It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That time when you spend all your hard earned dollars on things for the people you love. We’ll be doing plenty of that over here at Gaming Trend, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve compiled our list of the biggest and best video games that should be on your shopping lists, and boy are there some amazing ones. Even handier, we’ve got links to both reviews and where you can buy them! Happy holidays!
The Big Guns
God of War Ragnarok [PS]:
It’s hard to overstate what an incredible journey God of War and God of War Ragnarok combine to make. The evolution of Kratos and Atreus as they face their toughest foes yet is an emotional one, and it’s easily a serious contender for game of the year. What blows me away is just how much better this game is than its predecessor. If you needed a reason or a recommendation, you have it – this is the top rung. A flawless adventure, and one you don’t want to miss. Now beat the game already so we can talk about that ending!
Elden Ring [XB/PS/PC]:
![Elden Ring First 15 Minutes - PC [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FADUU_osWBvw%2F0.jpg)
Elden Ring is the culmination of all the Souls entries up to this point, creating a near perfect gameplay experience filled to the brim with incredible boss fights, gorgeous graphics, and an insanely large world to explore. A variety of new ideas, including crafting and the addition of the spirit horse Torrent, help bring a new level of immersion to the proceedings while simultaneously helping Elden Ring feel like a unique entry in the Souls genre. With gameplay tailored for players who want to experience the world solo as well as those who wish to play nearly the entire game in co-op, Elden Ring is a masterclass in design. Minor gripes about a couple of boss fights and the sheer density of the world to explore leaving many areas potentially undiscovered aside, Elden Ring is a nearly flawless experience which old and new fans of the Souls series will enjoy.
Horizon Forbidden West [PS]:
The ultimate sequel, Horizon Forbidden West games everything you loved about Zero Dawn and expands it even further. There’s even more dinosaurs, more enemies, and an incredible web of plot woven throughout your journey through the Forbidden West. Add some cool new abilities and weapons along with a fantastic supporting cast, and Aloy’s adventure is a resounding success.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II [XB/PS/PC]:
Someone had to push Call of Duty into the future, and you just knew it’d be the team that’s done it time and time again. Modern Warfare II is familiar yet different, moving the franchise into next-gen in a resounding way. It’s not perfect, but engages you on new levels, held up by the best gunplay in first person shooters. With a ton of new content around the corner, along with Warzone 2.0, Modern Warfare II is going to rule the FPS space for a long time.
Overwatch 2 [XB/PS/PC]:
As I wrote in my column, changing Overwatch 2 while still making it feel like the Overwatch we know and love was the challenge and Blizzard pulled it off nicely. Removing one tank and reducing teams to 5v5 was the answer to allowing more individual plays and focusing teamwork. Overwatch feels great to play again. Blizzard needs to make adjustments to the store, especially events – they should think about adding non-paid loot boxes – but as a free to play game, there’s no reason not to give it a shot this holiday.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human [XB/PS/PC]:
The zombies are back, and this time they mean business. Well, they only really mean to eat your flesh, but don’t tell anyone. In this sequel that takes things to eleven, you play as Aiden, a drifter who’s caught up in an intricate tale of betrayal and revenge. To get where you’ll need to go, you’re going to have to parkour, glide, grapple, and of course, fight your way across a massive world filled with both the undead and living enemies to find out the truth behind your beginnings. If I’m honest though, you may get lost in this one though, with tons to do in Villedor. And that’s not counting the incoming Bloody Ties DLC or the impressive co-op.
The Last of Us Part I [PS]:
As a game, The Last of Us: Part 1 still deserves a high score after all these years, but I give that score hesitantly, as I am acutely aware that previous releases offer more content and that this release was not created for those who have already played through and enjoyed the game in the past, but rather to welcome in new players or for those who wish to harness the full power of their PS5. While this is the most technically impressive version of The Last of Us that we will likely ever get, it is anchored down by its previous releases, while simultaneously missing important components those versions had, namely the superb multiplayer. Despite some interesting bonus features, new cosmetic items, vastly improved AI, and a few quality-of-life changes, there may not be enough here to justify the purchase for anybody except newcomers. That said, the impressively robust suite of accessibility options is a welcome addition worthy of praise and will hopefully provide an opportunity for a new generation of fans to experience this story.
