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]

While lacklustre in some areas, Spiders leverages Steelrising’s daft premise for a 8 wonderful action adventure in a Paris steeped in history and robotics. [Issue#20, p.66]

Detailed, characterful, and with a mechanical twist that adds depth to turn-based combat. Don’t let any preconceptions about League Of Legends put you off this spin-off. [Issue#9, p.77]

A perfectly pitched pint-sized adventure well worth picking up – it’s got all the mini critters you can throw and a teeny-tiny world you’ll want to get lost in. [Issue#20, p.80]

Not quite the port we deserve, but fans will be pleased to fill a gap in the saga, while it’s a digestible entry point to entice newcomers into the Trails universe. [Issue#20, p.76]

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]

Not at all like getting blood from a stone. Presenting a monster mash you’ll want to jump back into, this roguelike is worth getting your chops around. [Issue#46, p.97]

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]

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]

[Issue#34, p.80]

Cosy as ever, Atelier’s crafting makes you feel in control of your quest. Still somewhat budget, improvements nevertheless make Atelier’s future feel bright. [Issue#12, p.88]

Francis’ journey from doubt-filled zero to confident rock hero is still a lot of fun and masterfully told, thanks in part to great voice acting including some Hollywood A-listers. It’s a feast for the ears and eyes, and contains genuinely funny dialogue and exceptional creativity, making us want to forgive its flaws. Art and music lovers should definitely go on this journey like no other, there’s much to see. [Issue#12, p.75]

It often leans harder into its retro inspirations than is perhaps completely necessary, but Battle Axe is still a fitting tribute to the golden era of coin-operated arcade romps. [Issue#2, p.73]

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]

Skate City offers the standard suite of skill-based skate challenges, though more alluring is the thoughtful presentation surrounding it all. Want to enjoy the serener side of skateboarding? Tail slide into this. [Issue#2, p.83]

The likes of QTE-based brawls and stealth sections are less successful, and some sequences are a little drawn out – but by the end you’ll be hooked emotionally and, yes, may end up teary-eyed. [Issue#25, p.83]

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]

Elden Ring needed to be fresh and bold, and it succeeds, putting you in charge of your own adventure. However the open world has some uneven terrain. [Issue#12, p.80]

In addition to its cast of quirky characters and whimsy, Moonbury’s colourful pixelated setting is a joy to wander around. If you enjoy a farmer’s life in Stardew Valley, Potion Permit is guaranteed to brew the right remedy. [Issue#21, p.83]

An outrageously suave shooter with pulpy, pacey gunplay. It’s endearing enough to leave you wondering whether you need a complete change of wardrobe. [Issue#25, p.76]

Providing a good time for both sim fans and arcade racing fiends, Grid Legends has plenty of content and knows how to use it. Get in and enjoy the ride. [Issue#12, p.76]

This sequel’s twist is an ‘eyes closed’ mechanic: if you can’t see it, it can’t see you. Because of that, slowly plodding around the ominous red mist of enemies, your rapidly increasing heartbeat indicating proximity, becomes a simple yet terrifying staple (as do creating distractions, using your torch, and just legging it). As your vision’s frequently limited, the sound design is crucial. Between the lack of music, the almost echo-location function of the heartbeat, and disturbing noises made by the spirits, it evokes the feeling that you are never truly safe. And you aren’t. Lovely! [Issue#21, p.88]

Barebones combat doesn’t get in the way of the genuinely interesting clambering to be had throughout the story. Just be careful your arms don’t get sore. [Issue#25, p.64]

Young Souls might not be a risk taker, but it’s a confident amalgamation of side-scrolling brawling and RPG progression that’s boosted by imaginative flair, urging you to keep tapping your way to victory. Despite the odd quirk, it’s one you’ll just want to keep playing. [Issue#14, p.78]

Beautiful presentation and captivating characters make up a little for the lack of grand narrative, plus there’s a clever and engaging battle system. [Issue#25, p.88]

There’s some old clunk, no cross-platform play, and a lack of rollback based netcode for online play (it’ll be added for free in summer), which reveals the game’s age. But otherwise everything is here, from DLC to previously arcade-only tweaks. And all at a higher resolution, natch. It’s so much fun that you can’t help but yearn for a grander series comeback (imagine how Persona 5’s cast could fit in). But for now, this is one more chance for Persona adventures, and a great fighter to boot. [Issue#14, p.83]

While there’s not enough here to convince QTE sceptics, there’s life in it yet thanks to a cast you’ll want to root for and some welcome gameplay additions. [Issue#22, p.82]

If the third and final entry in the trilogy is anywhere near as good as its predecessors, then hopefully it will be making its way to PlayStation soon too. [Issue#14, p.83]

The lean and mean design may be limiting but it feels great when you’re chuntering through masses of monsters. Destined to be a modern cult classic. [Issue#22, p.88]

Excellent tracking and tactile controls makes this an easy, swashbuckling adventure to get lost in, even if that’s mostly all it delivers. Far away? Far out. [Issue#25, p.68]

