Though Adorable Adventures is extraordinarily simple for older gamers and seems to lack ambition, its impact arguably extends beyond its offering as a video game, at least to younger folk anyhow as it seeks to expand their knowledge of their relationship with the natural world that surrounds them and, of course, the sprightly boars that serve as Adorable Adventures protagonists. A great introduction to open world design for new games and the young folk alike, Adorable Adventures also makes a good case for itself as a relaxing refuge from the worries of the world, one where you can get lost in the beauty of nature, smell flowers and frolic about with your boar siblings. I'm not sure about you, but I absolutely need that sort of wholesome in my life right now.

Ground Zero plays its cards very early on, showing you exactly what it wants to do from the get-go. It channels its inspiration from old-school survival horror games that made the PS1 so special, even leaning into pre-rendered backgrounds and offering tank controls. Visuals get blurry in certain areas, and frame rate takes a hit in weird places. Then there's the old-school need to actually conserve your ammunition for boss fights, which can put you in a position where you can't defeat the boss without enough weaponry. Overall, Ground Zero makes for a good time and has a good gameplay loop as long as you know what to expect from it.

The moment-to-moment FPS gameplay is flawed courtesy of its boxy repetition and lack of kablam in places, but even though it isn't fully accomplished, Mouse: P.I. For Hire is nonetheless an outstanding curiosity that doffs its sleek fedora to Disney and the noir genre.

A blistering, rapid-fire epic without peer, Saros confidently delivers a dual masterclass in third-person shooter design and roguelike sensibilities all wrapped in a delectable veneer that elevates it to one of the best looking games on PlayStation 5. To quote the kids - Housemarque cooked here. This is their masterpiece and it is next the must have, utterly essential PlayStation exclusive. Carcosa beckons.

There is a timeline where the developers behind Dead Cells didn’t have the opportunity to use their ample talents to create a thoroughly excellent Prince of Persia. Thankfully, this is not that timeline, because in this timeline The Rogue Prince of Persia exists and isn’t just a great spiritual follow-up to Dead Cells, but also one of the best Prince of Persia games to ever be released. Period.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss does ample justice to its grim source material, fashioning a compelling investigative adventure which generously drips with atmosphere but one which is sadly somewhat undercut by a wealth of technical issues that take the sheen otherwise what is a highly enjoyable Lovecraftian romp.

Proving that effective, heart-stopping horror can emerge from even the chonkiest pixels and cobwebbed 8-bit audiovisual presentation, Faith: The Unholy Trinity is a disturbing, skin-bumping terror that embraces its technical limitations and plodding pace to deliver the kind of genre offering that many larger studios wish they had the gumption, imagination and freedom to pull off.

Honestly, Hades 2 is a great game. It feels wholly like a game while still maintaining a narrative for those of us who need that narrative element. It balances all of the roguelike factors in such a way that you always feel like you are progressing, even during setbacks. The premise is a blast, and so is the gameplay loop. Auto aim works well for what it is, but the lack of aiming could put you in precarious situations. All in all, Hades 2 could easily be in the running for Game of the Year, just like its predecessor was in 2020.

Pragmata marks something truly special for Capcom; an experience that manages to marry action, conflict, and story into a cohesive whole that more than justifies the long wait for expectant fans. It juggles a variety of mechanics and miraculously blends them together. Every facet of this game is explored to its fullest, with still more room to grow. For all I can say in this review, Pragmata is very special.

By leaning on its MGS stealth adventure lineage, Konami and developers ZDT Studios has produced a pleasing homage through it courtesy of Darwin's Paradox. The threats and the platforming challenges are numerous, the references are cool and you'll be content to keep on lapping this one up just to see the iron will of Darwin continue onward towards salvation. At times it can be a bit tricky to know exactly what to do, the story is threadbare and it might not be lengthy, but you will surely remember this one when you're done-even if it's just for the Metal Gear Solid references.

Though the game has clearly been made on a relatively shoestring budget, it still manages to ooze a happy go lucky charm all the same that feels increasingly rare in these fraught times. New Super Lucky’s Tale might lack truly innovative gameplay elements or any new features beyond its PS4 counterpart, but the fact that there are still so few bonafide 3D platformers doing the rounds means that New Super Lucky’s Tale still earns itself an easy recommendation for fans of the genre and proves itself as an ample and captivating post Astro Bot fix.