Gran Turismo 7 [PS]:
Gran Turismo 7 is the most luxurious racing simulator out there. It’s sleek, refined, and clearly made by people who care a lot about cars. Unfortunately, tons of microtransactions were introduced post launch, but if you don’t need to collect everything this is a fun time and you may even learn something.
Gotham Knights [XB/PS/PC]:
![An hour of Gotham Knights co-op gameplay on PS5 - [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FT57GWZ2QmGI%2F0.jpg)
Gotham Knights provides a new story to the Batfamily legacy. With the ability to play as Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin; there are plenty of opportunities for replayability. With a story that’s “classically Batman,” we can suggest this for anyone who has followed the comics, games, or movies; with nods to villains throughout the game, emails from Justice League members, plenty of the Rogues Gallery to fight, and so much exploration throughout Gotham. With many ways to traverse the city, make sure to play with friends online with the Co-Op mode!
NBA 2K23 [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
It’s hard to understate how important sports games are to this industry. People complain year after year about how “this could be an update”, without realizing the stress of a new game being built. Not only does NBA 2K23 play great, but it’s one of the best looking sports games I’ve seen. Add that to a deluge of modes that will absolutely steal your time, like MyTeam, Career, Michael Jordan challenges, and more? It’s a slam dunk.
A Plague Tale: Requiem [XB/PS/PC]:
A Plague Tale: Requiem is one of the most emotionally satisfying games I have ever played. I was stunned by the emotionally charged, beautifully presented, and impeccably acted story which is brought to life by incredible technical feats which showcase the power of the PS5. Time and again I was surprised by the sheer bleakness that the story was brave enough to dive into and the thrill of watching hope attempt – and often fail – to overcome those seemingly insurmountable odds. Requiem is a story which both uplifts and decimates your emotions at the same time; a story about characters that feel real and that you grow to care and root for. By the end you too will be shouting, “I am Amicia de Rune and I kneel to no one.”
The… “maybe they already have the big guns?”
Sonic Frontiers [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
![Sonic Frontiers Spoiler Free Gameplay - PS5 [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FUq1jos_p5y0%2F0.jpg)
Sonic’s 3D outings are reborn in this inventive take on the open world genre. With some excellent character writing, fun combat, and four islands to explore Sonic Frontiers is already one of the best Sonic games out there. Of course, when you’re not exploring and discovering the mysteries of the Starfall Islands, you’ll be racing through stages from Sonic’s past at high speed and to some incredible tunes.
The Quarry [XB/PS/PC]:
If you want to keep spooky season going all year round, The Quarry is the latest horror title from Supermassive games. Featuring their signature QTE and choice based storyline, you’ll determine the fates of several characters as they try to survive a deadly night at Hackett’s Quarry. The game balances schlocky horror with some actual scares, while also giving it a ton of replayability to last you a good long while. With multiplayer, it’s also a good party game.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands [XB/PS/PC]:
![Tiny Tina's Wonderlands Gameplay - PC [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fvkw7_7ywQlE%2F0.jpg)
A delightful twist on a tried and true formula, Borderlands meets DnD once again. Tiny Tina’s imagination is allowed to go nuts and it makes for some silly dialogue and creative weapons and scenarios. Not all the humor hits and the endgame loses steam since the Chaos Chamber doesn’t have enough variety to satisfy the expected time to farm gear, but it’s still a lot of fun and particularly great with friends, as is the case with Borderlands games.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Modernizing TMNT arcade games like TMNT II: The Arcade Game or TMNT III: Turtles in Time is not easy, but TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge does an admirable job. Tribute Games and DotEmu crafted a combat system that’s reminiscent of Streets of Rage 4 in function, but the style is everything you’d want from a modernized take on Konami’s arcade games. The levels aren’t as interesting as the classics and they’re very derivative, and the challenges aren’t worth the effort, but playing with friends and the ability to matchmake with crossplay allows so much more fun.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection is a painstakingly crafted love letter to a by-gone era of gaming, bringing 13 classic games to the modern age while adding in a slew of features including the ability to rewind, save, and toggle enhancements which greatly enhance the gameplay experience. Add in the impressively comprehensive list of documents available in the Turtle’s Lair and you have a collection well worth the asking price.
