SPRAWL has a few solid core features that work well, letting you string along enough good moments that you're actually having fun. But its shortcomings ultimately reveal how shallow it is, and the truth is that SPRAWL doesn't present a compelling case for why you should play it over other recently released boomer-shooters that are doing more interesting things in the genre. Also my version is currently broken, so that doesn't help - but at least that's something fixable without re-making the whole game.

Ravenswatch has the hard stuff nailed down - the combat is sophisticated, the roguelike mechanics are spot-on and there is no shortage of progression avenues and opportunities; it just needs more content than it currently has to really shine. As it is, Ravenswatch is a roguelike overflowing with innovation and potential, it just needs a bit more content to turn a very good experience into a great one.

A charming presentation and solid foundation do precious little in light of a control scheme that's beyond frustrating for console players. The real challenge of a management simulator should always stem from having a clear hold of your surroundings and the ways that you can influence them, not the mere act of checking numbers and your progress. If you're a connoisseur of this particular brand of clunkiness, you might find something to enjoy in this new release, otherwise I would sincerely recommend checking out the game with a keyboard and mouse, if you're able.

Sure enough, while it doesn’t seek to reinvent the roguelike wheel or provide an especially captivating story or cast of characters as Hades does, [REDACTED] nonetheless provides enough clever adjustments to the formula while embracing some incredible combat fundamentals to come out of seemingly nowhere and secure its spot as one of my favourite roguelikes of the year.

Smurfs Dreams deserve respect for favouring approach-ability over punishment, and should be a worthwhile present to any child who loves upbeat platformers. Any adult should give this a shot as well because it's a wonderfully designed game that really deserves attention. So with all that said, go blue because these Smurfs dreams have come true.

Kill Knight is one for the purists. A distilled isometric, arcade, shooter boasting thrilling, smooth gameplay that will keep you coming back for just one more run. What might quietly be one of the best this year, is loudly apparent once you start playing.

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.

Though Lego Horizon Adventures is the best looking Lego game ever made by a wide margin, it does still suffer somewhat from the repetition which has afflicted previous Lego tie-in titles. Nonetheless, with its snappy 15-20 minute missions, breezy co-op play and relentlessly lighter, grin-inducing tone, Lego Horizon Adventures also represents both a new direction for the Horizon franchise at large, as well as a great way to get newbies and younger folk involved with the adventures of PlayStation’s marquee flame-haired heroine.

Tetris Forever is far more of a historical exhibit than video game and that's all it needs to be to be a vital pick up for anybody even curious in the origins of the puzzler. The history of Tetris is laid out in an engaging and approachable way that balances information and engagement, as well as allowing people to share in that history with the exhaustive catalogue of games on offer here. The commitment to preserving the old is commendable, and this is a landmark in what has become quite a saturated market for publishers. All compilations should strive to be as comprehensive as this.

Metro Awakening VR is one of the best survival horror game experiences available on any VR headset, with thrilling scares and strong survival mechanics all tied together with an immersive and rich atmosphere. Even though the story loses steam before the end and stealth combat fails to impress, the rest of its best parts make for an unmissable game for any horror fans with a VR headset laying around.

What this small team have pulled off is credit to the meticulous hard work and true passion they have poured into this project. A beautifully realised recreation of the real world that puts you right into the Empire Of The Ants.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred brings some new content to the table, including the new playable class, a new zone, a new coop mode, and some new story. However, the story lacks the kind of oomph and satisfaction that usually comes with Diablo. To boot, Party Finder limits itself with the seasonal and non-seasonal characters, and the Spiritborn class is still receiving early adjustments to how it plays. Still, there's a great free patch that comes alongside the expansion. This creates the perfect opportunity for returning players to check out where Diablo IV is now. The free quality-of-life changes might just help persuade you to jump back in the deep end.

MechWarrior 5: Clans takes the classic Mech-Sim formula the series is known for and adds in new controls, mechanics and a great narrative-driven story to appeal to a wider audience. This entry is more console-friendly and pushes the series in a direction likely to garner a new audience and please long-time fans simultaneously.

There's a real confidence to the new step in Metal Slug Tactics that had me smiling as I saw this arcade classic being transformed into something new. The tactics genre is a natural fit for Metal Slug and this version of the classic genre embraces the roots of the franchise while taking a bold new step. While I have some issues with how clunky the UI can be when trying to pull off the perfect strategy, there's an incredibly solid foundation here and a good basis for them to continue the series on into the future.

