The scale and scope of Baldur’s Gate 3 is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Again, I know I’ve become the drunk bloke in the pub hammering on about The Beatles, but I can’t stop myself. I have gleefully joined the ranks of Baldur’s Gate 3’s evangelical, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In a year groaning under the weight of so many exemplary games, it is frankly astounding to me how much taller Baldur’s Gate 3 looms over the rest of the pack. I’m not sure we’ll ever see anything quite like it again.

Tears Of The Kingdom effortlessly dances between the epic and the ridiculous - and every single moment in this vast, gorgeous playground will be completely unique to each player. I don’t know how, but Nintendo managed to follow a straight-up masterpiece with something bigger, better, and smarter. I genuinely feel bad for every other video game that has to be released in 2023.

All in all, Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree is a fitting conclusion to FromSoftware’s biggest, and most-successful title to date. It guides the player by the hand into a brand-new world of mystery and intrigue, treats them to some of the most memorable fights in the series, and rounds things off the only way FromSoftware knows how, leaving you wondering what the hell just happened.

Hades 2 is the perfect addition to the roguelike RPG genre and it offers something for everyone: challenging combat for more seasoned gamers, unique and diverse characters and designs, excellent acting, stunning world and level design and it feels as though it was made with heart and soul, especially for the Greek mythology nerds such as myself.

All of these changes make Persona 5 Royal the definitive version of this title, for newcomers and veterans alike. There are more characters, more things to do and more time in-game to do it all. P-Studio have managed to take a near-perfect game in Persona 5 and elevate it to another level. It gets in your head like never before thanks to its refined blend of dungeon-crawling RPG action and satisfying high school simulator mechanics. In a year where Final Fantasy VII Remake is set to take the world by storm, the Persona series has done what it always does and produced something even better.

Astro Bot is true perfection. I entered the game hoping it would recreate the same sense of magic that Astro’s Playroom brought to life so wonderfully, but what I instead discovered was a true elevation in every sense. With this release, Astro has firmly cemented his status as an icon of the platforming genre. This is beyond being an entertaining platformer. It’s one of the most carefully considered and impressive games I have ever played. If you’ve grown up with PlayStation always having been a constant in your life, the journey you’re about to embark on will assuredly be the most heartwarming trip down memory lane. Astro Bot is a monumental triumph that I’m not going to stop thinking about for a very, very long time.

Metroid Prime Remastered is the Nintendo Switch game I’ve been waiting for since the console launched back in 2017, and the surprise release has somehow only managed to exceed every expectation I had for it. This is the perfect version of one of the few truly perfect video games. I only hope that everyone who wrote it off as a clunky fps or Nintendo’s answer to Halo way back when will give it another chance, and discover just how good it really is.

By the time the credits finally rolled on God of War Ragnarök, I was in bits. There’s so much I still want to tell you about, but I know that if I do I’ll be robbing you of the same joy I experienced. So I’ll leave you simply with this: Ragnarök is a fantastically impressive sequel that delivers in every conceivable way. It expands on and improves the formula established in 2018’s God of War hugely, offering up blistering action, gut-wrenching twists, and truly cinematic boss battles with real emotional heft behind them. This is a high-stakes, high-fantasy rollercoaster from start to finish, and an instant PlayStation classic.

As a video game sequel, it ticks all the boxes of being bigger and better with more to say. But as a story, as an experience following one of the most critically acclaimed tales ever told in this medium, it sits uncomfortably on a knife's edge, waiting for the passage of time to pull it one way or the other.

It's genre-defining - a benchmark for so many parts of the roguelike genre. The amount of time Hades spent in early access, tinkering with the game until it was released indicates to me that this is almost the best the concept could ever get.

After a 16-hour initial playthrough on Standard difficulty, and a New Game+ run on Hardcore, I can happily say that Resident Evil 4 has benefited hugely from the remake treatment. The visuals are superb. The sound design is exquisite. The character redesigns are fresh yet retain the charms of the classic models. Most impressively, though, the 2023 game plays on your knowledge of the previous iteration, punishing and pleasing you in equal measure.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is, thankfully, more wonderful than it is disappointing. It whisks the player away into a truly impactful world, with a powerful and emotional story bubbling away, enhanced by some stellar acting. There were moments I was brought to spilling a couple of tears, alongside some that had me laughing riotously. The battles, which can so often feel stagnant in a bustling genre, are refreshing, tactical, and delightful. This is a wonderfully imaginative game, bursting with identity, and it has a lot to say about important topics. Yes, the path is a bit muddy and cumbersome, but the destination is worth it, and the journey is magical.

