Rune Factory 5 has one of the best casts and writing in the series, but a batch of performance and presentation issues spoil the crop.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is still a champion among fighting games, though the story holds it back from overwhelming victory.
Chocobo GP is built for fun but needs time and some more attention before it can really take the pole position.
Triangle Strategy is one of the cleverest tactics games around, with an intriguing story, rewarding choices, and (mostly) excellent stage design.
Horizon Forbidden West could be much more, but what's here is beautiful, cleverly designed, and just plain fun to play.
Ota Imon has something interesting to say with Wolfstride. I just hope it finds the right voice to say it with next time.
Warhammer 3 is, frankly, an incredible package. It somehow manages to deliver multiple unique and satisfying campaigns, mostly without sacrificing their quality and depth in the process.
Pokemon Legends Arceus is the most imaginative and absorbing Pokemon to date, though Hisui itself is disappointingly bare.
Dying Light 2 is messy and uneven. It’s also unique, exhilarating, and just plain fun to play, with one of the best settings in recent memory – despite the nagging feeling that the game could, and should, be more than what it is.
A refreshing take on the survival sandbox with a robust approach to progression and countless ways to tackle each mission. Sadly, harsh penalties, bugs, and crashes combine to make this a frustrating off-world expedition.
Final Fantasy 5 Pixel Remaster still isn’t the ultimate way to play the game. That would be the Game Boy Advance version of it, thanks to the bonus classes and character portraits. However, it’s still a fantastic RPG, elevated by its spirit of fun and an absolutely gorgeous soundtrack. Whether you’ve played another version before or not, it’s definitely worth experiencing.
Despite some rough edges, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are the best of modern and classic Pokemon.
Mario Party Superstars is the best of classic Mario Party in one package, and it's just as glorious as it's ever been.
Forza Horizon 5 is ultimately more of the same, but that's hardly a bad thing when it does the same thing so darn well.
Shin Megami Tensei V is a triumph, boasting a stellar narrative and combat system with unique style all its own.
Resident Evil 4 VR is a brilliant port of an already fantastic game and the ideal way to experience Capcom's classic
There’s no need to change what works already, though a few additional gameplay flourishes could have helped AoE 4 feel more fresh and exciting. The campaigns are robust, but the missing content stands out in its absence. That’s especially true considering Age of Empires 4 is a full-priced release, though being on Game Pass makes it a more appealing prospect. What’s here is still more than enough to be getting on with, but lIke any good strategist, World’s Edge is planning ahead for the long game.
Dying Light on Switch is the same old Dying Light, which means it's one of the best survival horror games - just portable.
Far Cry 6 prefers playing guerrilla over more serious reflection because “blowing up s*** is fun,” and Ubisoft just isn’t quite ready to give that up yet.
Astria Ascending has the makings of a unique RPG but never builds on its strengths to rise above average.