you in 2022. I happily give this one a rating of 4 and a half skateboards out of 5.

Everything I could’ve asked for from a proper Switch port. The graphical downgrades are noticeable in handheld mode, but it doesn’t detract from the experience at all, especially when it runs so smoothly.

Those that may have been turned off by the difficulty before can now feel free to jump in with Funky Mode, and the improvement to loading screens really does make a difference. It’s yet another strong checkmark on the list of growing titles Switch owner need to have.

With an entirely original story and streamlined side content, Judgment is easily the best place to get introduced to the Yakuza formula, and for longtime fans it's the best Dragon Engine game yet. Either way, it's one you shouldn't miss out on.

World Brothers 2 provides excellent upgrades to mechanics from the first game to make this one feel even better to play.

If you, like me, occasionally need a rest from fast-paced, action-first gaming, I truly cannot recommend Seasons after Fall enough. The art alone is sufficient to offer a unique and worthwhile experience, and the light yet engaging gameplay offers a wonderful way to experience it.

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is a fluid, brutal, and challenging first-person shooter and one that is insane and over-the-top from start to finish, but it is the unique cast of characters and the story they’re a part of that shines. B.J and his crew of revolutionaries add heart and humor to the otherwise bleak world and help create some of the most memorable moments in single-player focused games this year. Machine Games has built on what made The New Order great to produce one of this generation’s finest shooters.

It’s a remake that knows what we want and gives it to us, instead of instituting needless changes. What changes there are are often subtle, or add to the game instead of detracting from it. This isn’t a remake to play if you want something drastically different, but if you want a more interactive approach to movie night, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better (or season-appropriate) option.

Yet another fantastic game you should have in your library if you own a Nintendo Switch. It’s clear that Ubisoft respects the sanctity of these iconic Nintendo characters, and the game certainly does them justice. Kingdom Battle might not be the most challenging tactical RPG around, but it does offer a satisfying combat flow, and provides ample opportunities for players to come up with interesting strategies and team compositions to complete a map with. The Rabbids serve as the special X-factor ingredient that really makes this game pop with life.

Being able to play such a massive RPG like Skyrim wherever you want is truly a technical marvel, and I’m thoroughly impressed with what Bethesda’s been able to pull off here.

From the expertly crafted combat mechanics to the wildly different contenders to the stages and customization options to unlock, Pokkén Tournament proves itself to be another excellent addition to the Nintendo Wii U’s library for fighting game fans, Pokémon fans, and everyone in between.

With Gears 5, The Coalition took some risks, and it makes for one of the best entries in the series yet.

It’s amazing to think that we’ve gotten now four Yakuza games in the span of nearly a year and a half, and yet, Yakuza Kiwami 2 doesn’t feel old or overdone. The amount of content, and the quality of said content is staggering.

While it does not pretend to be as haughty as its predecessor, or as convoluted, it is strong enough to stand on its own right, do its own thing, and laugh at itself. This game is sure to find itself in the spotlight very fast. There is just too much about this game that is likable for it to remain hidden for long.

Anyone who loved the first two games is going to go nuts for this one, as it kickflips the franchise forward in just about every way.

There is just something about how the game structured its bite-sized gameplay and ambiance, as it somehow managed to evoke and odd combination of excitement and dread that leaves me craving more.

The new DLC is a great example of quality over quantity and is an easy blanket recommendation for any fans of the original game. Newcomers, however, may want to do their homework before pulling the trigger. Because like the devil at the heart of Cuphead, The Delicious Last Course demands your blood, sweat, and soul… where do we sign up?

Mandate of Heaven is an essential part of the Three Kingdoms package, and takes what was already the best grand strategy game on the market, and takes it to loftier heights. There is now so much rewarding complexity to it, that I don’t know that I can return as readily to older games in the series as they seem relatively simple by comparison.

Price point aside, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a technical spectacle on PC, with frame rates that reach the moon or because it’s one of the best-looking games I’ve played on the platform. While the price point is a negotiable evil, the final product is a masterpiece, especially in light of the first game’s PC port coming out a few months ago. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you experience Miles Morales in his first big outing.

Amplitude may not be a perfect game that includes every single thing a fan of the previous games could want, but it certainly met my high overall expectations.

Whether you just plan on stopping by for the story and messing around with friends locally every once in a while, or plan on going hardcore into online play, you’ll have plenty to do, and you’ll have plenty of fun doing it until whenever the next Mortal Kombat game comes out some time in the next generation.

