Despite its flaws, Hogwarts Legacy is clearly a game made by Potter fans, for Potter fans, and for that particular audience, it’s been more than worth the very long wait. Hogwarts Legacy is by no means a revolutionary gaming experience, but it’s still a pretty magical one.
Dead Space remake brings the beloved survival horror franchise into the modern day, and then some. It’s a stunning reimaging of a classic that retains what made its progenitor so special while also improving various aspects that haven’t aged well. Plus, it’s also one of the best-looking and sounding games on modern hardware.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 packs one of the best multiplayer suites in the franchise’s history. That’s no small feat when you consider that this Modern Warfare (2019) sequel is the 19th mainline Call of Duty game. However, a lackluster campaign and bland co-op diminish the overall package.
Unfortunately, its rough edges leave a noticeable mark, and the poor writing and seriously disappointing performance on next-gen hardware hold it back.
Splatoon 3 adds little new to an increasingly familiar formula, but the game features a plethora of enjoyable modes that cater to just about every playstyle.
The Last of Us Part I is a nearly flawless PS5 remake of an exceptional game
Don’t dismiss Stray as merely a cat simulator, as this adventure game will appeal to more than just feline fanatics. While the chance to play as an adorable kitty is appealing, the real star of the show is the game’s richly-detailed cyberpunk world. Only Stray's short length and simplistic gameplay hold it back from ranking top of the litter.
The Quarry has blockbuster aspirations but never quite manages to rise above B-movie cheese. However, it’s still a well-structured interactive horror experience with a cast of mostly likable characters and a couple of highly effective twists.
Ghostwire: Tokyo offers a varied arsenal of paranormal powers, and a well-realized deception of the Japanese capital. However, it does fall into some familiar open-world grooves.
OlliOlii World is an exhilarating and mechanical skateboarding side-scroller that consistently falls on the right side of the line between frustration and fun.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human combines a branching narrative, a massive open world and satisfying first-person parkour. It's a potent mixture, but repetitive combat and serious technical issues often spoil the fun.
Battlefield 2042 occasionally captures the epic scale and multiplayer madness the series is known for. But the game often stumbles due to poor design decisions and technical issues.
At its best Riders Republic successfully captures the sense of adventure and risk-taking that make extreme sports so appealing.
Alan Wake Remastered doesn't overhaul the original foundations, but it does add welcome improvements to a game that has mostly stood the test of time.
On the pitch, FIFA 22 is the best the series has ever been, but offline modes have again been neglected in favor of FIFA Ultimate Team.
What Kena: Bridge of Spirits lacks in new ideas, it makes up for with an abundance of charm and gorgeous visuals.
Aliens: Fireteam Elite is a bland co-op shooter that coasts on the strength of its license.
Mario Golf Super Rush has plenty of initial charm, but comes up short in terms of content.
Knockout City is a zany take on dodgeball that combines surprisingly deep gameplay with a bright, colorful aesthetic. It's a winning combination.
Returnal is an incredible experience, which combines a replayable rogue-lite structure with heart-pounding bullet-hell gameplay.