Helldivers may not look that spectacular, but it certainly plays that way. A hardcore shoot 'em up that rewards tactical thinking and teamwork.

Reinvigorating the twin-stick shooter like few before it with a veritable masterclass of design, you absolutely do not want to sleep on Iron Crypticle.

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

Returnal is a masterclass in how to create gripping, exhilarating arcade action and feels like the first game to truly realise the PS5's potential. It uses everything the system offers to craft an experience completely unlike anything else available today at this budget. Apart from narrative missteps, Housemarque's latest is flawless and a game that everyone who owns a PS5 and every gamer should experience at some point. I hope this is the start of a new, prosperous franchise for PlayStation and Housemaque.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a grand achievement from a small studio that needed a big win. It’s not everyday you get to play a game that tends to reward you for everything you do. Great combat, fantastic dungeon exploration, incredible visuals and a great soundtrack. Battle Chasers: Nightwar hits all the marks.

A great cross-genre splash that gives gamers a new fun and competitive fighting game to sink their teeth into. However, it may not appeal to those unfamiliar with the series.

As far as Remasters go God of War III is a welcome but an unnecessary one. The single addition of the Photo Mode and updated graphics are something I feel just aren't worth paying $40 for a five year old game.

The Dark Pictures Little Hope is a solid continuation of Supermassive Games' horror series, and a step above the previous entry, Man of Medan. With a gripping story, heaps of collectibles, and a solid cast of characters, Little Hope is a fine addition to PS4's already-stacked horror library.

Any roguelike fan needs to get their hands on Post Void. Quite frankly, if you have any remote curiosity in trying out the game, just do it. Apart from floor jumping not as refined as the rest of the game, the complete package offers up something special, hectic, and engaging. Take it from someone who hates roguelikes: Post Void is a fun roguelike, complete with fever dream.

Despite its linear nature, Horizon Call of the Mountain remains a truly stellar showcase of the PSVR2's capabilities. From the retina-searing 4K HDR visuals that are generously bleeding with detail and fidelity, through to the deft use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in the PSVR2 Sense controllers which ensure that players are utterly immersed in the climbing, exploration and combat within its world, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a highly enjoyable action adventure that fans of both the series and great VR games in general can effortlessly enjoy.

The already marvelous Civilization VI makes the jump to PS4 almost entirely intact, and with the addition of two meaty expansions, this is an essential title for console strategy fans. It’s a little overwhelming for newcomers, but it treats the player with respect and rewards a curious mind with an utterly absorbing experience.

Old Moon has crafted a delightfully atmospheric metroidvania, with satisfying gameplay, and endearing characters. Ghost Song boasts an intriguing narrative of self discovery, with a world of mystery that rewards exploration. Despite playing at its best too late in the campaign, Ghost Song is a beautifully somber, sometimes relatable experience, that I wasn't ready to leave by the time I had finished.

Fast, fluid and fun. Until You Fall came out of nowhere and blew me away. The combat system is so moreish and addictive, rewarding and well designed you will not want it to stop. While the story is lacking and the enemies can get repetative, everything else more than makes up for it. Great VR implementation, amazing music and super-fast load times create a really enjoyable VR experience and one of my favourites this year.

While not quite the high-point of the God Of War series, Ascension delivers an action-packed, gloriously-produced, freak-bashing extravaganza with an addictive multiplayer component to boot.

It speaks to the level of ambition on display here - not to mention a tolerance for risk - that Everspace 2 essentially jettisons the roguelike mechanics of the first game in favour of a much more open and looter focused shooter and is all the better for it. A superior sequel in every way, Everspace 2 delivers on the premise hinted at in its predecessor with aplomb, even if the story campaign that anchors its super looter shooter beats seems to be little more than window dressing for the other impeccable aspects of its design.

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.

The definitive PS Vita shooter and a must-have for any Killzone fan.

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

Life Is Strange 2 Episode 4: Faith brings back all the feels of the first episode in this compelling instalment that introduces you to the boys' mother and an evil cult that wants to exploit Daniel’s powers. Despite its short length, Faith does an excellent job in preparing for a phenomenal conclusion of the series.

An interesting story, varied and over-the-top gameplay, and entertaining weapons helps drive the sandbox genre to new heights.

Tribute Games and Dotemu have officially brought back the beat-'em-up genre into the spotlight. Shredder's Revenge channels the greatness of arcade beat-'em-ups from the 80s and 90s to create an exceptional experience. Teaming up with friends and taking on the Shredder and his ninja Foot army will definitely put a smile on your face. With plenty of quality-of-life additions like unlockable skills and mission-to-mission quick saves, the only thing holding the title back is the lack of any unlockables and only two game modes to play through.

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.

