The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom finds a way to improve upon its predecessor in almost every way, remixing the format and forcing you to rewire your brain in genius ways to solve devilish puzzles, take on challenging bosses, and explore a dense, captivating open world absolutely chock-full of distractions and secrets. Like Breath of the Wild before it, Tears of the Kingdom is an incredible accomplishment in video games that is set to stay in our collective conscience for the next several years and beyond, and it's completely deserving of that honour.

Hades II is hard to put down, and is the most fun I've had with a roguelike in years. Supergiant Games' trademark dedication to beautiful art direction, compelling writing and memorable music has come to the forefront in their latest game, combined with engaging gameplay that expands on its predecessor in exactly the ways that a good sequel should. Whether you've played the original Hades or not, Hades II is a truly amazing experience and sets the new standard for roguelike narrative storytelling and gameplay.

Astro Bot is not just another platformer; it's a vibrant celebration of PlayStation's storied history and a triumphant re-introduction to its newest mascot. Every world offers compelling gameplay that is elevated to the next level by the innovative use of the DualSense controller, and its heartwarming nods to the last 30 years of PlayStation ensure that the experience is charmingly nostalgic while still feeling refreshingly original. Astro Bot is whimsical, inventive and just feels downright fun to play. While Astro Bot's previous outings were impressive, this latest adventure solidifies him as a beloved character in his own right. They've truly done it. PlayStation has finally found the mascot it's always wanted.

Shadow of the Erdtree not only expands upon Elden Ring’s lore and gameplay mechanics but also enriches the experience with its atmospheric storytelling and intricate world design. It beckons players to embrace the daunting journey through the Shadow Realm, promising a gripping adventure that resonates with the hallmark blend of challenge and discovery. What’s on offer is one of the best FromSoftware experiences to date, capturing everything that made Elden Ring special and more.

Metroid Prime Remastered is an already amazing game made almost a masterpiece by its shiny new upgrades. FPS combat is thrilling as you work arenas and rooms to your advantage with your diverse arsenal and suit upgrades. Traversing all of the many environments throughout is just as enriching. That remains true whether that’s hunting through the environment, rolling in morph ball mode through small spaces in puzzle fashion, or taking in gorgeous views. All of the detailing and fidelity is improved exponentially, proving to be one of the most gargantuan efforts of a remaster. All that could still use additional touching up are tiny, relatively insignificant functions. A thoroughly enjoyable time is ahead of you, uncovering more and more secrets and oh-so-sweet lore. Metroid Prime Remastered is one for the books and how remasters should be moving forward.

I've always wanted Atlus to tackle political fantasy as a genre and of course when they finally do it with Metaphor: ReFantazio it's one of the best RPGs in years. This is the result of 20 years of incredible game craft that has taken shape in the best and most refined version of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei formula that we've ever received. Probably the best we'll ever get. This is their magnum opus. With immensely satisfying and tactile turn-based combat, and a memorable cast of characters including the alluring and ever-intimidating villain Count Louis, you'll be taken by the world and story to explore within Euchronia. Much like the protagonist, you'll be compelled to save its people. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a crowning achievement under Atlus' long-running and award-winning belt. You should join them on the throne. The view is beautiful from up here.

The hype behind Elden Ring was always going to be a challenge to match, yet the game succeeds in almost every way. This detailed and exciting world is full of wondrous moments and brutal fights as the excellent Souls gameplay finds itself being utilised in a freshly open-world format. The variety of ways you can approach combat and the sheer volume of viable tools you can use to take down gruesome and frightening foes makes for an experience that never gets old. A game unwavering in its vision, Elden Ring stands out as a monumental 2022 release.

God of War Ragnarök is more of the epic God of War that we loved in 2018, but it builds on those foundations in every single way to create a compelling and addicting adventure in its own right that improves across the board. Combat is furious and intense, exploring every nook and cranny of each Norse realm is captivating, and clever puzzles are seamlessly intertwined with abilities that change, evolve, and make you feel like a master of all crafts. Narratively, the heartfelt and fascinating story is supported by incredible writing that makes its whole cast of characters shine, and the production values are through the roof, with a gorgeous soundtrack and visuals that push the limits and stun at every turn. Santa Monica Studios have again managed to create something truly memorable and entirely special.

Resident Evil 4 rips you right back to 2005 and reminds you how special games can be. A remake done right, this release amplifies the game’s strengths and obfuscates its weaknesses, making for a superb and modern take on a classic. Whilst further improvements could have been made, the results still speak for themselves, as Leon and Ashley’s journey becomes immortalised with contemporary gameplay and visuals that maintain respect for the original release.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth defies all expectations and is the new benchmark for what a remake should be. Bold and unapologetic with something to say but also true to its roots. I've loved, I've laughed and I've cried while playing this game and if you fall into the right crowd, you very will too. Provided is an unforgettable journey, a magnetic cast, and a world that is magic and an experience that is transcending. From combat to graphics to music to side activities to writing to performances, Rebirth is one for the books and I can't wait to see where we go from here.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is yet another magnificent showing from Nintendo. To take a concept that’s so well understood but still find new ways to impress is no easy feat. Yet Mario Wonder excels in this field thanks to incredibly dynamic gameplay, headlined by the imaginative amazement of the Wonder Flower. It’s hard not to fall in love with this new release, a game that’s packed to the brim with charm and zest.

Forza Horizon 5 takes what we’ve loved over the series’ life so far and brings it full circle, with a comprehensive package that includes everything you could possibly want from a racing game. Mexico is an astounding and wonderful location to explore, and production values are on point, from the stunning visuals of its gorgeous open world to the well-executed audio that keeps energy levels high. On top of the diverse range of events we’ve come to expect, Horizon Adventures adds another fun layer of story and player progression that keeps you engaged, and the vehicle handling is, still, second-to-none. With more content than ever before, the Eventlab to make even more experiences and a suite of multiplayer modes to engage with, Forza Horizon 5 is the best racing game available today, bar none.

