Capcom hasn’t messed with greatness, retaining everything that made Dead Rising a classic in the first place while sprinkling in smart changes. [Issue#46, p.96]

A fan-favourite protagonist, clever gameplay options, and cases ranging from very silly to very serious – this collection has it all, and is unmissable for series fans. [Issue#46, p.94]

It may lack punch but its satisfying driving and laid-back exploration are ideal if you’re looking for a soothing adventure. Perfect for treasure hunt lovers. [Issue#46, p.93]

A ghost story we’ve heard many times before, told once more with feeling. A friendlier introduction for newbies, and a worthwhile return to fans’ special place. [Issue#46, p.91]

While it currently enjoys a wealth of mature, cinematic titles, PlayStation has been crying out for a fresh, colourful mascot platformer, and Astro Bot ticks most of those boxes – at the very least, Team Asobi proves there are multiple ways to accessorise the chilly veneer of white plastic. As a 30-something gamer with rent to pay, few things inspire childlike glee in me, but Astro Bot manages it again and again. Whether it’s diving into an underwater level and pretending I’m exploring an aquarium from the other side of the glass, or just the simple tactile joy of Astro Bot’s little feet tapa-tapa-ing across the DualSense, I’m feeling a wide-eyed wonder that I thought I’d grown out of. His Rescue Mission was a few games back, but it’s safe to say that Astro Bot has definitely resuscitated PlayStation’s long-absent sense of fun. [Issue#46, p.80]

Just as solid as when it first took horror streamers by storm, now with added content so you can play in the certainty you still haven’t seen every scare. [Issue#45, p.91]

With a unique and slick drill mechanic there's a lot to love, but not quite enough is made of it across a very brief runtime. Wanting more isn’t always a bad thing. [Issue#45, p.90]

Accessible enough for strangers to turn- based combat, unique enough for veterans. Designed to ensure you have fun, steam work makes the dream work. [Issue#45, p.88]

Few detective games lead you to make as many brilliant deductions that feel like your own path to follow, though some issues with the port let it down. [Issue#45, p.83]

A gorgeous remaster, the freelance police have never looked or played better. Psychic powers are a stroke of genius, though detract a tad from other aspects. [Issue#45, p.82]

The best game in the series in over two decades. Its downsides are minor, making it a wholeheartedly recommendable, classic JRPG experience. [Issue#45, p.80]

A stunning coming-of-age tale. Despite half-baked minigames and a slow middle section, gorgeous pixel art and strong writing make it worth your time. [Issue#44, p.92]

This is a perfect purchase if, one might say, thou fancy a reet good laff. Perfectly judged absurdist comedy delivered via surreal shenanigans; we love it. [Issue#44, p.84]

Punchy runs respect your time, and a willingness to let you throw your cards at the wall to see what sticks makes each fresh one worth the ticket to ride. [Issue#44, p.82]

A strikingly beautiful experience that keeps all things in balance. Its successful simplicity and gorgeous visuals give Kunitsu-Gami a timeless quality. [Issue#44, p.80]

The main story has blips, but Tural is a wonderful world to explore and, importantly, creates a solid foundation for more FFXIV updates to come. [Issue#44, p.76]

An exciting fresh start for the RPG series. With strong character writing and excellent worldbuilding, it’s newcomer-friendly while appealing to fans. [Issue#43, p.96]

Short, sharp episodes highlight the base game’s shortcomings, but otherwise this miniseries is a merry turn down the spiral that leaves us wanting more. [Issue#43, p.95]

Don’t let this puzzler slide by. With strong comedic writing, glowing art direction, and lots of fiendish brain ticklers, it’s well worth wrapping your head around. [Issue#43, p.94]

FromSoftware continues to rule the genre it invented. If you didn’t care for Elden Ring, run away screaming. Otherwise, come on in and scream with frustration. [Issue#43, p.92]

Strong dialogue plus naturalistic acting makes the supernatural natural. Short but effective, with a final stretch that makes you reconsider all that’s gone before. [Issue#43, p.90]

A campaign that celebrates Destiny and its history, plus tweaks that smooth many of the bumps in the overall experience, set everything back on track. [Issue#43, p.88]

