GAMERS DECIDE - best games to play

[Top 15] Most Immersive Games To Play in 2023

Alina Lazarte — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 20:44:21 +0000

15. Half-Life 2 - 2004 (PC / PS4 / XBOX)

Half-Life 2 is an FPS game that tells the story of the world after an alien invasion where humanity lost. Gordon Freeman, the main character, is the only survivor who can defeat the aliens. Half-Life 2 takes place after the events of Half-Life 1; the first immersive shooter. The story is truly fascinating. It combines interesting ideas like cosmic horror and surrealism.

If you think is too old to try, trust me, it isn't. Half-Life 2 is superior to many modern games and that is because of its immersive environment. The storytelling is subtle, almost as if it didn't have a story. You must put yourself in Gordon Freeman's shoes to understand what is happening. The game will not tell you directly what is going on. You see things, you experience them and then you understand them. The same goes for the gameplay; you can use objects in your environment that aren't pointed out in the scenario. That's the magic of Half-Life 2, you have to experience the game as if it was real life.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Gordon Freeman, our main character dressed in his classic suit. The creature behind him is seen in the game several times and it's annoying.

14. Mafia II - 2011 (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / PC)

Mafia II puts us in the skin of Vito Scaletta, a Sicilian immigrant. The game is located in Empire Bay, a fictional city inspired by New York during the 50s. The Mafia II world is stunning. The level of interaction with the environment is mind-blowing as well as the number of details. You can do things and experience certain situations in a way that no other game has done. Purposely done as a realistic game, it fulfills the expectations very nicely.

The game's narrative is what makes it wonderful. It would make you feel like you're Vito having a natural conversation with your brother or walking in the streets and helping someone fix their car. The storytelling flows so very well with the real world that is just one of the most immersive games I've played. The story is worth every second that you spend playing Mafia II.

It also has been remastered. Meaning you can play the new edition of the game with better graphics and improved general gameplay.

Fun factor score: 95/100

Joe Barbaro at your left and Vito at your right. Joe is such an endearing character.

13. Metro: Last Light - 2014 (PS3 / PS4 / Nintendo Switch / XBOX / PC)

After the events of Metro 2033, our main character Artyom is sent to kill one of the mutant creatures remaining alive. This FPS game is directly influenced by Half-Life. Although is a continuation of Metro 2033 the game can be played and understood perfectly without playing Metro 2033.

The gameplay mechanics add an interesting sense of realism as well as the design of the scenarios. Oh, and the soundtrack is an important immersive factor that Metro knew exactly how to handle. With the combination of stealth, shooting, and advanced mechanics, Metro: Last Light is one of those games that you should not skip. The best part of it is the design of the mutants. Each creature has its abilities. To win the game in high difficulty you should study the creatures to know how to fight them. Always take your time to analyze the possibilities of each scenario.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A sinister image of what remained of the Metro and the people who were there.

12. Mad Max - 2015 (PS4 / XBOX / PC)

Mad Max is an open-world action game inspired by the homonymous movie. It's the story of Max, a man living in a post-apocalyptic world who relies on his car for survival. His car gets stolen by some creatures and the story begins. If you like driving games you'll like Mad Max. As for the immersion it's mostly focused on the progression of Max and the car.

This game has one of the most fun elements in combat which is the driving factor. But it's quite repetitive and it can get boring after a while.

Fun factor score: 70/100

Max’s deathly car with the crazy dude using a flamethrower. A deathly punk ride.

11. BioShock (PS3 / PS4 / XBOX / PC / Nintendo Switch)

The best utopic world is that of Rapture, the city where we immerse ourselves in the BioShock trilogy. This game mixes aspects of stealth, role, and survival horror in one FPS. Saying this is just a small part of the BioShock experience. This game's world is magnificent. Everything feels organic. Political, economic, and even moral aspects will accompany the player in the city of Rapture. BioShock has a unique narrative which makes this game a perfectly immersive experience. Your decisions matter to the story and there can be three possible endings. This masterpiece is so well designed that even the oldest game is still worth playing in 2023. An original unforgettable experience.

Fun factor score: 100/100

The player can mix common weapons and special skills to face the enemies.

10. The Witcher 3 - 2015 (PS4 / XBOX / PC)

This game is an immense world full of mysteries, easter eggs, and influences to be discovered. The Witcher is an open-world RPG oriented to action and fantasy. Is filled with references that only some have found out. Like the reference to Leroy Jenkins (from the WoW meme) in a letter. These little details make The Witcher a wonderfully immersive experience. Although the story is set around a mission that doesn't go along with the game's huge world, it doesn't take away the nice part of it.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Ciri and Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, having a chat under the comfort of a tree.

