The Outerhaven Productions
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EA SPORTS FC 26 provides, without doubt, the best and most authentic gameplay experience in franchise history, even though it's not quite perfect. The improvements and revamps across many modes offer refreshing play options that enhance replayability more than ever before. It's just a shame that Player Career Mode didn't receive the same level of care and attention. Ultimately, EA FC 26 is an easy recommendation and has given me the best experience I've had with the franchise in over a decade.
Silent Hill f does what the developers intended to do: Capture the soul and spirit of the first three Silent Hill games and put it into an unapologetically Japanese package. However, after playing the game, I walked away feeling like this was more like Forbidden Siren or Fatal Frame than a Silent Hill. The removal of the town itself is a big loss, but this game is one hell of a horror game that would have done really well even if it didn't have the Silent Hill brand attached to it.
Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is the definitive way to start the Trails series. It is an amazing game, and the story and themes are just as relevant today as they were 20 years ago.
Wander Stars is a quirky RPG that uses vocabulary to fight. It's old school anime art style and soundtrack will transport you back to the 90's and will live up to the expectations of those who grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is a return to form for the Sonic kart-racing series, while adding exciting mechanics like portals that shift your race mid-race. The plentiful roster, the tracks are creative and colorful, the visuals shine and the racing and fast and fun. On the downside, handling can feel loose in tighter turns, rubber-banding and item chaos sometimes detract from competitive racing. Still, if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced kart racing, then Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds delivers.
Dying Light: The Beast is everything I wanted from Techland's return to the series. The combat is brutal and fun, the sandbox world is massive and rewarding to explore, and Beast Mode is an absolute highlight. I feel that this is still the best entry in the franchise and a must-play for fans of Dying Light.
2K has done an amazing job with this years instalment, adding new things and improving other's. Shooting feels amazing but Defence does need some tweaking. Also adding WNBA players to MyTeam, we come one step closer to Woman in MyCareer. Something that I think is more of a sooner then later addition.
Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel doesn't break the mold when it comes to swarm survivor games, but it doesn't have to. It offers plenty of replayability, and addictive gameplay that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, if you love norse mythology, then this game is steeped in it.
Varlet brings a lot to the table in its systems and mechanics. It also adds a lot of self-discovery to the gameplay with the ruler and leader systems. The SSS requests are monotonous and definitely feel more like busy work than anything, but it doesn't hold the game down too much.
If Anthem actually had BioWare stick the landing, it would be something similar to what Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion has put out. Titanic Scion's story and gameplay does the job to somewhat get over the itch that Armored Core 6 came and went with. However, it feels as though it's going the Vanquish route with how quick the pacing is. Titanic Scion delivers on giving players that freedom some mech games sorrowly need with a sequel that keeps you glued to your Arsenal.
For those who can't get enough Indy, The Order of Giants whips up an engaging Indiana Jones mini-adventure. What it lacks in scope it more than makes up for with some of the best puzzles in the entire game. And its standalone Rome story feels like a movie unto itself, filled with rich lore and moments of wonder.
Chip n' Claws vs. The Brainioids is a fun mashup of RTS and action gameplay. It does have a fun gameplay loop, though it can be a bit overwhelming.
Cronos: The New Dawn is a superb new IP from Bloober Team, taking inspiration from survival horror greats such as Dead Space and Resident Evil. With an eerie atmosphere throughout and excellent art direction helping to provide top-class environmental storytelling, all while being supported by weighty, impactful combat, Cronos: The New Dawn proves that the space of sci-fi survival horror isn't dead yet.
Kill the Brickman is simple to pick up, but complex to master… but don't worry, because a lot of it depends on luck with your build. One thing is for certain, despite the game overwhelming you up-front with its systems, it is highly addictive, and it will keep you playing for hours!
Shuten Order is a phenomenal Visual Novel experience that has a lot of different routes to take. The multiple visual novel types make it an experience that never dulls.
Gears of War: Reloaded breathes new life into a classic, delivering upgraded visuals, smoother performance, and all the brutal cover-shooting action that made the original legendary. From the chilling horror elements and iconic boss encounters to the witty squad banter, it proves just how well Gears of War has aged nearly 20 years later. With 4K, HDR, high frame rates, and full cross-play multiplayer, this is the best way for veterans and newcomers alike to experience the start of the saga.
After waiting for decades, Shinobi and Joe Musashi have not just made a proper return, but are a shining example of what SEGA can do with its older titles, should it want to. It’s simply flawless, full of enjoyable combat, tricky sections, and plenty to keep ninja gaming fans happy from start to finish. Welcome back, Joe. We’ve missed you.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a fantastic first Story of Seasons game on the Nintendo Switch 2. It has a cute art style, and it is very cozy.
Particle Hearts is a 3D adventure game that has a lot of vibes and minimalism to make for an amazing experience.
Konami has pulled off a miracle here with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, by staying completely true to the original but adding in modern controls, a new camera angle and overhauled visuals. They have been able to breath new life into this classic stealth-action game, making me feel like I was experiencing it all for the first time again. Ultimately standing on the strength of the original and modernising it to provide the best stealth action game you can play in 2025.