The 2024 gaming year is nearing the finish line, and if there's a common thread linking all of this year's biggest releases, it's that several of these games have been surprise hits. While 2023 was loaded with modern masterpieces like Baldur's Gate 3, Street Fighter 6, and Alan Wake 2, 2024 has delivered hits like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Dragon's Dogma 2, and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

While those games were almost predestined to to launch with high review scores behind them, it's the unexpected games released this year that have overshadowed them. We've had some terrific hits that have seemingly come from out of nowhere, like the gung-ho action of Helldivers 2, the oddball British humor of Thank Goodness You're Here, and not one but two Prince of Persia games taking the series in bold new directions.

Throw in must-play indie games, solid outings from some of the biggest brands, and a few hidden gems, and 2024 has been a year where gaming's best and weirdest releases have risen to the top.

Just like last year, we'll be keeping track of the best of the best. For this list, a game has to earn a review score of at least 8 (which is pretty darn great!) or higher from GameSpot to make the cut. That's not to say that games scoring lower (or that we didn't manage to review) should be ignored, as there's still plenty of fun to be had even if these titles didn't meet this threshold.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree -- 10

GameSpot's first game to earn a rare 10/10 score, in 2024 Shadow of the Erdtree is everything you love about Elden Ring and delivered with perfect execution. Completing the grand story of Elden Ring, the expansion injects new gameplay content, even tougher boss battles, and more awe-inspiring locations into an already superb game.

Read our Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Metaphor ReFantazio -- 10

Atlus has been firing on all cylinders over the last couple of years with its Persona games, but Metaphor ReFantazio is arguably the studio at its very best. A high-fantasy adventure with engaging characters, surprising plot twists, and polished turn-based combat, Metaphor ReFantazio isn't just a masterpiece, it's an inspiring reminder of the power of fantasy.

Read our Metaphor ReFantazio review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Astro Bot -- 9

Astro's Playroom has been one of the best--and free!--games on PS5 consoles for years, and with Astro Bot, Team Asobi has cemented its position as one of Sony's best first-party studios. A thrilling adventure that is effortlessly charming, Astro Bot feels consistently fun to play thanks to its strong platforming core, a mountain of secrets, and outstanding use of the DualSense controller which makes you feel like you're part of Astro's journey.

Read our Astro Bot review. Available on PS5.

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Animal Well -- 9

It might look like a cute metroidvania at first glance, but the deeper you venture into Animal Well, the more surreal it becomes as you find yourself driven to reach the end. Created by solo developer Billy Basso, it's a game of constant surprises as you find yourself driven to explore yet another room in its neon-soaked world.

Read our Animal Well review. Available on PC, PS5, and Switch.

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Balatro -- 9

Just when you think you've seen every possible combination from the roguelite genre, a game like Balatro comes along to deliver a pleasant surprise. Rapid-fire rounds of poker combined with deep deck-building mechanics and layers of intricacy beneath its deceptively simple facade, Balatro goes all in on its concept and is difficult to put down once it sinks its fangs into your free time.

Read our Balatro review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Destiny 2: The Final Shape -- 9

There was a lot of pressure on Bungie to deliver a satisfying conclusion to Destiny's Light and Darkness Saga, but The Final Shape didn't just live up to those expectations, it stuck the landing with style. A thrilling story, impactful gameplay changes, and a finale that united its community helped push Destiny 2 to new heights.

Read our Destiny 2: The Final Shape review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Dragon's Dogma 2 -- 9

12 years after the first game came out, Dragon's Dogma 2 builds on the best parts of that sweeping fantasy tale to deliver a magical open-world RPG. It might not be the most innovative sequel, but those core strengths are enhanced by emergent moments, technological leaps, and varied gameplay to create a thrilling sense of adventure.

Read our Dragon's Dogma 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Hades 2 -- 9

Even in early access, Hades 2 is already shaping up to be a strong game-of-the-year contender. Launching with a ton of content and right out of the gate, developer Supergiant Games has expanded on the ideas of the first game with an even deeper combat system and an engrossing story.

Read our Hades 2 review. Available on PC.

