Marvel's Midnight Suns definitely has some growing pains but the form it takes after this is wonderfully nuanced, with an interesting cast and a sandbox of great moves to try out.

Forza Motorsport's 2023 reboot is definitely the best one yet. Improvements to graphics and audio result in a fully immersive racing experience. Despite a few niggles, the race against Gran Turismo is truly back on.

Even if the combat is a little overbearing, Moss: Book II is a wonderful puzzle platformer. In VR, the world Polyarc has created is stunning and exploring it as one of the cutest characters ever is a joy.

Level Devil is a funny trial-and-error platformer that subverts your expectations of the genre in hilarious and creative ways.

Two Point Campus is a delightful treat. Consistently funny, enormously satisfying, and challenging to boot, it'll take you right back to the best years of your life, or make the worst years of your life better.

Happy Home Paradise gave me a lot of freedom to make choices then act on them without too many repercussions. Ultimately, I could do what I wanted and when I wanted (within reason). I like New Horizons, it’s a good game, but there is a limit on what I can do without needing to spend a lot of Bells or spend hours grinding for one simple change which could end up being a mistake. In contrast, The DLC thrives by offering players total control over their designs, and by setting the stakes low. From designing an entirely pink house for a fabulous Flamingo to remodelling the Cafe into a 50’s style Diner, there were few limits on my designs or on the potential to have fun.

Interface issues aside, Shadowverse Champion's Battle offers a fresh new spin on the card-battling genre (unless you've been playing the base game on PC). Its mechanics are an interesting amalgam of all that came before, but timing an evolution effect to clear a path to victory remains exciting every time.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 delivers an incredibly fun gaming experience, with massive graphic improvements, responsive controls, splendid gameplay, and great new characters. While the soundtrack leaves a bit to be desired, and some changes to Career mode are questionable, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 gameplay formula remains unbeatable, and there is no doubt this is the best skating game on the market.

If you’re a series newcomer, I’d suggest starting the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy first to see where it all began, but either way, Chronicles presents a truly exceptional experience within, one that was worth the wait. Between the new gameplay additions, thrilling story and added accessibility, this is without question my favourite entry so far and for that, I cannot recommend The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles enough.

Cult of the Lamb is a masterpiece of an action roguelike game. It's fun, engaging, has a beautiful but brutal aesthetic, and is absolutely worth a playthrough. It's missing some replayability in my eyes, but it's overall a stellar title.

A Plague Tale: Requiem serves up a sprawling adventure across a plague-ravaged, rat-infested France, though the simple tale and mechanics at its core can’t bear this sequel’s bloat.

Final Fantasy 5 Pixel Remaster still isn’t the ultimate way to play the game. That would be the Game Boy Advance version of it, thanks to the bonus classes and character portraits. However, it’s still a fantastic RPG, elevated by its spirit of fun and an absolutely gorgeous soundtrack. Whether you’ve played another version before or not, it’s definitely worth experiencing.

Ultimately, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin marks an excellent sequel to its 3DS predecessor. By offering a vibrant setting, open-ended gameplay, an engaging story and mostly entertaining combat, this is one entry that’ll suit both established series veterans and Monster Hunter newcomers alike. If you consider yourself a fan of RPGs, you won’t want to miss it.

Lila's one night of adventure provides a delightful few hours of relaxed gameplay in the chilled-out village of Sainte-et-Claire on a fateful rainy night. Highly recommended for those without much time, and in need of a respite from normality.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the perfect Lego game, the perfect Star Wars game, and a fantastic sendoff to an illustrious series as a whole.

Bungie’s Marathon reboot successfully transforms a sci-fi classic into a tense, visually stunning extraction shooter. While a steep learning curve and punishing seasonal resets may alienate some, the satisfying gunplay, unique Runner Shell abilities, and addictive loop of high-stake runs make it a rewarding experience for those who brave the dangers of Tau Ceti IV.

