I've always admired how simulator games can constantly push the boundaries of creativity and immersion, and Empire of Ants is by far one of the most impressive and unique ones in the entire genre. Few simulators place us in the proverbial shoes of a creature as small as an ant, or as bugs in general, and this game provides a golden opportunity for that rare experience.

Empire of Ants immerses you in the world of a ruling ant colony, surrounded by the wonders of nature on a scale that you'd normally never see. You can embark on strategic missions to help your colony thrive and stave off invasions from enemy critters, and the story behind it all is every bit as enamoring and fascinating as a top-class nature documentary.

To me, Life Is Strange's spell hasn't been its gameplay. Interacting with objects in the various suburban towns the series has taken us to, engaging in conversations with a colorful cast of characters, and making ever-tough decisions is fun enough, but it's the hipster, edgy style the series radiates that helps it stand out in the genre. Penning this review three days after finishing the game, the soundtrack's still endlessly playing in my head as I recall epic moments and beautiful cinematic shots from those quiet moments Max soaks in throughout her tumultuous time at Caledon University. And yes, I'm still deliberating whether I made the right decision on about seven different occasions.

The Characters of Caledon

Double Exposure reunites players with the somewhat socially awkward Max Caulfield, the prodigal photographer from Arcadia Bay, a few years later on. Settling into her life as a photographer-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University, she's trying — and failing — to put the events of her past behind her. She's made some new friends in the form of the spritely, ever-confident Safi — a writer with a ton of potential — and an insanely intelligent, heart-on-his-sleeve astrologer, Moses. The three are seemingly inseparable, get the best out of one another, joke around, and seemingly tell each other almost everything. Safi, supportive of Max's efforts to get some new shots for the next Caulfield Collection, accompanies her to an abandoned bowling alley in the opening scene of the game, teasing Max about her photography philosophy, and making quippy remarks about the entire excursion. Their relationship feels real, and also a little too familiar. The same kind of friendship Max and a certain blue-haired badass may have had back in Arcadia Bay.

If you're in the market for an incredibly fun, and genuinely sweet soft core horror experience this holiday season, then Fear the Spotlight from developers Cozy Game Pals is the game for you.

A two campaign, spook filled jaunt through the most stereotypical American high school you can possibly imagine, it comes complete with creepy drama teachers with theater lights for heads, fun puzzles, and a surprising level of emotional depth.

Developed by Atlus' Studio Zero, Metaphor: ReFantazio pulls its inspiration from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei franchises, but it still manages to carve out its own identity in the fantasy genre. Metaphor: ReFantazio doesn’t shy away from the themes and mechanics that made Persona such an amazing series, but this time, they’re woven into a medieval fantasy setting. Read more in this Metaphor: ReFantazio review.

Story

Right off the bat, the story pulls you in with its rich world-building and well-crafted characters. You play as the Protagonist (who you name), a boy of the Elda tribe tasked with saving his childhood friend from a deadly curse. Oh, and his childhood friend just so happens to be the Prince of the United Kingdom of Euchronia, whose father, the King, was just assassinated.

After 17 long years and two skipped console generations, the Budokai Tenkaichi series returns with Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, bringing the Japanese series name worldwide. And what a return it is! Featuring over 180 characters, limitless replay potential, and bombastic battle mechanics, Sparking! Zero is not only one of the year’s best games, but one of the best Dragon Ball games ever released.

Roster

The sheer robustness of Sparking! Zero’s offerings demands to be discussed up top. Its roster features characters from the beginning of Dragon Ball Z all the way through to Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power. Fans were able to breathe sighs of relief when Dragon Ball GT fighters like Super Saiyan 4 Goku and Dragon Ball Z movie villains like Cooler were also announced for the base game roster. It includes obvious heroes, but also smaller characters like King Cold and Spopovich that aren’t often included in Dragon Ball games. Essentially, Sparking! Zero features everyone’s favorite characters, even the deep cuts.