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]

Held back by some clunky controls and combat, this is a joy to play and a deserving, if somewhat less novel, successor. A truly mind-full delight. [Issue#6, p.84]

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]

This is a pleasant small-town fantasy for a cosy weekend, buoyed by some delightful writing. [Issue#15, p.87]

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]

Although the framerate has taken a step backwards, everything else is as good as, or better than, before. A rally racing experience that doesn’t disappoint. [Issue#6, p.83]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Great conversions wrapped up in a ‘basic at best, annoying at worst’ wrapper. The core games are still top-tier, but the package lacks the Mania love. [Issue#17, p.91]

First-person and 3D audio is a great mix, with solid ray-tracing support enhancing some terrifying moments. It’s a shame VR doesn’t benefit from the upgrade. [Issue#17, p.77]

Whether you’re interested in this little corner of Elder Scrolls lore or not, there’s plenty 8 here to hold your interest and refuse to let go. You can Breton it. [Issue#17, p.68]

A must-play for any brawler fan, this levels up retro fun to new chaotic heights. With lots of love for ’80s TMNT, it’s a feast for the eyes and for the fingers. [Issue#17, p.72]

When you die, you’re sent back to the last rest point without penalty. The game still offers some customisation in its combat, but its approach is simplified. The lack of a deep combat system might be a turn-off to those looking for a challenge, but we applaud the devs for allowing more players to get through it – which is more than can be said of some of its inspirations. Tying everything together is an art style that, once again, makes Ender Lilies easy to get into. It certainly features grotesque creatures, but its balance of beauty and horror is a highlight and one of the game’s best aspects. [Issue#5, p.77]

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]

Not knowing what lies ahead and trying to make sense of how this ravaged world came to be is the main draw, especially since much of the worldbuilding is reserved for diary pages2 that are easily missed. The Eternal Castle [Remastered]’s openly abstract approach may frustrate some, but any mechanical shortfalls are more than made up for by the vibrant pixel art, lo-fi sound design, and all-round chilling atmosphere. [Issue#4, p.77]

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]

The story holds everything together. The post-Episode-III setup ensures this Vader is menacing yet tragic, and the journey into Mustafar’s lost temples delivers a fantastical spectacle. [Issue#4, p.88]

The grow-and-go loop may be simple but there’s enough challenge to keep you thinking. The game’s a looker, too. The clean, stylised visuals deliver a deep sense of satisfaction as a barren desert floods with colourful trees – the reds, greens, and blues of your endeavours encouraging you to keep going, to keep planting more. It’s a visual treetment that works. To backpetal slightly, there are some bugs, but nothing the dev won’t swat away in time. [Issue#5, p.86]

Atelier’s roots remain strong. The slight friction still feels fresh, with the structure and brief length drawing you back for one more go-around. [Issue#31, p.76]

As for collection bonuses, there’s an encyclopaedia for each that gives you important details about the enemies, items, and powers in each of the three good games. There’s also a rewind function. Basically, you can go back a bit if you’ve messed something up, or if you took a wrong turn and can’t be bothered to backtrack. The Castlevania Advance Collection is 75% absolutely excellent, and that’s more than enough for us. Now, can we get the DS collection too? [Issue#7, p.90]

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]

With a wonderful understanding of player choice, and packed full of things you’ll want to explore, Shadow Gambit is a treasure indeed. Just don’t forget to save! [Issue#31, p.78]

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]

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]

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]

You’ve also got new tools for making deliveries, such as a cargo cannon, a robot helper, and even an on-foot only, very steep bridge. Nothing here really ousts the base game’s structures, which is for the best as it means the shared network of nearby players continues to stand strong. Some of it may make the game a little easier, but none of it’s really necessary. That holds true for many PS5 upgrades. Death Stranding is better here than it was on the last-gen console, and it might be worth a revisit to see how the land has changed, but it’s not a must-see replay. [Issue#7, p.74]

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 unique, atmospheric adventure with a character that it’s never less than a joy to control. Wondering feather or not to dive in? We say go for it. [Issue#5, p.90]

The best entry in the series so far, cursed with uneven storytelling and rare yet unmissable technical issues. Despite these flaws, Yara is well worth a visit. [Issue#7, p.70]

While improvements are slight, they’re enough to provide the definitive version of arguably the best Doom yet. What the hell are you waiting for? [Issue#4, p.90]

Set-piece-driven micro-stories and interesting puzzles shine in this evocative first-person horror. Poor gunplay and linearity aside, it’s a haunted headtrip worth taking. [Issue#7, p.85]

Bloodhunt is a robust and remarkably well-crafted battle royale. It might not bring the genre back from the dead entirely, but it’s still a bloody good time. [Issue#15, p.96]

Something special. A quick jaunt that lingers in the mind thanks to breezy movement, picturesque locales, and a story that offers plenty of tasty food for thought. [Issue#7, p.79]

Perhaps the idea could have been developed a bit further, but C-Smash VRS works wonderfully in PSVR2. Sometimes a simple idea well executed is all you need. [Issue#30, p.98]

With reams of text and choices, and lovely environments, this is a narrative slice-of-life that lingers in the mind, and gives some pause for thought. [Issue#4, p.89]

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]

A humorous tumble down the videogaming rabbit hole, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe gives us pointed, witty observations about game design. [Issue#15, p.91]

Lost In Random’s unique and compelling qualities go deeper than the wonderful art design. Trust us, roll the dice on a purchase, and you will not be disappointed. [Issue#7, p.84]

