Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

Now 20% Off

Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC

I’ll be damned if Hellblade II isn’t one of the best-looking games I’ve ever played. As the unstable Norse warrior Senua, players fight through some of the most cinematic encounters in gaming, solve environmental puzzles, and spend the roughly seven-hour campaign gazing at a lot of very detailed rocks. In terms of presentation and atmosphere, Ninja Theory brings its A-game. Once again, the selling point is the binaural audio that pumps Senua’s frenzied internal monologue straight to your brain. If you need to buy good headphones for one game this year, it’s this one. —Bryn Gelbart

Another Crab’s Treasure

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

The only thing more difficult than the boss fights in a Souls game is the barrier of entry. How can someone ramp their way up to something like Elden Ring if they’ve never experienced games on that level before? Another Crab’s Treasure eases that pressure. The indie Soulslike balances simple platforming with challenging combat, all wrapped up in a playful tale about a hermit crab who loses his shell. —Josh Rosenberg

Dragon’s Dogma 2

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Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is nothing short of a miracle. The sequel to Capcom’s 2012 cult-classic action RPG is a second stab at the original concept—an open-world fantasy game with ludicrous combat, Shadow of the Colossus–style climbing on enemies, and a realistic day-night cycle with limited fast travel. The best part isn’t even playing as a magical archer. There’s a system in Dragon’s Dogma 2 where players can create custom companion NPCs. In what other RPG can you run around with a party consisting of a janky Sonic the Hedgehog and a lifelike re-creation of YouTuber Asmongold? —B.G.

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Animal Well

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC

I’ve been dying for a game like Animal Well. Published by popular YouTuber Videogamedunkey’s new Bigmode studio, this 2-D Metroid-vania platformer prides itself on intricate puzzles, hidden rewards, and highly inventive upgrades. If you play any new game this year, make sure Animal Well is on the top of your list. —J.R.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Even if you played Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the GameCube back in 2004, let this Nintendo Switch remaster forever be known as the definitive version. With its updated graphics, redone character models, and a fully reassembled musical score, it turns out that twenty years of video-game innovation really does have its benefits. —J.R.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

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Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

The Lost Crown is a kinesthetic wonder. The most successful entry in the franchise since at least 2008, the latest Prince of Persia game is a brave shift back into 2-D. This Metroid-vania take on the prince’s journey is a tight platformer and an even stronger action game. It’s been a long time since hacking, slashing, and finding new abilities has felt this smooth and rewarding. —B.G.

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Little Kitty, Big City

Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Little Kitty, Big City has a simple premise. Play as little kitty...in big city. Following the success of Stray, it’s clear that the market for feline fun is out there. In this adorable indie title, joy is all around you. Just think like a cat and enjoy the ride. —J.R.

MLB: The Show 24

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

This year, MLB: The Show’s reign as the best sports-game franchise is obvious in the opening credits alone. When you boot it up, you’re treated to a beautiful, inspiring meditation on the permanence of the great game—narrated by Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick. Sure, it nails the essentials—dynamic gameplay, a killer franchise experience, and an always-evolving career mode—but no game respects and honors its sport more than The Show. —Brady Langmann

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Now 57% Off

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

The magnum opus of the long-running Yakuza series, Infinite Wealth brazenly bridges the violent (yet lighthearted!) games with a dual story line featuring the legendary Kazuma Kiryu and the latest protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga. Full of whimsical fights, mini games galore, and Animal Crossing–esque island maintenance, Infinite Wealth is so full of content that late-night karaoke sessions will have you forgetting your next objective. —J.R.

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The Last of Us Pt. II Remastered

Platform: PlayStation 5

For those who want to relive the harrowing events of The Last of Us Pt. II, an official remastered version kicked off the year. The new release comes with the original’s DLC and a “roguelike survival mode” with random encounters called “No Return.” If you already own the original Pt. II, it will also cost you only ten dollars to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 edition. —B.L.

Tekken 8

Now 42% Off

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Tekken 8 is the first entry in the celebrated fighting series since 2015’s Tekken 7. In the near decade since the last Tekken release, the Bandai Namco team has established itself as the first studio to power a major fighting title with the graphic improvements of Unreal Engine 5. Bandai also engineered a new “Heat State” gameplay system that it hopes will make Tekken 8 the best fighting game of the year. —J.R.

Persona 3 Reload

Now 42% Off

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC

On the surface, Persona 3 Reload is simply a remake of 2006’s Persona 3. But don’t fool yourself: The remastered version’s improved graphics and slick character designs highlight why the original was such an influential title in the development of the fan-favorite RPG series. —J.R.

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Mario vs. Donkey Kong

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the fifth entry in the puzzle-platforming series, plays like a spiritual successor to the original Donkey Kong arcade title. The new, graphically improved version also comes with local multiplayer, more than 130 levels, and the use of Mario Minis to help you along the way. What are Mario Minis, you ask? Mini Marios! Get with the program, people. —J.R.

Helldivers 2

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PC

Helldivers 2 plays exactly how you’d imagine a Starship Troopers game would function. Seriously—it has so much unintentional humor. No one plans to make a buggy game, of course. But the ways in which you’ll accidentally die in this alien shooter? It harks back to the nostalgic days of dying via Halo plasma grenades—and then dying via laughter with your buddies. —J.R.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Now 21% Off

Platform: PlayStation 5

If you’re not a Final Fantasy obsessive, please feel free to move right along and save yourself the headache. Still here? Good. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the sequel to 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake, which itself—it’s in the name!—is a remake of 1997’s Final Fantasy VII. It’s a little much, we know. But for a hell of a lot of gamers, this was by far their most anticipated title of the year. —B.L.

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Balatro

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Sometimes it’s tough to sell a card game, but Balatro is so much more than your standard poker simulator. Using well-made hands, the player can unlock joker cards that multiply their score. In any arcade-style game, the (card pun incoming) main draw is figuring out how to break the mechanics so that you end up with an infinitely high score. I’m serious—players are already in the quintillions. —J.R.

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Platform: Nintendo Switch

This year, Princess Peach finally received her first solo adventure in almost twenty years. Titled Princess Peach: Showtime!, the game follows her through a stage play as she wields swords, cooks dishes, and searches for clues. Is there anything she can’t do? —J.R.

Rise of the Ronin

Platform: PlayStation 5

We’ve seen our fair share of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice clones since FromSoftware’s 2019 title was the near-unanimous Game of the Year. Rise of the Ronin, from the developers of Ninja Gaiden, has a bit more juice to it than its competitors. The flame sword in the trailer should sell you entirely—but the game also features bosses so punishing that even Elden Ring pros will wince. —J.R.

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