9. Alien: Isolation - 2014 (PS3 / PS4 / XBOX / PC / Android / Nintendo Switch)

Alien: Isolation is a survival horror with stealth mechanics. Set in Sevastopol, a station ship in outer space. The game focuses on one single alien who will be hunting you down. You'll have to survive to achieve your goal. The first feeling you get is tension and claustrophobia because you can't kill the Alien and you’re locked with it in a spaceship.

The AI of the alien is quite advanced. The Xenomorph is unpredictable and it learns things like where you hide and your smell, just like a predator. The tension of knowing that the Alien is hunting you while you're trying to reach your objective is very well created. The dark atmosphere and the level of attention you have to pay to survive the predator make this game a magnificent immersive experience. The Alien is one of the most formidable enemies ever created. Its design is imposing, creepy, and majestic.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Look at this capture, that thing follows you all over a ship and wants to kill you. How threatening is that?

8. Dishonored - 2012 (PS3 / PS4 / XBOX / PC)

Stealth games are by nature the immersion kings and Dishonored is one of the bests. We will be impersonating Corvo Attano, a Royal Protector accused and wanted for the assassination of Empress Jessamine and the kidnapping of her daughter Emily. But Corvo is innocent and now he must rescue Emily and restore order in Dunwall.

Dishonored has a linear story with nice gameplay that adapts to your style. Being creative is an aspect that makes the game enjoyable. Besides, the abilities of stealth that the player has are unique and very well-developed. This is a one-of-a-kind game worth the hours of gameplay it has.

Fun factor score: 100/100

A wallpaper where the assassin is moving through the shadows without being noticed by the Tallboys behind.

7. The Elder Scrolls V -2016 (PS4 / PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / PC / Nintendo Switch)

The legendary Skyrim. One of the greatest games ever made with the most memorable NPC behavior. Skyrim is to me the perfect RPG open-world game. There are thousands of quests, dungeons, and enemies to face. One of the cool things about it is that the skills of your character are something you get while playing. Unlike most RPG games where you decide if your character is going to be a mage or a warrior right at the beginning.

Skyrim has a story that can be followed or not. You decide what you want and how you play it. The freedom of choice is one of the most well-developed I've seen in a game. You can even have a relationship with any NPC you encounter. The world of Skyrim is inexhaustible and the amount of fun you can have with its random stuff is fantastic.

Fun factor score: 100/100

You can carry a weapon of your choice and use powerful spells to defeat your enemies. Here is a big dragon about to test your skills.

6. Visage (P.T. aesthetics) - 2020 (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / PC)

The spiritual successor of the P.T. game that was never released, Visage is a psychological horror game. The slow gameplay and the dark atmosphere make this game one of the greatest horror games ever made. Visage begins with a very intense scene that will be enough to get your attention. Your goal is to simply understand what is going on. The game plays around concepts like fear of the unknown and uncertainty. It will not tell you what to do or where to go. It is you who will have to decide the next move. Visage is no common game. The story, mechanics, ambient, and design of each scenario are the perfect combination for a horror game. Immersion is guaranteed during the whole experience. You'll have to pay close attention to everything around you to solve the puzzles and survive.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Just a weird sheet with a human shape. Surely something nobody wants to see in their houses in the middle of the night.

5. The Last Guardian - 2016 (PS4)

This is one of the most beautiful and fun games I've seen. A relaxing and touching experience that will leave you breathless. The Last Guardian is a third-person game that mixes elements of action, adventure, and puzzles. The player will be controlling a kid whose friend is a creature called "Trico". The inspiration for this title was taken from Shadow of the Colossus, which is another reason to consider playing this game.

The game reflects the emotional experience of having a pet. Trico behaves naturally like a cat or a dog. This provokes empathy in the player and other feelings like understanding and love. The communication between Trico and the kid (the player) is non-verbal: emotional understanding. The art design is gorgeous, everything is made carefully with a clear intention. An unforgettable experience. A unique piece that, if you're sensitive like me, it'll surely have you in tears.

Fun factor score: 90/100

Trico and the kid when they first meet. As you can see the kid has his body tattooed with many different symbols.

4. Little Nightmares - 2017 (PS4 / XBOX / PC / Nintendo Switch)

This absolute beauty called Little Nightmares is an atmospheric platformer. And a visual spectacle. The player will control Six, a kid who's trapped in The Maw. This vast vessel is inhabited by creatures that will try to hunt Six as you help her escape. The music and artistic design of this game are key to putting you in the shoes of Six.

Exploring this world is a high dose of fun and horror. The creatures and scenarios are unique. The game wants to provoke a connection with your inner child's fears since everything you see is designed according to this. Little Nightmares is very simple, the puzzles aren't complicated. You only need to focus and survive. The greatness of the game resides in the dark heavy atmosphere waiting for you at each step.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Six and a friend in a giant bathroom. Careful, we don’t know what lies behind the curtains. This scene is a reference to a classic: The Shining.

