With just 13 (visually interesting and welldesigned) levels, the long-term appeal lies in loot grinding; earning chests for better weapons and accessories, while levelling up each character individually. Otherwise, it’ll only last you about five hours. Bot AI and server activity can support this approach, though whether your tolerance for playing the same levels again and again can is another matter. [Issue#159, p.82]

Thrilling moments of mid-air diving, twisting, and fighting like a hero are chipped away at by some niggling flaws. And yet, if you overlook it foibles, Ace Combat 7 has enough in its hangar to love. [Issue#159, p.84]

Between the unusual character arc at its core, funky beats, and rhythm-based beatdowns, YIIK has a lot more to offer the RPG genre than just doomsaying. J[Issue#159, p.83]

By the end you’ll be exhausted. Relieved. And itching for more. In those dark rooms and corridors, Resident Evil 2 provides a challenge and then some. [Issue#159, p.87]

The inclusion of new sandbox maps, accessible crafting, and beautiful as well as genuinely horrific moments, ensures Metro Exodus keeps the series on track. [Issue#159, p.77]

It looks spectacular and captures the magic of Disney across its many varied worlds. Despite some grindy moments, and an Uncanny Johnny Depp, that charm can’t fail to raise a broad smile. [Issue#159, p.80]

What you get for your money is terrible, rendering the mid-level price insulting. There's no reality in which this is worth buying, virtual or otherwise. [Issue#158, p.97]

What we have here is a beloved, fun game battling an ill-advised move into virtual reality. [Issue#158, p.96]

Proof that style is no substitute for substance. [Issue#158, p.95]

Slightly wobbly on its feet. [Issue#158, p.94]

A superb bundle. [Issue#158, p.92]

As the backbone of a larger game, though, it's solid, and an interesting alternative to the combat system of most RPGs. [Issue#158, p.91]

Though the chat is scintillating, however, it feels cut short. [Issue#158, p.90]

Few games are this consistently surprising, let alone this well designed. [Issue#158, p.88]

A must for genre lovers. [Issue#158, p.87]

A competent if slightly unremarkable tactics game. [Issue#158, p.86]

Fundamentally a solid and detailed racing sim. [Issue#158, p.86]

Even at a penny shy of five quid, this is hard to recommend. [Issue#158, p.86]

Familiar thrills from this no-frills series. [Issue#158, p.85]

Its party modes saves the day. [Issue#158, p.84]

A shallow yet occasionally thrilling sandbox that doubles down on explosively stupid antics. The campaign is too grindy for its own good, and Rico's looks are fading, but this B-tier open world can still charm. [Issue#158, p.78]

Tetris Effect and PS VR go together like ham and eggs. It’s the perfect pairing of tech and game design. Don’t have a headset? You can still join in but you’re missing out on the definitive way to play. [Issue#157, p.92]

This package contains a huge amount – and it’s almost entirely some of the finest 3D platformer design plus enhancements that are simply gorgeous. Go on, puff the magic dragon. [Issue#157, p.90]

It seems war does change things after all. If you’re expecting this release to be Fallout 5, then yes, you’ll be disappointed. Approach with an open mind, and you may be nicely surprised. [Issue#157, p.94]

The Quiet Man is a once-in-a-generation terrible game mired by technical and racial issues, pretentious ideas, and poor execution. It’s an ineffable game that fails to land any of its posy punches. That it merely exists… now that is something to cry over. [Issue#157, p.97]

Ripe with potential but riddled with problems, the new Battlefield will be brilliant six months from now. Right now, however, it’s merely a good shooter. [Issue#157, p.83]

A formulaic adventure lifted by some fantastic design, then brought down to Earth by bugs and technical limitations. Still, there’s great fun to be had in Darksiders III if you can overlook its shortfalls. [Issue#157, p.86]

The fundamental gameplay couldn’t be simpler, and the dialogue is terrible… but it’s good. There’s a staggering 170 characters to unlock, and you’ll soon find favourites. With an enormous amount of content, online and offline co-op (if you can find other players; I couldn’t), and some cool-looking moves, it’s a shallow but entrancing adventure. [Issue#157, p.88]