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.

There is a lot of charm in Hyke: Northern Lights and what it does works well for it. Its just a shame everything it does is simple and bare bones. Though I love the characters and world, the simple combat and bare bones exploration hold it back.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion has the makings of a classic, but the determination to hit the reset button on the franchise means that this game often feels like taking the first steps once again. A degree of intrigue with the plot was enough to string me along, but does little to elevate this one above purely serviceable.

Dead Reset has horror, it can gross you out, and the choices and their deviating paths encourage experimentation-but its low-budget thrills quickly decay into rot as it fails to hold your attention or invigorate you in surprising new ways.

You may have waited 8 years since the last proper Everybody's Golf game, but Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots has landed to remind you to take up your clubs and get swinging again. If you've loved previous Everybody's Golf titles, Hot Shots is a pleasant entry that gives you plenty to unlock and plenty of golf to get stuck into. However, while it's great to be incentivized to unlock rewards in Hot Shots, the grind can be too much to contend with. On top of this, the visuals and general look of the game isn't appealing, and the characters and their dialogue are super-generic. None of these dings should be enough to stop you from wanting to play Hot Shots, but there is definite room for improvement. Hot Shots is ultimately worthy of your investment, but this isn't a Hole In One, an Eagle, an Albatross, a Birdie, and it's not even a Par-it's a Bogey......just not the disgusting type.

Altogether, Metal Eden should be given a try, there's a demo on the PlayStation Store that can help you decide whether you dig its energy. However, despite its frenetic pace and solid gunplay, there's a sense the true potential of Metal Eden is unfinished. If you want a good and brief FPS, you can do far worse than Metal Eden, but you'll be left with the lingering impression you've seen all it has to offer too quick, and that the game's potential has only come out of the FPS oven half-baked.

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.

There's no getting around the fact that Lost Soul Aside feels like it belongs in the mid 2010s and honestly that would be fine were it not the fact that the game feels so compromised in so many other aspects of its design that it's difficult to shake the feeling that it just feels outdated, rather than a heartfelt love letter to the past. Though the soundtrack is frequently excellent and the combat reliably exciting, neither are enough to save Lost Soul Aside from tumbling into a deep abyss of rank mediocrity, which is a shame; especially considering the sheer amount of graft that has gone into the game since its inception all those years ago.

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.

For what it is, Tales of The Shire puts together a cozy game that almost requires you to play a certain way to enjoy it. At the same time, the game makes it known what it wants from you from the very beginning. There's charm here to be had with the right mindset. However, putting all of this together makes for a rather fixed and repetitive experience. For what it's worth, Tales of The Shire stands as a solid formula for people who don't often play these types of games. It replaces coordination and planning with hard work. By the time you're done with this game, you'll be ready to try some of the more renowned titles the genre has to offer.

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.

Strangely, while Shadow Labyrinth is a solid Metroidvania that carries inspiration from various sources, it doesn't feel inspired because it leans too heavily on the nostalgia of Puck's Pac-Man sensibilities. Serviceable is the best way to describe Shadow Labyrinth because it's a competent experience and it might be satisfying if all you're looking for is a general Metroidvania experience.

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.

Ultimately, if you can forgive the crusty aesthetics (and I would encourage you to do so - even if there is a lot of forgiveness to be dished out), Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition will still absolutely decimate your social calendar as it thoroughly draws you into its Dungeons & Dragons setting. It's just a shame that some more care and attention wasn't lavished to give this re-release the proper love it deserves.

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.

RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business sets out its stall just by virtue of its title and has enough in the tank to provide for a worthwhile outing, particularly at its lower price point. For those who found a lot to love in the preceding Rogue City, you'll find something very similar here, which is not nearly as much to its detriment as it is to its good.

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.

If you're in the mood for some solid multiplayer football, REMATCH is certainly a good effort that you'll be happy to attempt to master thanks to intricate controls, and the bite-sized sessions that throw the rule book away for the sake of fluidity and fun.