Simultaneously a great introduction to the Yakuza series and one of its better entries, Yakuza Kiwami is precisely how you remake a classic.

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.

Down the Rabbit Hole is a very unique take on its Wonderland source material, literally sending players down a dark, diorama-filled rabbit hole. With fun puzzles and a breezy atmosphere, Down the Rabbit Hole is an amazing – if brief – good time. As much time as you have spent in Wonderland, I guarantee that you have never seen it like this.

Capcom has created a luxurious VR experience for Resident Evil Village that grows in power the deeper you delve into it, It’s a tough one to get to grips with, but this is a shot in the arm for an already great survival horror adventure.

Dredge is a dreadfully enticing horror experience draped in the skin of a fishing game. The way Black Salt Games executes its terrors of the deep should be respected because the developer has created a slow-burn dread that utilizes the best aspects of Lovecraft’s cosmic horror.

The Pillars of the Earth Book Two carries on the great work established by the previous episode, providing a beautifully written narrative, interesting characters and meaningful player choice against the backdrop of some of the most sumptuous locations ever depicted in an adventure game. If you haven't already, now is the time to stop sleeping on The Pillars of the Earth.

If by dumb luck or some other unique set of circumstances you have yet to play Horizon Zero Dawn, then this is arguably by far the best way to experience one of the best open world efforts out there that still holds up extremely well even today. Perhaps most encouragingly, Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster also heralds the fact that Nixxes is a force to be reckoned in the console porting space too, representing an added feather in the cap for Sony and its burgeoning PlayStation Studios portfolio as we barrel towards the fourth anniversary of PlayStation 5.

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.

A stellar societal strategy game with a dark, moralistic centre, Frostpunk is a rare genre effort where your actions linger with you long after your time with it has finished. This is tactical, though well-meaning nihilism at its best, and is an easy recommendation to those who want their grey matter tested as much as their heart.

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.

While no ground-breaking alterations have been made to last year’s game, Olli Olli 2 still effortlessly proves itself as the finest skater in years.

The PSVR update to Dirt Rally not only serves to considerably refresh Codemasters consummate 2016 racer, but also give PSVR owners their next must-have purchase. Dirt Rally on PSVR is utterly essential.

Heart wrenchingly beautiful and emotionally exhausting, Blackwood Crossing is a game that will be on your mind for days.

A ton of content, addictive gameplay and great visuals make up for the lack of online modes.

The best game in the Warriors franchise to date, and a perfect starting platform for any new fan to the series.

Red Faction Guerrilla sets a new benchmark for destruction-based gameplay. An absolute blast!

NHL 09 will not only win Sports Game of the Year, but could definitely hold a strong argument for greatest sports title of all time. EA Canada has truly outdone itself this time around the rink.

F.E.A.R. 3 is an exciting horror shooter with atmosphere as thick as the blood that splatters the walls of nearly every level. Not the scariest game on the market, but good co-op and multiplayer sets this game apart from its contemporaries.

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

The Crew does a lot of things right. Not only does it give you a huge game world to explore, but the ability to change up the whole experience by tuning your car differently is an excellent addition to Ivory Tower’s ambitious racer, allowing you to take one car and do so much more than just a mere race. Apart from the microtransactions you cannot go wrong here by jumping behind the dashboard of your favourite car and taking off into the sunset across the desert.

The most accessible and enjoyable survival MMO in years, Conan Exiles is a remarkable triumph and the best of its kind on PS4.

While a bit on the easy side, SteamWorld Dig is an addicting and unique experience featuring heaps of replay value.

With a stellar campaign and set pieces that rival anything in the MCU, Marvel’s Avengers already delivers a ton of value. But add on the endless multiplayer and future characters, and this game is poised to be a classic. Some early bugs distract from the fun, but the bones of the game are solid. Marvel’s Avengers is an amazing achievement.

Metro Exodus is an amazing and beautiful game that offers a new style and experience from 2033 and Last Light. With polished visuals and an amazing soundtrack, the changes 4A Games have implemented create awesome environments and enjoyable gameplay, taking you across various landscapes of Europe. However, in doing so, the survival horror and dark, claustrophobic tone have almost entirely been left behind at the station.

Life is Strange, Episode One: Chrysalis is a joyous, gripping adventure that has laid down a strong foundation for the rest of the series.

We Are OFK is not only a dazzling game about music, but a captivating story about the struggle found in juggling creative ambitions with the complexities of everyday life.

A familiarly addictive and brilliant LEGO game set in an impressively realized Potter Universe.

A brave and inspiring work that provides an evocative window into a world-shaping historical event, what 1979 Revolution: Black Friday lacks in audiovisual presentation it more than makes up for with sheer guts, heart and that most rarest of things - a soul.

