The Nerd Stash
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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.
EA Sports FC 26 is the game that fantastic refinement to the norm with excellent visuals and improvements, although online AI defense can be suspect.
Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is a top-notch roguelite with a memorable storyline that may feel bloated at times, but it is, undoubtedly, one of the most unique games in the genre due to how packed it is with things to do.
Dying Light: The Beast is the promised sequel we were all waiting for. Its new combat additions make fighting more enjoyable and visceral, while Castor Woods provides not only the best setting of the franchise but also the ultimate post-apocalyptic parkour sandbox.
LEGO Voyagers is one of the most heartwarming experiences of the year, offering engaging co-op aspects and the purest essence of LEGO building.
Cronos: The New Dawn is one of the most refreshing survival horror experiences of recent memory, thanks to its emphasis on player choices and split-second decisions, which shine even further due to its harrowing setting and gripping narrative.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is an outstanding dark sci-fi experience thanks to its memorable plot and cast, highly customizable armored suits, in-depth combat, and addictive exploration.
Hell Is Us is one of the most unique gaming experiences of the year, bringing some of the most intricate and memorable puzzles in recent memory, accompanied by superb exploration mechanics.