FBC: Firebreak has plenty of potential, but feels like early access in its current state. Remedy's patented surrealism, the core gameplay, and class synergy are high notes in particular; however the game is let down by a lack of content and technical issues. Hopefully, over time, FBC Firebreak can live up to its potential.

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.

Tron: Catalyst did a great job of making me feel I was part of the Tron Universe, but it did a poor job of keeping me engaged. The characters, music, and voice work were great, but the combat became repetitive in the first hour, and the exploration didn't offer anything engaging to look forward to. For Tron fans, Catalyst is a no-brainer. For everyone else, it won't make you love or hate Tron more or less than you do now.

Though your fondness for the subject matter may vary, the Gex Trilogy is an easy recommendation for those pining to hear an outdated quip or two from a forgotten mainstay of the mascot era on modern consoles.

Zombie Army VR then isn't going to set the VR landscape alight and neither is it going to bring untold masses into the sweet bosom of VR adoption. What it will do however is give you a nice, fetid and appropriately rotting slice of zombie meat cake to devour and you'll do it with a grin on your face as you chase high score multipliers and all the unlocks in one of the more surprisingly effective arcade style VR blasters to come along in a good while.

For a three-hour adventure title, Copycat has something meaningful to say about mental health and relationships, yet it can be too often undercut by its rigid design, story happenings that don't make sense, and the overarching feeling that with more time, polish and backing there's an even greater game trying to burst out here. It's a pleasant and fine game for how short it is in spite of its gratuitous repetition, and deserves kudos for being adequately designed by two people, it's also in need of some significant refinement.

Considering how revered the Castle of Illusion and World of Illusion games were from the 16-bit era for their mastery and level design, there is still absolutely oodles of potential for a contemporary genre effort to hit those highs, while still retaining the roundly attractive visual presentation that we see here. That game however, isn't Disney Illusion Island. Then again, if your age has yet to hit double digits and the idea of watching live-action Disney remakes and suchlike make you giddy rather than making your eyeballs roll into the back of your skull, or you're just in the mood for a super relaxing, breezy and zero stress platformer, then by all means feel free to add another point or so to the score seen below.

Subtle improvements and the amalgamation of ways F1 25 engages players aren't enough to stave off the fact there's no bold step forward with this latest series offering. It's another year and another entry, and while you'll still want to return if you've been dedicated to F1 games for years, there's not enough here to justify F1 25 as a must-buy.

Whether you are a seasoned souls-like pro or a newcomer to the genre, Mandragora has a lot to offer. An ability to tweak the gameplay to your liking by ramping up/down the challenge gives broad appeal to differing skill levels. With a gorgeously crafted fantasy world full of atmosphere to get engrossed in, deep character progression and a tonne of replayability, this is one certainly not to be missed.

From blisteringly fast and satisfying FPS action through to a thoughtfully layered series Roguelite mechanics that always manage to entice you to have another go, everything works in harmony to create one of the best FPS Roguelites money can buy. Roboquest gets so much absolutely right that this is really just about everything you could want from a Roguelite FPS and one of the easiest recommendations of the year.

Not every idea in Nightreign lands cleanly, but its willingness to push Elden Ring’s mechanics into unfamiliar territory is admirable. It’s a game made for a specific kind of player—those who crave a punishingly difficult challenge. If that’s you, this detour is worth the journey.

Taking the game as a whole, it’s hard not to be massively impressed by what Pipistrello manages to do with the toolkit it gives itself. Every piece works together to make for a distinctive adventure game that will grab you from the very first minute and refuse to let go. While I might take some convincing on the “Yoyovania” as a genre, it’s clear that there’s an unparalleled creative vision here that should be admired.

Hitman: World of Assassination's VR update brings you a brilliant new perspective and fun, interesting mechanics to the entire trilogy. Regardless of the few bits of content that didn't get the treatment, there's more than enough here to keep you occupied for hours and hours on end. Whether you're a long-time fan or looking to become the Silent Assassin for the first time, and I found it just as fun as its flat screen counterpart.

