Forget all your fears. The 3D platforming games of PlayStation legend have never looked or played better. [September 2017, p83]

Nex Machina is Jarvis’ Robotron retuned, but when those revisions are a rock solid 60fps, swirling voxel storms, and an array of play-extending modes, it’s hard to shoot it down. [September 2017, p78]

Portal Knights takes the blueprint and gives it more of what we always wished Minecraft had: deeper combat and a series of quests that give us a greater sense of purpose. [September 2017, p77]

Once you strap yourself into the rollcaged bucket seat of Dirt 4 it’ll be extremely tough to extricate yourself from it anytime soon. [September 2017, p69]

Looks like Zelda, totally isn’t. What you’ve got here is a farming concern which deserves to be spoken in the same breath as Harvest Moon. [September 2017, p71]

This is one of the cleverest games we’ve ever played. It constantly wows with many multiple solutions to almost every problem. If you have a talent for thinking outside the box, chances are Arkane is three steps ahead and ready to accommodate your lunacy. [July 2017, p66]

Equal parts style and substance. But a brutal old school nature means low accessibility for newbies. Worth persevering with, however. This is PS royalty. [August 2017, p79]

Even if you spend ages noodling around there, Gnog won’t last you very long. [August 2017, p77]

Greatness was so close, and yet so far. [August 2017, p75]

A large dash-step behind the generous content found in Injustice 2, but still represents a knuckle sandwich we’ll happily chew on for months. [August 2017, p72]

For the most part even here the game has been improved, particularly on new characters like Black Canary. [August 2017, p70]

Solo’s a tough sell, but there’s a pool of MP players from other VR systems. Not purchasing this is therefore illogical. Make it so. Engage. [August 2017, p68]

As slick to play as it is oddly Japanese, Nier should be blinking bright on the radar of serious Action- RPG fans. [May 2017, p71]

Is there a more accomplished, accessible, brilliantly precocious example of the modern JRPG? Can’t think of one. [May 2017, p62]

Trust us when we say this is the best VR game since Batman. Our word is our Bond. [March 2016, p80]

Over time, as you form a pack of new friends who are up for regular games, this could transform into a regular party night classic –albeit one where your party guests are in different houses. And might need worming. [March 2016, p78]

Alongside much lengthier save times at the end of days, the interface issues are irksome enough to mar the special, very real sense of escapism Stardew Valley can so masterfully afford. Still, that escapism is so strong it’s impossible to ignore. [March 2016, p76]

Newcomers, Yakuza 0 is the perfect entry point, and is therefore worth paying the full pinky price (RRP). Veterans will be captivated by these origin stories and a ridiculous amount of minigames. [March 2016, p74]

Beautiful carnage, free gravity cat, and no consequences. How can you not go head over heels about a game like that? [March 2016, p72]

Act now, think later’ is the nature of Berseria’s beast, a battle system that thrives on heat-of-the-moment muscle memory and snappy knee-jerk reactions. [April 2016, p76]

This is an exclusive to be coveted. Nioh takes the best of Dark Souls, marries it to Ninja Gaiden, and delivers a surprisingly robust action-RPG. Few will be able to resist the attack of this clone. [April 2016, p80]

We’ve missed the WWII theatre, and Sniper Elite 4 is a rollicking good reason to get back to Nazi-blasting. Story isn’t amazing, but the joy of stealth-sniping – particularly in co-op – is Reich on target. [April 2016, p74]

A preposterously good year of PS4 gaming starts in the best possible way with this. [April 2016, p62]

A stunningly good start to what will surely become a treasured PlayStation series. Brilliant stuff. [April 2017, p.71]

Certain moments of that descent are essential parts of horror game history, and total must-plays on PS4. [February 2016, p83]

Still oozing with cool. Great game design (shamelessly Frankenstein’d together from other franchises) is timeless. Armageddon board. [February 2016, p77]

By the time the post-credits wrap, this long-delayed production will have earned a place in your heart of hearts, alongside its predecessors. [February 2016, p70]

Buy this for the best hero and plot of the series, and insane hours-for-dollars value. [January 2016, p81]

Thankfully, the base game itself remains as utterly essential as always. [January 2016, p78]

Far from the footnote it could have been, Titanfall 2 is a huge, headline shock. In a standout year for the shooter, this interstellar adventure dares to go big and beyond the familiar. What it finds out on the frontier is worth seeing. [January 2016, p74]

While patrolling that retail space, you’d be mad to ignore this as it lurks in the corner. It’s every inch a killer game, and worthy of Lasting Possession. [January 2016, p68]

Enlist the right team, and this is an incredibly rich adversarial experience where no one match ever plays out like the last. [Christmas 2016, p82]

Positively hypnotic in PS VR, this is an ideal showcase for your new virtual reality kit. [Christmas 2016, p80]

Positively hypnotic in PS VR, this is an ideal showcase for your new virtual reality kit. [Christmas 2016, p79]

Want a robust, strategic, deep VR game? Grab this, but be prepared to digest it in small chunks over time. [Christmas 2016, p77]