It’s hard not to bring nostalgia into it. I can ignore those quibbles I have because of the countless times this game made me feel something, whether that be anger, joy, sadness, or empathy. As I rolled the credits I realised this was exactly the game I’ve wanted to play since I was 17 years old. It’s playing one of my favourite games all over again, experiencing everything fresh - and loving it just as much as I did over two decades ago.

Overall, I was blown away by Super Mario Bros. Wonder, so much so that I actually struggled to pull myself away from it to write this review. Nintendo has somehow managed to keep the essence of 2D Mario intact, whilst reinvigorating it with plain, stupid fun that’s enjoyable to any and all players, regardless of skill level or whether they’ve played a Mario game before...Instead of blindly sprinting your way through bland, uninspired level designs like in the New Super Mario Bros. games, Super Mario Bros. Wonder gives you cause to stop and appreciate the weird and wonderful world of gaming’s most iconic character and have endless amounts of fun in the process.

There is a lot in here that will keep you busy for days and weeks on end, in the best way possible. This game builds on everything that already made this series such a success and leaves you inundated, in a good way, with so many activities. It’s fun to play, stunning to watch, and even while writing this all I want to do is jump straight back into it. Whether you’re a fan of racing games or not, Forza Horizon 5 is a must play, as it really is a unique experience.

It’s an endlessly captivating labyrinth of twists and turns, with a world that will crawl inside your head and refuse to leave until you’ve finally wrestled its final secrets into submission. And believe me: it’ll take you a while to do that.

Dead Cells was already a phenomenal video game that I wouldn't have hesitated to recommend to anyone. With The Queen & Sea joining the previous two paid expansions, it has become one a truly essential package. Maddeningly mysterious, uncompromisingly challenging, and mind bogglingly generous in its content, Dead Cells is a stupidly good game that refuses to stop improving. Veterans: you're in for a treat. Newcomers: prepare yourselves for something truly special.

For whatever reason you pick up this game, you won’t be disappointed. Powered by the RE Engine, Street Fighter 6 not only looks better than ever, but it arguably plays better too and it's most certainly the most accessible. Whether you’re a newbie or veteran of the series, Street Fighter 6 is vibrant, packs a mean punch and not for the first time, reminds us why this franchise has remained relevant for decades, with no signs of tapping out just yet. Your move Mortal Kombat 1!

In a game that's about making smart decisions rather than having the best equipment, the Demon's Souls remake, as a product, ultimately has both. Bluepoint's processes of marrying the old and new have resulted in a truly stunning effort, making a decade-old critical darling a bona-fide system seller in 2020. Truly a remarkable feat, this should be picked up by anybody buying a PlayStation 5 whether you've played the original or not, and is a must-have for early adopters.

Metaphor ReFantazio is another truly amazing game from a developer who rarely put a foot wrong. Everything from the recognisable mechanics to the broad variety of themes marks this experience as one I’ll remember for years to come. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Persona 5, it’s certainly biting at its heels and becomes a brilliant entry in an already staggering lineup of video games.

Simply put, Forza Horizon 6 is the racing game fans have waited years for. Out of all the gorgeous places this series has taken us, Japan was always a frequent request across social media, and now that wish has come true. On top of that, the gameplay is divine, and the content that the game has now, and perhaps what’s to come, might just keep us entertained until the arrival of the next entry and beyond, wherever that may take us. We may only be in April, but I’d be surprised if anything pips Forza Horizon 6 as the best racing game of 2026.

The bumps in my playthrough (for a final time, so far) have been minimal, and breaking to write these words to meet an embargo is keeping me from more quality Raz time. Psychonauts 2 is an intoxicating rollercoaster ride of invention and passion allowed the space and time to blossom that so few big-studio productions receive without substantial boardroom meddling, so credit where it's due to Xbox Game Studios for letting Double Fine loose with the creative juice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've some more brains to bump around inside of, and some more retina-spinning sights to drink in.