Sniper Elite 5 [XB/PS/PC]:
Rebellion brings together all of their work on previous titles to make this the best title in the series. Rather than resting on their laurels, the team rebuilt major gameplay aspects, including adding cooperative cross-platform gameplay that makes the game entirely unpredictable. You can even take out the enemy in a completely non-lethal approach, if you are so inclined. This is the series at it’s best – we can’t wait for the eventual jump to next-gen / PC only.
Destiny 2: The Witch Queen [XB/PS/PC]:
The Witch Queen is any returning Destiny player’s dream come true. Between a legendary difficulty campaign, hundreds of new items to chase, revamped subclasses, and a story that finally takes center stage, there is a lot for familiar players to sink their teeth into. For newcomers, this is a slightly tougher sell, as the copious amounts of content may prove overwhelming at first glance. Regardless, this expansion catapulted Destiny 2 into a renaissance we haven’t seen since Forsaken, and deserves your attention.
Lost Ark [PC]:
This one launched and just hasn’t stopped. With 20 million people actively playing, this MMO/ARPG is gorgeous, deep, and an absolute blast to play. There are a lot of systems to unwrap, but no doubt you’ll have a blast doing it. There’s a class for just about anyone, and best of all you can bring your friends with you. It’ll cost you just $19.99, and all of the cosmetics after that are just that – optional cosmetics. Still, they are so damned good that I defy you not to buy the Shiba Inu costume…
Our review-in-progress | Buy it now!
Nintendo and the fam
Pokemon Legends: Arceus [SWITCH]:
![Pokémon Legends Arceus Gameplay - Switch [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRIHeECtsH1Y%2F0.jpg)
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is the shakeup Pokemon has needed for years. The unique, open world design makes catching them all fun again with a decent story, tons of things to discover, and of course hundreds of creatures to befriend. It’s a completely standalone entry too, so no need to move all your pokemon over or even trade to get everything. Hopefully Scarlet and Violet learn from this game, because it’s an excellent RPG on its own terms.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 [SWITCH]:
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may be the third entry and finale of the stories started in 1 and 2, but you don’t need to know anything about that to engage with 3’s largely contained story. Sure there are a few returning characters, but the past is only hinted at. Besides, what’s better than cozying up the fireplace with a gorgeous, open world game with unique combat?
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope [SWITCH]:
![Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope gameplay on Nintendo Switch [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FGm8C0pEmrjY%2F0.jpg)
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a true spark of joy for anyone looking to get into the tactical RPG style of gaming. With three difficulty modes, many different characters to try, and plenty of levels to run through; Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope will be a game full of “new tactical possibilities” for any type of gamer. With the Season Pass DLC fully revealed, make sure to snag the Gold Edition of the game in order to play through the three new stories and play as Rayman next year!
Kirby and the Forgotten Land [SWITCH]:
Kirby’s first foray into the third dimension is an excellent one. It’s cute, experimental, and an absolute blast with tons of stuff to do that will keep you occupied for quite a while. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is one of those titles that’s fun for the whole family, whether you’ve played all of his adventures or have never picked up a controller.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
![LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga on Xbox Series X - 17 minutes on Mustafar - [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fc_DuBiqaCzA%2F0.jpg)
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a joyful bundle of fun for any gamers looking to go through campy versions of The Skywalker Saga in LEGO form. This game is packed with characters you know (Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Chewbacca, etc) and some you may not (Babu Frik, Max Rebo, Mama the Hutt, etc) and with over 1,000 Kyber Bricks to collect, you’ll have plenty of missions and puzzles to solve alone or with friends.
