Metroid Dread
Dread mostly takes existing franchise hallmarks and alters all of them slightly with only minor flaws, so the end product is consistently solid but unexceptional.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a perfectly well-made game that’s just not particularly interesting.
Celeste
I underestimated how exemplary the gameplay in Celeste would turn out to be.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Danganronpa starts out strong, but as the story unfolds, it becomes more and more of a slog to play.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Button mashing in Hyrule Warriors doesn’t just grind the standard combat into a fine paste; it devours all of the adjacent mechanics.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
The Deluxe rerelease adds so many improvements to Pikmin 3’s improvements that I’m confident in calling it at least better than the first game.
Subnautica
Subnautica rises not only above the stereotypes of survival games, but above all other expectations.
DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part Two
Part Two is surprisingly anticlimactic, but the new gameplay additions keep the gory splendour fresh for another 6 hours.
DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods – Part One
It’s a testament to how exhilarating the rapid-fire brutality of DOOM Eternal was that even when it’s repeatedly kicking your face in, it’s still an absolute blast.
Firewatch
Firewatch will appeal to anyone looking for a second dose of Gone Home’s magic or a less experimental, more meaningful version of Dear Esther.