- Split Fiction
Split Fiction, a co-op adventure by Hazelight Studios, is a fun and challenging game that’s a bit more demanding than its predecessor, It Takes Two. It’s a rollercoaster of gameplay, constantly shifting genres and mechanics, making it feel fresh throughout its 14-hour duration. While the story can be a bit slow to start, it hits hard by the end, and the constant reliance on the other player in co-op play highlights the essence of cooperative gaming - Kingdom Come
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an open-world, highly immersive role-playing game set in Bohemia in the 15th century. It is praised for its challenging combat system, detailed world, and historical accuracy. Choices made by players have an impact on their relationships and reputation as they move through a realistic medieval setting. Even though the “Euro-Jank” nature of the game can be frustrating, the one-of-a-kind experience and complete immersion make it an engaging, if challenging, adventure. - Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in Sengoku-era Japan, offers a visually stunning open world with engaging combat and stealth. The dual protagonists, a shinobi and a samurai, bring unique perspectives to the narrative. The world of the game is well-detailed, and the changing seasons have an effect on gameplay and exploration. While the story might be predictable, the dual protagonists’ character arcs make the experience compelling. The game’s strengths include its immersive setting, refined combat, and the sense of exploration, making it a strong entry in the series. - Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is a survival horror masterpiece, seamlessly blending psychological horror with compelling storytelling. A truly one-of-a-kind experience is provided by the game’s immersive atmosphere, meticulously crafted environments, and truly terrifying encounters. Even though some gameplay elements, like combat and puzzles, aren’t as polished as the experience as a whole, the brilliant narrative and atmosphere often make up for it. - Elden Ring
Elden Ring is a masterful open-world action RPG that seamlessly combines the challenging combat that has become FromSoftware’s trademark with a vast, explorable world. The breathtaking environments, varied enemy designs, intricate boss fights, and rewarding exploration are the game’s strengths. While the open-world design can initially feel overwhelming, it ultimately offers a unique and engaging experience that captivates players for hundreds of hours. - Clair Obscur
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a unique turn-based RPG with real-time mechanics that add depth and strategic combat. The game features a captivating story, memorable characters, and an immersive atmosphere, setting it apart from other RPGs. The game’s charming gameplay and overworld design are reminiscent of classic RPGs and provide a rich and rewarding experience. - Lost Records
Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, a narrative adventure game, offers a heartfelt coming-of-age story centered around four girls and their summer experiences. The game’s strengths lie in its character development, engaging dialogues, and nostalgic 90s aesthetic, particularly through the use of a camcorder mechanic. However, the initial pacing is sluggish and the two-part release format is restrictive for some. Overall, Lost Records is a visually appealing and emotionally resonant experience for those who enjoy Don’t Nod’s storytelling style. - Doom
“DOOM: The Dark Ages,” a prequel to the modern Doom series, is a thrilling addition to the franchise. It features the Doom Slayer as a destructive force, and the gameplay is a mix of grounded action with new defensive abilities. The combat in the game is praised for its flawless execution, and the music is regarded as the best in the series. According to TheGamer, the combat is actually quite fast-paced and satisfying, with a heavy emphasis on melee and parrying, despite the game’s initial marketing making it appear slower. - Fatal Fury
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves offers a strong return to the franchise, delivering a refined and accessible fighting game experience. The game features a diverse cast, including guest characters, and a robust combat system with accessible controls and deep mechanics. While the Episodes of South Town mode can be repetitive, the core fighting is tight and satisfying, offering a blend of classic and modern features. - Hitman 3
The World of Assassination trilogy comes to a fitting conclusion with Hitman 3, a highly polished stealth game. It provides a diverse collection of locations, each with numerous assassination opportunities and intricate details. The gameplay loop, which focuses on stealth and manipulating the environment, is still fun and rewarding, promoting replayability and inventive problem-solving. Some critics praised the game’s refined mechanics and the sheer depth of its sandbox environments, while others criticized the game’s reliance on its established formula.
