Pentiment's gameplay — or lack thereof — may deter some would-be players, but those who become invested in its lovingly crafted world set in distant past, emotional and human narrative, and gripping murder conspiracy are guaranteed to fall in love.

I loved exploring the dilapidated swamps of the Baker Plantation, exploring each macabre room, perusing each foreboding text file, and desperately diving through each fetid trash can for discarded shotgun shells. The Baker family are brimming with depraved personality and beat out some of the franchise's most staple characters for their demented, violent behavior. Some of RE7's most horrific moments will be burned onto your mind and may take weeks to subside.

Nothing hits quite like crawling your way to a hard-earned exfil after getting absolutely shredded in the raid before. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’ll break your heart, then hand it back to you like an ex-girlfriend you can't quit. From your first boot-shaking sprint across the surface to the moment you start hunting other raiders for sport, every match will leave you wanting another. Hands down, ARC Raiders is my favorite PvP shooter in years.

Nioh 2: The Complete Edition is an excellent Soulslike that features superb combat mechanics, great level design, a beautiful world, and more, and the upgrades and bonuses that come with the Complete Edition are the cherry on top.

Despite how grand Forsaken is, exemplary storytelling is a must nowadays. That's where Forsaken truly fails. Even though the expansion features the most diverse content, the poor storytelling brings down the score.

Between the excellent gameplay and the solid presentation, Mega Man X's return to the market is a strong one.

New features, factions, and gameplay options make Total War: Warhammer 3 a must-play strategy game. Lacking blood at launch was expected, but still disappointing.

Dragon's Dogma 2 is an enigma of a game. Every aspect of it, every system, and every quest is a jigsaw puzzle to solve — that experience will not be for everyone. But it was for me. Playing through Dragon's Dogma 2 without a guide was a truly fantastic experience, with a near constant drip-feed of "eureka!" moments, alongside spectacularly rewarding combat highs. Dragon's Dogma 2 celebrates the patient, and committed. For those looking for a relaxing and straight forward experience, perhaps look elsewhere. And it's certainly true that Dragon's Dogma 2 has flaws — particularly with performance on console. However, for those who want cavernous depth at every turn, Dragon's Dogma 2 may be your game of the year.

From the manner in which every line is delivered and scene is shot, to the smirk on Indy's face when solving a puzzle, it's clear that everyone at MachineGames just gets what makes Indiana Jones so special.

A stellar fighting game and is one of the best ones ever made in my opinion. The depth and variety it offers are unparalleled, even by the likes of Injustice 2, another NetherRealm creation. There are so many characters to customize and master — with many more on the horizon — which should keep you enthralled for months to come.

If you want to be the last man (or woman) standing and wish to play a game closely resembling Battle Royale and The Hunger Games, you'll be hard pressed to find a better game than PUBG, for now.

Observer sets out with a unique premise, delivering a natural psychological horror experience on an unconventional cybernetic canvas. While the depth to its world is welcome, the game still thrives during its brief thrilling encounters, built on the recollections of the insane.

With better exploration, fantastic combat, and emotionally-resonant story, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a must-play adventure marred only by some performance issues.

Dirt 4 is a terrific game, and if you never played last year's release you'll likely be blown away. I just wish there was some kind of defining feature that made Dirt 4 leap ahead of last year's game.

This is still the most complete racing game on Xbox. It's got something for all abilities, enough content to keep you going for a long old time and it's so stunning to look at it massages your eyeballs every time you play.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a celebration of the entire medium, marrying cutting-edge technical innovation, unrestrained user agency in an authentic and immersive experience that transports you to another universe. No game has executed on the promise of gaming like Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt RED's artistic achievement cannot be overstated…Despite an impressive array of bugs and glitches, Cyberpunk 2077 remains an experience without peer. No punches pulled, no platitudes are given, and no compromises are made. Cyberpunk 2077 is an industry highpoint that, simply put, may never be bested. Right now, and without hesitation, I am overjoyed to say Cyberpunk 2077 is everything I've ever wanted from a game. It is the best game I have ever played.

Dressed up as an unassuming blue-collar employment simulator, Hardspace: Shipbreaker actually clamps down on the injustice of a capitalist system where the health and safety of employees is overlooked in favor of just getting the job done. Gameplay can be a little slow, but the narrative payoff is worth the wait.

