Games don’t come much more grandiose than Persona 5 Royal. While occasionally straining under the sheer scale of its many gameplay and story elements, Royal’s many improvements plus grounded characters, addictive combat and flamboyant presentation are overwhelmingly endearing traits.

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!

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.

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.

The Last of Us: Part 2 is a brutal, bleak and relentless experience that gives players no chance to breathe or relax. At the same time it is a game like no other and deserves to be played, if not enjoyed, by everyone with a Sony system.

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).

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.

Clair Obscur is artistry for the senses. Visuals, soundtrack, acting, storyline and gameplay are all top tier, and I cannot urge you to play this game strongly enough.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth improves on Remake, expanding not only the scope of the adventure well beyond the confines of Midgar, but also exploring the ensemble cast in greater depth to enhance the emotional impact of events both new and old.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

While the journey through Demon’s Souls is one that has resulted in much frustration and higher blood pressure than I would normally put myself through just to play a video game, it is a wonderful showcase of what the PS5 can do and the perfect game for those that want to challenge themselves. Combined with the impressive graphical quality and those incredibly fast loading speeds, you have the perfect fodder for the ‘onebro’ that secretly lives inside you.

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

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.

Donkey Kong Bananza is a throwback filled adventure that, while riddled with joyous moments, is at times held back by the own freedom it provides.

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.

If you have an itch for something that’s spooky but also morally confronting and you will be thinking about it for days to come, it’s impossible not to recommend this.

The Spider-Man franchise, across, TV, comics, and games, has never been in better hands than it is right now. Only technical flaws hold Peter and Miles’ latest web-slinging adventure back from excellence.

The PC version of FF VII Rebirth is certainly a solid one, especially for those with lower-spec systems or handhelds, but it is a little on the disappointing side for those looking for something special on their higher-end rigs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A few graphical hiccups stop The Last of Us: Part 2 Remastered on PC from being perfect, but even still this is a watershed moment in gaming that should be experienced by everyone at least once.

Tekken 8 finally opens the doors to new players and welcomes them with open arms. The steps this game takes to help those new to the franchise should be applauded. Couple that with the always solid fighting system and Tekken 8 is a winner.

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.

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.

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.

An already outstanding title can now be taken natively on the go, has all additional content bundled in it, and now possesses new modes to make the game more approachable to all. Final Fantasy VII Remake was a sensation in 2020, and it’s only better now in 2026.

All of these options can seem overwhelming, but somehow feel less daunting than a Fire Emblem entry or even the recent Tactics Ogre, and that may be because I did not feel the same pressure to be invested in the individuals and their narrative. As much as Vanillaware and Atlus may not want to hear it, Unicorn Overlord allowed me to step back from the emotional responsibility of the characters in its narrative.

Be prepared for a game riddled with opportunities to build the best flippin’ ensemble that you can build. Take that team and exist in a beautiful world for more hours than is conventionally reasonable. Experience one of the best stories I have ever had the privilege to experience in a JRPG.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a sensational package. It reintroduces the world to an often forgotten (or straight-up missed) classic Mario platformer, while lays the groundwork for a new type of Mario experience, one that, with some further refinement, could be one day looked back upon as yet another defining moment in perhaps the most decorated franchise in the industry.

A stunning car adventure that tears through its Japanese location with style and panache, Forza Horizon 6 won’t offer many surprises, but it is still best in class when it comes to a car-focused title for everyone.

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

Sektori is brutal; it looks to crush you under its sheer force at every turn, such that getting to the game’s end will be one of the most satisfying moments that you’ll find in gaming in 2025. It looks beautiful, is incredibly overstimulating, hates your guts, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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.

The simple fact of the matter is, The Final Shape made me care about Destiny again, something I didn't think was possible. Bungie has pulled out all the stops to send this story arc off in fine style with an engaging campaign, welcome tweaks to progression and some fantastic new shared events. The story grabs hold and the conclusion is satisfying in a way I didn't think was possible after all this time.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on the next-gen systems is the ultimate way to play this fantastic revival. Smoother, faster and more fluid, it will have you reliving your youth with a big smile on your face.

If true love is accepting flaws, then I suppose I loved Death Stranding 2, its foibles and peccadillos apparent but of no real consequence during my time with it. A few days out from full release, I still haven’t quite digested everything Kojima and the many, many other people that worked on Death Stranding 2 are trying to say, and maybe I never will.

The best way to play Aloy’s most recent adventures... if you have the PC that can do it justice that is.

An absurd, insane and all-round mental JRPG that will have fans wrapped from its opening to its heartwarming close, Infinite Wealth is the best game in the franchise and the perfect way to experience this well-loved franchise.

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.

This isn’t an RPG for everyone. It’s fairly hardcore, it leans into history (albeit out of order) and it is mechanically very dense. What matters most, and after playing a hundred hours of this damn thing and planning on diving back in, is that it’s an RPG for me.

If Ghost of Tsushima is something you have already experienced, then the PC version probably isn’t enough to get your money for a second time. If you missed it the first time around though it is a fantastic adventure that is even better on a powerful computer.

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.

Neon White feels at home on the Switch. The short, replayable levels, stylish art style, cool soundtrack and generous difficulty means that you can feel awesome and satisfied without hitting a difficulty wall.

Some minor imperfections hold Monster Hunter Wilds back from reaching its next level potential, but players will still have plenty to celebrate with this latest franchise epic.

