Guilty Gear Strive is a simply stunning anime fighter with an astonishing depth of competitive gameplay. It does all it can to welcome newcomers with an extensive training mode and streamlined fighting mechanics, but it is still very much the beloved Guilty Gear niche experience, and rightly so. You can't have too much of a good thing, and Guilty Gear is certainly a good thing, so it's a slight shame that there isn't more content to sink our teeth into. Nevertheless, as a competitive fighting experience, it is still a fantastic entry that fans of the series will adore.

There's not much more I can say about Max Payne 3 without spoiling the experience for you. Emotionally exhausted and still buzzing with excitement after playing Max Payne 3's story mode throughout the weekend, I woke up this morning bursting to tell everyone that, quite simply put: Max Payne 3 is the best character-driven shooter that I've ever played.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Pentiment. The narrative coaxes out a full spectrum of emotions, with its impeccable writing delivering the story with bold strokes, and the visual style is just a pleasure to watch.

Fight Night Round 4 is not perfect, but it's the best simulation of the technical and strategic elements of boxing in any game to date.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is a brutal experience where every decision you make feels impactful. The world is brimming with personality, and the demons are fun to talk to and play with. Vengeance has a lot going for it, and the quality of life improvements make it one of the best JRPGs released on the PlayStation 5.

No Going Back ends a more cerebral, unfocused Walking Dead season with difficult decisions befitting a memorable experiment in morality, excusing narrative lulls and forgettable characters.

It's not every day you get to experience a game like Chained Echoes. With an incredible story, excellent writing, characters you can connect with and a combat system that takes a traditional turn-based system and turns it into a strategic, thought-provoking experience. What's not to like about that?

Quantic Dream's ambition is truly realized through a game that has interesting controls, stunning graphics, and a masterfully accomplished change to current gaming trends.

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.

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.

Very little gets in the way of the success that Final Fantasy XVI creates. The strength of combat on top of a compelling, deep narrative steals the show. Despite little need for world exploration and the occasional lower resolution texture, Final Fantasy XVI stays true to the namesake while forging its own path forward.

Whether you're experiencing these stunning games for the first time or are returning for another playthrough, emboldened by the technical facelift that the PlayStation 5 provides, Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection brings together two absolute banner PlayStation exclusives into a delectable and unmissable package that serves as a timely reminder that Nathan Drake and company have been long missed.

Though Gran Turismo 7 certainly carries the baggage of some of the weaker elements from previous games, a steadfast return to the generous single-player campaign offerings of old, together with a significantly upgraded visual presentation and most importantly a deeply felt love for cars that bleeds through every aspect of the game all ensures that one single statement is true. Gran Turismo is back.

Arguably the modern template for so many self-styled retro shooters, Quake has returned in stunning form. A stellar remaster, Quake not only maintains the essence of id Software's classic 1996 shooter, but it meaningfully iterates upon it too with all new additional content, mod support and crossplay. At a super budget price point, there is no reason to dive into one of the very best 3D shooters of all time.

Sea Of Stars is an excellent, retro-inspired RPG that I would recommend anyone play, with feel-good characters, intricate and engaging combat, a stunning soundtrack, and beautiful world with a wonderful sense of adventure, friendship and love. While the story doesn't break any molds, its characters are all charming and endearing, to the point where I feel like I'd follow them to the ends of the world and beyond.

With a varied character roster, stunning graphics and balanced gameplay, Dragon Ball Fighterz is a fantastic entry point for new players, and great fun for fans of the series.

Arkham Knight has some flaws, but they generally pale in comparison to the wondrous spectacle Rocksteady serves us up. A fine end to the Arkham trilogy.

A welcome return for PlayStation's original superhero icon, Insomniac Games have not just given us another sublime PlayStation exclusive but also the best superhero blockbuster the PS4 has even seen. Spider-Man is a thunderous, essential triumph that bleeds cinematic splendor from every digital pore. Every PS4 owner needs to have Spider-Man in their collection.

This is another chance for one of the most underappreciated adventures to appear on a PlayStation console to gain a new, much deserved, audience. Time has been fairly kind to Okami despite minor gripes. If you've yet to experience the wonderful world of Okami, then this is as good a chance as any.