3. Ghost of Tsushima - 2020 (PS4 / PS5)

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game RPG filled with action and adventure. A game inspired by Japanese culture, where you'll be embodying Jin Sakai; A samurai who survived the first Mongol invasion in Tsushima. Jin will be in charge of retrieving Tsushima and defeating the Mongols while he learns skills that will lead him to his new identity: The Ghost of Tsushima.

The magical atmosphere of this game is hypnotic. Every landscape is a new experience. The mechanical aspects of combat are complex. Battles can be pretty hard to make the game highly challenging. Jin can use a katana and a bow to fight. He can become skilled with the weapon he prefers. The player can also use stealth tactics. Unlike most open-world games, there are no repetitive quests. Instead, there are unique quests that make the exploration much more immersive and realistic.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Look at this magnificent landscape filled with flowers resembling a blood lake. Astonishing!

2. Amnesia: The Bunker - 2023 (PC / PS4 / XBOX)

Amnesia is the king of survival horror experiences. Insanity is the word that bests describe Amnesia. The level of immersion in this game is insane. Everything is done to keep you inside the game. Amnesia: The Bunker is a first-person game set in a First World War bunker. Similar to the idea of Alien Isolation; You're locked inside a bunker and there's a creature hunting you down. The monster is scared of light but it can listen to every step you take. You must keep your sanity to escape the bunker. Unlike the previous Amnesia games, The Bunker comes with more mechanics and physics. Survival depends on how well you can deal with pressure. The developers certainly wanted to make the player feel uncomfortable and they did it greatly.

Fun factor score: 100/100

Yes, that's a grenade. And yes it explodes. In The Bunker, you can also carry a gun and other useful weapons and tools.

1. Outer Wilds - 2020 (PS4 / PS5 / XBOX / PC / Nintendo Switch)

The perfect game. A cosmical experience. Beyond everything you have ever seen before. In simple words, the game is about exploring outer space. You're a creature somewhere in the cosmos, and you're about to travel in your spaceship.

If you haven't played it, I suggest you stop reading and go to play. It is a deeply personal experience.

There are no guidance tutorials in the universe of Outer Wilds, you learn while exploring. The formula of trial and error is an important aspect. Discovering other planets, traveling in space with all its astronomical objects waiting for you to find them. A meaningful game, delightful in all its ways. The quintessential immersive experience.

Fun factor score: 1000000/100

Take a close look at this capture. It’s a weird planet with waterspouts/tornadoes all over it. Doesn’t look human-friendly.

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[Top 27] Best AAA Games To Play Today (Ranked Fun to Most Fun)

Noobverest — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 01:00:22 +0000

27. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege – Year Released December 1st, 2015 (PC, PS4, XONE, PS5, XSX/S).

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® Siege gameplay - Solar Raid new operator

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Siege is a tactical, first-person shooter with an emphasis on teamwork and tactical play. Knowledge is the key to victory, by mastering the map layouts, characters, and vantage points you will enjoy the highest level of tactical shooter gameplay in modern gaming. The game might be a bit difficult when you start, but as you learn the mechanics you find that Six Siege offers you experiences that you can’t find elsewhere and that’s part of the charm

Choose this game if you like:

Tactical gameplay
Teamwork
Attack & Defense game modes

The game heavily revolves around teamwork and tactical gameplay – the placement of gadgets and traps heavily impact your chances of victory. The game features Attack & Defense game modes where you either eliminate all enemies or attack/defend the objective.

Six Siege has been out for a while, but even after 7 years the game is still well-populated and receiving regular updates to keep the arena fresh and dynamic. Six Siege is looking promising and they’re introducing a new character to the roster to spice up the gameplay, there’s a lot of life left in it yet!

Players getting ready to charge in after tearing down the wall in Rainbow Six Siege

26. Sea of Thieves – Year Released March 20th, 2018 (PC, XONE, XSX/S)

Sea of Thieves Gameplay

Sea of Thieves is a co-op, first-person, PVP multiplayer game where you role-play as a pirate that ventures into the sea to look for treasure or other ships to sink. You can sail in a team of 4 or set out alone and complete quests or voyages from different companies – the end goal is to become a Pirate Legend. The game offers an equal playground, meaning that no matter how long you’ve played, everyone is on the same playing field (except for knowledge of game mechanics) – money & levels are only for cosmetic upgrades

Choose this game if you like:

ARRGHHH!! Being a pirate
Hanging out with the boys
PVP Ship battles

The game offers a wide range of activities from PVP, Skeleton hunting, Treasure hunting, animal hunting and fishing. There are cool tricks like using your Cutlass to launch yourself forward in the water so you can board enemy ships fast, or storing your puke so you can use it to blind enemies! Death isn’t very consequential in this game when you die you can easily be revived – you might lose that voyage’s worth of loot but that’s it. If you want casual fun, Sea of Thieves is the perfect game!