PES 2019 is by far and away the best football sim money can buy, boasting an enviable level of depth and authenticity FIFA simply can’t hope to match. While the sheer variety of game modes ensures players will be enjoying Konami’s latest for months to come. The biggest drawback is clearly the lack of official licences. Which, unfortunately, will make it exceedingly difficult for PES to win over any but FIFA’s most lukewarm fans.

The most telling thing to say about Detention is that it carves its own niche into the videogame horror genre. It shows a maturity and storytelling finesse for much of its brief run that eludes many within its medium. Despite a slump in the final act, and a couple of coldly logical puzzles that feel out of place with the story, Detention is a smart and sophisticated survival horror that draws from reality to fuel fear.

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.

Though plaudits will be rightly levelled at its appearance, Harold Halibut is equally as impressive when it comes to its narrative, world-building, and how both are realised. Despite being relatively light in gameplay terms, the game packs a punch where it matters by sticking its landing and proving beyond doubt that the answer to the meaning of life may be closer to home than you think.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals may not be the most ambitious sequel, but it is certainly a great one. The atmospheric Pacific North West setting, Its incredibly authentic conversation system, well written and wonderfully realised characters, combine for a memorable follow up, that will resonate with those who enjoyed the original Oxenfree.

Not every part of the Ratchet & Clank formula still shines, but this PS4 reboot is gold. Updated controls are the perfect way to experience bombastic, addictive firefights with awesome weaponry.

Resident Evil 6 may lack originality and has some shaky moments, but more than makes up for it with action-packed gameplay, heaps of content and a gripping story.

Injustice: Gods Among Us does a lot of things right. From a fantastic storyline, to a plethora of content, but minor balance and online bugs stop it from being the best it can be. Regardless, Injustice offers just about anything from the hardcore fighter to the beginner.

What should be the best dynasty-formula game to date is marred by simple mistakes with its environments and musical score. Ignore those, and fans of Gundam and/or Dynasty Warriors will have a field day with so much stuff to unlock that it'd take 100 hours.

A Little to the Left: Seeing Stars offers more of what made the original campaign great. Imaginative puzzle design and new layers of complexity offer a compelling challenge for players who might have exhausted the already impressive catalogue of challenges. Despite the slight imprecision that comes with the territory of this type of puzzler on controller, I found myself enjoying this set of puzzles to a great degree. Impressive scope and out-of-the-box thinking means that this is an expansion that no fan should miss.

An ultimate edition of the original PS3 version. The added free goodies rewards fans and those who skipped it on the PS3. Disgaea and RPG fans will be in love, but the extra trinkets won't be enough to win over non-fans of the long running series.

Mafia II is an epic adventure with a story that rivals some of the best mobster movies. Players are brought in to Vito Scaletta's rise in the family ranks through an engaging narrative, intense action sequences, and a well-crafted vintage city setting.

CyberConnect2 has done a terrific job with the Naruto franchise. With Ultimate Ninja Storm being a PlayStation 3 exclusive, it’s evident that the developers took advantage of the hardware they were given. Fans of the series should be ecstatic, while newcomers may be surprised with how much they enjoy the game.

With a strict adherence to the style and performance of the original game, Destroy All Humans! brings all the fun of 2005 (and the frustrations) of the original. This is a game that was fun 15 years ago, and that fun still holds up, only now it has a shiny new coat of paint. Though some cultural references are a bit wince-worthy and there are some ridiculous difficulty spikes, in general Destroy All Humans! is a rollicking good time.

An hilarious RPG that tries to be light-hearted, yet deep at the same time. Those who love Compile Heart style RPGs will fall in love with this sequel, but detractors will turn their nose up at it. Great for the fans but not a gateway game to bring non-fans into the fold.

Though the storyline and outcome of the single player campaign is a little predictable, it is action packed and full of adrenaline pumping moments, whereas the multiplayer combines mechanical brilliance with an epic scale. The result, which is helped along the way by the brilliant visuals and sound, is exceptional.

Everything that strategy gamers have been waiting for. While it may disappoint a small niche of hardcore Meier fans, it will definitely appeal to the masses looking for a nice change of pace from the average console game.

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.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania boasts a triumphant return for everyone’s favourite primate puzzler, bringing along with it potentially 100s of hours of gameplay that long-time fans and newcomers alike will easily go bananas for.

One of the best episodes of the entire Life is Strange franchise to date, Brave New World is a captivating episode full of heartwarming moments and top-notch writing.

Despite some minor setbacks, Polarized is a fantastic conclusion to Life is Strange and cements Dontnod's teen drama as a serious contender for Game of the Year.

