Valor Mortis is an impactful blend of first-person combat that aspires to be One More Level's take on the Soulslike genre. But this Napoleonic tale evolves into so much more than mimicry with its unique setting and enticing powers fueling sword-based combat.
Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen acts as a massive expansion to the sequel's already impressive offering. An intimidating new frozen area is rife with opportunity for challenge and rewards, while other additions add benefit across the meaty base game.
Order of the Sinking Star is a daunting, all-encompassing puzzle game--one naturally expected from Jonathan Blow. With it comes sparks of brilliance, frustration, and inspiration often in equal measure, constantly testing the brain's ability to overcome.
Silver Pines has all the makings of a Lynchian classic by way of a Metroidvania. Though it has a handful of shortcomings, this welcome and fresh take makes the most of its ambition and Americana horror.
RetroSpace makes the case for why immersive sims are so frequently enjoyable and captivating. The Wild Gentlemen prove that even on a smaller scale, providing players with freedom, opportunity, and a bit of silliness will always result in entertainment.
Claustrophobic and eerie, End of Abyss is survival horror through the eyes of Little Nightmares. Section 9 expresses its roots in new ways but still placing the protagonist and player in a harsh world of dangerous paths and twisting secrets.
SPRAWL zero encapsulates the early 2000s era of first-person shooters. Hearkening back to a time where developers wanted to immerse players in more than just gunplay, MAETH gives players a crunchy, accurate time capsule.
Well Dweller does not wholly transform the Metroidvania genre. It undeniably features a deliciously rendered storybook world with a grim underbelly. However, some basic combat also makes it apparent that there are places where the game could have felt significantly more special. This genre is a hard nut to crack and with so many entrants year after year, it becomes increasingly challenging to differentiate from the pack. But in many ways, Kyle Thompson succeeded. And as this talented solo developer’s journey continues, I’m sure all the lessons learned will deliver something truly different and masterful.
Keeper is an alluring swan song for Double Fine’s Xbox tenure, resplendent in its ferocity, boldness, and beauty. Among these subdued, silent adventure games, there are few peers able to make this kind of thunderous impact in short order.
Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon Classic HD is every bit a remastered version of a Japan-exclusive Super Famicom game from 1993. While it may be a white whale that inspired a genre, it does feel somewhat ancient and in need of a few updates.
Though altering many of the original's fundamentals, Control Resonant is every bit an extension of Remedy's incredible universe. Frenzied melee combat and mind-bending exploration house yet another fascinating story across numerous planes of reality.
Ground Hero Zero throws itself into the overwhelming arena of bullet-hell games gnawing at Vampire Survivors' pie. Despite an appealing art style and some wacky mechanics, the experience is over far too quick to feel meaningful.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 features the same deluge of Xenomorphs being torn to shreds by a competent team of Colonial Marines. The addition of a fourth player slot means more friends can come along, ensuring the somewhat repetitive loop is entertaining enough.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword lives up to its name by providing intense, complex sword-based combat against a barrage of powerful bosses. But its exploration and side quests can frequently distract from the best parts of the game.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy enshrines Asobo Studio's incredible ability to deliver emotional narratives wrought with tension and adventure. Sophia's sprawling journey is a harrowing spectacle that truly masters what makes an adventure game memorable.
Mortal Shell II's eviscerating difficulty and grimdark world work to grind the player into a fine paste. But its build variety and satisfying loop often turn the tide, rewarding exploration and experimentation to brave enough players.
While Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls features a deeply complex tag system, Arc System Works incorporates enough newcomer-friendly elements that practically every player can enjoy the bombastic entertainment of a varied Marvel roster beating each other up.
Wreck Runners is a zany, malleable fest of cooperative goofing off with enough player freedom to make a game about collecting salvage with a gravity gun fun and satisfying. Though it does have its shortcomings, it's hard not to want to dive right back in.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced takes one of the most beloved Assassin's Creed games and overhauls it. While enough is cut from the original that it isn't "complete", the core experience is a feast for the eyes and has never felt better to play.
Wall World 2 creates a satisfying feedback loop as players literally and figuratively mine its depths. The hook is simple and there are familiar roguelite trappings but engaging systems make "one more run" constantly enticing.