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While it doesn't pull up any roots, 007: First Light is a beautiful, cinematic action game that makes clever use of the IO formula. From the performance of Patrick Gibson to the iconic score, this is a game that tells a new story and basks in nostalgia in equal measure, giving James Bond a fresh angle in the process.

With a story that's full of fun personalities, an impressive suite of new content, and some of the most vibrant visuals I've ever seen, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is a brilliant update to one of the series' most iconic games. I can't wait to jump back in and start singing the shanties along with my crew like it's 2013 all over again. [Hands-On Impressions]

While Zero Parades: For Dead Spies does feel like a spiritual sequel to Disco Elysium, its narrator doesn’t quite have the same spark as its predecessor. Given that she whispers in your ear for the entire game, her rough-and-ready accent quickly becomes droning, with skill voices melding into one instead of being unique, exciting personalities. Thankfully, both the dramatic encounters and Exert systems make up for some of the game’s less interesting moments, breaking up the text’s monotony while raising the stakes. Zero Parades, in many ways, feels even more TTRPG than Disco Elysium, and in my book, that’s a win.

Boasting a gorgeous map that’s filled with delights, slick racing, and some incredible single and multiplayer events, Forza Horizon 6 has, for the most part, iterated for the better. Though lacking vehicle customization holds it back, it is a near-perfect celebration not only of Japanese racing culture, but racing itself that espouses the joy of being behind the wheel. It’s a highly polished jack-of-all-trades fiesta, and very nearly a master of all.

Mouse P.I. For Hire takes every noir trope and turns it into something new. A monochrome shooter with a delicious mystery at its core, the varied locales and wonderful voice cast make this one of the best games I've played all year.

With Masters of Albion, Molyneux and 22cans have achieved what they set out to do. Is it going to be a game for everyone? No, but that's the nature of god games, and strategy games more broadly. Is it a game you should spend some time with, however? Yes, yes you should, if only for the rush of dopamine and the creative new insults you'll learn along the way. [Early Access Review]

Diablo 4 Lord of Hatred feels, in many ways, like the end. With evil seemingly vanquished for now, a reworked endgame that really does have everything you need, and eight unique, exciting classes, I’m not sure where Blizzard goes from here. It does, however, serve as a climatic end to a saga of strife and woe, and while its narrative didn’t quite hit the spot for me, I can’t wait to explore more of what Skovos has to offer.

Pragmata is a truly unique and wonderful third-person shooter. It’s a throwback to linear action games of old, and thankfully its undercooked story isn't enough to diminish the quality of the brilliant hacking focused action.

Marathon is a feast for the senses - vibrant sci-fi visuals and world building, amazing sound design, and a brilliant combat experience are the main things elevating it above its extraction shooter competitors. Its endgame map, Cryo Archive, also creates the same intimidating yet jaw-dropping atmosphere of some of Bungie’s finest Destiny raids. However, issues such as clunky inventory management and dull faction quests hold it back from true greatness right now.

Slay the Spire 2 is more about refinement than evolution. By honing in on the elements that made the first game so addictive, Mega Crit has elevated the deck-building experience to consistently deliver more of those unforgettable “I can’t believe I just did that!” moments. Don’t let this game being in early access deter you from playing it; even in its current state, potentially years out from its full launch, this is an all-time classic that you won’t want to miss out on. [Early Access Score = 100]