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With the breadth of new bells and whistles that enhance existing systems and create new ones, it is almost a disservice to term Shadow of the Erdtree as just a piece of DLC for Elden Ring. Everything that fans loved about the base game is squeezed into a shorter experience of about 30-40 hours, and the content is of the highest calibre, building on what was great and making it better. Just like how FromSoftware has always delivered excellent full-fledged adventures for the masses, this DLC expansion continues the studio’s hot streak, and all the Tarnished are blessed.
From its first reveal to finally putting down the controller and collecting the Platinum trophy for Astro Bot, it has been a delightful experience that infuses lovely nostalgia with a perfect package of gameplay, design, and a true celebration of the genre and the history of PlayStation. Even with our high expectations, Astro Bot has smashed them to pieces en route to becoming a powerhouse that rivals the all-time classics. This is one of the best games of the year, and everyone who can should find a way to play it.
With each milestone hit in Metaphor: ReFantazio, there is a growing feeling that Atlus has reached the zenith of its craft. Having already delivered excellent RPGs in the past, the systems and coherence of everything else in this latest adventure are just on another level, helped by a much more mature story that touches on relatable themes and beliefs and motivates players with actual purpose and the ability to change things. It is not often that a game can bring enjoyment as you play through it, while triggering questions aplenty about your ideals and how everything fits into the complex worlds both in and outside of it. That is the core of Metaphor: ReFantazio, and it shines brilliantly.
From the first kill to the last, Doom: The Dark Ages is an undeniably exhilarating ride that rarely comes down from its high. The narrative sets the stage for more, the weapons and the Shield Saw make for potent combinations, and the level and world design tie it all together in one devilishly brilliant package. It has been more than 30 years since the franchise first kicked off the killing spree, and this latest entry represents the continuation of a new golden age for the Doom Slayer.
Saros is Housemarque operating at the height of its powers. Its combat is electric, its mystery lingers, and its progression makes every run feel meaningful. More forgiving than Returnal but no less intense, this is a stunning Game of the Year contender.
Mina the Hollower blends gothic atmosphere, expressive movement, clever customisation, and meaningful player freedom into one of the most rewarding indie adventures in years. Its minor frictions are easily outweighed by its charm, craft, and replayable design, ingredients that make for a modern masterpiece.
Just like how the first game changed the way we viewed Early Access games, Hades 2 is treading that same path with a high level of polish and meaty content that is quite unbelievable at this stage. The team has given players another charming protagonist to root for, the kind of gameplay that necessitates the ‘one more run’ mentality, and options aplenty for how you might want to tackle the next trip. Parts of the game may be missing, but what’s being offered is already well worth the entry fee, making the journey to 1.0 a much more delicious one.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is yet another quality installment in the franchise. Not only is there a better look at more of Calvard, but we also learn more about old friends as the cast expands in this game. The plot line may not make a big leap forward, but it wraps up many lingering mysteries from the first game
Capcom knows the importance of Monster Hunter Wilds and the franchise, and it shows. The seven-year gap between Worlds and Wilds has been put to excellent use, with the latter easily grabbing the crown as the best mainline game, no mean feat considering the storied origins it comes from. Whether it be the world-building or the visual quality, the monsters and the combat, or the chase for the next big hunt and improved gear, fans will have to prepare themselves for the hunt of a lifetime with Wilds, and there’s nothing better than that.
What Hazelight has done with Split Fiction is simply amazing, using their expertise to craft a co-op adventure that feels just right. There are all sorts of gameplay sequences that can appeal to different tastes, an engrossing story told through the characters and the worlds, and splendidly propped up by imaginative cooperative interactions that have none of the frustration and all of the charm. It might not be the best co-op game for everyone, but from a design perspective, there are no split opinions; this is Hazelight Studios’ best work yet.
More of the same when it comes to a quality experience is never a bad thing, but Death Stranding 2 doesn't have the same wow factor that came with every little detail of the first. It is still an incredible, indie-esque realisation of a grand vision that only Kojima can come up with, and being exceptional instead of groundbreaking is still worth giving a thumbs up to.
Between the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4, and now Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, Ninja Gaiden fans have been eating good recently. This is a true labour of love from The Game Kitchen, one that timelessly revitalises classic Ninja Gaiden. If Ragebound is an indication of where the series is going in the future, things are looking sharp as a kunai for the seminal action franchise.
The visuals and music are fantastic, the combat stellar and invigorating, and the platforming and exploration elements are masterfully done. Plus, you'll get access to Boss Rush and Arcade Mode upon clearing the game, adding even more replayability to a modern masterpiece. This revival hits all the marks with glittering, sharp kunai - what more can you ask for?
For those who loved Ghost of Tsushima, this is essential. For newcomers, it is one of the finest samurai adventures gaming has ever seen. And for everyone, it proves that Sucker Punch remains a studio at the height of its powers. If not for the slight misstep with the targets of our ire, Atsu's quest would have been a perfect slice of brilliance.
Dispatch is a sharp and heartfelt superhero comedy that finds surprising emotional power beneath its chaos. With standout characters, strong writing and confident pacing, it becomes one of the year’s most compelling narrative adventures.
Without a doubt, when it works, Fabledom is a charming city builder that has plenty to offer. The game’s systems are clear and easy to understand, the lack of tension is welcome, and it all looks lovely from up top and even when you go down to street level to mingle with your people. The way alliances work is also a delight, and whether you are chasing love or a political partnership, it all seems to lead to a fairytale ending. Just make sure you have plenty of time to govern; after all, this is your kingdom.
One of the best parts of Vampire Hunters is that it can be enjoyed in small bursts. It uses the usual mechanic of getting harder over time, but in the early game, you’ll probably be making it under 10 minutes and then buying upgrades to improve future runs. The dual modes also make the game easy to pick up and play as you get two flavours of a fun game to progress. This game is perfect for Vampire Survivors fans, and I like seeing where the bullet heaven genre is heading.
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is the ultimate comfort food for fans of the 2015 title. It focuses on all the exciting and enjoyable things about the first game in the series while also adding a unique twist on gameplay that improves an already enticing storyline. Even if it is devoid of a certain foul-mouthed, blue-haired rocker girl, fans will certainly still find plenty to love in this sequel.
With so much history and frankly, baggage, Dragon Age: The Veilguard was always going to find it hard to please everyone. But what BioWare has done is put together an RPG that fits in well with the modern audience but still offers up many of the elements that make the studio such a stalwart in the genre. The exciting combat, a great cast of characters, excellent writing, and the visuals and audio combine to make this new entry almost unstoppable, like the Blight. There are no doubt still kinks to work out, but if this is the new Dragon Age, the future definitely looks brighter than ever before.
Between the much-improved combat, the more in-depth and engaging storytelling, the interesting overworld, and plenty of replayability, Dynasty Warriors: Origins doesn’t feel like just the franchise’s next entry, but a magnificent reboot that breathes new life into the series. And that is before you even dive into the higher difficulties and enjoy the postgame content. While the outsider perspective of the Wanderer and his relative lack of emotions take some getting used to, everyone else is at the peak of their powers, and the result is a fantastic game made for newcomers and a glorious benchmark for veterans to measure upcoming games against.