Slay the Princess is a critically acclaimed visual novel that has enjoyed a ton of positive reception, and now it's on consoles with all-new paths, endings, dialogue, and art. It's an excellent expansion of an already-great game that reminds me of The Stanley Parable in the best, most terrifying way possible. However, the user interface and menus still lack refinement and I encountered several technical issues — I have to review the game as it is now, and it's a little rough around the edges.

Immortal Pillars is a great addition to Age of Mythology: Retold, finally giving the Chinese pantheon its due. New units and God Powers radically shake things up on the battlefield, and while the new campaign is a tad short, the presentation quality and level variety make it well worth playing.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is one of the most fun Capcom JRPGs I've played in ages. It has refined the series' turn-based combat and monster-catching formula with new innovative ideas that kept me hooked for hours, and it has some of the best story and character writing the whole franchise has ever seen. While its reduced Monstie roster and lack of High Rank are disappointing, they should not deter you from enjoying this gem.

The game runs smooth as butter on the Xbox Series X, and loading times were almost nonexistent. The bump to 60 FPS also makes the game just feel so much smoother than its original PS4 incarnation.

World of Warcraft turns 20 years old this year, and despite that, the aging MMORPG is finding its footing again after years of controversial writing and gameplay systems. The War Within continues Dragonflight's positive upward trajectory, with some of the best story telling the genre has ever seen. But big questions remain over some of its systems, and the cadence of updates over time will be what truly determines The War Within's legacy.

Guilty Gear -Strive- will impress longtime fans of the series and has made significant changes to lower the barrier of entry for newcomers, but there might not enough content for some.

Though NHL 20 doesn't show massive improvements in any one area over its predecessor, there are enough additions and refinements to make it worth exploring.

Introducing a new depth of variety and replayability to its sandboxes, Hitman's experiences are now more enjoyable and fulfilling than ever before. Although this can lead to a short experience for some, the content on offer is some of the highest quality since the game's conception.

Lies of P had me hooked from the get-go, and it never let up. The combat system has a ton of layers of complexity, the bosses are fiercely difficult but provide immense catharsis once you have beaten them, the character customization systems are addictive and the story was an entertaining, dark reimagining of Pinocchio. If you’re a fan of Soulslikes or challenging action-RPGs with a grim setting, then I highly recommend grabbing this title when you get the chance.

Sacrifices had to be made, but the gamble of chopping off a short single player campaign to focus on multiplayer modes that will offer many more hours of fun has paid off. Multiplayer and Zombies are much better off because of it, and newcomer Blackout sets Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 up as the most well-rounded multiplayer shooter of the year.

Considering I spent 112 hours in Assassin's Creed Shadows before setting the controller down, this game isn't much smaller than its predecessor — but it is far less bloated and far more focused. The best visuals, gameplay, and game design to come out of Ubisoft in years makes Assassin's Creed Shadows one of 2025's greatest games so far. I just hope Ubisoft learns the right lessons from it.

With grander scope and scale than its predecessor, Frostpunk 2 asks players to not only survive but thrive. You're not trying to make it just one more night, you're actively building for the future, either with the cooperation of or in opposition to the communities that you're protecting. It's a huge leap, and one that 11 bit studios (mostly) handles with aplomb.

With DOOM: The Dark Ages, id Software proves it can still reinvent the wheel, shaking up numerous aspects of gameplay, exchanging elaborate platforming for brutal on-the-ground action, as well as the ability to soar on a dragon's back or stomp around in a giant mech. The story is silly, but it fits the over-the-top tone of the Slayer's war against demons. It's still just as fun to rip and tear as it always has been.

Solium Infernum does a great job capturing the machinations of Hell's denizens in a fun strategy game that doesn't overstay its welcome. Amazing artwork and some unique mechanics help it to shine, though some tedious systems drag the pace down in longer games.

Tunic's world is as mysterious as it is beautiful. The world is a treasure trove of puzzles to solve coupled with a myriad of bosses determined to test your fortitude.

The Outer Worlds is an utterly tremendous achievement that showcases the best of Obsidian's writing wit, world-building detail, and character focus. The game borrows heavily from other major beloved RPG franchises that have fallen out of favor with shareholders in recent years, which is perhaps ironic given the game's extreme-Capitalism plot beats. Obsidian fills that forgotten niche with confidence and rigor.

I absolutely adored Live A Live from start to finish with its beautiful presentation, enthralling soundtrack, engaging combat system, and plentiful short stories. From light-hearted adventures to heart-breaking tragedies, nearly every story in this game had me invested in their well-written plots and characters. This game is a must-have for any JRPG enthusiast whether they’re a newcomer or a stalwart fan of Square Enix’s 16-bit era titles.

