A solid take on the Metroidvania genre, Blasphemous 2 stands apart by managing to create a highly atmospheric mechanically demanding experience that will satisfy the needs of those looking for a good challenge.

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.

The Ascent's interconnected world, world-building, and exciting combat make it a pleasant surprise, and one of our favourite titles of 2021 so far.

RoboCop: Rogue City is the biggest surprise of the year, and one of the best shooters I've played in a long time. Fans of the franchise will delight in the story and world-building, all of which are completely loyal to the 1987 original.

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.

Wargroove 2 is a challenging love letter to strategy RPGs that have inspired decades of gaming. Brilliant aesthetics, strong sound direction, and easy to grasp but difficult to master strategic gameplay makes Wargroove 2 a game worth coming back to.

If you've been looking for more Jin Sakai in your life, then the Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut will happily fulfil that request. After a year of post-launch support, Iki Island feels like a fresh checklist of content to tick off. It won't break the mould, but it will keep your sword sharp for the inevitable sequel, and if this is your first time jumping into the game then you're in for one of Sony's finest adventures.

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.

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.

Returnal is undoubtedly one of Housemarque’s best games and is a triumph for the PlayStation 5. The premise is interesting right off the bat, and the way the game feeds narrative breadcrumbs throughout the game only made me want to continue on. With the tight gameplay that the studio is known for, along with an intriguing story and blockbuster presentation, Housemarque hits all the right spots. Returnal sits as one of PlayStation’s most unique exclusives.

With strong characters, a captivating narrative and the best combat in the franchise, Final Fantasy 16 is a wonderful continuation of a series that has only gotten better with time.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is that rare example of a game that melds classic game design with modern narrative sensibilities. It's at once a slice of platforming, exploration and combat that'll feel familiar to all, while also tacking mature themes with every beat. It's a treat to play, a sight to behold, and well worth your time.

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.

While it doesn't break the mould like its predecessors have, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the perfect refinement of 2D platforming, and one of the most polished and engrossing games you'll play all year.

Playing Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023 is by-and-large a wonderful experience. It genuinely feels like CDPR has managed to zero-in on a lot of what the base game did well, as well as finding ways to polish up some of the aspects of it that didn’t quite live up to their potential.

Mafia: The Old Country marks a definitive return to the series' roots, prioritizing a powerful, linear narrative over open-world freedom. Set in early 1900s Sicily, this prequel tells the gripping story of Enzo, a young man who joins the mafia for a chance at a better life. Despite some technical blemishes, its meticulously crafted world and focus on character make it a standout title and a refreshing change of pace in the crime genre.

As warm and refreshing as it is earnest and rejuvenating, Chicory is genuinely a game like few others and a joy to play. Even if, ironically, it sometimes limits the same creative capacity it encourages, Chicory also lets you know that’s fine. Whatever anyone else might think, the adventure you play and choose to create is what matters.

Wildermyth is an exemplary achievement of how to integrate story and gameplay, each enhancing the other and backed by an attractive, storybook art style and stirring soundtrack. I hope to god there are more campaigns coming from the developers in the future because though there’s quite a few in there already, I don’t think I’ll be satiated on Wildermyth for a long time. After all, you never really want the best stories to end.

Hollow Knight: Silksong is a fantastic sequel well worth the seven-year wait. It’s bigger, bolder, and far more challenging than anyone could hope. While its steep learning curve may put off newcomers, longtime fans will appreciate how it maintains its solid metroidvania roots while inching closer and closer to a 2D Soulslike. With over 30+ hours of content for just $20, the depth on offer is nothing short of remarkable.

Psychonauts 2 is a difficult game to describe. At times, its refusal to step out of the past can be extremely frustrating, but not often enough to dampen the good times. It’s absolutely greater than the sum of its parts, and when taken as a whole, once the credits have rolled, it easily possesses the strongest narrative of any game this year. Above all else, Psychonauts 2 is unapologetically Double Fine. It’s sweet, funny and has a deep reverence for the games that came before it. The graphics and art direction are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen, a shining example of the value that a strong visual style can have over mere graphical prowess. Psychonauts 2 is the result of a studio operating at the absolute top of its game. It’s an absolute must-play for anyone looking for a great story, deep characters and jaw-dropping visuals.

Resident Evil Village is an essential horror experience that shows off what Capcom is capable of when it doesn’t compromise its vision in any way. The developer uses subgenres like puzzle pieces, clicking them into place on a grid to reveal the bigger picture: a survival horror collage, realised with remarkable production values and a deep love for its extensive roots. Resident Evil Village will be held high by Lady Dimitrescu and her peers for years to come, to rest head and shoulders above its genre rivals.

Outriders is the tonic to loot-driven games that demand players log in every day. It’s also not gating content behind DLC, seasonal updates, or just pushing for players to grind to an endgame to grind some more....It’s a shooter for those that love blowing enemies to bits, and it’s an RPG for those that want to feel powerful. There’s plenty of fun to be had on Enoch, but for maximum effect, we’d suggest bringing some friends.

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.

Although lacking innovation, the Super Mario RPG remake is a great way to relive a classic, with little incentive for old-time fans but plenty to love for newcomers.

I’m confident that most fans will love Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania. Though the challenging levels may be off-putting for some and no online multiplayer is disappointing, there’s a wonderful experience within that improves upon Banana Blitz HD’s flaws. RGG Studio’s done a fine job recreating these classic games into one comprehensive package and considering the lower price (£34.99), Banana Mania comes highly recommended.

Viro Move is a great effort by FIT REALITY. Offering a competent workout program, varied different courses and flexibility, you'll enjoy it even if exercise isn't your goal. Though some minor gameplay problems hold it back, Viro Move's one of the more engaging fitness games I've encountered yet and as such, it comes recommended.

Backbone is a simple game to play, meaning that the dialogue and theme development had to carry the experience. While the narrative rushes to an uneasy finish, the story gives you a lot of meat to sink your teeth into.

While not entirely revolutionary, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a standout Soulslike that truly captures the essence of the genre with impressive depth and originality. While its steep difficulty and vague quest structure may intimidate newcomers, it still serves as a strong entry point for non-Souls fans craving for a challenge. Leenzee’s mastery of the formula, combined with rich dark fantasy lore and varied builds, makes it a compelling addition to the overcrowded genre, capable of making even veteran Souls players break a sweat.