30. Until Dawn Remake

As good as the original? Well, no, especially when it comes to the soundtrack selection for certain scenes, specific lighting changes in the beginning, etc. However, Until Dawn’s remake does offer vastly superior performance and character models alongside new content and death animations. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll encourage someone to experience the original and see first-hand why it’s superior. For now, at least it’s better than the movie (not that that’s a high bar to clear).

29. Rise of the Rōnin

Unfairly compared to Ghost of Tsushima when it first launched, Team Ninja’s open-world action-adventure has its share of bright spots despite the story shortcomings. Combat is top-notch, as expected from the Nioh team, and hey, you can use a bayonet as a hybrid melee/ranged weapon, which is really cool. It may not quite have the budget, but you can’t deny Rise of the Rōnin’s ambition, especially with the sheer number of factions, branching paths, and combat depth.

28. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

LittleBigPlanet may be on ice for who knows how long, but Sackboy: A Big Adventure did help fill that void. The vaster movesets, coupled with returning tools like the grappling hook, made for an endearing adventure, especially when playing with a friend. While it didn’t necessarily break new ground in the genre, it was still a joyful romp through Craftworld.

27. The Nioh Collection

Two excellent titles in one package alongside all their paid DLC and updates for hundreds of hours of masocore action RPG fun – what more could you want? Well, maybe a reprieve from the difficulty. However, The Nioh Collection is a sheer testament to Team Ninja’s post-Ninja Gaiden design, blending that combo potential with Souls-like fundamentals and more grounded action, even if the loot chase isn’t for everyone.

26. Mafia: The Old Country

We never really got all our answers about how Mafia: The Old Country ties into the rest of the series (save for it being a prequel and containing a few cameos). Nevertheless, it was a strong return to everything that made the franchise so memorable, from the gripping narrative and strong characterization to the deeply involving themes. That Sicily looked so stunning to explore is also a plus.

25. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered

Jokes about remastering a title that wasn’t even a decade old aside, Guerrilla Games poured a significant amount of time and resources into revamping Horizon Zero Dawn for the remaster. Environments were changed, matching Forbidden West in terms of graphical quality, and entire cutscenes were overhauled and improved thanks to re-recorded dialogue. Otherwise, its gameplay fundamentals are as enjoyable as ever.

24. Demon’s Souls Remake

Aggravating as it is that Bluepoint was relegated to making a live-service title for all these years, at least we got the long-requested remake of Demon’s Souls. Purists may scoff at some of the visual choices and their effect on the atmosphere. And yet this remake brings the FromSoftware title into the contemporary age, idiosyncrasies and all, proving that some classics truly are timeless.

23. Sword of the Sea

Fancy hovering around some stunning environments on a hoversword, trying to piece together the sordid history of the place within three hours? Sword of the Sea may satisfy that urge…or leave you confused afterwards. Regardless, it’s a seamless blend of snowboarding, surfing, and platforming with deft pacing and more than a few surprises.

22. Returnal

From arcade shooters that it claimed wouldn’t sell to delivering one of the most pulse-pounding third-person action games of all time, Housemarque has had quite the journey. Returnal is a heck of a stop on the way, with Atropos presenting environments that are as brutalising as they are lovingly surreal. Its take on the rogue-like formula may not be for everyone, but when it comes to fast-paced action and bullet hell mechanics, few games can top it.

21. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

Showcasing the sheer speed of the PS5’s SSD, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart’s clever usage of rifts allowed for a dimension-hopping adventure the likes of which the series had never seen. But even if you ignore the technical wizardry, it’s just a stellar platformer all-around with its traversal mechanics, combat, and the sheer charm of its leading duo.

20. Helldivers 2

The sole success of Sony’s live-service initiative, and it’s easy to see why. Arriving almost out of nowhere to deliver explosive co-op action that’s easy to get into and impossible to put down, Helldivers 2 has grown into a behemoth of weapons, enemies, mission types, and whatnot. It’s almost detrimental in a way, given the technical issues, but when you can run around together in Killzone and Halo armor sets, it’s beyond worth it.

19. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Last year saw Microsoft finally release its first-party titles on PS5, but this year saw a once-iconic character returning to where it all began. We’re of course talking about Senua, whose first game debuted on PS4 before coming to Xbox. Suffice it to say that Senua’s Saga offers more of the same but with far more gorgeous visuals, and it works, despite the familiarity of it all.

18. Absolum

The very best in beat ’em up combat is mixed with deceptively simple upgrades and a branching world design that suits the genre as much as the storytelling. Saying it looks downright amazing would be an understatement, but it also packs in a surprisingly great soundtrack with a who’s who of composers on board. Suffice it to say that if you’re going in for more Streets of Rage 4-style goodness, Absolum will easily surpass those expectations.

17. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

After successfully reviving Silent Hill, it was the turn of Metal Gear Solid, that too where it all chronologically began. And while Delta: Snake Eater threw in some notable new features, from the over-the-shoulder camera to the revamped visuals and quality-of-life, it was, unabashedly, exactly like the original. Love it or hate it for that reason, it’s still a fantastic remake for one of the greatest of all time.

16. The Last of Us Part 2: Remastered

Yes, The Last of Us Part 2 isn’t technically a native PS5 title, and yes, the series’ re-releases are getting a little too excessive. On the other hand, it’s still a fantastic game with a story and twist that’s vehemently argued about to this day. The mix of survival mechanics and responsive gameplay, coupled with larger environments to explore and even more heart-pounding set pieces, all wrapped up in that signature post-apocalyptic atmosphere – it’s still a powerful combo to this day. Throw in the rogue-like No Return and other goodies, and you’ve got an even better deal.

15. Borderlands 4

It’s a good day when you can wake up, play a new Borderlands title and come away with “Not bad.” Featuring the gunplay of Borderlands 3 and none of the same narrative treatment, its main appeal is the vast world, laden with interesting activities, and more build-crafting opportunities than ever before. The looter shooter genre as a whole may seem tapped out, especially on this scale, but Borderlands 4 is still a fun time if you’re into the grind.

14. Forza Horizon 5

For years, PS5 players have heard about the brilliance of Forza Horizon 5. The extensive roster of cars (now at 900 and counting), the attention to detail of Mexico, its various jaw-dropping locations, and the sheer amount of content to experience. But for all its intricacies, systems, and realistic physics (if that’s what you’re into), Playground Games’ open-world racer is just the perfect fantasy for any car enthusiast to let loose.

13. Gran Turismo 7

The most drop-dead, stunning game in Polyphony Digital’s long, illustrious history and also the most controversial. But has that stopped Gran Turismo 7 from delivering the very best racing sim action this generation (especially after Forza Motorsport fumbled)? Not by a long shot, and the plethora of updates thus far, including the upcoming Spec 3 update, have made it even more worthwhile.

12. Silent Hill f

With the first hurdle of a competent remake surpassed, Konami faced its next big challenge: Delivering a new Silent Hill that was not only fun but downright terrifying. So naturally it went scorched earth by having Ryukishi07 pen the narrative and kera to design the creatures alongside a rural 1960s Japanese town as the setting. Even with complaints surrounding its combat, if there’s any horror title you need to experience this year, it’s Silent Hill f.

11. Days Gone Remastered

Even in the absence of a new game, you can’t keep ol’ Deacon St. John down. Finally arriving on the PS5, Days Gone Remastered offers everything that fans loved about the original with visual improvements and faster loading times. Permadeath and Speedrun modes provide fresh new challenges, while the brand new Horde Assault puts an arcade spin on surviving against an overwhelming amount of Freakers, complete with its own progression.

10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Bigger, better and somehow offering the same runtime, Insomniac’s sequel puts a somewhat darker twist on Peter Parker’s journey as Spider-Man. In reality, it expands on the original in some truly spectacular ways, from the varied playstyles to the customization and plethora of suits. Plus, Manhattan, alongside Brooklyn and Queens, has never looked better or flowed as seamlessly as you web sling through them at breakneck speeds.