The first Citizen Sleeper used beautiful, haunting lines of prose to thread together a deep, engrossing world, and its sequel builds on that with refined gameplay and more locations to explore. It's almost the perfect sequel to one of my favorite Xbox Game Pass titles, but a wider world does mean a little less depth as well.

Football Manager may be an annual release, but Sports Interactive continues to find ways to improve the best footy management sim out there. This is the installment to get back into the swing of things.

Stuck on a remote planet far away from home, The Alters tasks players with helping Jan Dolski to survive by creating clones of himself who have experienced different life choices, changing the core of who he became. With each new Alter comes new motives, memories, and skills that can help and also hinder the survival effort. Its a truly tasking challenge to keep everybody on the same page to survive, but it is also a mind-bending narrative that forces us to look at some of the most intense parts of human nature and what it means to become who we are.

A Plague: Tale Requiem is a positively gorgeous, perfectly expanded sequel to A Plague Tale: Innocence and is a great conclusion to the story of Amicia and Hugo. Despite some minor complaints and a world that sometimes feels too lifeless, A Plague Tale: Requiem is an absolute must-play title in 2022.

he Witch Queen offers Destiny 2's best campaign to date, an exciting new weapon archetype in the Glaive, and takes its first steps in revitalizing the Light Subclasses in line with Beyond Light's Stasis Subclass with Void 3.0. It also adds the enticing prospect of weapon crafting, which is unfortunately hampered by extremely grind-y requirements to truly experience the most weapon crafting has to offer as well as a raid that could be the most convoluted yet.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a masterfully crafted hardcore stealth title that offers a fun, challenging, and fair experience set in the thick of feudal Japan. Despite some issues, the game's excellent gameplay, superb art and music, and strong writing all help to make Shadow Tactics one of the leading stealth titles of this generation.

Gears of War: Reloaded is an interesting case study, being the second time the same studio has remastered a game. The improved visuals and additional options mean it's better than ever, even if it plays things a little safe.

Desperados III is the game I never knew I needed. A perfect blend of satisfying Wild West tropes, a surprisingly compelling story, and an endlessly-gratifying tactical layer that will make you feel like the architect of a bandit-murdering Rube Goldberg machine. With guns.

Although the first Project Cars didn't quite capture the hearts of mainstream gamers, the sequel has a much better shot thanks to its polished career mode, wealth of motorsport types, and unparalleled track selection. The difficulty is still on the unapproachable side, but racing sim fans will likely stick it out anyway. I'll be surprised if Forza 7 doesn't top this one overall, but it's still great to have options – especially one that appears on both Xbox and PlayStation.

There are few other games like Kentucky Route Zero. The point-and-click/text-based adventure captures the economic anxieties and the loneliness of America in 2020, but it still manages to be hopeful amongst the tragedy. You don't want to miss this.

Two Point Museum is everything you expect and love about a Two Point County game, wth classic characters from the franchise returning for a good history lesson. But Two Point Studios, the developers behind the series, fail to learn from the past and continue to skimp out on subtitles while still missing the mark on controller mapping.

A hilarious, entertaining role-playing game that is sure to entertain fans of the popular TV show for hours upon hours. Thanks to a strategic combat system, perfect presentation and excellent writing, The Fractured But Hole easily overcomes its shortcomings and stands as one of 2017's best RPGs so far.

This game is worth every penny of the $50 you'll need to shell out to enjoy it on your PC through Steam, and it's my sincere hope that the popularity of this title on Steam is the start of an increased focus on PC players from Sony.

Wasteland 3 feels like it spits in the face the very idea of what a video game is supposed to be in 2020. A carnival of unfiltered violence, relentless and deliciously twisted dark humor, and a sprawling nervous system built of optional narrative branches the vast majority of players may never even see. Wasteland 3 scathingly satirizes the dark underbelly of humanity, while giving you the freedom to embrace the apocalypse or bring hope to a shattered world. This is gaming at its most punk. Raw and unapologetic, but never heartless….This is Wasteland 3, my favorite RPG in years, and quite possibly, my top game of the generation.

While the return to BioShock's unsettling universe is enjoyable, it's hard to recommend the collection to fans of the original. With only a slight graphical boost, the changes BioShock: The Collection introduces are welcome, but don't warrant a second playthrough for most.

Prey might not be the prettiest game, but it's among the most atmospheric. Arkane Studios has proven itself time and time again to be comprised of world-class world builders. Prey is no different. If you're a fan of Dead Space, Deus Ex, or Bioshock, you simply have to buy this game.