The Tournament Mode is overly long with cutscenes that drag, and you may not find it to be as pleasingly accessible as the games it cribs inspiration from, but Screamer does its darnedest to impress, and it does so given the myriad of modes and how on point the presentation is. You'll certainly be screaming with approval when you get your hand on Screamer, just don't wake the neighbours.

Marathon is further proof of Bungie's pedigree and ability to create enthralling, engaging, and addictive shooters. While Marathon is brutally challenging and unforgiving, especially for the solo or casual player, it begs to be experienced.

Crimson Desert is an incredibly ambitious project. If you are willing to commit, you will find appreciation in this deeply immersive medieval RPG that is almost stuffed with too many features, but somehow makes it all hang together in a beautiful and ambitious package.

Project Songbird is truly special. While it doesn't push the envelope forward gameplay-wise, it pushes your emotions into overdrive. Anyone who has ever experienced depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, or questioned their life decisions will find something here. And if you're like me, who experiences these emotions daily, along with some tragedy, you will be completely seen and heard with this game. Project Songbird is truly healing, and I appreciate every moment I have had with it.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection more than proves its worth in quality and depth. It masterfully translates the core of Monster Hunter into a single-player RPG that encourages deep engagement with systems and the world itself. This is far more than just another monster-catching RPG; it's an intelligent, layered and moreish adventure that delivers an impactful, mature story that has sat with me for a long time. Consider me well surprised with this one.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando delivers pure co-op chaos with confidence and flair. Massive hordes, satisfying weapon variety, inventive vehicles, and clever salvage/defense mechanics create consistently thrilling missions. Class progression, skill trees, and temporary heavy weapons encourage experimentation and strategic play. Performance dips are minor in comparison to the spectacle, and while the game doesn’t reinvent the genre, it refines a familiar formula in ways that feel fresh, especially with friends. Overall, it’s a high-energy, replayable co-op experience that shines brightest in teamwork-driven chaos.

When people talk about wanting remakes, Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is exactly the quality of remake they have in mind. Overall, this is a fantastic way to experience a beloved classic on modern hardware.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a supremely assured offering that is better than its predecessor in virtually every way, layering just enough mechanical depth on top while never losing sight of the beating heart underneath.

Resident Evil Requiem is a confident, gorgeous-looking and genuinely scary romp that expertly balances its horror and action elements into one compelling, hair-raising package. Grace is one of the best new characters the series has introduced to date, and a perfect complement to veteran zombie slayer Leon. As the series celebrates its 30th anniversary, Resident Evil Requiem sees the franchise at its strongest in years.

Avowed on PS5 is a focused, polished RPG that thrives on combat variety, skill depth, and companion-driven encounters. Expanded progression systems and gear upgrades make your chosen playstyle feel consistently rewarding, while companions add tactical and narrative depth to every fight. Though Obsidian has kept some story beats and familiar design elements safe, the meaningful tweaks and updates bring more out of your experience, making exploration, combat, and progression more engaging than ever. Limited enemy variety remains a minor restraint, but overall, the PS5 version feels complete, confident, and satisfying from start to finish.

Though the tonal shift might be too much for some longer term God of War vets and it really doesn't achieve anything fresh or new in the Metroidvania space, Sons of Sparta nevertheless stands as proof that AAA developers like Sony Santa Monica should continue to let talented indie devs play in their sandbox because despite such flawed, the results are still more than worthwhile.

Reanimal is a short thrill ride, packed with stylish albeit somewhat repetitive set pieces, and truly nightmarish imagery. Despite its obvious connective tissue to Tarsier's previous franchise, it does enough to never feel derivative, and instead comes off as more of an evolution.

Romeo Is a Dead Man is yet another belter from a director who marches to the beat of his own drum. It's unapologetically weird, well-conceived and just downright fun to play, and that's all I could really ask for. Every small detail forms a tapestry that can't really be described, only experienced with your own eyes. Where every design idiosyncracy might not land, it doesn't apologise for that. Why should it?

