Signs Of The Sojourner is a compelling adventure that explores loss, healing, and the intimacy of conversations, wonderfully gamifying interaction. [Issue#187, p.89]

A celebration of videogaming’s brashest decade, Narita Boy at times tries too hard to impress but always feels good to play. Turn it up to 11 and enjoy the ride. [Issue#187, p.83]

A surprisingly meaty, touching miniaturised romp. Ready up a player two! [Issue#187, p.79]

A very pretty and slick platformer that runs beautifully on PS5. Use of the console’s unique features are limited, but it’s still well worth playing. [Issue#187, p.80]

If you’re tired of 2.5D puzzle-platformers with a horror tinge, The Pedestrian’s signswitching action will serve as a refreshing roadside alternative. [Issue#186, p.89]

Fans of the original need to play this. A fun story sits beside what made the last game special. Combat is mediocre, but flashy enough to bash through. [Issue#186, p.86]

Whether you’re dipping in and out or hunkering down with it for a long ol’ gaming sesh, Ys IX is captivating, rewarding, and worthy JRPG. [Issue#186, p.83]

Two of the best in the genre are running better than ever natively on PS5. While not startlingly novel, if you missed out before, you’re in for a treat. [Issue#186, p.94]

The deaths caused by the controls being not as responsive as we’d like may annoy, but there’s a whole world out there you’re going to want to feast your eyes on. [Issue#186, p.79]

Not being able to carry over save data is a huge drawback. However, we enjoyed uncovering the bureau’s secrets all over again, with ray-traced drama. [Issue#186, p.88]

While there’s no ignoring the limitations of the production, everything culminates into a laser-focused indie experience that is very much more than the sum of its parts. For a sunrise you won’t soon forget, this is more than worth the just-overfive- quid price of entry. [Issue#186, p.82]

It’s rare to get top-quality Amiga games on PlayStation. Yet this collection can feel bare-bones, with extras only stretching to affectionate TV filters. If you’ve never played Turrican this is a curiosity. If, however, you grew up on the series there’s a sugary hit of nostalgia. [Issue#186, p.85]

See past the low-budget looks, and you’ll find this is no shaggy dog tale. It’s a well-paced adventure that’s worth sinking your teeth (and claws) into. [Issue#185, p.85]

A slick, surprisingly heartfelt 2D platformer that excels not in one area but in many. Olija’s a brilliant addition to Devolver Digital’s lineup of experimental indies. [Issue#185, p.83]

Combine this game with imported levels from the past two, as well as everything being playable in PS VR, and Hitman 3 is a must-play stealth masterclass. Even the least favourite levels in this new selection are full of memorable moments. The weaknesses seem to lie in limited variety, but you’ll still spend hours unravelling even those. You can spend as much time on an individual destination as you would any Triple-A action game. Dartmoor’s atmosphere and family conspiracy is a highlight; Mendoza’s another, with a fancy party held in a winery fronting some intense security and a guarded villa above. It’s interesting that both feel very much inspired by Hitman: Contracts’ Beldingford Manor and Blood Money’s A Vintage Year, but it’s a testament to the design that they manage to feel so distinct, highlighting just how impressive the near flawless execution of social stealth is here. [Issue#185, p.76]

While it’s never a stretch to find yourself in a twist, Phogs! makes getting out of these predicaments a joy thanks to imaginative puzzles and level design. [Issue#184, p.93]

An impressive PS5 upgrade that makes excellent use of the DualSense. This does a rally good job of letting you feel the road as well as see it. [Issue#184, p.92]

Though nothing groundbreaking, this version provides a collection of nice-to-have additions which boost an already great game, making it the one to go for (unless you’re a graphics snob). [Issue#184, p.89]

When you combine all of the smart design decisions with superb writing and dialogue, you get a truly memorable game, proving you don’t need a Night City-sized budget to impress. [Issue#184, p.89]

Very much in the Puyo Puyo mould, it’s goofy fun about the dimensions crossing over. PPT2 isn’t a gamechanger, but is still one of the best puzzlers around. [Issue#184, p.86]

