Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree is quite reminiscent of other similar From Software DLCs like Bloodborne’s The Old Hunters, which adds meaty content and elevates the overall experience even further. Shadow of the Erdtree is a triumph for From Software, and if you thought that the Elden Ring experience could not be elevated, you are deathly wrong. Between all of the additional content here that the DLC provides, there’s so much to see and do that can easily run you tens of hours, even hundreds, simply because of the difficulty level alone. That said, the content does not feel tacked on at all, and, true to From Software tradition, is weaved into the basic fabric of the game, consequently enriching the experience.
PlayStation has once again worked its magic, delivering a confident GOTY contender and one of the best experiences this year. Despite its simplicity, the game is supremely fun, and perhaps the highest compliment I can give is that you’ll play through the entire game with a smile on your face. Astro Bot proves that games do not need extremely bloated budgets and development times to succeed when you are laser-focused on fun and quality.
As if it were any question, Monster Hunter Wilds, simply put, is peak Monster Hunter and also its most accessible and confident entry yet. Capcom has hit a home run here, and the game is easily a rather strong Game of the Year contender this early into 2025. Monster hunts are exhilarating, further enhanced by the new techniques like Power Clash added to the game. Both offensive and defensive playstyles are rewarded, and weapons have new intricacies that add depth to an already deep game. That said, newcomers should not be intimidated because Monster Hunter Wilds has an excellent onboarding system that offers a smooth and gradual difficulty curve until it throws you off the edge come High Rank.
As good as it gets for an SRPG, Unicorn Overlord fills a gap in the gaming season with its admirable package of gameplay, visual and audio design, and, to a lesser extent, storytelling. Hours and hours will be poured into finding the perfect squads and classes, valuable relationships will be built, and a continent once plunged into strife will find its feet again. Vanillaware continues to show its prowess at building experiences in genres it isn’t exactly well-known for, and kudos to the studio for paying attention to the right stuff, and creating a game that will likely become a classic and a standard bearer.
Overall, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a superb entry from Capcom that players have to contend with on two fronts. On one hand, the combat and gameplay experience is top-notch. Exploration is encouraged, the world is intriguing, and the sense of discovery is just phenomenal. There aren’t a lot of games that can successfully do this, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 does it effortlessly, and in spades. On the other hand, and equally as important, is if you, as a player, can contend and deal with its frustrating and unapologetically “old-school” mechanics. With games in this day and age focusing more and more on hand-holding and with some respecting your time more, there are some features in Capcom’s latest that will really grind your gears. How much are you willing to sacrifice to deal with them?
Hellblade 2 is a triumph in masterful storytelling and impeccable audio design for Ninja Theory. It is an emotionally powerful experience that depicts a sensitive subject that is hardly talked about in the medium. To achieve this, the game stripped out several features and systems like combat and exploration in favor of a deeper narrative affair. This is not for everyone, but it is something I would encourage everyone to try at least try out.
Overall, the Castlevania Dominus Collection is an easy recommendation as it compiles three fine entries in this legendary series. While they aren’t exactly new entries, experiencing Order of Ecclesia, Portrait of Ruin, and Dawn of Sorrow in modern consoles with fantastic upgrades is an offer we would never refuse.
The Plucky Squire is a creative triumph and certainly lives up to the hype ever since it was first announced. The full experience is wonderful, often employing a change of mechanics from one level to the next, keeping players on their toes with fresh gameplay. The Plucky Squire deserves a spot on anyone's list of titles to look forward to this year. It is a refreshing game amidst the barrage of AAA titles, and certainly a reminder that falling back to depend on a creatively fun and polished experience can do no wrong.
It wasn't easy, and after facing a lot of uncertainty and criticism months before its release, Bloober Team has delivered a fantastic remake of a definite horror classic in Silent Hill 2 Remake. The pressure to overcome the odds must have been crippling, but the team has successfully captured the soul of the original and has modernized it with care, resulting in a must-play entry for the series that has been long dormant. From the stunning visuals to the haunting atmosphere and even the immersive audio design, the Silent Hill 2 Remake is a definite addition to gaming libraries everywhere, as its psychological spin on the genre is a testament to the legacy it left behind.
Doom: The Dark Ages is another standout release from id Software. It showcases a bold departure from Doom Eternal’s gameplay foundations while innovating on the tried-and-true FPS formula. While the action remains fast-paced and visceral, this installment embraces a more grounded approach, delivering impactful and satisfying combat with every strike. Doom: The Dark Ages is a hellishly spectacular experience and possibly worthy of Game of the Year nods. While Doom Eternal purists may find its more deliberate combat style a departure from previous entries, the game stands confidently alongside its predecessors as a must-play for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach builds meaningfully upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, delivering a more dynamic and visually arresting sequel anchored by an emotional narrative that doesn't let go until the finish. It invites returning porters and newcomers alike to rediscover its strange, beautiful world with a renewed sense of wonder, reminding us that Kojima magic is very much alive. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is absolutely essential and a must-play title that could easily get Game of the Year nods yet again. Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions have delivered a unique and gripping experience, guiding us through the wilderness and reminding us that every step, no matter how uncertain, brings us closer to connection.
