Split Fiction is another golden feather in Hazelight’s impressive portfolio. Filled to the brim with a wide variety of themes, tones, genres, and gameplay mechanics that are polished to a shine, Split Fiction is a visual marvel and a certified GOTY contender.
This Rosewater review alone should speak volumes of how memorable of a game Grundislav Games has cooked up. It would be an understatement to say that Rosewater is the best point-and-click adventure game I’ve played this decade. The wholesome, choice-driven narrative, its cast of colorful and relatable characters, and clever puzzles make Rosewater a tour de force of the genre.
Blasphemous 2 is the perfect sequel fans could ever ask for. The sequel doubles down on everything Blasphemous is beloved for, and then proceeds to add a slew of new features. The result is a beautifully rendered action platformer with challenging combat, varied character builds, rewarding exploration, a plethora of side content and some great music. I would have liked to see more epic screen-filling boss fights, some post-campaign modes and reasonable regional pricing, but I guess the last wish is not up to the developer. Team17, if you’re reading this, fix your prices. Blasphemous 2 is a gem of a game otherwise.
Remnant 2 is a massive improvement over its predecessor thanks to fine-tuned gunplay, build customization, the massive amount of content, and excellent co-op support. It’s been a while since we’ve played a co-op action title that feels like it deserves the asking price (looking at you, Darktide). Whether you’re a Souls veteran or a casual player, Remnant 2 has something for you in store.
System Shock (2023) is a fantastic remake of the groundbreaking 1994 original with an eagle eye for attention. Above everything else, it’s a love letter to the original made by folks who knew the ins and outs of the Looking Glass classic. The striking visual design, rewarding exploration, challenging puzzles, and a menacing performance by Terri Brosius make System Shock not just a great remake, but one of the best games of this year. The wait was worth it.
Ion Fury: Aftershock is a must-play expansion for fans of the base game. Superior level design, better level variety, faster paced campaign, more firepower, more enemies, the awesome Road Ripper and the Arrange mode make Aftershock a noticeable improvement over Ion Fury. Those are some big enough reasons to grab the expansion at full price.
While Sony's poor regional pricing and its decision to delist the game from countries without a PSN presence warrant criticism, the excellent work done by Nixxes on Ghost of Tsushima's PC port should not be neglected. Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut is a great port of an entertaining open-world title.
Mullet Madjack is a breakneck action package that never ceases to impress. Despite being quite challenging, it never stoops to the point of being unfair or frustrating. I would have loved to see more levels, more upgrades and more boss fights, but what’s on offer here is extremely captivating. Plus, the regional pricing is pretty reasonable as well.
At a time when big IPs with millions upon millions of dollars in backing fail to deliver, Conscript is an inspired yet fresh take on the classic Survival Horror formula. Its old-school sensibilities might turn off some players, but Jordan Mochi's grounded take on WW1 is slated to become a favorite for fans of the genre. Conscript is ugly...and all the better for it.
With Anger Foot, Free Lives has made a unique, memorable, and above all else, a “fun” video game. It’s another testament to Devolver’s passion for publishing original, eccentric, and creative indie games. Moreover, it’s got great regional pricing on top of its replayable nature. Anger Foot— featuring feet so fine you’d think Tarantino designed them.
Miasma Chronicles take the ideas introduced in Mutant Year Zero and polishes them to a shine. What results is a beautiful (though trope-ish) and lore-filled post-apocalyptic adventure with plenty of challenging handcrafted combat scenarios that will surely give master tacticians a run for their money. It goes without saying that if you liked its predecessor, you’ll surely love this one. There are improvements to be made in the performance and bug department to be sure. But, all in due course, I suppose. The ladies with beards have struck gold once again.
RoboCop: Rogue City is the type of game you get when a developer stays faithful and respectful to the source material without compromising their vision to suit modern sensibilities. It’s a game specifically made with for RoboCop fans by RoboCop fans, and that shows in each and every frame. Rogue City embraces the essence of what makes RoboCop great - be it the social satire, or the power fantasy, adapts it into an entertaining gameplay loop and goes to town with it.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a mind-blowing platformer with extremely detailed control over the character for platforming as well as combat. Having such tremendous control requires a serious challenge which the game does not fear to give. The game however does fall short in providing a memorable story and soundtrack. Otherwise, you're looking at a major platformer of the year contender.
God of War Ragnarok is a good sequel to a great game. While it doesn’t hit the same highs as its predecessor, when it gets going, it flies. The excellent PC port by Jetpack Interactive makes sure that you’ll be experiencing the best Ragnarok has to offer. This has been one hell of a ride and I hope to see where the winds take Kratos next.
Darkest Dungeon 2 is not trying to replace the first game. It aims to occupy a spot right beside its predecessor. There are some things the sequel does well and some things it doesn’t. The streamlined (in a good way) combat, reduced grind and improved character dynamics comes at a cost of the removal of the comfy base management of the original.
Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is hands down one of the best remasters ever made that will no doubt please all fans yearning for a sourceport. It’s one of the rare cases when the recreation outshines the original product. Rise of the Triad may be a divisive game, but there’s nothing divisive about Ludicrous Edition. Nightdive has once again upped the standards for remasters. If you’re a fan of the original, Ludicrous Edition is a must-buy at full price. If you’re wanting to try the game for the first time, try out the demo and see if it’s for you. They hardly make games like these anymore.
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is one last hurrah for the Dragon of Dojima and the classic brawler-style gameplay. After the botched sendoff of Yakuza 6, RGG Studio has gone back to the drawing board and delivered a short but fun and emotional rollercoaster. While there is 15–30 hours of playtime to be had in Gaiden, SEGA’s regional pricing leaves much to be desired. Thanks to Gamepass, fans around the world can get into the head of Joryu at an affordable price. Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is a tribute to the legendary character fans should not miss out on.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 manages to live up to the legacy of its cult-classic predecessor. Casual players will have a great time with the game thanks to its balls-to-the-wall gameplay and supreme visuals. If you’re in it for the long haul, the technical issues and balancing (or the lack thereof) will be a point of contention. Hopefully, Saber will be improving and adding to the gameplay while the game is still in its prime.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a competently made FPS that’s exactly what it’s advertised to be – a no-nonsense, Boomer Shooter with tight controls and satisfying combat loop. The fact that it looks amazing is the Daggerfruit on top. While the game plays it safe and doesn’t deviate from the established formula, it nevertheless offers over 10 hours of entertaining gameplay. At the same time, there is plenty of room for improvement. Even though multiplayer is out of the question, the addition of an endless mode, extra challenges, and even a map editor will go a long way in ensuring that the game is replayable. Boltgun is a purchase retro FPS fans won’t regret.
Ghostrunner 2 is a solid entry that builds on the foundation of the first game. Almost everything has been tweaked or expanded to provide a lengthier, more varied campaign that retains the precise platforming and fluid one-hit combat. While the PC performance is not optimal and some of the new additions disrupt the pace of the game, Ghostrunner 2 does enough to please fans of the first game and then some more.