GTA 6 is about a month away, which means that there is still plenty of time to check out some of the dope games that have been released this year. I limited this list to five, but there are so many more that I haven’t had a chance to play, and some honorable mentions. In no particular order, let’s jump in.
Resident Evil 9 Requiem
The year started off strong with this one. Follow FBI agent Grace Ashcroft and Resident Evil favorite, Leon Kennedy, as they investigate the deaths of survivors linked to the Racoon City Incident from years past. You get a taste of both intense action and spooky stealth that will keep you at the edge of your seat. Resident Evil 9 is sure to satisfy both newcomers and veterans of the series. One of my favorite aspects of this game is to play in both first- and third-person perspectives. By default, Grace’s sections are in first person and Leon’s default to third person, but you can switch freely between the two. The game does a great job of making the player feel a level of growth with Grace as you make your way through the story. I won’t spoil the story, but it is definitely worth your time.
Control Resonant
Control Resonant looks like a totally new game, but it is a direct sequel to the original game. This time you are in the shoes of Dylan Faden as he searches for his sister Jessie. You trade in the third-person action-shooter combat for a melee-heavy approach. You venture outside of the doors of the Oldest House and fight your way through New York City. Combat starts simple, but Control: Resonant rewards the player for exploring. As you encounter and defeat more enemies, you expand your arsenal and skillset. Remedy has mastered great storytelling and unique enemy design. This game has me thinking back to games like Infamous, Prototype, and Devil May Cry.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced
Surprisingly, this was my first time playing Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag…Sort of. I owned the game and started it, but I never got deep into it. This was actually many people’s favorite Assassin’s Creed in a long time. You play as a pirate by the name of Edward Kenway as he searched for secrets that are sought after by both the Assassins and Templars. To many who played Black Flag during its original release, this was the best pirate game ever released. Ubisoft did a great job with its remaster. Not only did the game get a visual upgrade, but there are new combat abilities, ways to explore, and totally new missions. If you haven’t experienced this yet, this is the perfect time.
Gears of War: E-Day
There is a ton of lore out there about Emergence Day in the Gears of War series, and now you are finally able to experience it for yourself. Follow Marcus, Dom, and a few new faces as they meet the Locust Horde for the first time. When Gears of War first released in 2006, Cliffy B wanted to introduce a horror element to a shooter. After all these years, that feeling that the first game gave me is back in Gears of War: E-Day. The Coalition was able to bring this iconic franchise to the modern day with new weapons and mechanics while still making the game feel like Gears. On top of an amazing campaign, there is also a stellar multiplayer suite.
007 First Light
Have you ever wondered how James Bond became 007? Well, IO Interactive takes a swing at telling that story in 007: First Light. While many people wanted the return of GoldenEye, First Light changes things up a bit. The game is set in the present day, and you play as a young, rebellious naval aircrewman. Follow James as he goes through his 00 training program and is introduced to many of the gadgets that we know and love. First Light switches to a third-person point of view. We know that IO has the stealth gameplay locked down, but their close combat and shooting mechanics felt great as well. This is a great entry into the 007 video game universe.