Constantly expressive and chill enough to be mesmerising, World hits the line between welcoming and challenging with all the grace of the Hawk-man himself. [Issue#12, p.74]

The return is mostly triumphant, as it feels like the series has never been away. Even more fun than a rubber chicken with a pulley in the middle. [Issue#22, p.78]

An essential purchase if you enjoyed Innocence, and an imperfect but gripping starting point if you missed it. Hopefully not the end of the tale. [Issue#21, p.80]

An interesting take on the roguelike genre that offers a unique and entertaining way to play the game, but feels geared towards co-op over single-player. [Issue#22, p.81]

Frustratingly failing to hit (but only just) the heights it could’ve reached, this is a great reason to fall in love with Lego Star Wars all over again. [Play #14, p.72]

Tunic can appeal equally to those seeking a solid challenge, and those who want to be able to cruise through the experience. Both will find a great game. [Issue#21, p.94]

Sorry, Hugh Jackman fans – this isn’t quite the greatest Show on Earth, but it certainly puts a meandering sports series back on the road to the big time. [Issue#14, p.85]

Without drastically altering its comfortable VR setup, Moss: Book II is a more expansive sequel in an enchanting world that’s a pleasure to spend time in again. [Issue#14, p.77]

Clearly inspired by real places, Tieng Valley exists firmly in the realm of magical realism, with a god of forgetting looming over the valley while strange flowers whisper echoes of the past. Biking around, recording it is a meditative experience that not only interrogates how you as an outsider choose to remember this ephemeral space, but also asks wider questions about time, history, and memory. It’s a genuine pleasure to explore. The game doesn’t outstay its welcome at about ten hours long, and is absolutely an experience we won’t forget in a hurry. [Issue#24, p.75]

Drinkbox’s wonderfully daft action RPG is supported by smart systems that ensure you keep mixing characters and abilities while exploring its colourful world. [Issue#14, p.90]

As it’s procedurally generated, some may chafe against the formidable grind, but each floor is bite-size, and you can command your team to do most of the exploring for you. Interspersed with dialogue-driven hangouts in the daytime, this is an incredible quick fix of weak point-targeting battling with RPG character building. It’s just a shame this couldn’t be more definitive. [Issue#24, p.82]

Pre-level prep (companion and buff choice) affords a sense of ownership over the entire experience and, while shooter veterans will have absolutely no trouble sailing through the levels, the tradeoff is a userfriendly atmosphere that makes repeated playthroughs a joy rather than a slog. It’s not the size of your game that matters; it’s what you do with it that counts. [Issue#3, p.139]

It’s hard to say P4G is definitely better. While still somewhat procedurally generated, the dungeons feel like more of a slog given how the design, heavy on long corridors, makes thing more spread out, and while there are great stories in the social links they can certainly sag a bit. The focus on boundary-pushing inner turmoil hasn’t aged as gracefully as some might remember either, Kanji’s struggle with masculinity and Naoto’s with gender both weak swings that never amount to much.2 Still a fantastic adventure, but not the shining jewel it was once touted as. [Issue#24, p.82]

Short but sweet like its star. Engaging combat pairs with a jazzy soundtrack for an adventure that delights – yet won’t set the world on firaga. [Issue#3, p.131]

Saving the world involves more chatting than we expected, but by balancing combat with a hero houseshare, Firaxis has delivered one of the best Marvel games in years. [Issue#23, p.62]

Terrifically fast, well-balanced street racing that really makes the most of PS5. Not quite as cool as the new art stylings would suggest, but still a fine game. [Issue#23, p.68]

Wonderlands doesn’t rewrite the Borderlands formula, but remixes it into a riotous, winking love letter to tabletop role-playing. Gearbox lands another Critical Hit. [Issue#14, p.80]

It turns out this town is big enough for the two of Weird and West. It’s a combo that makes for a tough but fair, fun, and memorable game. [Issue#14, p.88]

Dodgeball meets platformer, and makes an enjoyable PvP baby. Easy to understand, much less easy to avoid getting a ball in the face. Don’t dodge this one. [Issue#3, p.152]

Eerie, with nice lighting – you’ll want to see what horrors lie in wait. Thanks to The Presence, even replaying brings brand-new frights. Worth a scare. [Issue#3, p.128]

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]

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]

An interesting selection of games that can feel over-familiar are saved by an excellent emulation platform that manages to make these old hits playable again. [Issue#3, p.145]

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]

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]

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]

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 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]

El Hijo is a fun and heartfelt stealth adventure sure to put a smile on your face. [Issue#1, p.88]

Sure, the game takes more than a little bit from The Binding Of Isaac in terms what you actually do, but it’s a lot less gruesome than running around hitting your own trauma. Undermine isn’t a particularly complicated roguelike, then, but it’s a fun one, and there’s nothing wrong with that. [Issue#1, p.81]

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 solid basis for digitising the card game across platforms, presentation aside. You’ll need to love the card game though, or you’ll be left in the dust. [Issue#12, p.94]