El Paso Elsewhere serves up an incredibly balanced gameplay experience with an addictive loop on top of a compelling story. This is one not to be missed.

Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 gets the legendary FPS franchise back to doing what it does best. With a solid multiplayer foundation, a refocused zombies mode that understands what fans enjoy that game mode, and an absolutely stellar campaign, this is Call of Duty at its best.

As an overall package, Slitterhead does not disappoint. Though a touch heavy-handed in some spots, it adopts a ‘swing for the fences'-type approach that you can't help but respect. Marry that with a design philosophy that oozes confidence and a soundtrack and story that manage to hit their mark and it's easy to recommend a trip to Kowlong. Just stay out of the alleyways.

For a brand new IP that lagrely distances itself from its siblings, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a triumphant showcase of what the RPG genre can do and the way that stories can interact with our world. Every moving part is acutely designed to mesh together into a game that feels truly one-of-a-kind. Every line of dialogue feels perfectly attuend to its audience and deals with issues in a way that honestly floored me. The Archetype system is bold and inventive, building brilliantly on the foundations set by Persona, and it offers a completely unique style that far and away establishes itself as a worthy player in ATLUS' auspicious wheelhouse. An utterly phenomenal RPG that fearlessly exists as a story of inclusion, and of the power of fiction on the real world - such as itself. Outstanding.

Even with its shortcomings, which are few and far between, I loved my experience with Max Mustard. Moss and Astrobot have the advantage of experience and age in the space, but for a first attempt, Max Mustard really shines. From level design and visual presentation, Mustard oozes style. However even with a name like Max Mustard it's missing that special sauce to separate it from what has come before. Although Astrobot and Moss are VR games I enjoyed more, Max Mustard has an incredible base to grow on and I'm so excited to see what Toast Interactive can do next.

It's incredibly tough to critique Potionomics: Masterwork Edition in any major way; an already fantastic management game has made the jump to console and has done so with an enviable landing that solidly puts its best foot forward as a console management game. Stunning visuals, slick animation and intricately woven gameplay mechanics all come together in a delightful combination that has well and truly sunk its hooks into me. While the game doesn't hold your hand with tutorials, you're encouraged to learn and play around with what you're given, which is a refreshing feeling. Masterwork Edition is absolutely a definitive update that addresses major criticisms while keeping what was so strong.

A technically accomplished and satisfyingly challenging, if content light take on competitive kayaking, Whitewater VR: Extreme Kayaking Adventure is an entertainingly frenetic counterpart to the more chilled kayaking since elsewhere in the PSVR 2's portfolio.

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.

At its best, RetroRealms: Double Feature makes me reminiscent of 2D platforming greats like Shovel Knight - and at its worst, it's a frustrating and less-interesting platformer than what is available to 2D fans today. The difference lies in whether or not you pick the right games to buy, with only two out of four really standing out. And even then, it all works a lot better if you're a horror fan. If you're just looking for a good platforming time, your time might be better spent at a different haunt.

At its best, RetroRealms: Double Feature makes me reminiscent of 2D platforming greats like Shovel Knight - and at its worst, it's a frustrating and less-interesting platformer than what is available to 2D fans today. The difference lies in whether or not you pick the right games to buy, with only two out of four really standing out. And even then, it all works a lot better if you're a horror fan. If you're just looking for a good platforming time, your time might be better spent at a different haunt.

Arizona Sunshine Remake is a perfectly fine and fun game. On the killing zombies front, it's a great experience with head-popping gore, and a few weapons that feel really fun to run around with. That's about all there is though, and there's a real question as to whether or not its really the best use of your cash to pick it up, especially when there's an already strong sequel out, or if you've already played Arizona Sunshine on PSVR.

Not much of the original game changed in the Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. Instead, this re-release opted to sharpen existing graphics, add motion controller support to aiming, and include a New Game+. Either way, Shadows of the Damned has aged surprisingly well, all things considered. This makes for a great deal at $25, no matter how you slice it.

Visual issues aside, Phasmophobia is a fun, heart-pounding fear-fest that is hitting consoles at just the right time of year. With some deep mechanics and a plethora of modes and content to terrify yourself and your online ghost hunting pals.... the only question is... Are you brave enough?

A familiar but defining moment for Deck Nine, Life Is Strange and Max Caulfield alike; Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a high point for the series, and given the chance, will surely resonate with fans.