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]

Warts-and-all remasters that accept the failings of the original games and make amends where possible, but ultimately too flawed to live up to the name. [Issue#9, p.82]

Borrows liberally to form a farming and town management sim that’s enjoyable and easygoing, if not entirely original or surprising in its concepts or activity. [Issue#9, p.87]

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]

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]

Mechanically engaging, and with stylish visuals and a catchy soundtrack, Hermitage: Strange Case Files is an enjoyable dose of mystery that’ll appeal if you’re looking for a visual novel with a little extra. [Issue#9, p.86]

It’s a game of two halves: one moment you’re bashing monsters in typical JRPG fashion, the next you’re taking friends on dates to the gymnasium and building takoyaki stands. While varied, this loop can feel repetitive as enemies mostly offer little challenge and date interactions follow predictable formulas. Still, with engaging characters and a coming-of-age story of personal growth and female friendship to root for, there’s a magical adventure to be discovered here – if you can get past the repetitive activity. [Issue#9, p.90]

You might think such an eclectic mix of mechanics would render Epic Chef’s brand of simulation exhausting, but all blend together well for the most part. Annoying loading screens between areas do break up the pace, and some tasks can feel a bit too much like busywork. Overall, however, Epic Chef is more sweet than sour. A scrumptious addition to the life sim genre. [Issue#9, p.90]

It may be a fantasy story filled with legends and monsters, but Röki also has a very human message of grief and loss at its core. It’s an adventure game filled with childlike wonder, with an ending that will give your heartstrings a mighty tug. [Issue#9, p.90]

Despite a traditionally rocky launch, the latest Battlefield proves itself one of the best in the series. Tell Edwin Starr we found out what war is good for. [Issue#9, p.72]

Battlesector offers a solid campaign, but little else. Showing the Devastation Of Baal’s aftermath, it isn’t newcomer-friendly, but it’s good for Warhammer fans. [Issue#10, p.87]