While not as technically impressive as its predecessor, Monster Hunter Rise succeeds as a follow-up by focusing on getting players into the hunt quickly and comfortably without compromising on challenge.

On the merits of the campaign alone, Crystal Dynamics has delivered a stunning and compelling adventure worthy of the brand name.

The highest compliment I can give any game is when I have to force myself to put the controller down to put my thoughts in a review. Destiny 2: The Witch Queen is that game. Somehow Bungie took a game that I play daily, for hours a week, and made me want to play it more. It's always good getting new content with seasons and past expansions, and I have loved all Destiny 2 additions. However, The Witch Queen feels like we have entered a new age. The Witch Queen has proven that no one is better than Bungie at what they do. The Witch Queen takes every aspect of Destiny and improves on it, and then some. While Destiny is always getting better, The Witch Queen is the best piece of Destiny content ever created.

TowerFall Ascension is a great example of how far originality can carry a game that is so simple to instant classic status. There are things that could be done to drastically improve the overall package, but the sum of its parts are overwhelmingly enjoyable. Matt doesn't just make games, Matt makes great games.

Tearaway is a brilliant mix of creativity, stunning visuals and joyous platforming. Make no mistake - this is PS Vita's must-have game.

Even with a few minor technical issues, Long Road Ahead raises the bar for emotionally deep, thought-provoking narrative in a video game, and may be the best episode yet.

A great spiritual successor to Wonder Boy. Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom does everything right and leaves you without wanting or needing it too do more.

New subtle animations were added to every aspect of this game, which creates an even more authentic depiction of America’s Greatest Pastime, and it’s hard to believe that this game could visually improve on Sony’s current console.

With FIFA 14, EA Sports has the reigns of the soccer industry firmly within its grasp, delivering a prominent title that will appease the large majority of fans of The Beautiful Game.

Hotline Miami is a treat for hardcore lovers of NES-era titles, but its insane difficulty and lack of replay value may not appeal to everyone.

Inscryption is an amalgamation of deck-builder and escape room games, and is unlike anything I have ever played before. In an age of video games where uniqueness is at an all-time low, it was amazing to be so surprised at regular intervals. Inscryption will test what you think a card battling roguelite is and its constant twists and turns will keep you on your toes. It's a game where I fully feel like I have sculpted my deck myself; it's wild, it's dark and it's utterly brilliant.

Square-Enix put together a fine collection of its first Final Fantasies, adding in some features that bring a bit of a modern touch without losing too much of the original varnish. Not all games work perfectly with these features, and the games still show they were made 30 years ago, but the final package delivered a nostalgic burst worthy of the franchise namesake.

A triumphant celebration of blood, sweat and fury, DOOM Eternal is a genre and generation defining FPS that through some occult ritual, somehow manages to comprehensively blow its 2016 GOTY contending predecessor completely out of the water with remarkable ease. With a stunning story campaign and innovative Battlemode multiplayer offering, this one is for the Slayers.

Dragon Age: Origins is a stunning fantasy RPG that will draw people in with its compelling storyline and realistic characters. Aside from the occasional visual hiccup, this is one of the best and most expansive games we have played in a long time.

The same notion applies here as it does for Tetris Effect: Connected in that Rez Infinite on PSVR2 is arguably leagues better than its OG PSVR predecessor and confidently makes its mark as one of the best games you can get on PSVR2 right now. With super sharp and buttery smooth visuals, arresting 3D audio, deftly implemented haptic feedback and a brilliant use of PSVR2's eye-tracking capabilities, this is as good as Rez Infinite gets.

The football is sublime in PES 2016. There are small improvements made to other areas of the game, and some are still needed, but on the pitch the series is in title-winning form once again.

An absolute stellar remake.

Developer Spike Chunsoft knocks it out of the park with The Nonary Games. The puzzles in both 999 and Virtue’s Last Reward are challenging and rewarding, but it’s their stories that really make you stop and think while trying to figure it all out.

