Brad Lang
So far, Ori and the Will of the Wisps has taken my breath away. It's possibly one of the most aesthetically gorgeous games I've ever played, even if some parts do feel like they've been ripped straight from the first game and the soundtrack is masterful in every sense of the word.
Risk of Rain 2 is an exceptional example of how to combine the rogue-like genre with shooter mechanics. Deep, satisfying and just so addictive, it's taking every cell in my body to prevent me from taking a week off from work just to play more of it.
A consistently compelling progression curve, gorgeous world, and a staggering amount of fun content makes Immortals Fenyx Rising a truly fantastic game, even if it is rather derivative at times.
Beautifully crafted, satisfying to play and over-flowing with content, Hades is a phenomenal video game that continues to impress long after you complete your first run.
Super Mario 3D is a great game to play solo or with friends and shows off some of Nintendo's best level design yet, while Bowser's Fury is an inventive take on the Mario formula that's more generous with its content than it ought to be. Both games make for a fantastic bundle and should be checked out by fans and non-fans alike.
Monster Hunter: Rise is fantastic from start to finish. It feels like a game that many will come to consider an essential on the Nintendo Switch thanks to its stunning graphics, addictive gameplay loop, consistently engaging combat, and bountiful bowls of unlockable content. Oh, and fighting alongside giant cats and dogs is simply too cool.
The Textorcist is a punishing, brutally difficult game that feels so good to finally conquer. A truly unique and engaging combat system accompanied by great music make this a memorable experience
Blasphemous is a twisted take on religion and Metroidvanias, providing great combat, fantastic visuals and a world that's soaked in both blood and well-written lore
Faithfully adapted, bristling with depth, beautifully written and gorgeous to look at, Stygian: Reign of the Old Ones is a fantastic role-playing game that's hampered by a frustrating and tedious combat system that is sure to turn many players away in the early goings.
Concrete Genie is a short, deeply moving expression of creativity and life. Despite embracing some generic mechanics towards the end, Concrete Genie is a bold, passionate game that bears one of the most stunning aesthetics I've seen all year