9. Astro Bot

A pitch-perfect platformer with a presentation that’s equal parts stunning and endearing, packed with the best that the genre has to offer in terms of levels and mechanics…all without any fluff, and paying tribute to PlayStation’s extensive history? That somewhat describes Team Asobi’s Astro Bot in a nutshell, but you could also just call it a masterpiece. It may not boast the same scale as many of Sony’s other heavy hitters, but its heart is unmatched, making for an exclusive that everyone should play. However, at the very top of the PS5 mountain sits…

8. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

That Sandfall Interactive’s first title could launch this year and catapult up the list of must-play games of all time is a testament to its brilliance. And make no mistake – Clair Obscur is brilliant in every single way that should matter in a role-playing game, full of wondrous locales to explore, an involving story with memorable characters, a fantastic combat system that mixes turn-based and real-time actions to excellent effect, and the music. Oh, the music. If you haven’t experienced it already, then what are you waiting for?

7. God of War Ragnarok

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio is no stranger to going all out when it’s time to end a story, and Ragnarok is no exception. Themes of family, betrayal, belonging, and more are tackled; vast lands teeming with dangerous new threats are revealed; and the sheer amount of combos that you can potentially pull off is even more insane than ever. Ragnarok is the studio’s magnum opus, and the fact that it added an entire rogue-lite expansion, Valhalla, on top as an epilogue for free only further sweetens the deal.

6. Black Myth: Wukong

It’s not often that something so unbelievably gorgeous delivers on its mountain of expectations, but Black Myth: Wukong made it look easy. The stunning art direction and presentation are backed by an equally involving combat system and some of the coolest boss battles in a video game. Wukong is more than just a great action RPG, though – it’s also a testament to the sheer game development talent in China.

5. Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition

Let it not be said that Guerrilla Games didn’t follow the rule of “more” with Horizon Forbidden West. More Machines, weapon types, armor sets, activities, side quests, fidelity, characters, locations – the list goes on (and Horizon Zero Dawn isn’t a small game). Amid all this, it even offered some shocking revelations, not to mention a much-requested boss fight in the expansion, Burning Shores. It’s been almost four years since its release, but Horizon Forbidden West remains an addictive open-world experience.

4. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Venturing beyond the confines of Midgar didn’t just mean experiencing the broader world of Final Fantasy 7 as a whole – it also meant a completely new approach to exploration. More mini-games and optional activities, not to mention side quests where key party members took the lead to go with additional challenging bosses, all wrapped up in an open world format. And that’s not even getting into all the improvements with the combat, summons, and the sheer insanity of the story. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth gets some flak for certain sequences going too long, but for long-time fans and RPG enthusiasts alike, it’s simply breathtaking in almost every way.

3. Elden Ring + Shadow of the Erdtree

You probably saw this coming, but like a certain Scarlet Rotted Blade, Elden Ring and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, simply won’t know defeat. Are there areas where it falters, especially in performance? Absolutely, but for us, it’s such a masterclass in open-world design and action RPG combat. That first moment where you step out and gaze upon Limgrave; that moment where Stormveil Castle is conquered and you look out upon the deeper world; the first nightmarish moments of Caelid; and who can forget wandering into the Land of Shadow and getting uppies from the Furnace Golem? Elden Ring wears its influences – from Breath of the Wild to Dark Souls – on its sleeve, and delivers a magical journey that few other games have managed to surpass.

2. Ghost of Yōtei

Plenty of revenge sagas ask how far you’d go, but Ghost of Yōtei offered a slightly different twist, which led to a more layered narrative. Of course, it also took everything about Ghost of Tsushima and elevated it to whole new levels, whether it was the natural flow of its open world, the sheer variety in activities, or the responsive combat. Overall, a fantastic title and more than a worthy follow-up to its 2020 predecessor.

1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Much has been said about Hideo Kojima and his, let’s say, unique storytelling. However, Death Stranding 2 didn’t just up the emotional quotient while introducing various unforgettable new characters. It also made vast improvements to the original’s gameplay, accommodating those who favored stealth, going in guns blazing, or the familiar friction-filled hiking. The sheer visual fidelity is top-tier among games this generation, and it all ties together into a satisfying tear-jerker of an ending.

30. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden

Don’t Nod’s second major action RPG, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden was released early last year, and it turned out to be a way better experience than Vampyr. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden was an excellent action role playing game with plenty to do with story being its main focus. Throughout the game’s narrative, players would have to make tough decisions which can result in any of the five endings.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Did Hellblade 2 disappoint some because it wasn’t a sprawling experience or stuck too closely to the previous game’s linearity? Undoubtedly. However, the continuation of Senua’s journey as she embarked on a blood campaign of revenge was one that still delivered. Between the stunning visuals and performances, with Melina Juergens once again killing it, going beyond the confines of Senua’s darkness to rescue others offered a new dimension to the overall story. Of course, the combat also delivered thanks to its visceral nature and animations.

Nailing down any one aspect of PC gaming is challenging, but it’s that diversity that really makes it shine. Let’s check out the 30 best PC games that have stood out through the decades.

Sons of the Forest

The first rule of playing Sons of the Forest is to experience the original if only to appreciate its story-telling and how things work. Then dive into the sequel and really start to grasp all the different tools that Endnight Games has offered, from solar-powered golf karts and hang-gliders (with launch pads) to an extensive range of firearms, new melee weapons, and mechanics, like AI helpers and a revamped building system. Though its narrative won’t quite hook you, the sheer amount of stuff to do on the island – inhumane and otherwise – provides hours of fun.

Hi-Fi Rush (PS5)

Step aside Starfield and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – the true best Xbox exclusive is coming to PS5 on March 19th. Tango Gameworks’ Hi-Fi Rush already cemented itself as one of the best character-driven, hack-and-slash action-adventure titles ever made when it suddenly dropped last year. The addition of rhythmic elements to the combat with a gorgeous art style and fun humor, made it all the more endearing, but PS5 players can experience the Arcade Challenge! Update! for more challenges and replay value right out the gate.

Outpost: Infinity Siege

If you’re a fan of sci-fi tower defense and base-building, then Team Ranger’s Outpost: Infinity Siege may be worth checking out. Story details are lacking at the moment, but it involves gathering resources, managing units and fighting for survival across multiple sci-fi zones with unique hazards, with a mix of first-person gunplay and overhead commands. You can customize your Protoslag Gun in different ways and team up with friends in co-op, including an endless Horde-mode style mode. Outpost: Infinity Siege is out on March 26th for PC.

Winter Survival

Between Palworld, Sons of the Forest, Enshrouded, Nightingale and Pacific Drive, there are plenty of survival crafting games to jump into. DRAGO Entertainment’s Winter Survival is another potentially worth noting as players fight for survival on a hike gone wrong in Mount Washington State Park. Hunt the wildlife, stave off the cold and hunger, and explore the area to find refuge. Random events can also occur, for better or worse, but the real challenge is managing your sanity, especially when hallucinations start to manifest. Winter Survival launches on March 6th for PC via Steam Early Access, where it will remain for at least six months.

Lightyear Frontier

Of course, those seeking something less stressful can look into Lightyear Frontier. The farming title sees players venturing to a far-off planet for farming purposes. Despite having a mech, it’s more of a multi-purpose tool, allowing you to plough the fields, clear out pollution, plant new trees, and much more (and yes, you can also build a home). With co-op support, it should be interesting to see how Lightyear Frontier fares when it launches into early access on March 19th for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

WWE 2K24

Controversies loom heavily for the WWE following a lawsuit against its former chairman, Vince McMahon. Wrestlemania season rolls on regardless, though, and a new WWE 2K title is out on March 8th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Visual Concepts’ WWE 2K24 offers a new 2K Showcase highlighting 40 years of memorable Wrestlemania matches; new match types like Ambulance, Gauntlet, Special Referee and Coffin; and various new features for MyGM, MyFACTION and Universe Mode. Even Backstage Brawl has been revamped to feel more brutal.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is out on March 22nd for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Combat is real-time and includes new Vocations like the Mystic Spearhand, Warfarer and Trickster, powerful skills and Pawn actions, the world has limited fast travel and a hefty amount of side content that players may miss. Dragon’s Dogma 2 could be a stand-out RPG in this highly competitive quarter.

