Monster Hunter Rise on PC is the definitive version of an excellent entry in this long running franchise and whether you are a veteran of the series or a rookie, looking to jump in for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab a weapon and start hunting some monsters.

With added quality of life features and improved pacing, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative is an impressive follow up to an underrated gem and one that should be on the radar of anyone who appreciates compelling stories in their video games.

I’ve said it on the podcast a few times, I love Fae Farm. Having the 4-player coop is truly icing on the cake as these games are so much more fun with friends, being able to divide and conquer to accomplish tasks is the preferred way to play these cozy games for me. Fae Farm has managed to breach my top 10 list for 2023 which any REAL gamer knows is just an absolutely bananas year for the medium. Not every game has to have realistic graphics, all-star voice casting or even an animal mascot and I think Fae Farm proves that in a year of bangers just being a fun, smart, cozy game can be enough to stand out.

Fans of the arcade beat ‘em ups of past would regret passing this one by. It is a simple, yet deceptively in-depth brawler that keeps you coming back for more; and thankfully it just keeps on giving.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 is everything a sequel should be. It builds on the strengths of the original with its stylish visuals, tight controls and a fluid combat engine that reminds me of how I felt when I was playing some of my favorite 2D platformers in the past. If not for the low degree of challenge and obnoxious Amiibo addition, it could’ve been a perfect game.

An incredibly robust package that will please any racing game fan. Even players not so keen on simulation owe it to themselves to check it out. There is so much content included on the disc that you could literally spend months trying to see it all. Combine that with outstanding presentation and truly spectacular handling and you have the definitive car-driving simulator.

The only drawbacks to GUN are the short story mode; the main campaign can be completed in less than six hours, and the extremely frustrating final boss.

Doom Eternal is an outstanding entry in the series marredby a few setbacks. There is a ton of content including one of the best shooter campaigns I have played this generation. The push and pull method of the combat is addictive to master and a blast to play. Everything looks and sounds fantastic and this is a game that makes me smile as a fan since the beginning. While the generation may be coming to an end, Doom Eternal is one of the games that will send it off with a bang.

Whatever reason you haven’t played this, it is time to finally dive in, and for those like me who already beat it to death on previous consoles, it is more than worth jumping back into. It really is one of the best releases and the ideal way to craft a remaster.

Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is a masterpiece of game design, and one of the forgotten gems of the PS2 era. I can’t recommend it enough, and it stands head and shoulders above other remakes on how to get the job done. For those that never experienced the original it is a must buy, but even for those with fond memories of the glorious Vanillaware classic, this package is more than worth a second dip.

Zen Studios has done a great job with this table that both pinball and Portal fans can enjoy.

It’s dark, gritty, 80’s style vibe goes extremely well with the parkour elements and questing. All these elements add up to take the zombie genre to a new level, one I just can’t seem to get enough of.

A remarkably spare looking spatial puzzle game, Echochrome delivers challenging gameplay and innovation. As a truly unique experience, Echochrome is hard not to recommend. A dash of Lemmings with a whole lot of M.C. Escher, I think the latter would be proud.

Perhaps the best part of the new Legacy mode is the sheer volume of stat tracking.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is an impressive first effort by Sega to re-ignite their classic franchises. The year of the ninja has delivered, and if the rest of their lineup is this good, we are in for a treat. The campaign is short enough to digest, long enough to keep players coming back, and overall is just a blast to play. Even if you don’t have nostalgia for the original games, this is worth checking out. Now bring back Eternal Champions cowards!

While the game still is pretty fantastic, it just does not hold my attention the way it originally did. That’s not saying the game is bad, not in the least. I just played it a ton seven years ago and the remastered version just served me as a reminder of how much fun I had playing the game. Even if it is now outdated.

Spider-Man 2 is easily the best PlayStation first party game this year. I went from thinking it wouldn’t make my game of the year (to be fair it has been a stellar year) to definitely being on my list. Insomniac has truly evolved this series into the best franchise currently on the PlayStation platform.

The only sore spot in the game is the controls, I commend EA for doing a wonderful job, but because of how fast paced C&C can be you will have to wrestle with them for a little while until you can get them all down.

This game has single-handedly stolen my soul since it arrived at my doorstep and I find myself needing to level up once a night, much like my wife and her World of Warcraft addiction.

Death’s Door is a wonderful experience that should not be missed. Don’t be scared off by the comparison to the Souls games. Sure it shares a few mechanics from those, but it feels more like a macabre interpretation of Zelda with some Souls twists. I simply adore this title and cannot wait for others to experience it. It is one of the best games I have played this year and it will likely be top of mind when the awards of 2021 come up. Do not sleep on this title.

PC players that have already played the game and DLC are the ones that will maybe think twice before going through it again, while Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players will get the most out of it.

Overall Forza Horizon 4 is the greatest game I feel just kind of meh about. I mean there is absolutely nothing wrong with so many aspects of this title. It is polished, fun, smooth, and gorgeous. I think I am just growing tired of its structure. Still it feels like this title may see more updates than any previous entry. It has dozens of hours of content already packed into it. It is visually stunning and a blast to play with friends. It is hard not to love what Horizon 4 does.

Neva is quite the masterpiece of a video game. With its breathtaking art direction, engaging gameplay and moving narrative it is a game that will resonate with players on a personal level much like this years Tales of Kenzara: Zau. I have always heard great things about Nomada Studio’s Gris but I never game it a shot. Based on how good Neva is, I really feel like I am missing out and plan to correct that mistake in the very near future.

This is an instant classic in my eyes.

The pure adrenaline rush that you get from any level in this game is amazing, the mission structure actually keeps you entertained, and the presentation and top-notch AI really draw the player into the game world.

It once again showcases that there are so many games and so many ways to deliver and experience them; and this is one experience you can’t afford to miss.

Raiden Fighters Aces is a shooter fans dream come true. It packs all three Raiden Fighters games in one disc and offers three different game modes for each title. Throw in a training mode and a ton of options and you get one incredible gaming experience.

Overall, this game is a dream come true for an old school, 8 bit gamer like myself. From the difficulty level, to the nostalgic graphics and sound, it's everything I could want from a new Mega Man title.