F1 24 could have been the ideal follow-up to last year had its handling not been radically revamped. However, as it stands, it's still a compelling racing sim with fun Career Modes and a strong presentation.
The Rogue Prince of Persia combines a non-linear narrative and rogue-like structure with the excellent combat and movement that Evil Empire is known for. Though some rough edges remain, it's a great start to early access.
XDefiant isn't a Call of Duty killer or even a close competitor. It has potential despite its many issues, but it has a long way to go before living up to it.
Braid Anniversary Edition is a celebration of the indie title that surprised the industry in 2008. It's also the best version of an incredible platformer. Add extensive commentary to delve into its secrets, and this remaster comes highly recommended.
While not as trailblazing as its predecessors, Homeworld 3 is still a well-made and worthwhile sci-fi real-time strategy with a solid story and exceptional production values.
Hades 2 isn't just one of the best early access titles right now - it's also a top-tier rogue-lite experience that fans and newcomers should experience immediately.
PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs isn't quite as endearing as Pac-Man 99 and has its share of shortcomings. Its core gameplay will keep you busy for a time but lacks real staying power.
Sea of Thieves has grown into one of the more beloved live service titles over the years and it's well-deserved, offering a gorgeous and engaging pirate fantasy.
From the inside looking out, The Forgotten Kingdom is more content for the Remnant 2 hardcore to sift through, earning new guns and equipment while facing a few fresh challenges. Nothing more and nothing less.
Manor Lords still requires time to develop, especially when building out several of its more intriguing features. Nevertheless, its emphasis on medieval city-building with dashes of combat can prove enjoyable.
No Rest for the Wicked isn't bad - in fact, there's so much potential in this mishmash of genres that it's worth keeping an eye on. At this stage, however, there are a lot of rough edges to smooth over.
Despite several lacking elements, SAND LAND is a solid adaptation of Toriyama's work with a well-realized setting, sharp presentation and fun combat.
Clive's journey may have ended last year, but The Rising Tide is a proper send-off to Valisthea, presenting a compelling standalone narrative and its best battles yet.
As an aggressively old-school role-playing game, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes suffers in areas like combat, side quest design and balance but makes up for it with the story, extensive cast and strong presentation.
The Planet Crafter is unique among sci-fi survival sandbox titles, featuring depth and complexity but on a planetary scale. It could use some quality-of-life features, but the compelling gameplay, exploration and aesthetic make it hard to put down.
As a rogue-like that may not be on everyone's radar, Inkbound goes beyond expectations to deliver an addictive and gorgeous turn-based experience.
While Gigantic makes a compelling return, the Rampage Edition isn't for everyone, especially given the combat feel and lack of certain competitive features. It's worth a shot but may struggle to retain players beyond the years-long faithful.
Despite its laughable plot, Outpost: Infinity Siege starts with some potential. Unfortunately, the tedious rogue-like elements, extraction shooter resource gathering and other questionable design choices dilute the experience.
Tomas Salas' latest title is impressive and arguably more enticing than The Falconeer, with its intriguing alliances, vast world and simplified systems despite its inherent issues and uninvolving narrative.
Lightyear Frontier impresses with its sci-fi setting, non-violent approach and nature-focused gameplay, to say nothing of the gorgeous visuals. It has a ways to go, though, and some issues to iron out.