I cannot overstate how much Blue Prince blew me away. With an addicting gameplay loop and an expansive mystery that appears bottomless, it’s the kind of game that makes you want to nuke your memory of playing it so that you can experience it all over again. Every time you think you’ve surely seen it all, it will prove you wrong with a new challenge that’ll test your powers of observation like never before. The sense of discovery you’ll feel time and time again is nothing short of phenomenal, making this debut game from Dogubomb something truly special.

Street Fighter 6 provides the fast and furious action you’d expect from the refined fighting series, offering a dynamic cast of characters, new control modes to make it more accessible, and a variety of features to keep you busy. Its story mode is a campy take on the Street Fighter universe that doesn’t always land the winning blow, however; while it’s filled with distractions and civilian fighters to take on, it can be a little repetitive and shallow. Still, the technical foundations that Street Fighter stands on are as solid as ever, and with a whole world to battle online, there’s a lot of fighting on the menu in what is once again a polished, exciting fighting experience that will keep fans engaged for years.

Forza Horizon 6 hits the road with the most densely packed open world racing game ever created, in the truly iconic setting of Japan. Events and challenges cleverly mix intense racing with charming stories to discover that tap into the culture and community of Japan in a way that makes this the most inviting Forza Horizon map ever pieced together, while also being the largest. Yes, it’s still Forza Horizon as we know and love it, but you can easily make an argument for “best racing game of all time” if you particularly enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun. Arigatou gozaimasu.

Not often do we see a narrative RPG with so much squeezed inside a relatively small package. I Was a Teenage Exocolonist will leave you thinking, laughing, crying, and even blushing. With beautiful character illustrations and a story that feels genuine from start to finish, this is a must-play for anyone who enjoys narrative games. Though one playthrough will run you around 5-10 hours, the things you missed will have you coming back for one more playthrough every time.

Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios at its most ambitious, delivering a bold, inventive co-op adventure that pushes boundaries. Every level introduces fresh mechanics, keeping gameplay dynamic and challenging. The writing is sharp, the world design is stunning, and the boss fights are some of the most creative in years. While the villain falls flat, the emotional depth of Mio and Zoe’s journey makes for a compelling story about creativity, identity, and collaboration. It's a must-play for co-op fans who love a challenge. Hazelight Studios proves once again that no one does co-op better.

Blasting the door down and becoming an instant masterpiece classic, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 defies all expectations and ambitions and then some. Looking at decades of genre refinement and somehow still managing to innovate, creating immensely tactical, thought-provoking and rich combat is nothing short of a miracle achieved at the hands of Sandfall Interactive. Accompanying it is an entirely fresh and magnificent world full of wonders and beauty, even despite its intricate and often harrowing narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and so many RPGs that have come before it, the little expedition that could will be plastered across history with the greats. Bravo.

Smashing and crashing his way to a new generation, Donkey Kong is well and truly back with Donkey Kong Bananza. Each layer is an absolute joy, with largely destructible environments that are jam-packed with secrets and hidden goodies. It’s visually stunning, too; incredibly colourful and a true showcase of what the Switch 2 is capable of, with lots of variety. With so many collectables to find and a lot of nostalgic nods to D.K.’s long history, it’s a must-have platformer that nails the brief and lives up to the legacy of Nintendo’s greatest hits.

Satisfactory’s full release has been long overdue and thankfully it’s well worth the wait. It’s at the tippy top of the automation genre and this is thanks to the hard work Coffee Stain Studios has been implementing over the years, implementing many a quality of life and following player advice. What it’s resulted in is some of the most satisfying automation and resource pipeline mechanics and gameplay I’ve ever experienced in games. It’s as deep as you want it for the hardcore players or as accessible and palatable as you need for the newbies. Additionally, its deliberately bespoke alien world is breathtaking in design and visuals, filled with many bite-sized adventures to be had no matter how few steps you take from your camp. Satisfactory is the final frontier for co-operative crafting and exploration games for me. Give it a chance and it might just be yours too.

Uncover secrets, evade dangers, and embark on an eerie journey in ANIMAL WELL. Billy Basso has crafted a dark neon aesthetic and enigmatic gameplay that delivers a Metroidvania unlike many others. The mystery and cryptic puzzles won’t be for everyone, but those who enjoy a challenge and a good platformer will be rewarded with a haunting adventure.

Slay the Princess is an entertainingly dark and subversive visual novel with hidden depths that makes for a great few hours. For developer Black Tabby Games’ second title, it’s a very encouraging success indeed, and proves that its horror-telling chops in Scarlet Hollow wasn’t just a fluke. I will be keenly looking forward to its next title.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is an incredibly strong follow-up that really sets the standard when it comes to superhero games. Its story is heartfelt and delivered by a genuinely likable cast of characters, and when it comes to traversal and combat, you won’t find a slicker experience out there. There’s still simply no better feeling than web-swinging through New York City. With an open world full of fun distractions and a level of polish by Insomniac Games that is unrivalled, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 really will make your senses tingle in the best way possible.

Foolish Mortals is for the 90s point-and-click kids; the kids who loved Telltale and LucasArts games, the kids who would, before the internet, call their friends and excitedly tell them they’d cracked the puzzle they’d both been stuck on. With its gorgeous backdrops, spooky vibes and a narrative filled with twists and turns, this is a point-and-click adventure that fans of the genre would be foolish to miss.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered brings not just extra content but extra heart to an already much-loved game. This is one for the fans, with a plethora of additional features that highlight the best aspects of the game’s design whilst giving further context and glimpses into its development. Bursting at the seams with things to do, see, and unlock—The Last of Us Part II Remastered is a celebration of one of gaming’s greats.

