Just like last year, we'll be keeping track of the best of the best. For this list, a game has to earn a review score of at least 8 (which is pretty darn great!) or higher from GameSpot to make the cut. That's not to say that games scoring lower (or that we didn't manage to review) should be ignored, as there's still plenty of fun to be had even if these titles didn't meet this threshold.
Helldivers 2 -- 9
Switching from a top-down twin-stick shooter design to a third-person perspective, Helldivers 2 is an action-packed adventure across alien planets. In a crowded live-service environment, developer Arrowhead has delivered a fun romp that's best enjoyed with friends, enhanced by satisfying gunplay, and feels constantly fresh thanks to some clever design.
Persona 3: Reload -- 9
Long considered to be one of the best Persona games of all time, Persona 3: Reload is a complete remake for the modern age. The best way to experience an all-time classic and one of the darkest stories in the franchise, Persona 3: Reload is a comprehensive overhaul of the game that makes it combat more approachable, upgrades it visuals to provide a slick feast for the eyes, and bundles it all up with an unforgettable soundtrack.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown -- 9
After an era of 3D adventures, Prince of Persia's return to its 2D roots feels like a welcome breath of fresh air for the franchise. Smartly incorporating metroidvania elements into its design, The Lost Crown throws in pitch-perfect combat and a beautifully crafted world for good measure, combining them all into a cohesive whole. The Lost Crown isn't just a thrilling metroidvania; it's a finely-tuned entry in the genre that other games will be looking to for inspiration in the years to come.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth -- 8
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is a blockbuster of a sequel, a bigger and bolder return of Cloud and friends as they continue to defy destiny. While the game makes a few fumbles, they don't detract from the new chapter's impressive visuals, finely honed combat, and exciting deviations from the established series lore.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth -- 8
When it comes to wild action, weird scenarios, and storytelling that'll leave you emotionally devastated, few games can compare to the Like a Dragon series. The latest chapter in the mainline series builds on the RPG gameplay introduced in its predecessor, further fine-tuning and polishing the experience so that it can offer a more joyful experience. While the main story does meander in places, this swansong for the legendary Dragon of Dojima has its heart in the right place and offers an incredible amount of side content like Dondoko Island, Sujimon battles, and so much more.
Pacific Drive -- 8
We've seen plenty of roguelite spins on familiar genres over the years, but Ironwood Studio's Pacific Drive is a different beast altogether. Challenging and atmospheric, it has fascinating mysteries to explore inside of a wonderfully weird world, while its upgrade mechanics are satisfyingly deep enough to keep any gearhead invested in this wild ride.
Tekken 8 -- 8
In the wake of new Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat games in 2023, the return of Tekken was long overdue. It might be fashionably late to the fisticuffs party, but Tekken 8 came out swinging this year with one of the best entries in the franchise. Stacked with an impressive roster on day one and flexing graphical muscles that allow you to see every sinew before a haymaker finds its mark, Tekken 8 pushes the series forward with rewarding and aggressive gameplay.
Ultros -- 8
As a metroidvania, Ultros makes a great impression with its psychedelic graphics and strong fundamentals. But where the game shines is in how it builds on this foundation by borrowing elements from several other genres, combining them into a winning recipe of flashy combat and thoughtful time loop gameplay mechanics. With a living network of biological levels to explore and a constant sense of reward the deeper you venture into its colorful underbelly, Ultros is a visually captivating and engrossing experience.Source