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Helldivers 2 -- 9

Switching from a top-down twin-stick shooter design to a third-person perspective, Helldivers 2 is an action-packed adventure across alien planets. In a crowded live-service environment, developer Arrowhead has delivered a fun romp that's best enjoyed with friends, enhanced by satisfying gunplay, and feels constantly fresh thanks to some clever design.

Read our Helldivers 2 review. Available on PC and PS5.

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Lorelei and the Laser Eyes -- 9

A psychological horror puzzle game, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is one of this year's best cerebral workouts. Cryptic, puzzling, and challenging, the game doesn't just push you to solve seemingly impossible riddles, it tells a heck of a great story with its unique artistic design;

Read our Lorelei and the Laser Eyes review. Available on Switch and PC.

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Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door -- 9

It's a testament to the evergreen design of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door that its gameplay still holds up beautifully, two decades after it was first released. With several meaningful quality-of-life updates woven into its rock-solid gaming DNA, beautiful HD visuals, and a delightful soundtrack full of clever remixes, this classic Mario game is still as much fun to play today as it was back in 2004.

Read our Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door review. Available on Switch.

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Persona 3: Reload -- 9

Long considered to be one of the best Persona games of all time, Persona 3: Reload is a complete remake for the modern age. The best way to experience an all-time classic and one of the darkest stories in the franchise, Persona 3: Reload is a comprehensive overhaul of the game that makes it combat more approachable, upgrades it visuals to provide a slick feast for the eyes, and bundles it all up with an unforgettable soundtrack.

Read our Persona 3: Reload review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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The Plucky Squire -- 9

Not just a joyful blast of creative fun, The Plucky Squire is also an inspiring tale that's beautifully told across its storybook world. With clever puzzles, seamless shifting between 2D and 3D realms, and several surprises up its metaphorical sleeves, this is one Zelda-like adventure game that you need to check out.

Read our The Plucky Squire review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown -- 9

After an era of 3D adventures, Prince of Persia's return to its 2D roots feels like a welcome breath of fresh air for the franchise. Smartly incorporating metroidvania elements into its design, The Lost Crown throws in pitch-perfect combat and a beautifully crafted world for good measure, combining them all into a cohesive whole. The Lost Crown isn't just a thrilling metroidvania; it's a finely-tuned entry in the genre that other games will be looking to for inspiration in the years to come.

Read our Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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The Rise of the Golden Idol -- 9

A sequel that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor, The Rise of the Golden Idol is a cerebral tour de force. Building on the foundation of 2022's The Curse of the Golden Idol, this is a polished entry in the series that offers challenging cases, a distinct art direction, and smart tweaks to its formula to create the best detective game of the year.

Read our The Rise of the Golden Idol review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance -- 9

For the last couple of years, Switch owners have had access to one of the best Atlus RPGs in the form of Shin Megami Tensei V. At long last, it's now available on other platforms and in an enhanced package that makes a great game even better. Beyond the visual upgrades and welcome quality-of-life changes, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will keep your eyes glued to the screen with its expanded storylines and engaging demon-collecting gameplay.

Read our Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Silent Hill 2 -- 9

Bloober Team had its work cut out for it when it was tasked with remaking one of the best horror games of all time, but the studio stuck the landing with Silent Hill 2. Retaining the original chills and thrills of the PS2 classic, Bloober Team expands on it with incredible sound design, intense action, and an eye for detail that breathes new life into the series.

Read our Silent Hill 2 review. Available on PC and PS5.

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Slay the Princess -- 9

Slay the Princess was one of our favorite games when it first came out in 2023, but this new edition improves on its excellence. With a mix of visual novel gameplay, plot twists, and disturbing art, The Pristine Cut enhances the game on multiple levels.

Read our Slay the Princess: The Pristine Cut review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Steamworld Heist 2 -- 9

We're now seven games deep into the Steamworld series, and this franchise shows that there's still plenty of fuel in its tank as it builds on an established foundation of tactics and mechanical style. Steamworld Heist 2 is an effortlessly charming high-seas adventure, one that greatly expands on virtually all of its systems without overcomplicating them and retains its clockwork charm.

