Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is easily the best game in the series by far. Though surprisingly, it isn’t the fact that it looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous that impresses the most. Instead, it’s the sheer variety of gameplay that Insomniac Games has managed to cram into its running time, with each and every aspect of it flawlessly complementing the others. With effectively zero loading times, from the moment you boot up Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart you’re engrossed in its engaging story and eclectic mix of third-person shooting, platforming, dimensional shifting and a whole lot more. And it’s all so polished that you could see yourself in it. If you have a PS5, consider this essential.

Simply fantastic. Enhanced for Nintendo Switch, it's one of the best old-fashioned 2D platformers of recent years.

Thanks to meaningful new additions such as crossplay, rollback netcode, and a meaty single-player mode, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage cements itself as one of the very best fighting games currently available.

Harmonix Music VR might just be my new favourite application for VR.

Never would I have believed that in the year 2021 I’d be sat playing Diablo 2 on a console. And thanks to Diablo 2: Resurrected, with its wonderfully mapped controls and stunning visuals, it doesn’t have to be an eyesore or an ordeal. Some will instantly be put off by the lack of local co-op, but for those happy to play on their own or with others online, Diablo 2: Resurrected remains one of the best action RPGs of all time. It may be a bit clunkier than I remember it to be, but not offputtingly so, and once you’ve taken your first steps and started developing your character of choice, it’s hard to not be totally consumed by the game’s dark world and all that it offers. Diablo 2 is back, and until Diablo 4 emerges from the bowels of hell, it’ll do just nicely. Though I’ll probably be playing it beyond that, too.

I can’t think of many other open world games that pack in as much character, as much wonderfully crafted narrative that Days Gone does. Sure, it’s a story about a world overrun with a deadly virus. But it’s also a story about people, about hope, about survival. It's at times uplifting, others heartbreaking. Couple that with Days Gone's beautiful setting and a varied array of well-designed story missions, and you're left with something pretty special.

If you’re a fan of platform games or roguelikes, 20XX comes highly recommended. And if you’re a fan of Mega Man it’s pretty much essential.

PC Building Simulator 2 sets a new benchmark for simulation games. The attention to detail, the ease of play, the presentation – everything is second to none, and we can’t get enough. Even if you’ve never stared into the insides of a PC before, if you’re intrigued by the idea of tinkering with components, you owe it to yourself to give it a go. Just be sure to set yourself plenty of time aside, because you won’t be able to drag yourself away.

For anyone who has grown up playing any of these classic Street Fighter titles, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is absolutely essential.

An intensely replayable game, but not just because of how fun it is. Hidden collectables, for instance, are scattered throughout each stage that help unlock even more content beyond the original 100 levels.

An open-world adventure game set in an intriguing sci-fi world, I've absolutely loved every moment I've spent with Caravan SandWitch. Whether you're exploring, completing a side quest or hunting down important components, there's so much to do — and the fact you can do it all at your own pace makes this an absolute joy to play.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is a treat for both Warriors fans and those who adore The Legend of Zelda series. It may not have the puzzles of a traditional Zelda game, but it packs in an obscene amount of action to make up for it. Throw in a story that will have you gripped as well as the usual Zelda charm, and you have a game that will keep you glued to the screen for tens of hours.

Evil Dead: The Game has quickly become our favourite 4v1 horror title, and we can’t wait to see how it grows and develops. There are two distinct experiences to be had playing as either a demon or a survivor, but both are huge amounts of gory fun. And thanks to the fantastic atmosphere generated by the game’s visuals and map design, you’re genuinely kept on the edge of your seat as you play. We’re so glad that some 40 years after the release of The Evil Dead, the series remains relevant. And on the back of Evil Dead: The Game we think it’s got much more life in it yet. Come get some.

Manual Samuel asks you do the mundane, but in doing so it makes it funny, challenging and engaging.

It may be simple, but it has plenty to offer thanks to its addictive gameplay, and its welcome addition of level creation makes for nearly endless replayability. Speedrunners is definitely a must-have game if you want something light-hearted to play with friends, or even make friends with online matches.