One of the best baseball games to date, MLB 12 The Show gets an overhaul just where it needed it. With cross-platform play, hardcore fans can take their long season wherever they want.

While Mass Effect Legendary Edition isn’t a spectacular remastering of a frankly superb trilogy, it does enough right to make it an essential collection. The original Mass Effect benefits most from the overhaul whilst retaining most of its scrappy charm, while Mass Effect 2 and 3 are generally better-looking versions of already great games. At the very least, it’s a great excuse to visit or revisit one of gaming’s greatest sagas.

Whether it's delivering chaos or absurdity, grim drama or theatrical villainy, Wolfenstein II handles it all superbly.

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a must-play for fans of the original or platformers in general. Expertly written and well executed, the title played like some sort of grand theater, possessing a narrative that was both familiar but also new, filled with dynamic characters who interacted seamlessly not only with each other but also with the world itself. Don’t let a few minor issues put you off, Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir is a top-tier action RPG effort that is more than worthy of your time.

Theatrhythm: Final Bar Line takes a great opportunity and make a strong go of it. Gameplay feels good, and customization options give you nice flexibility to cater to your style. A couple things don't mesh nicely, but the game itself is a complete rhythm package of great gameplay and fantastic songs.

WipEout HD is one of the best PlayStation Network games to date, and the only decent futuristic racer on a home console since 2003. It doesn't look half bad either

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.

Challenging, fun and hypnotic, Velocity is one of the best mini games you'll experience.

Greg Lobanov has produced a game that has it all. It’s a truly heartwarming story with unique gameplay, clever puzzles and a colourful cast of characters in a gorgeous world that never feels limited by its retro-inspired, two-dimensional roots.

Phantom Liberty brings a high-quality new storyline to Cyberpunk 2077, even if its new area "Dogtown" is lacking in size somewhat. Coupled with the 2.0 Update, Phantom Liberty brings the Cyberpunk 2077 redemption tale full circle. If you've waited to play Cyberpunk 2077 at its best, you needn't wait any longer.

Scholar of the First Sin is a noble attempt to right the perceived wrongs of Dark Souls II, but while some tweaks are welcome, others -such as certain enemy placements- are less so. Whatever way you cut it though, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is still a great game.

Polished. With the exception of some shaky network issues, Resistance 2 is incredibly refined. The gameplay, visuals, and features all scream high production values, and more importantly, great execution. With the risk of being entirely cliché in mind, you shouldn’t resist the urge to pick this one up.

Ultimately, it’s an evening worth of entertainment and you’ll probably be satisfied with the result. Just don’t expect to be talking about Flower or playing it beyond the next couple of weeks.

Witty, charming and full of character, Psychonauts 2 manages to keep what made the original so memorable, and add worthwhile additions to improve the experience. It tackles dark subjects with tact, humour and is like nothing else on the market. There are not enough of these types of games these days and Psychonauts 2 stands tall, proud, and nearly alone in its field.

Bandai Namco created something special here. Fast-paced, accessible combat meets a well-constructed narrative told with beautiful visuals, wonderful voice work, and an impeccable soundtrack. Even with its odd issue here and there, nothing stands in the way of Tales of Arise succeeding on all levels.

A thunderous sequel that surpasses its already incredible predecessor in every way that counts, Spelunky 2 is the ultimate roguelike and ruthlessly inventive platformer that never stops surprising and delighting those who pick up the controller. There are perhaps far fewer better ways to close out a console generation than this.

MARVEL vs, CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is exactly what it says on the front and so much more. This collection is a triumphant return for a selection of games that many thought lost to complicated industry red tape, and it comes back with some serious bite. The 6 fighting games in this collection are almost perfectly preserved for new hardware and modern audiences, with a suite of additional features to fill out the experience into both a preservation effort and a deep-dive into Capcom's history with Marvel. While it might take a bit of work for newcomers to get to grips with these classic games, the effort is well worth it for one of the most well-realised crossovers in gaming history.

Imaginative gameplay meets tactical depth in this pure arcade shooter with enough content and competitive thrills to distract from infrequent quirks.