Oodles of content, some of the most fun you’ll have in a modern shooter with or without friends and a wicked sense of humour make Borderlands: The Handsome Collection fantastic value.

Seven years after its initial release, Torchlight 2 finally graces the console generation and proves that you don't have to have Diablo in your title to make an impact. Torchlight 2 is a near-perfect dungeon crawler that no fan of the genre can afford to miss.

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

It's on the pitch that really matters and PES 2013 delivers an exciting, fluid game of football that finally takes it to the next level.

Indika combines strong themes with fantastic visual and thoughtful delivery, creating something wholly unique and worthwhile. None of the game's hiccups stand in the way of what makes Indika special.

The Fall of Cybertron isn't without its issues, but it's filled with great moments and enthralling experiences worthy of any Transformer fan and anyone wanting to explore the origins of the Transformers.

Firewatch really gets you thinking, plays on your emotions, and delivers a unique experience that stays with you long after the final credits roll.

Starhawk gives new life to the very generic online shooter genre by requiring careful teamwork in this Build & Battle combat system. Don't expect much from the single-player adventure, but get ready to enjoy a truly exhilarating online experience.

Saints Row IV isn't the "Game of the Generation," but its best moments are more fun than almost everything else on PS3.

System Shock is an incredible remake of a cult classic game that gives the original the facelift it needed to become relevant and present in today’s gaming conversation.

Easily the best entry in the long-running series to date, though Farming Simulator 22 might not have a picture perfect PS5 debut, it does augment the series already robust strategic and micro-management fundamentals with a number of new additions and features that make it an erstwhile choice for series veterans. Though newcomers will likely struggle with the tutorial and learning curve, Farming Simulator 22 soon becomes an engaging time sink that not only taxes the brain duly, but helps to provide a modicum of insight into the sheer amount of hard graft that goes into one of the most challenging occupations in the world.

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.

Sly's jump to PS Vita is a resounding success, with solid gameplay and stories wrapped in impressive technical polish and Cross-Save support.

Weird, unique and brilliantly designed, Backbone is a game like no other in 2021. The narrative is both mysterious and absorbing, the characters and dialogue are fun and it never overstays its welcome. I wish I was given a little more information in the second half of the game and the ending a bit more fleshed out but I was left wanting more. Backbone surprised me massively and I enjoyed it a lot.

After completing Zero Time Dilemma all I want to do is go back through all three games with the knowledge I’ve gained through the series, and see how far back everything is foreshadowed and set up. This isn’t just an impressive game in its own right, but a fantastic trilogy that should be experienced by anyone looking for a good sci-fi puzzle thriller.

Forget about graphic fidelity, and find a strong narrative and character development alongside a universal combat system that Tales of Hearts R can only deliver to the PlayStation Vita.

A fun and quirky RPG that infuses the leveling system with some BDSM flair. It is great for an hour here or there when wanting to relax, and the avant-garde approach to leveling has to be praised. Those who have problems with sexuality will have issues with the game.

One of the most polished dungeon crawlers in years, Victor Vran is an easy recommendation to anyone with even the slightest fondness for the genre.

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.

Kaze and The Wild Masks is an instant classic in the side-scrolling genre. It's a simple, well-executed formula that channels tons of different inspirations while still holding true to its own vision. The gameplay is top-notch and offers everything a fan could want, from beautiful sprite work to collecting shiny objects. Consider this a must-own among the other great side scrollers.

Cry Wolf ends one of the best murder mysteries in recent memory on a high note with a masterfully delivered narrative and resonant themes about the meaning of choice.

Ghost 1.0 has the heart of a beloved project and the soul of the best Metroidvania games in the industry. Despite its few quirks, the balance between accessibility and challenge, coupled with intriguing writing makes Ghost 1.0 a worthy pickup for even those with some curiosity about the game.

A fun, grind-heavy dungeon crawler that shows off some wonderful anime designs. It is an easy pickup for most RPG fans, but especially for those looking for an old-school Wizardry experience.

A fun way to learn the guitar which compliments existing methods with a comprehensive set of tutorials and a superb feedback system that challenges you to improve.

God Eater 3 is a shining example of a sequel improving in almost every way. For those looking for a more story driven alternative to Monster Hunter World, God Eater 3 is maybe your game.

Far Cry 2 meshes high-octane gunplay with open world gameplay, and it does a damn good job. There’s a lot of great games coming this holiday season, but don’t let this one go unnoticed.

Though I still remain surprised that Return to Monkey Island even exists, I can't contest what Ron Gilbert and developer Terrible Toybox have wrought here. By masterfully combining the witty and thoughtful point and click escapades of the series past with a newfound warmth and charming aesthetic, Return to Monkey Island is by and large the series return that fans have long been waiting for and is a roaring success in the process.