Despite its few niggles, Overcooked 2 delivers everything that made the first game so great, but in a bigger, better and more appetising package.

If you loved Two Point Hospital or Campus, you're going to love Two Point Museum, too. This might be the best game in the series yet, allowing you to go wild in a series of weird and wonderful museums where you can display everything from dinosaur skeletons to actual ghosts. With the same humour, fun and ease of accessibility we've come to expect from the Two Point team, this is another smash hit.

I feel like 428: Shibuya Scramble is a visual novel for people that don’t usually like visual novels. It’s more involving, more mature, and more engaging than others out there.

For rally fans who haven’t yet dived into DiRT Rally 2.0 for whatever reason, this Game of the Year Edition is essential. There’s no finer looking rally game available, no other rally games handles as well, and now, no other rally game compares in terms of content. If only DiRT Rally 2.0 Game of the Year Edition wasn’t so hard on players then it would be perfect. It’s near enough for most, though. This is undoubtedly the best rally game available right now. And it probably will be until the next DiRT Rally emerges.

Far Cry Primal‘s map is absolutely huge, and is literally teeming with objective markers and missions. I challenge even the most ardently focused of players to travel to their intended location without getting sidetracked on the way.

The combat is fast paced and really gives the player a feeling of desperation.

inbento is a sublimely sweet and thoroughly addictive puzzler that deserves a place in any puzzle fan’s collection, even if you’re a dog person at heart. You monster.

It pretty much perfects the run ‘n’ gun formula, only it doesn’t really offer anything new while doing so. That shouldn’t, and won’t, be a problem for the many clambering for the return of the action-packed genre though. And who knows, developer Joymasher might throw in some surprises if Blazing Chrome does well enough to get a sequel. And it really should do.

Hitman 3 doesn’t break the mould, it merely beats in some extra details that give it a little extra depth and richness. For fans of the series it won’t be an issue; this is the final piece in a trilogy, after all – if it was too different it would stand out like a sore thumb. Ultimately, then, the only really disappointing aspect of Hitman 3 is its final location, which plays more like a sequence from Hitman: Absolution. With every other location offering so many possibilities, however, it’s forgivable. Chances are we aren’t going to be placed in control of Agent 47 again; at least for a fair while, anyway. But with Hitman 3, IO Interactive has at least made sure he’s had a worthy send-off.

What’s really special about Florence, though, is how relatable everything is. No matter what walk of life we come from, there’s something here we’ve all experienced. Be it falling in love, breaking up, being stuck in a boring job – there’s a bit of Florence in all of us.

Standing head and shoulders above its predecessors, Sniper Elite 4 is Rebellion assuredly stepping up their game. Sure, the story at the heart of the campaign is still a bit duff, but who plays games like this for the narrative? I certainly don’t. What’s important is that all of Sniper Elite 4’s gameplay tweaks and improvements come together to create a package that feels solid and succinct, offering an experience that is enjoyably tense and rewarding. What’s more, it’s always thrilling lining up that perfect shot before witnessing its gruesome effects on your victim via the x-ray kill-cam. Perfection eludes it due to the small amount of screen-tearing and somewhat repetitive sub-objectives, but Sniper Elite 4 is essential for the armchair sniper out there looking for their next sure-fire hit.

A Sonic fan couldn’t really ask for more than what’s been delivered by Sonic Mania. It’s got the gratifying Sonic physics, responsive controls, thrilling speed, open levels and brilliant bosses. It truly is a return to form for our favourite speedy blue hedgehog, which is ironic considering that it’s not made by Sonic Team.