A welcome surprise, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon really clicked with me. The Euro indie Skyrim that could, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon might not be as technically sound as other genre efforts, but across its 60-80 hour playtime there's a lot to enjoy here, while its inventive take on Arthurian legends and surprisingly effective writing all add up to make it a compelling prospect for RPG fans everywhere that don't want to wait 89 years for the next mainline Elder Scrolls title to drop.

Bionic Bay is the perfect game to keep between bigger more involved titles but also has an interesting narrative for those who want it, perfectly balancing fun and challenge with a very approachable pick-up-and-play style.

Feel free to give this one a go and milk it for all its perks to reach the top of the ACPD, but you may want to send this one down with a DUI once it's all set and done.

Some believe that in order to truly "remaster" a game, there has to be a mastered game to begin with, and in the case of Onimusha 2, it certainly (with all due respect) isn't a game that was made with mastery to begin with. A derided sequel given an appreciable but unsurprising remaster, Onimusha 2 is worthwhile to play if you didn't play it in 2002, and is a capable study for new players.

Blades of Fire is a great return to the genre for MercurySteam. With great exploration and a unique combat system, Blades of Fire should have been a sure hit. Unfortunately, the situations you encounter feel completely unfair, and the mechanics sometimes work completely against you. Even still, Blades of Fire is a fun game that harkens back to the old school action-adventure titles, where exploring its world reaps the best rewards and game experience.

Though the world of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R games have been essentially frozen in time (something that GSC Game World affectionately alludes to in the text preamble which appears before each game begins), there's still a lot of fun to be had here. Sure, the mission design is basic, the visuals have aged and there is much jank to be found, but equally the survival gameplay is compelling and the story which masterfully bridges itself across three games proves to be just as inviting in what is a definitive collection of the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R games on console.

This collection of fighting games sits comfortably with Capcom's other compilations as a similarly high quality collection of some truly classic games that were previously stuck on old hardware. For some of these games, it might be the beginning of a new era for their compeititve scene. For others, the mere fact they're here is enough as a curio. Immaculate emulation and slick new features make this the definitive way to play with friends and share the experience.

Little Kitty, Big City is a great little adventure that had me grinning from start to finish. It harnesses the inherent charm that cats have and brings that to an experience that can be enjoyed by almost every type of player looking for a relaxed experience. Exploration and fun are at the core of what Little Kitty, Big City sets out to do and some clunky platforming controls are the only obstacles to total triumph. For now, this is the most "cat" game that you can possibly buy.

If you're familiar with Spirit of the North, this sequel may impress you with its evolutionary strides over its predecessor, such as granting you an open expanse to explore at your leisure, not to mention the fact it's double the length of the previous title. For newcomers, Spirit of the North 2 has an enchanting and calming essence you'll gravitate towards despite its technical shortcomings and unnecessary upgrade system.

id Software once again found a way to reinvent the DOOM formula, adding new gameplay elements such as the thoroughly enjoyable shield saw. DOOM: The Dark Ages is nonstop, adrenaline-fuelled thrill ride from start to finish. This blockbuster demands your full attention as the best FPS this year so far.

As a photography simulator, Lushfoil Photography Sim shines when it allows itself to. A brilliant atmospheric decompressor is lost under the weight of mechanics that I really don't think needed to be there. This feels like a bizarre moment where I want it to be less of a "game" and lean into itself as an experience. Still, it's well worth a peek if you enjoy wandering some silent roads and seeing the sights on your own time.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World provides a raucous and exciting platformer that you'll want to keep exploring, and for those who've already played it, there's even more to unearth now, and a new world.

For those who have already sampled the grim delights of Days Gone on PS4, paying £10 for the definitive version of one of 2019’s most underrated open world adventures that brings with it a hugely entertaining and worthwhile horde mode, seems like a bargain to me. As for the rest of the package, it really did surprise me just how well Bend Studio’s most marquee effort has endured, offering up a smart take on both open world game design and the zombie apocalypse more broadly that other developers have struggled to match. Put simply, if you haven’t played Days Gone before, this is the point where you leap in with both feet.