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.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is every bit the shining gem in the PS5 launch crown. There are a couple of extremely minor drawbacks in the form of a sometimes-cluttered screen, the sense of humour taking more of a backseat, and some very rare crashes, but Rift Apart delivers one of the strongest entries in the franchise to date.

A far more brutal experience than its predecessor, Doom Eternal isn’t for the weak, but master the ruleset and you’re in for a hell of a time.

The lack of War Of The Lions additions holds back the game from being the perfect re-release, but nonetheless, Final Fantasy: The Ivalice Chronicles is still a pre-eminent title in the Tactical RPG sub-genre, and cannot possibly be missed if you have even a passing interest.

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

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.

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.

When all is said and done, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a fantastic port of a fantastic game. It runs well on a range of systems, including the Steam Deck, and really captures the feel of this younger, less experienced web-slinger.

Metroid Dread is a truly exceptional return to the spotlight for the franchise and Samus Aran.

While not the gigantic leap that World was a couple of years prior, Monster Hunter Rise, is a refined, sleek title that is suitable for new and old fans alike.

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.

The cars are faster than ever and feel better to drive than ever thanks to tighter controls and base improvements to the game’s car handling. Equally, the addition of accessibility features like steering help and the casual modes open up F1 2020 to an even wider degree of players, from those with a casual racing interest to people with full-blown personal racing simulators.

Despite the lack of content overall, Pistol Whip is still a game that will give players plenty of fun as you blast your way through hundreds of henchmen leaving you feeling like a total badass.

The king of the popcorn action-adventure experience comes to PlayStation, and he does so in the grandest of ways.

Not a perfect PC port, but not a bad one either, the Uncharted Legacy Of Thieves Collection is the perfect way for those who have experienced these epic adventures to dive in. However, it is worth noting that there is nothing new here for returning players.

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.

Exactly the sort of game that this old reviewer needed to refresh his love of the medium. Pragmata uses a classic, almost-lost formula along with some brand new and exciting gameplay to create an absolutely epic adventure that deserves everyone’s attention.

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

A staggering reimagining of a genre touchstone, FFVIIR makes improvements upon the original in many areas but is similarly harmed by some uneven additions

In all, Guilty Gear Strive is an incredible game, one that I strongly recommend fighter fans get as soon as possible, there really is no reason at all not to.

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.

Final Fantasy’s first crack at pure action-RPG combat plays exceptionally well, and has the worldbuilding and cinematic flair to ensure that you’ll want to push through even the occasionally bloated encounter.

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.

This game is a masterpiece of automotive history and driving gameplay. Truly no driving game has ever come close to being this sensational.

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.

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.

From the opening notes of the Indy theme, I was transported to the realm of one of my favourite fictional characters of all time and that is the Great Circle’s greatest achievement in my eyes.

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.

The quality of each of the games varies, but there’s no questioning that Square-Enix have created definitively the best version of these 80’s and 90’s classics.

Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line is without any doubt one of the greatest love letters that this industry has seen.

With the Dead Space remake, we have a very faithful and utterly stunning recreation of the original genre-leading masterpiece. Little has changed apart from presentation aspects and while some may feel that is a missed opportunity, I am more than happy to re-experience this classic title as it is.

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

Tales Of Arise is a treat for fans of the franchise, but also an excellent jumping-on point for franchise newcomers.

Spider-Man is a fantastic game. One of the highlights of the last generation of console games and this PC version will certainly hit the spot for those that missed it. A couple of little porting issues stop it from being the best version of the game but I expect that to change quickly and once it does, this will be the premium version of the game.

With Halo Infinite, 343 has finally surpassed the high-points from Bungie’s reign over the Halo Franchise. It was worth the wait to see the Master Chief return in such a spectacular fashion.

There were hardly any faults in the Xenoblade Chronicles X experience to begin with, but the Definitive Edition elevates the game in every respect. It’s MonolithSoft’s finest work, revitalised.

8-Bit Adventures 2 triumphs as both a loving tribute to classic JRPGs as well as a unique must-play game for fans of the genre. It’s exciting, emotional, and features fantastic gameplay that merges the best of retro and modern JRPG features.

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.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles are a slight departure from the regular groove, but will give fans of the series something to flex those muscles of deduction. If you're looking to solve some crimes with a little bit of flair, and are ready to see yourself reflected in a protagonist whose eyes definitely convey a panic we've all felt, then this collection might be for you.

There are some reviews that are hard to write because the game is just fine, and then there are some that just pour out of you because you can’t help but think of all the things it does well. Lacuna is well and truly the latter, with every small piece pulling together to create a really great detective game ripe for the picking.

Not only has Microsoft made one of the best RTS games of all time enjoyable using nothing but a controller, but they have even improved on the original release in some key ways. Age of Empires 2 is just as good as ever on the Xbox and should be a must-play for strategy fans everywhere.

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

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.

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

Monster Hunter Rise is at its best on the PC. The extra power brings a smoother, prettier experience to an already cracking game.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn really set the gears in motion for a genre. Since the first launch of this game in 1995, a lot has changed and this title has been staunch in both keeping to its roots and also making some needed changes to modernise the game.

The game is sublime and, if you have the rig, it runs well on the PC. It just has a host of small niggles and irritating problems surrounding it that are not an indictment on the game at all, just an indication that Sony still doesn’t get PC games. As a result, the PS5 version is still the best one available as of right now, though that may change as the game is inevitably patched to solve a few of these issues.

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.