The fact that Gears 5 manages to jam a truly "AAA" 12-18 hour campaign, several multiplayer modes, a map editor, and the promise of post-launch support represents one of the best deals in gaming right now. It's an even better value when you factor in Xbox Game Pass. The future of Gears of War has never been so bright — and sure, there's room for improvement, but this is the evolution that the franchise desperately needed.

Forza Motorsport (2023) isn't just a new beginning for the legendary simulation racing franchise, it also represents a previously unreached peak for the series. Turn 10 Studios have done an incredible job delivering one of the best core driving experiences of any game, but not everything has been properly rebuilt from the ground up.

Mortal Kombat successfully resets the timeline with a strong campaign and fun gameplay. Not everything receives the same care and attention, as customization in multiplayer leaves a fair bit to be desired, with microtransactions aplenty. It's still a game worthy of the Mortal Kombat name however, and a great excuse to test your might by yourself or with friends.

Gears of War 4 just feels great. It feels like the return of an old friend, and The Coalition masterfully weave that nostalgia into the game without smothering us in it exploitatively — which is something they very easily could have done. Gears of War 4's greatest moments can be found in between the lines. They're in the shadows of familiar silhouettes, in the tones of nostalgic sound effects, in every COG tag you find scattered around the battlefield, and every ridiculous, over-the-top set piece.

It's a shame that it suffers from so much tearing. It's admirable that Codemasters wanted to keep a high frame rate going, and that much is fact. But it's hard to deny how horribly distracting they are when they come...Everywhere else, F1 2017 is a thoroughly enjoyable, deeply engrossing experience that both fans and newcomers will enjoy.

Gorogoa is the perfect mix of story, gameplay, and aesthetic that all come together in order to form a truly beautiful experience. Between the simple but charming narrative, the creative and satisfying puzzle design, and the breathtaking hand-drawn artwork, Gorogoa is a wonderful puzzle game that will amaze all who choose to play it.

F1 2018, just as with last year's game, is a game worthy of your attention and something fans of the franchise will love. It's stunning to look at, excellent fun to drive in, and the single-player mode has more than enough depth to keep keener players entertained.

Two Point Studios has managed to take a management scenario that would otherwise seem incredibly boring and turn it into a simulator that is both fun and funny to play.

Evocative, atmospherically stunning, and endlessly addictive. Frostpunk is now the best strategy simulation game on Xbox One.

Capcom's new franchise takes another stab at combining action and strategy game genres, and it does so with great success. This tower-defense-like pits you against varied hordes of enemies across diverse challenge stages dripping with style, and it's a lot of fun to conquer. It can sometimes be frustrating more than invigorating, though.

Guardians of the Galaxy looks good, sounds great, plays well, and above all else, is an authentic experience based on Marvel's misfits.

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider builds on an already established foundation for both storytelling and gameplay mechanics after two main releases. This latest expansion leverages several of Dishonored 2's biggest strengths into a much more condensed form factor, without compromising on the core philosophies of its predecessors. Even after stripping out some of the complexities of full games, Death of the Outsider still has much of the substance of a full Dishonored experience.

Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a very solid collection of party games. In fact, it's probably the best entry in the series. Only one game is a real dud, with the other four games offering plenty of chances for hilarity. Fibbage About You is a clever spin on the already great game of Fibbage. It's also great to see the production values and moderation tools continue to improve with each installment. Break out Jackbox Party Pack 4 at your next social gathering (or livestream) and everybody's guaranteed to have a good time.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a fun and nostalgic gore-fest that will satisfy fans of the tabletop classic and retro first-person shooters. The fast-paced gunplay combat is challenging and enjoyable, with plenty of entertaining weapons for blowing enemies up. Its 2.5D pixel-art graphics are particularly gorgeous, oozing charm and adoration for the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Streets of Rage 4 delivers a powerful celebration of brawling nostalgia with a host of great modes and distinct characters.

A rewarding and addictive sim that must not be missed.

Tales of Arise sets a new gold standard for traditional action JRPGs. This stylized adventure's presentation and lavish production is a treat for anime fans and RPG enthusiasts, and it brings new life to the long-running Tales series.

