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Spider-Man 2 is hands down the best superhero game I've played yet and is the pinnacle of Insomniac's work. Every facet is better than the previous games, from the elevated story, acting, gameplay, visuals, fluidity, and more. This is the Spider-Man game I've always wanted, and then some.
I haven't had this much fun playing a Mario game since Super Mario World on the SNES. So much creativity went into making Super Mario Bros. Wonder whether that's all the new power-ups, the incredible level designs or the game-changing Wonder Flowers. The game is a blast playing solo but the fun is magnified several times over when you play co-op with family and friends.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the most ambitious game RGG Studio has ever produced both narratively and depth of content-wise. There are easily 100 hours of enjoyment to be had playing this game, and aside from the rather slow intro, it's all blissful fun. When looking back at the last decade of gaming, Like a Dragon may just be the most consistently great franchise over that period.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door remake on Nintendo Switch is an utter joy to play and it's great to know Nintendo hasn't forgotten about this beloved series. The spruced-up presentation and bountiful quality-of-life improvements make this wonderful adventure even better than the top-notch original.
Black Myth: Wukong from GameScience is a remarkable addition to the action RPG genre, and easily one of this year's best. It seamlessly blends stunning graphics, thrilling combat, and a captivating story rooted in Chinese mythology.
With its impressive puzzle design, intriguing lore, and relaxed pace, Blue Prince is a standout debut, easily standing shoulder-to-shoulder among the best adventure games of all time.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered brings meaningful upgrades that make a strong case for revisiting Aloy’s world or experiencing it for the first time.
Forza Horizon 5 makes a seamless transition to PS5, offering a fun, expansive racing adventure set in Mexico. Its lack of a traditional story is offset by a wealth of events and a rewarding Accolade system, which keeps things fresh and engaging.
Stellar Blade’s PC release sharpens every edge of the original—combat hits harder, visuals scale beautifully, and the full slate of updates and crossover content make this version the one to beat.
Nintendo has an obvious Game of the Year contender here, and Nintendo Switch 2 has yet another system seller.
Ghost of Yotei is a stunning sequel that elevates everything Ghost of Tsushima did so well. Ezo is alive and breathtaking, packed with rewarding exploration, hidden shrines, and dynamic villages. Combat is fluid and versatile, with Atsu’s weapons, skills, and stealth options offering thrills with every encounter.
Sifu is a sheer delight to play with its immaculate gameplay and breathtaking graphics. Be prepared to get your butt kicked though, but if that appeals to you as much as it does for me, then this game should be at the top of your must-play list.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a massive experience that all Star Wars or LEGO fans should check out. It has pick-up-and-play controls easy enough for children to enjoy, plus all the characters, starships and unforgettable film moments that parents will love.
Triangle Strategy is the real deal for tactical RPG fans. A mesmerizing story, strategic combat, wonderful aesthetics, a lengthy campaign and plenty of replayability.
This is the perfect love letter to the '87 cartoon and the subsequent arcade games. Graphically it's supremely impressive but it's the slick controls and intense action that really seal the deal. The six-player local and online co-op, devilishly hard Arcade mode and lasting character upgrade system are like pineapples on an already ooey-gooey delicious pizza.
Stray is simply divine. It's indie games like this that can rival the quality and sheer joy of playing of AAA games ten times the budget. The game is everything I had hoped for and then some. In the future whenever I'm thinking back to my 2022 gaming year, Stray is going to stand out as one of the year's highest quality games.
Once you get into that Rollerdrome zen state it's hard to pull yourself away. Easily one of the best indie games of the year and a must-play for PlayStation and PC fans alike.
Atari has just set a new benchmark for retro game compilations with Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. There's been a lot of talk recently about how bad the gaming industry is at preserving its history, but this robust package should be the ideal that all game companies strive for.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider kicks off 2023 in the best way possible with an immaculate retro platforming title delivering tight gameplay, gorgeous visuals, great enemy variety and intense boss fights. Anyone who enjoys classics like Contra or Shinobi should have this game on their radar.
Diablo II Resurrected is an impressive remake of the classic game that manages to elevate the beloved experience of the original in virtually every way. The game's improvements in graphics and sound design, combined with its cross-progression feature, make it a must-play title for fans of action RPGs. While it does have its shortcomings, such as its outdated design elements, it still delivers a captivating and satisfying experience that is sure to keep veterans and newcomers coming back for more.