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]

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]

This compelling mix of top-down action and survival sets a strong foundation for further Viking adventures. That said, there’s plenty here at launch to keep you busy. [Issue#5, p.85]

Some JRPG-typical dramatics and muddled combat aside, Arise is a feast for any JRPG fan – beautiful, intuitive and earnest. The best in the series to date. [Issue#7, p.86]

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]

Eldest Souls combines the brilliance of soulslike combat with the sheer pressure of a boss rush. The result is exceptionally niche, but intensely compelling. [Issue#5, p.79]

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]

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]

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]

The main game is a beautifully balanced blast of team-shooter perfection. Who needs a story when the action is this good? It’s only let down by unnecessary PvP. [Issue#8, p.82]

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]

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]

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]

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]

This PlayStation debut is a straightforward remaster of the original, faults and all. But we still love it. [Issue#8, p.84]

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]

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]

Playing Tangle Tower is a lot like sticking your favourite episode of Poirot or Jonathan Creek on. It’s a light-hearted, comfy murder mystery with plenty of twists along the way. [Issue#8, p.94]

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]

The strongest aspect of the game, however, is its storytelling, both in the main narrative and the smaller human stories seeded throughout the world. It may feel familiar if you’ve experienced other titles by creative director Yoko Taro : you can expect macabre character stories and moments that recontextualise the game’s events in dramatic ways. If there’s a reason to tolerate the parts that feel sluggish, it’s the story’s shocking third act and hidden endings, which deliver narrative payoff to the mysteries and moral quandaries you’ve encountered up to that point. This is a slow burn in every sense of the word, but offers a lot for those who stick with it. [Issue#8, p.94]

Satisfying tactile crafting and combat systems, made all the better by PSVR2. Rekindled is a prehistoric survival adventure you can fully immerse yourself in. [Issue#26, p.80]

While this sounds a lot, Airborne Kingdom’s pace is very relaxed. You can find all necessary resources in the world below, beautifully designed to resemble the shards of Moroccan ceramics. Thanks to simple building mechanics and manageable console controls, we found our way around quickly. [Issue#8, p.90]

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]

If you loved Zero Dawn, you’ll love this. But even though it sands down its predecessor’s rough edges, we’re left uncertain about the future of the series. [Issue#12, p.64]

The devil is in the detail in this demonic platformer. It’s worth mastering everything that’s asked of you – side-activities too – to experience everything. [Issue#8, p.92]

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]

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]

If chess had time travel, and guns, and a science-fiction flavour… it wouldn’t be chess. But it would be this innovative, enjoyable thinking person’s shooter. [Issue#8, p.96]

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]

A worthy entry for fans of the series, this might very well win over some new ones. It’s a solid reminder of what makes Project Zero so unique and appealing. [Issue#8, p.85]

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]

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]

Risk System is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be and soars with its stripped-down premise. Excellent arcade fun for its price. [Issue#11, p.85]

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]

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]

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]

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 game like this lives or dies on its script, and the writing is excellent, supported by some great acting. [Issue#10, p.86]

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]

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]

Fans will love this celebratory ending. With the MMO more mechanically satisfying than 8 ever, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the whole story. [Issue#10, p.82]

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 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]

While not quite hitting the series high of Modern Warfare, Vanguard is Call Of Duty as it should be: fast, satisfying, and always calling you back for more. [Issue#10, p.92]

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]

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]

Soak in a lovely warm atmosphere and get your phone camera ready, because this engrossing wildlife-saving adventure is full of good vibes. [Issue#3, p.133]

Despite a traditionally rocky launch, the latest Battlefield proves itself one of the best in the series. Tell Edwin Starr we found out what war is good for. [Issue#9, p.72]

A straightforward remaster of two literally straightforward platformers, retaining the childlike wonder and charm, making it a dream for anyone to visit. [Issue#18, p.74]

Full of love for the characters, and crunchy to play, you owe it to yourself to give this a go – though the monetisation methods are off-putting. [Issue#18, p.89]

A superior collection to the first Arcade Stadium, this is an excellent way to revisit 8 your youth and/or discover quality games that you never knew existed. [Issue#18, p.91]

A thrilling parkour shooter that’s short but oh so sweet, it’s FPS action distilled into an instinctive, simple, yet compelling experience. We can’t wait for the sequel. [Issue#18, p.80]

An already strong formula has been honed into a deep and delightful farming sim. Ironically not genre pioneering, but it’ll still put you in a good mood. [Issue#18, p.87]

Stray makes the most of its choice of protagonist early on, really allowing you to do all the things a typical cat would do, though it eventually loses sight of that in favour of spotlighting the short story. That’s no cause for hissing, though it does leave the overall experience feeling somewhat like two kittens from different litters forced together. The combination works better than it should, but we’re ultimately left wondering what could’ve resulted if either half of the game had been given enough space to stand alone. [Issue#18, p.70]

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]

A welcoming visual novel for genre fans and newbies alike. While it retreads a similar path to its predecessor, the heartfelt writing is worth the price of admission. [Issue#16, p.148]

While the action and UI hinder some enjoyment, this is a well-crafted mystery that aspiring detectives and FMV connoisseurs alike will enjoy. [Issue#16, p.140]

A stylish sequel that strikes out on its own and wobbles along in its fashionable shoes. 7 Approachable for devil summoners new to Shin Megami Tensei. [Issue#19, p.84]