5 – Unicorn Overlord
It’s a massive strategy RPG full of beautiful weirdos trying to win a war against overwhelming numbers. What’s not to love? The combat system is a unique blend of turn-based and real-time tactics that keeps you on your toes at all times. Slowly conquering a gigantic map feels downright awesome, and the art style is amazing. It’s the perfect choice for anyone with dozens of hours they need to fill.
4 – Black Myth: Wukong
The story of the Monkey King is so huge, it’s crazy we don’t have more games about it. Black Myth: Wukong looks to fill that nasty void with a hardcore action RPG. The incredible combat and timeless story are more than enough to compensate for any of the game’s minor flaws. This is some top-tier action, with tons of amazing bosses to beat up. You’ll have a tough time with this one, but the labor will be very worth it in the end.
3 – Balatro
It’s just poker, right? How addictive could it be? Balatro is a simple roguelike with some razor-sharp hooks. Once you grasp the essential concepts at work, you’re almost guaranteed to lose hours of your life to this game. New decks, challenge modes, and a vast array of power-ups mean you’ll be coming back to the table again and again. You can even get it on mobile, if you dare.
2 – Stellar Blade
Coming in hot at number two of our best new IPs, Stellar Blade is a slick, sexy action game that just feels great. Any time you invest in mastering these systems is rewarded with a fluid, frenetic experience you won’t soon forget. Even if the dense sci-fi story sails over your head, the action itself is deeply engaging. Also it looks amazing, with a gorgeous main character slicing her way through a ruined, far-future hellscape.
1 – Metaphor: ReFantazio
Finally, at number one, we have Metaphor: ReFantazio. From the team that brought you Persona and Shin Megami Tensei, this gigantic fantasy RPG is sure to suck you right in. It’s incredibly stylish, with a rich combat system and a complex narrative. Plus, the story manages to feel fresh and relevant, despite being weighed down by a genre’s worth of tropes. Honestly, you’re unlikely to see an RPG like this one for years to come.