Carrying you through this arduous journey are the minimalist story and art style – both of which are just detailed enough to remind you what you’re fighting for. Unto The End’s brand of intelligent combat makes for a demanding challenge that isn’t for everyone, yet its unpretentious nature results in a refreshing, if brief, melee-based adventure. [Issue#184, p.91]

While the success of the storytelling (and its exploration of psychology and mental health) is up for debate, there’s no denying this is a wonderful puzzle-platformer that is intelligent, unique, full of surprises, and, at five to six hours, never threatens to overstay its welcome. [Issue#184, p.91]

Ghostrunner frustrates and thrills in equal measure. There is too much trial and error at times, but persevere through clenched teeth and you’ll be rewarded. [Issue#183, p.95]

This PS5 edition offers new ideas and swish next-gen presentation. It looks, plays, and feels a step above PS4 but is held back by a similar need to open your wallet. [Issue#183, p.80]

Much buggier than the PS4 version, Dirt 5 is nonetheless a showcase for PS5 gaming, and a much-needed champion for splitscreen racing. [Issue#183, p.86]

It’s the MK11 you know and maybe love but it looks like a new game on PS5. Running at 60fps in 4K gives this brawler a new lease of life. A must for newcomers. [Issue#183, p.75]

Planet Coaster is uplifting and allows you to let your imagination run wild. It’s full of charm, wit and is the perfect escapism that fits your every need. [Issue#183, p.94]

A stylish adventure that makes like Fleetwood Mac and goes its own way. Beautiful to ear and eye, this is a trek through the forest that you need to take for yourself. [Issue#183, p.90]

Come for the change of scenery, stay for the change of abilities. Even if you don’t usually enjoy the grind, you should end up warming to this chilly package.[Issue#183, p.97]

A compelling game given new dimension. New wrinkles in the tale justify revisiting, but the more abrasive parts of its personality are wearing thin three years on. [Issue#183, p.74]

The most fun we’ve had with a music game in ages. Sophisticated yet approachable for those who belt out bangers and virtuosos alike – it’s got real potential. [Issue#183, p.64]

Even old Demon’s Souls hats will find plenty new to marvel at in this faithful and stunning recreation that showcases just why PS5 is so impressive. [Issue#183, p.83]

There’s a surprising number of changes, and most work. With an enjoyable campaign and a generous amount of online content, Cold War deserves a warm reception. [Issue#183, p.68]

From the cinematics to the script to the sound design, Chicken Police delivers. If you’re a lover of film noir aesthetics and solid witty dialogue, peck it up. [Issue#183, p.67]

If you’ve already sampled the delights of this series one way or another, rebuying content you already own is understandably a hard sell.But if you’ve never embraced the heat of the kitchen, allowed it to burn bridges between you and your loved ones, on the couch or online: you owe it to yourself to add this tasty treat to your PS5 library. [Issue#183, p.81]

Playing solo it can feel too casual but Hard mode stages with a friend (or four) fare better. Ultimately, the inclusion of the original arcade game is a saving grace and is as addictive as ever. [Issue#183, p.65]

When Valhalla is at its best, it evolves series mechanics. And when you’re cruising down river, about to blow your raiding horn, there’s nothing quite like it. [Issue#183, p.71]

More than a simple re-release, Vicarious Visions has pulled off the impressive trick of delivering definitive versions of two legendary games. No fakie, this is the real deal. [Issue#181, p.97]

It’s the game PS VR was made for; dogfighting is fast and nuanced, but it’s the physical act of sitting inside some of the Star Wars universe’s most iconic cockpits that never fails to impress. [Issue#181, p.84]

A worthy sequel to an indie pioneer that delivers countless surprises in a refined package. Not for the easily frustrated, perhaps, but essential for everyone else. [Issue#181, p.87]

One of the best-loved games on PS2 gets a pitch-perfect remake. Thick with atmosphere, Mafia: Definitive Edition just about manages to mask over any agerelated decrepitude. [Issue#181, p.91]

Worth playing for the humour alone, its twists on genre staples set it apart as a bitesized, approachable roguelike that’ll have you grinning for its duration. [Issue#181, p.95]

Precise platforming and readable challenge delivers on the Crash 4 promise. There’s heaps of challenge, but some new additions are a bit of a letdown.[Issue#181, p.81]

