Elden Ring is a triumph of a video game that still found ways to surprise me even after crossing the 70 hour mark. I can't get enough of this game as this is definitely one of a kind. A rare gem that only surfaces once a century. A game that will shape how open world games are made, even future souslike games, making me excited for the games that come before it.
Hi-Fi Rush is one of those gems that only come around once in a blue moon, and while I know 2023 just started, I would without a doubt put Tango Gamework’s latest work as a Game of the Year contender.
I was worried about the series shedding more of its JRPG roots when this title was first introduced, as recent entries have been straying away from more traditional forms for years. But my fears faded in the first five chapters of FFXIV; the essence of what makes Final Fantasy so great shines brightly here, and as such, this is one of my favorite high fantasy adventures this generation.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was a joy to play from start to finish and is a title every FFVII fan should play as they’ve done an exceptional job at bringing to life the world outside Midgar. There are a lot of changes to the original, but they’re changes I find myself welcoming, as this has now been one of my favorite JRPG experiences in recent years.
Hellblade 2 feels like a living, breathing shapeshifter, manipulating its surroundings around the player with precision and consistency, making it one of the most visually stunning video games of this generation. This is an amazing title that carefully balances its artistic and gaming ambitions, a masterpiece that I encourage any gamer to experience.
This is one of the meatiest expansions I’ve ever encountered in a video game. It could be its own game. All of the additions Shadow of the Erdtree makes are everything a Soulsike fan could hope for. While many think the price point for the DLC is a bit steep, I can clearly say what you get here more than justifies the asking price, and if you love Elden Ring, you should definitely not skip Shadow of the Erdtree.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is now my favorite title from the Persona team by far. It’s one of those rare games where its main pillars work harmoniously, and you get lost in its charm. It’s a pristine JRPG, with enough style and substance to satisfy hardcore JRPG fans, Persona fans, and even those who rarely touch JRPGs.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 doesn’t just deliver a fantastic RPG experience—it leaves a lasting emotional imprint that’s hard to forget. From its gripping narrative to its deep combat system, it’s a title that has the potential to become a modern classic in the RPG genre. It’s been so long since a game delivered a steady, exhilaratingly smooth ride without crashing hard at the finish line. If people allow it, this could be a kid’s Final Fantasy or Chrono Trigger – a game remembered decades from now as the one that sparked their love for RPGs, captivating a generation, and inspiring future titles that will come after.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach delivers higher visual fidelity, consistent performance across the board, and a few new tricks that make gameplay more accessible, challenging, and fun. If you have the patience and come in with an open mind, you’ll be in an exclusive group of people who will struggle to describe this experience to anyone else.
No prior experience with the franchise is required to enjoy this one, but the self-contained The Lost Legacy could entice newcomers to give the previous games a chance. Chloe and Nadine are a perfect duo; they’ve got me pumped thinking about what the Uncharted series could be moving forward. The future looks bright, and if they decide to throw in some more of these side adventures, I’m all in.
Call of Duty WWII is a great package, and a good title to pick to revisit the series if you so happened to fall off the wagon a few years back. Daniels and his platoon’s journey made me wish for more campaigns like it, and it’s a fun affair to blast zombies with a few buddies. Sledgehammer Games has given the franchise a good boost. We will most likely see another Call of Duty next year, and whatever it is, I hope the series sticks to their guns because this definitely paid off in the end.
I couldn't let go of the controller. I had finally got acquainted with everything I needed to know about the game, and my priorities shifted. I was hooked on hunting, getting better equipment, and moving forward in unlocking the New World's mysteries. Capcom has succeeded in making the Monster Hunter franchise more accessible than ever without sacrificing the quirks and features that made this game popular among its fans. The timing of the release of this mainstream entry couldn’t have been any better. This could arguably be the best title in the series, and it sets a new high for gamers that love the endgame grind.
There have been many Dragon Ball fighting games in the past, but Developer System Arc Works has done well in producing a high-quality fighting game that will satisfy not only veteran fighting game enthusiasts but Dragon Ball fans as well.
After playing all that the much-hyped game has to offer, I can now say that Santa Monica Studio has provided us with something that I didn’t think would work - a matured entry in the series that showcases a vulnerable side to the iconic, violent god Kratos. With a host of major changes, SIE Santa Monica Studio took big risks in bringing back and updating this beloved series, but their work paid off, since God of War is easily the studio’s best title yet.
If you've grown a sudden fondness for the Souls series thanks to recent games and have yet to play Dark Souls, you are severely missing out. Dark Souls: Remastered will test the player in every respect, just like it did when it was first released. This is a genuine classic that deserves to be revisited every few years. If a player new to the series were to ask me whether they should play this first, I would say no - leave the best for last.
It’s an appealing revenge story that many will love, hate, or at the very least appreciate. This is a game that may challenge your moral compass. I can foresee that this will be talked about by players for weeks, even months, making it a rare experience worth soldiering through.
Legends of Runeterra is a satisfying online card game that has the potential to be among the best titles in its genre, but the success of this game will be based on the new cards added in the future and how they balance the game while maintaining a fun environment for the community.
Persona 5 Strikers is easier to swallow compared to the long-winded original. The hack and slash, Dynasty Warriors-like combat felt more fitting for Persona 5 as a whole, and the Phantom Thieves are a cool bunch that it wouldn’t be so bad if Atlus stretches out more adventures in the future. They’ve clearly shown that they are capable of delivering a new and entertaining experience without ruining what made Persona 5 beloved by many since it launched back in 2016.
All of these elements make Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, whether you love it or hate it, make a complete open-world RPG package. Like any large vessel with multiple shipwrights, some decisions and elements weigh the game down, but I would go as far as considering this one of the best Assassin’s Creed titles to come around in a long time.
We know how crazy 2020 has been, but out of all the games I've played this year, Sackboy: A Big Adventure was the one I didn’t know I needed. It’s a fantastic platformer that appeals to players of all ages. You may feel uplifted, or encouraged, even. The game doesn’t reinvent the wheel for its genre, but the impressive execution, clever ideas, and extra effort behind this platformer proves that the world of Sackboy is a fun place to visit, and that the polish done to every aspect of the game makes it a must-buy for any enthusiast that owns a PS4 and PS5.