Rise of the Ronin

Rise of the Ronin is Team Ninja’s biggest project yet and seven years in the making. It’s an open-world action RPG that takes several combat cues from Nioh, particularly its Styles and weapon types while adding a glider, Grappling Hook and even character switching. As a Veiled Edge in the Bakumatsu era of Japan, players must side with different historical figures and carve their path, with multiple decisions deciding their fate.

Forming bonds with characters can alter the course of the story and unlock new endings. However, the developer also promises extensive side content and detailed cities like Edo, Yokohama and Kyoto. It’s out on March 22nd, exclusively for PS5, and with a character creator, four-player co-op and different difficulty options, we can’t wait to see how it pans out.

MLB The Show 24

It wouldn’t be a year of sports follow-ups without a new MLB The Show. Launching on March 19th for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and Nintendo Switch, MLB The Show 24 offers 400 new animations, including new pitcher animations, revamped base sizes, and multiple other gameplay improvements. Modes like Diamond Dynasty, Road to the Show, Franchise, and March to October also return, while this year’s Storylines sees the addition of Derek Jeter’s 1995 to 2000 seasons.

Outcast – A New Beginning

Appeal Studios’ Outcast – A New Beginning is a dream come true for long-time fans of the 1999 adventure classic, especially after the cancellation of Outcast 2: The Lost Paradise. Cutter Slade returns to Adelpha, and he’s once again on a mission to save the Talans. With extensive weapon customization, different abilities, a large open world with secrets to uncover and extensive wildlife, and a jetpack for quick exploration, A New Beginning promises an extensive amount of freedom like the original. It launches on March 15th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Contra: Operation Galuga

The Contra series hasn’t had the best track record lately, especially 2019’s Contra: Rogue Corps. However, Contra: Operation Galuga is a vast improvement, as WayForward embraces the 80s-style run-and-gun action complete with big bosses, several playable characters, three difficulty options and eight stages for players to test their mettle. New weapons, Overlord abilities and stackable upgrades also sound enticing, and there’s even support for up to four players in Arcade Mode. Contra: Operation Galuga arrives on March 12th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch, with a free demo currently available.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game

If you liked Snowrunner and wanted more of the same, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game…isn’t exactly that. Instead, it’s more of an exploration title where you work with a research team to explore three massive maps. Unearth treasures, transport equipment, help other truckers – the list goes on, with several new tools to help navigate the dreaded landscape and Specialists to lend their knowledge. Expeditions: A MudRunner Game is out on March 5th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PC)

After Horizon Zero Dawn, it’s now the turn of Guerrilla Games’ Horizon Forbidden West to launch on PC. The Complete Edition includes the acclaimed base game and expansion, The Burning Shores, while supporting 21:9 and 32:9 displays alongside 48:9 triple monitor set-ups. PC players can also look forward to Nvidia DLSS 3 and DLAA support, in addition to AMD FSR and Intel XeSS being supported. If nothing else, Nixxes Software being in charge should mean a much better port than the original when it arrives on March 21st.

Princess Peach: Showtime!

Princess Peach finally gets her time to shine as the protagonist again when Princess Peach: Showtime! arrives on March 22nd for Nintendo Switch. The action-adventure title sees her utilizing various transformations to defeat Wicked Grape and the Sour Bunch, from the deadly Ninja Peach to the martial arts of Kung Fu Peach. You can even don a detective hat as, well, Detective Peach and duel with Swordfighter Peach. Overall, Princess Peach: Showtime! looks like a massive step up from 2005’s Super Princess Peach in every way.

Planet Zoo: Console Edition

A console re-release of a Frontier Developments’ management title on PC from 2019? Odd as it may be, Planet Zoo: Console Edition is out on March 26th for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It features the same content that fans of the original love, from creating different habitats in your dream zoo to caring for various animal species (complete with console-centric controls). The Frontier Workshop also gets cross-platform sharing, providing even more content to download, but there’s also a Season Pass for a whopping 14 additional DLC packs for console players.