Still not as slick as Persona, SMT V revels in crunchtastic strategy with unparalleled customisation. A shift to open world is a genuine fresh hook. [Issue#43, p.84]

An outstanding homage to PS1 horror that’s no mere tribute act. If this is just the start of an excellent new series, then consider our return ticket already booked. [Issue#42, p.84]

Lets! Revolution! takes Minesweeper and revamps it. Its tile-flipping deduction puzzles hold strategic depth, and its lovely animation adds a welcome flourish. [Issue#41, p.98]

Moody, mysterious, borderline magnificent – this is a modern classic, an adventure that rivals its biggest inspirations without just following their lead. [Issue#41, p.96]

If you can play Umurangi Generation, you should play it. A masterfully told story that puts you at the centre in a unique, deeply meaningful way. [Issue#41, p.94]

In its humour and presentation, Dave The Diver has something of a good food anime vibe – the food is important, but there’s just so much more to discover. [Issue#41, p.92]

A large, beautifully-designed platformer that moves past its 16-bit inspiration in many ways, though the levels feel just a little stretched. Still a huge success. [Issue#40, p.92]

Has all the magic and grandiosity of the best RPGs in a gorgeous, slick, yet pleasingly deep package that’s nonetheless easy to approach. [Issue#40, p.90]

Despite its intimidating start, this is a game stuffed with challenge and replay value, proving that perseverance makes things far more bear-able, indeed. [Issue#40, p.88]

Makes for a wonderful interactive movie. You may need some patience to see it through to the end, but it’s a beautiful, rewarding adventure. [Issue#40, p.86]

An open-world game that harnesses the tight pace of Team Ninja’s previous adventures. Smart storytelling that balances historical accuracy with narrative flexibility. [Issue#40, p.80]

An unforgettable adventure that you can call your own, littered with amazing discoveries, laugh-out-loud tussles, and so much more just off the beaten path. [Issue#40, p.75]

A dazzling and provocative visual novel about post-Covid trauma and the horror of desire and indulgence. This is a winning narrative that’s no mere mirage. [Issue#39, p.96]

As clever and wonderfully bittersweet as it ever was, now with a drop-in and -out co-op option. A great way to discover or rediscover this indie classic. [Issue#39, p.95]

An accessible city builder that looks as good as it feels, with fantastically friendly design. If only it also gave you the ability to build on rock and roll. [Issue#39, p.94]

If you watch old F1 races on YouTube, this is the game for you. But everyone should be able to enjoy this charming, accessible, deep, and riveting racer. [Issue#39, p.92]

Four years on from the abysmal WWE 2K20, this overhauled series is among the sporting elite – but hasn’t resolved frustrations with its most controversial mode. [Issue#39, p.90]

Stilt is simple but innovative fun that can be both wildly rewarding and frustratingly random, often veering from one to the other in the blink of an eye. [Issue#39, p.88]

A throwback platformer that feels innovative rather than derivative, Penny’s world and joyous movement is infectious. You’ll be back for another spin. [Issue#39, p.84]

A frantic co-op shooter that offers an unrelenting challenge. This chaos generator will delight friend groups who enjoy being pushed to the brink of failure. [Issue#39, p.80]

With easy-to-understand fundamentals, the possibilities every card has for interacting with others result in depth that makes you feel like a genius. Luck be a Joker! [Issue#39, p.79]

This WW2-set XCOM-a-like is a really pleasant surprise and a massively confident first title from its developers. Let’s hope we see a lot more from this studio. [Issue#39, p.78]

FFVII Rebirth ends up a messy game, then, but its ambitious swings pay off more often than not. Make no mistake, this is an absolutely epic journey that sends you out to explore a huge world, with real-time combat that makes your party feel like one great big team in a way few other games have ever managed to accomplish. The story in this middle entry doesn’t quite stick the landing, but the game built around it absolutely does, raising the bar significantly for RPGs of this scope. While taking a swing at fate’s threads feels narratively underserved, Rebirth still presents a planet and people worth fighting for right through to the bitter end. [Issue#39, p.68]

The stress of Papers Please translated into a more laidback and fun puzzler. Player choice gives this pocket-sized adventure bigger scope for story. [Issue#38, p.96]