Even if you’re not coming into this with a brain full of nostalgia, the astonishing, zen-like freedom provided by Area X is unmissable VR. [Christmas 2016, p76]

A compelling companion piece for the Arkham franchise, and an impressive PS VR proof of concept. Held back by a high asking price for not a lot of content. [Christmas 2016, p74]

Thankfully, PlayStation VR Worlds is a crowd-pleaser solution. It’s essentially the Wii Sports of Sony’s PS VR. [Christmas 2016, p73]

Minor gfx hiccups aside, Battlefield 1 is as mustard as the gas it depicts. Winding back the clock and rediscovering its infantry roots has let DICE craft one of the best Battlefields in the series. Oddly, we want more solo DLC. [Christmas 2016, p70]

Redeems Infinity Ward, but is uninspiring. In the face of DICE’s efforts over the fence, this wasn’t the year to stick to the old formula. [Christmas 2016, p69]

Ironically, those who overindulged on Minecraft will appreciate it most of all – its structure turns out to be exactly the fresh spin on the genre we’ve been waiting for. [Christmas 2016, p67]

Slick brawling, charming visual design, vibrant set-pieces and that glittering guest star mean it’s still well worth crashing this kids’ party. [Christmas 2016, p66]

The dialogue choices aren’t exactly Mass-Effect-calibre, but it’s a welcome means of disrupting the match-match-match routine. And of finding new ways to insult Reigns every week, should you so desire. [Christmas 2016, p65]

While it’s a shade short of perfect, there is no comparison: you will find no finer strategy game on PS4. [Christmas 2016, p64]

All combined, you’re looking at the biggest and one of the most enjoyable Tomb Raiders yet. Here’s to 20 more years. [Christmas 2016, p62]

A modern masterpiece flanked by an okay sequel and a round-off that still delights. This isn’t the Big Daddy of PS3 trilogies, but it’s a circus of value. [December 2016, p83]

Veterans should hold onto their hard-earned pesetas for a future budget buy. If you’re a newbie to the series it’s ok to buy it at a high price, stranger. [December 2016, p81]

As any standup will tell you, the key to a successful joke is the execution – and Jazzpunk tees up its titters masterfully. [December 2016, p80]

In the end, the most meaningful change to FIFA 17 is The Journey. It, along with the increased big-match atmosphere provided by the Frostbite engine, make very compelling reasons to trade up. [December 2016, p78]

A novel, friend-filled angle from which to freshly experience what must be one of PS4’s finest and most artisanally crafted survival adventures. [December 2016, p77]

A slow burn that (eventually) picks up into a decent DLC. Standing between you and the good stuff: a load of deja vu. Make with the Destiny 2 already. [December 2016, p76]

All combined, it’s enough to elevate Virginia above PS4’s typical story-led fare, divisive bow-out and all. [December 2016, p74]

When PES 2017 gets things right – and there’s a lot of times when it gets things right – there’s simply no other sports game like it. The glory days are back. [December 2016, p72]

Smart subtractions and extremely worthwhile additions make this the best Worms in years. Ignore solo, enlist for multi. The more people, and the more local, the better. [November 2016, p77]

Makes huge strides forward, is held back from total greatness by two things: a story that falls just short of the shading around it, and bugs. [November 2016, p72]

If we had the technology, we’d force all of you to lurch up out of your chairs and go buy this. [November 2016, p64]

Underneath the cute exterior lies a tough-as-nails sim exposing the realities of prison life. If you can see past a few offences, lock your door and lose the key. [September 2016, p72]

Short on runtime, but also the bearer of surprising plot revelations and brand new mechanics. It’s enough to stop this from being just another brick in the wall. [September 2016, p71]

A game of contrasts and challenges, the greatest irony of all is that there’s no dilemma to be had here. Your own Decision Game is simple: Virtue’s Last Reward fans must buy it, no question. [October 2016, p74]

While it great barrier reeks of quality, Abzû is not as breathtaking as it could be. [October 2016, p72]

A lovingly-crafted callback worth answering, despite its truncated length and elementary difficulty. [October 2016, p68]

Disarmingly simple and consciously limited, Push Me Pull You’s longevity is questionable, but this isn’t designed to be played for days on end. Stick it on when friends and family are round, secure yourself a festive amount of booze and snacks, and you’re all but guaranteed yuks of both kinds. [August 2016, p77]

The last sections of The Magic Circle are some of the best “no WAY!” twists you’re likely to play this year. [August 2016, p.76]

Look past the lop-sided multiplayer, and Doom is still one helluva reboot. It’s a must for any modern FPS fan looking to taste the ultra-violence of yesteryear. Your Nana will hate it. [August 2016, p71]

Truly exceptional presentation, oodles of tactical nuance, and a rich universe. Blizzard’s first ever FPS can keep up with the genre big boys and then some. [August 2016, p70]

Severed is an unusual game that remains compulsively fascinating, making full use of PS Vita’s strengths – feeling like it couldn’t exist anywhere else – to craft a quietly moving tale. [July 2016, p77]

Even the odd spiteful stage can’t dull the boisterous appeal, and for every frustrated ragequit it inspires, there’s an hour or more of big dumb grins in this flamboyant bundle of unabashed fun. [July 2016, p73]

