3. ReFantazio: A Tale of Hope and Change Score 94

ReFantazio, a role-playing game developed by Studio Zero and published by Sega, transports players to the fantastical realm of Euchronia. This kingdom, once a beacon of hope, is now marred by corruption, racism, and exploitation. Players take on the role of a young protagonist from the marginalized Elda tribe, thrust into a perilous quest to save the kingdom.

The game’s narrative is shaped by player choices, allowing for multiple outcomes and influencing the fate of both the protagonist and the kingdom itself. The combat system blends real-time and turn-based elements, while the “Archetype” system adds strategic depth, enabling players to develop skills, form powerful combinations, and adapt to challenging battles.

Exploration is a key component of ReFantazio, with players venturing through vast dungeons and diverse landscapes. Time management and relationship-building also play significant roles in the gameplay, emphasizing the bonds between the ruler and their supporters over traditional romantic relationships.

ReFantazio’s manga-style visuals and the iconic soundtrack composed by Shoji Meguro create a captivating gaming experience. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

4. Final Fantasy VIII Rebirth Score 92

6. UFO 50 score 91

UFO 50 is a unique retro-style indie game collection featuring 50 distinct games across various genres, including platformers, shooters, puzzle games, RPGs, and more. The collection was developed by a team of five indie developers, including Derek Yu, creator of Spelunky. Each game is designed to evoke the charm of 8-bit classics but with modernized gameplay mechanics and twists.

Key Features:

• Diverse Games: The collection spans a variety of genres, offering something for everyone.
• Retro Aesthetic: Graphics, soundtracks, and design are inspired by classic 8-bit consoles.
• Single and Multiplayer Modes: Many games support multiplayer for up to 4 players.
• Deep Content: While each game is smaller in scale, most offer hours of gameplay, with a total playtime estimated at 100+ hours.

UFO 50 is intended to feel like a collection of games from a fictional 1980s studio, emphasizing nostalgia and creative gameplay ideas.

7. animal well Score 91

Animal Well is an atmospheric pixel-art exploration platformer developed by solo indie developer Billy Basso and published by Bigmode, a game publishing company co-founded by YouTuber Dunkey (Jason Gastrow). The game emphasizes exploration, mystery, and a blend of serene and unsettling environments.

Key Features:

• Exploration and Discovery: The player navigates a labyrinthine world filled with secrets, puzzles, and hidden interactions.
• Pixel Art Aesthetic: Features detailed, vibrant pixel art with a focus on lighting and particle effects that create a rich and immersive visual style.
• No Combat Focus: Instead of traditional combat, the game challenges players to solve puzzles and use creative problem-solving to progress.
• Non-Linear Gameplay: Encourages curiosity, as players uncover new paths and tools that can be used in unexpected ways.
• Atmospheric Sound Design: Combines tranquil and eerie sounds to enhance the mood.

The game’s primary appeal lies in its sense of wonder and the encouragement of experimentation. It invites players to discover secrets at their own pace, making every playthrough feel personal and unique. Animal Well is set to release on PlayStation 5 and PC.

Balatro: A High-Stakes Poker-Inspired Roguelike

Balatro is a unique blend of poker and roguelike mechanics, offering a strategic and addictive gameplay experience. Players build powerful decks by combining valid poker hands with special Joker cards, unlocking diverse strategies and devastating combos.

The game challenges players to earn chips, overcome increasing difficulty levels, and ultimately defeat formidable bosses. As you progress, you’ll uncover hidden bonus hands and decks, adding depth and replayability to the experience.

With its captivating design and engaging gameplay, Balatro is a must-play for fans of strategic card games and roguelikes. Developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack, the game is set to release on February 20, 2024, for Xbox consoles, including Xbox Cloud Gaming.

10. The Last of US Part II Score 90

The Last of Us Part II is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It is the sequel to The Last of Us (2013) and was released on June 19, 2020, exclusively for PlayStation 4.

Key Features:

• Story: Set five years after the first game, it follows Ellie on a journey of revenge and personal discovery in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a fungal infection. The narrative is emotionally intense, exploring themes of morality, vengeance, and the human condition.
• Gameplay: Offers third-person action with a mix of stealth, exploration, and combat. Players can craft items, upgrade weapons, and use strategic approaches to face enemies.
• World and Design: Features stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and detailed environments ranging from Seattle to snow-covered rural areas.
• Dual Protagonists: The story is told through the perspectives of both Ellie and Abby, adding complexity to the narrative.

The game received praise for its storytelling, graphics, and performances but sparked debates among fans over its divisive plot. It has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year (2020) at The Game Awards.

11. Thank Goodness You’re Here! Score 90