Games this year that surprised you?

[curl-6]

Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Expected an enjoyable but middling game, but instead found it to be one of the most joyful games I've played in quite a while. Everything about it just put a big smile on my face, from start to finish. The side objectives, ability trials, and mouthful mode added a ton of variety, the level design was elegantly crafted, the music and visuals were lovely, and there was just to much love clearly poured into it.