This publisher may have released more shoot 'em ups on the system than any other but this might be their most interesting. If you're up for a shooter that genuinely changes up the classic mechanics of the genre and pulls it off, Schildmaiden MX is definitely worth a look.

The King's Bird is another challenging platformer but the ability to fly adds a twist that makes it stand out from other games in the genre. The presentation is superb and although tough, the difficulty curve is pitched well for those willing to learn how to master its mechanics.

As the eighth pack of Williams tables, this collection features some pretty deep cuts for pinball fans but the tables on offer might not suit new or casual players.

The additions to the Master League don't carry much of an impact but the representation of the sport has a more methodical change of pace. The new camera angles make a difference and inclusion of every European nation does dramatically bolster the player and team counts. I'm enjoying this a lot more with the opposition more willing to chase lost causes, misplace passes and generally feel a touch more human. I really, really like how this plays.

Cat Quest is a good game which is easy to pick up and play offering an enjoyable and idiosyncratic cat based RPG. It has done a great job of offering a streamlined humourous RPG Which is accessible for all. Where it falls down is when the simplicity goes too far, resulting in samey combat and repetitive quest structures. But these faults are easily overlooked as the rest of the game is so darned cute and fun to play.

A great fit for the Lego game template released ahead of the new film. One of the better Lego games in recent memory that shows what can be done when the source material is right.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a good addition to the series with tons to do. A stealthy approach is just as valid as going in guns blazing, how it pans out is down to you. The x-ray gore porn also returns for those that find it amusing. Yes, even the testicle shot. *sigh*

Beyond Galaxyland takes a fairly inoffensive story and marries it to something startling presentation. At times, it can be a treat to watch but there is also some mechanical depth to the turn-based encounters. I found it to be a very linear experience but one that never lacked forward momentum. It's a pleasant surprise that I quite enjoyed, despite some of the narrative not hitting. I didn't find much of a challenge here but there's some clever ideas on display.

If you can get past the awful UI and PS1-era visuals, Vampire Hunters is a successful attempt at taking the magic of games like Vampire Survivors and Brotato and putting them into three dimensions.

Abriss isn't your grandaddy's puzzle game. This is a feast of glorious physics, impeccable style and smart level design.

WRC9 is a great example of a crossplatform port. Kylotonn should be applauded for their sterling efforts here, especially with regard to using Dualsense. Yes, rallying might not be for all, but this is a fine driving game which utilises the WRC licence to great effect.

With the cheerful overtones of a colourful world and characters, PHOGS! Is as sweet as a game about a stretchy two headed dog can be. The surreal concept provides plenty of chances for a mild and accessible challenge, enjoyable in both single and cooperative play. This is a great option if you are looking for a game with little stakes or something to play with a younger sibling.

If you asked me a week ago, I would've been really down on Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. The game's uneven difficulty delivers a tough introduction before settling into something more comfortable. Whilst the game doesn't explain itself well, there are many systems here you can prod and tinker with. Hopefully this will provide some varied playstyles. Combat really shines, despite the simplistic movesets. Navigation between missions feels clumsy but those levels are smartly designed. Moving through the world has been compelling and enjoyable, even if I do find the storytelling to be rather hokey.

Jydge remains one of the best tactical shoot 'em ups to hit PSN and is as much a joy to play as it was in 2017 but it does little to leverage the power and features of the PS5.

Ponpu is a fun reimagining of the classic Bomberman formula with just the right amount of weirdness added to make it feel like its own game. Mildly grotesque bosses each requiring their own unique approach just add to the appeal. Bombs on!

Neon Abyss combines fun running and shooting mechanics with decent rogue-like mechanics and puts it all in a quirky setting. We like it a lot.

It's smaller and more focused than usual but Yakuza 6: The Song of Life retains the heart, charm and drama the series loves to dish out. Combat can still feel clumsy but it's rarely troubling or tough. There's a seamless quality to the new engine which helps keep pacing up whilst the story beats and tone remain well executed. It's a welcome installment, if a little lacking in some respects.

Aliens Fireteam Elite is the quality shooter that Aliens fans have been wishing for for decades now. The story may feel a little disconnected from the film that inspired it but the action is great, it gets the details right and we're going to be playing it over and over for a long time.

River City Girls is clearly the result of a love and passion for the Kunio-Kun franchise and its fanbase. Wayforward has done a great job of translating the classic beat-em-up franchise for the modern audience. While also providing a funny, great looking and audibly awesome game that all beat-em-up fans should try at least once.

Smelter is a tough 2D action platformer with some less engaging strategy elements between levels. The presentation is great and there are lots of hidden items to find and trials to challenge yourself with, but the difficulty does cross a line at times which is detrimental to the fun.

At £13.99, this is a little bit pricier than you might expect but you do get a really enjoyable and addictive game for your money and one that plays differently to anything else we’ve seen on PSN so far. RTS games don’t always perform that well on consoles but by stripping out the tedium and making it more of an arcadey affair, Undead Horde gets things just right.

Yupitergrad is a fun VR title with brilliant swinging mechanics. It's a short game unless you go deep on the time trials but the experience is well worth it.

If Maiden Cops had come out on the SNES or Mega Drive in the early '90s, we think it would have been quite celebrated and you can't say that for a lot of retro throwback titles these days. It might be a bit childish at times, and weirdly suggestive at others, but this is a quality beat 'em up.

A solid, well executed rhythm action shooter that keeps things simple to provide a fun and replayable experience. Metal Hellsinger fires on most cylinders, with only an issue of variety scuppering the overall package. Come in for the blistering soundtrack from some of Metal’s greats. Stay for the moreish gameplay a heavenly combo, despite the hellish subject matter.

Considering the low price and the fact that this is a solo effort, #Funtime is a surprisingly polished and gameplay-packed experience. We've got minor niggles when we compare it to the best games of the genre but this is still a very good twin-stick shooter that is easy to recommend.

Whilst the Playstation 5 improvements don't bring much new, Darkwood remains a strong, compelling horror title. The atmosphere remains tight and gloomy and the day-to-day surviving carries a weight that still brings me some joy. On this revisit, I see more of the strings attached but there is an enduring quality to running around in the dark corners of this hostile world.

We didn't think we'd end up enjoying a F2P Monster Hunter clone ever so the fact we do is a credit to Dauntless' enjoyable combat and thriving online player base.

I'm amazed these iterations haven't gone stale on me. Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 produces a thoughtful distillation of the sport and makes for a slicker, more engrossing contest. Presentation remains held back by the struggle to maintain licenses. I feel online really shows the engine up when you're bombarded with pace and pressure from all sides. An actual game of two contrasting halves, here.