With engaging social simulation gameplay, addictive turn-based combat systems and an unmatched visual style, Persona 5 is the ultimate Japanese role-playing game any PlayStation 4 owner, newbie or hardcore fan, should give a fair go in 2017.

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes features Brilliant level design, great replay value, gaming doesn’t get any better than this on the PS4.

Forgotten but Unbroken is an amazing turn based strategy game, with unrivaled WW2 realism.

Moonlighter: Between Dimensions is a brilliant RPG adventure game for anyone is looking for a something casual but with challenging elements such as basic inventory and time management. The top-down combat is heaps of fun and perfect for newcomers or those who want a taste of old-school nostalgia. Combined with the pixel style graphics and 8bit inspired tunes, Moonlighter: Between Dimensions has something for everyone.

Persona 3 Reload hits the remake sweet spot, honoring its roots with a stunning visual upgrade and fun new content, making it a must-play for veterans and newcomers alike.

It may seem impenetrable at the beginning but Bloodborne rewards perseverance and dedication.

Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island is easily the best DLC of the year because of the amount of content jam packed into this release.

More of a refinement than a revolution, but still the best depiction of basketball on the current generation. A massive amount of content, absorbing career modes and online features mean you won’t get bored in a hurry.

Featuring excellently paced turn based combat and a memorable story taking place in a beautiful, interactive world to explore – Sea of Stars is a dream come true for 90’s RPG fans, RPG fans, and fans of great video games.

Horizon is possibly one of the best open world racers available.

Until Dawn succeeds on so many levels of story telling and creates this amazing interactive survival horror experience.

Origins successfully adds to the franchise of Assassin’s Creed by delivering something fresh yet similar. It plays like a treat on the Xbox One X and thanks to the 4K graphics is easily one of the most immersive titles as you explore Ancient Egypt and its connecting lands.

As a whole, Journey to the Savage Planet is a rather simple game but still manages to find unique ways to challenge a player both during combat and exploration. My only dislike is that there could have been a few more side missions that didn’t revolve around item collection. It would have been great to have more incentive to go off the main path aside from hunting for upgrades. But in saying that, I found the exploration aspect of this game quite fun thanks to the innovative level design. This is definitely a fun little game that is worth checking out or playing with a friend.

Dredge is the first indie game of 2023 that will surprise you. The overall simplicity of this game will at first deceive you and afterward, you will appreciate this decision and how everything is synchronized with each other. Maybe the quest designs were too simplistic, but the other aspects of the game, especially the music is so good, that you would eventually forget about it.

Gears Tactics is a fantastic strategy game and an excellent addition to the Gears of War series, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is either a fan of Gears of War, or to the XCOM series style of game. Also, Cole Train, as always, is a goddamn delight.

FH5 brings stunning Mexico, vast content, and thrilling races to PS5 – a truly rewarding and long-awaited open-world triumph.

Overall, a great experience for F1 and racing fans. I will probably play the career mode alongside the real life F1 2019 season in future.

Overall, Final Fantasy X is one of the greatest Japanese RPG's around and this release offers two awesome games for the price of one.

For any longtime fan returning to the series, or even those newer players curious about Mario’s roots, picking up Super Mario 3D All Stars is a no-brainer, with three top tier games packed to the brim with content providing some of the best platforming you’ll experience anywhere.

A stellar PC port that uplifts the original's high-quality single-player and multiplayer content with advanced graphics options and solid matchmaking.

I would recommend ‘Breakpoint’ to gamers but not just yet. ‘Breakpoint’ has a lot of potential but still just needs a bit more tweaking before it’s perfect. That said, it is still very enjoyable for anyone who loves a story driven game with a deep back-story as its foundation.

All in all, a package that includes one of the PS2’s best games and a high point in the Final Fantasy franchise with the bonus of its pleasantly solid sequel is one that shouldn’t be missed.

The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine provides a fitting conclusion to the story of Geralt of Rivia!