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is a top-notch package brimming some great new content, with the Dark Tide side-story worth the price of entry alone. There's some questionable changes and additions to Yakuza 3 that will irk some longtime fans, but overall, this is a brilliant remake and easily the most ambitious in the series to date.

Nioh 3 represents the series at its most refined and confident. Combat is precise, expressive, and endlessly rewarding, while open-field design gives the world room to breathe without sacrificing focus. Crucibles deliver punishing, carefully balanced challenges that reward preparation and mastery in equal measure.

Another swing and a hit from Square Enix and the Dragon Quest franchise. Dragon Quest VII: Reimagined streamlines the entire experience and provides plenty of quality-of-life updates that I wish every studio would implement into their games. The visuals and sound design are once again in the higher echelon, and game's combat is still just as enjoyable as Dragon Quest combat always is.

If a harsh climbing simulator is your thing, Cairn does a great job of providing you with the treacherous conditions of an ambitious mountain climb. It's an outstanding little game in respects to how strategy and perseverance can assist you in reaching your goals and ultimately the Mount Kami summit.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is a bittersweet ending to a story that started over 20 years ago. Beyond the Horizon has mastered its combat system, offering a near-perfect balance between action and turn-based combat. Meanwhile, the story at times had me glued to the screen. It's just a shame some of the franchise's most glaring issues still haven't been addressed, and the game's pacing could have used a lot more work.

MIO: Memories In Orbit is a deceptive experience that lulled me into thinking that it might be retreading some of the roads that had already been masterfully done by its genre-siblings, but only a few hours had me appreciating every crevice and finely realised detail throughout its lush world. It manages to stand all and establish itself as a fantastic metroidvania that draws upon the strengths of the genre, while creating a world all its own.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow on PSVR2 is modest in ambition but confident in its chosen identity. It doesn’t offer the sprawling systemic depth of its ancestors, nor does it push stealth AI into new territory, yet the tactile VR experience elevates what could have been forgettable into something surprisingly satisfying. The repetition, the shallow enemy behaviour, and the occasional technical hiccup undeniably pull the game down, but the undeniable charm of physically inhabiting the shadows pushes it back up. What’s left is a VR stealth experience that works because it leans into the strengths of the medium, even if it can’t fully escape its weaknesses.

Though Skate Story may be a barebones skateboarding game, the rest of the game is a stunning visual and audibly experience. The game's soundtrack is incredible and perfectly fits the abstract, psychedelic visual style.

Nightdive Studios has done once it again with Blood: Refreshed Supply. Not only has the developer lavished its typically heady amount of polish and care on Blood: Refreshed Supply, but so too does it deserve a whole heap of credit for refreshing (pun intended), one of the best shooters of the 1990s for contemporary consoles. Boasting some incredible level design, massively satisfying weapons and a wealth of additional content, Blood: Refreshed Supply deftly mimics its resurrected protagonist by still holding up so darn well all these years later.

Old School Rally may not have as much meat on the bones as modern rally games, and on a technical level it's not going to wow you at all. Having said that, Old School Rally pays gracious homage to the past and is definitely a rally-racing game for those who love late 90s and early 00s titles such as Colin McRae Rally and the early WRC titles.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a great game in its broadest strokes, but manages to miss the high benchmark that the rest of the series has set for me. The bones of a mobile game are still very much here, candied with the presentation of a console experience. Despite this, I still largely enjoyed my time with Octopath Traveler 0, and very much want to see more from this now staple franchise.

With plenty of characters and great combat, there is a lot to love about Marvel Cosmic Invasion. The fantastic visuals and sound design shine through from Tribute Games and Dotemu. It's just a shame that the game's difficulty spikes and lack of extra lives in the campaign hold it back. Thankfully, the Arcade Mode more than makes up for the game's shortcomings, with great modifiers that let you enjoy the game however you want.

For anyone drawn to open-world shooters, survival games, or atmospheric horror, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is an absolute must-play. It’s tense, beautiful, and deeply immersive, with a world that feels alive and unpredictable. Challenge, exploration, and narrative are balanced with skill, delivering moments of genuine fear, discovery, and triumph. On PS5, the game runs smoothly and presents the Zone in all its haunting glory. After experiencing it firsthand, it’s clear this is a major milestone for the series — a game that fully deserves attention and respect.

