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.
At its best Riders Republic successfully captures the sense of adventure and risk-taking that make extreme sports so appealing.
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.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom lives up to the franchise's pedigree, and then some. It’s a remarkably confident sequel that refines and remixes elements of Breath of the Wild in delightfully surprising ways. The aging Switch hardware it's confined to can’t always keep pace, but that’s a minor blemish on an overall masterful experience that is essential for all Nintendo fans.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a textbook example of a video game sequel done right. It retains everything that was great about its predecessor while also refining the experience in key areas. The biggest improvements come in the form of engaging side missions, but the highly cinematic main story is the ultimate show-stealer. This is the best Spider-Man video game ever made.
The Last of Us Part I is a nearly flawless PS5 remake of an exceptional game
It Takes Two is a remarkable puzzle-platformer that constantly surprises and delights, as long as you've got a co-op partner.
Returnal is an incredible experience, which combines a replayable rogue-lite structure with heart-pounding bullet-hell gameplay.
OlliOlii World is an exhilarating and mechanical skateboarding side-scroller that consistently falls on the right side of the line between frustration and fun.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is an essential PS5 game for new players and veterans alike. The visual and performance upgrade is minor compared to the PS4 original, but the suite of additional content is worth the admission price. The roguelike No Return mode is a real winner, and the deeper insight into the game’s development will delight longtime fans of the franchise.