EarthNight's impossibly stylish gameplay and art direction draw players into a whimsical fantasy of dragon slaying. Its multitude of secrets, carefully rewarding platforming, and retro heartbeat allow each moment and each run of this gem to always surprise and captivate.
The Last of Us Part II is an emotionally jarring epic. Players are plunged into the bleak world of the fragile human psyche, twinged with poignant moments of hope and calm and smeared with the violence of reality.
Deathloop brilliantly transcends its shackles as an amalgamation of "Arkane's Greatest Hits" by offering players a thrilling, stylish take on shooters. Combat puzzles involving webs of untruths and harrowing escapes turn Blackreef into a time loop you won't want to break from.
Culminating 8 years of Roll7's work on the series, OlliOlli World is, like its brethren, undeniably mechanically rich, rewarding players of all skill levels. But it's the joyful world and playful nature of the game that make it a triumphant skating experience akin to Tony Hawk's best.
Though not the same tectonic shift as its predecessor, God of War Ragnarök represents one of the finest pieces of interactive entertainment available. By expanding on all the ideas set forth in 2018, Ragnarök culminates in an emotional, enthralling finale for Kratos and Atreus.
The Last of Us Part 1 is a complex endeavor. Naughty Dog has overhauled one of gaming's touchstones, injecting more life into an intensely human experience while opening it up for new audiences and attempting to draw in veterans.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a watershed moment for RPGs and gaming. It represents one of the closest approximations of true freedom, creativity, and player choice available, evolving concepts and mechanics that have been tinkered with for decades. Using Dungeons & Dragons as its catalyst, Larian has honored the past and forged a new future for a genre that has allowed increased agency for players to put their thoughts, feelings, hopes, and wants inside of a digital realm and live. Like every other player, my experience with Baldur’s Gate 3 is significantly anecdotal, ripe with unique stories about what happened to me that would take hours to share. But why listen to me when you can become lost in one of the most richly beautiful worlds ever created and make up your own tale?
Like its web-slinging hero, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 pulls double duty. Not only does this sequel vastly improve on the original, it has become the zenith of superhero features, bursting with blockbuster setpieces and sublime open-world action.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth codifies the long-lasting significance of JRPGs from the mid to late ’90s, an era in which developers finally had the tools to tell captivating sagas with little compromise.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a celebration of the series' highlights, transforming the open world genre with its breathtaking scenery, meaningful choices, and exhausting amount of detail that rewards players every step of the way. Ubisoft Quebec's brave quest to make an RPG results in the best entry in Assassin's Creed's historic treks through time.
Since its announcement, Massive and Ubisoft have said all the right things about The Division 2, from a wealth of content to a robust endgame. For once, it's refreshing to see the reality be more than mere words as The Division 2 sets a new standard for the genre. This is the high bar "games as a service" should aspire to.
DOOM Eternal is one of the most exhilarating first-person shooters in recent years. Hesitation is punished but fleet-footed and aggressive players who love a challenge are rewarded with the viscera of a demon bloodbath and spectacularly hellish worlds.
As more than just an homage to 80s pop culture, Huntdown proudly shows off its 16-bit influences. Inspired arcade gameplay keeps a brisk pace while a wealth of inventive boss fights and neon-drenched challenge transport the player to a time when quarters reigned supreme.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a refinement of the series as a whole, curating years' of mechanics and ideas into a generational bookend that should please open world adventurers and devotees of the hidden blade.
Little Nightmares II builds on the original's macabre formula of unsettling imagery and clever puzzles by crafting more diverse environments and expanding the player's toolset for solving and escaping tense situations.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time on PlayStation 5 is every bit the difficult, satisfying experience it was on last gen consoles. But the improved performance and new functionality make it the optimal place to experience Crash's new lease on life.
It Takes Two is undoubtedly a triumph in cooperative gaming. While blending a touching story with meaningful gameplay that constantly diversifies itself, Hazelight has created a must-play title that may even have the power to bring people closer together.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a breathtaking thrill ride of action, utilizing the PlayStation 5 architecture in truly impressive ways. A heartfelt story and gorgeously crafted worlds are complimented by stunning combat bursting with visual flair.
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy subverts expectations. An expertly written and wonderfully acted script results in humor, drama, and heart, elevating the source material beyond its MCU trappings.
Call of Duty: Vanguard continues the high standard set by 2019's Modern Warfare, providing a grounded, classic Call of Duty campaign, coupled with a deep multiplayer experience rich with progression and an inviting Zombies mode that welcomes all skill levels.