Much like its grizzled and long dormant protagonist, Outlaws + A Handful of Missions has been pulled out of the doldrums of retirement to lace up its boots, load up its guns and ride into the sunset. It's old, gruff, unapologetic and certainly not for everyone. For me however, the opportunity to replay one of my favourite cult PC shooters of the 1990s in arguably its definitive form, easily makes Outlaws + A Handful of Missions worth the price on its head. For everyone else, a snappy and surprisingly clever Wild West retro shooter beckons.

The Atelier Ryza Secret Trilogy is arguably the series of games that put Atelier on the map for a lot of players, and this remastered collection manages to do what it needs to do to sand down the edges to make for an approachable and digestible best-hits of what many consider the peak of the franchise. While I would have liked to see this collection go a bit further in their effort to bring all the games to the same standard, I can't really argue with what's been included here.

If you want a new superhero episodic series with great dramatic moments and laughs, Dispatch is fantastic. However, if you want a game that plays as whimsically and enjoyably as it presents itself, then you may be disappointed. Give Dispatch a shot though because it's definitely an enjoyable ride you'll want to play repeatedly.

Reach VR is a confident leap forward for nDreams and for virtual reality on PS5. Its tactile movement, convincing world, and expressive design make it one of the most engaging uses of the medium this year. There are moments when repetition and polish issues hold it back, but its highs easily outweigh the rough edges. This is the kind of game that reminds you why VR matters — not because it’s a novelty, but because it makes the impossible feel real.

Possessor(s) brings a lot of success to the table: lots of boss fights, chunky and engaging combat, and a robust world to explore. Combine that with a strong narrative, and you have a recipe for success. The whip needs some optimization, and progressing the story can easily stagnate once the map opens up. Possessor(s) may not be able to contend with the titans of the genre, but it doesn't need to. It still provides a good experience for anyone interested in Metroidvanias.

Suffices to say, If you haven't played Lumines before you're in for an exquisite audio/visual treat loaded with memorable and impacting vibes. Arise's soundtrack doesn't quite reach the majesty of Electronic Symphony on the Vita as the tunes can be too soft and not as emphatic, but in every other way Arise is the best Lumines game yet, and aptly bursts with life just as fervently as its new gameplay mechanic.

Anno 117: Pax Roma delivers the same satisfying city-building loop as Anno 1800 but offers little innovation beyond a Roman skin. While still fun and deep for newcomers, veterans may find it more like a reskin. The PS5 version suffers from mediocre graphics, hard to navigate UI, and awkward controller support - but keyboard and mouse are supported. Good game, flawed console port.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 has the workings of a solid game, complete with options for newcomers and genre fans alike. The hardcore fans may not find enough here to satiate their sim appetites, but the appeal of dinosaurs is hard to resist. Even if this is a game, there aren't many consequences to your in-game actions; the big hurdle is learning to navigate the game's many menus while using a controller. Thankfully, you can pause the game and make choices, but even though it's a welcome option, this still feels more like a hotfix rather than a design choice. $60 is an attractive asking price, but it might be too much to ask for those on the fence, even if there are dinosaurs on the other side of said fence.

Another home run for those wizards at Digital Eclipse whom I hope will never stop weaving their game preservation magic, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection isn't just a pitch-perfect trip down memory lane, it's a love letter, a tantalising peeling back of the curtain, a look behind the scenes of one of the most legendary and landmark videogame franchises ever made. If you have even the smallest modicum of fondness for gaming's original bad boy, then the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is as essential as essential can be.

It's another swing and a hit for Square Enix. Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake upgrades the first two games in the legendary franchise with improved combat, refined writing, and a much-improved story across both games. Meanwhile, the incredible visuals and a fantastic soundtrack round out a package that should make any JRPG fan giddy with excitement.

A good sequel makes sure to keep all of its main components the same while enhancing what makes those components enjoyable. PowerWash Simulator 2 manages that in spades. Providing new equipment, changing how you use soap, and adding meaningful elements to the gameplay loop keep the formula fresh without dirtying up what makes the game a fan favorite. At $25, PowerWash Simulator 2 is a steal.

