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If there is one thing I’m even more certain of than when we first learned that IO Interactive was making a 007 game, it’s that they are still the perfect studio to be making a Bond game. As many have called it, it’s a match made in heaven, and, as the first entry in what is hopefully a long-running series, I think the franchise is in safe hands. It’s one thing to make an experience on an established IP; another to actually understand what makes that experience so great. IO has captured the soul of a Bond experience in 007 First Light. With a strong foundation to build upon, a new era for MI6’s finest is upon us, and I cannot wait to see where IO Interactive takes the franchise next.
Bubsy 4D could have easily been written off as another disappointing attempt to revive the series, but developer Fabraz put some love and care into it and gave us the best Bubsy game since at least the original two. The controls actually work well, the humor is there, and the actual gameplay is quite fun in a 3D environment. The biggest downside to the game overall is just how short it is, with only 15 levels, which feels more like a demo in that way. Even so, at least the series appears to be on the right track, and hopefully, this will be just the foundation to build upon for more fleshed-out adventures for Bubsy.
It’s not often I find myself being blown away by a LEGO game. In general, they’re games geared towards a much younger audience of players, and while LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight still maintains much of the playful, blocky heart and soul that makes the LEGO universe so enduringly charming, it also does something very impressive with the Batman IP, both narratively and mechanically, that makes it feel like one of those big blockbuster AAA Batman game that we would get from Rocksteady Studios. With it pulling from 85 years of Batman history, this feels like a worthwhile tribute to the Caped Crusader. It’s a reminder of why we love him so much, whether we first met him through the gritty lens of modern cinema, the animated classics of our childhood, the comics, or a pile of plastic bricks on the living room floor. Without a question, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a must-play for all Batman fans out there.
Pragmata is one of the strongest releases of the year. It melds mechanics that are rarely combined and does so expertly. When you are able to smoothly hack enemies while also navigating a dynamic battlefield in real-time, it can make you feel like a multi-tasking genius. The entertainingly bizarre story also has heart-warming moments, while the gorgeous visuals of the beautiful Lunar sci-fi world, Capcom keeps you guessing with what new, incredible biome you’re going to be exploring next as you defeat a section’s boss. Soulslike veterans, or even just action game players in general, will probably find the Standard difficulty mode a bit too easy, but when the core game loop is this fun, I don’t think it really matters. Capcom is on a roll in 2026, and the trend has continued with Pragmata unabated.
Capcom has delivered the first big AAA title of 2026 and what feels like an evolution of the franchise
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is the complete package. You get not one, but two fully-contained campaigns, with all the violence and drama you’d expect in any Yakuza story. Having both games unlocked from the start is great for anyone who’s played the original Yakuza 3 and just wants to get to all of the new stuff, though any players new to Yakuza 3 will probably want to play Yakuza Kiwami 3 first to get more familiar with the story. Playing either game is guaranteed to be a good time.
The biggest shock for me has to be the fact that I never pictured myself ever thinking that an extraction shooter could be my multiplayer game of the year. Yes, I am crowning ARC Raiders as the best multiplayer game that I’ve played all year. It’s a hard recommendation to those looking for a new extraction shooter, and especially those looking to get into the genre. It’s such a fresh and, dare I say, innovative take on the genre. It’s something you see happen to a genre only once in a while, something that changes the landscape entirely. I really think ARC Raiders is THE extraction shooter the genre has been waiting for, and I am excited to see how it influences extraction games in the years to come.
Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake is just as good as expected by taking the same engine designed for Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake and remaking the first two games in it. These remakes have come with not only a fantastic visual upgrade, but also additions to the story and gameplay that make the games better than ever. Making these classic RPGs more accessible than ever is a real treat and you can tell they were done with a lot of love and care and not just as a quick cash grab after the success of the remake of III. Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake once again confirm that HD-2D really continues to be the best way to revive older RPGs like this from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, and I really hope we see more from the Dragon Quest series and maybe even extend to other series like Final Fantasy as well in the future.
Being a long-time Digimon fan (I think I like it even more than Pokémon), I might (probably) be a little biased when it comes to anything Digimon. But in the case of Digimon Story Time Stranger, I truly do believe that it’s one of the best RPGs in the series. Mind, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect, as it does have its faults, but as far as delivering on a solid, turn-based RPG experience set within the Digimon universe. I think it’s the best one so far in the Story franchise, and for Digimon fans out there, that’s a massive recommendation right there. Of course, if you aren’t a fan or are someone looking to get into the franchise for the first time, this wouldn’t be a bad start, as it does everything to introduce players to the world of Digimon without over-reliying on past stories. Either way, it’s a fun RPG, and I think anyone who’s looking for a good time will get a kick out of this one. It’s a great return to the Digimon Story series, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.
From the moment Baby Steps was first announced, I knew there was a chaotic, frustrating, and hilarious experience waiting for us. It turned out to be all of that and more. And sure, many are going to view it as a “streamer”-geared game because of how easy content can come from it. However, if you truly take the time to examine Baby Steps for what it actually is, you’ll discover something more. It’s not just a collection of viral moments; it’s a game for a specific kind of player—one who can appreciate the genius in its infuriating simplicity and the profound satisfaction in its difficulty. For those willing to embrace the falls, the crude humor, and the brutal journey, Baby Steps is a game you won’t want to miss. It proves that the most memorable adventures are often those where every single step is a hard-won victory.