The Crew Motorfest is undoubtedly the best entry in Ubisoft’s open-world racing game series yet. Not only that, but it goes toe-to-toe with Forza Horizon 5, perhaps even beating it in numerous ways. The island of O’ahu is stunning; a varied place that feels natural and teeming with things to do. But more importantly, the gameplay, the simple act of driving, is rewarding and fun. Whether you’re exploring the world or taking part in a heated race, The Crew Motorfest puts a smile on your face, even if only because of the beautiful surroundings. And while they’re somewhat put on the back burner here, it’s nice that you can still jump into a plane or boat to explore without limits.

If you have a Switch and haven’t played NieR Automata yet, you should jump in immediately if you have any love for the action RPG or character action genres. The End of YoRHa Edition is such an accomplished port that ardent fans wishing to play the game on the move might want to dive into it too. It might not look or play quite as good as it does elsewhere, but it’s impressive in its own right.

There’s a hell of a lot to love about Deathloop. It’s seriously slick; taking control of Colt as he runs, slides, sneaks or climbs through an environment feels incredible. It’s a game that entrusts players to engage with its systems in their own way, and while you’ll never be at a loss on what to do, you won’t have your hand held, either. It’s fast, it’s smooth, it’s incredibly good fun. Chances are, you really won’t want the loop to end.

More than a straightforward remaster or remake, Yooka-Replaylee reimagines the original game, adding new challenges and gameplay elements while tweaking and improving others. Ultimately, it's a much-improved experience, with its worlds densely packed with things to do and its gameplay finely-tuned. This is easily one of the best 3D platformers currently available.

Genesis Noir may not be for everyone. You’ll need patience for it – and if you like games that hold your hand, it’s likely not for you. But stick with it, and you’ll find an extraordinary and rare title unlike anything else you’ve played. It’s beautiful, clever, and very tricky in places – but you’ll be thinking about it long after you’ve turned it off.

Tales from the Borderlands can easily compete against the hottest contenders on TV, not just on account of its writing, but also its cinematic beauty.

Yes, we can levy criticisms about the roguelike genre in general at it, but the fact is, few games perfect the formula quite like Hades does; it’s one of the best roguelikes you’ll ever play. With a slew of upgrades available, gorgeous environments to fight your way through and a wonderfully told narrative that delves into Greek mythology, you’ll keep coming back for more, time and time again.

I can’t stress how much fun SUPERHOT VR is when you become fully immersed… it’s like being able to be both John Wick and Neo at once. You can have your cake, eat it, and then be offered seconds.

Dead Space is an accomplished remake that not only brings new life to a classic, but hopefully paves the path for more entries in the series in the future. While much of the game will be familiar to those who have played the original, the meaningful updates and additions go a long way to keep the experience feeling fresh, modern and unpredictable. So, whether you’re already a Dead Space fan or new to the series, this is well worth your time and money – as long as you have the nerves for it. For some, it’s even likely to be an early game of the year contender.

With its dual-protagonist setup, Resident Evil Requiem caters to both those who love traditional survival horror as well as action horror. Throw in a fantastic range of truly terrifying enemies, including zombies that feel freakier than ever thanks to their unique behaviours, and you have one of the best Resident Evil games yet, especially for those who can appreciate both of its distinct gameplay styles.

F1 23 is pretty much a faultless racing experience. While its career mode may be lacking in innovations this year, the return of Braking Point and the new F1 World mode more than make up for it. Add in other improvements and features, and you have what is undoubtedly the best F1 game yet. If you’re an F1 fan this is an absolute must-buy as usual, but even racing game fans in general would be wise to add this to their collection. With its wealth of content, brilliant handling and sublime presentation, F1 23 is simply racing at its finest.

Tetris Forever isn't just for Tetris fans: it's for anyone interested in preserving the history of video games. Digital Eclipse is going from strength to strength with its Gold Master series, and Tetris Forever might just be the best yet — not least because of the brilliant new game, Tetris Time Warp, bundled within it.

All of the components – the humour, the horror, the puzzles, and the characters – of The Darkside Detective add up to create one of the most entertaining and rewarding point and click games I’ve ever played.

If you’re a fan of challenging platformers or find yourself drawn to the ever popular art of speedrunning, SEUM is a title that you definitely shouldn’t resist.

