Maybe not the game that reached me the most emotionally but kind of the only game on this list I'd call genuinely flawless. Perfect puzzles, perfect atmosphere and just super inventive.

Expertly crafted experience from top to bottom. It was always genuinely exciting to start another run because the game never ceases to surprise you, even just with the slightest of changes.
Some people may dislike that it gently guides you through the story and progression in a sort of linear fashion but I personally loved it because failure never feels like regression.

The game has so much heart and soul on basically every level but I think what I love the most besides the banger soundtrack are its lovable, perfectly designed and voice acted characters.

I won't lie, I am seriously tempted to put this at number one because of how much I loved spending time in this world, how it awoke a wonder in me I haven't felt since Elden Ring. That means so much to me.

Some of its main story may be a bit silly and there is still a bit too much jank in its traversal for my liking - even the spectacular combat has its moments of awkwardness.

But goddamn, I love this game to death.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is without a doubt one of the best action games of the past few years, perfectly paced and one of the most memorable experiences I've had this year.

My love for it wasn't as consistent or as emotional as it was for the games above but I had a fantastic time with it nonetheless.

I was genuinely afraid I wouldn't connect with this because of its turn-based combat - fortunately, I was wrong. It's actually super fun and somehow gets like 10x crazier than the previous games.

Story-wise it didn't hit me as hard as some of the other games and it meanders too much in the middle (actually very much like the other games in that regard). However, and somehow, it manages to feel extremely fresh and exciting even for someone like me who has devoured the whole franchise for the past two years.
Again, so much heart and passion can be found in this game, which really kept me going through its less exciting parts and grindiness.

One of the most striking vibes a game has given me this year. The artstyle and soundtrack were mesmerizing honestly, with an incredibly creative exploration of Christian-ish religion to boot.

Its combat and level design does get a bit repetitive. The bosses as well are just not great. These things definitely drag down the game's quality but for me it's still unforgettable in its strengths.

Possibly one of the most tightly written stories in the whole Yakuza/LAD franchise. Hugely satisfying pay-off and excellent combat, let down by mediocre side content and underwhelming detective gameplay.

I don't feel as emotionally attached to this game as I'd like to and it's not as exciting I guess after Yakuza 7 but I did enjoy it a lot.

Took me a while to appreciate this, quite a rocky experience that ultimately pays off big time. The last two chapters of this game made me sob like a baby - the only game this year that managed to do that for me.

Picked this up again after letting it fall by the wayside some years ago; I am glad that I did return to it. As far as stealth gameplay goes, it doesn't get much better: striding through these levels with these butter-smooth mechanics is a joy. And every level really is a sandbox to get super creative, which is really fundamental for a good stealth game and Dishonored just nails it.

Maybe it isn't fair but I found the game's story to be quite weak, despite the lore and artstyle being fascinating. All potentially impactful moments are rushed. None of the characters are truly memorable.
Ultimately, that's what drags this game down a bit for me.

Didn't think I'd return to this anytime soon but I'm glad I did. Super engaging level design that constantly made my brain run wild with the possibilities. Only half of its levels may be truly great but they carry this ultimate (hopefully not sadistic) assassin fantasy.