Ben Reeves
A steady drip of upgrades and collectibles ensures that exploring the alien-infested planet of SR388 won't grow tiring anytime soon
Alien firefights play out like deadly games of chess. The difficulty tests your resolve, but XCOM remains one of the deepest and most rewarding strategy games on the market
Civilization remains as addictive as ever. As soon as you start building your empire, say goodbye to your weekend
For Resident Evil fans this is a must-play, but even those without nostalgia for RE 2 will have a good time
Enemy Within isn't easy, but its complex strategy and clever enemy AI provide a highly rewarding experience
Overpowered aliens and a run of bad luck can test your resolve, but there is almost always a way out of every jam thanks to XCOM's layered strategy
Village doesn't pull any punches when it comes to horror, but a consistent rollout of new weapons and tools makes it hard to walk away from these terrors
If you love brainteasers and philosophy, then The Talos Principle is better than a night at the movies
A solid story and rewarding platforming sequences makes for a highly gratifying climb
This is another spectacular remake for the series, and Nemesis is an imposing enemy who relentlessly chases you throughout the game.
Intense combat and a series of challenging boss fights require a high level of play, but the thrill of victory is incredibly sweet
The card combat is engaging, and the larger narrative elements make Inscryption incredibly hard to put down
Fast-paced and violent action hits the ground running, but the intense horror atmosphere might turn off some
This Mega Man looks modern, but it offers a classic Mega Man challenge. Thankfully, four difficulty settings and a range of upgrades help ease in all types of players
Growing a small group of settlers into a world-spanning superpower is rewarding at every step
Control's intense firefights are fun, but they don't evolve much in the second half. Fortunately, its unsettling mood and explosive moments more than balance the scales
Chicory is an intriguing world full of hilarious characters and inventive game mechanics, which makes it a delight from start to finish
The show leaves a bit to be desired, but the game is full of breakneck firefights and stunning action set pieces
Fans of strategy titles won't want to bypass this under-the-radar hit
Charming characters and zany events fill the world, which is good because you traverse the same locales multiple times