Embrace the jokes, revel in the puns, and do all you can in order to stop Starro’s horrifying plot while keeping Superman’s annoyance to a minimum. Heck, maybe even do all that in the order its written. Above all else, enjoy your stay in Happy Harbor. In a world that always strives to go bigger, it’s more of an escape to remember when superheroes got to be silly too.

It succeeds at what it tries to do. Though not immediately perfect, it hones and improves upon the base game in a way few other DLC expansions could hope to. Newcomers will find a complete package of a game to dig into, while long-time fans can look forward to a finishing touch that makes the whole experience that much more worthwhile.

This is my first true Pikmin experience, and even as a newcomer to the series, I found myself completely enthralled by the vibrant landscapes, intuitive gameplay, and charming characters I encountered on my journey.

Unravel is a story about a family you don’t know and memories you don’t have. Its journey is watching and becoming the force piecing them together, a force that takes shape in a small, humble character named Yarny.

Pentiment is the interactive choose-your-own-adventure story I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I love that I get to immerse myself in the game world without having to stress about button-mashing battles or jump scares. It’s delightfully engaging without being distressingly hard, and I’m loving every minute of it...I’ve never played anything like Pentiment, but I really hope I get to again soon.

I simply loved playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder and don’t think another game this year has made me smile as much as this one. It’s a delightful platformer that continues Mario’s 2D legacy into the future with fresh design concepts and gimmicks you wouldn’t have seen a mile away. Now that Super Mario Bros. Wonder has proved that the 2D Mario format still has fresh new tricks up its sleeve, I’d love to see how they iterate on it in their next games.

If you're not a fan of linear games, you should probably play A Way Out anyway. The game's presentation of a truly co-operative story is sublime, and it makes full use of the video game medium as a method to punctuate the dramatic moments and develop its characters. Like Brothers, A Way Out presents a unique twist to the cinematic story formula, and it sticks the landing.

I’m not even close to having experienced all that Dwarf Fortress has to offer, and I’m excited to see what I can learn next. After all, failure is the mother of learning, so I must have learned a decent amount from Dwarf Fortress.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is further proof that Capcom knows exactly what made these games so beloved in the first place, and longtime fans will find a lot to love in this brilliant recreation of the 2005 classic.

While not everyone has access to a Quest 3 headset, everyone needs to play Batman: Arkham Shadow – it’s that much of a must-have that it’ll be a guaranteed system seller. It admirably transposes the Arkham gameplay loop to VR in a way that harnesses the medium’s idiosyncracies while also retaining the DNA that made the previous games so special. It’s the best VR game I’ve ever laid hands on, and one of 2024’s biggest surprises.

Though the game isn’t purrfect (puns are back on the menu) by any means, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Cat Quest 3. It doesn’t have the most sophisticated story or combat system, but its fantastic potential for exploration and build diversity results in an experience that is hard to peel away from. The feline-inspired whimsical charm and gorgeous sun-kissed visuals make it a world I want to be in far beyond the 10-hour runtime. Whether you’re a cat lover or not, Cat Quest 3 is an all-around good time and is an undeniably charming and wonderful pirate adventure.

When all is said and done, the HD remaster of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is an ideal way to check out this fantastic title. Though it might still suffer from some awkward puzzle logic, those that give it a chance will find a game bursting with creativity and originality they won't soon forget.

The detailed characters and excellent writing tell stories that can be hilarious and heartbreaking and, as Mae, you develop some relationships with people you truly care about. The conversations and little moments that come from hanging out with friends are what make Night in the Woods such a special experience.

Ultimate Team has been made more appealing by a fairer and more rewarding structure, but it’s the gameplay changes that add fluidity, precision, and reliability to the play that make FIFA 19 the best game the series has seen this generation.

With the wacky challenges and amazing location, I can’t deny that Motorfest is not just a fast ride, but a good ride. With your car stereo blasting, and your engine roaring, you will most likely find at least one thing to enjoy about the game. It may not end up being game of the year, but it is a game worth your time.

The 13 years the sequel took have resulted in a game that is fun to play and furthers not only the Alan Wake lore but also makes me incredibly excited for where this universe goes with Control 2. While my playthrough hit a snag that’s since been fixed, I can still honestly say the rest of the game was a delight to play. If you’ve done all you can in the Resident Evil 4 remake and are looking for the next great survival horror to dig your teeth into, Alan Wake 2 is it.

If anything, Clustertruck is a simple, novel idea fleshed out and turned into a viable game. At its current price, it’s also worth every penny, and I can see myself using this for study breaks, a filler game for listening to podcasts, and that’s not counting my current strive to get to the top of the leaderboards.

