Much like Elden Ring, and Breath Of The Wild before it, Tunic offers yet more proof that there’s still a place for games that let go of our hands and allow us to figure things out for ourselves. Even as I write these words, several hours after rolling credits on the challenging and consistently surprising 10-hour adventure, I can’t help but wonder what secrets Tunic has left for me to discover.

Writing this review has only made me love the game more, because I’m sitting here reflecting on the lovely moments of achieving success through the loops of exploring and finding cool stuff to line the halls of my buildings. As far as I’m concerned, this is the best entry in the Two Point series and if you were already a fan of those, you’re going to adore this trip through history.

I’m in awe of its aesthetic, particularly the protagonist and his long, blue hair. I love the intense, nu-rock soundtrack that plays during a typical fight, and I could spend hours vibing to the jazzy score that accompanies you when walking through the school. The variety of demons is fantastic. The characters are unique yet reminiscent of ones who’ve come before. It’s a game I could play for hours, even with multiple deaths halting my progress at what always feels like the worst possible moment.

Despite the requirement of having to participate in practice sessions, Forza Motorsport is a near-perfect racer that’s worth its weight in gold. It takes advantage of the capabilities of the Xbox Series X and then some, pushing the boundaries of what’s expected of the modern console racing sim. If you’re a PC gamer or owner of an Xbox Series X/S and a racing fan, Forza Motorsport is a must-own for fans of the genre.

Mortal Kombat 1 doesn't do a lot to push its boundaries and largely plays it safe, but it’s still amongst the best entries in this series. Its campaign continues to set the standard once more for its genre, it looks absolutely gorgeous on Xbox Series X|S and it’s packed full of content that will keep fans entertained for years to come. We’ve already been blessed with the amazing Street Fighter 6 this year and with Mortal Kombat 1 joining the ranks as one of the best fighting games in years, it’s certainly a great time for fans of the genre.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a game of universal appeal. A modern RPG with retro callbacks, it celebrates its past enough for veterans without excluding newcomers. With world class voice acting, and generation-defining visuals, it's a must-play game that easily earns its place on next-gen consoles. Characters are fascinating, the map is stunning, and the way the story incorporates real-world themes to deliver a first-rate dramatic experience means Yakuza: Like a Dragon deserves a spot on everyone's 2020 top 10 games lists.

While the mechanics at times can be frustrating, Guardians of the Galaxy is a really enjoyable experience that I would recommend to a wide audience: for fans of all things Marvel, action games, and stories that dare to go that step further in relating a compelling fantasy to hugely relevant real-world matters.

There’s also humour here, sometimes laugh-aloud and sometimes deadpan in the face of absolutely awful situations, and an element of pathos that goes deeper than expected with a few characters. Sometimes it misses its mark - Luka has a few dreams that are only narrated where it’d have brought something more to his relationship with the town and his parents (and their associates, ssssh) to actually see these visions as he does, especially because there’s one sepia-hued flashback that we do get to play through (and multiple times, too) - but Beacon Pines is a consistently enthralling experience which you’ll really want to see through to its end.

Strange Antiquities is a game I’ll look back on as one of my firm unexpected highlights of 2025. Its intoxicating formula is incredibly moreish and as the cool, autumn nights draw in, there’s no place I’d rather be than assisting the residents of Undermere with their strange and unsettling conundrums.

Happily, the good times for Dragon Quest fans are very much continuing with the release of the Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake. It looks great, it plays well and it’s solid value for money with the amount of playtime you get across both games. Almost every system has been carefully crafted and improved, and it’s tough to point out areas where major flaws really let the game down. Though it perhaps doesn’t quite reach the near-perfect levels of III, it might actually just come down to a matter of taste, over which aesthetic you like more, or which story you’re most into.

Those very minor issues aside, Keep Driving is one of the most impressively original and utterly charming games you’ll play this year. Regardless of where you’re headed, I promise you the journey will be worth it.

On the whole, I got a lot of joy from Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and perhaps in different hands, more skilled hands, the opinion would be even more positive. Perhaps those who will play this, yearning for the days of TMNT in a grotty arcade will get a kick out of the quirks and eccentricities here. I have my complaints, but I’d still recommend this game to everyone I know who likes a challenge or appreciates the retro style.

