Ron Burke
Bethesda Game Studios has reached new heights in Starfield. A thrilling narrative, loaded with an entire universe to explore and backed by sublimely polished systems, has ushered in the ultimate Bethesda experience. It's truly hard to summarize just what makes Starfield special, and that's because so much of it is. You'll be glued to your screen for hours, going where no explorer has gone before.
White-knuckle brilliant Soulslike action, coupled with a movement style not seen in this genre for an entire generation, resurrects a blast from the past in a whole new way. If you are a fan of the genre, this game is pure punishing fun with all that implies. If not, it's unlikely to convert you. In either case, Armored Core VI: Fires of the Rubicon is a brilliant title that breaks the mold on the genre in a whole new way.
With innumerable improvements to the formula, Mimimi has delivered another hit. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a wonderful tactical title with an even better story than its predecessors. This is the formula perfected.
Baldur's Gate 3 is an impossibly good RPG made with a great deal of passion and skill. While there are some last minute issues to iron out, Larian Studios has delivered an adventure beyond our wildest imaginations.
With unrelenting charm, excellent writing and voice work, and an art style that is sure to put a smile on your face, Disney Illusion Island is the magical Mickey Metroidvania you didn't know you needed.
Exoprimal's dreadful narrative and foundational mishaps drain the life out of the fun to be had, leading to one of Capcom's roughest outings in recent years.
At just $14.99, Execution Force gives you fresh ways to combat the demonic Nurgle horde with snipers, psykers, poisoners, and spies at your disposal, the forces of Chaos don't stand a chance.
Part homage, part sequel/reboot, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission is a return to what we loved about the arcade games, but now in VR for a new layer of immersion. While it's relatively short, it's a lot of fun and serves perfectly to introduce new players to the medium.
Aliens: Dark Descent is a masterful blend of atmosphere, tension, and terror, coming together with dangerous combat and well-paced progression. The end result is a game that keeps you on your heels while making you feel like you're "state of the badass art".
Diablo IV represents a massive shift for the series, moving to a more inclusive and open world that is somehow as inviting for new players as returning veterans. Complexity is mixed with flexibility to create a game that is sure to consume you for hundreds if not thousands of hours. Diablo IV is the game we've been waiting for, and a return to form for the Blizzard team.
Filled to bursting with all the Trek-no-babble, easter eggs, in-jokes, and political intrigue you've come to know and love from the Next Generation era of Trek, Resurgence hits all the right notes, even if it does play it a bit safe. Now if we can just get the rest of the Tribbles out of Jeffries tubes…
Stranded: Alien Dawn is a well-focused survival game with choices that have meaningful and lasting impact. While it could stand to have a few more scenarios, what's on offer will keep you busy for dozens of hours, and that's just your first playthrough!
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor improves on its predecessor in every way, giving us not only more of what we loved, but doing so in a massive cinematic interconnected universe full of brand new engaging features. This is your early contender for game of the year.
It's clear that Moviehouse has the passion and levers to be a worthy successor to The Movies, but this game is completely devoid of tuning. Please, put this game in Early Access and fix it? I want it to be good, but it's just impossible to recommend in this state.
With fast paced frenetic combat, a story that keeps you guessing, and enough interlocked systems to bring it all together in a way the first game never could, Everspace 2 is the best space game I've played in a very long time. Rockfish reached for the stars, and damn if they didn't catch 'em!
Whether you want to get a good sweat on, or if you want to relive the major beats of the Creed films, Creed: Rise to Glory - Championship Edition provides an excellent boxing experience that is sure to get your pulse racing. It'd be nice if the game was longer, but there's always multiplayer.
No Man's Sky returns home to Sony's newest platform, bringing with it more features, fun, and now virtual exploration than ever before. While a few bugs remain, No Man's Sky stands out among a very strong launch lineup for the PlayStation VR2.
With incredible aesthetics and an ever-expanding soundtrack, Synth Riders continues to dominate the rhythm game beat. It's accessible, fun, and an absolute must-have for anyone with a VR headset. Come on in – join the neon-soaked party.
Tentacular is a fun little sandbox game that manages to be as genuinely fun as it is funny. Filled to the brim with moments, it's great for VR newcomers, or those who just want a break from all the super-serious shooters and world-saving simulations.
A solid improvement over the Meta Quest 2 version, Cities: VR - Enhanced Edition brings with it improved visuals, rebuilt UI and controls, and a far larger build surface. Virtual city building may sound like watching paint dry on paper, it may be precisely the relaxing activity you need after a long day in the real world.