Splatoon 3 [SWITCH]:
Splatoon 3 is very rough around the online edges, somehow worse than Splatoon 2, but it’s still got that same turf war goodness you know and love. Before you hop into online matches with the new Splatanna and Bow weapons, however, you’ll want to check out the single player campaign to teach you all the basics. Salmon Run returns as well for some PvE action, with new bosses and rewards. So grab some fishy friends and start splatting!
Bayonetta 3 [SWITCH]:
![Bayonetta 3 Gameplay - Switch [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F3Ak2fmRK1q0%2F0.jpg)
While the least of the trilogy so far, Bayonetta 3 is still a great action game. It’s a big shakeup from the previous two entries with new mechanics like Demon Slave and weapon transformations along with an entirely new character to play as: the cocky Viola. The game may miss on many fronts, but there’s nothing out there like Platinum’s trademark Climax Action Combat.
Nier: Automata [SWITCH]:
One of the greatest games of all time comes to Switch in a pitch perfect port. It may not have 60 fps, but it’s still incredibly smooth with the same, fluid combat and one of the best stories ever written. Look, just play it, it’s good, OK?
Tactics Ogre: Reborn [PC/PS/Switch]
Rebuilt from the ground up, Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a remaster done right. Revamped combat, all-new voice acting, gorgeous graphics, and far more come together for an amazing SRPG that cannot be missed for tactical devotees.
![Tactics Ogre: Reborn Training Battle [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F3tNMgqt1oCY%2F0.jpg)
The Indie Darlings
Tunic [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
![Tunic First 20 Minutes - PC [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FL3UOilY3ZKY%2F0.jpg)
Tunic on PS5 (and any platform really) is fantastic. Charming level design, creative puzzles, surprising challenges, along with a lush world to explore and decipher all merge to create one of the best adventure games in recent memory. There’s so much to uncover, including multiple endings, optional side quests, and collectible trophies, along with a New Game + mode that adds further challenges, that most players will find countless hours of entertainment.
Trek To Yomi [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Trek to Yomi is a beautifully crafted experience. From your first steps into the game’s world to your last players will be constantly enthralled by the tense combat, tightly written story, and exquisite art direction. It is rare that a game is released that thoroughly wows you with its graphics, atmosphere, and creativity and Trek to Yomi succeeds in all three departments. It is an experience that I highly recommend to all players.
Sifu [PS/PC/SWITCH]:
![Sifu - 15 minutes of gameplay on PC - [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FTdglQwSdKWE%2F0.jpg)
A fantastic beat ’em up with roguelike elements. Sifu will test your skill and your will and it’s satisfying the whole way through. Yes, it gets frustrating. It demands precision at times, but it is tuned to the point where you can learn the precision and that frustration turns to delight as you overcome your opponents with sleek dodges and brutal blocks that allow for punishing counter attacks. It feels less like trial error and more like you are mastering your playstyle and opponents. Sifu is one of the most original concepts this year and is an absolute must play.
Stray [PS/PC]:
Enter the mind of a cat… in almost exactly the way you’d expect. In this beautiful post-apocalyptic story filled with neon, traverse environments, knock things off shelves, scratch on rugs, and befriend a little robot? Crazy I know, but this is one of the most endearing tails (see what I did there?) of 2022, and it should be in your library. Playing as a cat in a video game is really all the info you need to grab Stray.
Unusual Findings [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Unusual Findings is a charming and often hilarious sci-fi tale set during the 80s which oozes with a great retro-graphical style, good voice acting, and a fun story about teenage boys being, well, teenage boys – while also attempting to thwart an alien war. Unusual Findings is a love letter to 80s point-and-click adventures while being a great game on its own.