Despite the lack of multiplayer, LittleBigPlanet remains one of the most enjoyable offerings on Sony's handheld platform to date.

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.

Despite some incomprehensibly overwhelming battles, you will quickly become addicted to Bayonettas witty dialogue, additive gameplay and eye-popping production values.

A Crack in Time is a well crafted platformer boasting hilarious dialogue and addictive gameplay. While it doesn't make any radical changes to the formula, both fans and newcomers will have a blast out of it.

Fallout 4 captivates with a hauntingly beautiful apocalypse and refuses to let go. Exceptional gameplay is marred by a few flaws, but the Wasteland’s flaws have never been fewer.

DJ Hero 2 adds a thick coat of polish to an already brilliant original, and as a result is the best music game on the market for those looking for something a little unique.

The Nathan Drake Collection presents a trilogy of single-player adventures at their technical best, but the value proposition will depend on series experience and a few matters of preference.

Diablo IV takes the series to new heights, but also spends plenty of time covering familar ground. The compelling rush for loot is as strong as it has ever been, and visually, the game is spectacular. It doesn't exactly feel like a massive leap from Diablo III yet its focus on the series' core strengths ensures that's likely more than enough for long-time fans.

With Tales from the Borderlands, Telltale Games has struck gold. Easily its best effort since the first season of The Walking Dead, Tales marries the series cheeky humour and laugh-out laughs with some properly touching and poignant moments. This is as essential as it gets.

A beguilingly beautiful and practically pitch-perfect mixture of Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls mechanics, Tunic is a boundlessly charming and highly challenging adventure that gets so much right that it borders on ridiculousness.

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.

Codemasters has yet again released another glorious Formula 1 game that continues to push the franchise forward. With its updated handling model and in-depth career mode, it’s perfect for fans of the series building upon the best parts of what made F1 2016 great.

Crash Bandicoot 4 on PS5 is pretty much unchanged from PS4, still offering excellent gameplay, but this time with mouth-watering 4K visuals. DualSense use is slight but noticeable; however, useful Game Help guides and Activity Cards make the upgrade well worth checking out for those still collecting secrets.

Unicorn Overlord is yet another standout game from a revered developer that sets out to innovate on classic strategy conventions. It achieves these goals with style and substance, resulting in a game that strategy afficionados should absolutely consider jumping into. While I don't think this title is a particularly good entry point for newcomers to the genre, this game is clearly aware of its audience and it plays to those strengths. Spectacular.

An action-packed shooter brimming with visual spectacle and solid replay value.

Valkyria Chronicles offers 25-30 hours of gameplay that features tremendous amounts of replayability. Any PS3 owner that loves RPGs and is expecting developers to continue to offer these exclusive titles on the console should go out and purchase Valkria Chronicles.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon on PS5 is still the same great game as it was on PS4. However, as upgrades go, there isn't much here for new players and PS5 feature support is weak or not well implemented. So, the game is just as good as it was, but there isn't much of a reason to come back.

Right in the death rattle of 2016, Stardew Valley comes along and sits itself down at the Game of the Year table. It’s a remarkable game, warmly familiar, yet fresh as a daisy. In a year where indie games have stepped up to the plate and hit home runs-a-plenty, Stardew Valley is the one that knocks it out of the park and into a neighbouring city.

A strong start for A Crowd of Monsters’ Noir adventure. Stylish, dripping in atmosphere, and compelling enough to keep you on the hook for the next episode. It has its faults, not all of which may turn out to be a problem when the series is finished, but for now they are outshone by the things this first episode does right.

Easily the best F1 game ever made, rammed full of content that reads like the fans' wish list. Edge of the seat racing backed up by a hearty team management sim, split screen racing and audio and visuals which are edging ever closer to perfection.

For a mish-mash of genres, Cult of the Lamb does an excellent job of making both parts feel significant and dependent on each other. It's gorgeous, rewarding and made me laugh throughout. As your cult progresses and you move on from cleaning up everyone's poop, you will see your followers flourish. Designing and maintaining your base is excellent and I enjoyed the rogue-lite runs that can be completed in easily in under 15 minutes. Highly recommended, cult-based, rogue-lite shenanigans.

