War of the Chosen is the definitive way to play XCOM 2. Even if you weren't impressed with the original package, this feels like a whole new game. Buy it.
Dishonored: Death of the Outsider frees itself from the franchise's usual restrictions, while putting its usual tools to satisfying use. Buy it.
Ruiner has a lot in common with other top-down action games, but blends bits of all of them into a uniquely demanding, satisfying shooter. Buy it.
Total War: Warhammer 2 shakes up the wonderful strategy of its predecessor with new factions and locales. Although the DLC X-factor could shake up the campaigns even further. Buy it.
The Evil Within 2 is a mechanical step up from the first game in nearly every way, even if the narrative is just as disposable as ever. Buy it if that balance doesn't bother you.
$20 isn't much to spend for a night's entertainment, but there are much better games of this type for about the same price. Skip it.
This is a step backward for the series—and not just chronologically. Skip it.
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.
Hello Neighbor is the worst game I've reviewed all year. Skip it with prejudice.
Try it. If the first episode is to your liking, you'll dig the rest.
If you've already burned through your pile of Metroid-likes, Iconoclasts is solid fuel for the fire. Try it.
It's a great game to fill a contemplative afternoon. Buy 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.
Extinction is a good idea poorly executed over and over again. Skip it.
Yakuza 6 sums up its lead character succinctly and emotionally, while shaking up enough to make the return ride feel fresh. Buy it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LoL has improved in some ways more than others over the past eight years, but it remains one of the best strategic duelers.