If I were to rank the Xenoblade games then I would say Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a step below the original yet a more rewarding experience than Xenoblade Chronicles X. Either way you look at it, what's here is a memorable and impressively epic tale filled with optimism and that's just what the world needs now.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is a masterpiece of a detective game as it manages to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable open-world adventure with an interesting cast, stunning environmental visuals, and highly immersive and engaging sleuthing gameplay. The fact that I was having such an awesome time made dealing with the odd progression issue worth it as I loved taking in all of the sights and stories.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an awesome and unforgettable adventure and I'm happy to say that the Zelda series is still killing it in 2023. With that being said; please, Nintendo: we really need to experience a brand new Hyrule in the next Zelda game.

Even as a huge fan of the series, I'm still in disbelief how incredible of a game Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is. It's so jam-packed with outstanding gameplay and irresistible charm that it has single-handedly become the new gold standard for JRPGs.

Returnal absolutely blew me away with its challenging combat, atmospheric exploration, amazing sound design, and rewarding campaign setup. Housemarque crammed a ton of elements into this experience and everything comes together brilliantly.

Evoland and its clever riff on gaming culture and history is perfect for long-time gamers while Evoland 2 is a fantastic RPG that belongs in the top echelon of indie games. However, this bundle is currently held back by bugs that will hopefully be ironed out soon.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a collection of the best Ace Attorney games yet with a top-notch cast, loads of thrilling cases, and oodles of extras. On top of all that, multiple new gameplay elements reinvigorate the standard formula both in and out of court. In the end, this is a must-buy for fans of the series as well as anyone who enjoys solving a good mystery or 10.

Overall, I'm gushing about how much I loved AI: The Somnium Files. The quality of characters and story mixed with the variety of gameplay and fun investigative segments make it a must-own for fans of Japanese detective games.

When it comes to either VR games or 3D platformers, you can't do much better than Astro Bot: Rescue Mission. In fact, its incredible world and super-satisfying gameplay make it my favourite new game of 2018 so far.

Super Mario 3D World is an excellent game so if you still haven't played it or simply want it on Switch, this will make a wonderful addition to your gaming library. Oh, and you also get a fantastic bonus game with Bowser's Fury so how could you go wrong?

It's awesome. It perfectly nails how progression should be incorporated in video games and its gameplay is an addictive marriage of mining, exploration, platforming, and combat.

Nioh 3 is a superbly enjoyable culmination of action RPG fun and its open environments are bursting with so much rewarding content that it's hard to put it down whenever you start playing. It may be a big change of pace but I'm incredibly happy with everything it offers.

METAL GEAR SOLID DELTA: SNAKE EATER takes an already awesome game and enhances it in profound ways that'll impress everyone from newcomers to long-time fans. It does such a phenomenal job that I wish every remake could remain this true yet be this innovative.

Pokemon Pokopia delivers an adorably joyful experience that unfolds at your own pace and provides a canvas for unbridled creativity.

Forza Horizon 6 combines picturesque Japanese scenery with perfectly tuned racing to create a racer that you'll keep coming back to.

Even with its slight shortcomings, ELDEN RING Shadow of the Erdtree is the best expansion that I've ever played thanks to its unique-feeling world that behaves more like a 1.5 sequel than a mere extension of what players have come to expect.

I'm blown away by how well Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition holds up, especially considering it released almost 5 years ago and I had just as much fun playing through it now than I did back then. Slight visual downgrade aside, this is a near-perfect port.

Everything in God of War Ragnarok is carefully crafted to create a superb experience both cinematically and when it comes to gameplay. It may not break any new ground in the world of gaming but what's here is still undeniably awesome.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is a top-notch flight combat game with one of the best VR implementations that you'll ever have the joy to experience. Simply put, the variety of challenging and memorable missions, breathtaking sights and sounds, fun online multiplayer, and super-tight gameplay make it a must-have game for anyone with a fondness for the genre.

Forza Horizon 5 introduces a larger, more varied map with even more weather effects and interesting challenges. The same enjoyable gameplay hasn't lost its momentum and there's enough to do that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is an impressive experience that will stay with you for a very long time. As you gradually unwrap its intricate game world that's packed with some of the best stage designs ever, the sense of accomplishment is simply unmatched.

Super Mario Odyssey is an incredible adventure that every Mario fan and Switch owner needs to experience. Although it's not quite perfect, what's here is undeniably the next must-have Nintendo masterpiece.

Donkey Kong Bananza is one of the most unique and immensely enjoyable games that I've ever played. Plus, behind its chaotic open-ended gameplay and incredibly imaginative worlds, you'll find a lot of heart.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an impressively challenging RPG with an engaging story and enjoyable adventuring mechanics that will make you want to keep exploring its gorgeous world which is filled with memorable environments, creatures, and characters.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a top-notch RPG with a challenging battle system and varied world. Once I started playing, I couldn't put it down as it continued to capture my imagination with its enjoyable exploration and heartwarming story.

Dead Cells is undoubtedly one of the best games I've played all year. It implements both roguelike and Metroidvania elements divinely and features smooth and exciting combat with controls that will leave you aching for just one more run.

With its frantic new modes and spot-on gameplay, playing Mario Golf: Super Rush is the most amount of fun I've had with a sports game in a very long time. Throw in that iconic Nintendo charm and comprehensive multiplayer and you're left with a hole-in-one.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an absolute joy to play as it's an undeniably rewarding adventure set in a deeply immersive world. Although the experience is weighed down by a few minor problems, the overall journey is one that no gamer will soon forget.