Read our Steamworld Heist 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Thank Goodness You're Here -- 9

Thank Goodness You're Here might be a hard sell for anyone unfamiliar with Bri'ish culture, but Coal Supper's debut game is a two-person tour-de-farce of delightful weirdness. As a strangely small person left to explore the fictional town of Barnsworth, this short-and-sweet slapformer looks like a Beano comic come to life and is a hilariously authentic look at the weirder side of little Britain.

Read our Thank Goodness You're Here review.

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UFO 50 -- 9

What happens when you combine the nostalgic appear of 8-bit era video games with top talent? You get UFO 50, a masterful compilation of retro-style games that range from intriguing to exciting with its experimental approach to yesteryear. With dozens of compelling games to sample, UFO 50 is a joyful reminder at what it was like to discover the hidden gems of gaming's trailblazing years.

Read our UFO 50 review. Available on PC.

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Wild Bastards -- 9

Blue Manchu builds on the ideas of its predecessor--Void Bastards--to deliver a complex and slick experience. Constantly rewarding and very replayable, this is a sci-fi western mash-up with plenty of style, wit, and satisfying gunplay.

Read our Wild Bastards review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

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World of Warcraft: The War Within -- 9

How does a game like World of Warcraft stay fresh after two decades? With an expansion that begins with a bang, setting the stage for a new era in the game. The first part of a three-expansion storyline called the Worldsoul Saga, The War Within places a new emphasis on player choice, giving you all the tools you need to enjoy the World of Warcraft at your own pace. Alongside major changes and digestible endgame content for solo players, The War Within is the perfect entry point for newcomers and rewarding for veterans.

Read our World of Warcraft: The War Within review. Available on PC.

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Backyard Baseball '97 -- 8

In a year of awe-inspiring fantasy adventures and polished remakes, Backyard Baseball '97 shows just how timeless classic games can be when they're revived for a new audience. With a visual overhaul, a vibrant neighborhood in which to live out world championship dreams, and simplistic gameplay mechanics that make it easy to pick up, this is a fun game for the whole family to enjoy.

Read our Backyard Baseball '97 review. Available on PC.

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Batman: Arkham Shadow -- 8

A Batman game that captures all the predatorial, pugilistic, and puzzle-solving fun of the core Arkham series of games, Arkham Shadow is a must-play game for any Batman fans looking to put their Meta Quest VR headset to good use.

Read our Batman: Arkham Shadow review. Available on Meta Quest 3 and 3S.

Black Myth: Wukong -- 8

Black Myth: Wukong isn't the souls-like you expect it to be, as this adaptation of Journey to the West throws you into a gauntlet of stunning boss battles that require you to use every trick in the book to survive. While some moments of tedium are sprinkled between fist-pumping battles of pure spectacle, the game is still an elegant and exciting action-RPG that feels refreshing to play.

Read our Black Myth: Wukong review. Available on PC and PS5.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign -- 8

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 doesn't disappoint with its single-player campaign, as developer Raven Software delivers a spy-thriller that feels and plays like a big-budget Hollywood movie. Full of memorable characters and explosive moments across a varied selection of missions, the Black Ops 6 campaign is an engaging part of this year's Call of Duty package.

Read our Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Campaign review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 multiplayer

Call of Duty's multiplayer walks on a tightrope this year, deftly balancing a sense of familiarity with adjustments to its core formula. This year's marquee feature is the introduction of Omni-movement, a fast and fluid style of locomotion that can lead to wild moments and feels like a natural extension of the CoD formula. Throw in a varied selection of maps and subtle tweaks that encourage you to continually evolve your playstyle, and you've got a Call of Duty experience full of intense fun.

Read our Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 multiplayer review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies -- 8

Fighting back against endless waves of the undead in Call of Duty games has always been a panic-inducing delight, and this year's version of the PvE Zombies mode is a welcome return to its round-based roots. Full of Easter eggs to hunt down and increasingly challenging hordes of the undead to take on, Zombies feels especially fun to play this year thanks to the introduction of the new Omni-movement system. While the number of gameplay systems can be overwhelming, this is still an exciting mode to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Read our Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Children of the Sun -- 8

Just when you think you've seen it all in the sniper genre of games, along comes a title like Children of the Sun to surprise you. A short game that perfectly executes its concept of solving puzzles with headshots, this cerebral shooter is a satisfying blast of fun.