A player is attacking a ship in an attempt to sink it and loot some sweet booty

25. Doom Eternal – Year Released March 20th, 2020 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S, Switch)

Doom Eternal Gameplay Trailer

Doom Eternal is a fast-paced, high-tension first-person shooter and the sequel to the hit 2016 reboot. Introducing new gameplay elements to the game such as dashing, and destructible demons - the Doom Slayer is back again to take on the demonic forces of hell.

Choose this game if you like:

Fast-paced “push-forward” first-person shooter
Great music that builds tension during action-packed moments
Amazing visuals, gore, and sci-fi weapons

One of my personal favourites, Doom Eternal is another great game for the franchise, rewarding players that are aware of their surroundings and can react quickly to environmental hazards as well as off-screen enemies. Doom Eternal keeps you on your tippy toes! One of the best things about Doom Eternal is the soundtrack, when the tracks kick in & when it closes out – perfection. The game has generous checkpoints too, so even if you die a reset is never too far away so it never feels unfair.

The doom guy getting ready to rip these two demons apart

24. Dota 2 – Year Released July 9th, 2013 (PC)

Dota 2 Gamescon trailer

DOTA 2 is a MOBA where 2 teams of 5 players choose a hero and go up against each other to take down the opposing team’s ”Ancient”. The game is a real-time strategy game where you control your hero in a top-down view and cooperate with your team to execute high-level plays.

Choose this game if you like:

MOBA
Teamwork or Dominating as a pro-hyper carry
Map awareness and multitasking

The game is a competitive MOBA which has an arguably high skill-level ceiling compared to other MOBA games. Denying creeps (and the enemy team of gold) is one of the major early-game strategies, and essential to winning the lane. If you play as a hyper carry character, given enough early game lead you can essentially destroy another team singlehandedly, so keeping an eye out for team stats, stopping an enemy’s kill streak, and map awareness is key to succeeding in DOTA 2. DOTA 2 has a strong ESports scene and gets regular updates so there are lots to come!

The enemy team is destroying a tower on the bottom lane

23. Destiny 2 – Year Released September 6th, 2017 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S)

Destiny 2 – Witch Queen Launch Trailer

Destiny 2 is a free-to-play online multiplayer first-person shooter game. The game features PVE, PVP, and PVPVE modes and 6-player raids so there’s lots to do and rewards for each kind of playstyle so you don’t have to worry about missing out for not enjoying PVP or PVE.

Choose this game if you like:

Sci-fi world blended with magic
Online Multiplayer
First-person shooter with top-notch gunplay

The game has a sizable amount of content available as free-to-play and the gunplay is top-notch. You get a kick out of using each gun as it sounds great and the kick-back animations are intricately designed. Each player controls a Guardian which depending on the class, has different customizations and skills and you can gear your guardian to adjust how you want to play. Destiny 2 releases a new expansion annually and a seasonal battle pass. The next expansion pack is Destiny 2: Lightfall launching on February 28, 2023

The player is facing off against one of the enemies in Destiny 2’s Witch Queen Expansion pack

22. God of War Ragnarok – Year Released November 9th, 2022 (PS4/PS5)

God of War Ragnarok State of Play 2022

God of war Ragnarok is an action RPG and the sequel to God of War (2018), which completes Kratos’s journey in the Norse saga. The game feels familiar yet different with improvements in the skill tree over the last game. You’ll find more of the same satisfying combat, balancing between attacking and blocking/parrying.

Choose this game if you like:

Action gameplay – once you master it you’ll feel like the God of War
A fulfilling journey to the end of the God of War saga in the Nordic Mythology
Exploring vastly different regions – each realm is unique

Sony’s latest PS4/5 exclusive highlights what the PS5 can do. This system seller maintains high FPS throughout the game while having stunning visuals. The combat is fluid, there are a lot of options to customize how you want to play, and numerous armour sets to pick from. The game brings in atmospheric storytelling, with the dialogue amongst Mimir, Arteus, and Kratos building onto the setting so you get a sense of how the characters are changing, and developing as you play through their journey.

Kratos faces off with a Dreki, a deadly crocodile enemy.

21. Cyberpunk 2077 – Year Released December 10th, 2020 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/XSS)

Cyberpunk 2077 Next-Gen Gameplay

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world single-player first-person action RPG set in a cyberpunk future where people are enhanced with cybernetics. You are V; a mercenary who is fighting for control over your own body as you are being erased by a deceased celebrity that got into your cybernetic brain.

