Immortality is a game that anyone interested in compelling narratives should check out. The story of Marissa Marcel and her journey from unknown model to rising star, and then her unexplained disappearance into pop-culture obscurity is one that will enthrall players and stick with you long after the credits have rolled.

Combining the transversal and exploration of Assassin's Creed and the combat of the Batman: Arkham franchise, Monolith Productions has created not only the best title in the Middle-earth franchise, but probably the best action title of the year.

Thank Goodness You're Here! is a game for a short time and not a long time, and that combo makes playing it a great time. I understand the humour in it might not be for everyone, but for those that do enjoy it you'll see just how wonderfully the comedy is woven into the gameplay. The charming visual style and absolutely amazing voice acting make it an absolutely hilarious game.

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.

A great fighting game. It has its issues, namely the online multiplayer component and the underwhelming menus, but there's still good fun to be had.

There might be some sensory overload at the start, but once you settle in, everything comes naturally. It is the ideal old-school arcade shmup that should appeal to nostalgic and contemporary gamers alike.

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.

If you’ve grown tired of last year’s game then you can probably sit this iteration out; for first time players, or those returning after a couple of years' hiatus, Formula 1 games have never felt so authentic, so in-depth, yet so accessible. Slip on your race suit and climb into the cockpit.

Unpacking is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket as you gently watch the years roll away in front of you. Though much too short, the relatively brief experience that you'll have with deconstructing the emotional narrative of characters that you'll never see via its block fitting puzzles, cements the fact that Unpacking won't quickly be forgotten and will be an experience that you'll likely go back to time and again whenever you need a precious smidgen of soul affirmation.

Queasy Games revitalises the platforming genre with its melodical masterpiece.

With sharp graphics, easy to learn controls, and realistic gameplay, Fight Night Champion delivers a knockout blow to the competition. Unfortunately, it is a little lacking beyond the stellar Champion Mode.

Resident Evil 5 is an incredibly satisfying, non-stop action romp from start to finish. An essential purchase for fans and newcomers alike.

God of War: Origins Collection brings two of the best PSP games to a single Blu-ray disc for the PlayStation 3 in stunning HD graphics. This is a must buy for any fan of the God of War series.

Though the remastering effort is perhaps not as extensive as some might like, Dark Souls Remastered is without a doubt the best way to play one of the finest action RPGs ever and is nothing short of essential for newbies and stalwart Dark Souls fans alike.

An excellent remaster of an excellent game, Live A Live influence can be spotted in many titles to this day, and most people may have never even heard of it. After 30 years, consumers can finally enjoy one of the most unique and compelling JRPGS from the SNES area.

It's always great to see a sequel improve on the original while keeping the spirit of the original alive. I loved my time in the crazy world of Blasphemous 2, with plenty of secrets to find and great combat that keeps you on your toes. Though its story could be a little more cohesive, it doesn't take much away from the overall product. Blasphemous 2 is easily one of the best indie titles of the year.

Much like its predecessor, Steins;Gate 0 proves to be among the finest examples of creating a thoroughly engaging visual novel.

Honestly, it feels churlish to chide Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew for being too similar to Mimimi Games previous output, not least because this enormously talented studio has a track record of kicking out superb stealth strategy offerings and has once again fashioned a relentlessly engaging tactical stealth effort that is absolutely at the apex of the genre. With Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew however, I'm not sure the concept has ever been executed with this degree of charm and that's something Mimimi Games should be roundly congratulated for.

Sure, the camera in co-op mode could’ve used some work, and some enemy types and variations got a tad stale by the end, but by no means does that overshadow everything else the game brings forth. In an age where we don’t see these kinds of games crafted with such passion anymore, or even barely at all, Drinkbox Studios saw an opening, capitalized on it, and sent Guacamelee frog splashing its way into my heart.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon is an impressive and quality JRPG that successfully acts as a jumping in-point for new fans and also ties itself to the series' past in exciting and engaging ways. The turn-based combat has been infused with some mechanics that help retain the action and over-the-top hilarity the series is known for. Mini-games once again shine and there is a lot packed into Ijincho. Like A Dragon paves the way for a bright future for the franchise.