Translating the series’ brawling to turn-based fights with modern twists, this walks the line between laugh-out-loud comedy and gripping crime drama with ease. More Kasuga, please. [Issue#182, p.144]

Successfully encourages and rewards both patience and quick reactions, and punishes laziness. It’s a VR gameplay loop that you’ll gladly run through again and again. [Issue#182, p.157]

Taking us back to the ’90s in a mostly good way, Pacer is a solid WipEout clone with enough new ideas to slowly reveal its own personality. [Issue#182, p.161]

Special Edition raises the character-action bar even higher than the original, with high frame rates and Legendary Dark Knight mode seriously wowing. [Issue#182, p.139]

If only it had Dirt 2’s crash damage, this would have scored a perfect 10. Even without it, this is a superbly playable, varied, and visually gorgeous racer. [Issue#182, p.141]

While far from pushing PS5 to its technical limits, this is definitely one of the most delightful launch titles. Dial ‘D’ for ‘different’ to learn how you can begin your own Snaktooth adventure. [Issue#182, p.134]

Tasi’s story is a well-balanced nightmare littered with delicious scares. While, like her ill-fated aeroplane, it doesn’t quite stick the landing, it should still sate your desire for atmospheric terror. [Issue#182, p.150]

There’s less focus on building up a single party than in some games in the series. There are so many characters you’ll often switch them around without having time to outfit everyone to perfection. But it’s fun to see everyone come together for this finale, and being an ensemble piece means that four games in, this is an epic-feeling send-off. [Issue#182, p.136]

It looks fantastic, with animation delivering the TV-standard realism EA always aims for2 while offering gaming cues for eagle-eyed players to spot; using the stick skills to shuffle keepers out of position for a slap shot will leave you wide-eyed and fist-punching the air. See, that Nicolas Cage opener paid off. [Issue#182, p.160]

It’s a unique genre mash-up that doesn’t utilise the best-quality ingredients, but its two core elements complement each other well enough to result in a winning recipe. [Issue#182, p.156]

You’ll quickly learn which foods you’re comfortable making under pressure, but the harder challenges push you out of your comfort zone. With over 350 levels, there’s masses to do. And while hitting buttons to make food is pretty much all you do, each challenge feels unique. Though we don’t think we’ll ever be able to eat sopapillas again. [Issue#182, p.156]

A fantastic superhero story. Miles is an easy lead, and the tight design puts him to spectacular use (and is visually jaw-dropping on PS5). It’s a must-play. [Issue#182, p.131]

A game even irritating glitches can’t keep you from loving, Wasteland 3 is unique, inventive, and always fun. Make the right choice and put this one on your must-play list. [Issue#180, p.73]

Substantial, and makes us excited to see what’s next in Remedy’s Connected Universe. Our only question is ‘Alan Wake remaster when?’ [Issue#180, p.81]

A colourful sonic wave of imagination and joy with possibly the best soundtrack of any videogame this year, No Straight Roads is sure to pluck your strings in the best possible way. [Issue#180, p.70]

Mastery is ultimately what will keep pulling you back in, and thanks to a wealth of modifiers, you can tweak the gunplay to be as accessible or as challenging as you want. Stick on Deadeye and you’ll discover just how much you’ve been relying on the default aim assist. Truly a whip-smart workout. [Issue#180, p.80]

There’s a lot of text, but you only have to read enough to get the information you need. It’s more of a detective game, offering just enough guidance to ensure your snooping genuinely feels like an investigation into the denizens of this strange, surreal internet. [Issue#180, p.76]

With a focus on care and comfort, this is textbook cosy gaming. Its world of spirits is one you’ll want to get lost in and there’s unlikely to be a single guest you won’t be endeared to by journey’s end. Set sail under a snuggly blanket as the nights begin to pick up a chill, and let your heart be warmed. [Issue#180, p.74]

Kaiju battles are fun, especially if you like huge damage numbers or big area-of-effect explosions catching hundreds of enemies, but be aware that 13 Sentinels is a drastic departure from the action-heavy antics of Odin Sphere and Dragon’s Crown, though Vanillaware’s signature hand-drawn art style remains intact. Safe in that knowledge, strap in for the wildest narrative ride since Nier Automata as you get lost in its messy conspiracy. [Issue#180, p.74]

