1. Astro BotPlayStation 5
In addition to being filled to the brim with references to the world of video games, Astro Bot Above all, it achieves the rare feat of reinvigorating the feeling of picking up a controller for the first time. Each level of this three-dimensional platform game offers an innovative and original new idea to explore, all while brimming with charm at every jump. With the little robot Astro, PlayStation has finally found its mascot to rival Mario, and to top it all off, he’s at the helm for the best game of the year.
2. Metaphor: ReFantasiaPC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 et Xbox Series X/S
By recounting the unfolding of an election in a medieval fantasy world, Metaphor: ReFantasia could not have chosen its year of release better as its captivating story seems anchored in geopolitical reality, skillfully handling the themes of discrimination and racism. With several years of developing role-playing games in its own way, Atlus takes the best of its formula and innovates where necessary to create a game that shines both for its extraordinary presentation and for its rare playability.
3. BalatroPC, Linux et Mac (Steam), mobile, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One et Xbox Series X/S
Taking inspiration from poker to create a rogue-like gaming experience with a sleek retro aesthetic, Balatro turns out to be a little independent gem. A simple concept to grasp – the player gradually improves his deck of cards to play poker hands and obtain the best possible score each round – but which turns out to be more and more complex thanks to the equally random improvement system. than satisfactory where the rules will be constantly modified. Developed solo by Canadian LocalThunk, Balatro worth the detour and the hours spent (trying to) beat your own record.
4. Silent Hill 2PC (Steam) et PlayStation 5
Recreating a classic as emblematic of video game horror as Silent Hill 2 is a major challenge that the Bloober Team fortunately was able to carry out brilliantly. The sinister town of Silent Hill is just as sinister as in the 1999 original, but this time it’s modernized with more content and reinvented controls, just waiting to be (re)explored. Despite being longer than the original, the psychological horror story continues to captivate, and frighten.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomNintendo Switch
With for the first time Zelda herself as the heroine of the adventure, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom offers a breath of fresh air while being a love letter to Nintendo’s legendary series. Swapping the sword and shield for a magic wand, the game focuses more on multi-solution puzzles and skillfully blends the two-dimensional roots of the early games and its carefully designed environments with the freedom of newer world games open from the series.
