Almost everything here builds on what came before, taking it to new heights – and when it doesn’t, it presents what was already loved with an enhancing lick of paint. This is still a more action-packed, linear Resi than, say, the second game (this is chapter-based), but it respects the source material while knowing when it needs to one-up it. The boss fights are much better (some of the best in the series); Ashley is a better companion (and when you briefly play as her it has much more depth); and the structure hangs together far better both narratively and environmentally. Underpinning it all is a fantastic combat system that re-crowns Resi as third-person action- horror royalty. [Issue#26, p.70]

It is abundantly clear why this massive adventure took six years to develop from every lovingly sharpened plot hook, every subtle quirk of a party member’s lips, and every new arrangement of that gorgeous, central musical motif. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a glorious lightning strike, pairing talent with timing for not just a worthy successor to the series’ crown, but something truly special in its own right. We’ve no doubt we’ll head back down, down, down by the river to adventure anew for years to come. [Issue#33, p.68]

While it currently enjoys a wealth of mature, cinematic titles, PlayStation has been crying out for a fresh, colourful mascot platformer, and Astro Bot ticks most of those boxes – at the very least, Team Asobi proves there are multiple ways to accessorise the chilly veneer of white plastic. As a 30-something gamer with rent to pay, few things inspire childlike glee in me, but Astro Bot manages it again and again. Whether it’s diving into an underwater level and pretending I’m exploring an aquarium from the other side of the glass, or just the simple tactile joy of Astro Bot’s little feet tapa-tapa-ing across the DualSense, I’m feeling a wide-eyed wonder that I thought I’d grown out of. His Rescue Mission was a few games back, but it’s safe to say that Astro Bot has definitely resuscitated PlayStation’s long-absent sense of fun. [Issue#46, p.80]

It’s no PS5 revolution, but it is one of the most finely crafted adventures we’ve ever played, mixing thrilling combat with fab storytelling. [Issue#21, p.68]

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]

As Arkane’s been acquired by Xbox, this is its first and last PS5 exclusive. But what better parting gift than a perfect day you could happily live again and again? [Issue#6, p.72]

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]

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]

Improvements across the board see the FIFA era left behind. Gameplay to sate purists meets fun fantasy elements – like teams featuring men and women. [Issue#33, p.90]

Smartly building on the design of the base game to offer new challenges, this snappy six-hour campaign is a wonderful addition and testament to the future. [Issue#33, p.93]

Worth the wait. Capital ‘A’ ambitious and well realised, Remedy is letting its freak flag fly in full force. We love every twist of this spiral into survival horror. [Issue#34, p.62]

Card mechanics can falter, but it’s worth weaving a unique path through this poignant coming-of-age narrative. Sombre and beautiful, this is a triumph. [Issue#20, p.90]

Hades looks sleek, is fun, and delivers that ‘just one more round’ feeling – unequivocally a Supergiant game and a gem for genre fans and newcomers alike. [Issue#5, p.84]

A fan-favourite protagonist, clever gameplay options, and cases ranging from very silly to very serious – this collection has it all, and is unmissable for series fans. [Issue#46, p.94]

Capcom hasn’t messed with greatness, retaining everything that made Dead Rising a classic in the first place while sprinkling in smart changes. [Issue#46, p.96]

For the most part a thrilling story with fist-pumping missions. New mechanics are a mixed bag – but it’s still one of the best superhero things ever. [Issue#34, p.74]

All the games here are nicely presented versions of the classics as they stand, without too many frills. [Issue#34, p.82]

A remake that deepens the original’s darkness, reshaping its iconic haunted house for the better, while bringing its characters into the light. [Issue#25, p.70]

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]

If it didn’t seem easy enough to fall into Final Bar Line, there’s even an Endless mode. It’s a game that keeps giving (though future updates may make it pricy). [Issue#25, p.90]

Rise evolves World’s approachable template into an even more fun and faster-paced entry with brilliant new mechanics and the series’ most inspired designs. [Issue#24, p.70]

Tech limitations don’t spoil this layer cake of sheer gaming bliss. Tropey story sections may be divisive, but fast-paced action doesn’t get much better than this. [Issue#24, p.74]

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]

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]

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]

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]

FFVII Rebirth ends up a messy game, then, but its ambitious swings pay off more often than not. Make no mistake, this is an absolutely epic journey that sends you out to explore a huge world, with real-time combat that makes your party feel like one great big team in a way few other games have ever managed to accomplish. The story in this middle entry doesn’t quite stick the landing, but the game built around it absolutely does, raising the bar significantly for RPGs of this scope. While taking a swing at fate’s threads feels narratively underserved, Rebirth still presents a planet and people worth fighting for right through to the bitter end. [Issue#39, p.68]

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]

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]

Punchy runs respect your time, and a willingness to let you throw your cards at the wall to see what sticks makes each fresh one worth the ticket to ride. [Issue#44, p.82]