Choose this game if you like:

First-person shooters
Free roam – open-world adventure games
Action RPGs with lots of customization

The visuals in this game are breathtaking given that you either have a next-gen console, or a powerful PC. Coming from Witcher 3, the gameplay is kind of familiar – CP2077 offers a huge expansive world with more side content to do than you know what to deal with, lots of customizations, and stats to build for a specialized build. You get to see some crazy things in this game, and some builds can lead to some funny outcomes so you’ll never get bored!

The game had a rocky launch but has since received numerous updates to optimization. A new paid DLC expansion is expected to arrive sometime in 2023, as well as a Game of the Year edition (which may include the DLC)

The player is shooting an enemy NPC with a shotgun but seems to have missed so the enemy didn’t die and is now shooting back

20. Batman: Arkham Knight – Year Released June 23rd, 2015 (PC, PS4, XONE)

Batman: Arkham Knight Gameplay Trailer

Batman is an open-world action-adventure game and the third & final game of the Batman Arkham series. Arkham Knight brings back your caped vigilante to protect Gotham City with gadgets and gameplay elements from the previous games. The game also introduces the Batmobile, in addition to faster gliding and transversal options giving a speedy experience.

Choose this game if you like:

BATMAN
Fluid free-flow combat with strikes, dodges, counters and gadget slinging
Collectibles – because there’s a lot of them
Puzzles

Arkham Knight introduces a beautifully crafted world for you to explore as the Dark knight. The combat is great - fluid and each strike you land feels impactful, there are lots of upgrades so your game never stops staying fresh. The game also has a New Game+ so you can replay the game with gadgets, and abilities unlocked. Highly recommended for all Batman fans, or even just fans of superhero games – Arkham Knight won’t disappoint!

Batman glides around Gotham City

19. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI – Year Released October 21st, 2016 (PC, PS4, XONE, Android, iOS, Mac, Switch)

Civ 6 – Launch Trailer

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a turn-based strategy 4X game where you control a civilization from an early settlement. Through millennia of struggle and triumph, the goal is to emerge as a world superpower through warfare, development, or culture.

Choose this game if you like:

History
Turn-based strategy game
Carefully planned gameplay – like chess, you need to plan your moves out

To succeed at Civ 6, you need to maintain a balance between income, growth, and necessities. The game offers complex strategies and different approaches to secure victory – so if you enjoy a game that’s highly strategic and replayable – look no further! It’s the same Civilization that you know and love, except more!

Civilization VI player with another civilization about to face off

18. Assassin's Creed® Odyssey – Year Released October 5th, 2018 (PC, PS4, XONE, Switch)

Assassin's Creed® Odyssey Official World Premiere Trailer

Assassin's Creed® Odyssey is an open-world third person action-RPG set in the mythological history of the Peloponnesian war between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 422 BC. Assassin’s creed is back this time in Ancient Greece, featuring sea travel, mythical monsters, and more. This is Ubisoft’s second take at making an RPG-based Assassin’s creed, improving upon Assassin’s creed Origin.

Choose this game if you like:

Action RPGs
Greece Mythology
Assassin’s Creed

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is like a homage to Homer’s Odyssey. As you explore Greece, you will find mythical beasts synonymous with those described in the epic. The game offers solid gameplay, upgrades, and equipment options to fully customize your playstyle to your liking. Be it an invincible tank, a relentless archer, or a debuffer – the options are only limited by your imagination.

Alexios Spartan kicks a soldier during a battleground

17. Monster Hunter Rise – Year Released March 26th, 2021 (PC, Switch, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S)

Monster Hunter Rise – Steam / PC Trailer

Monster Hunter Rise is an action rpg where you slay, capture large monsters with weapons, and tools. The goal of the game is to successfully hunt monsters so you can harvest materials off them and create stronger and better equipment so you can hunt stronger monsters and rank up.

Choose this game if you like:

Action games where you can take on a giant monster
Games with up to a team of 4
Monster Hunter series

Monster Hunter Rise introduces wirebug and silkbind mechanics. Wirebugs give you an extra layer of movement and silk bind are skills you can equip to change up the weapon move sets. The additional skills are great and the extra mobility allows you to pull off some crazy maneuvers. There’s also a new ridable Palamute companion and the Palicoes you know and love. Coming from Monster Hunter world - Rise is a faster, and flashier rendition of Monster Hunter, though graphically it may be slightly less impressive, the gameplay improvements more than makeup for it. If you love Monster Hunter, you’ll love Monster Hunter Rise!

Monster Hunter: Rise has an expansion pack - Sunbreak, and will also be getting a next-gen console release early 2023 with updated resolution and other enhancements.

A Hunter taking on a Magnamalo alongside their trusty Palamute and Palicoe

16. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy – Year Released October 26th, 2021 (PC, Switch, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S)

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Launch Trailer

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is an action-adventure game which features Peter Quill / Star-Lord and his team on yet another adventure. Keeping the same mood as the movies you embark on another journey across the galaxy getting into trouble and solving problems just as often.

