EA FC 25 is definitely a game of two halves. Its core is still excellent and endlessly enjoyable, and several new additions have given fresh life to the game. However, it remains held back by age-old issues that have plagued the series year-on-year. Overall it offers an improvement over the previous iteration, and Rush, in particular, is an outstanding addition that I hope will become a core part of the game in years to come, but I just wish that painfully slow menus, an abundance of bugs, and sometimes sluggish gameplay wouldn't hold it back.

Crusader Kings 3 Roads to Power is the best expansion the game has had so far, purely because of its focus on new gameplay systems that let you approach how you play the game a little differently than before. The new Byzantine content is a breath of fresh air for the best aspects of CK's gameplay, while the Adventurer playstyle could do with a little more to make it fun beyond your first go.

Ara: History Untold brings fresh ideas for a long-running genre, and more than stands on its own because of them.

NBA 2K25 is a big improvement on last year’s game. While the same VC woes remain, I’m convinced it’ll be remembered fondly in the annals of the franchise, thanks to its mode variety, flexible shooting options, and a big improvement to player animations.

Even if you’ve already played the game to 100% on PS5, you’ll likely get something out of witnessing God of War Ragnarok again in all its glory on a PC.

Final Fantasy XVI feels right at home on PC. With excellent optimisation that’s bolstered by impressive Frame Generation technology, it’s a relatively smooth sailing experience if you have the hardware to handle it. Some oversights include a lack of ultrawide support and a locked 30fps frame rate in cutscenes, but these can easily be modded out with a few simple file tweaks. It’s a damning shame that these fixes aren’t included by default, but if you’re willing to do a bit of tinkering, this epic fantasy RPG should certainly be one you aim to play on PC.

Whether it's your first trip to Willamette or you're a returning customer, Dead Rising Deluxe Edition offers something for you.

If, like me, you’ve been waiting for Nintendo to deliver a new 3D Mario game for the best part of a decade, look no further - Team ASOBI has done it themselves. For those who own a PlayStation, consider Astro Bot an essential purchase.

The Miles Edgeworth Collection is a stellar product. It features some of the series' best writing, varied gameplay, and unique set pieces. Not only is this the best way to play these games, it’s one of the only ways to play the fantastic sequel.

Space Marine 2 is pure, unfiltered video game. It's arcadey and straightforward as hell; nothing is overwrought, and there is no misconception of trying to be more than what it should be. Here is the new gold standard for a third-person action game in the 40K universe.

F1 Manager continues to offer more of what I'd hoped for when the franchise debuted, and it's just getting better and better each year. Additional drivers to nurture, subtle improvements to race day, and the long-awaited team creation option make this a much deeper simulator in major and minor ways.

Once Human might be the first crafting game I find myself coming back to regularly thanks to solid combat fundamentals, a perfectly-tuned crafting loop, and a level of polish that’s often all too rare in the genre.

A breath of fresh air and a genuine contender for one of 2024’s best games yet, Dungeons of Hinterberg is a no-brainer pickup - whether you’re subscribed to Game Pass or not.

When thinking of Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree as a complete package, it's hard not to consider that many of the game's best moments appear within the DLC. It's a staggering achievement that was more than worth the two-year wait, as it reignited the wonders of playing the base game for the first time, while simultaneously building upon and enhancing so much of what I've experienced already.

New Guardians may have plenty of questions as to what’s going on, but if you’ve spent any time with the franchise in the past, this is worth coming back for - the Final Shape is the new gold standard for Destiny.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin continues what was started in the first game, and elevates it to new heights. What was once a side attraction could well become the staple, as Wings of Ruin is simply an excellent RPG.

Vengeance is undoubtedly the definitive and best way to play Shin Megami Tensei V, with a fantastic new narrative path and quality-of-life adjustments that are so good you wonder how the game was released without them. Featuring fantastic turn-based combat that constantly keeps you on your toes, and a darker tone to the world and narrative, you'd be missing out if you didn't decide to dive into Vengeance either for the first time or as someone who has already played the original game.

Switch is now home to the definitive version of The Thousand-Year Door, and anyone interested in RPGs or Mario games who might've missed it over the years should definitely check it out to see why so many Paper Mario fans long for a return to this style of game.

XDefiant is a fantastic game. I haven't been this excited about a shooter game since Apex Legends, and we know how that turned out.

Pine Hearts is a breath of fresh air, encouraging you to slow down and tend to your emotional roots. It doesn’t just simulate an adventure; it simulates peace, creativity, and community. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Pine Hearts offers a slice of serenity with no stress involved.

Hellblade 2 remains the most technically impressive experience I’ve ever played through. Through the chosen medium of games, Ninja Theory tells a compelling narrative that, if you can put up with some rather archaic gameplay, will leave you deeply satisfied - and maybe just a little traumatised.

Galacticare will have you reaching for the stars as you build your cosmic hospital up and treat the denizens of the furthest reaches of space. While it may be a little on the slow side to start with, putting in enough time into creating your optimal medical facility is incredibly satisfying, with a cast of characters that help make each of your spaces feel alive. The game is an incredibly charming hospital sim that, while not breaking the boundaries of the genre, provides an assured and confident game that will have you curing the ailments of your extra-terrestrial clientele for hours on end.

Ghost of Tsushima is perhaps Nixxes' most impressive work yet. In porting one of PlayStation’s best games to PC, it’s also created one of the best-optimised pieces of software you can find on the platform.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is an incredibly stylish puzzler that, during my time with it, continued to beguile right to the end.

Paper Trail had set high expectations, and Newfangled Games meets and exceeds them, combining inspired puzzle design with gorgeous art and atmosphere to leave me very excited for what it turns its talent to next.

It would have been great to see some sort of career mode implemented where you can take control of real-world players, but for a revival from the dead, TopSpin 2K25 is pretty TopNotch.

Stellar Blade is an exceptionally well-crafted game that has learned from its influences and honed their teachings to a highly polished standard that can only be commended.

If you're not someone who throws events very often, I'm not sure I can recommend Party Essentials as it is if you're solely more interested in the bar and turntable stereo (like I am - though they're both pretty fantastic), but Urban Homage is an instant favourite to me.