Nioh

This violent action/adventure title is a challenge of a player's skill and an excellent gameplay experience for those willing to test themselves. People who have been frustrated by the rise of video games that are "too easy" will find plenty to like and appreciate in this game. But those also looking for a challenge will be frustrated by different aspects of the game -- all of which fall under the umbrella of the game's off-putting amount of depth. This can be read as a positive, a negative, or both, but with an arsenal of weapons to familiarize yourself with, tactics and techniques to discover and master, and helper characters who don't explain much, you're basically all on your own to test out whether you're as sure-footed as you think. Either way, you will die a lot. Your skills will be put to the test. You will screw up and have to start again. That's the only way you improve. And once you do, the game becomes a satisfying mix of earned successes and failures you know you rightfully earned.

If you're up for that, the game is positively gorgeous (sunsets reflect off shimmering waves; trees sway in the breeze) and steadily rewarding in marathon sessions. The challenge should not be discounted, but this game should be understood for what it is: A rare game that grants you the freedom and trust to set about conquering the challenges ahead however you see fit. Yes, there are an intimidating amount of skill trees and character stats to tweak, and you won't understand any of it at first glance. (There's even complexity in the graphical options, because you can make things run faster or look better or strike a balance between the two.) But this game is intended to provide a challenge -- and one that you're expected to sink a considerable amount of time and effort into. As such, there's a lot to learn and a lot to be rewarded with.