Choose this game if you like:

Action games with an emphasis on shooting
“not-so-serious” game with light humor – like borderlands!
Fan of Star-Lord – the game very closely resonates with the character from the movies

The game puts a huge emphasis on teamwork, as each character on the team has the ability to help out against enemies. To master the combat system, you need to keep an eye on cooldowns, while building up your momentum gauge. Once the momentum gauge is maxed the Guardians get together for a team huddle, and if successful – grants bonuses to Star-Lord & the team. A solid Marvel game – if you like superhero games, give it a shot!

Star-Lord and his team (plus a Lamma)

15. Tomb Raider (2013) – Year Released March 5th, 2013 (PC, PS3/4, X360, XONE, OSX, Linux)

Tomb Raider Official game trailer

Tomb Raider (2013) is a reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise starring Lara Croft. Tomb Raider is a third-person action-adventure game with exploration and survival elements. There are upgrades to skills & abilities as well as equipment (such as increasing arrow and ammo storage capacity). Choose this game if you like:

Third-personon narrative games
Tomb Raider series
Nice graphics

You are introduced to Lara Croft on her first journey with her friends, and then everything starts to go wrong. She has to adapt and survive to get out of her predicament and even kill for her very first time. Tomb Raider delivers a careful balance between action & combat. With access to upgrades and different approaches during fights, it never becomes a dull moment. A great reboot if there ever was one!

Lara zip lining to safety

14. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker – Year Released December 7th, 2021 (PC, PS4/5, macOS)

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Full Trailer

Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is the fourth expansion pack for the Online MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV. It is a standalone pack, a complete edition to bring closure to the game’s long arc finally ending the Final Fantasy 14 story.

Choose this game if you like:

MMORPG – FF14 is probably one of the best ones out there
Final Fantasy Franchise & Job system
Story-driven MMO – it’s heavily involved in world & character building with long cut scenes

FF14 offers a complete MMORPG experience – PVE, PVP arenas, Raids, end-game content, and even housing so you can put all of your collectibles and efforts on display. The unique selling point FF 14 is the ability to level up all professions and jobs with a single character – you never have to make alt characters or cycle through different classes. So if you like investing time into a single game and want lots to do – FF 14 would be an excellent choice!

A reaper attacking an enemy

13. Minecraft – Year Released November 18th, 2011 (PC, PS3/4, X360, XONE, Android, iOS, MacOS, Apple TV, Wii U, Switch, NDS, PS Vita, Fire OS)

Official Minecraft Trailer

Minecraft is a sandbox game where you are limited by only your own imagination. A game suitable for all ages where you can embark on a solo adventure or play with friends with the world as your playground.

Choose this game if you like:

Creating your own world
Free-unhinged gameplay with no fixed objective
Fun with others

Minecraft is as fun as you want it to be - if you enjoy building, creating traps and gadgets, this game is for you! Despite being released over a decade ago, it continues to receive regular updates, so the game will never get stale. It's always changing and evolving, providing endless opportunities for creativity and exploration.

A look at the Minecraft world

12. Grand Theft Auto Online – Year Released October 1st, 2013 (PC, PS3/4/5, XONE, X360, XSX/S)

GTA 5 & GTA Online Launch Trailer

Grand Theft Auto Online is an online multiplayer action-adventure game set in the city of Los Santos. The player (you) starts off on a journey to build a criminal empire to amass the most wealth and take on the toughest heists of all time.

Choose this game if you like:

Open-world adventure games
Grand theft auto
Getting rich (in a game)

It’s a real-life simulation game that gives you the freedom to do whatever you want. You can steal cars, buy cars, customize cars, blow up cars, run into people with a car and more. It’s harder to think about what you can’t do in GTA than what you can do!

Overview shot of Los Santos during the evening – yes there are day/night cycles!

11. Apex Legends – Year Released February 4th, 2019 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S, Switch, iOS, Android)

Apex Legends Gameplay Trailer

Apex legends is a free-to-play online multiplayer battle royale hero shooter. The game features an arena where squads of three players using characters with unique abilities called “Legends” battle it out to become the ultimate victor.

Choose this game if you like:

Battle Royales
FPS Shooters
Sci-fi setting

Apex is set in the future with high tech gadgets and energy shields. The game features sprint, slide, and climbing mechanics as well as Legend abilities that can grant additional movement options. Awareness and accuracy are key to victory here. For those that do not fancy Battle Royales but enjoy the gunplay – there’s also an Arena mode available, which is similar to Valorant/Counter Strike where you buy equipment and take turns to eliminate the other team.

