Tekken 8

The Tekken saga has always been drenched in betrayal that helps it stand outfrom the rest of the crowd, but Tekken 8 pushes that intensity higher than ever. That increase in intensity can be felt across each punch, kick, and slam as these hulking behemoths fight each other to the death. The generational curse of the Mishima family continues, and we find Jin at an interesting crossroads – continuing down the dark path of revenge much like Heihachi or Kayuza, or try to become a better man and break free from the cycle of violence. The fights here carry emotional weight beyond the tournament stage, and that makes this journey a lot more compelling to complete than prior entries in the series.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Created by the same team that brought us the Ace Attorney series, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is all about uncovering the mystery of your own death as a ghostly version of yourself. Phantom. The gameplay revolves around exploring the curious case in complete depth and then reaching a conclusion – which really makes you feel like a detective making important decisions. It’s all accompanied by some smart writing that never fails to keep you guessing, which makes it such an endearing experience.

Fatal Frame / Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse

Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse released in 2008 to some great critical and commercial reception, and Koei Tecmo has been trying to bring the series back into the limelight with HD remasters for these game. The remaster of Mask of the Lunar Eclipse released earlier this year, and it does a really good job of souping up the visuals and smoothing out certain jagged edges to make the experience a lot more palatable for modern audiences. Of course, it isn’t perfect by any means – but it’s a great horror game nevertheless.

Cocoon

Cocoon is a wonderful puzzle game that’s entirely built around the concept of worlds existing within worlds, and players can combine and manipulate these worlds through the use of certain orbs to solve puzzles and proceed with the story. Cocoon comes from the lead designer for INSIDE and Limbo, so you can be confident that it’s a solid game with a minimalist control scheme and an emotional story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Hi-Fi Rush

Tango Gameworks delivered an excellent rhythmic adventure with Hi-Fi Rush, which has quickly gone on to become one of the biggest surprise hits of this year. Hi-Fi Rush features a world where everything taps to a beat, and you must time your actions and attacks to that beat to be able to dish out damage to your opponents. It’s a wonderfully imaginative game that’s executed with great attention to detail, and should be experienced by more fans.

Season: A Letter to the Future

Season: A Letter to the Future is a game that talks about the nature of change. As the protagonist, your job is to capture the sights and sounds and take them to the next Season – a time when everyone will be unaware of what happened in the last Season. It’s a simple and laid back game with a strong focus on exploration and engaging in conversations, but the many themes that it manages to effectively convey through its story is what makes it so beautiful.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a Soulslike with a complex web of action and progression mechanics that beautifully flow into one another, and what we get is a game that’s surprisingly fun and approachable despite the many mechanics and systems at play. There are a few erratic difficulty spikes here and there, but Wo Long is a largely fun experience where you must overcome brutal but fair challenges ranging from petty enemies to large bosses with multiple health bars and much more.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware’s attempt at modernizing its long-running mech adventure series, and it’s fair to say that the team has largely succeeded in its objective of providing a modern experience for audiences. Armored Core 6 features a fast and frenetic combat lop that’s just a joy to engage with, and the bevy of customization options makes it all so much more compelling.

Deliver Us Mars

Deliver Us Mars is a spiritual successor to Deliver Us The Moon, and the many merits of the 2018 release shine brightly in Deliver Us Mars as well. The story revolves around a space crew embarking on Mars in the hopes of retrieving some stolen spaceships from a mysterious race of aliens called the Outward. It’s all written and performed well, and while the gameplay doesn’t have too many action elements – it does a good job of keeping you engaged through the compelling plot and a wide variety of gameplay options like exploration, puzzle solving, and much more.

Fort Solis

Developer Fallen Leaf’s latest Fort Solis also sends players to explore the furthest depths of the planet Mars, as our protagonist Jack Leary embarks on a search mission for his missing crew. Fort Solis boasts a star cast with the likes of Roger Clark (the voice behind Arthur Morgan) and Troy Baker (the voice behind Joel from The Last of Us) coming to play important characters in this well-written story. Between this and a strong visual presentation powered by Unreal Engine 5, Fort Solis is a solid game that should be experienced by a lot more people.

Jusant

Jusant comes from the guys at Dontnod, the studio best known for its work on the Life is Strange series. Jusant is all about reaching the top of a tall tower while overcoming the many obstacles that lie in your way. It beautifully combines mechanical challenge with immersive storytelling to create something that’s just hard to put down – once you get the hang of it.

