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]

Energetic and charming, the structure is spread too thinly and too repetitive as it stands, leaving us wishing for more of the more authored stages. [Issue#44, p.96]

It does look nice on PS5. Keeping the squad alive is a tense affair and the creature design is a highlight in the face of so much else that turns out to be toothless. [Issue#8, p.86]

Flashes of brilliance dulled by technical issues, and an obsession with making things difficult for you. There’s fun here, if you’re willing to fight for it. [Issue#27, p.80]

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]

A collection of small quests, no story is given the attention it deserves, the one glaring fault of a beautiful game with a clear desire to innovate. [Issue#4, p.80]

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]

RoboCop is dreadfully buggy but an obvious love for the licence plus some brilliantly realised shooting pushes aside any doubts you might have; it’s just FUN. [Issue#35, p.94]

When leaning into its strengths as a mind-bending musical puzzler, Bedtime Digital’s sequel proves there’s still plenty of joy to be squeezed from Figment’s storybook charm and psychedelic conceit, particularly if you’ve got a friend to join you for local co-op. Just prepare to have its many earworms stuck wriggling in your own lugholes long after. [Issue#27, p.82]

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]

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]

A compelling detective game with multiple threads to pull you through its dark Sardinian streets. Attempts to add horror to the mix, however, often fall flat. [Issue#21, p.91]

With only six missions, it’s a fun way to spend an evening or two with a pal (especially if you grabbed it on PS Plus last month), but not something you can return to too often. Replaying the game after swapping roles is fun, and offers some insight into just why you were struggling on that section, but otherwise even the semi-unpredictable portions don’t change enough to make dancing with the same partner again that interesting. But it’s good fun while it lasts, and certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome. [Issue#3, p.135]

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]

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]

Admittedly, it is refreshing to see this classic style of game brought back to modern consoles, and some players may even appreciate the way this feels like an at-times-terrifying ’90s throwback. But even if you can look past its unoriginality, the lack of polish in stiff voice acting, character animation, and numerous bugs break the immersion. Retro revivals are cool, but if a game brings nothing new to the table and ends up worse than the existing ones it’ll inevitably be compared to, you may as well just dust off the old PlayStation and play those instead. [Issue#6, p.88]

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

When it all lines up perfectly, Soulstice can be wonderfully satisfying. Unfortunately, some strange design decisions and camera issues stop it hitting SSS-rank. [Issue#20, p.84]

Visually stunning, this is a fun but undeniably flawed visit to the superbly recreated world of Pandora. It should have been better; we’re left feeling blue about that. [Issue#36, p.70]

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]

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]

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]

Adds more activity to a great game at a steep price, but doesn’t do much to justify another go-around. Ultimately left living in the base game’s shadow. [Issue#46, p.90]

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]

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]

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]

You’ll want to get lost in the well-realised world. No single element is a revolution, and it’s sometimes a little thinly spread, but it’s still a successful adaptation. [Issue#41, p.86]

Who knew a house in the north of England could make a great setting for science fiction? A smart twist on time travel that shines despite room for improvement. [Issue#42, p.91]

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]

While not reinventing the wheel, this Star Trek take on the choice-driven narrative formula is worth a go, even if it is somewhat lacking in presentation. [Issue#29, p.80]

A delicious stream-of-consciousness journey into geek culture is underpinned by solid combat, but undermined by filler, rough edges, and a void of meaningful cohesion. [Issue#21, p.82]

It looks absolutely beautiful and the mystery is initially intriguing, but where’s the game? Gradually becomes one of the most tedious spacewalks in a long time. [Issue#35, p.74]

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]

As much as we enjoy our first taste of Xuan-Yuan, it’s definitely rough around the edges. We experience framerate drops whenever we go near rivers, hitboxes not being where they should be, and some oddly endearing animation jank. But as long as you’re fine with that, you’ll have a good time hacking through it. [Issue#8, p.84]

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]

A lighter take on the soulslike formula that’s generous with its toys – just don’t expect them to be crafted with the godlike precision of FromSoftware’s classics. [Issue#44, p.83]

Has all the hallmarks of a PSVR hit – great ideas, action, and visuals – but playing it will make you feel ill. Even seasoned PSVRers should play with caution. [Issue#6, p.89]

The tale itself is slightly wonky by the end, but sharp puzzle design and a good understanding of VR space makes for an enjoyable, if rather brief, voyage. [Issue#28, p.86]

Diofield has all the elements that should make it a great tactics RPG, but it squanders them on a bland story, simple combat, and unengaging characters. [Issue#20, p.86]

