Metaphor: ReFantazio is a once-in-a-lifetime RPG. Despite how stacked the genre is, it goes out of its way to innovate it while keeping the familiar feel. Even if you've never played a game as lengthy as this one, you'll surely find yourself immersed in this intricate fantasy world.
Monster Hunter Wilds takes everything that worked from World and Rise to deliver the ultimate monster-hunting experience. Combat improvements, an excellent story, and a giant lineup of monsters make this the hunter haven we were all waiting for.
Split Fiction goes beyond offering the greatest co-op adventure this year. It is a love letter to many game genres and franchises that reminds us that games can be all about having fun with someone else.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterful RPG. It brings a stunning art style that stays front and center while revamping a classic combat system into something engaging and accessible. It's an easy contender for GOTY and a terrific debut for Sandfall Interactive.
Forza Horizon 5 has finally landed on PS5 and it opens the roads for new players to experience this fantastic racing game. While it has a few visual hiccups, they are minor and never distract players from the gorgeous, high-speed experience.
The Alters delivers the most thought-provoking narrative in the survival genre, while also providing an excellent gameplay loop that encourages replayability.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is an enthralling and addictive game that everyone should experience at least once. Its combination of gameplay elements and approach to replayability are flawless and something that will hook players in for hours.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake is the ultimate way to experience this legendary historical simulation series. With a lot of player agency, over 1,000 officers to play as, and many scenarios to explore, this is the only strategy game you'll need in the foreseeable future.
Sonic x Shadow Generations is the ultimate way to play any of the hedgehogs' adventures. While the Shadow standalone story eclipses that of the Blue hero, both are terrific in terms of gameplay and genuinely feel like some of the best games the legendary franchise has to offer.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a perfect new approach to a beloved franchise. With highly customizable combat options, epic battles with a lot of variety, and superb storytelling accompanied by excellent character development moments, it is a remarkable game from start to finish.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 vastly improves everything from its predecessor. The combat is smoother, the story is much better, and the scope is grander than ever. It has some minor glitches, but none of them are game-breaking. Despite its size, it is one of the smoothest games in recent years and will go down in history books as an RPG masterpiece.
DOOM: The Dark Ages does the impossible and raises the bar of an already outstanding franchise. It brings top-notch gunplay, satisfying story, stunning visuals, and worthwhile exploration, all in a gorgeous, hellish package.
Without a doubt, Lies of P is the best Soulslike game of the year!
Turn 10 Studios has put the pedal to the metal in this installment, and it is one of the best racing simulators out there today!
Assassin's Creed Mirage is the game that returns to franchise to its glory days.
I have no doubt that it is an experience that will go down in gaming history as one of the best RPGs of all time.
Unicorn Overlord is a magnificent tactical RPG experience and one of the most memorable ones in recent years.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is not only the best fighting game of the series but also the best Dragon Ball game we've had in years. With a huge roster, top-notch visuals, and impactful combat, it will be hard for new and old players to put the controller down.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is the best way to experience this RPG classic. With new QoL features, expanded story content, and a gorgeous new visual style, this is an unmatched entry in the whole franchise. And while there are a few things that feel dated, it still stands out as a masterpiece of the genre.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension takes the classic RPG formula and instead of modernizing it so much that it loses its roots, it embraces what made the genre so good and elevates it with QoL features. Add to that an unforgettable cast, a terrific story, and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have a recipe for success from start to finish.