Ben Sheene
Trackmania's thrilling speed and simplistic style make it an easily accessible racer that will thrive on a dedicated, creative community who have the patience to navigate its subscription model and basic menus.
In an increasingly busier time for the roguelite genre of tunneling further into a game's loop, Dreamscaper is a surprising breath of fresh air, using a grounded tale of anxiety and loss as a catalyst for fantastical beasts and familiar mechanics.
Plucking inspiration from several unsettling sources of entertainment, Transference delivers a creepy, cerebral virtual reality tour through a broken family dynamic that is unimpeded by taxing puzzles and relishes in immersing players in haunted house of tragedy.
Immortals Fenyx Rising's final piece of DLC unexpectedly changes the traditional perspective and progression of many previous Ubisoft games, making The Lost Gods a genuine treat for the new IP's conclusion.
Though Far Cry: New Dawn treads similar ground as its predecessor, this direct sequel signals the franchises is stretching its wings by introducing RPG mechanics and easily replayable content. This is still a game packed with zany characters, bizarre moments, and fast-paced fun.
Tribes of Midgard blends survival, crafting, and action in a cooperative Viking setting. But if you aren't matched with a helpful, communicative lobby, be prepared to spend long stretches of time engaging in the game's less fun activities.
In a matter of weeks Anthem has marveled with its engaging action and technical incompetence. As a power fantasy, the game achieves many co-op thrills but the highs are often spread too thin over questionable design choices. BioWare's pedigree feels suppressed by a game that needed much more time in the oven.
Hitman: Sniper Assassin is hopefully a suiting prelude to the kind of decision-making and variety players will get when Hitman 2 releases on November 13.
The Surge 2 builds upon the unique ideas of its predecessor to create a more engaging, sprawling sequel. A few bumps in the road do little to impede a satisfying construct of combat and customization.
Fate/Samurai Remnant forgoes the deluge of sword fodder typical with most Musou games, offering a relatively dense experience with a narrative that will attract Fate veterans and hopefully not isolate newcomers.
The Crew 2 Demolition Derby is an update that makes the game feel more fully realized.
Solar Ash's sin of less than ideal platforming progression is outweighed by its constantly surprising, intoxicating world that features stunning vistas explored using primal speed, asking the player to be along for its dreamy ride.
Rainbow Six Extraction somehow translates the phenomenal gunplay from Siege into tense PvE incursions but can stumble with Operator diversification and mission variety as teams master their relentless and deadly alien foes.
Forspoken, much like its main character, looks for a time and a place to belong. Besieged by a series of delays, the game wishes to sweep players away with its vast world and spectacular combat but, much like its open world, may become directionless as players seek purpose.
Fade to Silence makes bold attempts at twisting the survival genre into an expansive pallet of action-based combat, base building, and crafting. The freezing post-apocalypse is brutal and not often rewarding, yet there is enough personality to merit interest.
A surprising twist on the strategy and resource management genre, Kingdom Two Crowns offers players a mostly serene experience with gorgeous art and limited direction that may frustrate players not willing to uncover its secrets.
In spite of its rough edges and games as a service trappings, Marvel's Avengers triumphs against most overwhelming odds by allowing players to live out a multi-faceted superhero fantasy with friends.
Though it doesn't reinvent the rogeulike genre, Fury Unleashed makes a name for itself through its comic book style and action-heavy combo system that relies on agile shooting and swift thinking.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons enriches the feel of classic beat 'em ups. The basics are supplemented with modern sensibilities that sprinkle in some variety but perhaps not enough longevity for players drawn in by its "roguelite" branding.
Starlink: Battle for Atlas is an entertaining blend of planet-hopping adventure and spaceship customization built on the back of the dormant toys-to-life genre. The level of care and detail put into making this unique slice of space isn't burdened by somewhat repetitive gameplay and exploitative systems.