A repetitive Dark-Souls-by-numbers is livened up by a universe-swapping idea. Hey, why doesn’t FromSoft steal that idea for its next game? Seems only fair. [Issue#34, p.84]

Imaginative and densely populated but also rather samey and sparse at the same time. Technically iffy, but its lock-on gameplay suits the open world playground. [Issue#22, p.70]

While these segments are fun, they don’t seem entirely necessary. Repeating this process several times in the first half does become formulaic, yet the intriguing story makes it all compelling. The genre combination feels forced but given the narrative’s this good, Yurukill still gets our recommendation. [Issue#17, p.89]

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]

Infuriating. Fun sea exploration, but we can’t help wondering if Quantic Dream published this to make its own horrible writing look better by comparison. [Issue#33, p.92]

Success is leaning into the saccharine story of a witch on a quest for candy, which also helps save the world (and a fairy world) from darkness. Apparently. With this in mind, the sparkling visuals and sumptuous colours make sense. Neon bullets shine as they whizz across the playing field and each explosion feels like an evening of serotonin-boosting fireworks. It’s a joy to experience. However, with only a few modes of play and score-based leaderboards, this Reboot! may leave competitive players and retro fans wanting more. [Issue#5, p.77]

Bland and glitchy scenery does nothing to endear you to the one-note gameplay. It’s decently playable, and controls well, but the magic of the first game is gone. [Issue#29, p.97]

If you want to take your time teasing out the story while also looking like you came off the cover of JRPG Vogue, then you’re in for a good time. [Issue#22, p.74]

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]

While not reaching its full potential, Balan Wonderworld is a grand and well designed adventure, which runs superbly on PS5. It’s perfect for family co-op play. [Issue#1, p.88]

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]

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]

It’s not often that games are genuinely too short, but Neurodiver is over before any of its ideas or characters can develop, making it oddly dissatisfying. [Issue#42, p.96]

The game’s still visually gorgeous, but interesting characters and stories are sidelined to oblivion. No wonder the druids are so hacked off. [Issue#2, p.76]

All style and no substance. Atomic Heart’s world looks the part but is undermined by poor mechanics and some of the worst writing in gaming history. [Issue#26, p.84]

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]

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]

Unfortunately, the attempt to touch on darker themes is also rather ham-fisted, but the concept of exploring the mental effects of being the chosen hero and pressures such a role entails is really intriguing. All in all, Minute Of Islands is promising but a bit muddled. [Issue#3, p.135]

While Digimon Survive is an underwhelming Rookie in the SRPG genre, if the developers continue to evolve the series, a future title could become a Champion. [Issue#19, p.88]

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]

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]

Ultimately, though, this is powered by joy. It’s a largely forgiving experience, bolstered by innocence, optimism, and some genuinely funny jokes. It all feels as vibrant as it looks. While it’s geared towards a younger audience, it can (and should) be enjoyed by fans of all ages. Not the best day ever, but Purple Lamp has scored a sweet victory nonetheless. [Issue#25, p.83]

COH3 plays out not with a bang, nor a whimper, but with an indifferent shrug. There’s very little spark for something with so many explosions. [Issue#29, p.88]

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]

Wholly uninspired and painfully dull, this is a shambolic effort that squanders the potential of its solid FPS foundations through dated design and technical issues. [Issue#32, p.81]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Cris Tales uses tried-and-tested activity and story tropes, but can’t manage to imbue them with anything interesting – though not for a lack of trying. [Issue#5, p.88]

The gap between what Lightfall promised to deliver, and what it has actually provided, is unacceptably wide. There’s plenty to do, but you’ve done most of it before. [Issue#26, p.78]

An enjoyable Age Of Sigmar campaign, nicely presented and newcomer-friendly, but convoluted controls hamper yet another RTS game on console. [Issue#36, p.80]

Repetitive survival horror that feels like a life sentence, The Callisto Protocol is as bereft of life as the harsh conditions of the moon on which it’s set. [Issue#23, p.70]

Constructing harder builds becomes frustrating owing to the controls. The camera and cursor both are unwieldy at best, verging on nightmarish when you’re 50 bricks deep. There’s no way to view the underside of your work, making top-down builds more guesswork than science. Worst of all is the inability to move multiple bricks simultaneously; you’ll experience pain akin to stepping on a Lego brick upon realising you’ve built something just one grid notch too high. It’s a shame as the concept is strong, a throwback to playing with the bricks as a child. Unfortunately, this is not the videogame realisation of those halcyon days, as it’s hamstrung by finicky systems, and too mechanically inept to achieve the laid-back vibe it aims for. [Issue#21, p.88]