If you've been hankering for a Zelda-inspired dungeon crawler or a new roguelite obsession, then you'll find plenty to love about Rogue Heroes. When you and three friends are in full swing it's a chaotic good time, and with an impressively diverse upgrade system and plenty of character classes, it'll keep you churning through its dungeon-bound monsters for weeks.

My experience with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is an odd one. I love the vast majority of the gameplay it offers, but having played a clearly inferior version on Nintendo Switch 2 really soured me on its otherwise incredible visual presentation. The story and its characters are better than you'd expect if you've played or even glanced at previous Stories games, but it's not the sort of tale you'll be reminiscing about once you put the game down.

I didn’t realise that pinball would be my favourite VR game in the year of our lord 2021, but here I am, having a great time in my virtual space basement. A few tweaks for the sake of comfort would be ideal, but for now, this is pure, unadulterated, high-score chasing fun in a galaxy far, far away. (Oculus Quest 2)

Live a Live puts together many of the things that put people off from playing JRPGs but makes it surprisingly accessible. It gives you several lives worth living and rewards you for really exploring every one of them.

Ubisoft has finally struck the perfect balance between the series’ roots and modern advancements. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a masterclass in stealth-action storytelling and, without question, one of the finest entries in the franchise.

F1 23 is a major step forward from its predecessor. The handling overhaul combined with new modes make this entry the best F1 game there's been in years.

Darkest Dungeon 2 takes a great many things from the original whilst adapting it creatively into a new world. Whilst not all of its choices feel as weighty as the first, that thematic core is just as oppressive.

It all meshes together into a game that's far too difficult and without the satisfaction that comes from making progress in a difficult game. It's like bashing your head against the wall, and unlike other games with this approach, the wall isn't starting to crumble. The wall has grown a smug, laughing face as it prepares to take away one of your character's most important abilities, just in time for the final boss battle.

Berserk Boy is a wonderful throwback to the GBA and Genesis era, with gorgeous pixel visuals and lightning-fast gameplay. There’s nothing ourightly original about this 2D platformer, but that shouldn’t deter anyone looking for a quality throwback.

There’s little else like Ni No Kuni 2. It might not match the original’s sense of wonder, but there’s an inescapable warmth and charm in Level-5’s sequel wrapped up in a serious fantasy tale. With its improved approach to worldbuilding and combat, this is one Switch RPG not to miss.

Ninja Theory hits its apex with Hellblade 2, combining decades of cinematic experience with a thought-provoking action drama that you’d never expect to see as a console exclusive.

Bridge of Spirits tackles the question of whether a game is worthwhile if it doesn’t innovate, and the answer is yes. Ember Lab’s biggest sin with Kena is just not following up on the unique identity hinted at throughout the journey, but never developed fully. That aside, Bridge of Spirits is still a rich and beautiful adventure with smart combat and superb platforming, and hopefully, it's not the last we hear from Ember Lab.

With endlessly stylish and deceptively simple skirmishes at its core, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a surprisingly well-rounded power trip that, needlessly deep systems and sluggish opening chapters aside, should easily captivate franchise fans and anyone looking to finally meet its popular cast of characters. It’s the most genuine fun I’ve had with a story-driven game in ages, and one that’s a great entryway into a beloved franchise.

With an excellent story, tight mechanics, and tons of customization available for players, Dark Deity is a game that any SRPG fan should have in their library. It is unfortunate that outdated and over-sexualized depictions of women slightly tarnish such an otherwise beautiful gem.

From a solid score to a rapturous cast of characters, Fire Emblem Engage refines the strategy format into a worthy successor to what kicked off the West’s obsession with the series. The story is barebones at best, but the Emblem system is bound to ignite a call for more remakes and releases. And we’ll take them.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a fresh dawn for the franchise, spinning expectations on their head to great effect. It's a bright and charming storybook blast.

Dredge’s blend of relaxing fishing and unnerving Lovecraftian horror fuels a unique atmosphere and makes for a game that’ll charm you one second and terrify you the next.

Demeo is a wonderful approximation of what it's like to take down the big boss at the end of a campaign. It has some slower moments but its peaks are truly wonderful.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's shaky story and reliance on grinding let down one of the most satisfying soulslikes on the market. This proves Team Ninja is more than just the sum of its parts, even if it may need a sequel to get the most out of it.

