Bravely Default II borrows much from the games and franchises that came before it, while still carving out a fun and thrilling identity of its own.
Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible game in the franchise, but shoddy multiplayer connectivity and hard-to-see handheld play hold this game back from reaching the heights it's aiming for.
MLB The Show 21 makes the leap to a new console generation and ushers in a game-wide refresh that has the storied franchise feeling new.
Miitopia comes to the Nintendo Switch, and while it's a good fit for a bigger screen, the game itself remains nearly unchanged from the original 3DS version.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade brings the storied game to the PlayStation 5 along with a new standalone adventure starring Yuffie, giving fans new insight into the story. It also makes the wait for the next full chapter all but unbearable.
Combining the best aspects of other genres and series, Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers up a charming reimagining of the franchise's tried-and-tested gameplay.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite (finally) proves that a great game based on the Alien films is possible in the modern era. A solid story, amazing action, deep customization, and intense battles make this one of the best adaptations of the franchise to date.
NBA 2K22 is the best-looking sports game of this generation, but flashy looks and incredibly deep game modes can't mask the on-court issues that plague this year's offering.
It's odd that it took EA this long to bring their flagship Frostbite engine to their NHL franchise, but now that it's here in NHL 22, the wait was certainly worth it, as the game has never looked or played better.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy takes the action RPG and draws from both the films and comics to create a stunning gaming experience. With plenty of humor, an amazing soundtrack, and stellar gameplay, this is one of the best team-based comic book games ever.
Tales of Arise offers fast and fluid combat and an epic story, paving the way for the first great JRPG of a new console generation.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 changes the game in more ways than one, letting players spend less time creating parks and attractions and more time reacting to a world where dinosaurs already exist.
Sifu preaches patience as it brutalizes your very existence in every way imaginable. But if you stick with it, and continue to learn from your mistakes, you'll eventually get your revenge and find the peace you were looking for.
Gran Turismo 7 is a "real-driving simulation" revelation, taking full advantage of the PlayStation 5's power and the DualSense controller to create one of the best racing games ever.
After a year off, WWE 2K22 returns with new modes, new controls, and a new attitude. Turns out, taking a break can be a good thing.
MLB The Show 22 remains the sport's one true constant, and some fresh tweaks to existing modes, along with a much-welcomed gameplay addition, prove the game can only get better year after year, even with some features being mysteriously omitted at launch.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 continues the series' tradition of massive maps and intuitive combat, but this time offers a story that elevates the experience to new heights.
Madden NFL 23 honors its namesake in nearly every facet of the game, but the highly-touted FieldSense is overcomplicated and detracts from what should have been a fun and heartfelt tribute to the great John Madden.
Valkyrie Elysium brings the 20-year-old franchise to the PlayStation 4 and 5, switching out turn-based combat for hack 'n slash battles, and while the experience is fun, you just can't shake the feeling that we've seen this before.
NHL 23 completely revamps crowd reactions and adds women IIHF players and new desperation moves, and it all works splendidly to create not only the best hockey game in a generation -- but one of the best sports games ever.