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]

Perfect handling, a robust challenge, and a creative use of PSVR ensure Sniper Elite VR is an unmissable headset shooter. Despite some niggles, this one’s on target. [Issue#4, p.78]

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]

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]

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]

Another stellar sim that isn’t quite as assured on PS5 as you might hope. But story mode is worth playing and career mode is the best in the business. [Issue#4, p.82]

Despite some good design decisions, the more you play, the more issues it smacks you in the face with. Wait until the price has been hack-and-slashed. [Issue#4, p.87]

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]

There are a few ways to get out of your series of unfortunate events, and while it’s relatively simple when you know how, the solution will take you an hour or two to stumble upon (and the hardest ending is truly devious). The game’s a bit of a one-trick pony, without much to come back for besides trophies, but really good fun while it lasts. [Issue#4, p.88]

The unpredictability of stages definitely gives Curved Space a unique feel for a shoot-’em-up. However, the novelty wears off when you realise it also often means having to navigate these bizarre layouts in search of any specific or leftover targets. The way objectives evolve constantly should be an asset, yet it ends up being a hindrance and slows the pace. Couple this with bland-looking enemy types and levels primed to induce nausea, and Curved Space is a fun but forgettable blast-’em-up affair. [Issue#4, p.88]

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]

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]

You are at least able to turn on Infinite Lives to make a playthrough more bearable – honestly, it must’ve been a miracle that we beat Miracle World back in the day. While some players may be charmed by the power of nostalgia, for others it’s a reminder why Sega sacked Alex as mascot. [Issue#4, p.77]

You’ll curse the gods for its difficulty and the odd technical hitch, but this turn-based strategy game is surprisingly enjoyable if you can push past that. [Issue#3, p.132]

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]

One of the greatest RPGs on PS4 is now even better. It might not push PS5 like it pushed previous hardware, but it’s still an epic worth investing in. [Issue#3, p.130]

The best Star Wars game in over a decade gets a revamp on PS5, and becomes a Forceful contender. Minor issues aside, Fallen Order shouldn’t be missed. [Issue#3, p.134]

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]

A PS3 title that received an impressive amount of TLC for its PS4 remaster only gets basic tweaks for PS5. The design and humour show their age. [Issue#3, p.126]

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]

Pressure mounts thanks to player counts – 64 players at the top end, with 40-plus in other modes (and a huge free-for-all mode too). Neat DualSense features add pleasant friction, like your p guard being harder to use the less stamina you have. Not every map and mode is a winner, but it looks fab and is fun, with a nice sense of humour. [Issue#3, p.155]

Alas, a battle pass and premium skins are already ruining the simplicity, with the paid ones giving you special skills that encroach on the meta, some cheaper tactics already becoming commonplace. There’s potential in this, but just as much chance of it becoming tired at this rate. [Issue#3, p.155]

The main quest is the most disappointing of any Chapter so far, yet remains enjoyable. The world around it is a strong, if often unambitious, addition to Tamriel. [Issue#3, p.154]

It might be a lean offering, but it’s great to 7 see Virtua Fighter return, with mechanics that have aged surprisingly well – if matches play properly. [Issue#3, p.151]

Neither masterful or definitive, this is an awkward trilogy of at least two great action games, only one of which is really worth bothering with here. [Issue#3, p.150]

No fan of Star-Trek-style science fiction should miss Mass Effect – and this package offers the best version of the trilogy currently available. [Issue#3, p.144]

Ideas borrowed from other shooters are underplayed. Yet Necromunda: Hired Gun finds its strength in its atmospheric Underhive locations and sprawling levels. [Issue#3, p.135]

Sets the bar for fighting games on PS5. Watch out Street Fighter and put your dukes up Tekken, because a new challenger has entered the ring. [Issue#3, p.140]

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]

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]

Although the effort to make the series fresh and accessible is admirable, it’s backfired. Fans will be disappointed, newbies will wonder what all the fuss is about. [Issue#3, p.144]

What elevates it from charming little indie to sitting alongside Celeste2 as a future classic is that beneath its cosy aesthetic is a beautifully written story that will resonate deeply with anyone who’s ever faced self-doubt or impostor syndrome. There’s also a wonderful reminder, aided by the many places you can just sit down, that sometimes you just need to take a break, even from the things you’re most passionate about. [Issue#3, p.135]

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]

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]

Sunless Skies is difficult, but rewarding. You just have to persevere. And leave yourself a decent inheritance. [Issue#3, p.139]

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]

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]

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]

Death Crown is fun at first but rapidly shows the limitations of its own simple mechanics. [Issue#3, p.127]