The only downside to this year’s game, as with The Golf Club, are the visuals. Even knocking balls about a clifftop woodland can feel sterile. But then the game offers an easy-to-use course creator and all is forgiven. Placing accessibility on par with accuracy, this is a golf sim so realistic you can smell the freshly laundered acid-blue chinos. [Issue#180, p.72]

Where the game really excels is in its beautiful, colourful graphics and the relaxing atmosphere they help to create. There is also a deep lore to discover as you travel across the archipelago, culminating in a seafaring experience that’s sure to make waves. [Issue#180, p.72]

The Ms.-Marvel-centric campaign is almost worth the cover price alone. Deep hero customisation sets the stage for a strong online mode with plenty more to come. [Issue#180, p.67]

A short, tightly designed, and satisfying puzzler. Changing perspectives to alter sizes and shapes is intriguing. It stumbles awake but sweet dreams are made of this. [Issue#179, p.73]

Worth playing for the visuals alone, to take in and explore these strange and beautiful environments, which will be timeless. The puzzles are fun, but not as revolutionary. [Issue#179, p.68]

Despite an occasional mean streak, when Cuphead plays fair it’s as much a treat for the thumbs as it is for the eyes– and with these distinctive, cartoon-inspired looks that’s no small feat. [Issue#179, p.78]

This one’s definitely a lighter course overall but feels substantial as it’s filled to the brim with its own unique blend of flavours. Puzzle fiends looking for their next meal absolutely shouldn’t pass up this refreshing snack. [Issue#179, p.80]

Difficulty spikes are common and may be off-putting to some players, but the addictive nature of what is a seriously smart battle system will usually see you determined to persevere, just as the Mother did in times gone by. After all, like Mother, like Daughter. [Issue#179, p.72]

Recognising that genius billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony is just as important as his metal-coated alter ego, Iron Man VR is a guaranteed virtual reality thrill for fans of the shiniest Avenger. [Issue#178, p.74]

With carefully communicated lore, healthy doses of humour here and there, enjoyable new activities, and an abundance of content, this expansion has us falling in love with TESO all over again. [Issue#178, p.80]

The sprawling yet accessible career mode has been honed and the game engine absolutely purrs. When ‘prettier menus’ tops your wishlist, hats must come off. [Issue#178, p.77]

This is a solid collection with two of the best shooters of the era, but it is pricey. [Issue#178, p.82]

The large dungeons aren’t the only places for larger-scale puzzling. Every overworld is essentially a dungeon-space: this is a game of dungeons within dungeons. You automatically jump off the edge of platforms, and the game has a great sense of physicality, compounded by the twisty environment design. Combine that with plenty of inventive puzzles, obstacles that react to certain elements, and battles, and you have an intense retro throwback that constantly presents new challenges throughout its 35-plus hours of playtime. [Issue#178, p.76]

A very enjoyable mix of activities set in one of the most elegant open worlds on PS4. Ghost Of Tsushima does nothing particularly new but it does it all to a high standard. [Issue#178, p.71]

Still one of the most unique character action games we’ve played, combined with a heartwarming story and retro-futuristic setting that is just pure feel-good. Simply… wonderful. [Issue#177, p.150]

The quality is a little uneven, but a good sense of humour and a determination to be inventive takes Pixel Ripped 1995 a long way. It’s rippedjeans- tastic! [Issue#177, p.157]

A heck of a catch. There’s plenty below the surface: this shark RPG isn’t afraid to comment on cycles of violence and pollution, while also being a gleefully good time. [Issue#177, p.145]

A complicated rootin’ shootin’ tactics puzzler that plays like a miniaturised Hitman-headswest. It can get muddled when all the parts are moving, but this is a must-play. [Issue#177, p.153]

These are perplexing puzzles but they don’t become tiresome. It’s pretty too, with the beautiful background environments reflecting the mood of the characters. Everything comes together to create a game that will make you introspective, and by your interaction, really care about this small and personal story. [Issue#177, p.144]

