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Pokémon Legends: Z-A flips everything I thought I knew about Pokémon battles on its head, putting a fresh spin on the nearly 30-year-old series. Spicing up its challenging new real-time battle system is the return of fan-favorite mega evolutions, which give every battle a subtle tinge of excitement. However, its stealth mechanics leave a lot to be desired, and the lack of voice acting still makes for rather off-putting story beats and cutscenes.
Battlefield 6 is a return to form for the long-running FPS with traditional classes, restrained maps, and snappy gunplay. It's slightly brought down by a Netflix-style UI and an abysmal single-player campaign, but you're likely playing Battlefield for the multiplayer anyway.
EA Sports FC 26 promised to address long-standing fan feedback, and to its credit, several key areas are refreshed. The new gameplay presets border on game-changing, and the franchise's impressive authenticity remains unrivalled in the sports video game scene. Sadly, FUT rewards extra player spending more than ever, and the menu design is awful.
Ghost of Yotei is another high-quality and seriously cinematic PS5 exclusive. It offers few new ideas compared to its predecessor, and the segmented nature of its main campaign makes the story feel repetitive. However, what it lacks in originality it makes up for with brilliantly brutal combat, a sizeable open-world stuffed with distractions and stunning visuals, especially on PS5 Pro.
There are a few things holding Borderlands 4 back from being a must-play for everyone, but for longtime fans of the series, it ticks all the right boxes and makes shooting enemies to get loot as joyous an experience as it ever has been.
Silent Hill f is a true-to-form return for the franchise. It features a tantalizing story and world that offers a frightening introspection on the nature of sanity. The series' inherent psychological nature is ever-present, and it's made more impactful with refinements to stamina and health. Unfortunately, combat can still feel slightly janky. Despite its flaws, this is exactly what Silent Hill is all about.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one of the most memorable entries in the Sonic the Hedgehog series, and it upstages Mario Kart World in several ways. Packed with chaos, fun and presenting a bit of a learning curve, CrossWorlds wins big when it comes to smooth drifting and air tricks that give you significant boosts. Extensive kart and 'Gadget Plate' customization enable you to strategize in different ways and fine-tune your style. While there aren't enough courses at launch and some items can feel overpowered at times, CrossWorlds makes a big splash as a multi-platform karting game. PC Deals2 deals availableDownload $69.99 $60.89View $82.06 $66.71ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by
Gears of War: Reloaded delivers stunning visuals and smooth performance, with 4K textures, upgraded frame rates, and enhanced lighting, making the experience sharper and more immersive than ever. Yet, despite these upgrades, the lack of new content leaves the game feeling very familiar, and the reasons to revisit are sparse.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a masterful remake of this beloved classic. The updated graphics and modernized controls make it viable for modern gamers, but you still get the same basic experience of the original. Right now, this is the definitive way to experience Metal Gear Solid 3.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is similar to the 2020 remake of THPS 1+2 with updated graphics, new skaters joining old standbys, the same levels you knew and loved (now in more detail), a refreshed soundtrack, and an engaging, arcade-style gameplay that will bring you right back to the turn of the Millennium.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a joy to play from start to finish thanks to the game's destructible environments and unique visuals. It's the 3D Donkey Kong game fans of the character have always wanted and it lives up to the hype, even if there are a few minor issues with its camera here and there and far too many Banandium Gems to collect in a single playthrough.
EA Sports College Football 26 is the second game in the revival of the franchise. After a solid debut, CFB 26 adds more to the mix with big improvements to neglected modes and presentation.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is one of the most visually stunning games I've ever played, putting at the forefront a narrative that twists and turns in spectacular (Kojima-only) ways. Action is far more of a focus this time, a big departure from its predecessor, and a slew of new toys makes package delivery that much more of a thrill-ride.
Mario Kart World powerslides onto Nintendo Switch 2 as the de facto launch game to play in the absence of much competition. It's a vibrant and joyful racer, perfect for playing with friends and family (or against the world online), but not all the tweaks to the classic Mario Kart formula are successful, with the new open-world mode being particularly underwhelming.
Elden Ring Nightreign takes the Souls formula in a new direction, blending rogue-like elements of Hades with the closing ring as seen in Fortnite to deliver a multiplayer challenge all its own. But with runs inevitably feeling time-consuming and pointless unless successfully besting a boss, and little else on offer in terms of replay value, Nightreign leaves a mixed impression.
Doom: The Dark Ages is another stellar entry in the classic franchise, thanks to its engaging, grounded combat, expansive and varied locales, phenomenal graphics and hours of gameplay. Though it's not revolutionary, it delivers a fast-paced and visceral experience few games can match.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a addition to the turn-based RPG genre, one that boasts challenging, engaging combat mechanics and plays out in a distinct and utterly beautiful fantasy world. From start to finish, I was fascinated by the sights,sounds and tasks that lay ahead. If you love RPGs, it should be at the top of your list; I really can't recommend it enough.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a fighting game for fighting game fans, thanks to its deep gameplay mechanics and diverse character roster. Offering a slew of single-player and multi-player modes, this game has something for just about everyone.
South of Midnight is the modern folktale of the American Deep South I never knew I wanted, with stunning stop-motion art style, an enthralling cast of mythical, gothic creatures and engaging stories. While combat can fall flat after a while, and taking the path less traveled doesn't bear many rewards, the haunting yet charming allure of this action adventure will have you coming back for more. TODAY'S BEST DEALS Check Amazon Check Walmart
Atomfall combines a highly original setting and a choice-driven narrative with a commitment to player-led exploration. It's a compelling mixture. However, lackluster combat and repetitive missions all too often tar the experience.