Digital Eclipse's Gold Master series of interactive documentaries have gone a long way in giving an in-depth view of many a classic game, and Tetris Forever joins them in covering the thrilling story about one of the most iconic puzzle games released.

If you’ve enjoyed Resident Evil games before, you’ll enjoy this. If you’ve sort of enjoyed them but wished there was more combat involved, you’ll enjoy this. If you loved the original, you’ll get to do what many of us dream when playing remakes of our favourite games – you’ll get to experience this story for the first time all over again, due to some interesting changes.

Everhood has a similar story to many you’ll hear – a passion project, brought to fruition after years of hard work. Its inspiration in Undertale is clear, but this never holds it back from standing on its own merits. What a visually intense, aurally stunning, philosophically charged experience – and possibly one of the best games of the year.

The world’s best turn-based tactical game makes its way to the Switch mostly intact, ready to entertain and frustrate fans once again, this time on the go.

I’ll remember Resident Evil Village as a polished, terrifying horror game that kept tension levels high while also giving me the necessary room I needed to breathe.

Coffee Talk 2: Hibiscus and Butterfly floods you with emotions and does not really ever let up. Whilst some people may be turned off by the lack of interactivity, if you want a laid back, chill game where you just talk to people and make drinks, this is best in class.

The God Of War experience has never felt better, it’s more satisfying to play through than ever before, and possesses more heartstring-twisting moments than you’ll likely be able to bare. God Of War Ragnarok is proof positive just how exceptional this medium can be, and a game that, especially when paired with its predecessor will rock you to your very core once you’re through with it.

A darkly charming adventure that poses a challenge and encourages persistence. Both whimsical and reverent, this tale of one brave crow draws inspiration from some greats to carve out its own niche.

A rogue-like perfect for rogue-likers and rogue-haters alike, Hades utilises every strength of the genre to weave an unforgettable experience from beginning to end(s).

Overall, Everholm is a slightly spooky farming sim packed full of content and adorableness. I’ve already dedicated many hours to decorating my isometric homestead and solving mysteries in this beautifully crafted environment, and I’m not done yet.

A Plague Tale: Requiem expands on every aspect of the original. It is a tight, single player experience the like of which feels rare these days. Full of tension, enjoyable puzzles and violent flurries of combat, it serves as a strong sequel and engaging narrative experience in its own right.

A must-play for anyone who loves clever special puzzles and good soundtracks.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is much more than just a remake, offering plenty of new content to fresh and returning players alike. It’s impossible not to smile while playing this game, especially alongside friends.

A flawed but phenomenal exploration of grief, agency, and the weight of our decisions, Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is the perfect next chapter in the book of Max Caulfield.

A playing experience like no other, with Dream Shaping tools that revolutionise the way we need to look at game development. Dreams is something truly special.

A franchise like no other comes to an epic and satisfying conclusion. Hitman III is the culmination of both story and development skill that will leave fans everywhere smiling with joy.

Wanderstop truly is beautiful. The illustrations are stunning, the music is transportive, and the 3D art and animation are full of life. Walking through this game is like walking through a beautiful forest; you can’t stay there forever, but the experience stays with you and you return home a little changed, hopefully for the better.

A power fantasy in the purest sense, The Dark Ages gives players the Slayer at his peak and all of hell should tremble at his arrival.

Both titles were exceptional in the respective years of release, and in the Legacy of Thieves Collection, both Uncharted 4, and The Lost Legacy are the best they’ve ever been.

Are adventure games always about solving one selection of puzzles? As far back as the early 1990s, the genre has experiment with ‘paths not taken’. The Crimson Diamond encourages snooping, and punishes laziness, just by making you feel kinda bad. There’s a lot about this game to miss, and misunderstand.

To make a process that is usually so mundane into something so magical makes Unpacking a must play.

Everything about this game just feels good. It’s beautiful, narratively complex, empowering, and a true testament to what the PS5 can do.

Housemarque enhances their already lofty reputation with a title that even surpasses their efforts with Returnal. The prospect of putting down the controller is almost as terrifying as the world of Carcosa.

Immortals: Fenyx Rising is a wonderfully crafted epic in which Ubisoft Quebec celebrate rather than shay away from their influences to deliver humour and action in equal doses.

I have a lot of feelings about this game, and I’m not even sure that I’m finished processing them yet. I’m going to need to play it again. But for now, I do know that this game is powerful, and it’s going to hold its own special place in my heart for a long time.

Forza Horizon 5 is the first time that PlayStation owners can access the franchise, but you’re entering at the very best time, at a point where the game has never been better.

After some missteps in later incarnations, the remaster of THPS 1+2 returns the game to its strong roots, providing the addictive mixture of challenge and fun that will keep people coming back to shred for a long time.

