Final Bar Line is another fantastic entry in a great rhythm series, propped up by an enormous catalog of essential video game music and a variety of fun and engaging (if slightly superfluous) systems. Whether you enjoyed the 3DS entries or you're a Final Fantasy fan ready to dive in for the first time, there's a lot to love here even with some minor frustrations.

Octopath Traveler II does an earnest job of trying to right the wrongs of its predecessor, making more attempts than ever to integrate the stories of its eight characters. While the result falls slightly short of this promise, Octopath Traveler II offers everything the original did and more. It’s a stellar RPG with a fantastic presentation and mechanically robust gameplay systems that any genre fan shouldn’t miss.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night doesn’t reinvent the idea of what a Castlevania game should be, but it does a better job than any of its contemporaries at emulating that classic formula that Konami have long abandoned. While it’s technically got a few issues they’re hurdles that I am sure it will overcome. Still, in a market that’s flooded with imitations, Bloodstained is the real deal. A true successor to Castlevania that fans and newcomers will easily sink their teeth into.

Ghost of Tsushima might be built from the same stuff as its AAA, open world contemporaries, but that doesn't stop it from being one of the best open world experiences of the generation. Sucker Punch has set its samurai fantasy apart by presenting players with a beautiful world that is rewarding to explore, with many mysteries to uncover. Jin's story is a compelling tale pulled from the pages of the epics, and it's just one of many that the game has to offer. The game isn't perfect, but it's not often I spend upwards of 50 hours playing an open world game to total completion and immediately want to jump back in, even if it's just to sit and watch the breeze roll by.

Doom: The Dark Ages trades Eternal's speed and complexity for a slower almost methodical approach to the classic combat that put the series on the map so many years ago.

This long awaited follow up to Asobo Studio's cult hit doesn't come without grievances, but A Plague Tale: Requiem is a rock-solid adventure that's grim and gorgeous in equal measure. Smart iteration on established mechanics and pitch-perfect pacing lead the way to a journey across some breathtaking locales that ups the ante in nearly every way by its shocking conclusion.

Though it doesn't reach the heights of FromSoftware's recent titles, Elden Ring Nightreign makes it seem as though the developer could try their hand at anything and find success. Deliciously punishing and addictively moreish, Nightreign is worth the price of admission and then some.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is both a successful celebration of the original trilogy of games as well as a worthy follow-up. Toys For Bob has taken the essence of what fans loved about the classics, distilled and bottled it and then shaken up the bottles 'til they explode. Some old issues rear their heads, and there are definitely some dud levels and boss fights, but it's a package so chock-full of content that the good far outweighs the small amount of bad. Anyone hankering for some old-school Crash Bandicoot action will find exactly that and more, and all wrapped up in one of the most gorgeous platformers I've ever seen.

Not unlike the discs we spent so long combating, Disc Room is far more clever than it appears to be at a glance. Like Minit before it, Disc Room is another minimalist concept rooted in classic design and inspiration, except there’s so much more beneath the surface. Just as the ship called out to our scientist like a siren’s song, Disc Room’s cool, addictive appeal does the exact same to me.

Ace Attorney: Investigations Collection is undoubtedly the best way to experience both Investigations games. Given how extensive it is, the new visual style is sure to divide, but both available options are a win for any fan, no matter how you paint it. While the first game has some pacing issues, the overarching story and case-by-case narratives are all gripping from beginning to end, making it one of the many Ace Attorney collections that are well worth your time.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is another must-own game for Nintendo Switch. It brings together three games from three different generations and shows just how timeless the Mario franchise is. At the same time, it is a shame that Nintendo didn't celebrate the iconic franchise a little more throughout the presentation of the package.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivers both high calibre adventure, story and performance in spades, to the point it feels as though it’s wading into “uncharted territory” for its publisher. The decision to bop a Nazi should be a foregone conclusion, however the lack of balance in stealth and combat systems kept me in limbo, and left Indiana Jones and the Great Circle just a stone stele’s throw from true greatness.

WWE 2K23 is the best wrestling game in a long time. It’s packed with so much to do, a great Showcase and an unbelievably vast creation suite. Minor issues aside, wrestling fans should not give this a miss.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is an extremely solid entry and another must-have for Switch owners. The game has a tonne of improvements that feel natural and make for great puzzles. It's also an absolute treat visually.

