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

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]

The enhancements aren’t enough to save this rather unique mystery game from being washed away, like tears in the rain. If anything, they bring a downpour. [Issue#17, p.88]

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]

This doesn’t include all the classics, and aside from Monster World IV they’re not must-plays. If you’re not into that, the rest won’t sell you on this overlooked series. [Issue#16, p. 130]

While its limited presentation is a let-down, its narrative ambitions largely make up for it. Worth taking out for a drink and seeing where things lead. [Issue#16, p.120]

A gorgeous, incredibly absorbing, puzzle game about how we emotionally engage with our belongings and the small, intimate stories of our life they tell. [Issue#16, p.141]

The most confident Supermassive horror title to date, boasting buckets of blood and a few bright ideas. But we feel we’ve yet to see the formula’s final form. [Issue#16, p.132]

Starts promisingly, but becomes frustrating the further you progress. Are you prepared to spend dozens of hours and untold reserves of patience for a good story? [Issue#16, p.129]

It’s no chart-topper, but the funky flows of Soundfall resonate. However, the constant reprise of its best moments causes the orchestra to miss the beat. [Issue#16, p.131]

Bigger than ever, Sniper Elite 5 is a refreshingly direct and enjoyable stealth shooter with a multiplayer mode that elevates it to new heights. [Issue#16, p.126]

A short but sweet dive with interesting fishy hooks. Even so, with limited choice and story it all ends up a bit too surface-level to be truly great. [Issue#16, p.150]

Mixing Dark Souls with Monster Hunter all in 2D sounds like it shouldn’t work. And it 6 doesn’t. This evolution doesn’t shine as brightly as the original. [Issue#16, p.142]

Pac-fans will enjoy this nifty if incomplete stroll down memory lane, Pac-warts and all. Unlocking new games to play can be a bit annoying, though. [Issue#16, p.128]

Understanding the joy of the movies, Evil Dead delivers slick matches and buckets of fun, whether you’re a human or something sinister. Groovy. [Issue#16, p.155]

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]

Truly a monster puzzle game with hundreds of compact stages boasting nuanced design. But the relaxed tone and limited variation might cause you to drift away. [Issue#16, p.146]

We applaud how Kao punches above its weight with great form, but its more ambitious strikes fail to land, making this feel lightweight at best. [Issue#16, p.138]

Nice retro-modern visuals can’t prevent this bitesize action RPG from the bloat of tedious filler, making Rising a weak appetiser for the forthcoming Hundred Heroes. [Issue#16, p.152]

Soulslike veterans will whizz through most of this; but anybody wanting to test the waters will find a game that’s demanding, varied… and just a little wobbly. [Issue#16, p.137]

More than the sum of its parts, this is an interactive, short science-fiction story that'll stick with you. The hands have spoken – two thumbs up. [Issue#16, p.149]

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 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]

Unless you’re desperate for a new stealth game, give this a miss. A lot of small annoyances add up to create one big reason to save your money. [Issue#15, p.88]

It’s a shame that despite a story about finding balance, Yomi doesn’t manage to achieve that itself, being a handsome cinematic homage on an indie budget, but sadly lacking the smooth and satisfying swordplay to back it up. [Issue#15, p.78]

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]

Scourgebringer offers plenty of challenge, and an aggressively mobile main character makes its combat hard to resist. But as a roguelite, it could do with more variety. [Issue#15, p.90]

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]

ot a care in the world but you and your balloon! What could be better? Wholesome collectathon Tasomachi is soothing on the heart and easy on the eyes. [Issue#15, p.95]

Very familiar racing is given soul by the Nine side-mode. Career gameplay is methodical and punishing, but the game’s management element is a triumph. [Issue#15, p.92]

Clever puzzles and enjoyable platforming don’t disguise repetitive action or the lack of visual variety. It’s fun but best experienced in smaller bursts. [Issue#15, p.94]

An earnest, if occasionally frustrating, building adventure that boasts impressive technical detail and makes you want to dig out your old box of Lego. [Issue#15, p.84]

A short, schlocky blast from the past with some welcome modern additions, but hardcore fans may prefer to track down an original arcade cabinet instead. [Issue#15, p.86]