Hi-Fi RUSH is a surprise hit for many, but frankly, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Tango Gameworks once more has proven itself to be an immensely talented studio, with showstopping animation and stylish artwork. It’s one of the strongest entries in the character action genre yet, only further bolstered by an accessible focus on music to have you nailing that combo to the catchy beats. It is a joy to see protagonist Chai and his ragtag crew fighting the higher power and see that world grow for what is hopefully not the only time. Every needle-drop moment and thrilling boss fight and encounter all but emphasise one thing: Hi-FI RUSH is magic and already a serious game-of-the-year contender. Rock on.

Lost and Found Co. displays exactly what makes hidden-object games compelling. What starts as almost overwhelming density slowly, almost meditatively, becomes parsable with a bit of effort. Though the hints and juju points can cause frustration, Bit Egg Inc.’s passion still manages to shine through in every space you explore. There’s just so much care in the chaos and clutter. Even when finishing levels, I found myself lingering and still finding details I’d missed. Combined with an endearing story and a fun decorating system to spend many hours in, it all comes together in a great experience that’s hard not to enjoy.

Monster Hunter Wilds is an excellent addition to Capcom's long-running series. The game combines the expansiveness of Monster Hunter World with the improved pacing of Monster Hunter Rise into something worthy of the sum of its parts. The new Focus Mode attacks look and feel amazing, the menagerie of new monsters to hunt is suitably varied and exciting to take down, and for those who are into it, the narrative has its moments. Admittedly, those who want more than the standard Monster Hunter gameplay loop may be left wanting; however, Considering the degree of post-launch support, both free and premium, that previous games have enjoyed, we can perhaps expect more down the line following Monster Hunter Wilds' release. Despite those concerns even in its launch state, Monster Hunter Wilds is an incredible time, whether you're new to the series or a Monster Hunter veteran.

This is what the game aims to teach. That you don’t have to be perfect, that you don’t have to be a chosen one. Everyone in the world has the capacity to do good and no one person should have to wear that burden on their own. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay not to be okay.

TEKKEN 8 unleashes a storm of punches, blending chaotic Mishima drama with accessible combat changes. The short story, though dramatic, loses steam, but the Heat system and Special Style redefine the fight. Arcade Quest mode injects a needed charm, offering a nostalgic journey with opportunities to grow your fighting game skills. Visually stunning with a diverse soundtrack, the game achieves a balance between the familiar and the cutting-edge. Despite a stumble in the narrative, TEKKEN 8 delivers a knockout combo.

Neon White is a truly unique first-person action experience. With its clever level design and Soul Card system, chaining together demon-slaying and platforming to get to the goal the quickest is a breeze. The game’s compelling cast and setting draw you into its story, and the wealth of side content and drive to improve on one’s scores will keep you coming back. Even its sluggish boss fights and somewhat samey visual style doesn’t do much to hold the game back. If you are looking for a truly unique indie action title, you should definitely check out Neon White.

Despelote beautifully captures the mundane but rich childhood experience of play and sport through its gentle slice-of-life narrative. Via its stellar first-person soccer mechanics, intimate scope, and outstanding hand-made visual stylings, it succeeds at capturing a personal autobiographical sense of Ecuador and the quietly affecting experiences of youth.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened is an already incredible game made more amazing thanks to meaningful quality of life additions, stellar graphical remastering and insightful new content in the new campaign and developer commentaries. It’s beautiful, tranquil and pensive. Filled with philosophical platitudes, brain-wrinkling puzzles and sheer tranquil vibes in all the environments, Croteam have masterfully reworked their beloved puzzle game to be as quintessential as ever.

Unicorn Overlord is not quite enough to dethrone Vanillaware’s previous title, 13 Sentinels, but it’s not far off. With an extremely solid tactical strategy campaign that allows more casual players to engage in all of its complexities, it’s an easy recommendation for any strategy fan or fantasy fan in general. It doesn’t utilise all of its long playtime effectively with an unremarkable first half, but the gameplay and phenomenal artwork are more than enough to keep you going until it picks up.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes the best elements from its predecessors and combines them into a uniquely compelling gameplay experience, all while telling a nuanced and captivating narrative of its own. Its beautiful and stylistic art direction lends a rare maturity to its visual presentation, while its heartfelt, melancholic story comes together in an epic, personal conclusion in spite of a couple of odd pacing decisions. Through a complex and refined reimagining of the Xenoblade combat system and top-notch worldbuilding, Monolith Soft have once again cemented their position at the forefront of the JRPG genre. Series veterans and newcomers alike are in for a deep, immersive narrative adventure with dozens of hours of engaging combat and satisfying exploration.

Pokémon Pokopia soars and excels by utilising the series’ 30-year legacy as its strength, harmoniously fusing the adorable, warm world and character design of Pokémon with the likes of other beloved life-sim titles. There’s excitement waiting around every corner as you unearth a new Pokémon at a habitat, find a weird bit of lore in the zany backstory, or show off your creative flair with a robust crafting and building system. There is never a dull moment to be found here, always offering new sights and things to do that make you feel giddy and like a kid all over again. Pokémon has got the magic juice again, and all it took was creating the most sensical fusion of games in history. I doubt this’ll be the end of the Pokopia name. It’s amazing, and a continuation would just print money. If a single spin-off can deliver such heights, I can’t help but feel hopeful that the tides are changing again for the beloved creature collector series. There’s a pulse here yet.

Psychonauts 2 is absolutely fizzing with ideas in gameplay, story, and presentation. Its story is emotional, its characters are hilarious, its worlds are huge and imaginative, plus I had a fun time actually playing the dang thing. Apart from some minor issues with the optional dialogue, it's clear Double Fine went all out developing this title. Nothing feels rushed, nothing feels unfinished, and nothing feels like padding. This is a fabulously well-made game, and a perfect game for lockdown. If you’re looking for some extra joy from your video games, you need to play Psychonauts 2. If you’re a fan of the original, I suspect you’ll like it even more.