A squad is shooting at enemies

10. The Elder Scrolls Online – Year Released April 4th, 2014 (PC, MacOS, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S)

The Elder Scrolls Online: Firesong Gameplay Trailer

The Elder Scrolls Online is an online multiplayer MMORPG set in the Elder Scrolls universe. If you’re a fan of Skyrim – then you will feel just right at home. The game is set in Tamriel during the second era before Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim.

Choose this game if you like:

MMORPG with action elements
Elder Scrolls universe
Customization options

Elder Scrolls Online offers different class options, equipment and talents to switch around and customize with. There are a lot of options you can choose from and the game continuously gets updated with new expansion pack releases so there’s always more to come. The game features action elements – you have to aim your attacks and dodge area-of-effect attacks so it’s much more interactive and exciting than your standard MMORPG.

Player gets ready to zap a boar

9. WoW Dragonflight – Year Released November, 28th, 2022 (PC, MacOS)

Launch Gameplay trailer Dragon Flight, World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft Dragonflight is the ninth expansion for the MMORPG World of Warcraft. This newest expansion introduced a revamped profession system and a new feature called Dragon riding, which allows you to raise, customize and ride a dragon. There is also new playable race called the Dracthyr which can use an exclusive (also new) class called the Evoker.

Choose this game if you like:

MMORPG with Lots of content
Classic MMORPG gameplay style with skill rotations
Raids!

The game has a rich history and a vast world to explore, so you can spend hours playing and discovering new things. There are many activities to engage in, such as gathering resources and crafting items, and you can choose to focus on levelling up or making gold. The game offers a variety of play styles, including player-versus-environment (PVE), player-versus-player (PVP), and raiding, so there's something for everyone. With the recent expansion, it's easier than ever to jump in and start playing - the quick start option with the evoker character allows new players to catch up quickly.

Red Dragonflight leader Alexstrasaza in her dragon form

8. XCOM 2 – Year Released February 5th, 2016 (PC, OSX, PS4, XONE, Switch, iOS, Android)

Xcom 2 Collection on the Nintendo Switch

XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactical strategy game where players control a military organization trying to fight off an alien invasion. The game features both combat and strategic elements, and it is the sequel to 2012's XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It takes place 20 years after the events of that game, where the player's team has lost the war and is now operating as a resistance force on occupied Earth.

Choose this game if you like:

Turn-based tactic games
Sci-fi/alien setting
Squad management

Xcom 2 is a game that rewards smart decision-making. Every choice you make has consequences, so you need to think carefully about your moves. If one of your units dies, it is permanently gone - this adds to the game's challenge and charm. If you enjoy a highly strategic game where your decisions matter, then this game is for you!

A player is planning on how they want to move their unit “Gretta Johnson”

7. Dying Light – Year Released January 27th, 2015 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S, Linux, MacOS, Switch)

Dying Light: Definitive Edition Trailer

Dying Light is a first-person survival horror game where you are an undercover agent sent to a quarantine zone called Harran. The game features an open-world environment, crafting make-shift weapons and gadgets as well as parkour movement.

Choose this game if you like:

Post-apocalyptic horror games
Open-world action-adventure
Fluid gameplay with parkour movement abilities

The game brings together free movement and parkour moves with action in a post-apocalyptic world where there are few guns remaining. The game focuses on creating makeshift weapons and DIY explosives. Zombies are a constant threat, and the game becomes especially exciting at night when more powerful and agile zombies emerge. Dying Light features an expansion pack which adds a dirt buggy for players to drive around and even more content to the game.

Going up against a volatile & other zombies

6. Genshin Impact – Year Released September 20th, 2020 (PC, PS4/5, Switch, Android, iOS)

Genshin Impact Sumeru Gameplay Trailer

Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action role-playing game with a “gacha” as one of the ways to get new characters. The game is a hybrid between a mobile game and an open-world game with an optional co-op system if you choose to play with others.

Choose this game if you like:

Anime-style character designs, beautiful landscapes with vastly different settings from Spring-like to Snowy mountains, from mystical forests to Sandy Desert
Open-world adventure game like Zelda: Breath of the wild
Gacha game where you accumulate characters, and resources to make them stronger in order to challenge harder content

The game is enjoyable to play due to its mechanics and the element system, which allows for different status effects and reactions. The character switch mechanic keeps the combat fast-paced and fresh. The recent Sumeru update introduced the Dendro element, increasing the number of elemental reactions and increasing the number of team compositions possible. Additionally, new characters are regularly introduced that can be used in combination with older characters, preventing power creep. There are always going to be more updates coming and it’s never too late to start playing!

The Traveler (Main Character) admiring the scenery

5. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered - Year Released Nov 12th, 2020 (PC, PS5)

Marvel’s Spider-man Remastered PC Trailer

Marvel’s Spider-man Remastered is an open-world action game where you play as the web-slinging superhero. In this game, players are introduced to a more experienced and skilled Peter Parker who has mastered fighting crime in New York City. However, he faces challenges in balancing his personal life and superhero responsibilities, as the fate of New York depends on him.