A beautifully designed, accessible RPG with a postgame more appealing than most. A great example of developers handing you just the right amount of control. [Issue#38, p.90]

Torn between multiple Personas, this is a great remake that should entice newcomers, while a missed opportunity to expand on the occult classic. [Issue#38, p.78]

Not your usual metroidvania. Ultros’ blend of simulation, exploration and psychedelia is only marginally let down by simplistic combat and its own alienation. [Issue#38, p.76]

The most welcoming Tekken for beginners, yet also the definitive experience for fans. Kicks the competition to the kerb, and finishes it off with a flashy move. [Issue#37, p.88]

While it doesn’t reach the storytelling heights of the Phoenix Wright Trilogy, this is a collection of great remasters with several standout mysteries. [Issue#37, p.86]

A comeback story for the ages. Beautiful, with awesome combat and perfect parkour. Hollow Knight: Silksong may have to cure cancer to top this. [Issue#37, p.82]

Offers a solid throwback to ’80s PC gaming, and while the minigames don’t always land, the fantastic story will keep you invested until the end. [Issue#37, p.80]

Fantastic characters, impeccable combat, and a fresh setting lift up a game that can otherwise feel stuck in the past. We’re beyond ready for more Kasuga. [Issue#36, p.72]

With immense scope for creativity and an admirable approach to customising the experience, Teardown smashes it. You can break this in all the right ways. [Issue#36, p.78]

While we’re sad to see RPG mode go, the fighting in this update-sequel is wonderfully easy to get to grips with and dripping with possibilities. [Issue#36, p.76]

A fun story campaign teaches you everything you need to build a great time in yet another excellent Steamworld game. What genre will Thunderful nail next? [Issue#35, p.95]

Takes a simple idea for activity and turns it into something special, thanks to immersive controls, a powerful sense of exploration, and great worldbuilding. [Issue#35, p.92]

A bite-sized RPG with a twist on turn-based combat, worth the emotional damage. Smartly written and with a winning personality, this one’s a genuine charmer. [Issue#35, p.89]

EA Sports WRC is simply the finest example of the genre. A few hitches and bugs can’t detract from a deep, breathless and wholly fun experience. Easy, right? [Issue#35, p.91]

Strong in every stance, Fate/Samurai Remnant is an all-around hit, giving everything you’d expect from a good Fate game and then some. [Issue#34, p.92]

A masterclass in the art of comedy and character writing, this deceptively simple trilogy is heartwarming, silly, and rib-achingly funny in equal measure. [Issue#34, p.83]

All the games here are nicely presented versions of the classics as they stand, without too many frills. [Issue#34, p.82]

[Issue#34, p.80]

Shadow Gambit too complex? Too many hours of cutscenes in the Metal Gear collection? Try this snack-sized stealth that anyone can enjoy instead. Exquisite! [Issue#34, p.79]

A short, sweet adventure that manages to be both silly and sincere. Lil Gator Game’s island is bursting with fun activities, animal friends, and potential for exploration. [Issue#34, p.78]

For the most part a thrilling story with fist-pumping missions. New mechanics are a mixed bag – but it’s still one of the best superhero things ever. [Issue#34, p.74]

Not as compelling as Limbo and Inside. But it has brilliant puzzles (mostly), beautiful presentation (always), and that levels-within- levels idea is an all-timer. [Issue#34, p.72]

Worth the wait. Capital ‘A’ ambitious and well realised, Remedy is letting its freak flag fly in full force. We love every twist of this spiral into survival horror. [Issue#34, p.62]

Smartly building on the design of the base game to offer new challenges, this snappy six-hour campaign is a wonderful addition and testament to the future. [Issue#33, p.93]

Improvements across the board see the FIFA era left behind. Gameplay to sate purists meets fun fantasy elements – like teams featuring men and women. [Issue#33, p.90]

While it’s not without its flaws, Sea Of Stars is a tremendous love letter to JRPGs and a huge achievement for a studio as small as Sabotage. [Issue#33, p.80]

Ko_Op shoots for the moon and lands among the stars. A heartfelt coming-of-age tale, there won’t be a dry eye by the time you play the final notes. [Issue#33, p.78]

Slick, full of things to do, and boasting an admirable level of variety. If you’re okay with multiplayer being the weakest link, then this is an easy recommendation. [Issue#33, p.74]

