Killing Floor 2’s concept remains simple, but the development team has polished it to a point where it’s always exciting. The attention to detail featured here is rivaled by few other games, and the fantastic maps, weapons and characters offer the needed variety to keep things fresh for a long time. The original Killing Floor still has a loyal following to this day despite its age, but Killing Floor 2 has just made it obsolete.
Dead Rising 4 is able to take the best elements of the older and newer games in the series and mash them into a spectacular open-world zombie-slaying experience. The game’s core gameplay is just so engaging and enjoyable that diving into hordes after hordes of zombies to wreak havoc never gets old, and having Frank West back in the action makes it even better. The series is certainly in a much different spot now than it was 10 years ago, but its future has never looked brighter.
The reverence for the series’ past in both gameplay and the attention to the smaller details is what ultimately makes Lara Croft GO a love letter to the 20-year-old Tomb Raider series. It offers even more of what the original game did last year and with the added benefits of more powerful hardware, making this a no-brainer for PlayStation gamers.
Tales of Berseria isn't a reinvention of the series, but it delivers a more emotional story mixed with a great combat system to make this adventure worth taking.
Team Ninja took their time to ensure that Nioh was as good as it could possibly be, and that time wasn't wasted. The finished product is a fantastic action RPG that may borrow a lot from the Souls series, but nevertheless adds plenty of great twists to the formula to allow it to stand proudly on its own.
Sniper Elite 4 isn't without its flaws, but it delivers a number of noteworthy improvements over previous games in the series to make it an engrossing experience. The gruesome X-ray kill cams still haven't gotten old, and the more expansive and dense levels make the core gameplay all the more entertaining. It's definitely the best in the series yet, and is worth checking out for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk doesn't capitalize on the Dynasty Warriors formula as well as it could have, but its incredibly dark and engaging narrative makes it a unique experience. Dynasty Warriors fans will likely be satisfied with what it has to offer in the gameplay department, but if you're tired of that particular brand of hack 'n' slash then this will do little to change your mind.
Torment: Tides of Numenera may not be for gamers that are accustomed to more fast-paced and action-heavy RPGs, but those who appreciate a well-developed world and characters will find a lot to enjoy here. It's overflowing with depth and personality, and the many ways that you can navigate through it make it truly feel alive. If you've been dreaming of RPGs returning to a time where depth and detail were the genre's blood and bones, then this is the game for you.
A Criminal Past will likely be the last that we hear from the Deus Ex series for a while, but if that's the case then it at least ends things on a high note for the time being. The DLC offers a bite-sized version of everything great about the main game, while taking things to a new setting that fans will eat up.
Ghost Recon: Wildlands can provide countless hours of thrilling sandbox shooter gameplay, but co-op is needed to make the most of it. Its massive, numerous and diverse locales are often gorgeous to behold, and navigating them tactfully with a good co-op team is a blast. Just don't expect to have as much fun in single player, as your team limits your mission methods due to shaky AI and a lack of deep squad commands.
Nier: Automata takes fantastic action and RPG elements and blends them into a game world unlike any other, creating a truly memorable experience. The game continuously pleases and surprises with terrific gameplay that is constantly transforming, and a narrative that keeps you thinking and guessing. It has a lot to offer, and is an experience that shouldn't be missed.
Persona 5 expands upon many of the elements that the series has featured in the past, while also streamlining certain aspects to make it an even smoother ride. It’s a spectacular RPG experience that is truly in a league of its own, and fans of the series and the genre in general owe it to themselves to check it out.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition is easily the definitive version of the game, and if you’ve never picked up the game previously then now is the perfect time to jump on board. The previous issues still apply, but overall it’s a stylish FPS that fans of the genre looking for something outside of the box should enjoy.
Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 has a decent foundation for a good game, but its many technical issues bring the experience down significantly.
What Remains of Edith Finch is a gripping exploration game, and will likely leave you thinking about it long after the credits roll.
NieR: Automata's 3C3C1D119440927 DLC isn't the most accessible or substantial DLC you'll ever play, but it still manages to capture some of that magic that the base game had no shortage of.