It’s hard to deny Dragon Quest III HD-2D is anything other than the perfect remake. It’s a faithful recreation that does an admirable job of fixing up the creakier aspects of a nearly 40 year old game while keeping the original’s spirit very much intact. While it may be a little tough to recommend to anyone new to Dragon Quest (or RPGs in general), longtime fans of the series will find a lot to love.

Still, the time I’ve spent with Terra Nil has been an absolute delight, and a much-needed antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Get yourself under a blanket on a rainy day with a cup of chamomile and I promise you this reverse city builder will hit just right. You might even learn a thing or two.

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream has it all. Between its thoughtful gameplay and enrapturing world, like the light-footed Hanna, River End Games hasn’t put a step wrong. It’s easily one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played this year and a welcomed reminder that creativity and talent can still find a platform to shine within our troubled industry.

Vaguely stale combat and an open world with little to offer beyond the castle grounds aside, it’s hard to consider Hogwarts Legacy as anything other than a success for the Harry Potter fans who have waited this long for their letter. This is a strong adventure with more than enough magic to ensure players will be attending classes long after the credits roll.

In the end, all these similarities and influences from Village's contemporaries both do and don't work. It feels in places pieced together, and in others truly exceptional in its genre. But the overarching experience is an undoubtedly fun one that expands on the foundations laid down by Resident Evil 7, and sets up the inevitable trilogy finale being planned for Resident Evil 9. Not all of the risks taken pay off, but when they do, Resident Evil Village is thrilling, spine-chilling and worthy continuation of the groundwork laid by its predecessor.

For the most part, this has been an enjoyable adventure, but not one without its problems. I don’t feel connected to the characters, nor moved to go back to learn more about the franchise. Once George is done with this tale, I will be too. I wish it had been an incredible glimpse into the past like it has for so many others. Unfortunately for me, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged ended up being further proof that nostalgia is a potent emotion that colours our opinions

That most of the game takes place in a virtual world constructed from a dying man's fading memories, accessed via high-tech headsets and computer programs, is purely a background element in a fulfilling, affecting experience that will leave most players solemn and silent at its end, but happy, too. Because while To the Moon is definitely a sad game, warm and generous humour runs through it, especially in the interactions between the two doctors.

Grunn really is one of the best surprises of this year. It’s a testament, I think, to both the central mystery of Grunn and its genuinely brilliantly designed simulated gardening, that a video game about trimming the same three hedges over and over again could be this good.

Super Mario RPG is the perfect remake of one of Nintendo’s very finest games, and I’m so very glad it’s about to find a whole new audience. This is an adventure that’s fizzing with invention, unforgettable characters, and sharp writing. One final, joyous surprise for Switch owners in 2023.

Beserk Boy is more than a collection of influences and references thrown together. It has its own, clear sense of identity, and offers up a genuinely challenging and stunning action platformer that rewards replayability and exploration. Modern touches like extra side missions, an upgrade shop, and the added oomph modern hardware can offer a 16-bit game are all cherries atop what is already a delicious sundae.

I’ve never been so in love with a game that downright hates me. A game that, on some level feels archaic and overtly obtuse, but also features so many ways to try and solve the puzzle of survival that it's more engaging than a lot of roguelikes coming out today.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is an action-packed, cinematic, glorious delight, and with the bonus of it being a prequel, it could be an ideal entry point for those new to the series. Depending on how 2025 continues to play out, it wouldn't surprise me if DOOM: The Dark Ages is a topic of hot discussion as a Game of the Year contender.

Ghost of Tsushima is a fine open-world game. It ticks all the boxes of what you would expect it to do - but it doesn't do anything more than that. This is one of the last exclusive games for the PlayStation 4, and it's disappointing that it has nothing new to say.

Astro's Playroom is just that; a playroom for the next generation - a small glimpse into what the PlayStation 5 will be able to do with the DualSense.

Persona 5 Strikers is a fantastic game. It embraces the hack and slash genre without losing that signature Persona feel, and with more success than Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity does. The characters are wonderful, the gameplay is fun and rewarding, and the dialogue reaches similar highs to previous games. There are times where the self-awareness and fan service are a bit much, but overall, Persona 5 Strikers is a great game in its own right, for newcomers and fans alike.

All in all, Ace Attorney Investigations is a simple and efficient package. Collecting two games that weren’t received well on launch and giving them an HD makeover. If you’re a fan of Ace Attorney games and haven’t played these titles, this is a fine way of doing so with the bonus features and gameplay options being the cherry on top of the cake.