Ravi Sinha
Warhammer 40K: Dawn of War 3 is a masterful product that blends familiar but fun gameplay with a new story and challenges. It's the perfect fit for both hardcore Warhammer fans and casual RTS players.
You've never seen anything like Pyre but you have to check it out. Whether you enjoy unorthodox battle systems, great story-telling and characters or a gorgeous amalgamation of visuals and music, Pyre is truly a stand-out in Supergiant's portfolio. And that's saying something.
Whether you're up for a couple of races or want to learn everything about Porsche, Forza Motorsport 7 will scratch that racing sim itch and then some. It's the definitive racing experience of the year and another new bar for the series to surpass.
Whether your system can handle it or Capcom offers more optimization, Monster Hunter World on PC comes recommended.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is a sequel that plays all of its cards right. It's an enthralling adventure, both for veterans and newcomers, bringing a fantastical world to life that you'll want to explore again and again.
The Banner Saga 3 demands your attention, its story grabbing hold of your emotions and never letting go. As a climax to one of the better modern trilogies in gaming, The Banner Saga 3 is simply magnificent.
Frostpunk is a captivating experience, whether you're seeking an emotionally effective story or a solid city-building survival game. Even with all the despair, each decision feels like it matters and had weight.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is another compelling reason to jump, run and suffer in Lara Croft's boots. Stellar production values, new mechanics and a deftly paced campaign do wonders even if the formula is pretty familiar by now.
Beautifully brought to life in vivid art-style, Guacamelee! 2 is a worthy follow-up and an essential experience. It doesn't change too much but offers a satisfying and challenging adventure for even the most jaded Metroidvania fan.
Tetris Effect isn't just Tetris as you remember it. It's a completely new experience that's meditative at times and wholly engulfing in others. Whether you like it challenging or enrapturing, Tetris Effect will appeal to the fan in you.
Anno 1800 nails its gameplay loop with aplomb while adding plenty of new features to expand it further. From the grand aesthetic to the rich atmosphere and gameplay depth, Blue Byte's latest is a return to form for the franchise.
Despite concerns with the shift in setting, Age of Wonders: Planetfall presents a fun, 4X-style turn-based strategy experience. It's already stellar combat is bolstered by some solid diplomatic options, excellent race design and well-designed environments.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne has everything that a fan could possibly want - challenging monsters, tons of new weapons and armor, an incredibly in-depth combat system with even more nuance thanks to new moves and mechanics, and a boat-load of new quests. The typical annoyances remain but don't let that stop you from undertaking this icy exodus.
It's been a long, long wait but Black Mesa is here. If you've never experienced Valve's original masterpiece, want to wax nostalgic about real story-telling in an FPS, or just want an excellent game to play, Black Mesa is where it's at.
Wasteland 3 is a heady crescendo of post-apocalyptic story-telling. Its combat is compelling and fun while its characters and overall plot are engrossing, even when it goes to some dark places. A must-play for tactical RPG fans.
Rogue Legacy 2 is an excellent step up from its predecessor, adding tons of new, fun content along with heaps of systems for even more varied runs. Though it can be grindy and somewhat difficult, the enjoyable gameplay will keep you coming back.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails from Hero is one of the best titles in the franchise and an incredibly well-made RPG overall. Experiencing the tale of the Special Support Section has never felt better, be it in terms of combat, writing, or presentation.
Its performance leaves something to be desired, but Star Wars Jedi: Fallen is still an essential experience for genre fans and Star Wars fanatics.
Honkai: Star Rail upholds miHoYo's strong reputation for compelling RPGs. Even with the gacha systems, it offers a fun free-to-play experience with fun story-telling, interesting companions and sleek gameplay.
Planet of Lana is an incredible journey. It's a down-to-earth traipse through a unique but endearing off-world setting, with tight pacing and excellent presentation underscoring a tale of camaraderie and familial devotion. Whether it's the incredible visuals or the stellar gameplay, it's worth your time.