Football Manager 2019 Touch is so much more than its iOS/Android namesake; it’s the beautiful game made even more beautiful. It’s the definitive option for any diehard Football Manager fan, or football fan, looking to take their passion on the go.

A twin-stick shooter in which the gameplay and visuals are influenced by the current music track, Beat Hazard Arcade is an assault on the senses, but in the best possible way. You'll have hours of fun blasting away as the music blares out, unlocking and upgrading a wealth of ships to fuel yet more action. And the ability to play along to your own tracks is *chef's kiss*.

Humanity joins the stable of games published by Enhance that are weird and wonderful in all the right ways. Its abstract visual style, strange premise and trippy soundtrack all sit on top of its unique brain-teasing challenges, creating a game that quickly gets its hooks in you and doesn’t let go. For puzzle fans, or those who simply like their games out of the ordinary, this is a must-play.

Bundling up the base game along with two years' worth of characters, stages and more, Street Fighter 6: Years 1-2 Fighters Edition is a must-have for fighting game fans who have picked up a Switch 2. While new modes such as Gyro Battle and Calorie Contest are a bit gimmicky, the only real disappointment here is fights in World Tour playing out at 30fps.

With the addition of truly inventive boss battles and puzzles that really make you think, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is a joy to play and was well worth the six year wait. And with the addition of multiplayer mode, you and your friends are sure to be talking about it for months to come.

If you've ever been a fan of Ikaruga and own a Switch, this port is absolutely essential. It's also essential if you've never played the game before but have an interest in bullet hell shooters. Demanding you to remain alert at all times and change polarisation to suit your situation, Ikaruga is a shooter that stands in a class of its own. Its ingenious twist on a tried and tested formula makes it an unforgettable classic, and being able to play it on Switch is simply glorious.

It may not have the prettiest visuals, even running at 4K, but it has a hell of a lot of charm and plays like an absolute dream.

The art style [of Dead Synchronicity is] simply amazing; it conveys the tone of ‘The New World’ perfectly and gives a distinctive charm to every scene.

Chivalry II is one of the best online multiplayer games I’ve ever played, it’s as simple as that.

Aside from some minor issues, more often encountered when playing alone, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is one of the best beat 'em ups currently available, and an absolute treat for Marvel fans.

Big things come in small packages, and much like its levels, OVIVO shows that it’s not about getting caught up in the details; it’s about looking at the bigger picture.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure looks amazing, sounds amazing, and provides four-or-so hours of perfect, meditative escapism. Who knew taking control of a pre-teen girl as she picks up rubbish and takes photos of animals could be so much fun? But it is. Don’t sleep on Alba; it really is a gorgeous experience that will have you grinning from ear to ear for every moment you spend with it.

It's undoubtedly a game that will be tweaked and expanded upon over its lifetime, but Warhammer: Vermintide 2 already feels like a formidable co-op package.

It’s easy to say that Batman: The Telltale Series Episode 1 – Realm of Shadows is one of Telltale’s best first episodes yet.

Remember when you mindlessly ran over throngs of pedestrians on GTA ‘just because’? Now you can do that with zombies.

Cut from the very best cloth of open world games, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a pleasure from start to finish. Though overwhelming in its early hours, once you settle into Eivor’s shoes, exploring England is an exhilarating journey like no other. Try as you might to focus on the main missions, the lure of exploration is too strong, and you’ll find pleasure in every tiny discovery. Is this the best Assassin’s Creed game yet? That’s difficult to say – but it might just be. Especially if you enjoy the beauty of British countryside and the contrasting brutality of viking combat.

An oppressive atmosphere. An unsettling story that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Engaging combat. Stunning visuals. A fantastic soundtrack. Silent Hill f has all of these, making it one of the best entries in the series yet.