Guitar Hero Metallica is the most polished Guitar Hero game ever. It is a must-buy for Metal-heads, but even those impartial to the genre should check it out.

There's validity to Tactics Ogre being a classic, and Tactics Ogre: Reborn showcases that. Tactics Ogre: Reborn offers the kind of simplified presentation combined with fantastic writing and voice work to create a cohesive package all around. Despite showing its age in places, the game offers more than enough to convince even the most anti-tactics gamer out there to give it a try.

While an extremely guided and structured experience, Dragon Quest Builders 2 maintains enough of the charm of the franchise to be worth a look for fans. Players accustomed to free-play modes in other building sims will chafe at the story mode, but patient players that don’t mind a simple battle system and chatty NPCs will still find plenty of content here to enjoy.

Beethoven & Dinosaur has crafted the finest example of a narrative driven, interactive experience, melding elements from both film and video games as art forms, with a killer soundtrack at its core, Mixtape is a smash hit.

Easily one of the best visual novels available, Steins;Gate Elite is a stellar and beautifully framed retelling of its source material and one that is grandly suited to series newcomers and stalwarts alike.

As improbable as it sounds, Thimbleweed Park has brought the Lucasarts adventuring heyday kicking and screaming like a three-headed monkey into 2017 with the sort of verve few would have expected. Thimbleweed Park is utterly essential for point and click adventurers everywhere.

Silent Hill 2 Remake is bleak, grotesque and utterly compelling in its retelling of a horror masterpiece, with superb visuals and performances, and an immersive narrative that is just as hard hitting as it was over 20 years ago. A couple of missteps here and there do not deter from Bloober Team's masterful remake of what is, for my money, the greatest horror game ever conceived.

One of the most gorgeous and timeless JRPGs of the last decade has now been resurrected on PS4, and if you missed it the first time around you really have no excuse now. This is how you pay tribute to a classic.

Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- is easily the king of fighting games released up to this point, at least in this generation. It's not only accessible for new players but keeps the hardcore players satisfied as well.

God of War: Ghost of Sparta is the best game on the PSP, pushing the boundaries of a handheld device with breathtaking graphics, a striking story, and enough combat to keep your thumbs busy for many hours.

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.

An excellent return to the Prince of Persia franchise. The Lost Crown takes the classic Metroidvania-style and builds on it with excellent puzzles, platforming and combat. The Lost Crown is easily the first must have title of the year and shouldn't be missed.

The indie talent at Gaijin Games brings a lot to the table with Bit.Trip Runner 2, but an otherwise excellent package is bogged down by somewhat nauseating action and gameplay equal parts terrific and tiring.

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.

A terrific hockey game with improved A.I. and physics, NHL 12 reminds us why the ice is so much fun. While some new additions fall a bit flat, it'ss another extremely solid entry in an enjoyable franchise.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is right up there with all the acclaimed classics that have enjoyed great remasters, making the original product better without changing its fundamental execution.

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is an absolute masterclass in how to fashion a retro compilation, all the while providing both contemporary and older gamers with an immediately accessible and immaculately produced window into the halcyon days of one of the video game industry's most prolific pioneers. This is the preservation of video game history done right and Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is the best retro compilation ever made, bar none.

Star Ocean: Second Story R takes what made the original so great and, instead of reworking it, went out and built a better experience around it. The excellent art design, the fantastic action combat, and the striking visuals come to life in what is easily one of the best RPGs of 2023 and a blueprint on how to make a great remake while keeping the spirit of the original alive.

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.

With a great, intriguing story aimed at adults (but not inappropriate for kids) and a fantastic stable of characters and jobs, Fell Seal is the sort of game that lets you dive in and play around with its systems in any way you like. Clearly crafted with love for the genre, and with almost intimidating longevity, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark is the heir apparent to the tactics-RPG throne.

Sonic Mania successfully takes Sonic back to the formula that saw him become a big deal to begin with. That means it does bring along the flaws in that design as well, but there's no denying this is as good as the Blue Blur has been for a long time.

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.