NBA 2K14 rewards those willing to learn a new way to use the right joystick and takes from still existing modes everything great that they have to offer. Though the experience may be narrow, the beautiful, immersive gameplay stands on its own among the rest of the sports gaming genre.

A definitive take on some of the best cooperative games to ever grace PlayStation, whatever Overcooked! All You Can Eat might lack in terms of bespoke content and PlayStation 5 focused features, it more than makes up with a delectable banquet of face-stuffing goodness. Need a good party game for your PlayStation 5 to get you through the holidays? Look no further.

As accurate a representation of rally driving as you’ll get on this generation of consoles, replete with a punishing learning curve and zero tutorials. Aside from the unrewarding Rallycross department, Dirt Rally 2.0 delivers an impassive and accomplished high speed rallying experience.

An over-the-top brawler with a surprisingly deep combat system. Fans of both brands will love the new characters, but the lack of overall content keeps it from being a complete K.O.

Most Wanted begs you to play it, to explore Fairhaven, to take your skills online, and to become the best racer in this open-world setting. It's a perfect addition to the franchise and keeps you strictly focused on driving and competing.

Mankind Divided is a thoroughly satisfying Action RPG that understands how to make stealth play enjoyable, flexible and challenging. The design of its near-future world is remarkable, and the stories held within it are compelling. The only sour taste here is an ending at odds, and the slightest whiff of over-familiarity.

Frozen Synapse Prime marries classic turn-based action with thoughtful design like turn previews and asynchronous multiplayer. Graphics can be bland, and design frustrations wear at the experience, but it's a satisfying strategy romp made better with friends.

At the end of the day, what you've got here is unequivocally one of the greatest action-horror outings of all time, and an absolute must-have for Resi fans and newcomers alike.

Killzone 3 is one of the best PS3 exclusives, and with local co-op, brutal melee combat, and an enormously deep multiplayer mode, it's clear that Guerrilla Games really appreciates its fans. Buy this game as soon as you can.

The greatest shooter to hit the PlayStation Network.

At its apex, Tom Happ's brainchild unequivocally proves just how far video game development has come in such a short space of time and that you can in fact teach an old dog new tricks.

Brilliantly designed, deep and rewarding, Dungeon of the Endless will be something I will play for a long time to come. Every time I play I learn something new, some nugget of experience to improve my next run. There are so many ways to play, so many things to manage and every game is unique in so many ways. It is a mashup of genres that will please a lot of players, roguelike, strategy, tower defence or RPG. If you like any of those genres then you will love this game. Dungeon of the Endless has a lot to offer and I love it.

OlliOlli World's Finding The Flowzone DLC is an absolute marvel, with every single new level somehow a breath of fresh air among the high level of creativity already included within the main OlliOlli World campaign and the Void Riders DLC. The newly introduced Wind Zones add a new layer of complexity to levels that makes them all the more fun to explore. Discovering new paths and new ways to a high score never feels dull, and it's all topped off with arguably the best level across the entire game.

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.

Mortal Kombat is one of the most enjoyable fighters on the market and a perfect throwback to the arcade glory days. With an extensive story mode, challenge tower, and massive online potential, MK is a bloody good time.

Taking the better aspects of classic and modern Uncharted, The Lost Legacy is a short, explosive chunk of adventure. Chloe and Nadine are elevated far beyond the supporting roles they once played, and both end up as interesting, formidable, and highly likeable characters, among the best in the series in fact. There’s a greatest hits feel to some of the set piece moments, and the story takes a little time to get going, but this manages to be both a fresh direction for the franchise, and a warmly familiar experience.

