Anthony Bacchus
It didn't take much to fall back in love with Paradise's care-free attitude, an open invitation to embrace my inner speed demon
Shu is a charming and elegant little platformer that surprised me with its fast, but also calming, gameplay
The Banner Saga 2 is a mesmerizing and beautiful turn-based RPG with a deep and layered combat system while also delivering a strong narrative jammed with plenty of tough player decisions.
Darkwood is a challenging and rewarding horror game that will test even the hardcore survival horror buff. The gameplay loop of finding new and better resources by day and fending off horrifying creatures by night is surprisingly addictive.
Wulverblade offers a decent amount of tactical play that is equal parts rewarding and refreshing
Regardless of your platform of choice, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition needs to be your next game.
If you’ve been burned by console strategy games in the past, Stellaris: Console Edition will wipe away all of your fears. It’s both innovative and ambitious as a 4X, while also, at the same time, raises the bar for what’s possible with the genre on consoles.
The Turing Test, despite being four years old, still holds up and makes for a perfect Nintendo Switch puzzler
Even if you haven’t played a Vertex Pop game before (you probably should, because they’re great!), Super Crush KO is the one you should start with. It plays like a dream thanks to responsive controls and smooth as silk gameplay.
As a fan of music games, AVICII Invector is an easy recommendation. It might not take any big risks evolving the genre, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a grand old time to be had.
Zen Studios has created a beautiful dungeon crawling RPG that not only will please the diehard blobber fan but also newcomers thanks to clever modern sensibilities. While the tile-based movement isn’t perfect, don’t let that hold you back from experiencing everything else Operencia: The Stolen Sun has to offer. You won’t regret it.
It's a mesmerizing action-adventure game with a surprisingly deep story drenched in themes of friendship and sacrifice
Even if you’re not big on card games, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is another home run for Image & Form and a definite must-buy on Nintendo Switch.
Figment is a beautifully made puzzle-adventure action game that sits among the finest indie games on Switch.
Floor Kids is a laid back and fun music rhythm game that is hiding a deep and competitive layer that is hard to put down
It may be short but it's a fantastic interactive novella that will have its hooks in you from the start
Thimbleweed Park is the perfect love letter to anyone that fell in love with the genre all those years ago.
Overcooked 2 takes everything you know and love about the first game and kicks it up a notch to make a more satisfying and plentiful sequel.
Hearts of Stone is a full-fledged add-on for a game that probably didn't need to be any longer. Thankfully, Hearts of Stone is a total blast for Witcher fans and packs more into its 10-15 hour campaign than most AAA games on the market. With its wonderfully paced story, mesmerizing characters, and gorgeous world to explore, Hearts of Stone demands to be played. It also raises the bar for what fans can expect from DLC for their favourite games. If you're itchin' for more witchin', then picking up Hearts of Stone is a no brainer.
It's a crowning achievement from the developer, and it's a definite contender for game of the year.