A terrific revival of a genre with plenty of life to give. Brilliant, slick controls and funky vibes have you owning the streets, but could use more challenge. [Issue#32, p.69]

This is a perfect purchase if, one might say, thou fancy a reet good laff. Perfectly judged absurdist comedy delivered via surreal shenanigans; we love it. [Issue#44, p.84]

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]

Simple but enjoyable activity aided by a fun object-slicing mechanic, fantastic voice acting, and a palpable love of worldbuilding and small-town life come together to create one of the most endearing British games in recent memory. It’s a cosy afternoon’s worth of fun, with the wonderful power to make you appreciate lives well lived. [Issue#6, p.81]

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]

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]

A dazzling and provocative visual novel about post-Covid trauma and the horror of desire and indulgence. This is a winning narrative that’s no mere mirage. [Issue#39, p.96]

EA Sports WRC is simply the finest example of the genre. A few hitches and bugs can’t detract from a deep, breathless and wholly fun experience. Easy, right? [Issue#35, p.91]

A comeback story for the ages. Beautiful, with awesome combat and perfect parkour. Hollow Knight: Silksong may have to cure cancer to top this. [Issue#37, p.82]

Milky Way Prince is a beautiful game, masterfully made, that leaves you with a lot to think about. And maybe also the need to do something properly relaxing after playing. [Issue#17, p.89]

The most welcoming Tekken for beginners, yet also the definitive experience for fans. Kicks the competition to the kerb, and finishes it off with a flashy move. [Issue#37, p.88]

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]

So tasty you’ll want to gobble it up in one go (though of course it doesn’t go down without a fight), this long-awaited expansion is Cuphead at its dizzying best. [Issue#17, p.81]

A bite-sized RPG with a twist on turn-based combat, worth the emotional damage. Smartly written and with a winning personality, this one’s a genuine charmer. [Issue#35, p.89]

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]

Takes a simple idea for activity and turns it into something special, thanks to immersive controls, a powerful sense of exploration, and great worldbuilding. [Issue#35, p.92]

The PS4 original is enhanced in clever ways on PS5, and what you do on Iki island builds on the lore and ideas of the main game in clever ways. A must-play on PS5. [Issue#6, p.80]

The thrill of making a last-minute escape through a portal, the satisfaction of making multiple kills via one, the tension of jumping into a portal blind, the simple joy of taking enemies down without using one at all… no wonder the beta proved so popular that the servers were overwhelmed. The fact that the in-game currency and cosmetics are politely tucked into the shop tab rather than being thrown in your face at every opportunity is the icing on the cake (which isn’t a lie). [Issue#6, p.93]

An unforgettable adventure that you can call your own, littered with amazing discoveries, laugh-out-loud tussles, and so much more just off the beaten path. [Issue#40, p.75]

Still the best survival horror, on PS5 ray-tracing and 3D audio add a lot to the atmosphere (though high performance mode is a little iffy). [Issue#17, p.75]

In its humour and presentation, Dave The Diver has something of a good food anime vibe – the food is important, but there’s just so much more to discover. [Issue#41, p.92]

If you can play Umurangi Generation, you should play it. A masterfully told story that puts you at the centre in a unique, deeply meaningful way. [Issue#41, p.94]

Moody, mysterious, borderline magnificent – this is a modern classic, an adventure that rivals its biggest inspirations without just following their lead. [Issue#41, p.96]

Short but focussed, Venba embraces the medium to tell a family’s intimate story as you join them for some important family meals, both thick and thin. [Issue#31, p.75]

This interactive musical will knock the socks off of theatre kids and fans of Greek myth alike. It’s definitely worth a reprise to smooch the whole pantheon. [Issue#31, p.75]

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]

As you approach the titular peaks, your brain will feel the burn more often than those boxes. But if you’re stuck on one puzzle, there are always others in each set to try. And in a final stroke of genius, the PS5 version offers Activity cards with short video solutions to all 200-plus puzzles if you feel the heat. With a moody score lending a distinctive, haunting ambience,2 this is one of the most satisfying, generous puzzle games in yonks. [Issue#7, 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]

One of PS4’s best and most underrated shooters pulls out all the stops on PS5. A technical marvel that goes full steam ahead on Sony’s new console. [Issue#4, p.76]

The best game in the series in over two decades. Its downsides are minor, making it a wholeheartedly recommendable, classic JRPG experience. [Issue#45, p.80]

FromSoftware continues to rule the genre it invented. If you didn’t care for Elden Ring, run away screaming. Otherwise, come on in and scream with frustration. [Issue#43, p.92]

Enhance’s most experimental and ambitious game yet, more about massaging your brain than teasing your senses. Being part of the crowd is what makes it stand out. [Issue#28, p.80]