Open Roads

Previously set to launch in February, Annapurna Interactive’s Open Roads is now out on March 28th for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. The story of Tess and her mother, Opal, still looks endearing as they embark on a road trip and revisit the past (unearthing some secrets along the way). With a uniquely gorgeous art style and an atmosphere that evokes the nostalgia of simpler times, Open Roads should be worth checking out for adventure game fans.

State of Decay 3

Undead Labs has been working on State of Decay 3 for quite a while now, and there’s no word on when it will be released. The only semblance of concrete information that we have at the moment is a short teaser trailer that showcases a frosty setting, infected animals, and a protagonist screeching at the top of her lungs. It looks to be taking a more mature and darker route with its general themes and vibe, which looks pretty fascinating, to be honest. Hopefully, more will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 will put players back in the shoes of series protagonist Senua as she tries to survive on a brutal Viking island inhabited by towering giants and other threats, both physical and the ones stemming from her twisted psyche. The gameplay will obviously revolve around exploring and taking part in frenetic encounters, though fans can expect several improvements and additions over the original. It will be released on May 21 for Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime this year.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Developer GSC Game World is rounding up work on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chorbonyl, which is primed to bring the long-forgotten post-apocalyptic franchise back into the limelight. Set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will task players to make a living in a world brimming with mutated creatures and factions ready to maul at the smallest of wrong steps. It looks gorgeous thanks to Unreal Engine 5, and it’s on track to release for Xbox Series X/S and PC on 5 September 2024.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the next step in this behemoth of an open-world franchise, which transports players to a tropical paradise complete with all the bells and whistles that one would expect from such a setting. Infinite Wealth is set to star both Majima and Ichiban in one story, so you know it’s going to be a tale that’s equal parts whacky and engaging. The trailer showcases different forms of side activities ranging from bike racing to surfboarding and of course, eccentric turn-based brawls. It will be released on 26 February 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Tekken 8

The Tekken series returns with a sequel that seems primed to take the franchise to the next level. The gameplay will obviously revolve around engaging in brutal brawls against recognizable characters, but Tekken 8 introduces new ideas that include but are not limited to the Heat System which should serve to make these battles fast and frenetic like never before. Add to that an Arcade Quest which lets you craft your custom avatar and embark on an epic quest punctuated by challenging battles, and Tekken 8 is looking like a worthy sequel in more ways than one. It comes out on January 26, 2024, for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Still Wakes the Deep

Still Wakes the Deep is all about trying to save a ship and its crew from imminent danger all while the lines between what’s real and what’s surreal start to blur out. It’s a highly atmospheric game where the visuals and audio do a lot of heavy lifting in trying to create a compelling experience. It sounds pretty promising, and we will be checking it out when it releases sometime soon for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Helldivers 2

In Helldivers 2, a group of players drops into a galaxy ravaged by war and conflict and must serve as the galaxy’s last line of defense to save humanity from imminent extinction. It’s a third-person shooter where you take on waves of enemies, but what makes it special is the sheer scale at which the entire conflict takes place. It’s all pretty impressive and might be worth taking a look when it comes out for PC and PS5 on 8 February 2024.

Hades 2

Hades stands tall as one of the best roguelites of recent memory, so it stands to reason that the hype and anticipation surrounding its sequel is going to be of some great magnitude. Hades 2 will feature some incredibly slick action and tons of gameplay options. Hades 2 is a tantalizing sequel that many are looking forward to. It comes out on PC via early access sometime in Q2 2024.

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an upcoming RPG with unique gameplay mechanics. Set against the drop of a mystical world brimming with gargantuan creatures and magical powers, Dragon’s Dogma 2 puts you on the path of a warrior who must defeat these hostile creatures in any way they choose. The RPG promises better visuals, more open-world options, and even more flexibility in how you choose to go about encounters or how to decide to build out your character. It’s all very exciting news for RPG fans, as Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be dropping for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on 22 March 2024.

