With satisfying, yet challenging, parry combat, stunning visuals, and flexible skill builds, Solateria shows that there's still room for another standout must-play Metroidvania.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a blast with a full squad, offering clever class mechanics and fun vehicular segments that keep the missions moving. But once the initial adrenaline wears off, the shallow story and basic progression become hard to ignore. It’s a fun distraction that lacks innovation, struggling to stand out in an overcrowded genre.
The Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is an excellent example of how to remake a beloved classic. It keeps what made the 2003 original special, whilst adding to it in meaningful ways, even if the source content can heavily weigh it down at times.
Sixteen years after the original game, Scott Pilgrim EX builds upon what made the first one so great. From challenging and unique boss fights to a fun story that fits in the Scott Pilgrim universe, this is a game that's not only a love-letter to the source material, but does a great job of standing out on its own.
With chaotic racing and AI that shows no regard for those around them, iRacing Arcade has its moments of fun on the track and in career mode. Unfortunately, it's held back by limited options and a poor multiplayer experience.
I hope this is the moment where Team Ninja is finally acknowledged as not only a driving force in the Soulslike genre, but for its name to be ranked amongst the best. Nioh 3 is an unbelievable game from start to finish and excels in all aspects of game development.
High On Life 2 builds on the original with faster, more creative gameplay, stronger writing, and inventive traversal, delivering a vibrant and frequently hilarious sci-fi shooter. While technical issues and a divisive ending might hold it back, its memorable characters and varied missions make it a standout sequel.
HumanitZ is about as open, free, and brutal as it gets for a post-apocalyptic sandbox. The depth of this title is stunning, and anyone who loves an overwhelming zombie nightmare will probably fall in love with it, just as soon as they get to grips with the at-times complex mechanics. Every time you think you've learned everything about HumanitZ, something else is guaranteed to surprise you.
World War Z x The Walking Dead is a perfectly decent representation of the show's most iconic locations and characters, and at just $9.99, the hours you get to explore the DLC are more than enough and very entertaining.
MIO: Memories in Orbit stands out in a crowded field of Metroidvanias with beautiful art direction and an engaging narrative. The rewarding gameplay loop and amount of character upgrades provide plenty of replayability for the first standout indie game of 2026.