The perfect evolution for the Zelda series. It feels, in every way, like this is Zelda’s story, and this game does a great job of proving that there are many different ways to be a hero.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a once-in-a-generation technical showpiece that will change how you look at flight sim games forever.

A wonderful title that deserves more love than it’s received here, but the test of time has been kind to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. It was amazing then, and it is now.

Tunic is a great game, plain and simple. It feels like so much love, so much passion has been poured into it, and the final product is something truly beautiful and joyful to experience. Don’t let this be a sleeper hit, go take it for a spin and see for yourself. For me, I imagine this will be one of my games of the year.

Few studios are as well-named as Team Asobi. They have put the ‘play’ back in PlayStation. Astrobot is simply an exceptional example of a genre that almost everyone but Nintendo treats like yesterday’s news. Live-service shooters are dead; long live the platformer!

Those who are fortunate to have a next-gen console will be able to experience Control at its best, but even those who are playing on the last generation still have the benefit of an awesome game that has had the annoying issues fixed from the original release. If you haven’t yet experienced Control, now is a perfect time.

If you’ve never played Animal Crossing before, New Horizons will suck you into its ostensibly calm island world like nothing else. For series veterans, you will eagerly surrender to this whirlpool, only to emerge in time for the next entry in the series.

The storytelling, art and music masterfully connect to create a real sense of the world that the Eastward characters inhabit.

Deathloop is both unique and familiar, subverting time, gameplay and expectations in equal measure. A mystery worth solving and experience worth having, there is nothing on this planet quite like Deathloop.

It’s been a hell of a month for RPGs. Romancing SaGa 2 still carves out some brain space and made me want to keep coming back for more. Even with its minor issues, this is a bloody good game.

Making something new when fans have sky-high expectations isn’t easy, but Atlus has done it again with what I truly hope becomes a franchise. This is an RPG that people should absolutely play... if they have a spare hundred or so hours, of course.

Ori & The Will of the Wisps is a wonder to behold, a joy to play, and a must-have for anyone with the means to play it.

If you are the type of person who liked the tactical aspects of Rainbow Six: Siege but was put off by the PvP elements then Extraction is just the tactical experience you will really enjoy.

Detective Pikachu Returns is an anomaly for both the Pokemon series and adventure games at large, but the marriage of the two makes it into something special. It’s earnest, fun, and at times downright satisfying, and even though it’s undoubtedly weird, it’s also the perfect title for introducing new players to the world of mystery games.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 were already two of the best games ever made, and now they’re better than ever before. Just go out and buy them, whether this is the first time you’ve played them or not.

In my eyes, this is a new era for not only Armored Core, but I also hope for mech games. The combat is tight, the differences in your builds feel meaningful and have an impact. Hell, even the narrative is great here. I hope people give this a shot, because to me, this is a great game that I think might be seminal for future titles in the genre.

When it comes to chronicling gaming history, there tends to be a focus away from the days of home computing to focus more on arcade and console gaming, and for me that’s the main draw with Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story. It’s a chance to show those curious about gaming history a side that’s rarely explored.

The Drifter is a great entry in a genre that doesn’t really see too many of them these days. What it lacks in obtuse puzzle difficulty it makes up for with a smart, pulpy narrative that kept me engaged the entire time, with characters endearing enough that many players will likely return for a second or third lap.

Everything about the game flows well and feels satisfying to play. Where some games tread like honey, making you aware of every minute you’re spending in their world, Len’s Island feels like a bare-foot beach break, and not a second spent with it feels wasted or lost.

Forza Horizon 5 proves that even the best games can get better. An unparalleled driving experience that also happens to be a graphical showcase like no other.

A hearty slice of Viking pie, goes great with a new console and a flagon of mead. Ubisoft have taken the Creed to a new level with their trip to the Nordic settlement of merry old England.

While it’s certainly disappointing to see The Last Of Us return without its iconic multiplayer, Factions, players are so incredibly fortunate to get to re-experience a game that is widely considered one of the all-time greats, remade from top to bottom, and given the tender love, and care that it deserves. Every pore is as it should be, every texture perfected, and every moment, something to savour. Many will look at The Last Of Us Part I and consider it an unnecessary investment from Sony, the original still looks great – but Naughty Dog have pulled off the impossible in making the definitive video game of the last decade, somehow, even better, and in doing so they’ve also opened it up to millions of new players, of a variety of needs and levels of experience. It turns out that you can improve upon perfection.

A masterclass in worldbuilding, the punk aesthetic of Umurangi Generation is a sight to behold. Snap your way through a series of increasingly provocative spaces, soaking in every facet of this incredible journey.

Not only is Alan Wake II Remedy’s best game, it is an experience that sets a new high bar for narrative horror titles that is unlikely to be passed anytime soon.