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

Your travels will be filled with seedy motels, grubby gas stations, and highway pit stops as Road 96 is a tale that’s constantly in motion. The story it weaves from your multiple playthroughs and different decisions is incredibly clever, and even though the political events that underpin the story are a little tedious, it manages to capture the freedom of travelling but also the tension of trying to survive. A road trip to remember. [Issue#15, p.87]

It’s smooth, fast, and sounds cool, but unquestionably lacks the romance and magic of its muse, which remains gorgeous after 35 years. [Issue#15, p.87]

By forcing several different ideas together and making them work, Chernobylite stands out for all the right reasons. Few players will have the same experience throughout. [Issue#15, p.83]

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]

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]

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’s delightfully chaotic fun when everything clicks, but GTA Online’s cumbersome pace remains a major obstacle to newcomers, one which this update doesn’t solve. [Issue#14, p.92]

A valiant, yet only partially successful, attempt to bring Crusader Kings to PlayStation. The cumbersome control system holds it back. [Issue#14, p.91]

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]

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]

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]

A substantial story expansion that does justice for one of the series’ best characters, and hopefully a sign that the Judgment series has a bright future ahead. [Issue#14, p.84]

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]

Ikai’s imaginative puzzles and detailed setting are engrossing, but underwhelming enemies and a lack of signposting make it more frustrating than frightening. [Play #14, p.79]

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]

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 Replica manages to be simultaneously uncomfortable and thrilling, you can’t help but feel it takes on too much for such a small game. It is, however, testament to Somi’s skill in delivering unusual gameplay and intrigue, and serves as an amuse-bouche of sorts for the second game, Legal Dungeon. [Issue#14, p.83]

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]

The game never outstays its welcome, but in addition to some spotty localisation, its promise of greatness is held back by its unpolished execution. [Issue#14, p.78]

Though far from perfect, Vengeful Heart will make you wonder what the team will do next and how they may flourish with a little more experience. [Issue#14, p.78]

An ambitious but often confusing game, further held back by an unsatisfying remaster serving neither old fans nor new adoptees adequately. [Issue#14, p.86]

A beautifully crafted game about a family breakdown that's unfortunately held back by its lack of story. There's a lot of heart here, but not much depth. [Issue#14, p.82]

A series celebration that rides the line between edgy mature and camp humour, it’s great to hack through even if others do it better. [Issue#13, p.88]

Fun visuals aside, this is a bland and boring shooter that pales in comparison to both Doom and its own predecessors. Back to the shadows with you. [Issue#13, p.91]

Technically unstable, the writing and performances carry things. Disappointing, but perhaps a springboard to better things. Sam and Max deserve better. [Issue#13, p.78]

Say goodbye to dark, dreary mysteries. Paradise Killer is an incredibly stylish, open-world detective game that lets you feel like an otherworldly super-sleuth. [Issue#13, p.92]

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]

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]

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]

A purist’s driving game: nuanced, sophisticated and detailed. It’s imperfect, but crucially has the magic that’s been missing from the genre for decades. [Issue#13, p.72]

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]

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]

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]

The character designs are charming and the different locations are nicely presented with some pretty music for each different type of area. There are a few characters who can fight alongside Yuu, but, as useful as they are, they don’t bring a huge amount to the two-person party in the way of substance or uniqueness. The visuals really are the bulk of the game’s appeal and it’s hard to think of another RPG where even the enemies are so darn adorable. If you’re looking for something light and sweet, The Cruel King And The Great Hero certainly fits the brief. But so does a nice pavlova. [Issue#13, p.79]

The story and its telling are a little disappointing, as is the way you suddenly find yourself out of your depth if you’re slightly underlevelled. And we really want to get more hands-on with this world! Still, it’s a great (and great-looking) option for anybody with an itchy trigger finger. [Issue#13, p.79]

Moving around the map drains your sanity, and running out leaves you open to all sorts of nasty situations. We see party members abandon the undertaking, contract scurvy, and even turn to cannibalism. At least the donkey doesn’t leave us. This is a spirited, challenging, unpredictable scavenger hunt. Succeed or fail, you’ll have quite the tale to take back home. [Issue#13, p.79]