Risk of Rain Returns

The original Risk of Rain was an excellent roguelike that featured some amazing combat and compelling progression mechanics, and Risk of Rain Returns is a remaster that knows how to package that experience in a way that feels worthwhile for veterans and newcomers alike. In addition to the base content, Risk of Rain also features enhanced multiplayer options and new build types to experiment with on your repeat playthroughs.

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Originally released in 2011 for the Nintendo Wii, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land now has a Deluxe Edition that comes with updated graphics and smoothed-out gameplay designed for the Nintendo Switch. Much like every other Kirby game, Return to Dream Land is a simple yet fun adventure where you make your way through a wide variety of levels while consuming your enemies to get their powers and become even stronger.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider

JoyMasher’s Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider feels like a glorious throwback to 16-bit games, thanks to some incredible art direction and smooth-flowing gameplay that remains interesting for the entire duration of the experience. Of course, there are some elements and mechanics in place to make the gameplay feel more palatable for modern audiences which makes it feel like you are reliving the glory days of SNES complete with rose-tinted glasses.

Horizon Call of the Mountain

Horizon: Call of the Mountain was one of the first games to be released for PSVR2, and it’s an excellent adaptation of the full-fat Horizon experience in VR format. Sure, the open-world aspect has been swapped out for a more linear game where you make your way through carefully curated combat challenges and platforming runs – but it all works surprisingly well within the context of the game. And then of course, getting to experience the post-post-apocalyptic world of Horizon from up close is also a really distinct kind of joy in and of itself.

Planet of Lana

Planet of Lana puts players in the teeny tiny shoes of Lana as she kickstarts a grand adventure through fantastical realms inhabited by all sorts of robotic and humanoid creatures. Created by developer Wishfully, Planet of Lana takes players on a joyous ride through a wonderfully well-realized world and tells a heartwarming story that hits just the right notes at every moment. Add to that some amazing visuals and cinematic gameplay, and Planet of Lana becomes a thrill ride like no other.

If you’ve played the NES Ninja Gaiden games or Sega’s Shinobi, this hits many of the same gameplay notes. Moonrider has a variety of melee attacks and can dash and wall-jump. There are eight stages to progress through, each with a boss that grants a new ability upon defeat. Of course, the presentation is worth noting for its 16-bit visuals and old-school music.

For more details on Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, check out our review here. You can also check out gameplay from Stage 3, which sees Moonrider chasing down Flamestalker, taking down enemies and avoiding hazards en route to their encounter. Stay tuned for details on future updates.

Much like Blazing Chrome, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a love letter to classic side-scrolling action platformers. Much like its predecessors, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is channeling classics like Super Contra, Ninja Gaiden, Shinobi, and to some extent, even games like the Mega Man X series and Super Castlevania 4. Sure, that’s a long list of games to refer to for the sake of a review, but I’m essentially using these games to lay a foundation.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a side-scrolling action platformer with a heavy emphasis on getting better at the game through the strength of repetition. Rather than just borrowing gameplay and visuals from its 16-bit inspirations, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider also borrows quite a bit when it comes to the general game loop, especially when you take into account its difficulty and the speed and precision it demands of the player.

Let me get this out of the way: Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is an incredibly difficult game. The game’s own description on Steam goes as far as referring to its levels as “deadly”. And this is because at the very center of the entire gameplay loop is the fact that you’re going to have to repeat these “deadly” levels quite a few times. Thankfully, the general speed and gameplay prevents this repetition from getting annoying, and the relatively short 4-5-hour play time certainly helps make the whole experience quite fun and breezy.

"Let me get this out of the way: Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is an incredibly difficult game."

Difficulty and a short run time aren’t the only ways the game manages to pull off its replayability, however. As you fight your way through the game’s various levels, you’ll inevitably find modifier chips that help you customize the fighting style and move set for your character, the titular Moonrider.

One of the most striking things about Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is its look. Sure, on the surface it might look like yet another retro-styled 2D platformer, but interestingly enough, the game taps into more than just the look of classic games. Its use of more modern technology largely stems from its desire to maintain the look and feel of its 16-bit predecessors.

This goes beyond just things like pixel art, too. Seeing too many projectiles on the screen from various enemies might cause some sprites to flicker, and it even has some fancy “3D” sequences that feel like they were ripped right out of a Contra level. Rather than just going for surface-level aesthetics, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider goes all the way, and surprisingly enough, manages to execute on its vision without it getting in the way of the core gameplay.

"Rather than just going for surface-level aesthetics, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider goes all the way"

This attention to detail also carries forward into the game’s chosen style of storytelling. While most of it largely makes use of sprites talking to each other through text boxes, there are often full-fledged cutscenes that also look right at home on the classic consoles it’s trying to emulate.