Beautiful, bright and bold. Wargroove is a fun, tactical war title with a lot of content. It's deep, rewarding, and never overwhelming. Its art style is something to die for and the presentation is beautiful. It does a great job of explaining everything gradually to the player and drip new content and features. Wargroove is a must-buy for fans of the strategy genre.

Soul Calibur VI has the heart and soul of what makes a great fighter great. However, Reversal Edge is a mixed bag, and some presentation elements lack visual investment. Regardless, Soul Calibur VI is the complete package, accommodating to newcomers and veterans alike.

A refined and polished sequel to a brilliant skateboarding game.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is something magical. Not only does it provide a grand experience for long-time fans, but it also has enough quality-of-life improvements for those looking to start their Dragon Quest adventuring. This is quite possibly the gold standard of classic RPG remake.

Split/Second is an arcade-style racing game with an explosive twist. It offers Hollywood blockbuster intensity with its reality show charm, in a fast-paced, bigger-than-life experience.

A riveting survival-horror adventure, Lone Survivor: The Director's Cut is the best way to play the utterly terrifying indie gem.

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.

A New Day proves to be Telltale Games' best outing in the adventure genre in recent memory--if not, ever. This is episodic gaming done right, and just like The Walking Dead TV show, we can't wait for the next episode.

While Project DIVA Future Tone is a welcome addition to the PlayStation family, it most certainly doesn’t hold your hand when trying to master every song. Hitting that last note and realising you’ve got yourself a perfect or even scraping a pass is the most satisfying feeling ever.

While Project DIVA Future Tone is a welcome addition to the PlayStation family, it most certainly doesn’t hold your hand when trying to master every song. Hitting that last note and realising you’ve got yourself a perfect or even scraping a pass is the most satisfying feeling ever.

Hogwarts Legacy is a compelling fantasy-RPG packed with stunning scenery, memorable characters and fantastic combat. Not only is it a brilliant love letter to fans of the Wizarding World, it excels as a game in its own right, so even non-Potter fans will find themselves immersed in its great story and characters.

The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is one of the year's best RPGs. From its fantastic combat that looks to innovate and push the franchise, genre forward, and its storytelling. It may not be the best story in the series, but its character development is some of the best out there. After twenty years and almost eleven games, The Legend of Heroes franchises are finally poised to compete with the best of the best.

Resident Evil Village combines the best of the past 25 years of the franchise, bringing a compelling adventure that should appeal to action and horror fans alike. With massive locations offering a wealth of exploration and hidden goodies, a meaty campaign with some decent unlockables, Village is the franchise at the top of its game.

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.

Resogun is the perfect game for leaderboard enthusiasts, with simplistic gameplay and application that's challenging to master. Saving the last humans has never felt so invigorating.

While slightly too short for its own good, Venba is an exciting cooking narrative game exploring Tamil food. It tells an important, yet heart-wrenching story of a family as they struggle to fit in a new country.

While GT5 could have done with more time, incredibly, to iron out a few of the kinks, there's so much quality on the track and so much to do off it that you'll easily forgive its shortcomings and revel in its successes -- of which there are many.

Proving that you don't need zombies to make a great zombie story, Telltale ups the ante in almost every way with Starved for Help. Even more brutal than the content in episode 2 is the wait for episode 3.

Miles Morales is a great game on PlayStation 4 just as it's a great game on PlayStation 5. The difference between the two when it comes to performance is marginal at best and if you delt with issues of its predecessor like long load times you should be able to handle them here as they are much improved. The PS4 version is a great addition to the library for those who aren't ready to jump to the next generation but it's also a great look at what you can expect when you finally make the jump.

With its fast paced combat, addictive platforming and thoughtful puzzles, The Guardian Of Light is a must-buy for any fan of the famous adventurer.

Darksiders II is an exhilarating action-RPG set in an enormous game world. Featuring an addictive loot system, tons of side quests, and rich gameplay, Darksiders II easily deserves a spot alongside the other greats of the genre.

Half-Minute Hero is a throwback to the 8-bit RPG genre coupled with a unique take that only feels possible on the PSP. Some of the game modes on offer leave a lot to be desired, however.