Both mechanically and narratively dense, Galleria constantly reinvents itself while building on incredible RPG foundations – it’s a genre triumph. [Issue#26, p.92]

A previously lost but influential RPG gem given the remake it deserves, with its varied protagonists and storylines adding up to a digestible epic unlike anything else. [Issue#28, p.86]

You’ll find yourself with more saves than you know what to do with and still be excitedly coming up with ideas for what unique creation you want to try next. [Issue#28, p.90]

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]

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]

While World Tour is iffy, you can’t deny this fighter is a champion – though it’ll best suit those who can put hours into Battle Hub and Fighter’s Ground. [Issue#29, p.74]

Co-operating with the many active players is a breeze, and the allure of the ore hard to resist. This is a constantly surprising, well- oiled, endless delight. [Issue#11, p.90]

A seriously impressive remaster of two blockbusters that rank among the finest of the PS4 era, and a must-play for both fans and newcomers. [Issue#11, p.86]

Our clubbing days may be behind us but here we can get back to cutting shapes and feeling like total badasses, even if we look like we’re dancing like an utter idiot to everyone else. Much like any good night out, then. [Issue#29, p.90]

New numbered FFs are good again. Stunning to look at, with new, punchy combat, and a great yarn, it is, if anything, too focussed, lacking a bit of the weird. [Issue#30, p.78]

Exhilarating and creative combat means we feel truly let loose in PSVR2. The only down side is… with only nine levels to get through, we want more. [Issue#30, p.86]

First-class puzzling that feels like little else, beautifully presented, wonderfully planned, and with a gripping story to boot. Don’t let this case grow cold. [Issue#30, p.92]

Everything you’d want from a Rogue Legacy sequel, and more, this dramatically enriches and expands its genre-defining blueprint to the point of near perfection. [Issue#30, p.99]

Few games feel as good to play as this, but the demanding platforming might not suit all. A heady mix of challenge and reward. Plus, space rollerskates. [Issue#10, p.76]

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]

Masterfully blends two disparate genres without making many sacrifices. This quirky management-roguelike hybrid has the makings of a cult classic. [Issue#19, p.96]

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]

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]

As much as we love the skeleton, the way it’s been built upon here feels like a missed opportunity. The chance to incorporate Part II’s stellar gameplay evolutions into the original heart-wrenching story was there; had Naughty Dog taken it, it could have been a game-changer. Instead, this feels like an obligatory reshoot. Yes, it’s visually stunning (one of PS5’s best), and yes, things have been changed. But the end result? Too familiar. Neat extras are here, like a speedrun mode, behind the scenes videos, and commentary tracks – but we’d hoped for something bolder. [Issue#19, p.74]

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]

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]

Without spoiling much, this is the best bit. From there it gets quite meta, and plays with some other card-based gameplay that ironically loses most of its bite by the end. Yet when it works, gaming the game has rarely felt more rewarding and chilling at the same time. [Issue#20, p.75]

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]

Delivering humorous fourth-wall-breaking moments, a soundtrack filled with tunes you’ll find yourself humming for days, brilliant level locations, and a surprisingly compelling story, River City Girls Zero takes us back to the good old days of a beat-’em-up rather excellently. [Issue#20, p.88]

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]

On the pitch, this is most cerebral FIFA outing since the its PS5 debut. Off it, even the non-FUT modes feel like they’ve been shown some pre-season TLC. [Issue#20, p.72]

Lasting just under two hours, A Short Hike is a pocket-sized wholesome adventure. Meandering around Hawk Peak and seeing where each path takes you is always rewarding. It feels very nostalgic, like a call back to summer holidays when there was nothing to do and nowhere to be so you explored for the sake of it. It demands nothing from you, and that’s very special. [Issue#9, p.86]

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]

Slick, full of things to do, and boasting an admirable level of variety. If you’re okay with multiplayer being the weakest link, then this is an easy recommendation. [Issue#33, p.74]

A sim-like approach leads to a great feeling of learned mastery. Repetition isn’t a problem until you get invested in the story, which takes a bit too long to play out. [Issue#20, p.89]

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 visuals are impressive as they feature a hand-drawn world with the clean yet colourful feel of a European graphic novel, accompanied by comic-book-style cutscenes that add to the overall charm. If you’re a completionist or trophy hunter, Treasures Of The Aegean is sure to spark the thrill of adventure as there’s a wealth of relics to find and a rich history to discover. [Issue#9, p.86]

The story may not tempt you back, but the formidable soundtrack and combat will. This is the Doom/Guitar Hero mash-up we didn’t know we wanted. [Issue#20, p.83]

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]

The same great core experience and slick presentation we’re used to, with a number of welcome changes. A superb basketball game. Alley-oops, they did it again. [Issue#20, p.70]

While it’s not without its flaws, Sea Of Stars is a tremendous love letter to JRPGs and a huge achievement for a studio as small as Sabotage. [Issue#33, p.80]