Overall, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered brings plenty of welcome changes to the original formula while still maintaining the quirkiness of the original game. This is a prime example of a loving remaster: improve the original concept without veering away from it completely. It's not completely perfect, since it still features some of the glitchy nature of the original game, like asset pop-in. Nonetheless, "perfect" isn't what fans want out of Elder Scrolls. They want exploration and fun, and that's exactly what you get from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

By retaining the qualities of the old and bringing in new flourishes, Monaco 2 will please the virtual money-stealer within you. Co-operative play has been enriched with more strategic nuances than ever before, the levels brim with a classy glamour that's hard to resist, and the fun-yet-short play sessions make each mission digestible without getting overbearing or tedious. There is a pervading sense not much has changed here besides the alluring graphical overhaul, and single-player doesn't do Monaco 2 justice, but as a co-op game it glimmers like a crystal inside a display case ready for snatching up. If you have some pals go and raid Monaco of all its glitter; just don't expect to break the bank.

Lost Records is a visually gorgeous game and proves that the team who pioneered Life is Strange still have the aesthetic nailed down. Unfortunately this and some smart adaptations of mechanics do little to hide a story that tries in vain to recapture the same energy, managing to totally lose itself by the end. I can see what they were going for here, but that vision is lost in a game that doesn't know what it wants to commit to. A deeply personal story is subsumed by what feels like an obligation to the supernatural. A story about the supernatural is lost in a story about the personal. Neither is done justice and both feel like they deserved more.

Blue Prince is an exquisitely designed game that stays in your brain between play sessions. It is the video game equivalent of a Rubix Cube where every move you make can shape your path to success. Do not let this gem pass you by.

Forza Horizon 5 is an excellent arcade-type racer that puts the player first delivering a quality experience with a litany of modes, events, cars and some deep customisation/tuning options. If you are one of the many PlayStation players clambering for the long overdue return of the MotorStorm series, this is the closest you will presently get to realising that dream.

I do not say this spontaneously or hyperbolically: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a generational RPG. The quality of writing is pitch-perfect at every step, vividly depicting the somber world and its tragic circumstances with glorious technique. Combat always feels rewarding when successful, but it can feel like a slog if you don't get the hang of the parry and trait systems. The linear nature of the game helps to balance out the lack of mini-map, so try and not let those factors keep you away from at least trying this brilliant game.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is what SNK is best at. A pure fighter with great mechanics that are easy to understand and only the best will master. It's just a shame that so many of its modes and unlocks are shallow and don't add much to the overall experience.

If you're looking for a decent Metroidvania, then Rusty Rabbit is solid enough, though there's not a lot here to suggest it's more than towing the genre's line rather than branching out in unexpected new directions. Collecting junk is enjoyable in Rusty Rabbit, but maybe it could've done with more fervor and less grit, even if the game's name informs you of its weathered vibes.

For what Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sets out to do, I think it succeeds in every aspect. This is a game made with adoration and love for the legacy of Indiana Jones; for anyone that has a history with Indy, this is essential. If you can look past some rough edges, there's a diamond in the rough.

For the myriad of things that Promise Mascot Agency sets out to do, I never felt like it was overreaching or losing its sense of self. Every aspect of this game feels tailored to a curated experience that feels equally inspired and trailblazing its own direction. Everything comes together in an almost flawless symphony that I can’t help but love.

SaGa Frontier 2 was ahead of its time. Though not everyone will feel the love with this remaster considering its notorious difficulty, SaGa Frontier 2 maintains a special place in the genre for its unique combat, storytelling, and incredible art style. It's just a shame it can be such a brutally difficult game.

Croc is a throwback to a formative time where developers were sinking their teeth into 3D development and when met on its own terms offers more than enough charm and character to put a smile on most faces. Though you can only sand the rough edges so much, this is the best way to play one of gaming's forgotten mascots and indeed is a compelling package for those dyed-in-the-wool fans who have been clamoring for a return of the green reptile for all these years.

