A fun game — one that is utterly spectacular — but Capcom could've done more to evolve the franchise's format.

There's an innocence about DOOM – which might seem like a weird way to describe a game about disemboweling demons – but it beautifully harkens back to an era where games were unashamed to simply be games. I think DOOM might be the most exhilarating experience I've had with a first person shooter on Xbox One, maybe ever.

Between its pacing and general approach to gameplay, Battlefield 1 feels like a return to the series' roots. Rather than a simple World War 1 skin over the traditional Battlefield gameplay, Battlefield 1 successfully adapts its mechanics to the period. With a successful character-driven campaign and a diverse multiplayer sandbox, Battlefield 1 is a timeless return to a once forgotten period in video games.

One needs a certain disposition to appreciate Dark Souls III – a willingness to face setbacks and challenges and then overcome them. Don't expect to play this just like any other action-RPG. If you're going to play this game, it must be on its own terms and as it's meant to be played. That patience will be rewarded with a masterpiece, easily one of the best action and role-playing games of the year.

Yakuza 6: Song of Life is an excellent conclusion to Kazuma Kiryu's story while also improving and streamling the gameplay and exploration.

Pragmata is a genuinely moving look at what it means to be human. The story of Diana’s curiosity and growth sits alongside combat that carves out its own space in a genre full of games that all start to blur together. The hacking system can get messy in the thick of a big fight, but it’s different enough from everything else out there that I’m willing to forgive the moments where it loses its footing.

Vampire Crawlers is a masterclass in what I call the 'sophomore pivot', when the creators of a very successful and beloved first game have to pull off a second title for a rabid fanbase. Poncle has taken the addictive and dopamine driven DNA of Vampire Survivors and successfully reshaped it into a tactical first-person deckbuilder. The "just one more run" magic is fully intact. It's a more methodical approach than it's predecessor, but one that rewards strategy without losing the broken power fantasy we've come to expect from poncle. At under $10 and available on Xbox Game Pass, it's an essential addition to any rogue-like loving gamers library and a perfect handheld title.

If you enjoyed Assassin's Creed IV's naval combat and Assassin Creed Origins' shift to an RPG-like progression system, Odyssey is a match made in Elysium. Odyssey does not revolutionize the franchise, but it's a capable entry that will satisfy fans for dozens and dozens of hours.

It's not a direct reboot of the last Prince of Persia games release, but The Lost Crown is a fun, challenging, and interesting 2D platformer and Metroidvania. There are minor flaws with the story and controls, but overall this is genuinely a great game that you shouldn't immediately write off.

Deathloop is one of Arkane's finest games yet, featuring incredible gameplay, excellent levels, tons of charm, and writing that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Watch out for the overly demanding specs and the occasional performance dip on PC, though.

It's immediately and obviously clear why Rocket League has enjoyed the success it has on PC and PS4. It's just a fun game. Even though tournaments are commonplace, it doesn't ever feel like it's taking itself too seriously. Enjoying yourself is front and center, and it's a refreshing change of pace to many other titles available today.

Psychonauts 2 is a fantastic love letter to fans of the original Psychonauts and 3D platformers. If you're in the mood for a game that offers tons of laughs, thought-provoking storytelling, striking visuals, and fun gameplay, look no further than Psychonauts 2.

Hitman 3 features some of the most complex and most creative levels in the series history while polishing the gameplay to perfection. Unfortunately, it's held back by some hefty paywalls, uneven mission pacing, and some occasional clunky AI.

Fans of the series will feel rewarded for playing this years incarnation and the addition of an official, competitive league is a positive step towards the ever increasing eSports future we live in. It's fun to play, and it's so slick you'd fall over if you stepped on it...But the overall experience is still lacking, and that's down to licensing.

Titanfall 2 barely even distinguishes itself from the first game, with combat that largely feels familiar, and its biggest changes hindered my experience, rather than improved it. I still think Titanfall 2 is far more exciting and dynamic than its closest twitch-FPS competition. However, with its signature feature, Titans, being reduced to little more than squishy power-ups, Titanfall 2 does less to stand out in a busy crowd than Titanfall 1.

Death's Door is a near-flawless isometric action-adventure full of heart, humor, and honest-to-goodness combat excellence.

If anything, Bungie has clearly refined upon the first Destiny, building upon what made the game so good, while avoiding some of its weaknesses. For those who enjoyed Destiny the first time around, Destiny 2 has so much to offer – even for returning players. But at its core, those who weren't fans of the original won't find major revelations in this sequel.

Botany Manor is a lovely little puzzle game that's relaxing, engaging, beautiful, and approachable. It's a great first game from Balloon Studios with a lot of charm, but it's not perfect, and it's even shorter than I expected. Being a day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass, though, makes it stupendously easy to recommend Botany Manor for an afternoon of fun.

With its near-flawless design, Insane Robots is one of the best indie titles of this generation without a doubt.

Iceborne already proved itself to be a spectacular expansion, but the PC release is even better with improved keyboard/mouse controls, up to 4K 60fps, and much more.

Until You Fall will challenge your will to fight, kill you ruthlessly, and bring you back to do it all over again. It's an incredibly beautiful, satisfying roguelite with a killer soundtrack and addicting hack-and-slash gameplay.

With loads of easter eggs and nods to genre-defining classics, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is the ultimate throwback for fans of TMNT: Turtles in Time and the TMNT arcade game. Additionally, a host of critical gameplay enhancements amplify the appeal for a modern audience.

If you don't have a PS4 and have never played a Persona game before, you're in for a treat. If you do have one, you should just pick up Persona 5 Royal and get the best the series has to offer.

XCOM 2 is easily one of the best strategy games currently available on console. It's got a stellar story, with plenty of gameplay elements to keep you intrigued and wanting more. While the game does have a heavy learning curve, and can be quite frustrating at times, it doesn't overly punish you for your mistakes.

If you like expansive RPGs with engaging combat, a beautiful setting, and near-limitless roleplay potential, then Sunless Skies is definitely for you. For just $25, this is one of the best games you can get on PC right now.

From beginning to end, Hi-Fi RUSH is a rhythmic thrill ride replete with stunning art design, fantastically fun gameplay, and a surprisingly evocative narrative of friendship and determination.

Halo Infinite is a phenomenal game that completely exceeded my expectations. By seamlessly blending exciting new elements with Halo's traditional formula, 343 Industries has crafted its magnun opus.

Ōkami HD is a great game which is let down but its difficult brush controls. Luckily, that doesn't take away too much from the experience, and anyone can enjoy the title's gorgeous visuals and powerful story.