Try it. You don't need to play the previous games to enjoy this side story of turn-based tactics in a fantastical WWII. You will need a lot of patience for character archetypes and massive difficulty spikes.
Even a remake of perhaps the weakest Yakuza game in the series is hands-down a fantastic trip worth taking. Only skip it if you haven't finished Yakuza 0 and Kiwami yet.
Gnog is an extremely relaxing game about fiddling with surreal puzzle boxes. Its short length is well worth the price of admission. Buy it.
Skip The Crew 2 until a patch or five. Even then, maybe check to see if the handling has improved at all.
A solid framework for a game without any legs. Try it, or wait for an expansion to flesh things out.
A bundle of great ideas and characters, shackled by some abysmal mechanics. Try it, or buy it on sale.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is a broad, deep, and excellent RPG in the tradition of Baldur's Gate. And it has pirates. Buy it.
State of Decay 2 is a smart, messy idea without much of a game to go with it… again. Try it if you don't mind bugs or repetition too much.
Destiny 2: Warmind is more of the same built on a shifting foundation. Try it if you're curious about the direction the game is going.
BattleTech throws players into the deep end, but what a depth it is. Buy it if you want a turn-based tactics game that forces you to take a hit or three.
Frostpunk is a city builder focused on story and setting over creativity. Minor issues hold it back but not enough to ruin its grim vision of alternate history. Buy it.
Yakuza 6 sums up its lead character succinctly and emotionally, while shaking up enough to make the return ride feel fresh. Buy it.
Extinction is a good idea poorly executed over and over again. Skip it.
Far Cry 5 could have been the next step forward for the series after the extra time bought by Primal. Instead, it mostly feels like a step back. Skip it.
It's a great game to fill a contemplative afternoon. Buy it.
If you've already burned through your pile of Metroid-likes, Iconoclasts is solid fuel for the fire. Try it.
Try it. If the first episode is to your liking, you'll dig the rest.
Hello Neighbor is the worst game I've reviewed all year. Skip it with prejudice.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 makes up in manic energy what it lacks in elegance. Its mountain of ideas don't always work, but the core of the game justifies its experiments. Buy it.
This is a step backward for the series—and not just chronologically. Skip it.