Nioh 3's consistently rewarding approach to open-world design, combined with its entertaining Ninja gameplay style, cements it as the best entry in the franchise.
High on Life 2 is the kind of game that you can put on, laugh at for a while, and forget what's troubling you, even though reminders might slip in through the pointed social commentary.
Reanimal is a simple game with a challenging subject matter, and neither great as a shared experience nor fun. But, it is thought-provoking and stimulating, and if you can stomach it, Tarsier Studios has created something worth wrestling with.
Blasphemous 2 takes inspiration from those that came before it, but by intertwining a gorgeous art style, enticing exploration, and rewarding combat, it rises above the horde of Castlevania-inspired action titles.
Whether you choose peace or something less savory, Baldur’s Gate 3’s intricate writing and impressive emphasis on experimentation make it one of the most unforgettable games in the genre.
Between the cast's fantastic performances, a fun twist on Greek mythology, and a genuinely novel game mechanic, Stray Gods is a game I didn't know I needed, but one I'm happy to give a standing ovation to.
Exoprimal may be feature-thin, but its creative subversion of expectations impressed me and I hope others study its approach to telling a robust narrative within a multiplayer framework.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons has some aggravating design choices that prevent it from soaring as high as it could, but this is a respectable return for the Lee brothers.
Remnant II ultimately doesn’t do enough to separate itself from the genres and games that inspired it, but its third-person shooter take on mechanics and ideas borrowed from the Souls games continues to be solid.
Mr. Run and Jump may look unassuming on the surface, but the challenges that await will have you screaming in frustration up until the moment they have you shouting in triumph.
Even if the narrative of The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie falls short compared to past entries, it still stands above most other games in the genre.
AEW: Fight Forever mostly delivers on providing enjoyable arcade-style wrestling. However, the overall package is far from elite, making it a mid-card competitor with a main event price tag.
While Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life is a welcome update to a classic farm sim, stripping away nostalgic fondness leaves you with an experience that feels lacking in the genre's modern landscape.
Soaked in dark sci-fi environments and human personalities, Aliens: Dark Descent nails the hallmarks of an Alien title and executes much of its squad-based gameplay.
There's a linear action game in Final Fantasy XVI, and it's the highlight of the experience. But standard RPG tropes slow it down. Still, it's a Final Fantasy worth experiencing.