Read our Children of the Sun review. Available on PC.

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Creatures of Ava -- 8

Creatures of Ava is a rarity, a creative combination of puzzle-solving and platforming set in a beautiful frontier. It's a vibrant and captivating package of ideas with a terrific story that's full of surprises as you work to save the diverse wildlife from a planet-wide calamity. Come for the family-friendly gameplay, stay for the gorgeous vistas and engrossing challenges you'll encounter along the way.

Read our Creatures of Ava review. Available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.

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Crow Country -- 8

If you've been feeling jaded with recent horror games, Crow Country is just the nostalgic slice of terror you've been looking for. A throwback to pre-rendered environments, blocky character designs, and unnerving suspense, Crow Country mixes is a fun mix of '90s-inspired horror and surprisingly modern doses of fear.

Read our Crow Country review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred -- 8

Diablo 4 gets a well-designed upgrade with its first expansion and a fun reentry point for lapsed players. Alongside the new Spiritborn class, the dangerous dungeons of the Kurast Undercity, new Uniques, and changes that make solo play feel more enjoyable, Diablo 4 feels better than ever and ready for another year of exciting demon-slaying.

Read our Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Dragon Age: The Veilguard -- 8

After an ill-fated trip into live-service territory with Anthem several years ago, Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like a welcome return to the single-player magic that BioWare excels at. While the game has several technical issues that hold it back from being an all-time classic, it's still a fun romp with satisfying combat inside a gorgeous fantasy world inhabited by a cast of colorful characters.

Read our Dragon Age: The Veilguard review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X.

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Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake -- 8

Square Enix has been on a roll with its line of HD-2D games, and with Dragon Quest 3 receiving a glorious makeover, one of the greatest JRPGs of all time gets a fresh chance to shine on modern platforms. While the story remains largely intact, the visual overhaul, thoughtful changes to the old-school gameplay, and clever quality-of-life enhancements help modernize this Dragon Quest game for newcomers and series veterans alike.

Read our Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

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EA Sports College Football 25 -- 8

EA Sports College Football 25 looks and feels like a proper current-gen game of football, as it has a solid foundation with its dynamic action and genuinely impressive graphics. Its biggest triumph is in how it captures the look, feel, and excitement of college football, fusing that energy with intense moment-to-moment gameplay.

Read our EA Sports College Football 25 review.

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Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes -- 8

After years of development following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes finally arrived this year. A spiritual successor to the beloved Suikoden series, this retro JRPG is a comfortably familiar throwback to the past full of beautiful sprites, soul-stirring music, and unique characters.

Read our Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth -- 8

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a blockbuster of a sequel, a bigger and bolder return of Cloud and friends as they continue to defy destiny. While the game makes a few fumbles, they don't detract from the new chapter's impressive visuals, finely honed combat, and exciting deviations from the established series lore.

Read our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review. Available on PS5.

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Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail -- 8

After some reality-bending adventures in the previous expansions, Final Fantasy 14's Dawntrail expansion sets the stage for a more-relaxing excursion to sunnier shores. The trip quickly turns into a slay-cation, full of new monsters and challenges to overcome, but the lower stakes and a surprise twist make for a compelling digital getaway.

Read our Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail review.

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Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide -- 8

With the Rising Tide expansion, Final Fantasy 16's grand story comes to a satisfying conclusion. A meaty expansion set before the grand finale, Rising Tide is a victory lap for the game as it shows off a different side of Final Fantasy 16, gives players powerful new Eikonic abilities to wield, and closes the curtain on this ambitious game in grand style.

Read our Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide review. Available on PS5.

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Flock -- 8

If you've been overwhelmed by massive AAA games this year, Flock is a delightful indie alternative. Inspired by bird-watching., Flock has colorful visuals, accessible design, and rewarding gameplay that make it easy to jump into, while the urge to fill up a Pokedex-like field guide will keep you coming back for more.

Read our Flock review.

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Frostpunk 2 -- 8

Frostpunk 2 builds on the bleak themes of the first game, evolving the idea of making difficult choices and weaving a rich selection of new systems into its design. The focus isn't just on city-building, but forging fragile alliances to help you survive the coldest of nights.

