Total War: Three Kingdoms could have scraped by with minimal new features. Thankfully, it combines the Three Kingdoms universe with a bevy of compelling features and improvements to deliver a worthy follow-up in the series.
The mystery unravels at a decent pace in Close to the Sun but limited gameplay, some flat characters and a fairly uncompelling narrative make it passable at best.
Anno 1800 nails its gameplay loop with aplomb while adding plenty of new features to expand it further. From the grand aesthetic to the rich atmosphere and gameplay depth, Blue Byte's latest is a return to form for the franchise.
Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition is more than a blast from the past - it's a compelling game in its own right. Though it serves as more of a base for greater things than a pinnacle for the genre, there's still plenty of shooting, looting and Vault Hunting to be had.
Returning to what made fans fall in love with the series, Tropico 6 is an endearing, personality-filled city-builder that lets you think outside of the box. El Presidente has never looked this good, bribes or no.
Tetris Effect isn't just Tetris as you remember it. It's a completely new experience that's meditative at times and wholly engulfing in others. Whether you like it challenging or enrapturing, Tetris Effect will appeal to the fan in you.
Unlike a nightmarish fever dream induced by a cosmic god, Call of Cthulhu is a pretty straightforward experience. It falters in places without really getting going in others but does an average job incorporating investigative gameplay with Cthulhu lore.
The Bard's Tale 4 has some positives and a whole lot of potential but it's also dragged down by a number of design and technical issues. Hopefully, a revamp and optimization helps it realize the full extent of its charm.
Even without Seasons and shared world aspects, the design and overall quality of Forza Horizon 4 can't be ignored. Fundamentally similar to its predecessors but still incredibly well crafted, Playground Games' latest is another amazing journey.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is another compelling reason to jump, run and suffer in Lara Croft's boots. Stellar production values, new mechanics and a deftly paced campaign do wonders even if the formula is pretty familiar by now.
Beautifully brought to life in vivid art-style, Guacamelee! 2 is a worthy follow-up and an essential experience. It doesn't change too much but offers a satisfying and challenging adventure for even the most jaded Metroidvania fan.
Despite lagging behind in certain key areas and roughly developing others, Death's Gambit is a relatively enjoyable romp for fans of 2D Souls-like hack and slash. Siradon won't beckon you like Lothric or Yharnam anytime soon but presents some enjoyable sights and sounds otherwise.
Whether your system can handle it or Capcom offers more optimization, Monster Hunter World on PC comes recommended.
The Banner Saga 3 demands your attention, its story grabbing hold of your emotions and never letting go. As a climax to one of the better modern trilogies in gaming, The Banner Saga 3 is simply magnificent.
As an arcade racer, Onrush is a neat distraction, one that lets you pummel opponents and boost to your heart's content. However, there are so many other racers – from Burnout Paradise and Mario Kart to Gran Turismo Sport and Forza Horizon – that can offer so much more, whether you seek a great arcade racer or a serious racing sim.
State of Decay 2 isn't a bad game but it doubles down on too much of the first game's failings. For newcomers, the repetitive combat and mission variety, glitches and lack of polish can be a turnoff but the base-building and survivor management manage to shine.
Warmind is Destiny 2 at its very core - grandiose and beautiful but ultimately hollow and insignificant with a plot that's there just so it doesn't get fined. It may have some post-game stuff but there's too much repetition and bad world-building to truly get invested.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is a sequel that plays all of its cards right. It's an enthralling adventure, both for veterans and newcomers, bringing a fantastical world to life that you'll want to explore again and again.
Frostpunk is a captivating experience, whether you're seeking an emotionally effective story or a solid city-building survival game. Even with all the despair, each decision feels like it matters and had weight.
BattleTech doesn't just make mechs cool - it turns them into larger than war machines with grand tales of heroism and treachery. It's mechanically sound, dense with story and lore and well realized despite some imperfections.