Days Gone Remastered takes Bend's epic open world survival adventure and makes it look and play better than ever before. Even better, on top of visual improvements and DualSense support, there's a whole new mode that makes it easy to jump in for a bout of exhilarating horde action. It's a no-brainer for those who are eligible for a cheap upgrade, and the best way for newcomers to experience the game for the first time.

Unruly Heroes is a gorgeous action platformer that oozes charm. The single-player story mode is an absolute gem that I will undoubtedly revisit. The simplistic gameplay combined with a cast of four well-designed and unique characters makes for a fantastic experience that stands out from other platform games. If you don’t want to go on this adventure alone Unruly Heroes can even be played with up to four players locally. There’s also a PvP mode if you wish to test your skills against your friends. Pick up Unruly Heroes now for a wildly exciting adventure.

I can’t recommend The Pillars of the Earth highly enough. Beautiful artwork combined with a deep and rich story make for a compelling experience, and I’m eager for book two of the game to release so I can get stuck back in.

It’s safe to say that Splasher ticks all the right boxes in all the right places. It has the potential to be the next big thing in platforming – I urge you, if you’re a fan of the genre, then you must give Splasher a try.

No matter who you are, we challenge you to play Tinykin without a stupid grin on your face from start to finish. This is an utterly wholesome adventure game, packed with charm, clever ideas, puzzles and exploration. Heck, it even has a narrative twist to keep you on your toes. There’s so much to love here – we’re just sad it had to come to an end. Splashteam has absolutely blown it out of the teeny, tiny park, and we’d love more adventures with Milo in the future.

Thanks to the ever-changing and otherworldly nature of The Oldest House, Control has a varied range of environments that somehow feel cohesive. And while it has the usual mix of gunplay and powers, they combine to create combat that's faster-paced and more frenetic than ever before. This is Remedy at the height of its game. It's just a shame that a couple of annoyances hold Control back from being flawless.

I’ve loved all three Watch Dogs games, but Watch Dogs Legion may be my favourite. Perhaps it’s the familiarity of London, or perhaps it’s the unique joy of being able to take control of pretty much any character you want. There’s so much to see and do; the amount of character and life breathed into the city is unrivalled by pretty much any other open world game. Even once the credits roll, there’s so much left for you experience. It’s not perfect (what is?) but there’s nothing else quite like Watch Dogs Legion. If you love an open world game and revel in the freedom to approach missions however you want, then this is the game for you.

If you’re looking for a super casual, story-driven game to play when you feel like lazing around, Root Double is highly recommended.

Crossy Road Castle is a simple multiplayer-focused platforming game that proves to be a heck of a lot of fun, though you don't need to play with others. And no matter how you play, thanks to its randomised levels and wealth of content to unlock, you'll keep on returning time and time again.

At first glance, Tunic might look like your typical breezy indie adventure. How wrong you’d be to think that. Underneath its cute exterior lies a tough-as-nails experience, designed to truly test your mettle. But here’s a game that also sports some of the most thoughtful, wonderful design elements you’ll ever find, all laid out in an interconnected, sprawling world that begs to be explored. Better yet, a range of accessibility options mean that absolutely anyone can experience Tunic, regardless of their skill level. And by god, they should. It really is something special.

A Rose in the Twilight is best described on the surface as being an undeniably bleak, somewhat charming, but consistently creative 2D puzzle platforming experience.

Blasphemous is hands down one of my favourite games of 2019. I wasn’t expecting it to be, but it’s one of those unexpected surprises; a gift that you didn’t think that you wanted but quickly becomes to be loved.

There seems to have been a number of brilliant Rogue-likes released in the last few months, and ScourgeBringer is among the best of them. Its retro-styled visuals may not be to everyone’s tastes, but everything moves at such a quick pace that you hardly have time to fixate on them. Besides, I think they have character. The game’s soundtrack certainly does, moving between airy, atmospheric melodies when you’re exploring, to full-on metal that will make you want to bang your head as you obliterate any enemies that stand in your way. This is a must-play for fans of the genre.