Dark Souls Remastered is still a masterclass in level design, and it remains the pinnacle of third-person action games. Longtime fans will be pleased with the improved performance on both consoles and PC. And if you’re a newcomer wondering if you should get your feet wet with this entry, the answer is an absolute, resounding ‘Yes.’

F1 2017 builds on what fans loved in the previous game to make it arguably the best Formula One game Codemasters have made since they started creating games for the motorsport series in 2009. Whether you’ve not played one for a few years like myself or enjoyed F1 2016, this provides a worthwhile experience.

Just Cause 3 is a great game plagued by two issues that constantly rear their ugly heads to break up the fun. The unbearable load times and incessant login attempts can often times sap the energy right out of the excitement. Luckily, just a few seconds with the game can bring the life right back for those willing to deal with the constant frustration.

Persona 5 Strikers is proof that change isn't always a bad thing. While it may not hold onto everything that made its forebear a phenomenon, the new elements it brings to the table more than make up for it, and show that the series' future lies in more than just straight-forward turn-based JRPGs.

Gotham Knights is a game that draws its line in the sand very early on and rarely wavers. It is a game that emphasizes the importance of support and empathy while sprinkling in every element we've come to expect and adore from these titles along the way. So no, Gotham Knights is not an Arkham game. It neither needed nor wanted to be. And because of this, it thrives.

Fenix Furia is, if nothing else, a story of perseverance and dedication. Though numerous delays cropped up, pushing the release back more than six months from schedule, Green Lava stuck to their guns. The result is a finely-tuned and much-improved release of a game that was already damn good.

Dishonored 2 is the bigger, badder, and bolder version of the original game, thanks to its densely packed world and wonderfully enjoyable mechanics. Even though the experience only has nine main missions, the amount of replayability and exploration offered allows this title to always feel exciting. This is only enhanced by the interesting characters and story that string each level together.

Nex Machina is up there with Resogun as the best game Housemaque has ever released and is a great throwback to the arcade shooters of old. In terms of presentation and design, it is perfect and its smooth, brutal, and challenging gameplay makes it feel wonderful to play.

A spectacular breath of fresh air for the 40K franchise.

It encapsulates everything that makes those epic dogfights from the movies so magical, and puts you right at the heart of it. From throwbacks to particularly iconic moments to the wailing scream of a TIE Fighter at speed, it's all here and it all looks and feels fantastic.

As phenomenal of an experience as Limbo was, Playdead somehow managed to top it with Inside. It’s a hauntingly beautiful game, especially for how violent and dark it turns by the end. The mechanics, while simple, really cause you to stop and think how all the elements of a puzzle should work together. Although it’s a rather short experience, Inside will undoubtedly keep you thinking hours after you’ve seen the credits roll. You’ll definitely be pondering the implications of what happened, and it’ll make you eager to replay it in case you might have missed anything.

Twelve Minutes is bold in its artistic choices in every aspect of the game. From the top-down camera perspective to the deliberate lack of instruction from the very beginning, Twelve Minutes wants you to figure everything out for yourself and see just how deep the rabbit hole goes. There are drawbacks to this, as exemplified by my own shortcomings when it comes to puzzle games, but it’s also elegant in its simplicity and minimalism. Twelve Minutes is a deliberately introspective game that doesn’t waste its breath on unnecessary exposition or dialogue. Wanting to see all it has to offer may take some effort on the player’s part, but it’s well worth the hard work and investment.

I was treated to an experience that felt much more like a true Star Wars game that happened to be made out of LEGO, than a LEGO Star Wars game. The new gun fights, deeper puzzles, and dogfights that are much more fun than I expected them to be brought me back to the days of great Star Wars action games.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers two adventures' worth of 3D Mario platforming action in one convenient package. Though Super Mario 3D World is a little limited in its QOL improvements, the game still offers over 80 charming levels of platforming action.

Before the Storm’s first episode is an excellent starting chapter for this prequel. With a strong, endearing protagonist in Chloe, a deeper choice and consequence system than the original, and some intriguing mysteries surrounding the story, I found myself invested in Arcadia Bay once again, and it feels hella good.

It isn’t perfect, but it’s much better than what existed before. The new content, namely the raids, subclasses, and progression systems all land exceptionally well.

Not only is the Casting of Frank Stone a fantastic Dead by Daylight game, it's also a fantastic game in its own right.

