Echoes of Aincrad is a well-realised RPG about the people behind the avatars. While repetitive exploration and awkward world design hold it back, its excellent characters, satisfying combat, and genuine love for MMORPG culture make it the strongest Sword Art Online game yet,and an enjoyable action RPG even for people who don't care for the anime.
Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is a confident modernization of one of Ubisoft's most beloved adventures. Even without the nostalgia factor, it stands on its own as a gorgeous, endlessly enjoyable pirate epic whose thrilling ship battles, expressive combat, and infectious sense of adventure make it one of the year's most entertaining games.
Gothic 1 Remake is a successful resurrection of a cult classic that refuses to sand off its rough edges. Those willing to meet the gameon its own terms will find a deeply immersive RPG with a distinct identity.
Tales of Arise remains one of the best modern entries in Bandai Namco's long-running RPG series and the Nintendo Switch 2 version successfully brings that experience to a portable format.
Thick as Thieves is a small but stylish stealth experience that punches above its weight thanks to excellent level design, immersive sim sensibilities, and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s polished, clever, and extremely fun – especially with a friend in co-op.
Forza Horizon 6 is not the reinvention this 14 year old series is desperately calling for, but it is the most refined rendition of the series formula yet, which is still worth celebrating.
Between its tight, satisfying story campaign, two new classes, sweeping skill tree changes, as well as a deep and enriched endgame has left Diablo IV in the finest shape it has ever been. If you, like me, were itching for a new excuse to dive back into this meat grinder of divine sadness, Lord of Hatred will give you all of that and then some.
Small in scope but big in ideas and production value, Pragmata features tense, hack-and-shoot gameplay that shouldn't be missed.