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]

It’s a surprisingly physical game, as many solutions involve chucking things across the virtual room. Best use those controller straps, eh? As the fine details of each solution are up to you, and there’s a little physical skill involved, nailing a puzzle is deeply satisfying. A neat payoff at the end for both the story and your previous efforts winds things up perfectly. [Issue#26, p.87]

The Kampaign is the one of the best we’ve seen in years but stripped-back side-content and a barebones online mode hold this reboot back from greatness. [Issue#33, p.82]

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]

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]

Two Point Studios delivers for its second title, adding the perfect mix of challenge, humour, 8 and customisation to campus. A truly joyful experience at the University Of U. [Issue#18, p.82]

Fans will love another outing with Tak and the gang. Despite improved combat, worse stealth and stripped back exploration can overshadow it. [Issue#7, p.88]

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]

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]

Unfocussed mechanics and not enough Herlock Sholmes means it doesn’t live up to its full potential, though series fans will have a hoot with the mysteries. [Issue#5, p.80]

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]

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]

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]

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]

It may be a fantasy story filled with legends and monsters, but Röki also has a very human message of grief and loss at its core. It’s an adventure game filled with childlike wonder, with an ending that will give your heartstrings a mighty tug. [Issue#9, p.90]

[Issue#34, p.80]

With such a strong central mechanic, you could forgive Viewfinder for setting it and forgetting it – but it doesn’t, iterating and surprising with each level. [Issue#31, p.82]

A neat enough bonus that squanders its potential with awkward implementation, and a sense of tactility that never quite feels natural enough. [Issue#26, p.74]

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]

A well-crafted survival story that conveys an important message. Emotive music and distinctive visuals blend with strong gameplay for a memorable experience. [Issue#18, p.75]

Seyka is a welcome addition to Aloy’s allies. However the DLC shows no intention of escaping the science fantasy nonsense the base game mired itself in. [Issue#28, p.88]

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]

Matchmaking and communication could do with some work, but they’re can’t drag down what is undeniably a joyful experience… with the right people. [Issue#42, p.98]

Looks and plays like more of the same, but patient fans who have already played Zero and deeply invested in the wider Trails arc will be rewarded. [Issue#26, 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]

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]

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]

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 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]

The shift to an open world mostly works, though the rest can feel a little lacking compared to other entries. But the cosy questing will hook you. [Issue#27, p.86]

Dredge sets out with a firm goal, and absolutely nails the delivery. It takes on water, but doesn’t sink, in its final act, remaining a genuine must-play indie. [Issue#26, p.86]

Although it feels like there’s a lot of padding to justify another instalment, Reverie nonetheless gives the Trails series’ Crossbell arc a satisfying conclusion. [Issue#30, p.91]

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]

From great art to fun combat and a truly unique idea for something that isn’t a sports 8 game, Dodgeball Academia scores a lot of goals. Get on this court. [Issue#6, p.91]

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]

This four-hour foray into faith is unlike anything else you’ll play this year. Both incredibly bleak and beautiful, put your hands together for Indika. [Issue#42, p.90]

Brawling with goons is fun, but the demand for perfection when facing difficult bosses leads to wearying repetition, even for those who like harder games. [Issue#12, p.90]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

It may feel like a weak alternative to a genuinely new action-based Monster Hunter game, but Wings Of Ruin still stands on its own merits as an RPG. [Issue#42, 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]

By going back in time, Ishin offers plenty of fresh ideas, but some well-established features of the LAD series suffer in return – especially the story. [Issue#25, p.84]

A game that copies the ARPG masters – but isn’t as interesting. Souls-infused combat and a massive unlockable wardrobe are what keep us coming back. [Issue#41, p.76]

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]

A sprout that hasn’t quite managed to bloom. With expressive animation and beautiful art 7 direction there’s lots to enjoy, but gameplay languishes in the shade. [Issue#7, p.80]

Each area, from a forest dwelling to the city to a seaside port, is friendly and fun to explore. Even ghosts just require a little help to move on.2 Conflict comes in the form of problems that everyone is happy to collaborate on fixing. Solutions usually involve your camera in unusual ways, such as directing a lighthouse with your zoom during a storm. It’s a journey you’ll remember, and by the end, you’ll have a camera roll full of memories to look back at. [Issue#7, p.78]

Whether the crew of the Artemis has bagged a legend or just a very cursed ghost, we’re looking forward to the next part of this deep-space transmission. [Issue#31, p.85]

A homage to 1990s survival horror that recognises where improvement is needed, Signalis has its own issues, but it emerges as a mostly gripping adventure. [Issue#21, p.92]