Aside from the disappointing 2nd Run scenarios, I feel confident in saying that this is the best Resident Evil game ever released. It brings back everything that fans loved from the PS1 classic, and presents it in a fresh, modern way that's both exciting and nostalgic in a modern age.

Ninjala is a surprisingly entertaining free-to-play game that doesn’t require players to pull out their wallets to have a little fun. The microtransactions are all cosmetic, free content is on its way to add even more depth, and the visual style just oozes with charm.

It’s a bespoke marriage of concepts that work together perfectly, and all core elements are finely crafted to create an experience that’s difficult to put down once you really get going.

Monster Hunter will always rule the roost in these areas. What Toukiden Kiwami strives to do though is supplant the giant by focusing upon nail-biting action and tactical formation rather than grinding. In this way, Toukiden Kiwami succeeds in being a game that any fan of taking down immense challenges should keep a close eye upon.

Strange Journey Redux is still a solid dungeon-crawling RPG that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy. Despite the occasional poor dungeon designs, it presents a good balance of difficulty without ever feeling unfair.

While I never found myself all that engaged by the story or its characters –both integral parts in an RPG– I did enjoy the little interludes in between main missions. There are catchy song performances and music videos to bop to, along with cutesy outfits to put on your characters as you progress further.

Though Firewatch hiccuped and jerked its way to a rather flat ending, I’d recommend it all-the-same to anyone who just wants to get lost and explore a beautiful environment, meet a great cast of characters, and escape from the real world for a few hours.

The adventure is full of silly jokes and unique characters, it’s a much longer experience, and the combat is deep and engaging enough that it’s possible to look past the fact that you’ve seen most of it before.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is packed to the brim with content and has that addictive “just one more mission” feel. Though some may find the story to be unserious and shallow, it’s completely accessible and enjoyable to newcomers of the genre like myself while also providing depth and challenge for veterans. Enthusiasts will get hundreds of hours of entertainment out of the game.

I’m glad I got to play this refined version of Super Mario RPG. It’s a game that garnered quite a bit of critical and fan acclaim back when it first released in 1996, and the 2023 remake is a loving recreation that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. While I wish it could’ve been just a little bit more streamlined, it’s hard to complain too much about a game that just makes you smile and feel good for playing it.

The survival horror tropes, linear moments, and emphasis on atmosphere haven't been lost, but Exodus proves that Metro can be much more than a journey through dark and decaying tunnels.

Ask yourself two questions: Did you love the Mortal Kombat 11 campaign and want more? Are you dying to play as Fuijin, Sheeva, and/or RoboCop? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then MK11: Aftermath is a definite buy if you enjoyed the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11. If not, then I’d hold off.

There are a few design and progression issues but, ultimately, Everybody’s Golf is a triumphant return for the series. The golf gameplay is deep yet simple enough to fully understand, there is a huge amount of content both online and off to get stuck into, and the light-hearted tone and style make the world a joy to spend time in. It is the perfect golf game for seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Plants vs. Zombies Battle for Neighborville is a strong foundation and PopCap seems determined to provide updates and events to give fans of the franchise a place to call home.

If you haven’t been a fan before, you won’t be a fan now. There’s not enough new to call this a revamp to the formula; it’s just the same, solid game that it’s always been, returning with the same things you loved or issues you may have felt.

MLB The Show 24 continues to swing for the fences as the best representation of the sport in video game form, and save for a few misses, it always delivers. The outstanding gameplay is enhanced with an elevated presentation in all of the modes, and the storytelling in Storylines is a big draw for those wanting to embrace the game's roots and pay homage to the legends from yesteryear. While Diamond Dynasty can be an acquired taste, and the inclusion of Derek Jeter may not appeal to all, these missteps hardly take the shine of the gem that is MLB The Show 24, and it's time to play ball.

N++ gives fans more of what they want in a more refined, deeper, and prettier package.

Overall, South Park: Snow Day is an absolute blast, full of hilarious little quips and interactions. The various powers and Bullshit Cards are incredibly amusing and add chaos to gameplay that initially seems simple but opens up as you play. If you're looking for a game in which you can sit back, chill out, and enjoy South Park humour in a new way, then Snow Day is a brilliant choice.

Jailhouse Block excels at illustrating the dynamics between all of these characters, and it all comes to a head when the player is finally presented with a heartbreaking choice near the end of the episode.

NHL 17 continues the overall trend of the series, but brings some much-needed new content that builds on what’s already there.

This is the evolution the series needed and provides a promising foundation for the future of the series.

If you’re looking for a great way to kill a few hours with a story-focused psychological horror, you could certainly do worse than Distraint.

