Overall, Forza Horizon 5 somehow raised an insurmountable bar to new heights. Playground Games continued to show off their prowess with game development and their striving to make a game that is fun for every type of player in every aspect of gameplay. Regardless of if you’re a racing fan or not, if you have Game Pass, Forza Horizon 5 needs to be the next game you play. You never know, it could be the jumping-off point into a new genre that you never knew you’d click with.
Sifu is surprisingly difficult, at a level that will deter most players. However, getting past that wall will reward you with an amazingly crafted game that stays true to the developer’s vision, one that celebrates kung fu and its core meaning.
Hardspace Shipbreaker has cemented itself as one of my top three games of the year. It’s not without faults, like its superfluous room you’re forced to visit. However, the complete package is marvelous in the way it tells a powerful story mixed with chill, yet stressful gameplay.
Island 4 and all that comes with it make an amazing game even better. This DLC is perfect for those who want to see Cuphead at its best. There is no fat; there is no fluff. There are only the best parts of Cuphead but much, much more refined.
Neon White nails the “one more try” mentality. With complex and fast levels, great enemy variety, and easy readability, it feels like a fantastic intro to speedrunning. My biggest gripe? I want more! Not that there isn’t enough, but I just can’t get enough of the Neons and the gripping nature of this game.
Disney Illusion Island is quite possibly one of the best Disney games about Mickey and Friends made to date. The world of Monoth is such a joy to explore and is made fantastically to feel like a modern Metroidvania platformer.
Where Cocoon shines is in its creativity. Bosses, level design, and use of puzzles, all through its use of orbs, are extremely fun. Plus, every section ends without overstaying its welcome.
At first glance, In Stars and Time seems like a simple turn-based RPG. But through its amazing story, the game becomes so much more.
Tunic was definitely worth the wait. I honestly can’t remember when a game has gripped me the way Tunic has. For the past two weeks, I haven’t stopped looking into certain puzzles, finding new secrets, and thinking about what I could’ve missed. It’s just amazing that the small team behind Tunic has created a game with this much depth.
While not being memorable for its story, The Last Friend shines brightly with its mix of level variety, beat-em-up combat, and dogs. There are no stale moments, which is hard to pull off for a Tower Defense-style game. Even after thinking you have a handle on how to conquer a level, a new curveball is thrown your way. Overall, Every dog lover at The Stonebot just showed how great man’s best friend truly is. There is love and care in almost every aspect of this game that will make The Last Friend stick with me for a long, long time.
The Quarry is a fantastic return to form for Supermassive Games. Every character stands out well on their own thanks to the fun and excellent writing. The monsters and villains, while not terrifying, are a very cool take on the Summer Camp Horror stories that we’ve seen time and again up until now. With just a little more refinement on the rough edges, there’s no doubt this game would’ve been a top 10 horror game. Even then, The Quarry is memorable, and I highly suggest you check it out, especially with a group of friends.
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is not only a perfect example of what a remaster should be but also the perfect way to play this classic game. Plus, it being available on so many platforms makes it the most approachable way for anyone who wants to experience this nonsensically beautiful mess. While it not a perfect game, I have been reminded why Crisis Core holds a special place in my heart. This is a special story that’s growing in new ways, and being able to experience it all again with almost remake-level updates to almost every aspect of the game while keeping its heart and soul the same is something truly special.
Dead Space and EA Motive pulled off what many had doubted since its announcement. They not only remade Dead Space from the ground up, but they made a superior version of one of the greatest horror games ever made.
Octopath Traveler 2 not only iterated or refined, but it also made the Octopath Traveler series a highly anticipated series in my eyes.
Storyteller is full of charm, laughs, and head-scratching puzzles. All are made in a way that lets you create the story you want to tell to fit the prompt. With standouts like its hands-off instructions to subtle butterfly effect interactions, this is a can’t-miss game for anyone looking for a new puzzle game to sink their teeth into.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a fantastic definition of what a sequel should be. Its overall presentation showed that Respawn and the amazing team of developers listened to the criticism. From the improvements to combat, to exploration, to even just finding ways to add more depth to the characters, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is the Star Wars game that fans have been waiting for.
After Us is a grim yet hopeful tale of what the future of humanity and our planet looks like, given our current actions. Within its dark moments shine a fantastic platformer that shouldn’t be missed. It not only carries a strong message, but it also shows what is possible for the platformer genre on modern consoles.
Diablo IV has set the golden standard for what a modern Blizzard game should be. It is not only a fantastic Diablo game but gives us a glimpse that the once-beloved publisher still has that magic that it was most well-known for in years past.
Starfield is Bethesda firing on all cylinders.
Forza Motorsport is masterfully made. The driving feels fantastic. The races at first are exhilarating. Plus, all multiplayer modes are enjoyable, and hours will pass in the blink of an eye.