Batman: Arkham Knight serves as a perfect example of novelization done correctly. Titan Books partnered with the right author, and the results simply couldn't be better. If you are a Batman fan, and can't get enough of the Arkham Knight story arch, I highly recommend this book.
I’ve mentioned Ocarina of Time a few times, and there’s a reason – it is the benchmark by which all other Zelda games are tested. Somehow, and beyond all of my expectations, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild exceeds that mark. I can confidently declare that Breath of the Wild is the best Zelda game ever made.
If you enjoyed The Bloody Baron quest line in The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, you will absolutely love Hearts of Stone. While it is the first piece of DLC with a price tag, the storyline justifies that at twice the price.
Forza Horizon 3 feels familiar with its already-polished gameplay, but the new setting, cars, and incredible customization options opens the throttle on an already-fantastic platform. The team has built on an already stable platform, bringing entirely new ways to play. I struggled to find a single thing I didn’t love about Forza Horizon 3, and that’s a fantastic problem to have.
Red Dead Redemption 2 raises the bar for sandbox adventure games. It's organic in a way almost unseen in any genre, creating an authentic open world that is as cohesive as it is compelling. This title will set the bar for action adventure games for years to come.
If this sounds like a bit of a love letter, it is still underselling just how fantastic Samus Returns has turned out. Stunning animations, a fantastic soundtrack, and awesome cinematic moments come together to remind us of the amazing roots of this series, while updating it for a fresh audience. Metroid: Samus Returns is one of the best Nintendo 3DS games of all time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It's very rare that a game grabs me this completely, but God of War is, without a doubt, an early contender for Game of the Year. It's flawless in its execution, and the new benchmark for action titles. Well done, Santa Monica Studios, and thanks for taking us on this entirely new adventure.
Fans continue to deliver incredible facsimiles of real-world parks, and the Planet Coaster Studios Pack fills in gaps with a deluge of content. From non-infringing shark attacks, to new ride types, this is easily the biggest and best expansion yet. It's a must-have for anyone who owns Planet Coaster.
The Last of Us Part II is a stunningly beautiful and impeccably written story of family, consequences, horror, and loss. It pulls you in and holds tight, forging a deeper connection with Ellie, her fellow survivors, and the hostile world in which they live. From start to finish, this could be the best game on the PlayStation 4 -- ever.
There is nothing out there like Microsoft Flight Simulator. It delivers the entire world in unrivaled quality, combined with pinpoint precise controls and realism at a level that is unmatched. If you want a taste of the sky, this game is virtual perfection, and if you are learning to fly in the real world, nothing will reinforce what you've already learned more than Microsoft Flight Simulator.
With flawless lighting, excellent gameplay, innovative immersion, and a fresh new story, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the sort of game that we'll be talking about for the rest of the console generation. This is how you start a new generation of gaming.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the best open world RPG this year. It's colorful locals are a joy to discover, combat and stealth feel deep and rewarding, and there's a viking hoard of things to do.
We've waited far too long for an Aliens game this good, but it's finally here. With an exciting campaign, five exciting classes, a dazzling array of weapons, and a staggering array of monsters to use them on, Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a perfect organism.
It's rare to see a sequel nail it this hard, but God of War: Ragnarök has once again raised the bar for every action adventure title. It's the best game I've played in a very, very long time, and is, in a word, perfect.
At just $14.99, Duty Eternal introduces some fantastic new mechanics that seamlessly integrates into an ongoing game or a brand new one. Unleashing the awesome power of the Venerable Dreadnought, I cannot imagine playing Daemonhunters without it – truly, a must have.
Sony needed a system-seller for their PlayStation VR2, and Horizon: Call of the Mountain is it. Scale, interactivity, haptics, and satisfying combat that matches the main games makes for a must-have for anyone picking up Sony's newest hardware.
Diablo IV represents a massive shift for the series, moving to a more inclusive and open world that is somehow as inviting for new players as returning veterans. Complexity is mixed with flexibility to create a game that is sure to consume you for hundreds if not thousands of hours. Diablo IV is the game we've been waiting for, and a return to form for the Blizzard team.
At just $14.99, Execution Force gives you fresh ways to combat the demonic Nurgle horde with snipers, psykers, poisoners, and spies at your disposal, the forces of Chaos don't stand a chance.
Baldur's Gate 3 is an impossibly good RPG made with a great deal of passion and skill. While there are some last minute issues to iron out, Larian Studios has delivered an adventure beyond our wildest imaginations.
Literally no game has ever looked this good. It's strange to even write that, but The Order: 1886 raises the bar so far above its contemporaries that it stands in a class by itself. Joined by a soundtrack that perfects the mood, The Order is a cinematic masterpiece. If you want to show off your PlayStation 4 to your friends, this is the title to showcase.