The perfect next chapter in Aloy’s story, Burning Shores embodies what DLC should be. Featuring epic battles, new foes, and a whole lot of heart, it expands the world of Horizon in every way.

If you’ve never really gotten into the cozy game scene, not touched the likes of Stardew, Story of Seasons, or all the rest, this is the one. If those are part of your favourites already, then prepare for a new one to join the list. Start here, and just be spoiled by something amazing. Take your time with it. Heck, even slow the game time down so you can get every second out of it possible.

Street Fighter 6 honestly feels like the best game of the series in every facet possible. The long term will prove or disprove this though as these games tend to morph and change over their lifetime. But for this game to take that title, it’s done everything right from the outset to cement its legacy as the best of the best. This game is a recommendation for people interested in fighting games at any level, go check it out now.

Expelled! is a rapid roleplaying experience built on experimentation and manipulation that shouldn’t be missed.

A bold technical marvel that celebrates science and exploration, propelling you into the unknown and letting you forge your own path among the stars. Starfield is Bethesda at its best.

I’ve believed for a long time that the games industry doesn’t value its history the way other media does, and collections like this serve as a shining light that perhaps this attitude may change in the future.

Thought provoking, confronting and gripping – Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a triumph of interactive storytelling.

Xcom: Chimera Squad is proof positive that Firaxis are masters of the genre. The perfect starting point for newcomers, yet featuring enough depth for franchise vets, there is no reason to skip this title, especially at its bargain price.

It tried to do something different, and it did it in a distinctly Don’t Nod way, and the end result was a beautiful story about characters I will remember for a long time to come. Red and Antea’s tale is one of love and loss, and it finds the beauty in both.

All in all, Forgive me Father 2 was a welcome surprise that tested my very rusty skills with fast-paced action sequences and a very cool Lovecraftian vibe. Even after finishing it once, I’m very keen to check out the other story paths, and to try and 100% all the levels. If you like fast FPS games then put this on your radar, because much like Cthulu, you should not sleep when there’s mayhem to be had.

To be clear, this game is super weird. Just… so very, very weird. It asks you to do things you’d never expect, and uses the joy-cons in ways that frighteningly creative minds must have dreamed into existence – but it’s also a true showcase of what they can do. It’s so simple that it’s genius, and it flaunts a particular kind of weirdness that few games manage to successfully achieve. It’s one of those games that makes me want to invite everyone I know over to my house to play it with me so that I can show them just how weird it is, and have them experience it for themselves – and it also gets me moving in ways that a game hasn’t done in ages. It’s a true feat of creativity and chaos, and it’s definitely going to be one that I go back to for laughs and a pretty serious workout.

It’s rare that a story this nuanced can be experienced co-operatively in a game, particularly in a way that feels equal between the participants. But we were truly partners in this game. We did this together, as Mio and Zoe did, and it added a layer to the time spent playing this game that makes it all the more unforgettable.

I must admit that I was of the mind that this Switch 2 version of the original release was simply going to be a bit of lip service. A title with a small sprinkling of new content to justify the decision to re-release the game and sell another few million units. Thankfully, I can report that Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park is even better than it was before. It is loaded with fantastic additions to both the core game as well as to its previously quite limited multiplayer suite, and for players both experienced and inexperienced, there is an abundance of additional content to chew on.

Ghost Of Yotei is a triumph of all artistic disciplines in the video game medium. A devastating narrative hook will quickly lead to 50+ hours of riveting adventure.

One of the generation's finest games manages to get more life injected into it with a sensational rogue-like mode. It’s well worth your time again.

Inscryption is full of charm, humour, and a healthy dose of mystery. Forget what you think you know about this game, it’s so much more.

Road 96 is an emotional and politically heavy story with incredible character work and fiercely held beliefs.

Forza Motorsport is not only a world class racing sim, but it is a welcoming, encouraging experience for racers of all abilities. Its desire to help and improve racers is perhaps only surpassed by the technology the game is built on. Pure racing at its best.

This won’t be one for the action-platformer fans, but if you’re after something a little more cruisy to get that puzzle brain ticking, this will likely do the job. It’s safe to say I had a great time chasing after that big gorilla, and getting far too attached to my mechanical children in the process.

Diablo IV is everything fans could want and more. An amazing world, engaging story and mountains of captivating content make this the best game in a franchise filled with amazing experiences. Diablo IV, simply put, is amazing.

Be curious about the new looks, be reassured by the care taken to bring Advance Wars to a new generation, and look forward to precious minutes or expansive hours honing your tactical mind within a morning cartoon aesthetic.