Alan Wake Remastered is a prime example of if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. The story, and the way it’s told is truly timeless, and it's a game that everyone should experience. Some of its design might be stuck in the past, but none of it ever feels detrimental to the overall experience, and the visual facelift just makes the experience that much better. Whether you’re a new fan of Remedy’s work, or a long-time player, there’s never been a better excuse to visit or return to Bright Falls.

Metroid Dread feels like a celebration of 2D Metroid. It manages to stay true to the original games, whilst also introducing some new elements that keeps things feeling fresh. The game is held back by some questionable level design, the E.M.M.I feeling repetitive and a definite knowledge barrier for series newcomers.

Super Mario Maker 2 is a breath of fresh air. The story mode is fantastic, the online multiplayer additions are more than welcome and the new items and game modes are absolutely fantastic.

After two decades of advancements and innovation, Battlefront I and II still offer some of the most enjoyable gameplay in the shooter genre. Rich in content, new and old, the Classic Collection successfully brings two fan-favourite Star Wars games onto today’s hardware. The absence of a few modern creature comforts is disappointing, but it does little to weigh down an otherwise brilliant bundle.

LEGO 2K Drive is a wildly impressive triple threat of a great LEGO game, a great open-world adventure and a great racing game. Whether you want to challenge your friends in slick and exciting head-to-head races, tackle a hefty single-player campaign stuffed with varied and plentiful content, or just spend hours building your own LEGO vehicles by the brick, you're absolutely covered here. A couple of issues aside, this is easily the best multiplatform arcade racer around.

Like The Outer Worlds before it, Avowed is Obsidian’s truncated spin on a well-worn genre—and a genre they’ve got plenty of experience in. For those eagerly awaiting the next Elder Scrolls, this is a satisfying scratching of that itch even if its role-playing elements are stripped back to make room for more action. It’s a bright, boisterous adventure full of politics and a fluid combat system that marries all manner of might and magic.

Super Mario Party Jamboree lives up to it's name in practically every way. It's equal parts lavish and boisterous, offering up a selection of boards with novel and fun gimmicks that make it a constant joy to come back to. Adding a wide variety of ways to play, including heaps of customisable rules, only sweetens the deal. Without a doubt, Super Mario Party Jamboree is Mario Party at it's best.

Disney Epic MIckey: Rebrushed is a joy to revisit or play for the first time in 2024. The few design flaws that do present aren't nearly impactful enough to bring down the whole experience. Epic Mickey remains one of Disney's strongest showing in the medium of games, and Rebrushed is a nostalgic and heartwarming reminder why.

Not only is Viewfinder the best example of perspective-bending pageantry in video games yet, far exceeding its contemporaries that helped pave the path it walks, it’s arguably the most enjoyable puzzle game since Portal made us question a cake’s authenticity fifteen long years ago.

For Cuphead fans, The Delicious Last Course is an essential add-on adventure that more than delivers enough content for the price of admission. The art is sumptuous, the fights are fanciful, and there’s effort crammed into every nook. I expect some might say The Delicious Last Course under delivers considering the time between drinks, but I’m a cup half full kind of guy.

As macabre as it is, Children of the Sun’s addictive leaderboard chase is sure to rekindle the competitive spirit in those who find themselves lapping up this world's darkness after having ventured heavenward in Neon White.

Diablo 2 Resurrected is a brilliant way to rediscover an indisputable classic, whether you're a veteran or taking your first look back at Diablo's roots.

HITMAN III is a decidedly epic conclusion to the events established in the first two games. It offers fantastic, well-realised locales with objectives that are unconventional, at least by HITMAN standards, to come out feeling fresh. Though in pursuit of this, it has lost a bit of the breadth we've come to expect from the series. Ultimately, it delivers what it promised to - a strong conclusion to the trilogy.

It’s not without its issues, but Battlefield 2042 is off to a fantastic start for DICE’s beloved series. All-Out Warfare modes are immersive, Hazard Zone is enjoyable while Battlefield Portal steals the show. There’s a lot to love here, and I’m excited to see where the game goes.