The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

With the disappointment surrounding Starfield and the hype and concern over The Elder Scrolls 6, I never imagined that Bethesda would revisit Oblivion as it did: retaining the core gameplay with Gamebryo but overhauling the visuals with Unreal Engine 5. Perhaps more surprising is how well the adventure holds up, both narratively and in gameplay, though the numerous quality-of-life changes (hurray for leveling that makes sense) certainly help. Now, if only Virtuos and Bethesda could fix the various issues on PC.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Few games this year have really left a mark like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and I don’t just mean that in terms of the story, its characters, its gorgeous aesthetics, or even its utterly broken builds that even enemies with 100 times the health can’t stand up to. I’m talking about revisiting the incredible soundtrack where every song fits and sounds amazing (“Rain From the Ground” on repeat). I’m talking about marvelling at areas that I hadn’t even seen or heard of to date. And most of all, I’m talking about seeing others’ reactions to the best moments, just to relive it all over again.

The Alters

A game that embodies the sensation of, “I hate Jan, can’t stand Jan,” then smash-cutting to me and my bestie, Jan. Except Jan is many and also yourself, but also your crew that needs to band together and ensure survival by fleeing a killer sun via a giant circular base. If that doesn’t sell you on The Alters, then the act of witnessing different Jans of fictitious walks of life coming together and either imploding, enduring, or everything in between should.

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist

Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist doesn’t completely overhaul the core of Ender Lilies, instead throwing players into a different setting afflicted by the Rain of Death. Nevertheless, it’s impossible to ignore its most compelling changes and improvements, whether it’s the Homunculus customization or their very characterization. Tying it all together is yet another fantastic soundtrack by Mili, stellar art direction and incredible boss fights.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Rip, tear and…shield bash until it’s done? DOOM: The Dark Ages didn’t deliver on all the beats I wanted, but with its gameplay, id Software fulfilled its goal for a new experience while channeling the greatness of the contemporary titles. Rapid weapon switching and aerial shenanigans are out; parrying attacks while bouncing the Shield Saw off multiple enemies, exploding shields, and bullying a Cyberdemon with rapid Chainshots is in. The slick level design and pacing keep the action flowing, as you itch for the next big battle.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry’s come to see us and delivered one of the best role-playing games of the year. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 improves on the original in all the expected ways – progression, combat, visuals, etc – but the quest design and immersion are on another level. There are far more choices for outcomes with so much influencing the main story path, and the extensive range of build choices is beaten only by the sheer amount of things to see and discover. Sure, there are the usual bugs, but by and large, it showcases the limits that some developers can break through to deliver a truly endearing RPG experience.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Tempting as it is to consider this “Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Majima Edition,” Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii distinguishes itself in various other ways. Amnesia does little to hinder everyone’s favorite gangster, who obtains a pirate ship and crew and sails the waters, engaging in naval combat and plundering. Even the combat, making a well-worn return to real-time, thrives with new jumping attacks, summons, and the Cutlass style. Add in RGG Studio’s usual assortment of side content, and this will keep completionists busy for some time.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

Eschewing a centralized location with all its back-alleys and varied stories creeping within its structures for a wider system and multiple companions, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector nevertheless maintains its role-playing narrative focus. Whether you decide to push your luck on jobs, delve into your crewmates’ pasts or settle your own scores, the weight of each decision feels beyond a simple dice roll and speech check and more like an extension – and consequence – of your own character.

Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut

Is this technically a port of a 2015 title with a few added story scenes and an online PvE mode with optional co-op? Yes, but it’s also Yakuza 0, which many consider the best game in the franchise. The origins of Kazuma Kiryu and how he became the famed Dragon of Dojima, and the story of Majima Goro before his Mad Dog status are framed against late 80s Japan with its unique fashions and overinflated land prices. Each side story felt compelling and memorable – nearly every corner felt like it offered something new – and it’s all backed by stellar combat and storytelling.