Read our Frostpunk 2 review. Available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

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Indika -- 8

We've had some terrific games big-budget this year, but Indika is that surprise indie hit that provides a welcome contrast to the blockbuster approach by AAA studios. A fascinating exploration of religion and philosophy, Indika pulls no punches with its examination of Christianity. Rich characters, a unique visual style, and top-notch voice-acting help make Indika one of this year's best thought-provoking titles.

Read our Indika review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess -- 8

Who would have thought that escorting a divine maiden down a mountain infested with demonic nightmare fuel could be so dangerous? In Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess, that trek requires you to master both action and strategy in your quest to purify a mountain of the corruption possessed by the ungrateful dead, and this marriage of two distinct genres creates a novel experience to enjoy.

Read our Kunitsu-Gami: Path Of The Goddess review.

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The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom -- 9

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a playful link between the traditional dungeon design of old-school Zelda games and the creative flair of modern games like Tears of the Kingdom, expertly weaving its way through these eras. It's inspired by all things Zelda and has its own identity, one of a forward-thinking and nostalgic adventure that is easily on par with the biggest games in the franchise.

Read our The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom review. Available on Switch.

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Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth -- 8

When it comes to wild action, weird scenarios, and storytelling that'll leave you emotionally devastated, few games can compare to the Like a Dragon series. The latest chapter in the mainline series builds on the RPG gameplay introduced in its predecessor, further fine-tuning and polishing the experience so that it can offer a more joyful experience. While the main story does meander in places, this swansong for the legendary Dragon of Dojima has its heart in the right place and offers an incredible amount of side content like Dondoko Island, Sujimon battles, and so much more.

Read our Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection -- 8

When it comes to compilations of classic arcade games, Capcom has set a high standard. Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection sticks to the publisher's formula, and the end result is a love letter to several of the best arcade fighting games of all time, all bundled together into a package that's a blast from the past.

Read our Marvel Vs. Capcom Fighting Collection review. Available on PC, PS4, and Switch. The Xbox One version is scheduled to be released in 2025.

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NBA 2K25 -- 8

Another year, another NBA game from 2K that sticks to the strengths of the series. Once again flexing incredible visuals, fine-tuned gameplay, and an engaging career mode, NBA 2K25 remains the best-in-class basketball game around, but its heavy-handed approach to microtransactions can be distracting.

Read our NBA 2K25 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.

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The Outlast Trials -- 8

Red Barrels' third Outlast game is a major departure from previous entries in the series, successfully evolving from single-player terror to a four-player PvE game of collective horror. A major shift into new territory, The Outlast Trials retains the core dread of its predecessors and reimagines that unique experience as a group immersion therapy session from hell with its spine-tingling story and clever gameplay systems.

Read our The Outlast Trials review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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Pacific Drive -- 8

We've seen plenty of roguelite spins on familiar genres over the years, but Ironwood Studio's Pacific Drive is a different beast altogether. Challenging and atmospheric, it has fascinating mysteries to explore inside of a wonderfully weird world, while its upgrade mechanics are satisfyingly deep enough to keep any gearhead invested in this wild ride.

Read our Pacific Drive review. Available on PC and PS5.

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Pepper Grinder -- 8

Pepper Grinder will put a smile on your face thanks to its inventive gameplay mechanics, a graceful sense of motion, and an art direction full of personality. Short and sweet, it never outstays its welcome as you master its propulsive action and revel in its adorable pixel art.

Read our Pepper Grinder review. Available on PC and Switch.

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RetroRealms Arcade -- 8

A video game starring two icons of horror that isn't an asymmetrical multiplayer experience? Such a game does exist in the form of RetroRealms, an innovative and challenging platformer with a retro-influenced design. A speedrunner's dream thanks to its polished level design, the first RetroRealms game pays homage to classic slasher films while building a solid foundation for future sequels.

Read our RetroRealms Arcade review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch.