Ready or Not is more than just a game; it's a harrowing yet deeply satisfying journey into the unforgiving world of tactical law enforcement. Its meticulous detail, varied missions, and high replayability ensure that the "one more mission" feeling persists long after you've completed the main objectives. For anyone seeking a challenging, immersive, and genuinely impactful tactical shooter, Ready or Not stands as a resounding success on consoles.

Super Magbot is a fiendishly difficult game that builds upon its simple premise with layers upon layers of new variables to manage and timings to master. It relies on your becoming flustered and messing up, rather than making the levels all that difficult. It never asks you to do anything more than time your button presses and use the correct magnet, but that never stops it from breaking you. It's a delight, but it's also not going to be for anyone who's not interested in taking a break every ten minutes to scream at the sun.

An intense adventure through a lesser-known historical struggle, Gerda: A Flame in Winter tells its story with charm and empathy, whilst driving home the brutality of living as a civilian in wartime.

In short, NEO The World Ends With You is massive. It’s a grand, modern epic with impeccable writing and almost as impeccable style that’s got as much heart as it does twists and turns in the plot. This is easily one of the year’s finest RPGs.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a fun celebration for Persona 3 and 4 that’ll appeal to series and fighting fans alike, proving why Arc System Works maintains such a strong following. I do have to question Atlus’ decision to re-release Ultimax first, given how Persona 3 and Persona 4 aren't available on PS4 or Nintendo Switch, but it’s still a welcome sight. While poor pacing and repetition issues sadly hold back this story, it’s still serviceable and I genuinely enjoyed seeing these characters once again. Ultimax still packs a mean punch eight years later and even if you aren’t a hardcore Persona fan, it gets my recommendation.

Ruined King: A League of Legends story is one of the best turn-based RPGs released this year. Featuring extremely smooth mechanics and exquisite visuals, Ruined King can keep players glued to their gaming chairs for hours at a time. How much League of Legends lore Ruined King reveals is easily the cherry on top, too. There's a thrilling story within for everyone who chooses to give the game a try, one that comes highly recommended.

While it misses the mark in its single-player offerings and the online experience is still not up to competitors' standards, City of the Wolves is one of the most mechanically deep and fun fighting games to come out in recent years.

So what we're left with is a slightly uneven collection. The core material is still brilliant, made exponentially more so with the stellar soundtracks and built-in music player, but you'll be a bit disappointed if you were hoping for anything other than the core material.

Despite having amazing core gameplay, 2K25 offers half-baked content that brings down the experience, with The Island being an egregious example of a predatory mode designed to make players spend even more money than they already did for a full priced game.

If you’re along for the somewhat clunky ride, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a surprisingly thoughtful, unique, and incredibly stunning RPG that more than justifies its asking price - especially for Game Pass subscribers.

It may be late to the party, but the extra time for the Switch version of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time has not gone to waste. It’s an excellent port with the mountain of content contained in the initial release all present and correct. Long-time Crash fans will be more than happy with what’s on offer, a continuation of the series they love that introduces some excellent new ideas. However, platforming fans new to Crash may find the way his movement echoes his wild personality rather frustrating.

Diablo 2 Resurrected should have been a remake. The approach might be more streamlined than most modern RPGs, and combat is just as enjoyable as it ever was. However, it's also difficult to recommend for those unwilling to push back against the game at almost every turn. If you're familiar with the original and know its quirks already, the visual refresh is enough to warrant yet another playthrough.

While Velan Studios has created a competent multiplayer experience, Knockout City’s not especially thrilling. There aren’t many games that use dodgeball as a core mechanic, making it somewhat unique, but it feels afraid to take risks, creating an entertaining but ultimately safe experience. If you can gather up some friends, there’s silly enjoyment within and considering it’s got a free trial – to say nothing of Game Pass/EA Play – I’d recommend at least trying it.