Throw in Dark Souls-like player invasions, and the best co-op this side of Diablo III, and Alienation is a loot-tastic, bughunt safari that should not be missed. [July 2016, p72]

Has aged remarkably well, and is polished enough to draw in curious newbies. Veterans should be well chuffed with all the DLC thrown in. [July 2016, p71]

Not flawless, but easily the brightest jewel in the PlayStation 4 crown. Deserving of a place in your gaming museum. [July 2016, p66]

The occasional flat gag notwithstanding, DotT’s long awaited PlayStation appearance is sublime. [June 2016, p77]

This remaster retains and showcases Heavy Rain’s best assets (we’re so sorry). Some wobbles, however, have also made the jump to PS4. [June 2016, p76]

To immerse yourself in the inky swirl of its spectacle is to realise that’s it’s not just a Dark Souls III side dish. It’s a main course all on its own. [June 2016, p74]

This is a game for those unafraid of a steep challenge (or investing in a good driving wheel setup). [June 2016, p73]

Dark Souls III is all-consuming, it’ll drive you up the wall, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll get when everything clicks and you go on to finish that final boss... well, it’s simply beyond compare [June 2016, p70]

A near-perfect fusion of old and new, video game and animated film. Nostalgiaholics will love the return visit, newcomers will get hooked on what will hopefully become a launch pad into a whole new series. [June 2016, p68]

Inclusive, streamlined, faster than ever, and looks radiant on Unreal Engine 4. Street Fighter V has no challengers. [April 2016, p72]

Played as intended, with three mates in one room, Screencheat is the most fun you can have in a local multiplayer setting. Worth owning, just to have on your HDD for parties. [April 2016, p71]

It’s the game hardly anybody played, remade in such a way as to demand every respectable gamer's attention. Take the plunge. [April 2016, p70]

A best-in-class puzzler that in no way caters to the lowest common denominator. Punishingly difficult. Extremely rewarding. [April 2016, p68]

Overflowing with new content, offers much more for soloists, and is just as hilarious as ever. Garden Warfare 2 is not to be underestimated. [May 2016, p77]

Intelligent mechanics, intense gameplay, well thought-out mission structure and plotlines are all winners in our book. Bring on the endgame antics! [May 2016, p70]

While it won’t change your life it is full of surprises, and clever too. [April 2013, p78]

Infinifactory sounds like paying Earth money to play as the most under-paid drone in the shittiest vocation ever, but you’d be surprised by how much job satisfaction there is to be had here. [February 2015, p77]

Yes, it’s punishing. But it’s the good, sexy kind of punishment. [February 2015, p74]

An irresistible, toe-tapping experience that is well deserving of the Kickstarter love that brought it into modern times. Off the hook local multiplayer, too. [February 2015, p71]

The strides made in-ring make this an essential play, but [the] missed [outside ring] opportunities sting harder than a Big Show turnbuckle chop. [January 2015, p74]

Unusually for an RPG, this is a game led more by its systems than its storytelling. Its intricate yet accessible mechanics make it a unique modern classic. [January 2015, p73]

Its blend of brutality and sentimentality won’t be for everyone, but this is a dense, absorbing game. [January 2015, p72]

Basically, Battlefront is like the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi. It’s as visually impressive as it is, well, kinda barebones. That said, it is not to be underestimated. Diehard Star Wars fans should still stay on target, because it has the potential to set your world on fire. [January 2015, p69]

Feral Ghoul ugly in many ways, but beneath its iffy exterior beats the heart of one helluva great RPG. Get past the graphics deficiency, and the sheer thrill of Fallout 4’s combat, crafting options, and exploring will hold your attention for months. [January 2015, p64]

Folks who have a single-minded, fashionable dislike of the series will recognise a handful of meaningful changes to the formula, but nothing that will keep them jacked in for long. Being in the middle-ground of the love-hate CoD spectrum, we’ll happily play this for months. [January 2015, p62]

Don't let your natural wariness of licensed games steer you clear, because there's more than meets the eye here. [Christmas 2015, p75]

Flawless game design and endless replay value mean that Super Meat Boy! more than holds its own on PlayStation in 2015. [Christmas 2015, p73]

Uncharted: TNDC is one for the ages. Yes, the gameplay and visual wow-factor have faded in a few spots, but the inimitable charm of Nate and co., plus some of the best story-telling in gaming, make this a must-have. [Christmas 2015, p71]

This is a year in which FIFA switches down a gear in terms of pure speed, yet provides marathons' worth of value, if you have the stamina for it. [Christmas 2015, p68]

Aside from a few isolated visual bugs we spotted, Syndicate seems to fix the technical bugbears that haunted Unity. Its likeable dual protagonists and fascinating setting are offset by little mechanical evolution and a few unfortunate cuts (co-op mainly). [Christmas 2015, p67]

Go in expecting a “next-gen” evolution of Rock Band 3, and you'll wind up booing. Expect a slick, party-in-a-box, and you'll be wolf -whistling. [Christmas 2015, p65]