1. Elden Ring - Really not much more I can say about Elden Ring that already hasn’t been said a million times before. It’s just spectacular. Dark Souls in an open world, filled to the brim with secrets/mystery and has the most Satisfying combat. It’s how I imagined a gritty Zelda game would look like when I was younger
2. Persona 5 - I’ve literally been asking for Persona on Xbox for multiple years and now we can all experience it. Live your teenage fantasy of chasing cake and becoming a master thief to destroy the demented minds of Tokyo. Steal treasure and change hearts.
3. Grounded - Most underrated survival game. Tiny people in a big world combined with scavenging for resources and bug parts… It’s the perfect combination and I’m surprised no one else thought about it before.
4. Tiny Kin - Hands down the best platformer I’ve played in decades. I’m starting to realise I’m a big fan of Tiny people in a big world concept. Very unique art style combining 3D world with 2D characters that just works. Platforming that feels buttery smooth that allows you to actually enjoy finding every little collectible.
5. Shadowrun Trilogy - I love the cyberpunk theme and tried for years to pull myself away from Xbox and go and play Shadowrun on Steam. Never happened. So I was chuffed when they announced the trilogy for Xbox. Oh boy! Did I get hooked on these. Amazing world and lore. Each game having its own take on a futuristic beaten down city. Simple but effective Turn-based tactical RPG combat that had me looking for more games that play similarly.
6. Vampire Survivors - Kill demons. Collect gems. Become a god. Old school arcade gaming where you’re the bullet hell. Proves gameplay is king no matter how simple it is. Lizard brain active!
7. Signalis - As someone who grew up with PS1 and playing every Survival horror game I could get my hands on (even though I was probably too young) I find myself with a real nostalgia thirst for the PS1. Signalis kinda has a mash of 3 big titles from that gen. The perspective of MGS, The enemies of Silent Hill, And the game play of Resident Evil.
8. High On Life - A Very polarising game as most comedy is hit or miss depending on your taste. I’ve only ever watched one episode of Rick & Morty but ever since they unveiled the trailer for High On Life, I knew it would be my jam. Funny, really eye popping art style and gameplay that is reminiscent of old school shooters without all the fat of an open world game.
9. Dying Light 2 - Honestly, it’s more of the same. But that isn’t always a bad thing when the game play loop is still as fun as the original. Looks stunning too.
10. Tunic - When I first played Tunic it really didn’t click with me and I was so disappointed since action adventure games are one of my favourite genres. It finally clicked when I started playing it in small chunks on my Steam Deck. A good mix between FEZ with its obtuse puzzles and game play of a Zelda game. Collecting the pages from the game manual to figure out what was going on was very unique.
Ongoing game: Halo Infinite.