It feels excellent to be back in the world of Dead Space. Advancements in technology have allowed for further immersion into what remains one of the most engaging and terrifying horror video game worlds. The visual enhancements don’t stop there, also translating to clever planning of scares and moments of tension as you wander the Ishimura Station halls. It’s in some of this revisiting of those beloved halls that you’ll notice some dated gameplay design points not quite ironed over. However, it’s hardly a blip in the radar when you consider the other mountain of quality of life improvements to make this Isaac Clarke’s bloodiest and most delightful foray yet, with new tidbits to uncover and stellar survival horror to engage in. Dead Space has some life in it yet.

Kojima Productions’ best project yet is Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, and it’s largely thanks to how refined and an improvement it is on its predecessor, rather than being the perhaps expected unconventional sequel. The star-studded cast and their conjoined chemistry have helped craft a more interconnected and personal world this time, only bolstered by the unbelievably gorgeous, detailed and technically impressive open world where every journey is its own story. Every job and delivery is a delight and an immersive challenge against the greater elements. Picking you up off your feet and prodding you along are all the other players’ structures and creations around the world. In Death Stranding 2, you are never alone. That remains true whether it’s paying respect to those that came before, or paving the future of open world games that Kojima Productions, and even you, the player, are actively doing at all times. What a bright future it is.

Taking the franchise to new heights and new locales, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is the pinnacle of the longstanding franchise. The game magnificently pulls off the difficult task of giving new and loyal players the best of both worlds with a new Ichiban-led story while also nailing emotional pay-off years in the making with Kiryu’s story portions. Providing quality side content that is addicting and seemingly endless, there isn’t a single drip of the game that is dry, dull, or not worth your time. Never have I played a title this rewarding and satisfying with its delightful humour found in substories and over-the-top turn-based combat. It may be largely set in a different country with the picturesque and gigantic Honolulu but this is the Like a Dragon series through and through. Infinite Wealth is like an ocean. Let it all sink in. I promise it’s well worth it.

Cuphead: The Delicious last course is ultimately a very impressive release. It takes the best elements of the base game and finetunes them to incredible success. The marriage of tight gameplay and fun narrative animations in an impeccable and memorable aesthetic is undeniably powerful. The DLC may not be as long as some may want, but should your expectations remain in check, you’ll find a superb addition to an already phenomenal game.

Resident Evil Requiem is a confident and well-crafted mix of horror and action that continues the series' modern era quality. Its back-and-forth between survival and power feels deliberate and satisfying, giving both Grace and Leon moments to shine. While a few decisions slightly dull the late-game tension, the environments, audio, and gameplay are crafted with care, making this one of the franchise's strongest and proving Resident Evil can still reinvent itself while honouring legacy.

Even if you don’t normally enjoy point-and-click adventures, Norco is a must-play for anyone interested in story-driven games. It’s one of the best-narrated tales since Dysco Elysium, rich with the real-life history of the town of Norco with some imaginative fiction mixed in. It’s dark, funny, and scary in all the right places, and even if the ending doesn’t wrap up all the mysteries it opens, it’s still sure to leave its mark on you.

Alan Wake 2 is devilishly compelling from its weird opening all the way through to its astonishing conclusion. A completely bonkers horror tale with intertwining narratives, a masterful mix of multimedia and some entirely unique storytelling moments combine here to make for a thrilling escape into a dark, twisted world that I feared being in and at the same time never wanted to leave. Remedy has creatively let loose and created a true benchmark of quality in the horror genre. We can only hope that our next frightening visit to The Dark Place comes along much sooner.

The Last of Us Part I finds a way to make an already incredible game even better. It may not be the most needed remake in the landscape of gaming, and I can't fault anyone for not wanting to pay full price for the experience, but it's undeniable just how much work has gone into this release. Phenomenal graphics, superb sound design, immersive DuelSense controller features, beneficial gameplay tweaks, and the best suite of accessibility features found in gaming. The Last of Us Part I is a must-play title for anyone still yet to experience Joel and Ellie's story.

Cabernet is a game with a lot of heart. It puts so much work into establishing the eastern-European setting, the vampire lore and all of its wonderful characters, which all have impressive voice acting that makes the story more emotional throughout. While the game does certainly lack a little polish in spots, it’s a highly engaging story that’s more than worth sinking your teeth into.

Not many experiences will take you on an emotional rollercoaster in the way that Lorelei and the Laser Eyes does. Like the best in the puzzle genre, it makes you feel unbelievably dumb one moment and like an incomparable genius the next. Its dark narrative takes you on a journey full of twists and turns, as its giant hotel full of riddles tests your resolve and brainpower in thrilling, unique ways. Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a game that will stick with you, cementing Simogo as one of the most compelling and fascinating developers in the industry. Don’t miss this one.

There’s never a dull moment with Mewgenics. This wild title surprises and delights in equal parts, never resting on its laurels or hiding amongst the crowd. It stands out from the pack for all of the right reasons, with sharp wit, attention-grabbing visual designs, and music that absolutely slaps. More than the sum of its parts, Mewgenics intelligently introduces new ideas into a cohesive package that will keep you coming back time and time again.

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – nirvanA Initiative can throw a lot of information at you, and it will take some time to digest the tutorials and the events of the game. But once you manage to find your footing, you will be investigating an intriguing mystery that crosses different timelines with powerful tools. It’s a story that requires patience, understanding, and some outside-the-box thinking, but it pays off with a fantastic resolution when you reach the real conclusion.