Split Fiction has a wow factor that’s surprisingly hard to come by, despite how advanced consoles now are. Hazelight didn’t just set out to make a great game; it’s a great game that dares to push the boundaries of what this generation can be. It’s a triumphant tour de force that aims to be so much, from a commentary on the state of the creative arts to a love letter to gaming, and manages to succeed in every area. I’d even go as far as saying it’s now firmly one of my all-time favourite games, and there’s little praise higher than that.

Silksong is a game that refuses to be anything other than what it is, an unflinchingly robust and brutal sequel that will push you to your limits. Persevere, and you’ll be able to see past its more frustrating choices to experience one of the greatest games of the year, and a testament to giving developers the time and freedom to realise their visions.

All in all Donkey Kong Bananza is another splendid technical playground from the Super Mario Odyssey team. It's redesigned and reinvigorated Donkey Kong to marvellous effect, and that's coming from someone who was a big fan of Rare's version of the character. I'm not exaggerating when I say the last third of the game had me standing up in joyful disbelief, and by the time the credits rolled I was more than happy to dive back in and look for the collectibles I'd missed along the way. Donkey Kong Bananza is the second first-party Nintendo game to release for the Nintendo Switch 2, and combined with Mario Kart World I'd argue it's more than a good reason to get yourself Nintendo’s new console if you haven't already.

While New Horizons doesn't do much - or anything at all, really - to win over anyone who didn't "get" Animal Crossing previously, veteran fans and interested newcomers alike will find 2020's sweetest, most wholesome game yet.

This is an amazing fantasy come to life and realised like never before. Insomniac Games has crafted yet another heartfelt Spider-Man story bursting with twists, turns, and show-stopping spectacle. While I wish it had taken a few more risks in changing up its open-world formula, it’s tricky to remember those criticisms when I’m diving from the top of the Empire State Building and firing out a web line at the last second as I swing away in search of ass to kick.

Sea Of Stars may come across to some as little more than a tribute act to the classics, but I hold no truck with such sniffy dismissiveness. If it is a tribute act, it’s definitely more UK Pink Floyd Experience than your mate’s crappy pub band that plays Arctic Monkeys covers. Sabotage Studios has created an unforgettable, essential RPG that stands on the shoulders of giants and boldly looks ahead to the future. Sea Of Stars is damn-near perfect, and more than deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the titles that inspired it.

Minor niggles aside, I can wholeheartedly recommend Ori And The Will Of The Wisps to all of you. Whether or not you've played the original game, picking up this new adventure should be a no-brainer. Moon Studios has gone bigger and better in every conceivable way, crafting an epic, emotional adventure that borrows from some of the best games out there and smartly remixes various genres and ideas in thrilling, unexpected ways.

As a full package, there’s nothing else you could possibly want from The Last of Us Part II Remastered. We all thought Part II was Naughty Dog’s magnum opus but Part II Remastered shows that there’s plenty more gas in the tank. If this is insight into what’s to come from the studio, I cannot wait to see what Naughty Dog is cooking up next.

Did The Last of Us Part II need a remaster just five years on from its release? If you ask me, the answer is no. I believe that other games (not naming names) deserve a remaster or remake even more and there is no denying that TLOU II was already stunning despite first being released on an old-gen console. However, I can appreciate what I have in front of me and you cannot deny that this remaster breathes even more life into the game and even if you are not too involved in graphics and enhancements, you can appreciate the brand-new modes that have been introduced.

And I love it so much. Even as I’m writing this review all I want to do is close my laptop and play more Balatro. I want to take down those bosses, earn big banks, and completely destroy this card game. While this isn’t a perfect game, it’s one that will stay in my playing rotation for many months to come.

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is the best game released for Switch so far in 2020. Its roots might be a decade long, but its excellence in the context of the here and now, in comparison to other role-players on the platform, cannot be undersold.

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is an absolute delight of a game that I cannot stop thinking about whether it’s indulging in its story or discovering what joys await around the next corner in the gorgeous Honolulu City. Despite the turned-based combat formula not initially being to my liking, Yakuza: Like a Dragon helped change my mindset for the better. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth builds upon its predecessor's foundations with an almighty power buff solidifying it as one of my favourite games in the entire series. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has staked its early claim as one of 2024’s best games.