There has been a range of mixed feelings about what Blizzard has put on offer with Vessel of Hatred. Just as the story starts to ramp up, it ends quite abruptly, leaving you with the sour taste of knowing you'll need to pay another $40 next year if you want the conclusion. Some of the new features, like mercenaries, feel a tad underbaked. And the new dungeons are still littered with the same choring events from the base game, with many of the same enemies and even the same layouts in some cases. But, the 4-6 hour story has some incredible highs. The new Spiritborn class is incredibly fun to play, and the game's artwork and music direction continue to be a strong suit for Blizzard. But too much of Vessel of Hatred's base experience is undermined by the story's pacing, which runs you through its major events and new characters with a breakneck cadence. And right at the end, it sends you back to grind out more Helltides and familiar dungeons, begging the question of how much here is actually "new." For every new angle in the endgame loop, there are new bugs and balance issues that frustrate the experience. Blizzard is working fast to correct them, but it's only possible to review what's on offer today, and what's on offer today isn't very polished.

Thimbleweed Park is a fun and challenging point-and-click adventure game. With a great noir feel, a cast of interesting characters, and tons to explore, this game is great for old fans of the genre and new fans alike. There is a ton to see, do and interact with, delivering a fantastic all-around game.

There is some wonky balancing and AI logic evident, but Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is an absolute joy to play. Just be sure your PC can handle the requirements in order to get the full experience.

IO Interactive set out to perfect the assassination sandbox with Hitman 2. Though the studio fell short, Hitman 2 is a commendable stealth experience that fans of the series shouldn't miss out on. Its future now rests in whether or not its Ghost Mode and celebrity elusive targets can hold people's attention.

While the absence of being able to select from a roster of heroes pains me, the across-the-board gains to other gameplay systems, as a result, pay off. Especially after the disaster that was Dynasty Warriors 9, Origins gets Omega Force back to their roots in a way I didn't know I craved. A must-buy for any fan of the series.

Jusant is peaceful and relaxing, easing you into a quiet mood of contemplation and wonder. It's beautiful from every angle, engaging to play, and tells an intriguing tale filled with a surprising amount of magic. The occasional bug, stutter, or moment of frustration only briefly interrupt Jusant's aura of calm.

Control's story has a great premise, but its characters leave a lot to be desired.

While a couple of things could've been tweaked to provide a longer experience, Capcom provides a fantastic survival horror remake that carefully balances the action with the terror. You will fear Nemesis.

Football Manager 2024 continues in its tradition of being the premier football management game. It provides the same addictiveness and familiarity of the previous games, whilst bringing solid improvements to make a slightly stale yearly release feel worth the investment.

FFXV mostly delivers. While it takes some getting used to, its combat is infectious and fun. Its artwork is utterly breathtaking, and some of its set pieces are awe-inspiring. Its characters are fun and memorable, and the plot is engaging enough to keep pushing you forward. FFXV trips over its own character lore on occasion, with key details either missing or poorly explained, but it's not enough to hinder the experience as a whole.

Two Point Hospital is the sequel fans of Theme Hospital have wanted for 2018. It brings the health tycoon game up-to-date with better graphics, enhanced gameplay, and new features.

The NieR Replicant remake is an excellent action RPG with one of the best game stories ever and updated combat, but it's not without a few problems.

When I play COD campaigns, I tend to do a one-shot veteran play through and then call it a day. I’m not keen on replaying the campaign beyond the story itself, and it's Multiplayer and Zombies where I spend most of my time. It's those modes where Black Ops 6 shines the brightest. I’ve had an incredible time playing Black Ops 6 at launch. So much that I could easily have been content with the multiplayer maps and Zombies gameplay offered at launch all the way up until whatever Call of Duty 2025 turns out to be is announced. Yet somehow, I get to sit here and know that there are going to be around 6 seasons of new content heading our way in the coming year. More maps to explore, new weapons to try—and that’s without even considering Warzone integration, which is merely weeks away. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Black Ops 6.

If you enjoy fast-paced strategy games, than Overcooked 2 is guaranteed to give you a good time, though I think anyone can have fun with this game due to how simple the basics are, how lighthearted the tone is, and the fact that the game doesn't really get hard until later on. People who can't multitask well will admittedly struggle, but in general, I still think Overcooked 2 is definitely a title you should pick up.

If not for the clumsiness of the new moves and the hair-pullingly hard bonus stages, it would be a perfect game. But Sonic Mania is still a long, wonderful return to form for the series that fans and newcomers alike should enjoy. Hopefully the upcoming Sonic Forces can maintain this level of quality, like Sonic deserves.

The Bayonetta & Vanquish Bundle contains two amazing games, but the visuals are quite dated.