A Woman’s Lot is not something you should play if you want a happy gaming experience (there are certainly happy moments… but they have their stark counter points)… but if you want a gaming experience that feels real and true to the life of Feudal citizens, this is a great option. A strong female character with compassion and an iron will makes for a nice change from the norm as well. A good value DLC that will add a lot of story depth to an already impressive game.

Arguably the best Far Cry to date, Far Cry 6 maximizes PS5 capability while delivering a terrific experience. New and old Far Cry players shouldn't miss this one.

Overall, there is a heap of value here; once World Tour is complete there is a still heap to do, from challenges to collectibles. This is a more than worthy entry for a series that has long been successful and provides a complete experience that is highly and enjoyable and full of value. There are very few issues with this release and they are generally rare and fairly minor. SSX is worth a look for anyone into extreme sports titles or someone looking for something different to all the other titles that are cut from the same mold.

Tropico 6 is a highly addictive city and government simulator that has realistic game mechanics with an easy to use build and management interface. A marvelous, challenging, enjoyable and non complicated experience.

Who would have thought it has been nearly 10 years since the Last Pikmin game and Nintendo have a real winner on their hands with Pikmin 3 that has not only streamlined the gameplay but seriously improved it. Best of all, the games looks gorgeous in HD and Pikmin have never looked this great! Add in some great single player challenges, multiplayer fun and you’ll be playing this game for a long time.

Dishonored is the thinking man's first person shooter but throw those guns away as there are so many more interesting ways to take on your enemies. With a great protagonist, interesting characters and well-written story, it's games like Dishonored that really make you sit up and take notice. It's original and gives almost total control to the player on how the story and game will play out. With elements of RPG meets first person shooter, Dishonored is the game to all fans of both these genres and beyond.

Metro: Last Light is a bold symphony to the senses. Deep Silver is the new bringer of AAA titles, now they have a lot to live up to. As the saying goes, you are only as good as your last game release. Deep Silver is now the one to watch.

Granted the story is shallow at times, and the characters are the standard stereo types, the game on the other hand visually looks spectacular. The good things far outweigh the bad here.

In conclusion, Spore is definitely an exciting game in this time of repetitive ideas in an over crowded gaming market. It's not quite an RTS nor an RPG nor a strategy game but one that successfully combines all three genres into an exciting game that works quite well and is complimented with good graphics and a great premise.

Granted the story is shallow at times, and the characters are the standard stereo types, the game on the other hand visually looks spectacular. The good things far outweigh the bad here.

In conclusion, Total War Shogun 2 is definitely a must have game for those who enjoy turn-based games, RTS or the original Total War games. It's huge improvement over its predecessors and from the very first moments of the game to the last battle of Kyoto, you will be captivated and wanting more.

There is very little to criticise with this release and any criticisms are very minor. This all provides supreme value and recommended to everyone who enjoys action plat-former titles.

In conclusion, Gears of War 2 is truly an epic game that goes beyond its predecessor and offers gamers another truly outstanding gaming experience.

What is great about the game and the story line especially is that there are awesome villains and none of them seem like a throw away add on to the game. The levels leading up to boss battles are well designed, giving Spider-Man the chance to use his unique abilities. Story line writer Dan Slott really brings a story that is perhaps one of the best in any Spider-Man game yet.

What is great about the game and the story line especially is that there are awesome villains and none of them seem like a throw away add on to the game. The levels leading up to boss battles are well designed, giving Spider-Man the chance to use his unique abilities. Story line writer Dan Slott really brings a story that is perhaps one of the best in any Spider-Man game yet.

I can say that Mass Effect 3 is indeed an epic conclusion for Commander Shepard's role in the Mass Effect Universe.

All in all the maps offer a nice diverse package with plenty of tactical possibilities.

Mass Effect 2 is one of the best RPG titles on the PS3 in quite some time and usually this genre is quite neglected or has poor third party releases.

Ready for another exhilarating gaming experience? Need for Speed Most Wanted is your answer. Going back to the franchise's roots which made it the classic it is today, this is an unmissable instalment in the series that you must play. It's time for your next dose of adrenaline.

Definitely go out and buy this game now because there is a new fighter in town.

A heartfelt, spellbinding co op masterpiece that needs to be in your library.