By offering a remake of older entries, Mario Party Superstars has given long-terms fans what they've wanted for a long time. If you weren't sold on the series previously, Superstars won't change your mind, but with three other friends, Superstars is some of the best multiplayer action going on Switch.

Ghostrunner 2 is a very solid sequel that’ll appeal to its target niche but might require some research if you haven’t played the first one. Nonetheless, if you’re a hardcore gamer and like your chances as a futuristic ninja, you can’t go wrong with Jack’s blade in hand.

Neowiz took something well-known and really made it their own with stunning results. Lies of P is a game you can easily get lost in - provided you don't lose your cool.

Ultimately, Bandai Namco’s done a fine job with Scarlet Nexus and there’s an entertaining action RPG within. There are small flaws like a lacking side quest system and those minor story issues, but thanks to in-depth combat and an engaging story, it kept me invested until the end. It’s a step up from Code Vein and whichever playthrough you end up choosing (if not both), Scarlet Nexus comes highly recommended.

With its unique hook, surprisingly in-depth gameplay, and fascinating mystery, Card Shark is an absolute delight.

Capcom nailed it with the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection in every aspect. Presentation-wise, it is the best compilation featuring the Blue Bomber they've ever released, adding plenty of quality-of-life changes that I'd love to see them retroactively implement in previous titles. In terms of gameplay, while Battle Network still outshines the Star Force spin-offs in many ways, each game continuously builds upon the previous one to much success (for the most part), making the highly underrated journey of Geo Stelar from a secluded, directionless kid dealing with grief and loneliness into a fully-fledged anime protagonist that would die for his friends a blast to rediscover.

Ever wanted to try escape rooms but never got around to it? Well, Escape Academy is a real treat to tease your brain, especially in co-op. It's approachable with a great hint system, whilst providing a decent challenge for more seasoned puzzlers.

Before Your Eyes’ ingenious use of PSVR 2’s eye-tracking technology adds another level of emotion to a wonderfully told story about family and the need to appreciate life.

Much like OlliOlli World, Rollerdrome strikes the perfect balance between engaging gameplay, score-chasing, and challenging progression, this time with an ingenious shooting/skating premise. It’s so much fun and I couldn’t put it down.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land is a much-welcomed entry in the beloved series, remastering the game with brilliant tweaks and unlimited charm.

But by stripping the Pokémon of anything that feels organic, Nintendo has effectively made its critters feel like wind-up toys, removing the romanticism and mystique that should always come through witnessing raw, unbridled nature. They took these untamed lands and tamed them before we even got there. Unfortunately, the resultant game is as exciting as you’d imagine.

Ultimately, Hell Let Loose is a hardcore shooter in every sense of the word. Though it’s very easy to get discouraged at the beginning, those committed to seeing it through will likely have a great time. Though the niche focus won’t appeal universally, providing you know what you’re getting in for, anyone after a tougher World War II shooter would do well to take a look.

Playing in VR for the first time is a thrill, but the other new features haven’t been implemented well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is dripping with admiration for the franchise, and immortalises these games with astounding polish.

Though a lacklustre story and uninspired enemy variation may bring it down somewhat, Metal: Hellsinger is the best a rhythm FPS has ever felt.

I suspect Riders Republic might be something very special indeed. We’ll have to wait and see what the community does with it, but early signs look promising. There’s a rock-solid foundation to build upon, and such a wide range of events to take on that each set a high bar in terms of what could come next. It does feel a little directionless at present. There's simply so much on offer that it's difficult to find focus within the noise. This direction and focus will likely be shaped by the community in the coming months, as user-created content takes over from the events on show at launch...Whether you want to race on a bike, fly through rings with a rocket strapped to your back, or simply explore the gorgeous natural views, Riders Republic has you covered. If you can handle the incessant hipster speak, that is.

Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly makes me want to open a late-night cafe and serve drinks to demons and aliens. It's a real treat.

Ride 6 is an engaging racing sim with a steep learning curve and incredibly aggressive AI that might sour the experience for some players, but will satisfy bike enthusiasts.

