With all its strengths and only a handful of minor shortcomings, I'd confidently declare that Alan Wake 2 stands as one of the standout releases of this year. Every moment you'll invest in the game will undeniably be time well spent.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fantastic game with a compelling story, excellent graphics and sound presentation, and one of the most complex yet entertaining gameplay experiences in the world of video games.
Dead Island 2 is everything its predecessor shined at and much, much more. This zombie shooter from Deep Silver brings us Los Angeles like we've never seen it before, full of beautiful landscapes, celebrities to rescue, and zombies to slay.
If you have a fondness for engaging shooting mechanics, visually stunning landscapes, and well-designed enemies, along with a certain level of tolerance for Souls-like games, then Remnant 2 is unquestionably the perfect game for you.
Dragon's Dogma 2 excels in every aspect: from its superb gameplay and engaging combat to the captivating exploration of a meticulously crafted world. The storyline is compelling, and the overall atmosphere is simply fantastic, ensuring that you'll spend countless hours immersed in its world.
Assassin's Creed: Mirage serves as a heartfelt tribute to devoted fans of the franchise, evoking the nostalgia of the earlier, arguably superior days of Assassin's Creed.
If you're a fan of games like The Witcher and God of War, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an absolute must-play.
Sea of Stars is a pixel-art turn-based RPG that evokes memories of bygone gaming eras while delivering a distinctive experience immersed in a captivating narrative and very engaging gameplay.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora promises to provide you with hours of high-quality entertainment, featuring stunning graphics, an emotionally engaging storyline, and an immersive exploration of an enchanting alien world.
Featuring a wide variety of modes, impressive graphics and compelling sound, Tekken 8 distinguishes itself as a standout in the fighting game genre.
If you seek a gaming experience that encapsulates the anxiety and dread reminiscent of a horror movie, where you find yourself as nothing more than helpless prey awaiting capture, then The Outlast Trials is the perfect fit for you.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 stands as a nearly perfect game that would undoubtedly receive a much higher rating and secure my Game of the Year title if only the developers had taken a more daring leap. Despite this, it remains one of the best games I've encountered this year and is a straightforward recommendation for both dedicated fans and casual gamers alike.
Season: A Letter to the Future is built on a fantastic story that seems more like a well-written novel than a game. When we combine that with charming graphics and wonderful sound that create a relaxing mood, we get a game that is worth experiencing, maybe even more than once.
Layers of Fear tells an incredible story of mental illness and tragic events set in a stunningly detailed world that won't scare you as much as you might expect.
Atlas Fallen is an action-adventure RPG that evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic hits while also infusing the genre with a refreshing and unique touch.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a captivating mech combat simulation that will engage you with its immensely enjoyable gameplay while also frustrating you with its challenging difficulty and frequent deaths.
With all its strengths and a couple of notable weaknesses, Lies of P is a great game on our rating scale. It features such a dark, wonderfully crafted world that has plenty to offer to both souls like veterans and newcomers to this challenging genre.
Expeditions: A Mudrunner Game proves to be a highly commendable off-road simulation, providing enjoyment for those who appreciate off-road driving or, like myself, individuals seeking a novel gaming experience. The game excels at immersing players in the challenges of navigating harsh terrains, successfully drawing them into the world of off-road problem-solving.
Everything you'd anticipate from a revived classic is present in Contra: Operation Galuga, a game that successfully takes you back to the era of beloved gaming classics. Put simply, if you're an older gamer with fond memories of titles like these, you'll likely overlook some minor flaws and revel in the nostalgia that transports you back to your youth. On the other hand, if you're a bit younger, Contra: Operation Galuga might not stand out as an especially captivating title, as it targets a very specific audience of gamers with its visual style, music and gameplay. Despite this, Contra is a great video game and we're sure fans of the series will hold a special place in their heart for this one.
Tchia is a game with therapeutic gameplay, especially while sailing and free-roaming in the game's beautiful open world. Despite the fact that the story and gameplay are nothing special, the game's cartoon-like artistic graphics, excellent sounds, and beautiful tropical atmosphere make it very good, and it will definitely deliver more than enough for the price of $30.