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Anno 117: Pax Romana is an excellent entry for newcomers, while also adding many features that will bring back the most die-hard fans of the series.
Surviving Mars Relaunched is an exciting but challenging strategy experience for those who enjoy a through challenge. Every decision matters in determining the fate of your colony.
This version flawlessly transitions all its systems to a console environment, and while it has a few visual issues, they don't ruin the addictive experience.
Arc Raiders is the extraction shooter we all needed. It is approachable, challenging, and puts player choices front and center. This is one of the most successful live-service games of all time.
Europa Universalis V is a triumph of clever game design, carefully crafted interface, and best-in-class, engrossing strategy.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A brings together many of the best features of the Pokémon Legends spin-off, and with luck, this could be the first step toward them being added to the main series.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake wraps up the legendary Erdrick Trilogy in fantastic fashion. While the second entry is the winner in terms of new features and additions, both are must-play titles for RPG newcomers and Dragon Quest diehards alike.
The Outer Worlds 2 is a superb sci-fi RPG full of meaningful choices, perks, and skills that will drastically change how you experience the world. Fallout New Vegas has finally been eclipsed.
Bounty Star successfully merges fast-paced mecha gameplay with cozier features like farming and animal handling, though at the expense of small gameplay areas and short challenges.
Jurassic World Evolution 3 is, undoubtedly, the best entry in the series. It lets you craft the dino-park of your dreams while also adding several new features to give it an addictive "one more adjustment, oh god, now it's 5am" experience that the others lacked.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is the action experience that perfectly caps off the year of the Ninja. It's fast-paced and brutal combat respects the franchise's legacy while modernizing its accessibility.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 could have been an excellent vampire experience, but its uninspiring gameplay, technical issues, and frustrating combat leave it in the dark.
Keeper is a fabulous story-driven adventure with a beautiful art style that doesn't need words, a bloated open world, or trend chasing to weave a compelling narrative all its own.
Absolum combines two iconic genres to create the first rogue 'em up, resulting in one of the most addictive and unique gaming experiences of the year.
A fun campaign, the promise of the innovative Portal, and absolutely sublime multiplayer make Battlefield 6 one of, if not the best, entry in a legendary franchise.
Little Nightmares 3 stands out thanks to its memorable plot and terrifying levels, but some AI bugs and slow pacing during the final act stain what could have been an excellent horror experience.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is the most accessible and engaging kart racing game of the year, and one that has significantly raised the bar for the genre.
Digimon Story Time Stranger is the pinnacle of Digimon games. It is the most approachable adventure yet, but also maintains the depth that has made the series so beloved by many.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the ultimate way to experience the cult classic. While it lacks the War of the Lions content, it remains an excellent tactical RPG and one of the best Final Fantasy games ever made.
Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & The White Guardian is one of the most approachable Atelier experiences for new fans, while also bringing back what made the series so iconic.