Outriders may not excel at anything in particular but it does enough right to keep things interesting. The gunplay is good, the core loop of finding new gear is fun and exploring Enoch with friends (or solo) is a blast.
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is a marvel in storytelling, world-building, and character-building. With Disco Elysium finally on consoles, there is no excuse to skip out on one of the most interesting mysteries in years.
Feral Cat Den's Genesis Noir is a unique blend of animation, music, and innovation. While it is a simple point-and-click adventure, the story is beautifully told through its stunning presentation. Some of the puzzles might not offer many challenges but the experience is not that you won't soon forget.
It Takes Two is one of the finest co-op experiences out there and one of the best games out this year. From a gameplay standpoint, there is a consistently creative approach to how you solve challenges with your partner and there is no better game to play that uses co-op, and this highly memorable story will make you laugh and even pull at your heartstrings.
Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible iteration of the popular series and it is easily one of the best games out this year. If you have never played Monster Hunter because of how overwhelming the games feel, this is the best entry point because of how it works. Fans of the series also get a great new entry that impresses technically and graphically on the Nintendo Switch.
Bravely Default II doesn’t shake up the formula much but the things it does shakeup, are better off for it. This is a modern take on classic Final Fantasy with a twist. The game is punishing, but also it's comfort food for fans of JRPGs but it also takes a few steps back from the previous games, it’s still fun to play but it's more tedious now, too.
Persona 5 Strikers is an exciting sequel that takes the Phantom Thieves on a cross-country tour to clear their names. With Koei Tecmo streamlining most systems and using an action battle system, the sequel succeeds on many levels.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury might include the same game that was on the Wii U but it's also a title that needs to be experienced by everyone who owns a Nintendo Switch.
Little Nightmares II improves on the first game and introduces a new character. It's up to you to piece together the events unfolding. The scares are bigger, the world is far more twisted and the gameplay is a nice reprieve from bigger AAA titles.
Destruction AllStars showcases the power of the PlayStation 5 and has good gameplay loops but the microtransactions and barebones presentation never elevate the game from good to great.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is a great follow up and yet another satisfying chapter of Adol Christin's life. Playing as Adol and the supporting Monstrum proves that there is still a ton of life left for the Ys series. The darker take and the Prison City of Balduq are full of secrets and treasure and the sidequests are some of the best the series has offered.
Olija is short but it is an impactful game. It’s got some minor technical issues but the gameplay is intense, the story is impeccable and the puzzles are challenging. The atmosphere of Terraphage is as important to the game as Faraday himself and it’s thanks to the magical harpoon that Faraday wields that the gameplay is so much fun. I’d love to revisit this game but it is so short and lacking in replayability - the upside is that the time you spend with Olija won’t soon be forgotten.
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & The Secret Fairy is an excellent follow-up. Gust has improved on so many things that it's hard not to love this game or its characters but the various systems may be overwhelming for any newcomers.
Haven's gameplay might not keep you invested as much as the core relationship but the game tells a very real tale of two people in love. Paired with a synthetic lo-fi soundtrack and some beautiful visuals, it's hard not to fall for Kay and Yu's story.
GodFall is a good launch title for the PlayStation 5 but is full of repetitive missions, uninteresting loot mechanics but fun and exciting combat. It's a mixed bag but ultimately fun and worth adding to your collection!
Demon's Souls is a breathtaking remake from Bluepoint Games. The studio injects new life into a timeless classic that offers PlayStation 5 owners an astounding, challenging game.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity may not be the sequel Nintendo fans are looking for but it’s certainly worth checking out. It has a good roster of characters, great combat, and some interesting ideas that stick the landing.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is the perfect starter for anyone who owns a PlayStation 5 or even if you're still on PlayStation 4. Bustling with tons of details and colourful locations for you to make your way through, Sumo Digital has delivered a game that’s so enchanting and stunning, it’s hard not to smile when playing Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
Bright Memory is a short look at the potential next year's Bright Memory Infinite may have, but this demo is a bit rough technically even though the mechanics are fun.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory is a definitive look back on the series & newcomers get a great idea of what makes the series so beloved. If you're a veteran and want to brush up on all the lore, Melody of Memory offers that and a bit more.