It Takes Two is a one-of-a-kind experience. There is a joy and whimsy to the entire game and so much variety it’ll keep players entertained and surprised from beginning to end. The world is so detailed and gorgeous and the cohesion between storytelling and gameplay is incredibly impressive. It’s the kind of game that proves there’s still plenty of room for innovation in games.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is another action adventure triumph for PlayStation and Insomniac Games. It’s got a world that’s so full of colour and life, lovable new characters who bring clever diversity to a well-established cast, and an ever-changing gameplay loop that’s downright fun and engaging. Even if the game panders a little too heavily to a younger audience for my taste, it still excels in enough areas to make this an easy recommendation for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.

Rogue Legacy 2 learns from its lineage and presents a superb sequel with a huge amount of depth of content. With so much replayability and meaningful progression, the game will have players hooked on its delightful gameplay loop for hours upon hours. Built with both style and substance, Rogue Legacy 2 is a tremendous success for fans of the original and the genre. It may not be a game for everyone, but for those willing to take up the challenge, a truly splendid journey awaits.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a successful revisitation of one of the best tactics adventures and Final Fantasy spin-offs to ever do it. Revisiting the haunting and memorable world of Ivalice, you're on the road with Ramza and company again, depicted in a lush art style that pays respect to the original's name. Quality of life additions make it the most palatable but refined version yet, making battles smoother and as aptly challenging as ever. The grandiosity of it all is also bolstered this time, thanks to the fully voice-acted story from a talented cast that helps paint the Shakespearean script you're subjected to and the deeply political world you're situated in. It's so respectful of the original that you can also say to hell with all of this and just also boot the classic version from the menu. It is a classic revisited and not disrespected. It's joy distilled in a perfect package. Crucially, it's Final Fantasy Tactics, in your hands all over again, for the first time in over a decade. The thought is so beautiful it could make me cry.

Horizon Forbidden West is everything you could hope for in a sequel. Not only does it provide more content to sink your teeth into, but it makes smart design decisions that refine its systems to be near faultless. Aloy’s personal story continues to evolve, this time with an even stronger supporting cast and memorable antagonists propelling her journey to another level. Above all, its moment-to-moment gameplay expertly combines the fun traversal, exciting combat, and creative problem-solving to awesome effect, meaning it always feels excellent to play. Horizon Forbidden West is one of the best open-world adventures available today and is a stellar experience from its strong introduction all the way to its dramatic conclusion, and beyond.

There wasn’t much to improve about the original, but Croteam has succeeded in creating an incredible sequel in The Talos Principle 2. The puzzles are better, the world is larger, and the narrative is even more thought-provoking. Top it off with a breathtaking environment and a moving soundtrack, and this just might be the puzzle game of the year.

KILL KNIGHT is a devilishly impressive isometric shooter. There’s a pure glee generated by the title’s fast and ferocious combat working in perfect harmony with its hellish visuals and sound design. What may at first seem like an overly complicated system of mechanics quickly falls neatly into place and it becomes apparent just how superbly everything is designed to be cohesive and put the power into the player’s hands. A deeper notion of progression could have helped the game to avoid that feeling of repetition so commonly associated with high score-based arcade games, but it’s a minor critique in what is ultimately a skillfully crafted experience. Just one that may not be for the faint of heart.

A continuation of Samus’ story from Metroid Fusion, Metroid Dread excels as a hybrid of both classic and modern Metroid gameplay. The exploration and combat are top-notch, with satisfying boss fights complete with stunning graphics and mid-action cutscenes. It’s only a few nitpicks that prevent Dread from being a masterpiece, but that still means that it’s a must-have for Metroid fans. The future holds a lot of promise for Samus Aran.

Rise has taken note of the franchise’s most successful elements, and refined them into the best Monster Hunter yet. By continuing the streamlining that Generations and World started, Rise has focused on making the actual hunting the most engaging it has ever been.

Nostalgia goggles haven’t failed us: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is still a masterpiece. With vastly improved graphics, a great rearranged soundtrack, and a few tasteful gameplay touchups, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for Nintendo Switch is now the best version of this fan-favourite classic. The only thing missing is extra content for those who have already played it, but for everyone else, there’s no reason not to pick this one up.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an incredibly ambitious RPG venture that soars when all its moving system parts and systems work as they’re meant to. As promised by Warhorse Studios themselves, protagonist Henry can be just about whatever you want him to be, whether that’s a wise diplomat, a mischievous thief or a drunk who finds himself regularly in barfights and down in the dirt. This is bolstered by meaningful skill specialisations, a strong bond between Henry and Hans and a story with exciting twists and turns. However, immersion is broken often with disappointing bugs, odd narrative choices that don’t bear weight and the fact female characters don’t get to do much of anything. A good game that could’ve been amazing had it been given a little longer to cook, Warhorse’s follow-up is a fun time despite all its obstacles but isn’t quite ready to be crowned victor just yet.

As far as time loop games go, The Forgotten City has the Midas touch. It’s easy to see just how much care has gone into the story of the game so that it not only pulls the player in, but dares them to test the possible realities. The characters all feel real and they drive the player to find the truth before the Golden Rule is broken and the loop must reset. The developers have been careful to create a narrative that, while repetitive in practice, still keeps the player engaged in the wider narrative of the world through exploration and discovery. Combat in the game remains questionable, but the gold bow is its saving grace. If you’re after a game that will keep you guessing as you move closer to the truth, then The Forgotten City is fittingly worthy of your gold.

I can’t overstate enough that I imagine Angeline Era is what it would feel like for Nihon Falcom to return to Ys’ bumpslash combat. It is an unbelievable triumph, success and love letter to the RPGs of yesteryear. What’s within is a superb refinement on the niche ‘bumpslash’ combat, providing ample fine-tunings to make you feel well-equipped and versed in how to tackle its challenging arena gauntlets. With that comes a magical world filled with a uniquely non-linear story where you’re unearthing the path forward and discovering the potential of its universe, your very self. It is peak comfort food RPG goodness, and a must-play for the retro lover in you. Join me in the task to bump the world.

