The Colonists is a charming sim with plenty of content to satisfy your pioneering dreams
If you pick up Empire of Ants for any reason, it shouldn't be the obvious one. Of course, it's gorgeous, and perhaps one of the most visually stunning games I've ever played, but there's a simple charm to its gameplay and overall worldbuilding that deserves to be experienced by as wide an audience as possible. Whether leading a charge of warriors into battle or simply standing on an abandoned bottle and watching your colony do its thing, there's something so special about Empire of Ants that makes it an absolute joy to experience.
As well as being a captivating and addictive strategy-come-city-builder, it’s a game full of surprises, but perhaps most importantly, a game that exudes sheer joy. It’s the perfect addition to any genre fan’s catalogue, but most importantly, it’s an excellent gateway for anyone looking to dabble in the city-building genre.
Age of Mythology may have been a risk some 20 years ago, but remaking it was a no-brainer. Retold feels familiar but fresh, and the changes made all feel like they only improve on one of the franchise's best entries.
Pikmin 4 is, to put it simply, Pikmin at its best.
Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Wild Hearts is that I didn't once find myself lamenting for Monster Hunter. Wild Hearts was perhaps a risky endeavour, but it's one that's paid off with impressive results. While genre newcomers can treat the land of Azuma as a gateway to monster hunting, long-standing genre fans will find plenty here to keep them happy until the next Monster Hunter adventure arrives.
A wonderfully difficult beat-'em-up that puts the player at the forefront of their very own martial arts epic.
Triangle Strategy is unique in its sprawling story, and its success is only solidified by an excellent combat system that makes battles as intense as they are intimidating. With deep lore and an overall mature approach to a genre too often dumbed down, Triangle Strategy is an RPG fans dream.
Oddworld's weirdest moment has never looked better.
If you're worried that Disco Elysium might be too slow for you, you're probably right. It's a visual novel through and through, where 90% of the gameplay is reading. It doesn't skip any big issues, it doesn't mind reminding you about the human condition, right after making you giggle uncontrollably; it wants you to be engaged, intoxicated, and uncomfortable. If you value engaging writing and exceptionally gorgeous graphics over a fast paced RPG, Disco Elysium is an adventure absolutely worth investing in.