All in all, It Takes Two is a wonderful two-player experience, with plenty to immerse you and your co-op partner in for hours on end, whether that be at home or online. Hazelight have worked wonders in the co-op genre yet again here - but with that said, there are still a few moments of annoyance along the way. But if you fall in love with Cody and May early on, you'll quite easily see past this. It Takes Two welcomes both non-gamers and gamers to join in the fun together, and ultimately learn the relatable reality behind that title.

Overall, I just can’t recommend Xenoblade Chronicles 3 enough. With the series’ most fleshed-out cast of characters yet, a thoroughly enthralling plot full of exciting twists and turns, rewarding side-content, a breathtaking open-world, and a combat system which is more fun than ever, this is an absolute behemoth of a JRPG that in no way outstays its lengthy runtime. Whether this is your first introduction to the series, or the instalment you’ve been anxiously anticipating for the last five years, you’re going to have an amazing time.

Multiplayer gripes aside, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury easily earns its place on Nintendo Switch. As a port of an already exceptional game, it elevates itself to new heights with the inclusion of online multiplayer and a whole new add-on. While it may not be perfect, it's undoubtedly one of the best Super Mario games in franchise history, worth replaying time and time again.

There’s no one reason why Pokémon Pokopia is so special; this game is a sum of its parts, without a single weak link in the chain. It’s a title that offers a unique spin on the cosy formula, made all the more magical by the familiarity of this wonderful franchise. Pokémon Pokopia is a true adventure that boasts a refreshing sense of freedom. Totally devoid of grind, this experience rewards the curious with heaps of content on offer. You’ll be hard pressed to put it down, and it's certainly a title that we’ll all be discussing when this year’s GOTY discussion rolls around.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! is light on traditional gameplay and criminally brief, but if Coal Supper’s goal was to make me laugh until my sides hurt for nearly two hours, I’d say mission very much accomplished.

Tekken 8 is the most satisfying and fun 3D fighting game that I’ve played in years. Aside from its five to six-hour ‘The Dark Awakens’ campaign, there’s so much more fun to be had with the latest entry in the iconic arcade series from Bandai Namco whether it's fine-tuning your skills locally against AI or friends, or daring to take on other players worldwide. 2023 blessed us with two of the best fighting games in years with Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1, now Tekken 8 claims its rightful spot amongst the elite of its genre as it ushers in new contenders for its prestigious King of Iron Fist Tournament.

With this Dead Space, the developer welcomes not only faithful players but fresh-faced recruits and stunningly enough, neither of them know what they’re in for. They will love the ride though. Scream if you want to go faster, and all that.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach deserves to be in the Game of the Year conversation. It’s hands down one of my favourite games in recent years, and I can’t wait to see what Sam and friends deliver next.

As a horror game in its own right, Resident Evil Requiem is a very solid nine out of 10, but as a passionate fan of the series, it earns an additional bonus point thanks to the attention to detail and craft that’s gone into every pore of this game.

What should be championed here is Bungie being Bungie and them leaning into what made Destiny so special in the first place. Throughout the story beats of The Final Shape there’s a greater sense of community as we meet characters and journey along with them. These are NPCs we’ve been with for many years and we’re seeing them at their very best. I’m not ashamed to say I cheered at points, I got choked up several times, and a couple of moments had me grinning from ear to ear. Bungie has saved the best for last.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 is about as good a remaster as we've ever had, staying as close to the originals as possible, and only veering off slightly where it spots a chance to improve on the source material. There's really no reason not to get this if you have even a passing interest in the original games, or skateboarding, or hanging out with your buddies on a Saturday night to see who can nail the craziest combos.

I’m glad to say that Alan Wake II is not only one of the best games of 2023 but it also surpasses the 2010 original in almost every way. It does everything you’d want from a sequel. Alan Wake II looks better, it plays better, it sounds better and it brings scares in abundance.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a game that had me on the edge of my seat with my knuckles clenched just as often as it made me laugh out loud or well up unexpectedly. It's a game that asks you to make some hard decisions and face challenging realities, all the while reminding us every step of the way that who we are today is much, much more important than the person we were the day before. It is, and I mean this without a whiff of hyperbole, a masterpiece.