A solo-developed whimsical puzzle adventure, Rhell: Warped Worlds and Troubled Times impressively amalgamates some of the best ideas in recent indie gaming and presents them in a gorgeously neo-retro package. From its witty, low-stakes writing to its diabolical open-ended puzzles, it scratches the brain just right. Some awkwardness in its movement can be forgiven when presented with the sheer freedom of experimentation its rune system and element-based world allow. A true indie gem.

I’ve played and reviewed a lot of remakes. Many somewhat fall flat on the basis of not saying or doing a damn thing important. Shining out through all that noise in Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter. It’s a hallmark in how it recaptures a JRPG classic, steadfast and headstrong in justifying its existence as it invites returning fans and even newcomers to what they’ve been missing out on all these years. Travelling the great unknown with Estelle and Joshua again has been an unbelievable privilege and delight, following their story and connection as a colourful cast joins in tow. There’s barely a bump on the road on the journey, allowing players to soak in the world of Liberl in all its monster-hunting, government-conspiracy-unravelling glory. Job well done, Nihon, you’ve stuck the landing.

Persona 3 Reload feels simultaneously like it has been adequately modernised and yet also remains stuck in the past. While the updated combat and visuals make the game a lot more approachable for fans whose first game in the series was Persona 5, the monotonous procedurally generated dungeon that takes up half the game is hard to look past. Furthermore, for players who are existing fans of Persona 3, it is a definite shame that so much of the new content introduced in other versions of the game isn’t present here. Despite those shortcomings, Persona 3 Reload remains an excellent (if not necessarily definitive) version of a groundbreaking JRPG that is still a joy to play in 2024, and Persona and general JRPG fans are sure to have a great time.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a stunning upgrade to an already excellent title and brings forth some fantastic updates to the PS5 version of the game that enhance, deepen, and expand the gameplay experience. Other than the very minor complaint of some dark visuals, there is a whole lot to love on offer here, and I was delighted to have another reason to join Jin on a new, exciting adventure in feudal Japan. Ghost of Tsushima was already a must-play title, and with the Director's Cut here there really is no excuse to not experience one of the greatest new IPs PlayStation has to offer.

A polished, cleverly designed, and utterly joyful experience, Sea of Stars takes the best parts of classic RPGs and distils their essence into something at once comfortingly nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Its combat system twists traditional turn-based combat into a satisfyingly tactile blend of strategy and execution, making exploring every inch of its gorgeous world an absolute pleasure. Despite some odd pacing in the final act and the occasional cringey joke, Sea of Stars holds up as a fantastic modern RPG and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R serves as a reminder from Square Enix that this is an RPG property not to be ignored. On offer is one of the most enjoyable of its genre I’ve played in some time with a heartfelt story, colourful cast, and a wonderful fusion of both fantasy and science fiction goodness. The quality doesn’t end there, though. Deep leveling and specialistion systems make for meaningful refining of your party, becoming more self-sufficient the further along you get. This complements some battle encounters that are deeper than many other RPGs on the market, always keeping you on your toes. One or two quality-of-life additions that could’ve been better implemented aren’t a worry for long when you also consider how gorgeous the world of Expel really is, with its characters popping off your screen. A killer title to convert newcomers and satiate longtime fans, this remake is one for all and all for one. Star Ocean forever.

Monster Train 2 is a roguelike deckbuilder par excellence. Its design makes it clear that developer Shiny Shoe has a deep understanding and love of what is so enthralling about this particular subgenre and doubles down. It’s carriage after carriage of big numbers, satisfying combos, dizzying synergies and new tactical possibilities that have kept me tied to the tracks for dozens of hours already, and will likely haul away dozens more in my future.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance adds numerous quality-of-life improvements and drastic changes to the story and exploration that make the original game seem outdated. Plus, since the original campaign is still available in the Path of Creation, you are technically getting two games in one package. The new characters give you more reasons to care about the narrative, the new exploration options are thrilling, and the Press Turn combat system is as rewarding as ever. The series’s eccentricities may not be for everyone, but no other franchise provides an experience quite like Shin Megami Tensei.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a thoroughly enjoyable and action-packed time that’ll satiate both series veterans who’ve long been awaiting a return and newcomers who’ve always wanted to check the franchise out. With Lizardcube utilising the best parts of their game design DNA while truly understanding what it means to be a Shinobi game, they have crafted this retro-infused adventure that celebrates the old and embraces the new. With kickass challenging platforming, combat, boss fights and setpieces that’ll take some mastering, meaningful progression that fits right into the series, and gorgeous, gorgeous sights that run the gamut on this shinobi-starring journey, Art of Vengeance is simply artful. It’s a pinpoint precision strike to the gut of those after some good old-fashioned ninja action chaos.

A curious world of delightful wonder, Pikmin will never fail to be a series that invites warmth and joy with its vibrant world and colourful companions. New gameplay ideas are plentiful with Pikmin 4, many of which work towards expanding the game in interesting new directions. Not every new mechanic lands as elegantly as others, with Night Expeditions and co-op mode being two notable disappointments. Though overall, Pikmin 4 still finds a way to bring about that same glee that has lasted within this series since its inception.

Final Fantasy XVI is a weirdo black-sheep entry for the series. It won't be for all nor what all fans necessarily want for the franchise, but I also love it for that boldness. It's a gripping and harrowing page-turner of an epic high-fantasy story with plenty of heart the series is known for. Complex too are the characters, even if not all see their justice by the end. Valisthea is an eerily gorgeous setting, providing some of the most memorable vistas you'll have seen in a Final Fantasy game yet. Accessibility might not be at the forefront of the combat in-game but on offer is some of the most stylistic, and satisfying gameplay we've ever seen in an Action RPG. Even if you take further umbrage with its small flaws, there's no denying that Final Fantasy XVI is a special and memorable event. Through thick and thin, that franchise magic is captured once again. Frankly, you can't ask for anything better than that.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection joins the Nathan Drake Collection as the best way to experience some of the greatest titles PlayStation has ever put out into the world. Naughty Dog truly are kings of their craft, having created many of the industry's greatest games, and with Uncharted established a franchise that captures the movie-like-magic of adventure cinema and brings it into the interactive space. Who knows what the future of the Uncharted franchise has in store, but for now getting your hands on this collection is a sure-fire way to experience a platform-defining experience that should hold up for years to come.