Bionic Bay

Some of Bionic Bay’s monochromatic visuals and platforming might initially remind you of Limbo, but the reality is more…tenuous. Set in the ruins of a biomechanical civilization, survival is just as much about swapping places and manipulating gravity as it is about controlling time and desperately avoiding projectiles. The surreal environments belie an intriguing setting while the gameplay keeps you guessing.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Out of nowhere, Team Ninja showed up and announced that Ninja Gaiden was back. However, it also dropped Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, with improved visuals and quality-of-life changes but the same brutal combat (that too with ample gore). We could debate endlessly on how it’s still not the definitive version of the original and how Sigma’s influence still lingers. And yet, as a throwback to simpler hack-and-slash times with challenging difficulty and masterful combat, it was everything we could ever want.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Speaking of throwbacks, Dynasty Warriors: Origins redeemed the series, casting it out of its long-running rut by doing the obvious: Going back to its roots. That means big 1v100 battles and no open-world mechanics alongside an original protagonist and a different perspective on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Granted, there’s no traditional free mode where you can play as any of your companions without restrictions, but as a clean slate, with each weapon class feeling distinct and the presentation going above and beyond previous titles, it’s a marked improvement.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The dust will probably never settle on Assassin’s Creed Shadows, but it still stands as one of the more compelling action RPG entries in the franchise. On top of the gorgeous depiction of Japan, the stealth and parkour are wonderfully expanded, finally fulfilling the ninja fantasy that so many AC fans have wanted for years. That combat feels significantly expanded and more responsive, with Naoe and Yasuke offering different compelling options, which also doesn’t hurt.

Lies of P: Overture

Overture does what any good Souls-like expansion should do – humble you. Sometimes it was a little too effective (necessitating some adjustments), but on the flip side, it also offered everything else that fans of the base game could want. New Legion Arms and weapons. New boss fights that look as awe-inspiringly brutal as they play. What more could you want?

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach

“Delivery simulator,” “walking simulator”, “UPS simulator,” “Empty world” – you can probably lobby all these complaints and more at Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. However, the actual experience is a massive leap over the original in every possible way, with environmental hazards, new enemy types, more varied firearms and better structures, leading to vastly expanded approaches. If nothing else, the story is both much more emotionally resonant and chock-full of Kojima’s weirdest ideas (and dance numbers) yet.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

A new Kojima Productions title is like an event unto itself, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is no exception. Bigger, weirder, brimming with new concepts and gameplay mechanics, it takes Sam Porter Bridges to a new continent to attempt to reconnect it. A heavier focus on action, new traits and proficiency levels, new BTs, a day/night cycle, deeper stealth mechanics, changing weather, new characters, Magellan Man – all of this is only scratching the surface. One thing is for sure, though – it’s distinctly Hideo Kojima. Death Stranding 2 arrives on June 26th for PS5.

Mario Kart World

Everyone expected Grand Theft Auto 6 to roll in with an $80 price tag, but as it turns out, it was-a Mario all along. Based on the tens of millions that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe sold, Mario Kart World is unquestionably the killer app. And to be fair, Nintendo hasn’t been slouching in terms of evolving the mechanics. Tracks are now part of a large open world, teeming with optional activities, collectables, and challenges. Tons of new racers and karts await alongside cosmetics to unlock. The core gameplay is rife with new power-ups, moves, and even things like Rewind. There’s a lot here, but is it enough? We’ll find out when Mario Kart World launches on June 5th alongside the Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Is Welcome Tour going to be a surprisingly fun experience like Astro’s Playroom? Most likely not, but as a playable exhibit gamifying all the mechanics of the Switch 2, Nintendo could do worse. With mini-games and quizzes, it promises a learning experience into everything that makes up Nintendo’s console. “Free” would have been the best price point, but as it stands, $10 isn’t too much to ask. Let’s hope it offers some bang for our buck when it launches alongside the Switch 2.

Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut

Like a Dragon has evolved beyond the confines of Yakuza into brand new locations and gameplay mechanics, but Yakuza 0 remains timeless. It’s coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 as the Director’s Cut, packing new cutscenes (some of which provide a sense of closure, per the voice cast) and English voiceovers. You can also team up with other players in online PvE battles, selecting from 60 characters. Don’t let the fact that it was originally launched in 2015 distract you from playing arguably the best Yakuza game in the franchise.