A spin on the tile-matching format, changing the rules just enough while incorporating 8 the main series’ best elements to create something wildly inventive. [Issue#10, p.91]

The fundamentals are kept simple. [Issue#26, p.81]

It gets the tone and characters right enough that Marvel-heads will want to see this story 6 through, but make someone else play it while you munch popcorn. [Issue#8, p.78]

A delight for Warhammer 40,000 fans, and strong enough to give everybody else a good time too. How long it’ll last depends on your tolerance for repetition. [Issue#46, p.86]

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]

An evolution of Nioh 2, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is an action-packed ride through history and dark fantasy that stands out in a post-Elden Ring world. [Issue#26, p.88]

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]

A disappointing followup filled with gimmicks to validate its existence that end up getting in the way of the core appeal. Perhaps Moving Out 2 was a pivot too far. [Issue#32, p.89]

More than just Monika – this tuned-up 8 console release makes DDLC worth any visual novel fan’s time. The story’s darker than the graphics suggest. [Issue#4, p.91]

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 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]

Laugh-out-loud funny, with easily-digestible absurdist puzzles that remain somehow easy to understand, it’s a classic (if a little repetitive). [Issue#20, 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]

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]

By not wandering far from the first game, UNIB2 provides a beat-’em-up experience that’s enjoyable, but much weaker in 2024 than it was in 2020. [Issue#39, p.97]

A banger of a sequel that slightly fumbles the last verse. That said, it’s still a full-on earworm that’s getting heavy rotation on our Summer In Shibuya playlist. [Issue#5, p.72]

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]

Remnant II is capable of surprises with its varied world design, and offers an enjoyable co-op experience, but its combat loop is needlessly stodgy and repetitive. [Issue#31, p.70]

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]

Cotton’s magical adventure is as twitchy and satisfying a shoot-’em-up as any. A successful 8 retro throwback, but it doesn’t offer much to win fresh fans. [Issue#16, p.153]

At once stylish, clever, frustrating, and messy, Ghostrunner 2 isn’t simple to enjoy or recommend. But there’s no denying the quality of the design. [Issue#35, p.88]

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]

Squint a little and you could be playing Bloodborne. So why not just play Bloodborne with your eyes open? Nevertheless, a solid B-tier soulslike. [Issue#33, p.86]

This psychically gifted title has a killer look and telekinetically wielded right hook. Unfortunately, it fails to read our mind and outstays its welcome. [Issue#4, p.75]

With two new areas to play around in and a revelatory secret to uncover, Necrom keeps TESO running forward nicely. If only the Arcanist were similarly unique. [Issue#31, p.86]

A masterclass in onboarding new players to fighting games, its basic archetypes and 8 simpler package than Guilty Gear may struggle to win hearts. [Issue#17, p.84]

The building blocks are all there, but As Dusk Falls veers between going overboard and playing it safe so frequently that the end result is just okay. [Issue#40, p.94]

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]

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]

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]

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]

V Rising is flawed, and bits can drag, but in a world where great vampire games are more elusive than actual vampires, there’s a lot to like here. [Issue#43, p.101]

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]

It’s a compelling loop for most of your playtime, as you always feel like you’re trying to unspool a dense tangle of genuinely great character threads with not quite enough resources to do so. You’re forced to make difficult choices about your priorities, thinking tactically about which events could benefit the most from high rolls and which you can make do on with lower ones. This unravels in the back half as the friction gives way and you can comfortably coast forever, taking out some of the bite for late-game events. [Issue#27, p.75]

A score-driven game that’s stylish in every way, this is perfect for the competitive, jumpsuit-and-gun-loving beast desperate to skate its way out of you. [Issue#19, p.86]

Delivers on its premise with breezy presentation and a variety of neatly rewarding puzzles. Not ground-breaking, but definitely an entertaining piece of escapism. [Issue#18, p.81]

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]

It’s a good beat-’em-up, but there are many great ones you could be playing instead. If you’re after a little bit of SNK nostalgia, though, dive in. [Issue#12, p.86]

A familiar yet brilliant, career mode. However, supercars and F1 Life ‘content’ are throwaway, making this a less attractive proposition than F1 2021. [Issue#17, p.78]

Turtles In Time, in both its original arcade and SNES forms, is the biggest draw here, but the package pulls together multiplayer and single-player games from arcade, SNES, Mega Drive, NES, and Game Boy. While some have aged better than others (the first NES game is still a toughie, and the final Game Boy one an underrated gem), all are lovingly presented and easier to enjoy than ever. It’s retro bliss. [Issue#20, p.75]

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]

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]

Despite the soundtrack’s chill vibes, you’ll want to keep the tissues close for this one. A year well spent getting to know a fan-favourite character better. [Issue#8, p.95]