Gran Turismo 7 is essentially a celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary, melding features old and new and presenting it on next-generation hardware. Polyphony Digital’s sheer love of cars and obsession with detail flows through every single part of this game. The forced main campaign could be a turn off for some, but it is countered by their use of subtle, innovative haptic feedback and the experience of driving these legendary cars around legendary tracks. There is a method to the madness. The world is quickly moving on from fossil fuels and combustion engines, but there is no denying that these are some beautiful machines… and this is a beautiful game.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 feel right at home on the Nintendo Switch. While some additional gameplay tweaks may have been desirable, this still remains the definitive package, with a welcome visual upgrade, more accessible difficulty options and updated controls. Whether this is your first time experiencing Mario’s voyages to the stars or you are looking for a spaceship journey down memory lane, there has never been a better time to check out Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, now on the Nintendo Switch.

Immortality is Sam Barlow’s magnum opus and the best FMV game ever made. Manon Gage is a riotous force of an actor, accompanied by just as capable a cast, all capable of blowing up. Deep and rewarding investigation mechanics mean you too are rewarded by more of these very performances. Forty years ago at the genre’s start, ideas this broad, sweeping and memorable were inconceivable. Now they’ve arrived, serving as the mastering of technology, writing and acting, all wrapped up in a momentous and moving package. Immortality is a game-changer, utterly needing to forever be immortalised in gaming and art history.

SAROS delivers Housemarque’s best-in-class gameplay, backed by a genuinely intriguing narrative and a unique world. But it’s lacking polish, with performance and optimisation issues that are impossible to ignore for a game so reliant on precision. Arjun’s story truly gets its hooks into you and refuses to let go, but it’s difficult to give glowing praise in its current state. As it stands, SAROS is an excellent game that’s being held back from greatness.

Without a doubt, OlliOlli World is going to be the skateboarding game to check out in 2022. It's an adventure full of plenty of fun and is incredibly hard to fault. Where the challenge in the late game can be a bit much, plenty of accessibility options help you make do. On offer are luscious and vibrant levels to absolutely melt away into with rewarding easy-to-pick-up and at times hard-to-master gameplay. Roll7's hard work refining their craft and genre niche over the years have well paid off, shaping one of the best and most joyous skating games in a long time. It's well worth creating your own weird skating hero, diving head first into the wondrous weird OlliOlli World has on offer. You owe yourself that much.

Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is easily the best expansion since The Taken King. Savathûn and her story are engaging and thrilling to play, each mission putting the always stunning art and design on display. With glaive in hand, new mighty Void powers, and weapon crafting at your arsenal, Guardians will have a terrific time annihilating hordes of Hive in the campaign and raids. Unfortunately, it’s not a newbie-friendly expansion. The complicated narrative and deep history which is partly unplayable due to removed content, as well as awful UI, make it challenging for even previous players to jump back into the journey. If you’ve been playing Destiny 2 and still are, you need to play The Witch Queen.

DEATHLOOP is a cathartic blend of stealth, gunplay and powers that culminate in a satisfying gameplay loop as you explore the eccentric island of Blackreef. Whilst the narrative payoffs don't always live up to the intriguing premise, there's an undeniable sense of style and substance that help carry the game into really favourable territory. Knowledge really is power in DEATHLOOP and there's a pleasurable novelty to much of the game's design that allows it to feel engaging even when the player's hand is held a little too tightly. Even within a year of time loop releases, DEATHLOOP stands out as its own unique beast worth experiencing.

While the core gameplay loop of Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo feels dated, there’s a lot to enjoy in the retro-inspired experience that Pocket Trap have crafted. The level design and puzzles, badge and upgrade system, and art design make it worth a look if you’re craving an old-school adventure. There’s a great game in here, but it’s sometimes held back from shining through.

If you haven’t played Mass Effect already and are looking for the best way to do so, the Legendary Edition will be the way to go. It has all of the games in one convenient package, along with all of the DLC. With the improvements to load times, it is absolutely the definitive way to play Mass Effect on console.

If you’re a longtime Final Fantasy fan who greatly appreciates the franchise’s musical legacy, Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line is a game that celebrates that. It holds up as a rhythm game, with complex and engaging gameplay and decent integration of obligatory Final Fantasy RPG mechanics. With its expansive track list, adorable visuals, and large roster of characters to collect, it is a joy to play through the musical history of this classic RPG series, either alone or against others. While it doesn’t really aspire to be much more than that, if you are fine with that, then Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line is certainly worth checking out.

Return to Monkey Island brings the beloved classic point-and-click series into the modern puzzle adventure genre, and it’s a perfect fit. It’s a fine addition to the Monkey Island series, but it nevertheless seems held back by Monkey Island 2’s strange ending. In its attempt to explain it away, it just hurts its own narrative, which had the potential for more than it achieved. But it is still a fun ride, full of wild, funny, and surprisingly sincere moments. I will be keenly looking forward to the next Monkey Island game from the mind of Gilbert and his team.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a strong and very engaging paid expansion that offers many hours of new content. Idris Elba’s Solomon Reed is an excellent addition to the setting, and his movie star charisma does a lot to elevate the expansion’s tense sci-fi political thriller tale. Accompanied by the long-awaited 2.0 update, substantially overhauling the Cyberpunk 2077 base game for the better and allowing the game to finally reach its full potential, Phantom Liberty might not bring as many new gameplay innovations on its own, but what it does bring feels like a worthwhile addition to the base game and something fans of Cyberpunk 2077 will definitely want to check out.