Stellar Blade is an extremely impressive debut from Shift Up, serving up a combination of dynamic combat with visuals and animations that pay extreme attention to detail. Eve's adventure is dressed up with the wrappings of a masterful soundtrack that resonates long after the game is finished, and there's enough content to warrant a more thorough playthrough the second time around. Stellar Blade's story is sadly predictable, and characters like Eve prove hard to form an emotional connection with due to their relatively flat personalities, but the world and lore are intriguing enough to create more properties should the developers choose to do so. It doesn't offer much in terms of groundbreaking innovation, but Stellar Blade is a competent and confident effort that will offer a good time worthy of your attention.
Star Wars Outlaws is a surprisingly good time, and I have to say that I enjoyed the game more than I thought I would after playing it early in previews. The scoundrel's life is well realized, and playing Kay Vess through her escapades was a pleasure because of her charm and character. Massive Entertainment has delivered the goods, making Star Wars Outlaws the open-world Star Wars game you are looking for.
Black Myth: Wukong is an amazing and impressive debut effort from Game Science, and while it has a few missteps, it lives up to the hype. From the gorgeous visuals to the dynamic and intense combat system, few games can replicate the satisfying feeling of conquering a challenging boss, only to face another one a few moments later. Interestingly, the game can be played on the Steam Deck, but there are concessions you'll have to make, especially in the visual department. You're losing out on a huge chunk of the experience because the game is gorgeous, but it's better than not getting to play it on the go, which in itself is a remarkable feat.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is a dream come true for fans of the series, bringing back the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series in all its glory to modern platforms. Fights are flashy and fun, while its immense roster of characters is enough to satisfy players looking for a fighting game fix. It's not without its faults, and the game's story mode could have used a bit more love. While the story arcs of Dragon Ball have been replayed and retold to death, the rushed retelling of important events misses an opportunity to onboard newcomers. That said, this is the best Dragon Ball title we've had in a long time and is a definite pickup for those looking for an arena fighter that's not your typical anime offering. Akira Toriyama would have been proud.
Overall, the Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred expansion is a worthwhile trek that provides players with more Diablo IV but wrapped in a package of highs and lows, with its biggest miss being the unexpectedly short story that leaves players wondering how it’s already done when the good parts were just getting started. This is quite unfortunate because the rest of the expansion hits the right notes with its additions and new features, chief of which is the new Spiritborn class that excels in providing players unparalleled versatility. With a new endgame cooperative activity, a level cap reduction, and much more, Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is an exciting expansion that offers players more reason to grind for more loot, which, in the end, is what Diablo IV is really all about.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a fantastic outing from Machine Games, further solidifying them as not only masters of the first-person view but also of punching Nazis in the face. The sense of adventure that the game conveys is stellar, and when paired with Troy Baker's superb performance, fans of the fedora-wearing hero are in for a treat. Expecting an action-filled affair is setting yourself up for disappointment, as the game prioritizes adventure over anything else. Combat is simplistic and might be the weakest link, but the game makes up for it with interesting yet rather simple puzzles, locations, and discoveries. There's a good story to be had here, but just don't expect something too explosive or heart-racing!
Dynasty Warriors Origins is an excellent addition to this long-running series, introducing valuable improvements that revitalize its core gameplay. The combat and progression systems have been refined, resulting in a much better overall experience compared to its previously criticized predecessor. Battling as the amnesiac Wanderer against hordes of troops remains an exhilarating experience, with powerful attacks that send enemies flying to the next town. Running smoothly on capable hardware, including the Steam Deck, Dynasty Warriors Origins is sure to satisfy your cravings for action and hack-and-slash gameplay.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a notable achievement from Ubisoft, offering an experience that both long-time fans and newcomers are likely to appreciate. This latest addition to the franchise is visually stunning, and its refined stealth systems and other enhancements make it one of the best Assassin's Creed games in recent memory. However, the dual-protagonist approach might prove to be divisive. While the concept is innovative, its execution falters in certain areas. The game seems predominantly tailored to Naoe, whose abilities allow her to fully engage with nearly all aspects of gameplay. In contrast, Yasuke’s limitations may alienate some players, as they frequently must alternate between the two characters to access different features.
The good times continue to roll in 2024, with Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo's Rise of the Ronin adding to the amazing selection of action role-playing games available on the PlayStation 5. Whether you are engaging in its fantastic combat or diving into the rabbit hole of Japanese history, every hour spent in this world is always meaningful and fun. Just avoid looking too closely and getting stuck in tight spaces, and you will definitely have a great time as a ronin determining the course of history.