Jeffrey Matulef
The second game from the creator of The Stanley Parable is an intensely personal character study and one of the most daring games in years.
Vlambeer's latest pocket of panicky delight is an intense arcade roguelike that rivals Spelunky and The Binding of Isaac.
Evocative and visually inspired, Ashes of Ariandel is a brief but masterful amalgamation of the Dark Souls series' greatest strengths.
Salt and Sanctuary is a derivative Dark Souls clone - but it's a shockingly good one.
Stark and beautiful, Feist is a platformer that provides much adventure with its limited means.
Don't let appearances deceive you - Downwell's retro chic aesthetic is the wrapper for an incredibly deep, satisfying game.
Both witty and touching, Tales of the Borderlands sees Telltale at its very best.
Telltale's well-worn adventure formula finds a perfect fit in the politicking of Westeros.
1979 Revolution's rough edges don't obscure its ambition in a worthwhile, enlightening narrative adventure.
A stylish, mechanically polished boss rush game, Furi effectively channels the spirit of Punch-Out!! to make for an unexpected gem.
This delicious blend of Ninja Gaiden and Dark Souls isn't quite a masterpiece, but it's a stirring return to form for Team Ninja.
Yoko Taro's eccentric action RPG gets a follow-up that's every bit as surprising as its predecessor with a little help from Platinum Games.
Mr. Shifty's action-packed adventure about a teleporting hero offers a similar adrenaline high as Hotline Miami and Superhot.
A forgotten arcade treat gets a stylish updating.
A worthwhile, if familiar, successor to Super Meat Boy.
An already sterling fighter gets a new coat of paint and a few new tricks. It's not revolutionary, but it's the best Nidhogg has ever been.
Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom isn't very deep, but its wonderful movement system and presentation make it exhilarating in short doses.
An interesting attempt at recapturing the thrill of first love, Cibele is ultimately too clumsy for its own good.
Wordless, beautiful and languid, the latest Samorost is a fine adventure game, even if it's not particularly adventurous itself.
A beautiful throwback that's just a touch too shallow.