The Quarry is the Supermassive game I've been looking for since Until Dawn. It is well-paced, well-told, and - most importantly - genuinely spooky. Some odd characterisations and inconsistent graphics let it down slightly, but this is the most fun I've had with a game like this in some time.

Persona 5 Tactica is a great tactical RPG that uses the series’ signature battle mechanics to perfection. While the story has pacing issues and isn’t friendly for newcomers, this spin-off still succeeds thanks to an addictive battle system and simple customization options. You may have seen this coming.

A chaotic, vibrant combat racer with excellent visuals and multiplayer potential, shining strongest in Air Ride and City Trial, but stumbling slightly with uneven pacing and weaker modes. Fun, frantic, but occasionally overwhelming.

So what we're left with is a slightly uneven collection. The core material is still brilliant, made exponentially more so with the stellar soundtracks and built-in music player, but you'll be a bit disappointed if you were hoping for anything other than the core material.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a must-play canon entry that finally completes the Tears of the Kingdom saga. Moving beyond the "what if" story of its predecessor, this Switch 2 title uses its fun, combo-focused Warriors game style to deliver crucial Zelda lore, detailing Zelda's descent into the past. With excellent combat features like Zonai artifact integration and formidable new characters like Mineru, it’s an essential purchase for any fan of Breath of the Wild.

Alan Wake was already considered an exceptional game and over a decade later, this adventure holds up strong. Finding myself completely captivated, Remedy left me wanting more, even after completing the DLC. It’s regrettable that Remastered’s cutscenes have problems and I hope they can be patched, but ultimately, it’s a fine job. If you’re a fan of mystery thrillers, I cannot recommend Alan Wake Remastered highly enough.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a great standalone work that holds its own in a fantastic series. An exciting whodunnit plot is the basis for a whole lot of action, some solid storytelling, and characters you sort-of know and will grow to love.

Crimson Desert is an ambitious open-world epic that succeeds through its dense, rewarding exploration and weighted combat, even while stumbling over a generic story and a flat protagonist. While unintuitive controls and momentum-killing puzzles can cause occasional frustration, the sheer scale of Pywel and its deep progression systems offer a level of discovery unlike anything seen before it. Ultimately, the game’s narrative shortcomings are overshadowed by its immendepth and breathtaking world, making it a flawed but deeply memorable adventure.

Lost in Random is easily one of the more unique games I’ve played recently. Offering an entertaining fusion of deck-builders and real-time combat, Zoink’s done well in realising their vision. Thanks to chance-based combat, lack of enemy variety and some long-winded dialogue with NPCs, it's not perfect, but ultimately, the positives outweigh these points. With some strong combat customisation, a captivating story and excellent art style, Lost in Random comes highly recommended.

Dying Light: The Beast is a joy to play as a newcomer to the series. If you've been on the fence about the franchise, it serves as a fantastic entry point offering a decently sized map and an addictive gameplay loop that will see you loot, craft, and dismember zombies left and right.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond plays it far too safe for a game with almost two decades of anticipation behind it. A beautiful-looking game and a run through of Metroid's greatest hits just isn’t quite enough for the hungry fan base that is here to devour everything on offer, and leaves you wanting more.

A short-but-sweet bridge between Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Like a Dragon Gaiden packs a lot of punch into a small package. Returning to the smash-mouth style fans love about the series, there's plenty of additional content to keep you occupied beyond the game's story.

A step in the right direction, EA FC 26 on Nintendo Switch 2 still boasts some annoying grievances, but it’s still worth the purchase if you value on-the-go gaming.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a surreal social sim that trades environmental creativity for hilarious Mii antics. Though it boasts deep character customization, the gameplay eventually settles into a repetitive cycle of maintenance that feels more like a quirky virtual pet than a game.

MLB The Show 21 doesn’t quite knock this one out of the park. Instead, it’s one of the most well-hit doubles I’ve ever seen. The foundation San Diego Studios has cultivated over the years has allowed them to almost seamlessly transfer over to the next-gen and has me excited to see where the series goes from here.

