Stardew Valley is an awesome experience. What it lacks in scale and scope, it makes up for with heart and variety. I spent dozens of hours being immersed in Stardew Valley and I think you will too.
Resident Evil 2 is certainly propped up by being a remake of an already excellent game, but it doesn't simply lean on that legacy. There's so much great work being done to revitalize the experience for a modern audience, and those efforts deserve to be experienced. Nostalgic fans already got their preorders, but for newcomers - you need to summon your courage, turn off all the lights, and let this game fill you with dread - because it's worth it.
Crusader Kings III is a worthy heir to its predecessor and a grand strategy game that everyone absolutely has to try. You may bounce off initially, but if you give it some time, I believe most people will get swept away in its complex mechanics and interesting take on Middle Ages dynasties and politics.
Tales from the Borderlands has got it where it counts and delivers a series that is more than worthy of the franchise name. It's a Telltale game that's a winner for all, not just fans of the best-selling shooter.
Monster Hunter: World is a fantastic game that kept me enthralled for 60 wonderful hours. I loved exploring the world, discovering new areas, and engaging in epic fights with excellently designed monsters. There's so much gameplay to enjoy, that despite a few snags, I'd wholeheartedly recommend it to almost anyone.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is an incredibly engaging piece of fiction. Its investigation into humanity and relationships far exceeds its desire to wow you with action. It is a slow game, a contemplative game, and it's one of my favorites this year.
Not every change is perfect, but MLB The Show 16 is the first entry in a long time that sees the series take an impressive step forward. If you've been off the field for a while, now is a great time to step up to the plate.
This is likely their best game since NetherRealm was founded within Warner Bros. The formula seems so perfect, it's hard to imagine anyone not finding something to enjoy in Injustice 2. Whether you like fighting games, DC Comics, or just superheroes getting into visceral combat, this is a sequel worth checking out.
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a joy to play. It's a visual thrill ride and the music will have you bopping in place while you zip through the levels. The scope might be small, but the action is big and ridiculous. And while the story isn't its strongest aspect, the themes of heartbreak, anger, and forgiveness give the game an emotional center.
Hades is a phenomenal effort from Supergiant. Dripping with the stylish substance we've come to expect from the studio and centered around brilliant gameplay, this is one action roguelike that you'll need to check out.
Even with the bugs, Pillars of Eternity is an RPG that any fan of the genre must play. It keeps the old-school mentality of the genre alive, while also offering something fresh and original.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild really is a joy to play. It's a Zelda game that is sure to satisfy those who've had it circled in their calendars all these years, but even if you've never been a fan of the franchise, this is an excellent place to start.
The Banner Saga 2 continues the tale in splendid fashion. It's dark, beautiful, and impressively written.
Disco Elysium is an experience that other developers will be hurrying to unpack so they can try to steal some of its magic. It's been a long time since a video game story has gotten its hooks into me quite as this one has. Despite some shortcomings, I'll be remembering the characters and moments from this adventure for years to come.
Few games can offer something quite as weirdly creative as Paradise Killer. Exploring the island, talking with the suspects, piecing the mystery together, and holding the final trial is a thoroughly enjoyable ride in this open world crime mystery.
Devotion is another great horror outing for Red Candle Games. After years of waiting, I thought I was finally ready to engage in whatever terrors these Taiwanese developers had planned - I was wrong.
Video games aren't solely about seeing pores on someone's face or shoving as many zombies on screen as possible. They are about gameplay, about the thrills of sneaking through enemy fire or detonating a bomb at the last second to save yourself. Resogun is a blissful reminder that no matter what system you play them on, sometimes the simple games are the best.
Detention is a haunting and thrilling experience that's worth checking out, and is one of the scariest titles I've played in years. Those who dig horror and adventure games are in for a real treat.
It may have some flaws, but Rakuen really is an adventure worth taking. It successfully executes on modest heartfelt ambitions, and perfectly captures the vision of its creator - a rare occurrence in modern game design.
The Banner Saga 3 is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, offering a solid end to the narrative with inventive ways to keep the gameplay fresh. This last chapter is a great game on its own, but it also completes a series that has been exceptionally consistent in quality, which is worth appreciating.