Return to Monkey Island [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Return to Monkey Island is a fantastic end to Guybrush’s compulsive search for the secret of Monkey Island and perfectly encapsulates what made these iconic games so popular in the first place. Return is expertly paced, filled with charming characters, great dialogue, fun puzzles, an intuitive hint system, and a story which sees Guybrush visit multiple islands. In short, Return was everything I had hoped for. I’m glad that I was able to finally uncover the secret of Monkey Island.
Card Shark [PC/SWITCH]:
![Card Shark Gameplay - PC [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FOAII0OX_2i8%2F0.jpg)
Card Shark is a gorgeous narrative adventure game about scamming people out of money with slight of hand tricks. As a poor, mute boy in pre-revolutionary france, you’re taken in by the Comte De Saint Germain and learn the tricks of your new trade to discover the royal secret behind a conspiracy. While it’s not as replayable as it could be, it’s an incredibly fun and unique experience.
Pentiment [XB/PC]:
It’s been a great year for narrative-based games, and Pentiment is quite the way to button 2022 up. Featuring one of the most unique aesthetics I’ve seen, with a medieval artstyle on the pages of a book, Pentiment shines brightly. That’s not even the best part, with a complex story and dialogue system meshing wonderfully with a streamlined point and click one. It’s one of those games you just have to try, and at only $20, it’s a steal.
Neon White [PC/SWITCH]:
![Neon White Gameplay - Switch [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FBtNuyEDDHkU%2F0.jpg)
Neon White is a fast paced, first person shooter where you violence your way through heaven as quickly as possible. The excellent voice acting from the likes of Steve Blum and intriguing story will nudge you forward, but you’ll quickly get hooked on what I called speedrunning’s gateway drug. It’s incredibly fun and inventive, and more people should be talking about it.
Cult of the Lamb [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Have you ever wanted to run your own cult? I mean, who hasn’t, right? In Cult of the Lamb, you’ll serve “The One Who Waits” by building a crew of followers made up of the cutest of little creatures with big eyes. Part base builder, part action hack-and-slash, and part roguelike, this is a fantastic amalgamation of genres that culminates in about two dozen hours of completely unique fun. Watch some let’s plays or read our review to see if joining a cult is right for you. Spoiler – it is, and you should join us immediately.
Gordian Quest [PC]:
If there’s one thing we have no shortage of, it’s card battlers, though unfortunately what’s in short supply is good ones. Gordian Quest welds together solid RPG mechanics, randomization, and card battling to create a game that feels like something completely unique. With 10 characters to build up, and a number of decisions to make along the way, you’ll also have plenty of ways to replay it as well.
Hardspace: Shipbreaker [XB/PS/PC]:
![Hardspace: Shipbreaker Let's Play - Shift 1 [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FOMHTkUW0a9I%2F0.jpg)
You can tear across the stars, cutting down enemy ships with your rail guns and hyperspace slipstream drives…in another game. In Hardspace: Shipbreaker, your job is to handle what happens next. Derelict ships come into the dock, and it’s your job to rip them apart for their component parts, sorting them into separate bins to pay off a nearly insurmountable debt. Get to work, Cutter, you’ve got a lot of zero-g cleanup to do.
Syberia: The World Before [XB/PS/PC]:
What a triumphant return for Kate Walker. This game modernizes the series, which it desperately needed. Scored by the legendary Inon Zur, and serving as a sort of reset point, it delivers some excellent puzzles and gorgeous visuals to go with its excellent soundtrack. It’s great to see this series return to form.
What Lies in the Multiverse [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
What Lies in the Multiverse is one of the most unique puzzle/platformers released in recent years. Featuring gorgeous pixel-based graphics and a charmingly self-aware sense of humor, the game constantly throws a variety of new set pieces and obstacles at you and continues to find clever ways to use its central universe swapping mechanic. Despite some unexpectedly dark undertones, the game remains mainly upbeat, telling a story that deals with loss, friendship, and life in a surprisingly mature way. What Lies in the Multiverse is well worth picking up for fans of puzzle based games.