If you haven’t player either Bayonetta or Vanquish, now’s the best time. Despite the visuals showing their age at times, both games play brilliantly on an Xbox One X. Most importantly, the action is just as thrilling now as it was back in 2010.

Two Point Hospital on the Switch is an absolute delight. The Humour is spot on and will keep you smiling, while the mounting challenge of each new hospital will keep you glued to this enjoyable simulator for hours on end.

It’s hard not to be awestruck by what Monolith Soft has achieved in revitalising this classic Wii title, bringing it to a new generation and giving it the tender love and care that it so obviously deserves.

Firaxis, in its first new IP since taking on Xcom 10 years ago, have only further cemented its position as perhaps the best strategy game developer on the planet. Midnight Suns, simply put is a must-play, even for those not used to turn-based tactics.

The Switch release of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath has proven that this game is truly timeless. There is no doubt in my mind that it is cool to be odd.

Feeling both familiar and fresh, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is exactly what was needed for the 2D Mario sub-genre.

It’s goofy, and earnest, and consciously inclusive in a way that makes me, a queer person, scared to talk about it on the internet (even after all these years). It’s bold, and comfortable in itself, and even in its weaker moments, It does feel different to the past games, but for me, it’s a good kind of different.

Disc Room might look like a simple game, but there’s some serious depth with its mechanics and old-school style challenge. The addition of accessibility options goes a long way to making it playable everyone, not just those that revel in the challenge.

It's an improvement on its already beloved predecessor, hilarious, heart-filled and left me wanting more.

A wonderful continuation of a classic that takes us back to an improbable story in an impossible place and leaves no buckle unwashed.

Rummaging through boxes full of files sounds like the most boring thing you could do in an interactive setting, but it turns out it can be more rewarding than pulling off a quadruple no scope 360 headshot kill. Colestia’s Cold War thriller packages up the mundanity of decades past into an incredibly rewarding few hours, perfect for those who love uncovering truths hidden and long forgotten.

A game that wears its inspirations on its sleeve but then still has something unique to say with a flavour all of its own. Sea Of Stars is a truly unique, and brilliant title that must be experienced.

With a focus on freedom of choice that is second-to-none, Wasteland 3 has set the benchmark for CRPG narratives, all the while being supported by wonderfully engaging gameplay and roleplaying mechanics.

Shadows of the Erdtree does everything that Elden Ring does, but does it better. This is an amazing expansion to an already amazing game. Prepare to die, but also be prepared to be amazed and awestruck.

High Isle is a living, breathing world with a company of characters, side quests and gameplay that is as charming as it is entertaining. This is definitely one of my favourite expansions in the series, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapters have in store.

I didn’t necessarily believe it at first, but after spending some time with it, I feel like maybe Mario Kart World was the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It reminds us of the pure joy that can come from just sitting around, talking smack, and playing video games with your friends, whether together or apart.

An example of games as art with the polish and sheen to achieve mainstream acceptance, Mixtape is a pitch-perfect slice of nostalgia that remembers that maybe it's not the time we miss, so much as our ability to appreciate a part of what could make said time special.

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s cut is the definitive way to play one of 202’s greatest titles.

Tell Me Why’s focus on authenticity in storytelling makes it an absolute narrative triumph. The perfect pace allows you to reflect on each element of the story as it unfolds, and clever use of gameplay mechanics makes each choice feel impactful yet organic. A must play for fans of the genre.

A masterfully crafted journey that encourages exploration and experimentation while guiding you on an epic adventure. The perfect next step for the beloved Zelda franchise.

There’s something that draws you to a good game, be it board, card or pencil and paper. 51 Worldwide Games presents high quality, faithful renditions of both classics and lesser known games, providing challenge and enjoyment in equal measure.

While there are some areas of of Pikmin 4 that have played it safe, and stuck to the established (and proven successful) formula, there are other aspects of Pikmin 4 that have done what fans have been pleading out for for years, and these evolutions and additions make Pikimin 4 definitively the best in the franchise.

It was a gamble on Sega’s part to make such major changes to a tried and true formula, even more bewildering given its recent meteoric rise in Western markets. If Yakuza: Like A Dragon proves anything, it’s that fortune does indeed favour the bold.

I cannot recommend this game enough, it is a technical benchmark, a deep and detailed sim, a wonderful way to escape the world and a pure joy to experience. Even if flight sims aren’t your thing, I am willing to bet that Microsoft Flight Simulator is.

For the most part, Star-Crossed World is just more Kirby and the Forgotten Land, but with a slightly different aesthetic. Given it’s been three years since the initial release, it mostly gave me an excuse to jump back into a game I loved so much and experience some of that joy again – something I wouldn’t have necessarily expected after all this time.

I can say without a doubt that Ragnarok takes advantage of the PC’s power better than any of the other games from the Playstation family.