Choose this game if you like:

Superhero games – this is probably the best one in the last 3 years!
Spiderman IP – you really feel like Spiderman
Action games – combat is extremely refined

The game offers a variety of upgrades, skills, and suits, each with its own unique effects. It has a lot of mechanics that require attention, and the combat is satisfying. The player has access to a range of gadgets that are easy to obtain and useful for taking out enemies, so there is no need to save them for tougher encounters. The city always feels full of life as you swing around – it’s amazing how they made a city feel so alive without sacrificing the graphics.

Spiderman is getting ready to punch Rhino

4. Metro Exodus – Year Released February 15th, 2019 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S, Linux, macOS)

Metro Exodus PS5 Launch Trailer

In Metro Exodus, players take on the role of a survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland of the former Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The game combines elements of first-person shooter, survival horror, and stealth, and challenges players to cope with new hazards and engage in combat against mutated creatures and hostile humans. Players have access to a range of hand-made weapons that can be customized using scavenged materials and a crafting system. The game features a mix of linear levels and sandbox environments, as well as a dynamic weather system, a day-night cycle.

Choose this game if you like:

Post-apocalyptic setting
First-person shooter in an open-world environment
Metro setting – you get to revisit areas in part of the metro

Metro Exodus brings back more of the metro, in a post-apocalyptic world where you find out there is life outside of the Metro. The game features more of the same gunplay you love, with weapon customization and upgrades. The game takes place over the course of one year as you travel across the land – you make choices which have an impact on your journey.

Overview of one of the regions you explore – the game looks great!

3. The Last of Us Part II – Year Released June 19th, 2020 (PS4)

The Last of us II Official launch trailer

The Last of Us Part II is a third-person shooter action-adventure game. Set five years after the events of The Last of Us, the game follows two playable characters, Ellie and Abby, whose lives become intertwined in the post-apocalyptic United States. Ellie sets out on a mission of revenge while Abby becomes involved in a conflict between her militia and a religious cult. The game puts you in a struggle where the player has to fight human enemies and zombie-like creatures using firearms, improvised weapons, and stealth

Choose this game if you like:

Post-apocalyptic world
Satisfying gunplay, and lots of intense moments
Crafting & survival elements

The Last of Us Part II is the sequel to the amazing game The Last of Us. Featuring greater attention to detail, detailed environments, smarter & better ai – the game brings gaming to a whole new level. It’s this level of detailing and care that makes Sony exclusives hit harder than any other and The Last of Us Part II is a prime example to showcase the amount of care that developers put into a game.

Ellie playing guitar in a random room – really sets the mood of the game

2. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive – Year Released August 21st, 2012 (PC, MacOS, XONE, Linux)

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Trailer

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a first-person shooter where two teams, the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists, compete against each other in objective-based game modes. The most common modes involve the Terrorists planting a bomb while the Counter-Terrorists try to stop them, or the Counter-Terrorists attempting to rescue hostages held by the Terrorists. The game has nine official modes, each with unique characteristics. It also offers matchmaking support, allowing players to join dedicated servers run by Valve or community-hosted servers with custom maps and game modes.

Choose this game if you like:
Team-Objective based game
Classic FPS genre
High skill ceiling gameplay – to master the game you need to spend time getting used to the mechanics

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is a classic shooter that brings solid gameplay. Those who spend time mastering the game can enjoy dominating. It’s a first–see–first shoot; the battle to become the most accurate and quickest shooter in the west (or east, or wherever!)

Terrorist is sneaking up behind a Counter-Terrorist

1. Resident Evil 2 Remake – Year Released January 25th, 2019 (PC, PS4/5, XONE, XSX/S, Switch)

Resident Evil 2 Remake Gameplay Trailer

Resident Evil 2 Remake is a remake of the 1998 PlayStation game with modernized third-person controls similar to Resident Evil 4 and the later games. There are difficulty options ranging from Assisted (which is easier) to Hardcore (which gives you fewer ammo pick-ups and limited saves). As you explore the police station, you will find upgrades and items such as herbs and gunpowder to craft healing items and ammunition.

Choose this game if you like:

Zombie apocalypse games
A classic remade with modern features to experience a re-telling of the story
Resident evil fan

The game is one of the best remakes in recent times – the graphics and game engine were completely redone. The visuals are amazing and the atmosphere was extremely well made. The game keeps you tense with sneak attacks, and zombies are always after you outside of safe rooms so you never feel truly safe. If you enjoy zombie games, Resident Evil is definitely one of the best picks!

Leon is exploring the police station and stumbles upon a bunch of dead bodies