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The game starts with a single machine landing on a pristine planet. Next comes a drill made from iron mined with my own hands. Within a few hours, the Earth is filled with neatly arranged (or not) extraction equipment and conveyor belts, machines humming pleasantly to produce an endless variety of objects. It might be a corporate strip mining simulator, but it’s incredibly addicting.
PS4/5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Similar to the best British comedies, this slapstick puzzle game ends with a touch of unease. Playing as a small traveling salesman in a Viz-scented northern town, you explore the strange problems faced by its residents (such as a boy with a milk phobia, dubious pie meat, and food stolen by sentient rats). Always intriguing.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch
This cleverly self-referential horror game is set in a gruesome theme park that incorporates classic ’90s genres and a fuzzy polygonal aesthetic. The detailed setting of Twisted Fairground unfolds the mysteries of Crow Country over time, leading to a bold ending that is truly worth the journey.
smartphone
Initially appearing as a manipulatively compelling card-collecting mobile game with various arcane currencies, this game surprises with its balance, speed, and fun factor during battles. It encourages creative deck building and creature combinations, allowing players to add their unique twist to the game.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC
This adventure game takes a dark turn when a séance in a high school library goes awry. An enjoyable homage to ’90s horror in movies and games, it presents a heartfelt, metaphorical story without excessive gore, making it accessible even to non-gamers who enjoy horror.
PS5, PC (2025)
Building on the foundation of 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, Rebirth offers a bigger, richer, and more beautiful world for Cloud Strife and his friends to explore. Packed with fan service, this game delves into beloved characters and stories from gaming history, providing a maximalist experience for fans.
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Despite its title suggesting a magical special operations team using spells and time-rewinding powers to destroy enemy territory, this game surprises with a quietly radical story that questions the morality of the military shooter genre it’s based on, offering great characterization and depth.
PS5, Xbox, PC
An exceptional modern fighting game, polished in every aspect. With new fighters joining the iconic Tekken roster, players can engage in thrilling matches between martial artists, cyborgs, demons, and even giant bears, making for exciting battles that keep players on the edge of their seats.
PS4/5, PC, Nintendo Switch
Invite into an apparently empty, abandoned baroque hotel by an artist, this game challenges players to use their minds to solve custom-made puzzles and unravel a chaotic timeline. With a mix of mystery and style, it offers a truly ambitious puzzle game experience.
PS5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch
Explore the underground maze filled with pixelated animals in search of a snack. Despite its creepiness, the game’s quiet beauty shines through with luminescent plants and atmospheric sounds, creating an exquisitely clever and immersive experience.
Xbox, PC
Embark on an adventure as an archaeologist exploring recreations of the 1940s Vatican and the Pyramids of Giza, investigating ancient crypts, and facing off against Nazis. This game focuses more on puzzles, disguises, and exploration rather than combat, offering a unique take on the genre.
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Immerse yourself in a collection of 50 games from the (fictional) 1980s game company UFO Soft, featuring retro aesthetics and creative gameplay styles. Each game offers a unique experience worth exploring, making this collection a generous offering for indie game enthusiasts.
PS5, PC
Engage in an original action game set in a flashy world inspired by Journey to the West. With gameplay akin to Devil May Cry and Dark Souls, this game takes players on a journey through Buddhist legends and stunning scenery, offering a unique gaming experience.
PS5, PC
In this hit shooter, four players land on a planet filled with insectoid aliens and embark on a mission to eradicate them. From the gunplay to the mission design, this game is designed to entertain, offering a mix of humor and action that leads to hilarious gameplay sessions with friends.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch
Experience the journey of a warrior and his wolf pup as they fight to repel a demon invasion and survive in a natural paradise. As the seasons progress, the wolves grow stronger, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant gaming experience.
PS5, Xbox, PC
Enter a pseudo-medieval fantasy world filled with challenges that require you to figure things out on your own. With a focus on exploration and problem-solving, this game offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience for those looking for adventure and intrigue.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC, Nintendo Switch, smartphone
One of the year’s breakout indie hits, this chillwave, psychedelic take on poker will keep you engaged for hours. Create unique hands with a transforming deck of cards and strive to achieve higher scores with each playthrough, making victory a tantalizing yet challenging goal.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC
Immerse yourself in extraordinary art direction, an operatic soundtrack, and theatrical battles between fantasy robots and monstrous creatures, delivering a powerful message of unity and acceptance. This epic role-playing game blends philosophical themes with intense combat and unique style.
PS4/5, Xbox, PC
Although not a direct sequel, Shadow of the Erdtree expands on FromSoftware’s dark fantasy world with new enemies and locations, adding a sense of danger and intrigue to an already exceptional game. This game revitalizes the gaming experience with new challenges and possibilities.
PS5
Join a cute blue and white robot and his numerous friends in a lively galaxy adventure with the help of quirky gadgets like a backpack monkey and a rocket-powered chicken. This original and adorable game showcases the fun and innovation possible with modern console technology.
Source: www.theguardian.com