The Thaumaturge

Developer Fool’s Theory is hard at work on The Thaumaturge, an isometric RPG set in 20th-century Warsaw. As a person with the ability to perform miracles, our protagonist sets out on a journey to defeat villainous forces called the Salutors all while struggling to overcome his personal demons. It’s a novel concept, and those unique themes resonate with the gameplay as well which features turn-based combat where you can chain together physical and psychic attacks and make choices that significantly alter the course of your story. The Thaumaturge releases for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on 20 February 2024.

Nightingale

Inflexion Studios’ debut project Nightingale is an upcoming open-world survival crafting game where you are let loose into the magical world of Fae. It’s heavily inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, and the mystical world of Fae is brimming with monsters to fight and mysteries to solve. Nightingale tries to provide you with a balanced combination of building, exploration, and combat – and you can experience it all solo or embark on a journey with your friends. Nightingale will be released on 22 February 2024 on PC.

Pacific Drive

Currently in development at Ironwood Studios, Pacific Drive represents an excellent yet unconventional mishmash of genres – namely survival and racing. It essentially gives you a run-down station wagon, and tasks you to make it out of the Olympic Exclusion Zone. As you progress deeper and deeper into its twisted world, you will gain resources that can be used to upgrade your wagon and make it more suitable for harsher environments and unfriendly terrains. It all sounds really promising, and we will be checking it out when it releases for PC and PS5 on 22 February 2024.

Ark 2

Studio Wildcard’s Ark turned out to be a massive hit amongst fans thanks to its co-op nature and other unique ideas, and the developer will be taking those ideas and crafting something greater with Ark 2. The sequel is set to have a bigger focus on the story with a star-studded cast composed of Hollywood actors like Vin Diesel, and that combined with the survival action gameplay should make Ark 2 a game that’s worth spending dozens upon dozens of hours on. It will be released for Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in late 2024.

Clockwork Revolution

Clockwork Revolution comes from the folks at inXile Entertainment, which is best known for its work on the Wasteland series. The team has brought its amazing world-building chops to this project as well, where players will be exploring the steampunk world of Avalon during multiple time periods and make choices that will have a compounding effect on what happens in the future. The gameplay will revolve around defeating the many mechanical monstrosities that stand between you and your objective through the use of many different weapons and special abilities. It will be released for Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Grand Theft Auto 6 (Likely)

Easily one of the most anticipated games of all time, Grand Theft Auto 6 will thrust players into a fictionalized recreation of Miami. The story seems to be heavily inspired by the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde, and will most likely combine a love story with a criminal tale which sounds like an enchanting prospect. While details on the gameplay front are scant for now, we can expect new announcements as we reach its imminent release in 2025. It’s already confirmed for PS5 and Xbox Series X | S but it will likely be arriving on PC sometime after that.

Palworld

Palworld is one of the most creative games on the list; simply due to its hook of combining cute cuddly Pokemon-like creatures with a violent world where they are forced to take up realistic weapons and fight for your cause. It takes cues from several games like Ark, and of course Pokemon, and what we get is an experience that’s equal parts fresh and recognizable. It definitely has plenty of potential, and we hope it manages to stand true to those promises. It’s now available on PC in early access.

Crimson Desert

Pearl Abyss is working on Crimson Desert, a really ambitious RPG that takes cues from genre greats to create an experience that feels equal parts fresh and recognizable. The world itself is brimming with all sorts of quests to track, magical doors to unlock, and animals to pet. In addition to its excellent gameplay variety, Crimson Desert also impresses with its visual fidelity and general art direction. Hopefully, it will be able to stand true to its promises when it comes out for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S sometime in the near future.

Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition

The trend of Sony’s first-party games making it to PC continues with Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition, which is being handled by Nixxes Software. This edition of the excellent post-apocalyptic sequel comes packed with the Burning Shores DLC, and players can expect a bevy of sliders and options to help them strike the perfect balance between graphics and performance – or if you have a particularly strong PC, crank the game up to even higher standards. It will be released sometime in early 2024, so we can expect an announcement to pop up in the coming weeks and months.