The Outer Worlds 2 excels on almost all fronts, presenting you with an open RPG that lets you choose how you progress while still keeping you on a clear path. The in-game systems allow you to customize how you play and give you versatility in the choices you make along the way. Combine that with great writing, and you have a recipe for success. Equipment menus are a bit clunky, enemy encounters can be manipulated, and the act of looting takes some getting used to. Still, none of these issues will keep you from enjoying the game. The Outers Worlds 2 is worth every penny of the $70 it asks for.

Once Upon A Katamari feels like a confident step back into the series after having a crack at some remasters, and feels like a game that perfectly follows up on what those remasters set out to do. Everything that we all love about Katamari is still here and absolutely kicking. Small reservations with the progression system do precious little to take away from what is - ultimately - one of the most pure and appealing game concepts ever put to players. An absolutely fantastic return to form for a legacy franchise.

Borderlands 4 doesn’t reinvent the Vault—it just rebuilds it stronger. The writing occasionally misfires, and the performance hitches are unacceptable in a AAA series like this. Still, the moment-to-moment thrill of firing absurdly designed weapons at even more absurd enemies carries the experience. It’s messy, noisy, and entirely too much at times—but that’s Borderlands at its most honest. Gearbox hasn’t made a flawless sequel, but it’s made a hell of a fun one.

Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2 might not be the sequel that folk from 2004 wanted for their game, but it is the game we've got. Though largely sparse open world and technical issues are hardly encouraging, the beautifully evocative interior environments, surprisingly engaging traversal and combat mechanics, together with its neatly unconventional ‘buddy movie' conceit which sees two vampires attempting to inhabit the same body and each with their own motivations, makes Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines 2 a good deal more intriguing than I originally expected it to be.

A breath of fresh malodorous air, Blood West's take on ponderous demonic murder in a Wild West that is as weird as it is wild feels overdue for a setting that has otherwise stagnated with traditional open world efforts and fairly dunderheaded shooters. Sure, it's a little rough around the edges and the low-poly, retro 90s visuals invariably won't be for everyone, but there's an old-fashioned earnestness to its design and approach to progression that is almost overwhelmingly endearing all the same.

Little Nightmares III is generally a successful sequel thanks to its refined mechanics and the integration of co-op to its particular brand of horror experience. If you've played previous Little Nightmares games, you can rest assured that Little Nightmares III will bring you another deformed slice of horror you'll be eager to lap up. However, the formula of Little Nightmares hasn't changed and although it all works wonderfully well and you shouldn't try to fix what the wrench cannot, Little Nightmares deserves something more ambitious in the future. For right now though, fill those baleful boots and enjoy this unhinged third course.

Battlefield 6 is a spectacle with jaw dropping visuals and sublime audio, while delivering their best multiplayer offering in many years. However, despite it being predominantly a multiplayer experience, its campaign plays it far too safe, and feels all too familiar.

Absolum is not only one of the best beat-’em-up titles I’ve played, but it’s also easily DotEmu’s best outing yet, and easily establishes them as the best developer in this genre for the current generation.

Baby Steps won’t click with everyone, but if you have the patience, it delivers one of the most memorable and oddly inspiring platformers in years. Every laugh comes with frustration, every fall makes the next step sweeter, and the whole thing somehow feels worth it. It’s clumsy and challenging, but also one of the most charmingly human games you’ll play this generation.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist and The White Guardian leans into the old staples that the franchise sustained itself on, focusing on turn-based combat and crafting to win the day. Several elements take a step back from what recent titles in the franchise have done, instead focusing more on farming instead of exploring. It's still about alchemy, but getting to the alchemy is more repetition and less discovery. For longtime fans of the series, the Atelier formula is still there for a good time. With that said, newer fans may recoil a bit if they first jumped into the franchise alongside Ryza, Sophie, and Yumia.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger is a must-play game for anyone who has ever wanted to be a DigiDestin. From deep and engaging combat to a Digivolving system that I became addicted to again, like I did with Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth and Hacker's Memory. Time Stanger took every system, element, and pixel from the first games and built something truly amazing. Running around Japan, the Digital World, or just a sewer, you feel a rush of excitement. Every new encounter, skill upgrade, Digivolution, and new area feels right and bursting with fun. I cannot recommend this game highly enough to anyone, and if you have never experienced Digimon before, this is the perfect time to jump in. The Digiwater is fine.

