Pam

Returnal is simply one of my favorite games. Its setting, combat, enemy design, gameplay loop, UI, soundtrack, ambient sounds...essentially everything is spot on. I played it, then played it again, and then jumped back in for the DLC. And I'm looking forward to when my memory fades a bit and I can play it yet again like (almost) new. The story was a little murky for me, and I had to look online for other people's interpretations to figure it out. But the only real weak spot was Selene, who is not very likeable, but that's not a huge deal. Housemarque did an incredible job and has me looking forward to Saros.

The Last Guardian is one of the most beautiful games I've ever played. It makes you feel a gamut of emotions, from pure rage and frustration (at the sometimes clunky controls and obstinate Trico who refuses to listen) to nostalgia, joy, and sadness. The setting, graphics, music, gameplay (mostly), and particularly the connection between Trico and The Boy are stellar. I wanted to explore forever. I didn't want to leave that world, and I definitely want to revisit...but that ending, man.