Dylan Pamintuan
High On Life is a fun and humorous FPS that, while not innovating on the genre, is a joy to play all throughout its main story. However, it lacks a little technical polish and optional goals.
Masterplan Tycoon is a relaxing resource management sim that only gives you the essentials, and it's up to you to make it as big and complex as you want it to be.
City of Beats is thoroughly recommended, with its fun gameplay that flows with the music you make. There are a few design decisions that made me raise my eyebrow, but it ultimately is an enjoyable experience.
Moonstone Island is an excellent game that combines what I like from other games and improves on them. Whatever your path may be, it'll be a fun one.
Bilikin's Folly is a jolly adventure across the seas that makes treasure hunting fun, full of tricky puzzles and great characters, and the only time you'll get frustrated is from your own folly.
Scene Investigators demands the attention of a real investigator, with the determination and knowledge to crack cases open. For the patient and studious, you'll be greatly rewarded for your efforts.
Persona 5 Tactica is just as stylish and fun as any of the main series. While it does hit the same beats as other stories in the franchise, it's still a great time if you give it a try.
Atlas Wept should be given more love and attention with its fun gameplay and great story. Don't be afraid to give it a whirl, you'll never know what its world has to offer.
Pacific Drive is like a road trip: It requires a lot of preparation and planning, but the journey is always worth the experience. Just watch out for the radiation.
HELLDIVERS 2 is worth going through hell to experience its gameplay and world, but server issues and glitches will rain on that campaign. Still, there's nothing quite like diving in, feet first.
Buckshot Roulette is short if you know what you're doing, but like any good gambling addiction, you can't help but come back for more.
Indies' Lies is a great game for those who want to get into roguelike deck building games, while veterans of the genre will find the ability to better control their build a nice feature to experiment with, without sacrificing the fun of RNG.
SokoChess White is an excellent puzzle game to test yourself, even without playing against an opponent.
Roots of Pacha is a refreshing take on the farming/life sim genre, with great ideas and features. However, there are little annoyances that might turn off some.
Dash & Swing may seem simple based on its title, but requires a lot of skill and practice to really master.
Stolen Realm is a fun RPG to play with friends and by yourself, especially if you don't have the time or resources to set an entire campaign. Make sure you know what you're doing and you'll come out fine.
Kardboard Kings is a surprisingly active business management simulator that kept me entertained throughout my time with the game. However, it ends too early and there isn't much to do afterwards other than collecting cards.
Temtem is definitely worth getting for something different, yet familiar. It's worth the price of admission, but that's all you should spend on it.
Hogwarts Legacy is a must-have for fans, and worth a buy for everyone else if they're interested. It does have its shortcomings, but its stellar gameplay and world allows it to stand on its own.
Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator is a very good simulator of what it's like to be a professional chef, while also making it fun to play.