Civilization VI: Gathering Storm makes Civilization VI feel complete, thanks mostly to the great new civs and small quality of life improvements.
The Sinking City struggles under the weight of its ambition, but it's compelling mysteries and horrific world make it a compelling journey.
Ace Combat 7 marks the spectacular return of a franchise that has been gone for far too long.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is not for newcomers, but provides plenty of great action for series veterans.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 stumbles in its narrative, but great characters, a unique aesthetic, and an engaging combat system make for the best game in the franchise since the original
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle has some issues, but the gameplay is exciting and deep enough that fans of any of the franchises on display here will have a good time.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is an engaging, challenging multiplayer game that succeeds in spite of loot and matchmaking issues thanks to clever level design and thrilling combat.
Fire Emblem Engage is a refreshing return to the series’ roots, emphasizing its tactical complexity that surpasses more recent entries in the franchise while still featuring a charming cast of characters.
Valkyrie Profile is a great game, a cult classic that still feels fresh over two decades since its original release.
Eight years in the making, Bayonetta 3 is an utterly ridiculous action romp from PlatinumGames that blends sublime controls with over-the-top set pieces that fans have come to love. And while pacing and technical issues hold it back, it’s a fantastic sequel that fans of the franchise will love.
Thanks to stellar mechanics, a great netcode, and beautiful visual and audio design, Guilty Gear Strive is a fighting game you don’t want to miss.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a wonderful, and most importantly, innovative puzzle game that is great to play either solo or with others.
Judgment may be linked to Yakuza's legacy, but it still provides a great reason to explore Kamurocho once again.
Age of Wonders: Planetfall excels thanks to an emphasis on customization that makes it stand out from the competition.
With the series ending its run on the 3DS, Etrian Odyssey Nexus proves itself to be the strongest entry in the franchise yet.
Frostpunk is a brutal city-builder that shines thanks to difficult choices, an original world and engaging gameplay.
It’s been 28 years, but Live A Live finally gets its proper dues outside of Japan with an excellent remake.
This all goes to say that Total War: Warhammer III is a great conclusion to a series that has reinvigorated what is possible from the Total War franchise. It’s epic, chaotic, and makes me want to wage campaigns against Chaos again and again.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an adventure that is charming, surprising, and above all else, wonderful to play.
Crusader Kings 3 is a compelling strategy game that deserves to be played. Paradox Development Studios outdid themselves on this one.