With its dreamlike visuals, great writing, and addictive gameplay, El Paso, Elsewhere it's an action-packed odyssey by way of David Lynch. The compelling narrative, mature themes, and engaging combat make it a standout title that should not be missed.

Inkulinati is a wonderfully quirky strategy game with a great sense of humour and plenty of room to grow. Yaza Games have certainly done something interesting with medieval manuscripts.

While it ticks all of the boxes for a decent MMA fighting simulator, UFC 5 fails to improve by any significant margin from its predecessor. It will enable you to play as your favourite fighters in the organisation, but will not likely be a memorable title from 2023.

Despite fantastic gameplay improvements and a fun CM Punk Showcase, WWE 2K26 is ruined by predatory monetization. By locking standard DLC behind a grueling "battle pass" grind and selling tier skips to bypass it, 2K has prioritized greed over player experience. Even with its mechanical polish, the "pay-to-not-grind" tactics make this a disappointing entry to avoid until a major sale.

A decent enough game that fails to innovate in the same way Legends Arceus did, Pokemon Legends Z-A feels like a wasted opportunity that may only be worth it for die-hard fans.

After years of struggling to get into the series, Borderlands 4 finally hooked me. The fresh world of Kairos, a mostly new cast, and refined gameplay make exploration and combat genuinely fun. Side quests, collectibles, and boss battles are rewarding, and the story sneaks up on you when you least expect it. A soft reboot that works for both newcomers and longtime fans.

Unlike last years release, there aren't too many noticable issues that need improving on either. EA have been afforded more time to get this game to where they need it to be, and they seem to have done exactly that. On the other hand though, there are still modes with untapped potential that EA have to put more focus on in order to appeal to their full market of players. It's a strong release from EA, one which will keep them at the top of the footballing sim market, but without a leading competitor to challenge them, that isn't awfully difficult.

Unsurprisingly, Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is the best way to experience a JRPG classic. If you're not enthralled by the story, the game can feel like a bit of a drag, but even then, it's got a strong hook with its deep RPG mechanics and an ace up its sleeve that is mech combat and exploration, making the journey absolutely worthwhile.

Synapse is at its best when you are flinging enemies around and shooting them from the sky. Unfortunately, poorly paced-difficulty changes and an unsatisfying endgame left me wanting a little more.

Hell is Us is a fascinating yet strange game, weighed down by its own risks. While it has the atmosphere and mythology for a great sci-fi experience, its ambitious “no objective markers” system turns exploration into tedium. Coupled with a story that ultimately goes nowhere, it stands out as one of the year’s most bizarre cases of wasted potential.

Back 4 Blood is fantastic fun - in the right circumstances. Hopefully, Turtle Rock plans on augmenting Swarm and solo mode in future updates. If you've got at least a couple of friends interested in partying up, though, taking down a few thousand Ridden for an hour or two is a no-brainer.

Read Only Memories: Neurodiver combines point-and-click exploration with an emotionally intelligent cast of vibrant characters. While clumsily paced at times, with minor bugs and errors, the overall experience is punchy, evocative, and memorable.

Overall MotoGP 21 is a triumph and celebrates the fastest bike series around in all its glory. Accessible for new players and challenging for experienced ones, it’s a can’t-miss for race fans everywhere.

Milestone’s follow-up to 2021’s Hot Wheels Unleashed is a worthy successor, but the lack of the first game’s DLC cars is an uncomfortable sore spot.

Gimmick is a delightful retro platformer, brimming with challenge and quality-of-life features to make it worth trying.

Brimming with style and boasting slick combat, Zenless Zone Zero’s few stumbles are easy to look past. While it’s much smaller than the massive open world of Genshin Impact or the galaxy-spanning tales of Honkai, it's all the better for it.

You’ll only need several hours to complete it, but The Big Con’s one adventure worth looking into. Offering a vibrant presentation brimming with nostalgia, there’s an enjoyable story about 90’s America which kept me hooked. Though the pickpocketing mechanic lacks depth, that’s made up for by a fun narrative and good sense of humour, keeping the action entertaining. If you like indies, The Big Con’s a breath of fresh air that comes recommended.