Quantum Break is another incredibly satisfying action-adventure mystery from Remedy in the same leagues as Alan Wake and the original Max Payne – bolstered by a bigger budget which has resulted in a terrific cast of actors, complex and intriguing storyline and script, and well-implemented live action television sequences.

The core gameplay loop is definitely not for everyone but the rewards for persisting are well worth pursuing here. The gunplay and movement feels absolutely divine and the “one more run” approach to the gameplay is certainly addictive and unique amongst larger budgeted titles.

Offering 6-8 hours of fresh content, The Old Hunters exemplifies DLC that actually enriches the sources rather than simply milking fans with lacklustre skins and the like.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores delivers a fantastic post-game content expansion for those wanting more adventures with Aloy.

Does SoR4 do the franchise justice? Yes! It gives older gamers the game they’ve been waiting for while offering younger players the chance to play a comic-book esque beat-em-up that’s challenging and fun. The highlight of the game for me was the soundtrack, which works in synergy with the gameplay to heighten intensity as the game becomes progressively more difficult. The one big let down is the length of the game, which I don’t think has been reflected in the launch pricing, especially for PS4.

I enjoyed this in my more spectator role and I know my son loved the game so I would have to say this is a hearty recommendation, if you yourself are a fan or you have a fan in the family… this ought to put a smile on their dial.

Bloody amazing! The original game went beyond those clichéd first person shooters and in creating a sequel, the developers have fleshed out the city of Rapture even more but more importantly, have streamlined the gameplay, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Of course, without the detailed characters and story of BioShock 2, it would not have reached these levels and of course, the luscious graphics.

At the end of the day, BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is an outrageous fighter that breaks away from Western norms and gives the player something uniquely different and more importantly, entertaining.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a special game and a rare beast in the current console generation. A traditional Japanese RPG with a deep and rewarding gameplay experience with a level of polish reserved for the biggest of franchises. Even if level grinding and monster catching is outside your comfort level, this game is worth checking out. Once you spend a few hours with Oliver, Mr. Drippy and his friends you will not be able to put Ni No Kuni down.

A relatively generic entry into the turn-based, tactical RPG genre, that doesn't do anything especially interesting, but doesn't do anything particularly wrong, either.

Above all, Split Fiction is a love letter to storytelling, a reminder of why stories matter and why protecting creative voices is more crucial than ever.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique action strategy game that basks in its clever and entertaining design. Conquer the mountain and yourself in this courageous dance between good versus evil.

Bringing the best of past Sonic games into the modern gaming world with familiar yet fresh and striking levels.

If you ever want to create a horror game for a console gaming machine, than Silent Hill Shattered Memories should be used as your template. Not only it is an extremely well written game but the gameplay is quite sturdy on the Wii and is easily one of the better titles available at present.

This yearly update for the NBA 2K series has seen some marked improvements and is undoubtedly one of the best basketball games available on the market.

Ultimately though… the game is a lot of fun and that’s really what it’s all about. It’s nothing serious, it’s not ground breaking (well ok… there is one mini game that is almost exactly that… but whatever). If you are after a huge challenge… you might find some in the extra challenges for the mini games… but the main storyline will likely leave you wanting. If however you just want a game to be able to pick up and enjoy and maybe get the odd grin out of for sheer cuteness or silly fun, then this is a great choice! Grab a copy and suck it up.

If you enjoyed Horizon Zero Dawn and want to revisit this universe again, The Frozen Wilds is a must have DLC that give the player an impressive area to explore as Aloy. Given that most players should be able to finish this game in around 10-12 hours, exploration is definitely the key to increasing the longevity of this DLC and once you have finished the main mission, you’re free to continue exploring. Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds succeeds at giving the fan a well-thought out DLC from start to finish.