While Jay and Silent Bob diehards may get some enjoyment out of this, possibly with the aid of certain cigarettes, most people will struggle to do so. It’s often difficult and frustrating, more down to a rigid determination to mimic 30-year-old game design than by intention. Even when things are going smoothly, it’s all too simplistic to have much fun with. It’s memorable for the wrong reasons. [Issue#3, p.127]

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]

Just like the super-satisfying weaponry, Rift Apart shoots on all cylinders to set a new bar for PS5. We’ve never had a game like this before. [Issue#3, p.120]

At times it can feel like you’re being led, but rerunning the story reveals more details, secrets, and reasons to love Resident Evil Village. Close to Resi perfection. [Issue#2, p.66]

The story and treatment of its themes hasn’t aged well, but the shocks land and the sense of being lost in a haunted mansion offers a palpable sense of isolation. [Issue#2, p.77]

Slighty improved over the PS4 edition, and featuring the fun Infiltrator DLC, Terminator: Resistance Enhanced never makes use of PS5’s power. A missed opportunity. [Issue#2, p.88]

Though it’s obvious this wasn’t intended to be a true sequel, Below Zero’s frozen trimmings still make it a worthwhile expedition. Be patient to get to the good stuff. [Issue#2, p.84]

Nice idea, shame about the game. The 5 shop’s quite fun but the fantasy world is frustrating and boring – if anything, shouldn’t it be the other way around? [Issue#2, p.89]

It’s almost refreshing to revisit a nononsense PS2 JRPG, and its cynical edge feels fresh. Persona diehards will find this an interesting artefact. [Issue#2, p.72]

Does exactly what it sets out to do – deliver a worthy new R-Type – very well, yet a little more ambition (and accessibility) could have gone a long way. [Issue#2, p.87]

Dripping atmosphere and making great use of PS5 tech, its roguelike elements don’t quite come together, as great to play in the moment as it is. [Issue#2, p.78]

It doesn’t take long to brush up against the rough edges… nor does it take long to forgive them. Now get killing and stealing! Er, for the people. [Issue#2, p.91]

It’s not much cop as a detective game, but this spin-off from the Yakuza series is still a terrific yarn that’s held up by its charming sense of place and character. [Issue#2, p.86]

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]

That difficulty continues when it comes handling your character. You can only shoot forwards unless you’re sliding, but when you slide you move very quickly, which usually results in you ending up in a trap or missing your shot completely. For some players these challenges will be an incentive to get stuck in, but for others, that difficulty plus the lack of instruction will give them good reason to keep avoiding roguelikes. [Issue#2, 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]

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]

Ultimately this lacks variety and depth, despite the cute idea. [Issue#2, p.73]

It’s a game that can feel unfair and frustrating; most of it would work better if you had full control of movement and momentum. SMB Forever is ultimately a victim of its own legacy – the first game demonstrated that a Meat Boy game can, and should, be much better than this. [Issue#2, p.73]

What we saw as we sailed by was delightful, but not quite enough to make us want to drop anchor for long. Chart for exploration at your own discretion. [Issue#2, p.82]

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]

Fur-miliar ideas are rarely evolved but the world is an inventive place. Fur what it’s worth, it’s not enough to overcome a furssy script and confused tone. [Issue#2, p.74]

An ambitious though rough first effort from a fledgling Polish studio, and a poignant exploration of how history can still hit close to home. [Issue#1, p.93]

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]

The hand-drawn graphics enhance the 7 atmosphere of what is essentially an interactive indie arthouse horror. Not perfect, but far from mundane. [Issue#1, p.79]

Better to look at than to play, it feels mechanically soulless. We’d rather boot up the original, which tells you something has gone wrong here. [Issue#1, p.78]

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]

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]

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]

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]

There’s a shocking amount of depth to the branching choices and skill checks that turn success and failure into your own personal tale of investigation. [Issue#1, p.90]

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]

There are quite a few levels, and mastering them can be a challenge as each has not only the letters ‘K’, ‘A’, ‘Z’, and ‘E’ to collect, but also two unique bonus challenges, a special crystal for collecting 100 smaller ones, and time trials. A nicely done Casual mode adds an extra possible shield and additional checkpoints to help everyone bop killer carrots on the head. [Issue#1, p.81]

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]

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

This is a beautiful game with a clever concept and a wonderful soundtrack, but it’s unambitious in its execution. The story is an obvious metaphor for Izzy’s grief when her gran has a stroke, valuable for young players but too on-the-nose otherwise. There are very few magic words to use, and no real puzzles to speak of. It offers a sweet story clearly geared towards children like its protagonist, but the gameplay doesn’t live up to its potential. [Issue#1, p.88]

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]

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.76]