An utter disaster. A studio responsible for developing some of the best action games in recent years can now claim to have made one of the worst. [Issue#13, p.90]

Despite a nice map, the content and additional mechanics never really come together, and Havi’s adventure feels notably weaker than Eivor’s.[Issue#13, p.86]

PSVR’s first proper MMORPG almost buckles under the weight of its aspirations with long load times. However, it’s a firm foundation for Ramen VR to build on. [Issue#12, p.92]

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]

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]

With plenty to investigate, but questionable design choices and frustrating technical issues, Wanderer is unpredictable in both good and bad ways. [Issue#12, p.93]

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]

Despite uneven patches in overall presentation, combat is superb. Easily understandable yet laden with depth, gripping enemy encounters elevate Monark. [Issue#12, p.89]

A clumsy remaster that removes much of Life Is Strange's charm – the persistent glitches are irritating. However, it’s smooth sailing for Before The Storm. [Issue#12, p.84]

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]

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]

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]

Dying Light 2 has some big technical hurdles to overcome, and fans may want to wait for a patch or two. Yet this a game that is just a joy to jump around. [Issue#12, p.78]

Despite significant technical and in-play improvements for this PS5 version, much of the game’s core remains unchanged. Quest design and storytelling, though not without their moments on the critical path, too often feel rife with unrealised potential. Cyberpunk 2077’s abrasive personality is still clear as day too, inescapable in its script and blaring out from Night City’s many questionable billboards. If you choose to venture into Night City, we hope you find what you’re looking for. [Issue#12, p.72]

The visuals and sound design are stripped back without feeling clunky or lazy, and suit the steady pace and good humour. It would be nice to see its equally bizarre predecessor Forget Me Not: My Organic Garden (currently exclusive to PC and mobiles) join this on PS4 for the full experience. [Issue#12, p.85]

Away from the strategic elements, the game offers the frenetic combat we’ve all come to expect from the Warriors series. Unfortunately, a range of performance issues in the PS4 version and a general lack of variety lessens the impact of otherwise serviceable action. In the end, this is fighting a losing battle. [Issue#12, p.85]

So, what keeps us on board to the end? The story. It has a fun (but cheesy) sense of humour, is unafraid to touch upon deeper subjects, and Achtli undergoes substantial personal growth. There’s plenty to like in this six-hour campaign, and we commend Aztech for exploring Mesoamerican culture, something rarely seen in gaming. It’s packing great ideas, but rough execution hampers it. [Issue#12, p.85]

By far the biggest flaw, however, is the lack of fully translated text. There’s no translation for what’s written on key items for solving puzzles, such as the compass, so you’re left doing a quick Chinese language lesson or brute-forcing your way through. It’s a shame, as Paper Dolls has promise, but it’s an ectoplasmic mess in its current state. [Issue#12, p.75]

Edge Of Eternity has some modern touches – you can freely speed up battles, and a variety of difficulty toggles can reduce the grind. Less care, however, has been given to optimisation. Even on PS5 you’ll fail to get a smooth framerate in performance mode when out in the field, and while teleporting is fast, assets can’t keep up, clipping in sometimes seconds later. It might hold you over until Final Fantasy XVI arrives but it’s hard not to feel like you’re playing, as the French say, a faux pas. [Issue#12, p.75]

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]

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]

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 performance upgrades make this a fantastic way to experience Skyrim for the first time, but slim content additions won’t enamour returning players. [Issue#9, p.76]

Awkwardly plotted core cases and an underserved open world detract from interesting characters and a handful of side-cases that show promise. [Issue#9, p.80]

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]

Winning by deceit, not simply pointing and shooting, takes real skill. If you’ve got the patience to master it for yourself, First Class Trouble is for you. [Issue#9, p.92]

A poignant, tender tale about death. Dashes of comedy, a whimsical fantasy world, and memorable boss fights make this an indie game of the year contender. [Issue#9, p.91]

A park management game that makes keeping all the plates spinning on a controller feel natural. Unfortunately, the dinosaurs too often feel sidelined. [Issue#9, p.88]