I admit, I wasn’t expecting much from Silent Hill f after seeing the first trailers, but nothing could have prepared me for this. NeoBards managed to not only deliver an excellent horror game, but one that dares to be its own without relying on its brand to carry it forward. If future Silent Hill games are made with this kind of love and attention, then horror game fans are in for a wild ride.
Despite some of the mentioned issues, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a significant improvement over its predecessor, where it matters most: the core gameplay. While the narrative is forgettable and the open world feels like a missed opportunity filled with tedious side content, the exhilarating Arsenal combat, robust customization, and excellent cooperative play more than make up for its flaws. The developers clearly focused on refining the moment-to-moment action, and that dedication pays off in a big way. This is a game built for mech enthusiasts, and if you came for the satisfying loop of building and piloting your perfect machine, you will not be disappointed. For all its faults, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a must-play for anyone who loves high-speed, explosive mech action.
Hell Is Us is a game that dares to be different, and for that, it deserves recognition. Its refusal to hold your hand creates moments of genuine exploration, mystery, and tension. Puzzles and investigative elements shine, and the atmosphere is haunting in a way few games manage. However, the game’s ambitions come at a cost. Combat often feels sluggish and clunky, pacing is uneven, and storytelling can leave you scratching your head. The lack of guidance will appeal to some players while alienating others. Ultimately, Hell Is Us is a game of extremes. It will either captivate you with its boldness or frustrate you with its rough edges. There’s a lot to respect here, even if the execution isn’t flawless.
For a new generation of players, Gears of War: Reloaded is a fantastic introduction to one of the most important franchises in modern gaming. It’s a chance to see where the core mechanics of countless third-person shooters originated from, and to be able to witness just how revolutionary this game was. At the same time, some aspects may feel dated—like the somewhat clunky movement and limited gameplay variety—the game’s brutal action, memorable set pieces, and engaging co-op campaign make it a worthwhile experience.
So much love and attention to detail were put into Shinobi: Art of Vengeance, which, honestly, given Lizardcube did do Street of Rage 4, I shouldn’t be surprised by. But I am, and I’m thoroughly impressed by what the studio has created here. A game that pays homage to its legacy, while evolving it in every meaningful way. It’s a true love letter to the fans, capturing the spirit of the franchise in a new, modern tale that’s both faithful and perfect for newcomers to discover the legend of Joe Musashi.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is not just a remake; it’s a celebration of a masterpiece, a project made with so much love and respect for the source material that it feels like it was developed by the very people who created the original. And that, in itself, is a testament to its quality and why it’s one of the best remakes I’ve ever played.
Fans have been asking for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 for a number of years now and they should be mostly satisfied with the end product. The same addictive and refined gameplay is back from 1 + 2, but this time based on two entirely different games. There’s a lot of new content with the Pro Goals and few new stages, but the downside is that there were also some cuts when it came to content from the fourth entry, including entire levels and weird removals within existing levels like the lack of animals in Zoo. The soundtrack may also be a bit controversial due to the cut songs, but the development team did a great job putting together a replacement soundtrack mixing old and new. Even with some of the changes, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 offers top notch addictive gameplay that is highly entertaining and can be enjoyed by pretty much anybody.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a lifelong fan of the IP or simply someone craving an incredibly satisfying and exhilarating action experience, RoboCop: Rogue City Unfinished Business is a must-play. Teyon has once again knocked it out of the park, proving their mastery at crafting licensed games yet again. They’ve taken a beloved character, infused his world with a dose of relentless, gritty action cinema, and delivered a game that’s not just a loving tribute but a pure, unadulterated blast from start to finish. Rogue City was, without a doubt, the best RoboCop game ever made, and now, Unfinished Business stands shoulder-to-shoulder with it, cementing both as essential plays for every fan of the franchise.
Going into Elden Ring Nightreign, I admit I was skeptical, wary of FromSoftware venturing into unfamiliar multiplayer territory. Yet, after countless runs and shared triumphs with fellow Nightfarers, it’s clear my concerns were unfounded. Nightreign isn’t merely a multiplayer spin-off; it’s a testament to FromSoftware’s ability to innovate while fiercely guarding the essence of what makes a Souls game so compelling. It masterfully blends the unforgiving challenge and rich lore we’ve come to expect with a seamless, exhilarating cooperative experience that genuinely redefines what a ‘Souls game’ can be. While I hope the mainline series remains true to its roots, Nightreign proves that a bold new path can be forged, offering a fresh, addictive ‘one more run’ loop that will keep you, and your friends, coming back for more. It’s truly one of the standout titles of the year, a shared journey you won’t soon forget.
Blue Prince was worth the wait. It’s easily the best first-person puzzler since Portal (or its incredible sequel). With countless mansion layouts, dozens of rooms to discover and best utilize, plus a nearly constant drip-feed of lore content to absorb, this is an ideal first game for any studio. If you enjoy puzzles even a little bit, you owe it to yourself to check out Blue Prince as soon as you can. Bring a notebook or at least be ready to take a ton of screenshots as you work to unravel the game’s many layers of secrets when it launches on April 10, 2025 on Steam, PlayStation (free w/PS+ Extra or higher subscription), and Xbox Series X|S (also free if you have Xbox Game Pass).