It is abundantly clear why this massive adventure took six years to develop from every lovingly sharpened plot hook, every subtle quirk of a party member’s lips, and every new arrangement of that gorgeous, central musical motif. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a glorious lightning strike, pairing talent with timing for not just a worthy successor to the series’ crown, but something truly special in its own right. We’ve no doubt we’ll head back down, down, down by the river to adventure anew for years to come. [Issue#33, p.68]

Challenging without being unfair, accessible without being patronising. It might be the VR skating experience you’ve dreamed of (if you dreamed of using your hands). [Issue#32, p.80]

From’s mech series is purring better than ever, offering you a path to finesse like little else, though some parts here could still use a tune-up. [Issue#32, p.76]

A terrific revival of a genre with plenty of life to give. Brilliant, slick controls and funky vibes have you owning the streets, but could use more challenge. [Issue#32, p.69]

Everything you’d want from a Rogue Legacy sequel, and more, this dramatically enriches and expands its genre-defining blueprint to the point of near perfection. [Issue#30, p.99]

An involved, improved story mode and the progression-based F1 World complement the exemplary career. It’s the best year-on- year update since F1 2013. [Issue#30, p.96]

A watercolour world presented alongside journalling mechanics that don’t quite capture it at its best. Otherwise, it’s short, sweet, and bound to leave you sobbing. [Issue#30, p.94]

First-class puzzling that feels like little else, beautifully presented, wonderfully planned, and with a gripping story to boot. Don’t let this case grow cold. [Issue#30, p.92]

Exhilarating and creative combat means we feel truly let loose in PSVR2. The only down side is… with only nine levels to get through, we want more. [Issue#30, p.86]

Diablo is back, and taking no prisoners. The top-quality, lengthy campaign will be enough for some, while the endgame should prove a welcome obsession for others. [Issue#30, p.84]

New numbered FFs are good again. Stunning to look at, with new, punchy combat, and a great yarn, it is, if anything, too focussed, lacking a bit of the weird. [Issue#30, p.78]

Short but sweet (and deliciously sour), it’s difficult to imagine these fables being adapted any better than they have been here. Cross your fingers for a sequel. [Issue#29, p.96]

Our clubbing days may be behind us but here we can get back to cutting shapes and feeling like total badasses, even if we look like we’re dancing like an utter idiot to everyone else. Much like any good night out, then. [Issue#29, p.90]

A cinematic coming-of-age text adventure ripped from a time machine into the modern day for less than a movie ticket. Just make sure you don’t get bitten! [Issue#29, p.82]

Unoriginal but perfect for family gaming, with a child-friendly exterior concealing old-school arcade fun and tough higher tiers of challenge for experts. [Issue#29, p.79]

A platformer with some satisfying heft to its movement, Convergence is also one of the best realisations of League Of Legends’ characters yet. [Issue#29, p.78]

While World Tour is iffy, you can’t deny this fighter is a champion – though it’ll best suit those who can put hours into Battle Hub and Fighter’s Ground. [Issue#29, p.74]

Chock-full of loot boxes and ready to be monetised to within an inch of its life, it’s nonetheless built around a superb and fiendishly playable kart racer. [Issue#28, p.94]

Short but intense, Road 96: Mile 0 offers a joyful, inventive, and memorable experience of a quality that some games several times the price can only dream of. [Issue#28, p.93]

You’ll find yourself with more saves than you know what to do with and still be excitedly coming up with ideas for what unique creation you want to try next. [Issue#28, p.90]

A previously lost but influential RPG gem given the remake it deserves, with its varied protagonists and storylines adding up to a digestible epic unlike anything else. [Issue#28, p.86]

Packs a wealth of firefighting scenarios into a short runtime, then remixes them for additional challenge. Some control issues aside, it’s a flaming good time. [Issue#28, p.82]

Enhance’s most experimental and ambitious game yet, more about massaging your brain than teasing your senses. Being part of the crowd is what makes it stand out. [Issue#28, p.80]

Sometimes uneven, often wondrous, Survivor is bombastic and joyous, though it feels like a middle child in search of a trilogy ending. May the Force be with it. [Issue#28, p.72]