There’s so much I could talk about with Core Keeper, but it’s the sense of discovery that really makes this game so special — and going in not knowing exactly what you might encounter feels like sort-of the point. But if you have a taste for adventure, enjoy carving your own path and don’t mind figuring things out for yourself, you’re going to have a whale of a time.

Monolith is clearly a game with a lot of heart and it shines through with every moment.

Perplexing and often pretentious, yet compelling and wonderfully accomplished, it's safe to say you won't have played anything quite like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes before. Filled with puzzles and mystery at every turn, once you step foot inside the intriguing Hotel Letztes Jahr, you won't be able to pull yourself way.

For fans of Slay the Spire and its ilk, Roguebook is a no-brainer. This is a gorgeous, engaging take on the roguelike deckbuilding genre that carves out its own niche without ever feeling derivative of games that came before it. Combining the joy of map exploration and discovery with deep, strategic combat, the result is a game that absolutely nails replayability. If roguelikes are your jam, you’re going to find it hard to put Roguebook down.

If you prefer more laid-back puzzle games, maybe still give Kelvin a chance but bring a friend. Two heads are better than one after all and you definitely won’t regret it.

Giving Hades a run for its money, Reignbreaker is a stylish, high-octane hack-and-slash roguelike that sees you moving through a Medieval-punk world. With satisfying combat and excellent storytelling, it's a great deal of fun to play — and it's an absolute bargain to buy.

This is Remedy’s most ambitious and imaginative game yet, with some truly outstanding scenes that will stick with you for a long time to come. We’re overjoyed that Alan is back, and we couldn’t have ever anticipated where his story would go. One of the best games of the year, Alan Wake 2 is utterly mesmerising and truly unique. It’s a work of art that blends videogame and film like never before.

The control scheme may take some getting used to, and you may find yourself getting bogged down in some of the grittier details of the game. But once you get used to it, you may just have the role-playing experience of your life.

It’s safe to say that Pistol Whip has quickly become one of our favourite PSVR 2 titles. Who doesn’t want to feel like Neo in The Matrix, dodging bullets left, right and centre? Or John Wick, spotting and dispatching enemies with a combination of shots and melee attacks? Basically, Pistol Whip allows you be Keanu Reeves: the epitome of cool. And so, for anyone picking up PSVR 2, this should be considered a must-have.

Whether you're a long time fan or a newcomer, this remaster of the classic Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars is likely to have you enraptured from start to finish. Its visuals have been lovingly updated, and while there are some issues with the game's audio, this is undoubtedly the best way to experience George Stobbart's debut adventure. It's just a shame there aren't any extras.

As we said in our original review of Tetris Effect: Connected, this is perhaps the best that Tetris will ever be. And in VR, that couldn’t be more true. On paper, “Tetris in VR” doesn’t sound all that great, and if you’ve never played Tetris Effect before, it’s a hard sell. But spend just five minutes inside this incredible experience, and you’ll never look back.

With its saccharine visuals and cheesy yet infectious music, Puyo Puyo Tetris is about as sweet a game as you can get. And, like sugar, the gameplay is devilishly addictive. You’ll spend hours and hours in the adventure mode, earning credits and unlocking extras like new background music whilst trying to get three stars on every stage. Along the way you’re likely to dive into the many additional gameplay modes found in solo arcade, setting high scores and honing your skills. All the while, its ample multiplayer options will see you challenging friends, family and strangers to impromptu battles, eager to show them who’s boss. Puyo Puyo Tetris is the complete block and jelly dropping package, and you’d have to be mad to pass it up, even though it can get a bit crazy at times.

While Mortal Kombat 1 feels a little streamlined and cut down compared to Mortal Kombat 11, it surpasses it where it really counts: the gameplay. This is quite simply the most fun we’ve had with a Mortal Kombat game to date. The improved combat with its faster pace, combined with a brilliant roster of fighters and the new Kameo system, means that we’re once again excited for the future of the series, as well as what’s to come to this entry. We’ll be returning to Invasion mode time and time again as its seasonal content is refreshed, and look forward to more characters being added into the mix.