EA Sports FC 26 is truly a game of two halves. The defending doesn't feel nearly as good as attacking, but that's a worthwhile trade off if it remains as fun as it is right now, once updates and balancing changes have been made.

Ghost of Yōtei is that rare sequel that not only maintains the essence of its highly successful predecessor, but also qualitatively leapfrogs it in just about every meaningful way and metric. Underscored by a grippingly furious tale of revenge inspired by a layer cake of classic Japanese samurai cinema, the best combat ever seen in a samurai title and the most compelling open world since Red Dead Redemption 2, Ghost Of Yōtei is a jaw-dropping demonstration of Sucker Punch Productions operating at the peak of its considerable powers. Ghost of Yōtei redefines the term ‘must-have’ and wholly validates PlayStation Studios broader approach to embracing single-player epics such as this.

In every way that counts, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the definitive way to play one of the defining games of the PS1 generation, and one of the very best games in the Final Fantasy series. Every change has been made in a way that complements the original, and pays respect to the work that came before. More than ever, this is the story that it needs to be. Incredible, through and through. You cannot miss this.

From its nerve-wracking combat to its dense puzzles, from grotesque enemy designs to quiet moments of reflection, it's a consistently engaging experience. Silent Hill f proves the franchise still has the power to unsettle and surprise. It's a brilliant return that respects its roots while boldly moving forward.

There is just something magical about the effort brought into the remake of Trails in the Sky. You can just see that it was made with love and care by people who understand just how special the original Trails in the Sky was. Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a must-have for anyone who enjoyed the franchise and all the RPG lovers in the world.

Despite my initial trepidation, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds defies the odds and managed to hook me. Strong fundamental gameplay is paired with genuinely cool customisation options and fantastic track design to make for a compelling and addicting racer that I’ve had to tear myself away from to even write this review. We’ll see how online balance plays out in a realistic sample size, but so far, I’m massively impressed.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a confident, if somewhat slightly derivative effort which is the measure of a developer not looking to rest on its laurels or coast on recent successes. Kept in line by solid fundamentals and a story that hits the right notes, this is an easy recommendation for fans of similar games where the hospitality of the locals isn't as warm or as welcoming as you had once hoped.

Putting up a brave effort despite all odds, The Knightling is a valiant effort and is far more endearing that you might think. Like the protagonist itself, The Knightling is a small open-world adventure, but it is packed with meaningful quests, bouncy platforming and simple-yet-satisfying combat. Yes, The Knightling lacks new ideas and could be seen as too short and insignificant - but for a fleeting five or so hours, The Knightling is a small delight that deserves your attention.

Hell Is Us is a game about the depravity of humanity and the consequences of our actions. Almost everything about Hell Is Us is crafted to perfection, from its incredible environmental storytelling to its characters and world. Though some may find it difficult to progress due to a lack of direction, its exploration becomes a key to its success. Its combat is fun with plenty of mechanics to mess around with, but it could have done with a little more enemy variety.

Purely operating on a bang-for-buck ratio, Karate Survivor figuratively karate punches far above its weight, that much is for sure. For around five bucks, you're getting a modestly made, though ultimately enjoyable take on the increasingly worn Survivors-like formula that satisfies with its bone-crunching action that riffs on the trashy martial arts cinema of the 1980s and 1990s. Just don't expect to be so reliably entertained in the longer term, as Karate Survivor's staying power leaves something to be desired.

Clever, tense, and often hilarious, Midnight Murder Club turns pitch-black mayhem into something memorable. It’s a game of light, sound, and timing that feels unlike anything else in the genre right now. With its originality and unpredictability, it’s easy to recommend—but it’s a ways off the genre-defining moment it hints at being.

Taken on its own merits some nineteen years since its original release, Gears of War remains a blast to play, only showing its age in minor ways which do little to detract from what is a seminal piece of work. Though not too far removed from 2015’s Ultimate Edition, the lower price of entry makes this easier to stomach for PlayStation owners tempted to dive into the series that defined a generation of Xbox fans and that few games have bettered in the proceeding years.