The murder mystery puzzler makes the jump to PlayStation as Capcom successfully revives Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. Captivating characters, an engrossing mystery, and inventive puzzles ensure Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective's appeal is alive and well in 2023.

Codemasters have managed to improve their F1 game once again in 2019, and have added another entire echelon of cars and drivers from the F2 proving ground. The racing itself looks and plays faultlessly and is accessible enough for beginners and non-F1 fans.

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.

Lara Croft GO is that rarest of beasts; a puzzle effort that not only elegantly distills the core essence of the franchise with which it shares its namesake, but one which is equally at home on PS4 as it is on PS Vita. There's no getting around it; this is one of the best puzzlers of the year.

Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a brilliant reinvention of a PlayStation classic. Abe's memorable journey has never played and looked so good.

The PS Vita Edition of Minecraft plays well on limited hardware and includes touchscreen support, but one glaring issue keeps it from being a must-buy on Sony’s handheld.

A technically impressive brawler that looks just as good as it plays.

The latest PixelJunk Monsters lives up to the series' pedigree, making no concession on punishing trial-and-error gameplay while delivering undeniable fun over dozens (hundreds?) of hours.

This mind-bending visual novel captivates with challenging puzzles and an intelligent story unrivaled in its ambition.

World of Tomorrow is the best slice of Hitman for a decade. Sapienza holds so many deliciously dark secrets within its Mediterranean walls, and it’s worth exploring every single one of them.

There’s no denying that the Bioshock series is an ambitious one, and that it features some much loved/derided games. Bioshock Collection is the current definitive way to experience those games on consoles, but there’s little new for long-term fans beyond a bit of spit n’ polish.

Hitman’s first season is a full-blown triumph. IO Interactive has masterfully pulled off this gamble with relatively few hiccups along the way. The world of assassination has never been a finer place to visit than it is right now.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist is the pinnacle of stealth action gaming and easily the best Splinter Cell outing to date.

FIFA has rectified the majority of its shortcomings, providing a confident marriage of fluid, dynamic never-say-die football and just enough content to undoubtedly tie footballing fans over for as long as their free time permits. Simply put, this is best FIFA in years.

EA Sports takes its NHL series in a more realistic direction with a new skating system. While it's accompanied by some other authentic hockey features, it may turn off casual fans as they struggle to adapt to a slower game.

Trine 2: Complete Story is a grand embellishment of one of the most charming and accomplished adventure platformers in recent years. Bolstered by a wealth of additional content, multiplayer modes and the gorgeous 1080p/60 fps veneer that PlayStation 4 allows, this should be the next game to find a home on your PlayStation 4.

A creative and invigorating shooter that excels in expletives, over-the-top action and gratifying kills.

The best game in the DmC series looks fantastic on PS4. A great action game and one of the best re-releases of the past couple of years.

While it doesn’t address some longstanding degradation of ingenuity in certain areas, PES 2018 provides the best pure football found in a videogame, and the additions it has made only amplify that.

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.

Black Ops 4 is easily the best Call Of Duty has been in years. The game plays almost flawlessly, and despite it not having a single player campaign still offers lots of content including the new Battle Royale mode Blackout. The only thing keeping Black Ops 4 from a perfect score is that the multiplayer maps, while being well designed lack originality and rely too heavily on remaking the past. If you haven’t played Call Of Duty for a while, Black Ops 4 gives you plenty of reasons to return.

Blumhouse Games is off to a great start with Fear the Spotlight. A creepy PS1-era horror game with a great story, incredible atmosphere, and puzzles that will make you remember those fun times back in the day.

A sprawling and beautifully executed monument to the Castlevania titles of old, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night feels like a promise delivered for fans of not just the series, but intricately structured action adventures too. The king has returned.

Chronicles of Mystara won't wow gamers with modern tastes, but it's a competent arcade port that pays due respect while introducing tasteful new features.