Star Wars: Outlaws

We knew that Massive Entertainment was working on a new Star Wars game, and the very first details of Star Wars: Outlaws have finally been revealed. The game thrusts players into setting brimming with villainous factions and other dangerous forces, and you are free to chart your own path through different means such as stealth or action. Star Wars: Outlaws will also include a notoriety system, so there’s quite a bit to look forward to. It comes out sometime this year for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Enshrouded

Enshrouded puts you in the shoes of a destined warrior known as the Flameborn who must rise to the call of duty and reclaim the former glory of your once-blooming kingdom, and doing that requires journeying through multiple biomes and crafting sprawling settlements throughout its massive world. Enshrouded is a survival game with intricate crafting and building systems, and while it might not be the most original take on the genre – it definitely sounds fun thanks to its dark fantasy roots and 16 player co-op support. It will be released in early access on 24 January, 2024.

As a follow-up to Horizon Zero Dawn from 2017, Forbidden West sees Aloy venturing to save the world. It expands on the open world with new activities, Machines, and weapons, while improving the visuals, motion capture, and more. Burning Shores introduces a new region and threat, as Aloy works with newcomer Seyka to confront it.

Horizon Forbidden West has sold over 8.4 million units since launch. Check out our review for it and Burning Shores here and here. As for the future, Guerrilla Games is working on an online title, though there will be more single-player-focused adventures for Aloy.

An image of the back of the re-release’s physical PS5 box was recently shared on Twitter by @DoesItPlay1, and it reveals some interesting information. Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition will seemingly require a whopping 121 GB of free storage space, which means it will be shipping on two Blu-Ray discs.

This may not come as a massive surprise, given the fact that the Complete Edition re-release includes both the Horizon Forbidden West base game and its sizeable expansion, Burning Shores.

Interestingly enough, this will make it the first PS5 game to ship on two discs, though of course, it will be joined soon by Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which will also ship on two discs when it launches in February.

Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition launches for PS5 on October 6, and for PC sometime in early 2024.

When you see it…#HorizonForbiddenWest https://t.co/ktGlqX6Nyb pic.twitter.com/3jKwJMMLtb

— Does it play? (@DoesItPlay1) October 4, 2023

Retailing for $59.99 on PS5, the Complete Edition includes the base game and Burning Shores DLC, the digital soundtrack and art book, and the Horizon Zero Dawn Vol. 1: The Sunhawk digital comic. In-game items like a special pose and face paint for Photo Mode, the Carja Behemoth Elite outfit and short bow, the Nora Thunder Elite outfit and sling, an Apex Clawstrider Machine Strike piece, and a Resources pack are also included.

The PC version is being developed by Nixxes Software, with its features and specifications to be revealed in the coming months. Check out our reviews for Horizon Forbidden West and the Burning Shores DLC. As for the future, Guerrilla is working on Aloy’s “next adventure” and an online title, while a remaster of Horizon Zero Dawn is also rumored to be in development.

Well, it looks like it might actually be sooner than you would have thought. As spotted by Gematsu, Japanese retailer Neowing has published a listing for Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition for the PS5, and mentioned a launch date of October 6. The listing also mentions bonuses in the form of a digital soundtrack, a digital artbook, and a digital comic book.

Meanwhile, prominent leaker billbil-kun, who was the one behind the aforementioned Complete Edition leak, also recently took to Twitter and said the new release is coming as soon as within the next 15 days. Presumably, that means Sony will be making the official announcement soon, so stay tuned for that.

Recently, Horizon Forbidden West: Complete Edition was also rated in Singapore, indicating that it could be close to launch. Read more on that through here.

Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition (PS5) listed for October 6 release at Japanese retailer Neowing. Priced at ¥7,981.

No description, but should include the base game + DLC. Bonuses are digital soundtrack, digital art book, and digital comic book.https://t.co/uPNVzNUoxu pic.twitter.com/3R3i42WMTR

— Gematsu (@gematsu) September 27, 2023

For those who still can't wait
It's coming soooooooooon (should be <15 days)https://t.co/XecJR9XPSq

— billbil-kun (@billbil_kun) September 27, 2023