- Psychonauts 2 : I guess it’s my GOTY because it genuinely surprised me as it’s not really my type of game. But it was so charming, colorful and just a brilliant game overall that it’s still, after the heavy hitters released, the game I enjoyed the most. I just could not put it down !
- Halo Infinite : Halo is back and it was familiar, but also very new with the addition of the grapple shot, bases to attack, marines to rescue here and there, a formula that should not have worked for Halo but was really well executed. I can’t wait for what’s to come next. Halo is finally back on track.
- Forza Horizon 5 : the juggernaut of the arcade racers is back once again and it just delivered on all front. Bigger map, many refinements in gameplay and graphics departments. It reminds me a lot of FH1 and 3 which are the best imo.
- Hitman 3 : almost forgot this one as it was a january release. I didn’t really got into the new games (I bought 1 and 2 but didn’t get far into them), but 3 was the definitive version that got me hooked on the guilty pleasure of assassination. And it also put an end to the trilogy with some of the most gorgeous levels in the series. And getting all that content updated to work on the new consoles is just how it should be done from now on. It cemented IOI as one of the best studios in the world in my eyes.
- Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy : I was intrigued by that first presentation, bought it day one and I wasn’t disappointed. I mean, it’s exactly what I expected, but the story and characters where top tier in all media. I could not believe how well written it was…It ruined the movies for me. Yeah, it’s really that good.
- Battlefield 2042 : it’s Battlefield. Bigger maps, weather effects, tornadoes ? 128 players ? What ? When it’s good, it’s really good… But yeah, the rest of the time it’s kind of a pain knowing what could have been with more time and a real direction. It could be the perfect Battlefield game that will last you 10 years. I’m not sure with that one yet, but I still have my money worth I guess.
- The Ascent : beautiful sci-fi twin-stick shooter ? And it’s on GP ? Sign me in. Neon Giant is a studio we have to keep an eye on because these guys are talented. Art is gorgeous, graphics are out of this world and it’s like they know what they are doing. I can’t wait for their next game.
- The Artful Escape : Simple game, simple gameplay and story, but it’s a delight for ears and eyes. GP once again got me to play this gem.
- Outriders : all signs pointed to an okay game, but when playing it, you really get why it’s good. There’s classes, loot and a story that keeps you moving through a strange and ravaged world. It’s really a game that will keep me coming back and check the expansions because that cover, shooter and power gameplay is just so fun.
- Scarlet Nexus : It’s not a game I would have checked normally, but I was intrigued by the setting and gameplay and I think they got half of that right at least. Story is pure japanese non sense, but the two characters and stories intertwined, plus clever combat gameplay is what’s promising for this new franchise. Not sure it will get a second game though.
Ongoing games :
- Halo MCC
- Doom Eternal
- Gears 5