Ghost of Tsushima elevates the existing open world adventure template with a fantasy-free Samurai adventure that deftly pays loving homage to the Samurai cinema of old. While your mileage may vary according to your level of open world fatigue, Ghost of Tsushima undoubtedly remains not only one of the best open world romps money can buy and a stunning PlayStation 4 exclusive, but also Sucker Punch Productions finest effort to date.

Well thought out puzzles and a fantastic art style really propel The Pedestrian to the top of my list of recently played puzzle games. It is so different and that is something I really admire. While it will not be for everyone I think it does enough to even tease non-puzzle game fans into trying it. Striking and clever, The Pedestrian never overstays its welcome. It's short, sweet and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Blurb: Even though the visual remastering is a touch on the modest side, Sega have nonetheless done great work here. With reworked localizations, improved sidestory finding and smoother gameplay overall, the Yakuza Remastered Collection nonetheless proves itself as the definitive way to play Sega's PS3 trio of core Yakuza games.

With its much hyped status as a showcase of the DualSesne controller’s fancy new haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it’s equally important to recognise that like Astro Bot before it, Astro’s Playroom is a fundamentally excellent platformer that commendably stands on its own merits. Equal parts a stirring demonstration of the capabilities of the DualSense and PS5 console as it is an excellent traditional platformer, Astro's Playroom might just be the best pack-in title of all-time.

Though it sticks rigidly close to the template that made the original such a success it ultimately matters little - Guacamelee 2 is one of the finest platformers of the year.

Persona 5 Strikers takes what's special about the Persona franchise and meshes it with what makes the musuo genre special. Despite some hiccups, Persona 5 Strikers offers up something special: It's equally accessible to newcomers as well as established fans, showcasing all the style of the franchise in all its glory.

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.

Ultra Street Fighter IV refines Capcom's celebrated brawler to within an inch of its life with some great additions, making it a must-have for any hardcore fan.

Metro Exodus on PS5 is one of the best survival wastelands to explore on the new console. With enhanced textures, stunning ray-tracing and global illumination, and immersive DualSense implementation, what is on offer here is an experience like no other. If you skipped it on PS4 or want to play again, there are ample enhancements here that make the Moscow Wasteland worth exploring all over again.

OlliOlli World's Void Rider's DLC is definitely a must-buy for fans. It houses the best levels across the rest of the game, and includes some of the most visually pleasing levels in the entire game. Though the boss levels are somewhat disappointing, that does little to reduce how fun every other level included in the DLC is.

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.

EA Sports College Football 2025 is the return of college football that sports gaming fans have been waiting for. There's enough here to keep the avid and dedicated fans around for a good while, with Dynasty Mode and Road to Glory taking center stage. Control over dynasty players, playing defense, and not fully showing what controls are bring down the experience quite a bit, especially in the beginning hours. EA Sports College Football 25 is not for everyone, but fans will get enough out of it to keep the franchise coming back around each year, hopefully with improvements.

Taking inspiration from Jet Set Radio, this game effortlessly carries on its legacy. With great gameplay mechanics, a deep story, and fantastic music Bomb Rush Cyberfunk raises the standard for indie games and making it one of the best indie games you'll play this year.

While I wouldn't say that these are my favourite entries in the series, this collection of two games marks the official full English translation of the Ace Attorney, and that's something to be excited about. The amount of extra material is a treat for fans of Edgeworth and the amount of work that's gone into visually overhauling these two adventures is almost staggering. It's clear that Capcom is aware of the passionate fanbase and this hopefully signals a very bright future for the Ace Attorney franchise. Essential for fans of the series with some great deep-cuts for lore enthusiasts.

Kingdom Hearts 3 is a lot to take in, from the intricate narrative to all the nods to Disney. As a whole, the game has some shortcomings, but its charms and heart have something immersive enough for everyone.

Silly load times aside, Prey: ooncrash is a great DLC addition to Prey that both compliments the main game and does something new with its best features.