As someone who was probably a bit too old to have caught the original fandom of SpongeBob but then was introduced to it via fatherhood… I appreciate the love that has been put into this game. It is very easy for franchises to simply churn out pulp slop (anyone from the 90’s remember all those side scrolling/platform games based on things from The Blues Brothers to Home Alone and basically everything in between?). Fortunately, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide has been made with fans in mind and really does feel like you are in the middle of an episode of the show (the moment SpongeBob and Patrick first learn they can swap who is in ghost form had me chuckling quite a bit). It’s a lot of fun with very minimal stress whilst still not being so easy that you can play it with your eyes closed. It’s the right level of challenge with a lot of fun throughout… highly recommended for SpongeBob fans or even just fans of fun platformers!

DJ Hero is a fun rhythm music game that actually works quite well out of the box and although it won't have the mass appeal of Guitar Hero or Rock Band, it's still an addictively entertaining game that contains quite a decent track listing.

Dave The Diver is a true indie gem. The story acts as the glue that holds things together while most of the weight of the game is on the shoulders of gameplay mechanics that are gradually added, new areas that are unlocked in each chapter of the story, and new weapons and equipment that can be found in boxes scattered in the Blue Hole. This game is a simple delight like a cup of coffee in the morning or an ice cream in the summer heat; its true value is felt only when you taste it yourself.

A genius blend of comedic and gameplay excellence, Trover Saves the Universe is arguably the best Oculus Quest title to date.

Whether you're a lover of all things formula one or just a fan of racing games in general, F1 2016 deserves a place in your collection.

Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX offers fun gameplay, fun music and fun times on the Nintendo 3DS!

Overall, what PES 2018 lacks in authenticity, it more than makes up for in gameplay. Bettering its predecessor on the pitch, PES 2018 is another fantastic entry in the series.

Hide The Corpse is a thrilling VR game where time is of the essence as you race to find a hiding spot for a body before the cops make it to the crime scene. Withhold evidence and wash away your fingerprints to get away with your crime and unlock more puzzling and demanding levels.

A beautiful, hand-crafted action-adventure experience with challenging combat, rewarding exploration and an intriguing story.

Mortal Kombat X takes this franchise to totally new levels of entertainment with amazing next-gen graphics and revamped gameplay that truly separates this current game from its predecessors.

Rayman Legends is an amazing game on the PlayStation 4 that is definitely a must have download from the PSN store.

Bloody amazing! The original game went beyond those clichéd first person shooters and in creating a sequel, the developers have fleshed out the city of Rapture even more but more importantly, have streamlined the gameplay, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Of course, without the detailed characters and story of BioShock 2, it would not have reached these levels and of course, the luscious graphics.

Out of Line is not a long game. It could be finished in around 3 hours, but it is still very enjoyable to play. The puzzles are not overly complicated but are challenging enough and the story that unfolds is unique and charming. Overall, I would say the value for money is great and I would definitely recommend it. It is a perfect game to pick up and casually play when you need a break from the real world.

A shockingly great college football a decade in the making, College Football 25 is arguably the best modern console sport title to date.

I would say if you enjoyed the over the top nature of NBA Jam and don’t want to think too hard about your gaming… NBA Playgrounds 2 is a great buy. Whether having friends round or just wanting a casual game to grab and play, there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

With a single player campaign that subverts expectations at every corner, a movement system that can only be described as heavenly and a robust selection of multiplayer modes with more free content to come in the future, Titanfall 2 is one of the year’s biggest surprises and is a must-buy for any serious shooter fan.

Absolum is a fun roguelike evolution of the classic beat 'em up; frantic brawling combat meets deep replayability.

Overall, Gran Turismo 6 is the Pièce de résistance of this series that boasts great graphics, flawless gameplay and a perfect swansong for the PlayStation 3.

My only gripe is still with the controls, and the lack of precision. Without the auto-aiming, it could have been a totally different experience, as swiping to get your crosshairs over a moving enemy was sometimes an exercise in frustration. Despite this, NOVA 3 would still appeal to all FPS gamers who have been wishing for a decent mobile experience.

A beautiful expansion on top of an already amazing journey. If you had any doubts about longevity, Shadowbringerss crushes it.

I believe the best way to describe this game would be a survival horror isometric tactical shooter in the Alien universe. Aliens Dark Descent perfectly establishes its own rules and stays true to the Alien franchise and what made it one of the greatest modern sci-fi works: the heart-wrenching fear of the unknown and the thrill of fighting against all odds.