Cozy Grove is designed to be played a little each day, which makes it perfect to have on hand for while other things download or the in-between times when you can’t commit to something longer. You’ll want to keep coming back for your daily dose of quirky, calming fun, as the blend of wholesomeness and gallows humour, distinctive style, and solidly expansive content make it satisfying and wonderfully moreish. [Issue#1, p.81]

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]

Death means restarting a mission from scratch. That’s understandable – there are only six, and each probably averages about five minutes played flawlessly – but it can sometimes be frustrating. Once you’ve seen the credits, speedruns and missed collectibles tempt you back. If that’s not your thing, there are optional interactions and alternate solutions to explore; but you’ll have more or less seen everything there is. Great spy-flavoured fun while it lasts, though, and don’t forget your headset – it’s VR eyes only. [Issue#6, p.90]

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]

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]

What was already a good game proves to work excellently as a VR adventure. Grab plenty of ammo, plenty of armour, and don’t wear anything that’ll stain. [Issue#1, p.83]

Best appreciated by Doom veterans, this is a ferociously challenging, fresh-feeling, satisfying end to Eternal. Brace yourself for more platforming, though. [Issue#1, p.82]

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]

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]

A MotoGP maniac’s dream, and a great choice for anybody looking for a motorbike sim that kicks asphalt. Mocking death at high speeds has never been such fun. [Issue#1, p.80]

The rough edges have been sanded down. This JRPG attracted a cult following, and thanks to Toylogic’s upgrade it’s now easy to see why for yourself. [Issue#1, p.84]

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]

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]

Though it lacks invention, the solid narrative approach and satisfying endgame ensures Outriders escapes the repetitive trappings of the loot shooter genre. [Issue#1, p.72]

It turns out you can cry quite comfortably while immersed in PSVR2. What begins as a tired tale about the life of a great artist satisfyingly dismantles itself mid-way through, taking pot shots at all-too-familiar false binary choices along the way. If the initial big twist doesn’t move you, the final emotional beat brings it all home and is bound to leave creatives of all stripes blinking back tears. Short but very sweet. [Issue#27, p.75]

A fantastic murder mystery with engaging puzzles. Impressive storytelling devices give different routes purpose, but ironically it ends up feeling a bit too linear. [Issue#17, p.80]

If you enjoyed the original Coffee Talk, you’ll enjoy this continuation too, perhaps even more. It builds on the first entry in a way that inspires hope for an Episode 3 down the line too. [Issue#27, p.75]

A witty script and likeable performances make this VR dystopia worth getting immersed in. Out of the oppressive grind emerges a narrative with heart. [Issue#27, p.76]

With so many different types of fighters, hardcore fans will have a ball digging into the depths of each game’s mechanics and challenging each other offline or online with rollback netcode. [Issue#17, p.74]

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]

More than a collection of new gear, The Witch Queen is a significant moment for the story – and, to a lesser extent, the mechanics – of Destiny. [Issue#13, p.80]

Comes in swinging and establishes both a narrative universe and unique style of detective activity that shine alone but make an almost dazzling combination. [Issue#27, p.77]

If you liked Redout, you’ll adore Redout 2. It’s magnificent, but ruthlessly hardcore. [Issue#17, p.74]

Nothing else on PSVR2 matches this for ambition and player freedom. Just don’t expect a carefully curated experience or you’ll be disappointed. [Issue#27, p.78]

A meditative journey through a desolate world, this vehicular adventure celebrates your ability to persevere. Make sure you're along for the ride for this one. [Issue#13, p.94]

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]

This, along with the totally awesome dedication to replicating the ’90s, right down to its VHS- styled nostalgic aesthetic, and a story with soul and characters surprisingly reflective of the period, is key to elevating this game from an also-ran puzzler to a must-play for the rhythmically inclined. Pick up a controller and let’s jam. [Issue#27, p.82]

Any story may have been exorcised, but Ghostwire: Tokyo's collection of Japanese mythology, plus the potential for exploration, will spirit you away. [Issue#13, p.82]

Despite awkward exploration, it is wonderful to play something as wilfully odd as this. If you’re craving something different, don’t miss this return trip to Zenozoik. [Issue#27, p.83]

The standard remaster features are here, but not much revelatory. Best recommended for newcomers, or those already locked into GTA V’s online ecosystem. [Issue#13, p.76]

Its bleak nature means it’s not for everyone. Those who do play, however, will find a unique depiction of subject matters not often explored in games. [Issue#13, p.87]

A fine return to form, this is the closest you can get to competing without putting on a 8 silly costume and scripting a fight with a terrifying athlete. [Issue#13, p.95]

The best WWE game in a decade, with a wealth of modes and recognisable wrestlers. Only the dubious MyFaction stands in the way of a higher score. [Issue#27, p.88]

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]

A perfectly portioned final course. Just as witty as everything that came before, with plenty more to chew on. Sometimes bigger really is just better. [Issue#15, p.82]

Haven Springs will work its charm on you. Alex Chen is easy to root for and her story is well worth playing for Life is Strange series fans and newbies alike. [Issue#6, p.78]