Starfield is an epic work of science fiction wonder that feels like a true Bethesda RPG at its heart. Its expansive world is filled with a brilliantly crafted main story and side-quests, backed by an incredible score. If you've ever looked to the stars and wondered 'what if,' this is a game that will genuinely wow you with the vast galaxy it lets you explore. | © Bethesda Game Studios
Arkham Origins is still very fun to play, capturing the core joy of kicking butt as Batman with excellent Invisible Predator scenes. However, its almost complete lack of surprises weighs the entire experience down. It's the kind of game you enjoy in the moment but find easy to forget once you're done. | © Splash Damage
Remnant 2 cranks the action, loot, and boss fights up to 11, marking a clear improvement over the first game. It trims the fat and serves up all the good parts right from the start, packed with surprises that give you reasons to keep playing. Any minor gripes quickly fade into the background thanks to its incredibly enjoyable minute-to-minute gameplay. | © Gunfire Games
Subnautica is an exceptional exploration game that crash-lands you on a stunning, unfamiliar alien planet. You'll navigate unexplored depths and strange wildlife, where the real thrill comes from the larger predators that spike your heart rate. It's a captivating experience from the moment you step out of the lifeboat, pulled in by its gorgeous, terrifying environment. | © Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Deep Rock Galactic breaks the mold of the crowded multiplayer looter genre by delivering a uniquely memorable experience. Its addictively deep gameplay thrives on cooperation, with procedural caves and extensive loot that keep you coming back. If you love space mining with friends, atmosphere, and dwarves, you need not look any further for your next adventure. | © Ghost Ship Games
Firewatch is a brilliant adventure packed with some of the best dialogue in gaming, engrossing you from its very first moments. While the journey itself is far more captivating than the final destination, the experience is more than worth it. Wyoming and its mysteries make for a fittingly brief, memorable tale. | © Campo Santo
Genshin Impact is a surprisingly solid action RPG that offers a wealth of things to do. It might not be the most original game, but it's easy to enjoy and keep playing, especially with its steady stream of updates. The fact that you can invest so much time into this expansive adventure for free is genuinely impressive. | © miHoYo
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 offers a huge amount of content that's great for both casual and hardcore players. Its creative campaign is worth playing for the unlocks, but multiplayer is where the game really shines with immersive modes like the new Skirmish. And of course, the Zombies mode is a top highlight all on its own, packed with enough content to keep you busy for a long time. | © Treyarch
Mafia II tells a gripping story, one of the best available in video game form, even if its mobster tale isn't wholly unique. You'll genuinely care about Vito and the terrifying, quirky criminals he surrounds himself with. Don't come for a busy open world, come for this bittersweet, memorable period piece that explores a fascinating era. | © 2K Games
Split Fiction is a heartfelt cooperative adventure that celebrates friendship through consistently engaging mechanics. Its impressive level design builds towards a spectacular final sequence, making it a standout experience that's truly best played with a friend. Hazelight Studios again pushes the co-op genre forward, leaving us eager for what they create next. | © Hazelight Studios
Spiritfarer masterfully blends seafaring exploration with management sim mechanics into an emotional journey about love and loss. Its gorgeous visuals and soundtrack create a cosy, easy-to-get-lost-in world perfect for thoughtful play. Just be ready with some tissues nearby, this is a beautiful game about dying that truly resonates. | © Thunder Lotus Games
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a true marvel of a video game, a genre-bending masterpiece that rivals the output of giant studios. It stands as a testament to what a passionate, talented team can accomplish, even with a smaller budget. This excellent game might just spoil you for other turn-based experiences, but it's absolutely worth playing. | © Sandfall Interactive
The Long Dark is a unique experience in the survival genre, perfect for players who relish a genuine challenge. Its environment isn't overtly hostile, it simply doesn't care if you live or die, creating a profound sense of isolation. If you're impatient, this one isn't for you, but for those who want to test their resolve against the indifferent cold, it's a compelling journey. | © Hinterland Studio
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales tells an essential, wonderful story specific to Miles that makes it a fantastic follow-up. It improves on the original's fundamentals with distinctive new moves and enemies to face. This shorter adventure is also a spectacular showcase for the PlayStation 5's power, but it remains a worthy superhero experience on any console. | © Insomniac Games
Baldur's Gate 3 delivers a journey absolutely worth taking, whether you're a Dungeons & Dragons veteran or new to role-playing. It shines with a vast world full of compelling stories and secrets to uncover, backed by a largely appealing cast and top-notch voice acting. While the pacing can vary and the opening levels are a slow burn, it builds a fantastic foundation for deep character crafting. | © Larian Studios
Got a quiet New Year's Eve planned? There's no better way to ring it in than with a great game. Whether you want epic adventures, heartfelt stories, or chaotic fun with friends, this list has something to start your year right.