I’m really enjoying Crime Boss Rockay City and highly recommend it! If you have a soft spot for the cast then that’s a good draw card… but if you have a big ol’ spot of nostalgia for music of the 90’s… it will be hard to suppress the smile as you enter a shopping mall only to hear Freestyler playing. If you want a great heist game that involves a bit more thinking and planning than GTA or even Payday… grab a copy!

Arty games like Copycat are two a penny, but clearly this one is one that’s had some serious effort put into it. Atmospheric and poignant, Dawn’s chronicles will tug on your heartstrings like a Spanish guitarist – and most likely make you want to hold your own cat as close as you can if you have one. Amidst the many cat games that the industry has birthed, this one is definitely one of the finer felines of the litter.

It’s easy to declare Director’s Cut the best way to play Death Stranding, period. It looks and executes like a dream, and crosses over PS4 saves seamlessly (to include perfect transfer of trophies). Its improved presentation and gameplay additions (notably DualSense integration) are stellar, and make a great game…even greater. Also, the new modes, items and options are icing on an already delicious cake. Death Stranding Director’s Cut is therefore an arguably must buy for PS5 owners new to the game, a solid upgrade previous players will definitely appreciate.

As it is… I highly recommend Knockout League! The cartoony graphics and crazy characters work well and allow you to have fun pretending you’re a real boxer without ever getting hurt. Great for a quick bit of fun and who knows… you may even get more fit while doing it.

For making excellent use of the VR controllers The Wizards is fantastic for any magic fan, adding free movement also puts it in the esteemed group of games giving gamers the choice (if free movement isn’t for you, you can still use teleport and in some cases a mix of both will likely work best). There’s a lot of fun to be had here and it’s very satisfying to fling a fireball from your hands at a statue standing tall and watch it tumble forward and crash on the ground.

Jackbox 11 is a return to form, with the excellent Legends of Trivia and some of the best interpretations of a creative drawing game or funny prompt game, this Party Pack would be an excellent addition to your party nights. If it's a long-standing addition remains to be seen, but I'll be spending a lot of time in Pack 11 in the near future.

A must-play turn-based tactics combat simulator elevated by memorable characters, over-the-top action and deep RPG elements.

If you loved the Burnout series, than Need for Speed Hot Pursuit is a must have title and best of all, it pays homage to the original Need for Speed game.

Concierge is a creepy, narrative-driven puzzle adventure game that mixes elements of surrealism with thrilling visuals to bring you something truly special. Utilizing point-and-click controls, puzzle lovers or horror enthusiasts can find much enjoyment out of this title.

At first, Bulletstorm didn't immediately give me the wow factor but as I played, this game just got better and better.

Rise of the Tomb Raider on PC is not only stunning a but a true interactive experience!

Bloody amazing! The original game went beyond those clichéd first person shooters and in creating a sequel, the developers have fleshed out the city of Rapture even more but more importantly, have streamlined the gameplay, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Of course, without the detailed characters and story of BioShock 2, it would not have reached these levels and of course, the luscious graphics.

The simple question: for owners of FIFA 22 on next-gen consoles, is it worth purchasing FIFA 23? The answer is a definitive ‘yes.’ While not a perfect upgrade, it’s a noticeable one that takes many big steps in the right direction. Plus, if you’re even a mild fan of women’s football and/or Ted Lasso, this decision is a whole lot easier, in tandem.

Far Cry Primal is a great diversion in the series that successfully takes you back to a simpler yet equally as dangerous era!

The basic game play is nothing overly fancy… it is after all a basic platformer, but the execution is spot on and Lucky is quite the charmer. It’s clearly aimed at the younger audience but I found it all quite a nice change from the darker, bloodier world of more “mature” games. Great fun little game and not a bad price either.

The Universal Monster Pack is an arguable must buy for Pinball FX3 fans. Monster Bash is one of its best tables, period, and Creature from the Black Lagoon not far behind. Be prepared, however, for some graphical downgrade on the Switch version.