Street Fighter 5 is as stoic and reliable as ever, right down to its character balance and network performance. Though Story Mode is underwhelming and there's a noticeable lack of content, its gameplay is still stellar and worthy of any fighting game fan's time.
It may not strike the same level of outright terror that Amnesia: The Dark Descent but even in this genre, SOMA is a standout title with an interesting storyline centered around the age old debate of being human.
Stellaris isn't perfect, but it can easily improve in its problematic areas. For the dozens of hours you'll sink into first establishing your empire, it's a fun experience even if it doesn't quite unseat the likes of Master of Orion or Civilization.
Dying Light may not be the best of the best when it comes to open world games but with The Following, it's proven to be pretty damn fun. Whether you're a new player or seasoned veteran, Dying Light: The Following is fun for everyone.
Rather than big and bombastic, Tacoma is small and personal, inviting you to be involved. It's a strong testament to the power of visual narration and characterization possible in today's video games despite some nit-picks here and there.
There are games that could be better and there's XCOM 2 which is amazing but hampered by its optimization. It's still game of the year material but needs patching stat.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided isn't going to reinvent the wheel but it does present some truly great mission design, writing and gameplay with a plethora of options for any kind of experience. The story could have been improved but Adam Jensen's world is still worth extremely compelling for RPG/shooter fans and stealth enthusiasts.
Volume mixes familiar stealth controls and perspectives with a bevy of intriguing, new mechanics. While its enemies won't really hound and hunt you - and the checkpoints provide more than enough support - Volume is a nice, low-fi experience for both casual players and hardcore stealth fans.
Shadowrun: Hong Kong may be a familiar cyberpunk paradise for some and an altogether alien destination for others. However, for tactical RPG fans, it's still home sweet home.
World of Warships serves up high-stakes action that mixes tense moments with realistic action. Yes, it can require some grinding and won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it's one of the best naval combat (and free to play) titles out there.
Layers of Fear isn't a perfect marathon with its range of terrifying developments but the significance of its events will last longer than most horror sprints.
Far Harbor doesn't reinvent the wheel but it does add some compelling gameplay and a good story to Fallout 4. Take the trip up north - you may find a reason or two to hang around.
Hearts of Iron 4 is incredibly daunting for your average strategy player but for those who want war on its grandest scale yet - from the preliminary stages to the finale - it's worth playing.
It may not be packed to the brim with content or have the best story but Tekken 7 serves up a tantalizing mix of deep combat and character balance to keep fans busy for a long time.
Torment: Tides of Numenera is well worth the wait. It combines the lore and fantastical setting of the Planescape universe with well-written characters and a tout narrative. For all the reading you'll have to do, there's an enchanting universe in store.
Familiar yet terrifying, Outlast 2 mixes excellent production values with genuinely disturbing imagery and subject matter. It's a long way down to the abyss but it's worth every minute of the fall.
It could be a whisper or a shout but Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice will stay with you. Deftly crafted with stunning detail and an expert depiction of psychosis, it's a journey that's as torturous as it is heart-breaking.
Nidhogg 2 may not be as beautifully simple as its predecessor and the art-style and new weapons are an acquired taste. However, the combat, crazy pace of matches and sheer aesthetic makes for great fights, either alone or with friends.
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.
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.