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The Rogue Prince of Persia -- 8

Ubisoft Montpellier's stab at the Prince of Persia franchise is already one of the best games of the year, and Evil Empire's The Rogue Prince of Persia is a fun alternative that's currently out in early access on PC. An action-packed 2D roguelike, it mixes fluid parkour and riveting combat together to create engaging gameplay loops.

Read our The Rogue Prince of Persia review. Available on PC.

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Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven -- 8

If you've ever wanted to explore Square Enix's SaGa series, Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven might be the perfect entry point now that it has been updated for new platforms. A full-on remake of what many fans consider to be the best SaGa game, Revenge of the Seven combines unique gameplay features with welcome quality-of-life changes and interweaving narratives that come together to tell a grand story.

Read our Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge Of The Seven review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Switch.

Stellar Blade -- 8

Inspired by the likes of Bayonetta and Nier: Automata, Stellar Blade is an ambitious action game with a few rough spots. If you can overlook them, there's plenty of fun to have here thanks to the fun Souls-like combat, challenging enemies, and impressive graphics.

Read our Stellar Blade review. Available on PS5.

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Sylvio: Black Waters -- 8

The Sylvio series of horror games have always been terrific, but the latest entry is a masterpiece of instilling dread in its audience. An exceptionally unsettling game about ghost-hunting, Sylvio: Black Waters dials up the fear factor with incredible sound design, branching narratives, and nightmarish levels.

Read our Sylvio: Black Waters review.

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Tactical Breach Wizards -- 8

With deep tactical gameplay that rewards you for thinking outside of the box, Tactical Breach Wizards also throws in a superb cast of characters and sharp dialogue for a killer combo of magic and defenestration. Satisfyingly challenging, the game is an enchanting dive into black-ops wizardry.

Read our Tactical Breach Wizards review. Available on PC.

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Tales of Kenzera: Zau -- 8

We've seen plenty of metroidvanias over the years, but Tales of Kenzera: Zau builds on that genre foundation with a powerful narrative about coming to terms with loss. Combined with its African folklore inspirations and slick combat, this game uses its beautiful action-adventure design to tell a powerful story.

Read our Tales of Kenzera: Zau review. Available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.

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Tekken 8 -- 8

In the wake of new Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat games in 2023, the return of Tekken was long overdue. It might be fashionably late to the fisticuffs party, but Tekken 8 came out swinging this year with one of the best entries in the franchise. Stacked with an impressive roster on day one and flexing graphical muscles that allow you to see every sinew before a haymaker finds its mark, Tekken 8 pushes the series forward with rewarding and aggressive gameplay.

Read our Tekken 8 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Ultros -- 8

As a metroidvania, Ultros makes a great impression with its psychedelic graphics and strong fundamentals. But where the game shines is in how it builds on this foundation by borrowing elements from several other genres, combining them into a winning recipe of flashy combat and thoughtful time loop gameplay mechanics. With a living network of biological levels to explore and a constant sense of reward the deeper you venture into its colorful underbelly, Ultros is a visually captivating and engrossing experience.

Read our Ultros review. Available on PC, PS5, and PS4.

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Unicorn Overlord -- 8

Unicorn Overlord might play it safe with a fairly standard fantasy tale, but everything else about this game is a delightful mix of elegant style and thrilling combat. Teamwork makes the dream work, and in this sophisticated showcase of assembling a ragtag group of warriors to help reclaim a kingdom ruled by an evil despot, Unicorn Overlord is another thrilling adventure from Vanillaware.

Read our Unicorn Overlord review. Available on PC, Switch, PS5, and PS4.

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Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 -- 8

Developer Saber Interactive had some big power-boots to fill when it took on the task of bringing Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 to life, and the studio has delivered a worthy successor to the 2011 game. Brutally beautiful to look at and savagely satisfying to play, the sequel will make you feel like a true Ultramarine as you rip and tear through hordes of enemies.

Read our Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 review. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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WWE 2K24 -- 8

WWE games have been steadily improving since the series bounced back from the low point that was WWE 2K20, and this year's sports entertainment simulator is a main event contender. With polished fundamentals, a wealth of content, and a Showcase mode featuring the best of Wrestlemania across the decades, WWE 2K24 is the undisputed champion of the pro wrestling genre.

Read our WWE 2K24 review. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

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