Tasking you with exploring an abandoned lunar base and investigating what happened to it, Routine is a first-person horror game that will have you captivated from beginning to end thanks to its tense atmosphere and engaging puzzles.

Players who love Michonne, or who love any action game with the right amount of drama and zombie killing, can pick up the season pass in order to get access to the first two episodes and the third upon its release.

If you’re expecting a great evolution to the series, you might be a little disappointed with what Borderlands 3 brings to the table. But if you’re happy to jump into more of the same, albeit on a greater scale, you’ll find a lot to love here. And on the new generation of consoles, Borderlands 3 shines better than ever. Playing at 60fps with up to 4K resolution really makes a world of difference; Borderlands 3 has never been more of a pleasure to shoot your way through.

At times, The Division 2 does just feel like more of the same but with a new setting, but when it’s pulled off this well, who cares? In developing The Division 2, Ubisoft has taken what worked from the first game and listened to fans, creating a follow up that’s captivating and densely packed with things to do. If you like third-person shooters or love loot, it’s a must-buy.

Hades is a fantastic title. Even after sinking multiple hours in, it never gets boring. It’s a beautiful-looking game; from the environments to the character art, a lot of love and care has gone into bringing it to life. Better yet, it’s simply a joy to play. Returning to the Underworld time and again, striving to get just that bit further every time, is endlessly entertaining. With smooth controls, a fantastic story filled with charm and humour, a satisfying upgrade system and a whole host of other great elements, I can’t recommend it enough.

DIRT 5 is one of the most joy-inducing racing games of this generation. Nothing quite compares to hurtling around a muddy track in an exotic locale, using the handbrake to get the back end out around sharp corners and trading paint with opponents as you fight for positions, all while navigating bumps and breath-taking jumps. The dirt being thrown up by tyres realistically accumulating on your vehicle until it’s a mess only adds to spectacle of it all. This is a showy game, but one that also has perfectly-honed physics, making it challenging but accessible to all. And while some of that magic is lost when you make your way into Playgrounds, the sheer creativity it offers is more than enough compensation.

If you’ve never played Metro 2033 or Metro Last Light before, consider Metro Redux on Switch a mandatory purchase. You deserve it. And if you’ve already played these games but fancy having them available on the go, be aware that they’re perhaps not best played in handheld mode in broad daylight, but don’t let it totally put you off.

Two Point Hospital on console is simply a delight. Anyone who has fond memories of playing Theme Hospital will find themselves right at home here. Packed with challenge, wonderful humour and a flawless control scheme, it’s very hard to find fault with anything Two Point Hospital has to offer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have patients to tend to – and will you please stop dying in the corridors?

Superhot: Mind Control Delete is simply an amazing title. Back in 2016, SUPERHOT really was the most innovative shooter we’d played in years, and four years on, the series is still as exciting as ever. With new levels, cool weapons, more creative settings and excellent sound design and music, there’s nothing quite like it. Superhot: Mind Control Delete is what fans of the original have been waiting for – and it more than delivers. Pick it up now; play more, win more and uncover the secrets waiting for you.

A game of impeccable design and gorgeous art, with almost no missteps to speak of. With all the games to choose from these days, don’t let this one slip by.

Housemarque has done it again; Nex Machina is a brilliantly action-packed shooter that’s engrossing, addictive and absolutely sublime from start to finish.

Forget Crackdown 2 ever happened, Crackdown 3 is the sequel we deserve.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an astounding debut title from Sandfall Interactive. Its compelling and emotional narrative is backed up with one of the best turn-based combat systems around, even though it perhaps feels a bit too focused on you performing parries and dodges at times. Add in stunning visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, and you have a JRPG that's not to be missed.

Those who view the story as a prelude to the many hours that can be spent in the game’s Endless and Challenge modes however, completing speed runs, seeing how long they can last against a constant stream of enemies and beating levels only using swords for example, will find a game with as much longevity as it has originality.