This entry proves yet again that letting Respawn handle the Star Wars IP is the right call. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a Game of the Year contender in a very stacked year.
The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story is a fantastic action RPG and a worthy spin-off. If you like fast-paced top-down action, give this one a shot.
While the tactical options are more limited when playing solo, Minecraft Legends is a blast to play. Pick it up if you are a Minecraft fan or if you just want to have fun playing a chill game with a friend.
While I still think the Resident Evil 2 Remake is the king, Resident Evil 4 Remake is still a fantastic game. Fans of Resident Evil or survival horror, in general, should check it out.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is the most fun I’ve had playing a Yakuza game since Yakuza 0. Any fan of the series or fans of samurai games, in general, should check it out.
While Monster Hunter still reigns supreme, Wild Hearts still holds its own in the hunting arena. Those on Xbox Game Pass shouldn’t hesitate to give it a go.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a worthy successor to Vermintide. Fans of good first-person melee combat shouldn't hesitate to check this one out.
While I don't think Evil West will be anyone's game of the year, it's rare to get such a pure action game these days. For those looking for pure vampire punching, this is your game.
A Plague Tale: Requiem takes what made the first game good and improves upon that. If you can handle the constant stealth sections, this game is for you.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope improves on Kingdom Battle, but drags things out far too long near the end. Fans of the original – or tactical combat games in general – should still check it out.
The Word of Cult of the Lamb is good, providing roguelike action with heaps of that good ol' fashioned ultraviolence. Those that don't mind a lack of depth with its cult management shenanigans - and can also turn a blind third eye to its hit-and-miss weapon selection - have found their calling.
Thymesia is a Soulslike that rewards aggression and precision; more methodical or sword and board players might want to look elsewhere.
Tyrant’s Blessing is a fun tactical game that tasks players with controlling their opponents as much as destroying them. If you’re a fan of tactics titles, add it to your queue.
It’s simple: If you want to play as a cat, then Stray is the game for you. However, if you’re more of a dog person, then skip it.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is an excellent callback to the Turtles beat-’em-ups of old. The game is an easy purchase – if you can handle the chaos happening on screen.
Sniper Elite 5 knows what it is excellent at and sticks with it. If you like gory headshots and taking out Nazis, this game is a good time.
Salt and Sacrifice has a lot going for it, but some bad design choices hold it back. I’d recommend watching some gameplay footage – especially of its bosses – before buying.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a grind fest that only a select few will enjoy. Those that overlook that will enjoy its well-written characters; for everybody else it’s an easy pass.
People looking for a short and intense samurai game should check out Trek to Yomi. It’s quick, fun, and makes you truly feel like a samurai.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands might as well be an expansion for Borderlands 3. Only fans of Borderlands who can tolerate Tiny Tina should consider this game.