This is truly a special game. It's obvious that Hogwarts Legacy was made by passionate Harry Potter fans for passionate Harry Potter fans as there are plenty of Easter eggs to discover, magical abilities to unlock, and fantastical experiences to uncover. However, the game is not so obtuse as to push away newcomers or those who haven't engaged with Harry Potter lore in a while.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a reminder of how good platformers can be when in the right hands. Taking you through several diverse dimensions with their own unique challenges, Crash Bandicoot 4 combines responsive controls and a gorgeous art style to create an exciting adventure. Do I remember the story? Not too much, but the gameplay is where Crash shines. A new Modern mode in addition to its Retro mode makes it even more accessible for everyone.

WWE 2K24 may not offer much in the way of new content for die-hard fans of the franchise, but what it does offer is a great re-entry point for fans revisiting WWE games. Full to the brim with different game modes and the option of playing your favorite WWE Superstar or creating your own story, WWE 2K24 transported me back to my teenage years with the franchise, with a special bit of polish.

World's Edge and its partners successfully revive the most underrated Age of Empires game with the launch of Age of Mythology: Retold. More than a pure definitive edition, this classic strategy game gets a full-blown remake with smart gameplay changes and a bevy of options to make it approachable. Aside from a few bugs and glitches that should be addressed, it's a phenomenal game for RTS fans to sink their teeth into.

Starfield has been an absolute mission of a game to review. I shouldn't need to emphasize just how big this game is. It's a Bethesda game, and it spans a large quadrant of our very own Milky Way galaxy, with hundreds of star systems and around a thousand planets of potential gameplay experiences. Starfield pushes Creation Engine to its absolute limits, and for sure, the cracks of age are starting to show. While aspects of Starfield could've used more iteration from a design standpoint, it's ultimately one of Bethesda's most cinematic and impressive titles to date. With incredible writing, slow-burn stories that snowball into some of Bethesda's most immense moments, and tight RPG FPS combat that thrills in ship-to-ship battles, boots-on-the-ground firefights, and zero-g death ballets — Starfield is a landmark experience, with a bright future ahead of it.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon swaps out its long-running protagonist and gameplay tropes to magnificent results. The team at Sega has crafted one of the most absurd, most entertaining, and most fun JRPG I've played in years.

ABZÛ is a short but utterly engaging experience. Not only does it let players discover an undersea world, it does so with impeccable artistry. There's just so much undersea animal and plant life, all of it colorful and exciting. Remember how beautiful the pot dealer in American Beauty thought plastic bags were? That's the level of beauty that ABZÛ actually achieves.

The only thing holding NecroDancer back from being a perfect game is the difficulty of playing as some characters. But don't let the difficulty dissuade you – rhythm role-playing games simply don't get any better than this.

Blizzard clearly learned from the mistakes from Battle for Azeroth's endgame launch state, injecting piles of content that actually contribute to player power in meaningful ways. On the one hand, the time gating on the story elements is irritating, but it's not like most players will find themselves short of things to do. Shadowlands has some of the most stunning art in the game's lengthy history, and the cinematic treatment represents a step up for the studio. Despite balance issues, Shadowlands may end up among the likes of Legion and The Burning Crusade as one of the game's best expansions to date — if Blizzard listens to its players, rather than its shareholders.

For anyone who grew up with a love of action movies, Superhot's value can be found in the concept alone. The game has managed to capture the choreographed combat of classic action movies and implement this into an interactive scenario. Superhot is among the best indie games available on the Xbox One, successfully executing a unique and innovative idea.

Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts will appreciate the finer details, but anyone that just wants to carve a path through teeming alien mobs will have a lot of fun, especially if they're playing in co-op. There are some technical problems to address, but with a robust roadmap of new missions and enemies in the coming months, I'm looking forward to taking up arms with the Emperor's Angels again and again.

Path of Exile isn't a mega-budget game like Diablo, but you'd hardly know it.

Forge of the Chaos Dwarfs is a must-buy DLC for any fans of strategy games looking to challenge themselves, but the difficulty and higher price tag should be noted.

Helldivers 2 is a fantastic co-op game where anything can and will go wrong, thanks to several clever design choices. Calling in orbital bombardments while laying waste to alien swarms and robot armies has never been more fun. However, server capacity remains an ongoing problem for anyone looking to get in.

The Plucky Squire combines 2D action-adventure with 3D platforming for a 4th wall breaking good time while serving as a family-friendly love letter to the art and literature that creatively inspires us.