There’s an extra layer of complexity behind events such as judo that the quick and clear tutorials don’t let on about. This means it’s a game that welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, and allows them to play together. That’s the hashtag Olympic spirit! [Issue#4, p.77]

A decent update that has a love/hate approach to difficulty. The art style can undermine the gameplay, and on harder settings it feels unfair rather than unforgiving. [Issue#3, p.138]

The generational change hasn’t been felt since PS4, and the PS5 jump is marginal. It’s still awkwardly presented, quirky with glitches, and fighting between simulation and arcade play. Madden 23 never feels comfortable in its own skin, but hopefully Coach, wherever he is, can take solace in what his legacy built. [Issue#20, p.88]

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 core experience is superb, but the same is true of the now significantly cheaper NBA 2K23. Unless the latest rosters are important to you, buy that instead. [Issue#33, p.77]

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]

Some extra touches, such as camera repositioning and a cheat menu, are nice, but this trip down memory lane has lost some of its charm. There’s no doubt the foundations of a great platformer are here, but after three decades Zool’s ninja skills aren’t as sharp as they were. [Issue#28, p.84]

This science-fiction journey won’t be to every modern player’s tastes, but it translates almost flawlessly to PS4, providing you can stomach the weird controller latency. Overall, this is full of fresh sights and sharp dialogue. [Issue#3, p.127]

It’s got promise and plenty of atmosphere, but with unlikeable characters, lacklustre story development, and average activity, The Chant hits a bit of a bum note. [Issue#22, p.76]

The premise (a WW2 FPS with an interest in realism and a limited HUD) is sound. But snipers have an unreasonable advantage over every other unit, and while communication is important to the experience, there’s no decent alternative to voice chat (which almost nobody uses). For a large-scale WW2 shooter, try Enlisted instead – it’s more fun and is free to play. [Issue#8, p.97]

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]

Justice’s greatest problems lie at a technical level. It doesn’t fall down often, but when it does, it falls hard. Power through these issues and you’ll find a bloody good vampire adventure. The ending hints at a sequel; we hope it gets made. Justice is bat to the bone. [Issue#35, p.82]

Mars itself doesn’t feature as much as it probably should, but this is made up for by engaging characters, purposeful traversal, and a heartfelt message. [Issue#25, p.77]

Thymesia makes us feel like the soulslike genre is completely played out already. A poor and needless Bloodborne substitute. No substance, little style. [Issue#19, p.81]

Blunt, limited, and lacking deeper features, this remains a curiosity rather than essential. But for diehard fight fans this makes Dimps’ brawler all the more endearing. [Issue#22, p.87]

The story keeps you guessing, and the twisty plot is the main highlight. From the moment you meet Zed, you’re drawn into a heart-wrenching and humorous tale, and the strong narrative and whimsical characters will draw you to stick it out to the end. But you need to get through an awful lot of battles, and with a combat system that takes too long to show its good side, the Complete package may be too much. [Issue#17, p.89]

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]

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]

While admittedly a little buggy in places, this is a clever use of Isaac Asimov’s genre- leading science fiction, with enough invention and immersivity to impress. [Issue#35, p.83]

There’s also a lot of grind, which obviously can get tedious. You find yourself repeatedly tracking Alpha Aphids to mine resources2 in order to craft certain upgrades to progress the story (often arbitrary given that these aren’t abilities you’ll strictly find yourself using). But in the end, despite the suite of upgrades on offer, it’s never enough to make Stonefly feel particularly fun or intuitive. [Issue#3, p.139]

The platforming leaves more to be desired, but Little Orpheus is a vibrant adventure through dazzlingly dangerous worlds. Ivan is keeping true to his namesake. [Issue#20, p.71]

Matches are absolute dino-might but the progression system misses the mark. There’s a lot to love here, but the story gets in the way of the best bits. [Issue#31, p.90]

It’s a shame, because Wonder Boy is fantastic to look at, and the original soundtrack is sweepingly sumptuous. This title opens up a dialogue as to whether these games should mechanically look to the past, or partly adapt to modern gaming conventions in order to make for a more pleasing experience. [Issue#2, p.83]

There’s some enjoyable fast-food gaming in here, but it’s buried beneath a painfully unfunny script and unambitious mission design. This ET should go home. [Issue#19, p.80]

Serious skaters will appreciate the impressive commitment to realism, but a serious lack of polish stops Session from sticking the landing for a wider audience. [Issue#20, p.82]