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]