When the credits rolled on both The Last of Us Part I and Left Behind , I was left with a burning desire to jump straight into Part II - which tells me that Part I succeeded in exactly what it set out to do. I became completely reinvested in the franchise. Fans will find no better way to experience this story, and first-time players are likely to discover a new all-time favourite.

Some dodgy UI and inventory management aside it’s a well-made title that packs a lot of content, and spares no time in getting you stuck right into the action. The open-worlds feel like the perfect arenas to slay an near-endless number of monsters, and there’s more than enough to do in between the hunts to keep you occupied and feeling like you’re progressing and improving as a hunter.

As David Lynch expanded Twin Peaks it became something bigger than itself; something wholly meta, to the point where it transcended TV and film. Lorelai borrows so much from Twin Peaks and manages to elevate it further than Lynch could possibly imagine by making the teasing mystery an interactive experience and using that interactivity to push and pull the player into a world of confusion that ultimately becomes one of supreme satisfaction.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is, by turns, thrilling, bombastic, and extravagant. A welcome entry into the genre, a welcome return of a legend and a brilliantly good time.

I can thoroughly recommend Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart to, well, anyone. This is the sort of game that everyone can play and enjoy, and although it's a shooter through and through, it's not violently graphic and the storyline is lighthearted and easy to get along with. The world, characters, and gameplay are all gorgeous. It's maybe the most impressive game I have ever played. I look forward to the future of Ratchet and Clank and Rivet, and Insomniac's plans for the trio.

Horizon Forbidden West is a clear step up from the first game. With the addition of new biomes, extra tools, an extremely compelling story, and a ton of content to keep you busy, this is another single-player action-adventure hit for PlayStation. It’s amazingly fun to play, consistently incredible to look at, and even while writing these words, all I’ve wanted to do is jump back into the Forbidden West.

Glitches like these will be ironed out with a patch, luckily, and Deathloop is definitely for the gamers who rootle around for the secrets in games. Here, though, every scrap of paper and scoop weakens the chains that keep Blackreef suspended in time. As your experience grows of the ins and outs of the island, you'll maximise the hours you have and become a force unto yourself, shuffling Eternalists off their mortal coil in creative ways. All of this feels fantastic, so hats off to Arkane for setting themselves and the players an exciting, rewarding, and ambitious challenge that they won't forget.

If you’re a Spider-Man fan with a gaming PC, you’ve got to play this game. From the story to the gameplay, it captures the vibe of being a quippy, caring, web-slinging wonder to a tee. Whether you’re played Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered or not, Miles Morales is a must-play title. Now we just need Gwen Stacy to get her own game.

I am, on the whole, delighted to report that Metroid Dread is every bit as good as the fans had hoped it would be, delivering a stunning conclusion that lays the groundwork for a very exciting future. It's a masterfully executed, explosive action game that delivers on every level, and looks and feels exactly how a Metroid game should in 2021. There are eye-popping vistas, moments of sheer terror, and some of the most memorable - and challenging - boss battles in the series' 35-year history.

All in all, if you're a fan of the Monster Hunter franchise then this new instalment will absolutely tick all your boxes and more, what with all the new additions it brings. While Monster Hunter World was definitely a game designed more to welcome new players, Monster Hunter Rise calls back to the core fans. If you're relatively new, this might be intimidating at first; but once you get the hang of it there's a lot of fun to be had, either solo or with a group of friends.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door accomplishes what it sets out to do: remake and revamp a beloved Nintendo classic for a new audience on the Nintendo Switch. If you were a fan of last year’s Super Mario RPG, this is undoubtedly the next step in your Mario role-playing journey, and it’s accessible to a wide variety of gamers. It’s a must-play adventure from start to finish, and one I couldn’t have been happier to embark on again.

Separate Ways expands upon what was already a great product with the Resident Evil 4 remake, but it also introduces new features into the series that I hope will be carried over into new entries. Resident Evil 4 is already a must-own game for fans of survival horror and now that this version of Separate Ways has entered the fray, it’s elevated the remake to new heights. Oh, and I think it’s time for Ada Wong to have her own fully-fledged game.

