Everything feels shorter and tighter, which makes for a compelling gameplay experience. While some gamers might roll their eyes at seeing another Elden Ring title being considered Game of the Year, Nightreign deserves to be in the discussion.
Astro's Playroom is too good to be true. It's a fun platformer with some of the best controls and is accessible to everyone who owns a PlayStation 5. With an experience like this, it's no wonder that Astro Bot has a devoted following so much that a full-length game is coming soon. If you haven't played this gem, enjoy the pinnacle PS5 experience.
From PlayStation references to charming interactions with other Bots, there’s a treat on every level. It’s wild to think that Sony finally has a platformer that rivals the excellent 3D Super Mario Games, but Team Asobi really did it. Don’t miss out on one of the best platforming experiences in gaming history with Astro Bot.
Silent Hill 2 Remake is a sublime masterpiece that will leave any player shaking with some of the scariest moments in gaming history. The remake's updates plus modernized visuals and controls make even something as old as Silent Hill 2 feel like it came from this generation. If any player gets the chance, then play this game with headphones. The audio design is some of the best ever heard in recent memory, as the little sounds and scratches make walking through a hallway even more disturbing than the actual monsters. Fans of the original game are justifiably skeptical, but this remake deserves a chance. Silent Hill 2 Remake should be gamers' top choice to play during this year's spooky season, and for those who want to experience the full potential of today's remakes.
Neva is a game that'll speak to any pet owner and touch their soul. The story between Alba and Neva is simple, but it is a tale packed with emotion that will make anyone tear up. It also boasts some of this year's best visuals with its watercolor background and vibrant colors. The gameplay and puzzles might be lacking for some, but it does the job.
It makes sense that Meta bundled Arkham Shadow with new purchases for their Meta Quest 3/3S, as this game is a headset seller. Camaouflaj made a full-length Arkham VR game that perfectly immerses players in the world. Being Batman is rewarding, as taking out enemies never felt better. Getting involved in a conspiracy that engulfed Gotham while fighting legions of enemies with some of the superhero genre's most famous gadgets is pure Dark Knight goodness. With these in mind, Batman: Arkham Shadow isn't just the best VR title out right now and a great holiday gift, but it's the worthy continuation of the Batman: Arkham games that fans have been waiting for.
After playing Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, any qualms about this remaster can and will vanish. This is an in-depth remaster that’s just shy of being a remake. The way Nixxes Studios manages to rework countless motion capture footage to make interactions more lifelike and having the environments pop more than they did in the past is incredible.
Human Within does an outstanding job with its message of AI technology becoming corrupted by the worst people possible. While some players will make the inevitable comparisons between this game and Black Mirror, this should be taken as a compliment. The future seen in the game is one that may seem barely out of reach, yet close enough. The game is an inspired and creative take on VR gaming, especially whenever it lets players assume control of Lyla's actions during the tech link sections. At worst, the algorithm puzzles were a bit of trouble, as getting a specific moment to trigger something can be more annoying than fun thanks to iffy controls. With the game clocking in at just around three hours, Human Within gives players a short and sweet, thrilling experience.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is a phenomenal game that new and old fans will love. It features gorgeous animation that's similar to childhood classics like Watership Down or The Secret of NIMH.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a phenomenal RPG that players will love spending countless hours on. Bohemia is prosperous and thriving, with a lot of natural interactions that can lead players on quests that feel like an adventure.
The PC port of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a fantastic upgrade to an already superb game. Everything is highly customizable for the player and will make any doubter turn their head.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a thrilling visual novel that uses its gameplay to the fullest effect.
Avowed is a terrific game from Obsidian Entertainment and is their best outing since Fallout: New Vegas. The world is rich with exploitable zones and characters to interact with.
Path of Fury - Episode I: Tetsuo's Tower is a thrilling experience that makes good on its promise to test a player's endurance.
To think that this is Sandfall Interactive’s first game is mind-blowing, as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 should be up there with the best RPGs of all time.
Since the combat is less kinetic compared to the past two games, it moves a bit slow, but in the best way possible. The movement feels slower than the previous two games and more in line with the original DOOM. The style and music are classic DOOM, which provides a major boost of energy to the mix. Some longtime fans might have issues with the changes to the formula, but the respect towards this franchise is still there. Even if gamers haven’t played a DOOM game, The Dark Ages is the perfect start.
Mario Kart World is proving doubters wrong, as this is the innovation that Mario Kart needed. Even on the surface level, with docked support for 4K resolution and 120 FPS, the improvements are here. Because of all the new additions, everything feels more chaotic, and that’s a perfect compliment for any Mario Kart game.
While topping the original is tough, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach makes it seem like an easy task.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is the redemption that Square Enix needs. This game is a fantastic single player journey that britantly shows off the Guardians in action. If you were burned by Marvel’s Avengers, this game might heal those old wounds.
With its in-depth customization, modes you can pour hours into, and online play with friends, MLB The Show 20 is a home run for fans.