Wanderstop won't win any awards for its deliberately thin gameplay mechanics, but over its 10-15 hours you'll be reminded how a simple act of kindness can change lives and that just slowing things down and taking time for yourself away from the stresses and white noise of daily life is perhaps just what the doctor ordered.

Koira is a charming game that delivers in spades. It's a beautiful symphony of visuals and audio that should absolutely not be missed.

On a functional level, AI Limit fulfills what it sets out to do and does so with very few hiccups in most regards. Outside of that, it exists as a time capsule of the mechanics that the industry is explicitly moving away from. While imitation can be argued to be the strongest form of flattery, here it feels tacky and it dilutes what ambition the team had in their own right. What is here, is good enough. But there isn't much outside of that.

Remarkable is one of the most appropriate ways to describe Atomfall. So many triple A games these days are situated in American cities and smother you with their American cultural values, but Atomfall is as British as a Yorkshire Pudding, and thus it's an absolute treat. The array of difficulty options, the elegant scenery, the incentive to discover and go off the beaten path, and all the pleasant sights and sounds of Atomfall make it an unforgettable and outstanding survival game that is irresistibly moreish and well-worth your time.

The First Berserker: Khazan is greatness from nothingness personified. Neople has done what so many have tried to do in the past. If TFB Khazan is not on your map, then, well, you need a new map. From brutal yet manageable combat to fantastic level and monster designs, Khazan aims high and hits every target it finds.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is almost the best game across the long-running franchise, as a beautiful game to look at the whole way through, with strong central characters, solid improvements to exploration and perhaps the best combat and stealth gameplay we've seen from the series yet. Its strengths, however, make it all the more upsetting that the poor progression system and elements of bloat still drag the experience down. Still, it's very close to being the best game we've seen in the series yet, and a true sign that Ubisoft is on the right path to elevating the franchise beyond its original peaks.

While Under Defeat does show its age - particularly with the UI - it still manages to be a brilliant challenging shoot-'em-up that has some quite unique elements. Boasting some glorious couch co-op action, some banging soundtrack options and a fierce challenge for any arcade shooting aficionados, this is one of the very best games of its kind.

After years of small-time games, the franchise finally reached more people than its dedicated niche following. Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land capitalizes on successes from the Ryza trilogy and blazes its own trail with changes of its own.

Age Of Mythology Retold is a solid RTS with tonnes of content and modes to satisfy different gaming tastes but its steep learning curve and time investment to master its controls may be too much for some.

Dungeons of Hinterberg scratches that itch of providing both a relaxing and challenging gaming experience. I loved my time in Hinterberg and exploring its various regions and dungeons, although it's a shame you can't explore it entirely because of the limited activities you can do throughout the day. Despite this, its visuals and characters stand out and kept me coming back for more.

WWE 2K25 is a great game, despite some unfortunate missteps such as the new Island Mode. An awesome My Rise campaign that focuses on intergender wrestling, and a decent array of other refinements across the board do enough to ensure WWE 2K25 remains at the head of the table.

ROBOBEAT manages to convincingly blend the rhythm game genre with roguelike shooters to create a mix that I hadn’t ever considered before. It banks on the spectacle of synchronised action and does so with explosive results. While I don’t necessarily think the aesthetic manages to stand the test of repeated playthroughs, what is here is commendable and certainly well-conceived.

Sorry, We're Closed does a lot of things well: storytelling, organic world building, and writing. It even adds in its own twists on the horror genre, like the neon presentation and the way it delivers combat. The Third Eye makes for a nice touch as well. Aiming can be a finicky problem unless you turn on aim assist, and the game likes to throw a lot of enemies at you. Even with all that, Sorry, We're Closed is an easy recommendation and necessary content for anyone even claiming to be a horror fan.

Split Fiction is a damn good time. It has problems inherent to the gameplay, like checkpoint issues and overly taxing boss fights that don't visually work well in split screen. There are ways around it if you have the hardware, and the game does help keep things moving forward.