Beyond beautiful visuals and taxing puzzles, there’s also a hefty sci-fi story. Inspired by Japanese visual novels, Dysis’ investigation as she pushes inland into the ruins of a forgotten civilisation is intriguing, and full of twists. The dialogue that punctuates the puzzles rarely feels too long, and this mystery makes you want to keep pressing on. It’s a mixture that feels fresh, and the two halves of puzzle and story feel highly polished: more than enough to keep you remaining in this puzzle paradise. [Issue#177, p.144]

Mechanically, The Last Of Us Part II is a masterpiece that’s as joyous to play as they come, but it’s let down by its messy structure, leaving us pining for the journey of the first game. [Issue#177, p.135]

Combat so crisp it punches your nostalgia into next week, Streets Of Rage 4 is a time capsule well worth cracking open for a short bursts of expressive thuggery. [Issue#176, p.79]

A perfectly executed peep-’emup that makes you feel in control of your investigation, and tells a twisting tale that you won’t easily forget. [Issue#176, p.81]

It’s pretty unforgiving, in that restoring health can only ever be done via scarce consumables, and firearms and their ammo are also incredibly rare. Nonetheless, each mission is a tense delight. You’ll mostly walk to conserve stamina and avoid drawing attention, yet rasslin’ zombies is unavoidable, and you’ll want to be done before the town bells ring. Throw in humans both friendly and unfriendly – who will sometimes even fight among themselves – and you have a wonderfully oppressive, unpredictable world. And, yes, you get to slather yourself in guts. Yay! [Issue#176, p.78]

The visuals are an improvement on My Hero One’s Justice, but there’s still a lack of English dub, despite the series’ popularity. This is a game made for fans, and it’s clear Byking’s staff are fans themselves. Plus Ultra! [Issue#174, p.92]

Most of the boss fights been given a fresh do-over, with interesting new phases and twists that make them feel a little more special being introduced. These challenge you to think about a fight in ways beyond doing the most damage to your opponent. More than ever, Persona 5’s mechanics are used to further the narrative, whether that’s a high art plagiarist making fake copies of himself to fight you, or smart-aleck Akechi always throwing three bullseyes in a row at the new darts spot in town. It’s bigger, better, more. [Issue#174, p.84]

Team Ninja has given the soulsborne genre a unique twist enabling you to match demon power with demon power. This journey through Japanese history is no walk in the park, but it always delights and surprises. [Issue#174, p.76]

A love letter to the classic series written in blood, Doom Eternal is a fast-paced and utterly thrilling way to paint the town (and Mars, and ethereal realms) red. [Issue#174, p.89]

Like Snake, it’s simple and addictive in all the right ways. We’d have liked more maps to choose from, but what’s here is an arcadey joy that’s a delight to get lost in. [Issue#175, p.78]

With a sense of being transported to another world that many games struggle to achieve, this is a beautifully surreal journey. [Issue#175, p.81]

Best thing about Moons Of Madness is the way atmospheric horror is gradually built up during the first two hours. Sadly, this dread slowly dissipates in the latter stages, when less ambiguous enemy encounters feel a little out of place and forced. Overall, though, this is an excellent sci-fi horror game with an engaging story and an extremely eerie setting. [Issue #175, p.70]

No matter the scale of the fight, the combat system works. Each character’s unique fighting style is represented so they all feel different to play. It’s robust enough that Omega Force’s characteristic style, all about mowing down thousands, feels satisfying even when you go toe-to-toe with a single powerful enemy. Other One Piece games are welcome to try, but Warriors still has the treasure mark firmly painted over it. [Issue #175, p.70]

It’ll take you a handful of hours to get everything back up and running. However, this runtime feels far from insubstantial as every element is perfectly pitched. [Issue#175, p.80]

This is a jaw-dropping success, grafting new life onto an epic adventure, with action-packed combat that still oozes strategy. FFVII has redefined the genre once again. [Issue#175, p.66]

A great collection of retro platform shooter action. If you’re wondering what all the Mega Man fuss is about, this is a good place to start. [Issue#173, p.89]

When you and Patapon 2 are on the same page of its rhythmic song book, this is a treat of a dance party. You won’t be able to resist getting down to this sick beat. [Issue#173, p.89]