Planet Zoo [PC]:
What a wonderful, relaxing, and engaging experience Planet Zoo is. Sure, you are creating a theme park, but that’s just the beginning. Breeding, housing, and caring for the creatures in your zoo never gets old. Each animal has specific needs, and some can cohabitate happily. You’ll learn real-world facts about each of them while you enjoy running the most amazing animal attraction on the planet.
Submerged: Hidden Depths [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
Submerged: Hidden Depths is the perfect game to play when needing a break from the more stressful or narrative intense experiences. Featuring a powerful orchestral score, relaxing exploration and puzzle solving, and a subtle yet interesting story about the bonds of family and the power of hope, Submerged surprised me and provided me with one of my favorite experiences of the year.
PlayStation PC Corner
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves [PS/PC]:
![Uncharted 4: A Thief's End gameplay on PC via an NVIDIA RTX 4090! - [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FezQeAjx1MEI%2F0.jpg)
PlayStation’s best at PlayStation’s best. The Uncharted series has always been one of PlayStation’s greatest hits, and now that you can experience them in the highest fidelity possible, as well as on a new platform, the journey keeps getting better. All we need now is the Nathan Drake Collection to make its way to this gen.
God of War [PC]:
The modern, PlayStation classic is now available on PC! Complete with all the features you could expect or want, this is one of the best ports out there of one of the best games from last generation. If you want to see what all the hubbub of Ragnarok is all about, you definitely should start here.
Marvel’s Spider-Man [PC]:
Another PlayStation title that has made the transition to the PC, this one kind of surprised us. It’s such a big name you almost expected it to be one of the last ones to come around. But between Insomniac and Nixxes, a fantastic port arrived bringing the best Spider-Man game since Spider-Man 2 on PS2 to the PC. Being able to enjoy all of the ray-tracing, ultrawide support, and great frame rates just make this one even better.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales [PC]:
![Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales running at 4K @ 150fps on RTX 4090! [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FMvF3D6kdNKc%2F0.jpg)
Just like Marvel’s Spider-Man before it, Miles Morales takes the tried and true formula from Insomniac’s original hit and condenses it into a fantastic coming of age tale. With new abilities, powers, and gear, Miles Morales is a lot of fun to play, but the relationships and strong narrative keep you there. The characters are especially well developed, and the music is as impactful as the tracks in Into The Spider-Verse. Not to mention swinging around for hours is still a blast.
Best of the rest!
Persona 5 Royal [XB/PS/PC/SWITCH]:
The seminal JRPG hit is finally on all platforms. If you somehow haven’t heard, Persona 5 Royal is the enhanced version of Persona 5 with a whole new semester of content. You socialize and dungeon crawl with your friends to right society’s wrongs, all while trying to pass finals. It’s an incredibly fun gameplay loop, and the ports themselves are well worth the upgrade.