Dave The Diver has obviously had to make a few concessions to make it onto the Switch, but for the most part it swims along beautifully. Loading screens are a little longer, and there’s the occasional framerate dip, but this is a fantastic way to play one of the year’s very best games. The game’s central loop of exploration and fishing in the day followed by an evening of restauranteering makes it perfectly suited to Nintendo’s handheld as a cosy pick-up-and-play game. A definite must-play, which is really saying something given how many must-plays we’ve already had this year.

In every way, developer Id's new shooter is bigger than its predecessor, more developed, more thought out.

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle is, quite frankly, one of the best action-adventure games I’ve ever played. Microsoft’s multi-platform strategy may have initially appeared quite jarring to some, but it should be seen as a gift. MachineGames have crafted a first rate experience here. From its riveting puzzles to its sprawling exploration, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a treat to experience, and one that has been wonderfully enhanced with added immersion for the PlayStation audience. The more people that play this exceptional title, the better - and that’s exactly what’s now been made possible.

Hi-Fi Rush manages to keep things interesting by constantly introducing us to new ability types, enemies, and companions that can aid in battle and help you move through the world. And while combat can occasionally become a little too chaotic for its own good, it’s never long until you find your rhythm again...With top-shelf animation, consistently engaging combat, and a fun story that zips along at a refreshing pace, Hi-Fi Rush was one of last year’s best surprises. If you’re a PlayStation gamer, I urge you to check this gem out as soon as you can to see what you were missing.

Henry has been waiting for a chance to reclaim some of what was lost during his first adventure. He’s older and a little bit wiser, though still hot-headed when he wants to be. His is a tale meant to be expanded upon as you take control of his actions. Embrace being the narrator of his story, don’t shy away from it. Henry of Skalitz is yours to command, do him justice and give him an adventure filled with the complexities befitting this honest, hardworking man. There’s a lot of loss and bloodshed during this hostile period, so make sure Henry sees the world before he’s forced to endure the hardships he’s unwittingly set in motion.

Hitman 3 features both some of the best missions of the series so far and, with the bundled older levels, you get all the other standouts included. Which is a rough way of saying this is the best way to play the Hitman series as well as being an essential new Hitman game in its own right.

Whether you’re a lifelong Persona fan or a total newcomer, Persona 3: Reload is well worth your time as both a stunning remake and a unique masterpiece.

Ghost Of Tsushima Director's Cut on PlayStation 5 is undoubtedly the definitive way to experience Sucker Punch's open-world samurai adventure. Improved loading times, enhanced resolutions, smoother frame rates, and a slew of brand-new content make the 2020 game shine in new ways. More than that though, it's given me the chance to reassess a video game that I just previously couldn't see the adoration for.

If you've been raised on a diet of the very best role-players of the past ten years or so, Remake may struggle to hold your attention as it streamlines itself into a tunnel-vision state of failing to see the bigger picture of what could have been. Fingers, toes and chocobos crossed, then, that part two sees the promise of this remake project fully blossom.

I'd call Pikmin 4 a near-perfect return of the series and well-worth the agonising wait for the game's release. Pikmin 4 feels like a game that took so many years to make, as it's practically overflowing with creativity. It lovingly combines the best parts of the first three Pikmin games, whilst implementing its own fresh new ideas into the mix.

To conclude, Final Fantasy XVI is truly an epic adventure. It has a fantastical story, over-the-top character performances, a sublime soundtrack, epic boss battles and it looks gorgeous to boot. Seriously, what’s there not to love about this game? It doesn't matter if you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer like me, Final Fantasy XVI is one of 2023’s most brilliantly extravagant adventures and a sure-fire contender for Game of the Year.

If you’ve never played an Uncharted game before and want to see what all the fuss is about, Legacy Of Thieves Collection is a must-play. Whether you’re coming to it on PC or PS5, both games serve as a reminder that nobody does gripping, story-driven action-adventure quite like Naughty Dog. If you are a veteran of the series, these welcome upgrades add an extra shine to an already gleaming treasure.

I’m thrilled to say that this is the best GT game I’ve played in the better half of a decade. It’s not without a few bumps in the road, but they’re nothing that will keep avid racers away. It serves as both a perfect first experience for new racers, and a welcome homecoming for those who have been away for a while.

Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 are effectively the perfect package: two of the greatest video games of all time, just as you remember them, with only a few minor touchups here and there. This is, for my money, the best way to play two of the greatest video games ever made.

We’ve been spoiled with what could be the best year for gaming since 2023, and now Saros is the latest banger of 2026. It plays like a dream, has a fun gameplay loop, looks stunning, has a superb voice cast and a mysterious story that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Saros is a game that I can’t stop thinking about, and it’s so good that it’s made me want to give Returnal another chance. We’ve said this a lot already this year, but Saros is yet another strong game of the year contender.

As a game, Immortality is tailor-made for those who like to call movies "films" because it makes them feel superior. Those who exit the theatre and step into the bright light of the halls, instantly initiating a one-sided discussion of how they expected more from that actor given his pedigree, failing to notice crusty popcorn stuck to the back of their trousers. It's for the know-it-alls that realise, diving into these three lost films from Marissa Marcel, they might not know that much about cinema after all.

Beautiful of presentation with loads of detail packed into those pixels, and sporting a winningly ‘90s-feeling dance beats soundtrack, Jack Move is a treat from start to finish that anyone with a taste for anything cyberpunk-y should be making an effort to experience.

Whether enjoyed with same-sofa pals or solo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a supremely satisfying side-scroller that both rolls back the years and stays mindful of the needs and wants of today’s players. Each blow lands with substance, and every one of its 16 stages bristles with imagination and a palpable admiration of and respect for the source material.

It’s early days of course, but OlliOlli World ranks amongst my favourite games of the year so far. Its sleek, satisfying gameplay coupled with luscious graphics and sounds both pristine and punchy make it a must-buy for fans of the skating genre. But beyond that audience, it’s also highly recommended for anyone who loves finding a sense of flow, of rhythm, in their lives. Deep breath then, in through the nose, out through the mouth… And then drop down that ramp into the wildest, weirdest, and friendliest sports game you’ll play in 2022.

Chicory is utterly joyous. It's a warm hug of a game bursting with creativity and surprises. Every inch of the ten-hour adventure fizzes with sheer, unrestrained invention - I already want to play through the whole thing again. This game is an absolute triumph on every level, I cannot stress to you enough. Even when you strip away the excellent gameplay, beautiful visuals, and toe-tappingly great soundtrack, you're left with a story that shows passion and creativity will always win against cynicism and hate. A must-play for all.

I really can’t say enough good things about Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. It fills me with joy to be able to report that this is a deeply ambitious expansion that fires on all cylinders and never delivers anything less than a stellar experience. CD Projekt RED is walking away from Cyberpunk 2077 in the best possible way, delivering on the game’s immense potential and dropping one final, unforgettable adventure.

Dispatch is an all-time great, and I hope we’ll see it contend for GOTY. After an incredibly successful season, Adhoc’s developers totally deserve to put their feet up and luxuriate within all of this success … not for too long though. I’d quite like a second season please.

What makes every game in this collection so special (despite the best efforts of Sir Spamalot Magneto), despite some being 30 years old, give or take, they still play as good, if not better than most modern fighting games, which is testament to the talents of the developers. It doesn't matter if you were playing the original games back in the day or for the very first time right now, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics surpasses anything nostalgia has to offer and is one of the most definitive collections of fighting games that you’ll play today.

Despite these mild niggles, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered remains a triumph of AAA video gaming. From the endlessly satisfying web-swinging to the clever RPG elements, from the rich cast of characters to the hard-hitting main story, this is one of the best games I’ve ever played.

Halo Infinite is definitely the game that will make 343 Industries. After a few rocky attempts, this is a fun and much needed return to form for the franchise. While the campaign feels a little empty, there’s huge potential for things to come in DLC and despite some of the issues with multiplayer, the core gameplay itself is extremely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing where 343 takes the series from here.