MindsEye

How can a game generate hype despite the lack of extensive gameplay and details, especially about two weeks from launch? Your guess is as good as mine, but Build A Rocket Boy’s MindsEye has inexplicably figured it out. The idea of a single-player action adventure in a futuristic city from Leslie Benzies of Grand Theft Auto fame is certainly appealing, make no mistake. But MindsEye could end up sublimely brilliant or precisely what the short teasers have revealed. Either way, we’re keen to see the result when it launches on June 10th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition

As if upcoming updates for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, like the free Horde-like Siege Mode, weren’t enough, Sega, Relic Entertainment, and SneakyBox are bringing back the original Space Marine. Launching on June 10th for Xbox Series X/S and PC for $40, the Master Crafted Edition features improved visuals, including 4K resolution support, remastered audio, and modernized controls. It also packs in all the DLC, like armor sets, Golden weapons, Map Packs, and Chapter Packs, and promises cross-play for its 8v8 PvP matches. While it’s a shame that PS5 players will miss out, Space Marine 1 is a must-play for any fan of 40K.

The Alters

Numerous teases of conflicts and gruesome outcomes later, 11 bit studios’ oft-delayed sci-fi survival/base-building title The Alters is finally launching on June 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. As Jan Dolski, players arrive on a hostile planet and discover the rest of their crew dead. With no other recourse to managing the giant moving base and needing to outrun a deadly sun, he creates Alters – each a living, breathing Jan with unique skills, occupations, wants, needs, and mood swings. Harvest materials meet their demands, survive various hazards, and maybe you make it back home with all limbs intact.

FBC: Firebreak

Years after Control, the Hiss still occupies the Oldest House. With resources depleting and no other options, the Bureau turns to Firebreak, which ventures into different locations to tackle paranatural threats. As a three-player co-op shooter, players choose a Crisis Kit, Perks, and weapon before diving into a Job, from destroying hundreds of thousands of sticky notes to stopping a powerful Furnace. It’s a new initiative for Remedy, better known for its single-player titles, but with no FOMO, a $40 price, and free content updates, FBC: Firebreak may be worth checking out when it launches on June 17th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die

Zoink’s underappreciated Lost in Random is getting a rogue-like sequel courtesy of Thunderful, and this time, the focus is on the former Queen. Now going by Aleksandra, she’s trapped inside the Black Die. Together with Fortune, she must escape its four regions, facing various enemies and bosses to escape. With more than 100 relics to custom, fast-paced real-time action and the same gorgeous art style, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die launches on June 17th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Who could have thought that Night City, in all its glitz and gore, would ever become playable on a Nintendo console? Probably not PS4 and Xbox One players who can’t experience Phantom Liberty. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition brings the base game to Switch 2 players with every update and the acclaimed expansion, with relatively decent performance. Best of all? The physical version contains the entire package on a cartridge. No Game-Key shenanigans. Like every other Switch 2 title, it’s out on June 5th.

Rematch

Sifu developer Sloclap’s newest title is something…unexpected. Launching on June 19th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, Rematch is a soccer (or football for the rest of the world) title where players compete in 5v5 matches. Promising an accessible experience with deep mechanics and a focus on player skill, its open beta saw a positive response on Steam last April, with almost 134,000 peak concurrent players. Here’s hoping the game can capture that magic and keep the momentum going, especially at $30.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster

Almost six years after its announcement, System Shock 2’s enhanced edition will launch on June 26th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC. Now known as the 25th Anniversary Remaster, it includes mod support on PC, new Trophies and Achievements, Ultra-widescreen support, and 4K resolution support. PC players can select 144 FPS, while Xbox Series X and PS5 can opt for 120 FPS. If it’s as compelling as System Shock remake, expect System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster to be another winner.