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters [PC]:
There are a LOT of Warhammer games, but wow is this a good one. The voice work, the excellent visuals, the storyline, and the oh-so-disgusting bosses are a treat. The fact that Frontier bought this studio should tell you something – if you are an strategy fan, or a Warhammer 40k devotee, the Emperor demands that you buy this. Don’t be a heretic – do as you’re told.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels [XB/PC]:
You would think another Hot Wheels DLC wouldn’t be significantly different, but this version feels so much better. Playground Games went even further with their track design sending you through loops, corkscrews, waterfalls, deserts, forests, and bonkers jumps all along one giant, continuous track. And you get to go very fast, while earning cool looking Hot Wheels cars that will make you very competitive in a lot of races. It’s the Forza Horizon franchise’s best DLC. It’s not even close.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed [XB/PS/PC]:
![40 Minutes of Co-op gameplay in Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed! - [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fvhyqg_VoqGE%2F0.jpg)
A modern take on the ghostly classic, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed is fun and easy to pick up 4-versus-1 multiplayer game. After a rift has opened to the spirit world, countless ghosts have come pouring through to cause havoc and haunt various locations. With citizens in peril, it’s time to return to the firehouse once again to don the proton pack. Players can team up with friends or family to create their very own ghostbuster to take on the threat, or get in touch with your spooky side as the ghost and create chaos. Whichever way you choose to play, there’s fun to be had in this homage to a classic franchise.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force [XB/PS/PC]:
Star Ocean: The Divine Force brings the franchise back in a big way. You’ll explore huge areas of planet Aster IV and the stars beyond as either Captain Raymond or Princess Laeticia, with each protagonist emphasizing sci-fi or fantasy respectively. It starts off real slow, but if you stick it out you’ll encounter lovable characters and a fast paced combat system that’s very addicting. If you’ve never touched the franchise before, this is a great place to start.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim [PS/SWITCH]:
One of gaming’s best sci-fi stories comes to Switch. Through the eyes of 13 teenagers, you’ll uncover how each of their stories connect, travel through time, and battle aliens in giant robots. Vanillaware’s gorgeous art style is at its best here, and is a perfect fit for the OLED Switch.
Plus VR!
Resident Evil 4 VR [Quest 2]:
![Resident Evil 4 VR Gameplay - Quest 2 [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FFsewFWX0t-k%2F0.jpg)
Resident Evil 4 in VR is an amazing experience for fans, if you can handle it, that is. While the game offers teleport movement options, it’s basically useless so you’ll need an iron stomach to get through this action horror classic. Aside from that, this is a fantastic conversion that makes you feel very cool while you probably look ridiculous in real life. It includes the full campaign and mercenaries mode too, so this is one of the most substantial VR titles out there.
Moss Book II [PC/Quest 2/PSVR]:
Quill returns in her biggest adventure yet. In this unique VR adventure, you guide the tiny mouse through detailed environments, using her sword skills and your ability to manipulate objects to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. On top of being adorable, Moss is my favorite use of VR so far, offering something unique, interesting, and easy to understand along with a touching story.
Demeo [PC/Quest 2/PSVR2*]:
It’s hard to overstate just how well Demeo takes board gaming and melds them with virtual reality. Using cards to unleash your attacks, you’ll have multiple characters to build up, and brand new levels to tackle thanks to an ever-expanding list of expansion modules. You won’t have to wait long to play it on consoles either – it’s coming to PSVR2 early next year*!
Marvel’s Iron Man VR [Quest 2/PSVR]:
![Marvel's Iron Man VR on Meta Quest 2 - First 30 minutes [Gaming Trend]](https://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FUUmXeAX7jDY%2F0.jpg)
Power fantasy is the whole reason we play VR, and it doesn’t get much better than becoming your own superhero. In Iron Man VR for Meta Quest 2, we break free of the constraints of the previous PSVR version, able to turn 360 degrees, and with better tracking, making this the definitive edition of the title. It’s the easiest recommendation for the hardware as it’s nausea free, loads instantly, and is a downright blast to play. Check out our full review to see the game in motion, but know that once you get in the suit you ARE Iron Man.
Liteboxer VR [Quest 2]:
It’s hard to stay in shape. We all have busy lives, so finding time to head to the gym can be a chore. Conventional wisdom is that you should get in 30 minutes of workout four times a week, and Lightboxer VR can help fill that. Offering a physical version with a huge set of targets, or those same targets in visual form, Lightboxer VR pairs you up with virtual coaches and a HUGE list of popular music. Better still, there’s new content being added on a very regular basis, so you’ll have plenty of tracks to keep you moving.
David Burdette is a gamer/writer/content creator from TN and Lead Editor for Gaming Trend. He loves Playstation, Star Wars, Marvel, and many other fandoms. He also plays way too much Call Of Duty. You can chat with him on Twitter @SplitEnd89.
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