Lumines Arise takes a now-iconic formula and revamps it in a way that truly stimulates the senses. When you’re in a flow-state, headphones in, matching blocks, vibing with the gorgeous soundtrack and being mesmerised by the dazzling visuals, time simply melts away. It’s the most diverse and interesting the series has ever been, punctuated by a killer tracklist from its talented composers. Sure to be a regular puzzler to pick up in anybody’s library, there’s simply nothing else quite like Lumines Arise.

Dispatch is a fun and visually appealing narrative adventure. Its dialogue is razor sharp, coming out of characters’ mouths that have a lot of personality and, most importantly, heart. It’s a game with characters that I enjoyed hanging out with and getting to know, with a management system that needed me to know the ins and outs of the strengths and weaknesses of each villain in my care. AdHoc have a very strong IP with Dispatch, and I hope that this is just the start for Robert Robertston and his merry group of villains, whose work turns them into the heroes they never thought they could become.

Neva is beautifully crafted and deeply emotional, making for one of the most touching and exquisite games of the year. I loved the growing companionship between Alba and her cute wolf pal, as they evolved from hesitant adventurers into confident allies. The visuals are simply breathtaking, with a stunning watercolour aesthetic and lovely little details in its animations. On top of that, combat is satisfying and just varied enough as new abilities get added into the mix. Though it may be a relatively short adventure, Neva leaves a lasting impression that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

While Tales of Arise isn't perfect by any means, it is a meaty, colourful, and engaging game that I think should be on any self-respecting JRPG fans must-play list. Mastering the action combat is a thrilling and rewarding experience, as is the satisfaction of finding rare materials to craft with or taking down massive beasts for big rewards. The overarching plot is richly detailed, filled with twists and turns that will keep you interested, all while embarking on the journey with a party of well-realised characters. With some minor flaws found in the game's competing visual styles, graphical options, and side quest content, I think there are more than enough positives to be found that Tales of Arise could easily end up being one of the best RPGs released this year.

Bionic Bay is an enticing adventure with responsive controls that encourage players to zip energetically through these gorgeously obliterated environments. A fast and exciting gameplay experience remains rewarding throughout its campaign. Yet the reality-bending powers and smartest level design feel too sparsely used and lack depth. Players will likely enjoy the speedy platforming of Bionic Bay, but may wish the game fully realised the potential of its solid building blocks.

Antonblast is an incredibly odd, yet rather absorbing platformer. Despite its audacious presentation, there is a surprisingly skillful platformer underneath the over-the-top chaos of its visuals that fans of speedrunning and mastery over a game’s mechanics will be sure to greatly enjoy. Not all of the level gimmicks work as well as others, but considering the amount of imagination which has been squeezed into this 10-ish hour experience, it’s hard to come away from the game without a smile on your face. If you’re a fan of Crash Bandicoot or the old Wario Land games, or just really like well-designed and memorable 2D platformers, Antonblast is a tonne of fun and an easy recommend.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a welcome return to one of the most ambitious JRPGs of its time, refined with visual upgrades, quality-of-life improvements, and new story content. While the core gameplay remains as deep and rewarding as ever, some of its rougher edges, like clunky menus, a steep learning curve, and persistent pop-in, keep it from feeling as polished as Monolith Soft’s later work. Newcomers will find a daunting but fascinating journey, whereas returning fans can enjoy the extra content without reinventing the experience. It might not be the series' classic, but if you can embrace its complexity and occasional frustrations, Mira is still an open-world marvel.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a next-generation action game of mechs, industry, and technology within a rich story. It will be renowned for its advanced approach to strategic combat, integrated assembly system, and immersive soundscape, offering an unparalleled experience for fans of the genre. Amidst its narrative intricacies, pacing, and camera control challenges, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon stands as a symphony of metal and fire, inviting players to pilot their destiny in a futuristic universe unlike any other.

It’s a crime that The Great Ace Attorney and its sequel took so long to come to the West. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles bundles in two of the best games in the franchise to date, its improved graphical fidelity setting a new bar for the series. Chronicles doesn’t add much in the way of extra content, but it’s hard to improve on something that was already so good. The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve is the crowning Jewel in this particular bundle, but even Adventures is a must-play for any Ace Attorney fan.

Whilst Diablo IV could have done more to advance the genre or perfect its writing and tone across the entire experience, there’s no denying just how impactful this release is, especially for those of us who grew up alongside the series. The game is demonically big and beautiful, allowing players to get lost in Sanctuary and constantly engaged by the looting and upgrading loop that continues to fire endorphins from the moment you boot it up until you finally and begrudgingly turn it off.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a very good remaster of an absolute classic. So many lines in-game are raw and palpable and feel like utter poetry, leaving me perplexed at how they could be written by another human. Re-recorded tracks add to the grim but boisterous realities of the universe’s war. Plenty of granular investment and min-maxing is on offer to create a timeless and incredibly realised tactical combat experience. However, I can’t help but sometimes want more from its vague storytelling and opportunities for more quality-of-life improvements. Concessions absolutely could’ve been made for more difficulty and saving options, doing away with the feeling of hitting roadblocks. Still, this is a genre experience that’s as true as they come. Tactics Ogre has once more cemented itself as one of the tactics giants, and a bloody momentous one at that.

The remake of Silent Hill 2 walks a fine line between honouring a beloved original and innovating for both new and returning audiences. It does so with incredible success, landing clever changes to its puzzles and cleverly expanded environments that enhance the game, rather than detracting from it or over-stuffing it. Ultimately, this remake never loses sight of what makes Silent Hill 2 such a memorable experience in the first place: its ability to get under your skin, and stay there. It's truly delightful to share that the Silent Hill 2 remake is a polished, fitting homage, and a celebration of one of horror's greatest masterpieces.