Warhammer Survivors does virtually nothing to hide that it is a variation of Vampire Survivors with a Warhammer skin. A few interesting twists, enough new weapons, and an exceptionally brutal difficulty help provide enough separation to be enjoyable.
ANTONBLAST is a riotous platformer in which players inflict the maximum amount of damage to nearly every aspect of playable levels. While perhaps too chaotic and unhinged for some, there's an intensely rewarding time attack challenge found within.
Mouthwashing's pervasive feeling of discomfort is made all the more horrifying by its unreliable narrator and heady narrative manipulations. Though short in length, the player is constantly left unsettled by a growing lack of self-trust.
Enshrouded is certainly one of the largest, most expansive survival crafting games released in quite some time. But among the countless recipes and entertaining fantasy is the opportunity to lose oneself in an accessible, enjoyable building system.
Queen's Domain uses its seemingly obtuse nature to lure players into an intricate world of discovery. Though firmly rooted in the past, its sense of freedom is expressly modern and rewards player curiosity and intelligence.
Terrible Lizards stretches its intriguing dinosaur theme part premise further than expected. While numerous fluid chase sequences inject adrenaline into the game, its momentum is hampered by frequent narrative and technical issues.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 might be the closing of a chapter but it is closing on a series high. Both its campaign and multiplayer are a callback to beloved eras but in DMZ, Infinity Ward has potentially found a new permanent mode players will get lost in.
Tenebris Somnia's blend of eras makes for a remarkably effective fright fest. Its use of FMVs give tangible life to the otherworldly horrors of its pixel art, all worked into an esoteric point-and-click framework that should only isolate a few.
Ratatan exists to satiate players who crave the quirky charm of Patapon. Music and strategy meld with colorful, whimsical visuals and while its roguelike structure can often extend enjoyment, those fundamentals also beget repetition.
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.