Never traditionally fun, needlessly painful, and almost always breaking down, I love S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Despite its many issues, I doubt any other shooter in 2024 could match it on atmosphere, vibes, or ambition.
Ubisoft still can't land on any compelling identity for XDefiant, but it remains a genuinely exhilarating F2P shooter I wish was more active.
With some light visual touchups, Adol continues to dominate his PS2 era. The new sea air is good for his crimson hair, but the breadth of exploration can occasionally feel as broad as the Suez Canal.
If you can only play one turn-based fantasy roleplaying game this year, let it be this one. Swords and sorcery Persona is a marvellously executed pitch.
Princess Zelda finally takes the stage in this magnificent farewell to the series' best generation, giving the top-down adventure a serving of the latest 3D entries' innovations.
Emio – The Smiling Man has a rich, empathetic heart, there's just not enough of it. Solid character work and a decent setting can't get around the fact that the game isn't ever all that thrilling.
EDF6 is confident in wearing its rough edges with pride while also being a gleeful, joyous mess alone or with company.
Come for the satisfying, concentration-demanding turn-based tactical puzzles with a diverse and interesting roster. Reconsider your stay when the difficulty curve takes to the skies.
Succeeding with a smaller scope, Legion IX is tighter and more satisfying than the base game, though still pained by odd design holdovers and bad audio.
While giving players the option of a core and arguably 'fixed' SMTV experience, Atlus delivers the most approachable core Megaten title worthy of all JRPG fans' attention.
The charm and top-notch comedic writing shine bright despite the hollow combat and repetition.
Nothing else hits that adrenaline button quite like slow-walking through hostile territory with your squad formed in a tight conga line.
There is a fundamentally good, core Darkest Dungeon-like experience somewhere underneath this rushed, languid, and poorly executed turn-based rogue-lite.
This unexpected sequel consistently delivers the most thrilling and hilarious player-driven adventuring anecdotes in what may be Capcom's greatest-ever roleplaying game.
In this devilish game of thrones, you scheme or suffer a terrible insult. And maybe put a few friendships on ice.
Wiktor Szulski battles with Geralt as my favourite Polish RPG protagonist in this impressive dialogue-driven mystery that deserves a franchise.
Perhaps Ubisoft's most mediocre new IP launch to date, eliciting neither excitement nor offence.
This earnest, occasionally awkward epilogue to Tales of Arise isn't essential, but it packs enough delights to reward returning fans.
Persona 5's toe-tapping tunes and infectious energy are present, but Tactica forgets to bring fresh ideas or variety.
Despite underwhelming combat and gameplay mechanics, Thirsty Suitors has stellar style and character writing wrapped up in a charming and sincere package.