So while we wait for things like actual new-generation visuals, the return of Online Franchise, and other oft-requested features, appreciate the effort that went into making MLB The Show 21 cross-platform with seamless cross-play, the new stadium creator, and tweaks that went into making your favorite game mode a bit more enjoyable.

Galak-Z took the simple, addictive gameplay of an arcade space shooter and built something wonderful out of it. A simple game to get into with an underlying complexity that never gets in the way of the fun of the game. Galak-Z is a must play for absolutely everyone.

In almost every way, this is one remastered title that truly captures the magic of the original while also making meaningful improvements.

Spending about six to eight hours in this version of Lithuania is most certainly a trip worth having, even if it is clear that Tag of Joy is setting things up for a sequel. While the narrative rushes through the endgame in a somewhat haphazard fashion, it does not necessarily undo the great work that has paved the way forward to its conclusion. An intriguing tale of adventure that does not necessarily reinvent the wheel, Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit pays homage to its predecessors while creating a modern experience that should appeal to fans, young or old.

At the end of it all, however, episode 2 of The Walking Dead: Michonne is brutal and unforgiving in all the best ways.

A fantastic love letter to its ascension, and as bloated as it may seem to have five editions of SFII (six if you include Tournament Battle), it’s a game that is worth celebrating again and again. And again and again. And one more time, in tournament form.

While a few minor AI and presentational bugs hold it back from being the perfect organism fans have been hoping for, Aliens: Fireteam Elite absolutely nails that one-last-stand thrill of roleplaying a badass marine with your back against the wall battling overwhelmingly insurmountable odds. Let's rock? Aye-firmative.

While it didn’t quite deliver the emphatic finale that Batman and Bruce deserved in terms of pulse-racing content, it did resolve the overarching issues plaguing Gotham and set things up for the seemingly inevitable sequel. And it’s thanks to Telltale’s dedicated efforts in creating a believable, unique, and unpredictable story, that I’m eager for its arrival.

Subject 2923 stumbles in a few spots but overall does an excellent job of wrapping up the story of Remnant: From the Ashes and offers a short but sweet conclusion for the survivors of Earth.

It fares a bit better as a multiplayer game than a single-player one, a standalone entry in a genre that is not known for catering to that demographic. For the lone Casanova, it is still most certainly worth giving a go, so long as you’re aware of its limitations going in.

Of course, fans of the Persona franchise will also love this game. It’s essentially an abridged version of the standard Persona experience. Get that 3DS charger ready, because you have one more wonderful game to finish.

It is clear that Ruined King: A League of Legends Story is a work of love, combining a well-written narrative, engaging characters, and a world worth exploring and experiencing. The combat elements add to a familiar formula, and the turn-based elements are not that hard for anyone to wrap their heads around. Save for a few yet annoying bugs and glitches, it is hard not to see Ruined King: A League of Legends Story as a bonafide breakout hit for Riot Forge and Airship Syndicate.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is 40-or-so hour JRPG experience that’s well worth the time invested. Although its storytelling likely won’t inspire anyone but diehard fans of the comics, it has enough clout to keep franchise newcomers motivated, and importantly, it’s accessible enough for those unfamiliar with the source material to jump in too.

At times, it does feel like Outlast Trials is trying too hard to be shocking. It soon becomes less frightening and more silly. The sadistic mutants become predictable but this doesn't detract from the fun of it all. When playing with a team you get a unique experience I haven't had with other multiplayer horror games.

It cracks into the crowded looter-shooter genre and carves out a niche, all while telling an entertaining story. Its character-building is top-notch, its PvE gameplay is challenging and rewarding, and despite not being a live-service game it comes complete with end-game content that is more robust than most games that are trying to be live-service.

Controller support has vastly improved compared to the first game, with configuration options and game assists available to tailor your experience.

VA-11 Hall-A isn’t a game for everyone, and that’s fine. The simple mechanics, pixel-heavy look, and not-so-interactive story aren’t supposed to cater to every audience. If you’re a fan of story-first games with a minimal challenge and simple gameplay, it’s a great experience.

It might not quite have the substance and complexity in design to elevate the experience to genre-leading heights, but there's so little to fault and so much to love about it that I'm certain, cat lover or not, it shouldn't be missed. Stray is a superb achievement for a debut project from a studio in BlueTwelve that I cannot wait to see more from.

Everybody’s Golf nails the most important thing: hitting the ball feels great. It’s just disappointing that there isn’t anything in the way of multiplayer to test your technique against your friends.