When it comes to the core gameplay, Moonrider is equipped with a few tools right from the outset. Alongside the typical jumping and attacking, you also have access to a couple of specialized moves to begin with: a dive kick and a heavy beam attack. While these aren’t exactly insane attacks that would change how you go about taking on a challenge, the addition of a dive kick is an incredible way to showcase right from the beginning just how much expression of skill is possible in the game.

While most of us will just play through the opening levels by largely relying on the basic attack, more skilled players will undoubtedly find their way through Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider’s levels much faster by making use of the dive kick. The trick is that, along with dealing quite a bit of damage if you can land it, it also acts as a great way to maintain forward momentum and gain higher jump height. Sure, it’s simple, but its simplicity hides quite a clever level of depth where the difference between beginners and skilled players becomes obvious right from the outset.

"Its simplicity hides quite a clever level of depth where the difference between beginners and skilled players becomes obvious right from the outset."

While the levels themselves are quite fun, even throwing in a surprising variety of things like simple puzzle bosses and even third-person action-packed bike chases to help break up the monotony of going to the right and killing things. Each level is capped off with boss fights that quite often aren’t just a visual treat with their cool designs, but also mechanical treats as you figure out attack patterns and eventually learn to take down a boss without getting hit even once.

Like I said earlier, the levels are incredibly short, making repeated playthroughs – especially of earlier levels once you’ve unlocked a few upgrades – quite fun. Even on my very first attempt, the first level took me around 8 minutes to finish, and that’s counting around 5 attempts at the boss where I had to slowly take my time to learn how the boss attacks before I could get serious about taking it on. Also, as far as first bosses are concerned, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider definitely makes a great impression.

Alongside the visuals, the gameplay is also enhanced to quite a degree thanks to the game’s music and audio design. While attacks sound like you’d expect from a 16-bit action game, the soundtrack is low-key one of the best things about Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. The game’s music has a heavy emphasis on meaty bass drums with level-appropriate synths. All in all, the music helps propel you forward just about as much as the sprint button does by keeping the tempo high and getting you in the flow.

"The game’s music has a heavy emphasis on meaty bass drums with level-appropriate synths."

When we get right down to it, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider isn’t going to be winning any awards for originality with its concept or influences, but it definitely deserves a fair bit of recognition thanks to its core gameplay, excellent visuals, and a great soundtrack. While some may already be tired of classic side-scrollers, I’d argue that there’s still plenty of room for those kinds of games if they can manage to reach the no-holds-barred non-stop action like Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider manages.

Just about every aspect of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider feels incredibly fine-tuned to offer a very specific type of action, and as this game proves, JoyMasher seems to be on the cusp of having perfected this type of game. Sure, we’ll get many action games inspired by classics, but there’s a level of expertise on display in Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider that makes me quite excited to see what’s next for JoyMasher.

This game was reviewed on the PC.

In this footage, Moonrider traverses the Fallen City in search of Flamestalker. He can equip one of two modifiers that provide unique abilities beforehand. What begins as a chase eventually leads to Moonrider avoiding shots from a robot in the background while pressing forward. There are still plenty of obstacles to overcome, including the classic spike pits.

The battle with Flamestalker sees him unleashing flaming ninja stars, a rain of fire, and much more as time goes on. Defeating him nets the Flamearang, which sends out a flaming boomerang that returns to Moonrider. Based on performance, you receive a rank at the end of the stage.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is out on January 12th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Monster Hunter Rise (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, XSX)

Xbox and PlayStation players will finally get their hands on Monster Hunter Rise when it releases for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5 on January 20th. Tasked with defending Kamura Village from the impending Rampage, players choose from one of 14 weapon types and, well, hunt monsters. Classic beasts like Rathalos, Mizutsune, and Pukei Pukei return, joining newcomers like Aknosom, Great Izuchi and Magnamalo.

Slay strategically, craft better armor and weapons from your prey, and then hunt tougher monsters – such is the Monster Hunter way of life. On Xbox Series X and PS5, there are options for 4K/60 FPS and even 1080p/120 FPS, along with 3D audio support. Despite the lack of cross-platform multiplayer, the new mechanics (like the Wirebug and Silkbind Skills) and monsters make it worth checking out.

Forspoken

After a fair number of delays, Luminous Productions’ upcoming action RPG Forspoken is finally releasing on January 24th for PS5 and PC. It stars Ella Balinska as Frey Holland, a New Yorker who discovers a mysterious bracelet that sends her to the realm of Athia. With the bracelet becoming sentient and named Cuff, Frey embarks on a journey to take down the once-peaceful Tantas and save Athia.

