David Sanchez
SOMA isn't perfect, but it sets a certain standard for what horror games can achieve with a bit of inspiration. Though it isn't heavy on the scares, the bits of horror spread throughout work well, and the story will leave a lasting, hard-hitting impression.
Yoshi's Woolly World makes a fine addition to any Wii U owner's library. It's full of charm and personality, and it doesn't forget to test you with its high difficulty. You'll spend more than a dozen hours doing everything and collecting every hidden item, and you'll have a blast practically the entire time.
Super Mario Maker is more than a just an amazing toolbox for content creation — it's also a big, beautiful toy box filled with all sorts of incredible, remarkable toys each with individual parts for you to spend hundreds of hours falling in love with. Even if you've never liked this type of game, Super Mario Maker may just win you over.
Lumini is exactly the type of digital work that's best referred to as an experience rather than a video game. Designed for the Journey and Flower crowd, this game excels at creating a mellow, relaxed state for those who float into its spectacle of a world.
Nova-111 is a humorous and quirky quest that rivals the sheer charm presented in the PixelJunk games. It's not the most varied adventure, but it's fun nonetheless, and it makes a great portable companion if you go with the Vita version.
You'll have fun playing Psychocat: The Answer until you realize that it's a mobile game on the PC, then you'll wish you had it on your iOS or Android device instead.
Due to the fact that Pony Island only asks a minor investment in terms of both time and price point ($5), but even more so because it's just so much fun, it falls under "must-play" territory and provides a vastly different experience from other modern-day indies.
Night School Studio has delivered a shining example of narrative excellence with Oxenfree. The story, the characters, the look, and the sound all come together to create an unforgettable series of wonderful moments.
The Witness is one of the most elegant puzzlers around. It'll make you think, it'll make you laugh, and it'll make you yell. Above all else, though, it'll take you on one memorable journey that will stay with you for a long time.
Perhaps if Whiskey Jack Games can add more quests and clean up the performance issues, Crudelis might be a solid title. As it stands right after launch, however, it's hard to recommend.
The Greens tell a brave story with That Dragon, Cancer. Joel Green's life may have been short, but it was an important, beautiful life that's now being shared with the world.
Like so many other titles created using RPG Maker, Apocalypse Hotel is held down by the tools used to develop it. It's kind of fun, but only in short sessions.
World's Dawn doesn't reinvent the wheel for farming simulators, but it really doesn't have to. It's a fun, relaxing game for people seeking exactly that.
Not content with simply letting you try to play it, Calendula is very much a game that plays you. It's a thrilling commentary on the relationship between player and game.
Superhot is an absolute joy to play, and it includes some great extra modes, neat story twists, and outstanding art. It's a complete package, and even though it's all over rather quickly, it's worth revisiting again and again.
Blood Alloy: Reborn could have been something special, but it's a clear victim of limited funding and hurried development.
If you're looking for a high-speed shoot-a-thon, you won't get that with Dead Star.
Stardew Valley is the best and most entertaining farming RPG to come along in years, and it's filled with such sheer charm and sincerity that it'll instantly win you over.
Republique transitions from mobile to console in grand fashion, and it boldly tells a brilliant story that's rife with wonderful gameplay design and quality voice acting.
You have to commend Severed for using the Vita's touchscreen heavily for its gameplay. And while that use of the system works and is mostly enjoyable, it's not always entertaining.