It’s ironic, really, because, in my opinion, Call of Duty Cold War multiplayer was one of the best, which was, of course, developed by Treyarch. Yet, they managed to deliver the worst and most intolerable multiplayer experience in the franchise’s history. Unless the multiplayer gets a major buff in future updates, the zombies mode may be the content that saves Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is an impressively authentic horror adventure, followed by an intense story that grabbed my attention from start to finish. Most movies that turn into games are usually underwhelming, but this game is one of the exceptions.
Black Myth: Wukong is, without a doubt, worth buying. It has an incredible story, along with fantastic combat and beautiful locations and designs, despite the issues of the frames. But they should’ve simmered down on the number of boss fights. Game of the Year 2024? Sure – there’s enough to this to make it into the conversation.
EA SPORTS FC 25 is definitely an improvement from last year’s title, but not by much, especially when it comes to the on-field gameplay. It’s clear that EA placed more emphasis on their content, tactical gameplay, and more to increase the longevity of this game, and they have done very well in doing so. Plus, the new FC IQ system is an incredible addition to the game.
Madden NFL 25 can officially claim the crown as the most authentic Madden game of all time. It's like EA Orlando has taken the already incredible gameplay, visuals, animations, and more of last year's game placed them on the surgery table and given them a major facelift. However, despite some of the impressive additions that were made regarding the content, you might get the impression that having much more would've sufficed. Nonetheless, Madden NFL 25 is definitely a must-have.
It’s clear that they focused much more on fidelity than performance, which is a major pet peeve for most gamers. There’s nothing wrong with putting a lot of emphasis on the graphics, but the gameplay needs as much attention—even more would be better. The silver lining is that this game is free, so there’s no harm in giving it a shot. The game has something there, but it will need more improvements to get the best out of it. Plus, plenty of The First Descendant updates along the way will feature more characters, weapons, adjustments, and so on. So, hopefully, The First Descendant will become a more interesting game in the future.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is definitely worth a try, mainly due to its brand-new, ultra-realistic combat design and mechanics, and the mixture of simple and challenging puzzles. Not to mention, the unbelievably realistic visuals that’ll blow your mind. However, don’t expect an amazingly written storyline to follow. Plus, once again, it’s on Xbox Game Pass, so there’s no harm in seeing it for yourself.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is exactly what we deserve, as we’re getting a great package for a very low price. This isn’t often that you can say that about a game until you meet this one. I would strongly recommend any player, especially those who are grieving to play this, and you’ll surely obtain one of the most heartwarming experiences in recent years. Do I consider this to be a genuine Game of the Year contender? You bet I do.
It’s good to have Top Spin return after a 10+ hiatus, and you’d definitely have fun playing TopSpin 2K25 whether you’re alone or with a friend. Unfortunately, you should probably wait for a sale because the price for this game is unjustified, especially when it comes to the gameplay you’re getting out of it.
Although it isn’t as good as the more memorable Shredder’s Revenge, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants has just about managed to become a fun experience that pretty much requires that you play with at least a friend to get the ultimate experience. It’s been long overdue, so it’s good that this has finally made it to consoles and PC. And although it’s only local, I’d still recommend this to other players, even if they plan on playing this game on the side to take a little break from playing the much higher profile titles.
Rise of the Rōnin is certainly not the masterpiece we were hoping for, but it’s extremely close to being one. What you’re already getting with the intriguing story, outstanding weaponry, excellent combat, refined mechanics, and so on are more than enough to provide a phenomenally gripping, historical, action-packed RPG experience.
Flawless is the perfect term to describe Dragon’s Dogma 2, and it portrays a beyond-sheer level of magnificence, making it one of Capcom’s greatest projects ever. This isn’t even close to being an exaggeration, but not only is this a Game of the Year contender, but it might be an all-time great. Not once did I feel the need to turn off the game and would often feel miffed whenever I had to.
MLB The Show 24 continues the upgrades we witnessed in last year’s great title, and it had to take a lot to accomplish that. With the additions and enhancements, this is easily the most authentic Baseball game in the franchise. Plus, it provides equally outstanding experiences for both men and women players. And yet again, to sweeten the pot, it’s available on Xbox Game Pass. So, go ahead and get this puppy, and let’s play ball.
STAR WARS: Battlefront Classic Collection is another remastered game that’ll satisfy our nostalgic taste buds. Other than the issue mentioned earlier, which simply needs a patch, with your increased knowledge of what this bundle contains, plus the improvements, fixes, and extra trimmings, it’s fair to say that it’s a much smarter move to spend extra for a package with more enhanced and polished versions.
WWE 2K24 has all the fine makings of being one of the greatest WWE games of all time. With the abundance of additions, improvements, and content, how could it not be? This installment will keep you occupied throughout the year until the next game. Lastly, having to experience some of the greatest matches with the 2K Showcase of the Immortals mode had gotten me more excited than ever for the upcoming WrestleMania 40.
Helldivers 2 is a highly intense and immersive cooperative multiplayer with much more content than one can count. Of course, you can fight the creatures and droids going solo, but the ultimate experience you’ll receive is with peers. If you’re hoping for a story mode to get on, you won’t be getting much of that here. However, what you’re getting, including the enthralling missions and objectives, won’t matter much. And this game should give you hope for the future of online-based video games.
The sheer volume of outstanding content in TEKKEN 8 makes it the go-to fighting game for players of other series, and fans of this genre are flocking to this new release from all over the fighting game genre. TEKKEN 8 is the best in the franchise’s history and perfectly fits players of any level and experience. TEKKEN 8 is undoubtedly an excellent bet to win the Fighting Game of the Year.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has one of the best-written, captivating, immersive, and dramatic stories in a video game I’ve ever played, followed by incredible combat mechanics, abilities, weapons, and animations. Albeit, it needs a little more polishing to get a more playable fighting experience. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a game that’ll grab and maintain your interest, and I would recommend yet another fine project from Focus Entertainment to anyone. Yes, including God of War fans.
The Inquisitor is definitely worth your time, with a chilling story, a likable protagonist, intriguing features, and gameplay mechanics. Unfortunately, the issues mentioned earlier knock this game down some excellent points. Nonetheless, the game has just enough to be an enjoyable post-medieval-era experience. Also, in case you aren’t aware, The Inquisitor demo is available to try out for yourself.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is the sequel the fans deserve. It’s impressive how they’ve improved almost all aspects from the predecessor, including the more enhanced combat and fights that become more immersive and exciting and a much better adventure with likable characters. Who knew that you could learn so much about heists from food-based characters and seem so innocent at the same time? One would hope a sequel will be in the works in the future.