She can utilize dozens of different magic types, traverse the world with magical parkour, and fight off creatures corrupted by The Break (which she’s strangely immune to). Though the recent demo may have garnered mixed responses, it’s still worth seeing how Forspoken turns out at launch.

Dead Space

Dead Space is finally seeing a revival, courtesy of Motive Studio. The remake is based on the iconic 2008 sci-fi survival horror, which sees engineer Isaac Clarke boarding the USG Ishimura and encountering nightmarish Necromorphs. Along with vastly improved visuals in terms of environmental details, textures and volumetrics, Dead Space features Gunner Wright as the voice of Isaac, with the character now fully voiced, and Tanya Clarke as the voice of Nicole (whom she also played in Dead Space 2).

New rooms, routes, obstacles, the Peeling system for realistic limb damage, and a new Intensity Director for dynamically adjusting Necromorph spawns and effects while delivering some 1200 terrifying random events are also being added. Dead Space is out on January 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider

If you enjoyed the Contra-esque Blazing Chrome, then JoyMasher’s action platformer Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider may scratch the same retro itch. Out on January 12th for PS4, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, it’s set in a dystopian future where the Moonrider is awakened and decides to wreak havoc against its authoritarian masters. In addition to dashing and wall-jumping, Moonrider also wields various melee attacks, giving this more of a hack-and-slash feel. Explore the eight stages to discover chips that modify abilities, or take in the 16-bit-style pixel art and delectable soundtrack while fighting for your life.

Season: A letter to the future

Better known for the survival multiplayer title The Darwin Project, Scavengers Studio is going an entirely different route with Season: A letter to the future. After living in a village that doesn’t experience the changing of seasons, protagonist Estelle leaves to see the world before a mysterious event alters it forever.

Players will explore landscapes by bicycle, recording events and studying art while meeting people and helping them out. The purpose is to collect memories and learn more about what’s coming. Season: A letter to the future is out on January 31st for PS4, PS5, and PC.

Superfuse

On the surface, Stitch Heads’ Superfuse is all about being the hero and saving humanity. However, in truth, humanity is dominated by the superpower-wielding elite after leaving a dying Earth. As an Enforcer, you’re tasked with taking out the monstrous Corrupted at their behest, with the story present in a comic book format.

Launching into Steam Early Access on January 31st, Superfuse offers isometric action RPG gameplay. You choose two classes with various powers and skills and further augment them with different weapons, armor and boosters. The campaign can be played solo (even offline) or with up to four players in drop-in, drop-out co-op.

A Space For The Unbound

A Space for the Unbound offers gorgeous pixel art and a relaxing late 90s setting, but there’s plenty to unpack in the story. Focused on high-schoolers Atma and Raya in rural Indonesia who gain the ability to dive into minds, they must explore the world, interact with its people, and deal with bizarre events like meteors and giant cats.

Amid all this chaos, the slice-of-life pace and exploration of mental health issues make for an endearing experience. A Space for the Unbound is out on January 19th for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Children of Silentown

How many games have a “very mean cat” messing with the main character as their selling point? Children of Silentown does, and it’s probably the least terrifying aspect of this dark adventure from Elf Games and Luna2. You control Lucy, who suspects something dire in the neighboring forests of her village, and it doesn’t help that people are disappearing without explanation.

Lucy sets out to investigate, solving puzzles and talking to people (before they suddenly disappear) in a point-and-click adventure, where singing may help out more than you’d expect. Launching on January 11th, Children of Silentown will be available for PC.

Lone Ruin

Cuddle Monster Games is no stranger to rogue-likes and bullet hell titles, as seen with Hell is Other Demons. However, its next game, Lone Ruin, is a twin-stick rogue-like shooter focused more on magic. You venture to the ruins of a magical city turned corrupted haven to investigate ancient magic, which has since twisted its people into terrifying creatures.

One lone ruin seems to hold the answers, but you’ll need to fight through multiple enemies and bosses to get to it. Various spells, from beams and ricocheting shots to magical slashes, and upgrades are available as one makes their way. On top of this is Survival Mode, a wave-based mode where the enemies get tougher and more plentiful over time. Lone Ruin is out on January 12th for PC and Nintendo Switch.

One Piece Odyssey

Based on Eiichiro Oda’s super-popular manga, One Piece Odyssey is a turn-based RPG published by Bandai Namco and developed by ICLA (of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl fame). It features open areas and dungeons, with each Straw Hat Pirate having a unique ability for exploration (like Luffy sling-shotting across gaps or Zoro cutting down barriers).

The game launches on January 13th, 2023, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. A demo will also be available on January 10th for consoles, if you want to try it before buying.