After so many hours playing, I still haven’t seen or experienced everything here. This was a special game back on the WiiU, and while that feeling is still here, so are some of the frustrations. It’s going to be an overwhelming experience for some, and others will see such an expansive game as too much of a time sink. However, millions of others are going to embark on a journey of exploration filled with amazing moments, superb characters, and tremendous fights, all packaged in a new, shiny wrapping, worth the wait.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a masterful game that not only reminds veteran fans of the series that this franchise is alive and well, but it also welcomes in a new legion of fans, regardless of whether they have experience with the series or not. It takes the challenging counter-gameplay of Bloodborne infused with high-octane combat and a heavy dose of the signature difficulty that fans of FromSoftware have come to love. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is yet another must-buy from the famed developer and another strong contender for Game of the Year.

The game also makes us question our morals and beliefs and asks us how far we are willing to go in order to make the world a better place. It keeps you on your toes and creeps under your skin and reminds us that although the future may look bright, corruption will always lurk below.

It all adds up to a small but perfectly formed experience that any fan of a good murder mystery is recommended to investigate - if only to see how the other half does things. Inkle's reputation for interactive storytelling was already stellar, and you really must play 80 Days if you've not - but if Overboard! is a sign of what the studio can achieve in the same amount of time it takes some of us to choose a pair of curtains or decide which new-gen console to pick up when we can, well, what a team, frankly.

Bloober Team has treated this remake with the utmost respect and, despite that forced stealth section, this is about as perfect a remake of Silent Hill 2 I could have hoped for. Bloober Team has finally realised its potential, and its remake of Silent Hill 2 deserves its place amongst the upper echelon of modern survival horror greats.

Mario Kart World might not be quite as easy to recommend as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe yet, but it’s still an absolutely fantastic kart racer that’s just as chaotic, imaginative, and vibrant as its predecessors. Knockout Tour alone has ensured I’ll be playing for a long-old time yet, even if it does have me swearing like a sailor who just stubbed his toe. Savour the rage of second place, it’s how you know you’re alive.

Bayonetta 3 is a near-perfect game. I’ve never considered that the combat in Bayonetta or its sequel was missing anything in particular, but the third game’s new inclusions are so well refined that it may be difficult to return to the previous titles having experienced this one. Furthermore, the story, despite a few confusing points, has easily cemented itself as my favourite of the three. Not only is this one of the Switch’s best titles of the year, it’s truly one of its strongest to date.

The game has appeal and can easily pull in players from various demographics. Kids will love the chaos, older players can find a place to blow off steam. Whether Bang-On Balls has a long life depends on your attention span; it was fine to play in ten-minute bursts (perfect for Steam Deck) in between other games, but it contains so many ‘moments’ of carnage that get lost among the pinballing back and forth. For all the carnage, the collectibles, and the skirmishes, it’s not a memorable game, but it is incredibly enjoyable for those few-minute bursts.

Ghost of Yōtei is pure cinematic brilliance, and Sucker Punch Productions deserves to be commended once more for knocking it out of the park and, in some ways, topping its predecessor. I’m somewhat torn between this and Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, but without question, Ghost of Yōtei is one of the absolute best games of 2025.

Despite being dragged down by the combat I was thoroughly invested and on the edge of my seat for the majority of the game, and despite the horrors I witnessed it hasn’t swayed me from seeing every available ending, for the full and complete story.

Just like any top-tier strategy game, it’s easy to get lost in Total War: Warhammer III, losing hours, days and weekends to waging war on settlements in The Old World.

I was already a big fan of the series when I started playing Desperados 3, but I've been so taken with how well this old series lives up. The real-time tactics genre was big in the '90s and '00s, with games like Commandos and Syndicate being well-known names on PC, but they largely disappeared in the last 15 years. It's a real joy to dive into a wholly new game that shows how engaging a style of play it can be. Hopefully this won't be the last of its kind.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has fortune and glory in spades. In the words of Indy, “If you wanna be a good archaeologist, you gotta get out of the library!” This homage, lovingly crafted by MachineGames, takes you on the adventure of a lifetime, not as a casual viewer but as the intrepid explorer himself.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is easily the most delightful game I've played in 2019. Its tiny details add up to form an engrossing and endearing whole: the way ghosts wear sunglasses to block the light from your strobe attack; how enemies try to shoot Gooigi with children's water pistols; the way Luigi moves along ledges with a scared little hops; and how when you're hoovering up mice, they cling to the floor for a moment before being sucked into the nozzle. All of these touches make for an extremely enjoyable game that I've played for hours at a time without feeling that a second was wasted.