The Last of Us Part II Remastered is an essential PS5 game for new players and veterans alike. The visual and performance upgrade is minor compared to the PS4 original, but the suite of additional content is worth the admission price. The roguelike No Return mode is a real winner, and the deeper insight into the game’s development will delight longtime fans of the franchise.
007 First Light is the finest James Bond video game in nearly 30 years. Its cinematic single-player campaign is remarkable, offering a gripping, quintessentially Bond story, packaged together with some of the best action-adventure set pieces I've ever experienced. Whether you're a longtime Bond fan or a newcomer, 007 First Light is unmissable. Check Amazon Check Best Buy
OlliOlii World is an exhilarating and mechanical skateboarding side-scroller that consistently falls on the right side of the line between frustration and fun.
Returnal is an incredible experience, which combines a replayable rogue-lite structure with heart-pounding bullet-hell gameplay.
It Takes Two is a remarkable puzzle-platformer that constantly surprises and delights, as long as you've got a co-op partner.
The Last of Us Part I is a nearly flawless PS5 remake of an exceptional game
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is a textbook example of a video game sequel done right. It retains everything that was great about its predecessor while also refining the experience in key areas. The biggest improvements come in the form of engaging side missions, but the highly cinematic main story is the ultimate show-stealer. This is the best Spider-Man video game ever made.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom lives up to the franchise's pedigree, and then some. It’s a remarkably confident sequel that refines and remixes elements of Breath of the Wild in delightfully surprising ways. The aging Switch hardware it's confined to can’t always keep pace, but that’s a minor blemish on an overall masterful experience that is essential for all Nintendo fans.
Astro Bot is a joyful platforming experience that soars thanks to inventive level design and countless loving nods to PlayStation's rich history. It also takes full advantage of the PS5 and its use of the DualSense controller remains novel.
Dead Space remake brings the beloved survival horror franchise into the modern day, and then some. It’s a stunning reimaging of a classic that retains what made its progenitor so special while also improving various aspects that haven’t aged well. Plus, it’s also one of the best-looking and sounding games on modern hardware.
At its best Riders Republic successfully captures the sense of adventure and risk-taking that make extreme sports so appealing.
On the pitch, FIFA 22 is the best the series has ever been, but offline modes have again been neglected in favor of FIFA Ultimate Team.
Alan Wake Remastered doesn't overhaul the original foundations, but it does add welcome improvements to a game that has mostly stood the test of time.
What Kena: Bridge of Spirits lacks in new ideas, it makes up for with an abundance of charm and gorgeous visuals.
Knockout City is a zany take on dodgeball that combines surprisingly deep gameplay with a bright, colorful aesthetic. It's a winning combination.
Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a masterwork in video-game storytelling that will engross you from start to finish. Only persistent technical issues hold it back.
Ghostwire: Tokyo offers a varied arsenal of paranormal powers, and a well-realized deception of the Japanese capital. However, it does fall into some familiar open-world grooves.
Don’t dismiss Stray as merely a cat simulator, as this adventure game will appeal to more than just feline fanatics. While the chance to play as an adorable kitty is appealing, the real star of the show is the game’s richly-detailed cyberpunk world. Only Stray's short length and simplistic gameplay hold it back from ranking top of the litter.
Splatoon 3 adds little new to an increasingly familiar formula, but the game features a plethora of enjoyable modes that cater to just about every playstyle.
Despite its flaws, Hogwarts Legacy is clearly a game made by Potter fans, for Potter fans, and for that particular audience, it’s been more than worth the very long wait. Hogwarts Legacy is by no means a revolutionary gaming experience, but it’s still a pretty magical one.