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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is another rich entry in this long-running series, which clearly still has more to offer before it runs out of steam.
After 2023, a year in which the games industry saw so many people removed from their jobs due to what can only really be seen as corporate greed and an obsession with profits before people, assets before art, it’s good to see a big studio create something smaller but no less special. And we can only hope this happens more often and leads to a more stable industry for the talented and passionate people that makes these things possible.
There are glimpses in here where some of the potential shines through, but not enough. Held back by a lack of depth and polish, the big selling points of the expansion struggle to flourish, resulting in a pack that's underwhelming despite its initial promise.
Lies of P is an addictive Soulslike with a unique take on the genre and is certainly one not to be missed (especially if you have Game Pass).
If you play Call of Duty for the campaigns, you might be disappointed, but if you're like pretty much everyone else and play everything else the smash-hit franchise has to offer, it might be a fun distraction. However, if you're totally new, it's probably not worth your time just for this. In fact, the question is more likely: does Call of Duty even need a campaign mode anymore?
Alan Wake 2 is a bold and confident follow-up to its original, and worth the wait in every way. Remedy has crafted something timeless that will be talked about for a long time and has unexpectedly become the game to beat in the survival horror genre. Surreal, tense, funny, absurd and nerve-wracking all at once, Alan Wake 2 is a game all of its own and one you really should experience.
The Talos Principle 2 builds on the genius puzzle design of the first game in innovative ways that makes it another masterpiece in the genre. Even with a more story-driven focus, there's nothing else quite like experiencing every mystery its sublime world has to offer.
RoboCop: Rogue City is a blast to play for long-time fans of the franchise and goes above and beyond to respect its source material. It won't win any awards for being ground-breaking, but Peter Weller offering his voice to a story that's arguably the best use of the RoboCop name since the original film makes this a worthwhile treat for those who want to be transported back to their childhood.
Fortuna's journey undoubtedly ranks as one of my highlights of the year, and shouldn't be overlooked.
It is a game that tries to evoke a feeling of discovery at every possible turn, but in doing so loses the element of wonder fairly quickly.
Where it succeeds in wrangling all of its moving parts and ideas into something that just about works, it's also afraid to let the player take big swings. In the end, I always felt more like a tourist looking through a highlight reel of expedition notes and photos than actually exploring myself.
It's a game that, I think, is newcomer-friendly and a good starting point if you've ever wanted to give the series or the sim racing genre a go. There will obviously be more to like for car fans, but this also comes across as a polished title that's considerate towards newer players.
A satisfying blend of high-speed action, chaos, and strategy makes this glorious revival of the F-Zero franchise stand out. Let's hope it won't be another 19 years before we get another game in the series.
At its best, Fang and their friends' journey is affecting and thought-provoking, and while their time threatens to be cruelly cut short, the time we spent at Volcano High was mostly well-spent.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a modernised love letter to Jet Set Radio that combines fun and stylistic gameplay, with a kaleidoscope of updated Dreamcast-era visuals and sound to create a sequel in everything but name. We may never see Sega release another Jet Set Radio again, but this is the next best thing and an exciting foundation for the future.
2023 has been a banner year for games, and it’s clear that Blasphemous 2 sits in the upper echelons of those releases, a beautifully grotesque Metroidvania that’s deserving of everyone's time. From the gloriously gruesome visuals to its ferociously paced combat and beautiful soundtrack, Blasphemous 2 is an instant classic in the genre.
Immortals of Aveum is the perfect example of a mid-tier experience. There’s some good ideas in there – and some things are executed well – but with so many others not feeling quite right, enjoyment will really vary person to person. We hope Ascendant Studios gets the chance to have a second shot at casting a spell on the genre. If given the space to jettison some tropes and really focus on their concept, there could be something really special here.
Despite its late-game flaws, Baldur's Gate 3 is truly special.
There isn't really anything like Stray Gods out there right now, and while it falls short of hitting the highs of some of the musicals that served as inspiration for the game, its narrative design and the unique way in which player choice affects the story make for a refreshing and enjoyable ride.
With a deep character-building system and endless possibilities offered thanks to its procedurally generated levels, Remnant 2 is an absolute must-experience — and one we think we'll be world-hopping in for a long, long time.