With its gorgeous hand drawn art and kinetic combat, Shinobi Art Of Vengeance is one of my favorite games of 2025, and one of the best 2D action-platformers in years.

I feel confident that the new gameplay mechanics, quality-of-life improvements, and immense visual overhaul in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater far outweigh the issues that come along with the changes. This gives more players a new way to experience the beloved classic, complete with more modern controls and mechanics without taking away from the original feel of the game.

Thanks to Nightdive Studios, that ultra reliable bastion of remastering excellence, Heretic and Hexen have never, ever looked this good or played this well on console. Certainly then, Heretic + Hexen might just be Nightdive's best remastering gig yet and that really is saying something when you consider the heady calibre of their output to date. They don't make em' like they used to - luckily, we have Nightdive Studios to make sure that they do.

There is a lot I enjoyed about Echoes of the End. Great characters, incredible vista, and fun puzzles. It's a shame that the combat can become frustrating, and some technical issues prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Mafia: The Old Country is all killer and no filler, featuring a lean campaign with engaging characters, cinematic set pieces, impressive visuals and a solid mob story that can be guilty of being a touch too predictable at times.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition takes what made the first game great and expands on it in every way. The brutal combat and the exceptional visuals and sound design bring this world to life. Ninja Theory did a fantastic job of making you feel the despair and hopelessness of the world.

Time Flies is a clever and enjoyable experience that delivers a profound message amongst its hectic speed running adventures. Savour the moments, as time flies when you're having fun.

This might not be the biggest Killing Floor launch ever, but it might be the best-built one — at least once the performance issues are patched up. You get fewer weapons and perks, but they’re better designed, more interesting, and full of potential thanks to the new mod system. The side objectives and movement upgrades push things forward just enough without losing what made the series fun in the first place. I have so much faith that this will build upon itself to be as much of a titan as Killing Floor 2 eventually was. As a fan from the start, I feel compelled to credit it for that.

The best point and click adventure effort to come along since Thimbleweed Park, Lucy Dreaming is a relentlessly entertaining genre effort that deftly blends well structured puzzle design with the sort of delightfully irreverent and offbeat humour that will have you grinning and quietly chuckling like a loon throughout its duration. A great point and click offering that you can enjoy with a nice cup of PG Tips, though I suspect that a cuppa of Yorkshire Tea would be more in line with what the creators intended.

Gorn 2 doesn’t reinvent the series, and it doesn’t need to. It refines the original in smart, deliberate ways: tighter progression, sharper visuals, and more variety through new weapons and absurd traps. The core loop remains that gleeful, physics-fuelled violence, now smoother, better paced, and more reliably fun. For fans of the first entry, Gorn 2 delivers a more polished and engaging experience — a true sequel that earns its place in the arena.

With how much has changed in Destiny, it's hard to see the forest through the trees. Everything I thought I knew, from what was good to what to focus on, has been overhauled. This was initially jarring, but the longer I spend with it, the more I come to like it. Much like the start of a new show, you can tell there is something more; however, you're only left with more questions. While this explanation is small, the universe it opens is vast.

While I would have liked to see a bit more done to update these games for modern platforms beyond just a bump to resolution, Patapon 1+2 are still landmark titles that deserve a look from anyone who has an appreciation for PlayStation's back catalogue. This is the definitive way to experience two core PSP games.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers isn't perfect, but it doesn't need to be to stand among the best in the Soulsborne genre. It doesn't just mimic what makes these games fun but expands on the formula that few others could. Challenging gameplay, riveting exploration, and unique control mechanics help to elevate Wuchang well above the run-of-the-mill Soulsborne clone. Wuchang more than deserves its own franchise.

Tough, tactical, and totally uncompromising, Ready or Not delivers a standout experience for those after something smarter than your average shooter. Every encounter demands precision and patience, with real consequences for poor decisions. Ready or Not is a must-play for fans of methodical, high-stakes gunplay.

While Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream won't win any awards in terms of its challenge or implementation of stealth mechanics, I absolutely fell in love with its opulent setting, excellently heartfelt performances, gripping story and linear stealth adventure goodness that did just enough to satisfy my stealth hunger. Though some may rightly decry its lack of challenge relative to other entries in the stealth genre, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is nonetheless a stunning debut for Swedish based studio River End Games and I can't wait to see what comes next.

Some disappointing soundtrack modifications didn't hamper my time with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4, as its truly timeless and nostalgic gameplay experience ultimately reigns supreme.

If you're looking for a spicy action game with an unashamed bravado and an excitably challenging gameplay loop, then Anger Foot is an absolute treat you won't hesitate to lap up in all its colourfully weird glory. The thin character interactions as well as the repetitive and overwhelming enemy compositions can grate, though when you're in the midst of the action you won't care. Anger Foot aptly puts its best foot forward as it capably produces a reverberating destructive impact, one you owe it to yourself not to miss out on despite its flaws.

So, EA Sports College Football 26 is better than last year albeit demonstrating its superiority in a measurement of inches rather than miles. That said, the raft of incremental improvements, massive amount of content to stuck into which when married with EA's reliably all-star, blockbuster presentation which succeeds in emulating the audiovisual sensation of the real-life spectacle mean that EA Sports College Football 26 remains an essential purchase for those looking to hit digital college gridiron. All in all, EA College Football 26 is the best football game to come along for a good while and once again supplants the Madden NFL franchise as the premier gaming series for America's most passionate sporting pastime.

System Shock 2 25th Anniversary Remaster contains a complete package of the source material, lovingly maintained in its original form, alongside tons of assets and history that most preservation efforts can't compare to.

Strange Scaffold has crafted another memorable shooter that knows how to get under your skin and pull you back in for just one more run. For players who love to push their skills to the limit, this one’s an easy recommendation.

Unlike other seemingly similar efforts that want to tempt players down 3D platformer memory lane for a concentrated hit of nostalgia and leave it at that, Ruffy and the Riverside doesn't just take that well-worn idea and repackages it, but instead adds something refreshingly compelling to the formula. Though some minor flaws and polish issues do abound, they aren't enough to take the shine away from one of the most charming and thoughtful 3D platformers in ages.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is a triumph in what it sets out to achieve. This isn't a game interested in converting willing consumers into fans, it's a game that takes bold steps in order to succeed what came before it. If you needed proof that Hideo Kojima is still the titan of the industry that he's hailed as, this game is that proof. I was left truly speechless by the end, and I have a feeling that many others will too.

The Alters is a unique narrative experience all its own, asking you to survive by manipulating your own history to create clones and escape from a fiery fate. As far as the genre goes, The Alters makes for a very accessible survival experience. With that said, hardcore fans of the genre may see gameplay in The Alters as far too simplistic. The other potential issue is that the Sun's looming danger isn't quite as looming as it initially feels, with most of the game progressing naturally without much actual danger. Either way, the combination of strong narrative and accessible gameplay makes this the perfect game for anyone who even remotely interested in trying survival-builder games. The Alters is a definite recommend title, even at its $40 launch price.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is another solid update to Atlus's long-running Shin Megami Tensei franchise. Raidou Remastered overhauls the combat system for modern players and includes plenty of quality of life upgrades. It's a nice addition for those looking for a more supernatural detective story set in the Tensei universe.

to a T has one of the most earnest cores of any game that I think I've ever played. It's positive, it's cozy and does a damn good job in trying to situate us in the position of a disabled person without revelling in the misery of its own characters. At the same time, I feel like to a T maybe goes a bit too far into the weird and whacky to be a truly grounded exploration of the subject matter. Which is sad, because I really did enjoy myself for the most part.

With excellent addictive and responsive gameplay, a compelling narrative, glorious sound and stellar voice acting, Lost In Random: The Eternal Die is a game dying to kill you with its charm. An indie gem you should grab with both hands.

For anybody who enjoyed Vampire Survivors and wanted something resembling a full-throated next step of that formula, Soulstone Survivors fits the bill handily. Though the small map sizes and occasional slowdown take the sheen of the package a little, Soulstone Survivors nevertheless makes a compelling case for itself as the next essential Survivors title that is very much worth of your hard earned cash.