Myth:
PC – personal computer; PS4 – PlayStation 4; PS5 – PlayStation 5; XO – Xbox One; XSX – Xbox Series X; XSS – Xbox Series S; NS – Nintendo Switch.
The most spectacular and expensive games
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is the sequel to Insomniac Games’ high budget title Marvel’s Spider-Man released in 2018, which showcased some of the industry’s latest technology. The second chapter is a PlayStation 5 exclusive, while the original project also arrived on PC.
In this new action adventure, players control not one but two Spider-Men—Peter Parker and Miles Morales—progressing through the story as it unfolds. The original Marvel’s Spider-Man remains compelling, and in the sequel the developers have pushed further: New York is more detailed, character animation is richer, and cityscapes are even more captivating. The game is also praised for its cinematic cutscenes, with some journalists calling Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 a major blockbuster of the year.
Metacritic score: 90 out of 100.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (NS)
The follow-up to The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild is a landmark title for Nintendo Switch and is described by many critics as one of the greatest games in history. Tears of the Kingdom is a sprawling experience that has even encouraged players to explore Switch emulation to access it on different platforms.
At its core, Tears of the Kingdom is an ambitious adventure where players guide Link through the world of Hyrule, seeking a way to thwart Zelda and the looming threat of Ganondorf. The game introduces a unique crafting system that lets players assemble a variety of devices from available resources. While not as advanced as some sandbox titles, these mechanics invite creativity, enabling players to construct machines such as drones, aircraft, and vehicles from common materials.
Tears of the Kingdom unfolds across sky islands, land areas, and vast dungeons that can demand hundreds of hours to fully explore.
Metacritic score: 96 out of 100.
Baldur’s Gate 3 (PC, PS5, XSX, XSS)
Baldur’s Gate 3 continues the beloved role-playing series set within the Dungeons & Dragons universe. D&D is a tabletop phenomenon known for its freedom of choice and expansive rules, and Baldur’s Gate 3 translates that depth into a video game with nearly limitless interaction. Players can explore, talk to creatures, and affect outcomes with almost every action and conversation.
The Belgian studio Larian Studios has crafted a world where the main character must confront a parasitic threat growing in the brain, while navigating a fantasy landscape that welcomes aliens and other surprises. The game emphasizes player-driven storytelling, with countless personal journeys possible within a shared premise.
Metacritic score: 96 out of 100.
Diablo IV (PC, PS4, PS5, XO, XSX, XSS)
Diablo IV from Blizzard represents a modern evolution of the long-running franchise. It revisits the darker, top-down action-RPG style with a gripping, mystical narrative. Players battle through hordes of demonic forces, leveraging powerful abilities as they progress the story and develop their characters.
The game has received ongoing support from developers, with regular seasonal updates that expand the world and deepen its lore. Critics and players alike have noted this continued investment as a key reason for the game’s enduring appeal.
Metacritic score: 86-91 out of 100.
Creative and unpretentious games
Cocoon (PC, PS4, PS5, XO, XSX, XSS, NS)
Cocoon marks the first release from Geometric Interactive, an indie studio founded by Jeppe Carlsen, known for the atmospheric titles from Playdead such as Limbo and Inside. This title quickly stood out on the indie scene for its puzzle-forward design and minimalistic storytelling.
In Cocoon, players control a small creature navigating multi-layered environments—levels within levels that reveal new abilities and connected outcomes across worlds. The clever design ensures that every action has consequences, weaving a tightly interlocked experience that remains accessible while offering meaningful depth.
Metacritic score: 88-90 out of 100.
Justant (PC, PS5, XSX, XSS)
Justant is a title from the French studio Dontnod, known for its narrative experiences. Transitioning from interactive stories to a climbing-focused adventure, the game places players on a vertical ascent where every move matters. The learning curve is gentle, but progress can feel relentlessly challenging as missteps reset progress.
The visuals are striking, blending hand-drawn aesthetics with scenic landscapes. The climbing mechanics are crafted with care, delivering a sense of movement that resonates with the pace of exploration found in other standout titles.
Metacritic score: 83-85 out of 100.
Sea of Stars (PC, PS4, PS5, XO, XSX, XSS, NS)
Sea of Stars is a classic pixel-art RPG from Sabotage Studio, creators of The Messenger. The game exists in a shared universe with their previous work and emphasizes a warm, character-driven story with a breezy yet poignant tone.
The combat system sits in traditional turn-based territory, but timing and strategy are crucial for landing powerful attacks. The result is a cozy, fairy tale feel that invites players to lose themselves in a nostalgic world.
Metacritic score: 87-91 out of 100.
Research (PC, PS4, PS5, XO, XSX, XSS, NS)
The first release from Little Black Salt Games introduces Dredge, a fishing adventure with a strong emphasis on story and exploration. Players captain a boat through an archipelago, catching sea life and engaging in mini-games that arise during each voyage. The fishing activity blends with exploration and progression as gear and boat upgrades unlock new possibilities.
The setting leans into Lovecraftian vibes, offering a moody, mysterious atmosphere with monsters and mythos woven into a cohesive narrative. The game invites players to uncover the town’s secrets while balancing risk and reward on the water.
Metacritic score: 80-85 out of 100.