Desta: The Memories Between is a touch thin at launch, but it packs in
Shovel Knight Dig punches above its spin-off weight class, even if its roguelike elements are a little modest.
Metal: Hellsinger will be a hit with metalheads thanks to its killer soundtrack, but its lacking as both a shooter and rhythm game.
Splatoon 3 delivers a breed of content-rich multiplayer fun that's refreshing to see in the age of shaky free-to-play promises.
Though its visual upgrades feel superfluous, The Last of Us Part I makes key innovations in accessibility that'll allow more players to enjoy an enduring classic.
Immortality is an astonishing work of interactive fiction that's every bit as unsettling and unforgettable as the films that inspired it.
Cult of the Lamb excels as a darkly comedic management game, though its roguelite component commits some cardinal sins.
Stray delivers on its adorable cat adventure premise, but its excellent atmosphere and strong sci-fi storytelling are what elevate it.
Escape Academy delivers lovingly crafted puzzles that shine in co-op play, but it can't fully replicate the thrills of a real-life escape room.
As long as you're OK with the usual Musou repetition, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a worthy follow-up to Three Houses.
Neon White swings for the fences with its card-based gun-platforming, but it pays off to create a wildly enjoyable action game.
Mario Strikers: Battle League delivers the deepest Mario sports experience yet, with surprisingly nuanced soccer gameplay. There's just not much to do once you've mastered those skills.
Sniper Elite 5 doesn't have anything new to say, but its open-ended missions make for a devilishly enjoyable Nazi-slaying sandbox.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker is an intricate anti-puzzle game that delivers a searing commentary on corporate abuse.
Vampire: The Masquerade -- Swansong is an intricate narrative adventure game that can be too dense for its own good at times.
Even with a few duds in the pack, Nintendo Switch Sports' highlights make it a must-own multiplayer party game.
Moss: Book 2 is a confident VR sequel that iterates on its predecessor just enough to make it feel new again.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a charming platformer filled with intuitive puzzles, a genuinely intriguing world, and hysterical transformations that always made me smile.
Ghostwire: Tokyo dazzles with its supernatural set pieces and folklore-driven storytelling, though its open-world tropes lack the same creative edge.
WWE 2K22 rallies from 2020's near-fall with a robust, if imperfect pro wrestling simulator.