Tron: Catalyst

After the visual novel mystery of Tron: Identity, Bithell Games is back with Tron: Catalyst, an action-adventure take. This time, players control Exo, who gains the Glitch, a mysterious power that could upend the Arq Grid. With beat ’em up mechanics, light cycles and the ability to rewind time with glitches, Catalyst could be another solid addition to the franchise when it launches on June 17th for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition

With Mortal Kombat 1 support ending and Tekken 8 recovering from Season 2’s changes, Street Fighter 6 remains the premiere mainstream fighter. It’s coming to Switch 2 on launch day, and along with all DLC fighters from Years 1 and 2, it includes cross-play and two exclusive modes. Gyro Battle has players fighting with gyro controls and Calorie Contest, which is pretty much the same but with a calorie mechanic. Regardless, you still get an excellent fighting game with a stellar roster (including the upcoming Elena) and some great online features.

Zombie Army VR

For those still gaming in VR, be it on Steam, Quest 2 or PlayStation VR2, Rebellion’s Zombie Army series should help fill the increasing void. Out on June 12th, the campaign is new but offers the same World War 2 weaponry and over-the-top action of the franchise, complete with gruesome X-ray Kill Cams. There’s only two-player co-op, but it’s better than nothing.

Ugaki, speaking about some of the new scenes, spoke about how the new cutscenes portrayed to him “how dearly Majima holds Makoto and how much he wants to protect her.” For context, a lot of Majima’s story throughout Yakuza 0 revolves around him trying to figure out why Makoto is in danger from the various yakuza families. Ugaki said that the new cutscenes from the Director’s Cut go further in exploring the relationship between Majima and Makoto.

Ozawa similarly spoke about how the new scenes added to the game further explore the relationship between Kiryu and Kuze. “There are things Yakuza 0 mentioned but didn’t delve into very deeply – Kuze’s new lines gave me a sense of Oh, so that’s how things are between them,” he said. Kuze acts as an antagonist force for Kiryu throughout much of this storyline, which largely revolves around Kiryu trying to figure out the importance behind a vacant plot of land in Kamurocho.

The new scenes in Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut also likely offer a better transition from the title’s end to the start of the next game in the timeline – Yakuza/Yakuza Kiwami. Whereas the story in Yakuza 0 primarily takes place in 1988, the next game in the timeline fast forwards to 1995, before then starting its story in earnest in the year 2005. Since Yakuza 0 is a prequel, it also gives us a lot more characterisation for several members of the game’s cast, including protagonist Kazuma Kiryu, as well as others like Akira Nishikiyama and Goro Majima.

Alongside additions to the story through new cutscenes, Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut will also feature a new multiplayer mode dubbed Red Light Raid. The new mode allows players to take on waves of enemies after picking their character of choice from a vast roster that covers essentially the entirety of Yakuza 0.

New trailers for Yakuza 0 Director’s Cut were released earlier this month, showcasing the new english voice acting – featuring Yong Yea as Kiryu and Matthew Mercer as Majima – as well as giving us a look at the main opening theme for the game. Check them out.

Yakuza 0 was originally released back in 2015, and focuses on telling us two main stories: how Kiryu became known as the Dragon of Dojima, and how Majima because known as the Mad Dog of Shimano. Both stories also intersect at various points, with both Kiryu and Majima trying to figure out the secrets behind seemingly-mundane things, like a vacant plot of land and a blind girl.

The most recent game in the franchise was Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii.

Metroid Prime 4

The Metroid Prime games have been one of the biggest games in recent years, and funnily enough at one point, Metroid Prime 4 was supposed to be an early release title for the original Switch. It’s finally coming out for the Switch 2 (and even the original Switch) after undergoing plenty of delays, and it looks absolutely fantastic. Samus looks quite resourceful, decked with so many powers and weapons, and it’s going to be an absolute blast. It’s scheduled to come out sometime this year.

Along with featuring the critically-acclaimed story that revolves around Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut also includes some new features. This includes new never-before-seen cutscenes that will offer a deeper look into both characters’ backstories, as well as a new Red Light Raid multiplayer mode.

Yakuza 0 takes place in the year 1988, during an era that is well-known in Japan for economic prosperity as well as decadence. Chronologically, the game is the first story in the entire Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, and gives us the story of how not only Kiryu became known as the Dragon of Dojima, but also how Majima became the Mad Dog of Shimano.

For more details about Yakuza 0, check out our review from back when it first came out.