Sifu's unique aging mechanic and top-tier combat make the journey from a headstrong student to a wise kung fu master utterly thrilling.
Cleaning up the titular Gunk is satisfying, but the rest of the game surrounding it is routine and overly familiar.
Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One stumbles at times, but solving its fantastic cases scratches that investigative itch like few others try.
Bright Memory: Infinite offers concise and frenetic thrills, but technical issues and that same brevity hold it back.
Riders Republic is a varied extreme sports playground that's both thrilling and approachable.
House of Ashes offers cinematic horror and surprising character moments amidst the conflict of the Iraq War.
Back 4 Blood recaptures the spirit of Left 4 Dead while introducing some engaging modern trappings.
FIFA 22 excels on the pitch with a patient and more methodical style, but additions elsewhere are only incremental and microtransactions still leave a bad taste.
Sable is a relaxing adventure with a satisfying focus on exploration and player freedom.
Detective Yagami returns for another scintillating mystery that suffers from the same problems as before.
No More Heroes 3 is at its best when you're slicing your way through alien invaders, but the rest of the game wrapped around the energetic combat is a laborious disappointment.
With meaningful additions on and off the field, Madden NFL 22 marks a recent high point for the series, but technical issues get in the way.
Axiom Verge 2 is a daring sequel that shares very few similarities with its predecessor, but it's held back by one-dimensional combat.
Biomutant presents a different take on the post-apocalypse, but a forgettable story and uneven gameplay hold it back.
Total War's first remaster updates a 2004 classic, but this is still a game for those wearing nostalgia-tinted glasses.
MLB The Show 21 maintains the series' continued excellence on the diamond, but missing features and uneven additions hold it back.
Monster Hunter Rise's renewed focus on fully-fledged action represents the series at the peak of its powers.
Godfall's monotonous structure is held together by punchy combat that can't bear the full weight.
Dirt 5 adopts the arcade sensibilities of the series' past, but its frenetic action is dampened somewhat by an uninspired handling model.
FIFA 21 offers a comprehensive package with new features that encourage creativity and attacking dynamism.