Monster Crown: Sin Eater's lack of direction and often demanding difficulty won't be for everyone. But if you can embrace the grind, there are some deeply addictive RPG systems at work here, backed by a shockingly mature and engaging story.

An undeniably gnarly brawler that really moves despite its 3v3 format, Invincible VS should appeal to both fighting game fans and comic book OGs. The story mode is slickly animated but almost insultingly short, and there’s not a lot to appeal to single players beyond that. But the rollback netcode seems sturdy and the combat system mixes accessibility with depth, resulting in a system that should have legs long beyond its initial novelty.

But all in all, this game made us smile. If you have any fondness at all for early era Castlevania, then you should definitely give it a try.

Starfield is bigger and better than ever on PS5, but it still crashes against the roadblocks of old. A complete lack of exploration leaves the RPG in an awkward place where it can feel like an objective ticking exercise with little to distract you. Its faction questlines are the highlight, and the improved combat systems and new gameplay capabilities make the experience worthwhile. However, two and a half years later, there is considerably more Starfield. Only some of it makes it better.

I know there have been other musical RPGs before, but People of Note still feels largely unique. I love how heavily it leans into its theme, and while I don’t expect the YA vibes to resonate with everyone, I personally found myself invested in the release’s cast and its brisk storyline. I think the battle system could have been further refined to feel more impactful and I would have liked to see it evolve faster. Furthermore, I’m not sure all of the environmental puzzles are as fun as the developer intended – although they can be disabled if you’re not feeling them at all.

Life is Strange: Reunion could have been a full Double Exposure sequel, and it could have been a full Max and Chloe entry. Instead, both narratives are squeezed into a bloated finale with dull pacing and a lacklustre resolution. There are sparks of brilliance in there and fantastic chemistry between its two leads, but it's never given the love and care to blossom into something beautiful.

Marvel MaXimum Collection is worth the price of entry for X-Men: The Arcade Game alone, but there’s a lot to love about this bundle. While not every game included is an all-timer, there’s a good enough mix here to make this a compelling collection of superhero brawlers, and the quality-of-life inclusions are excellent overall.

We can't fully recommend Crimson Desert in its current state on PS5. Far too many technical issues — of varying shapes and sizes — hold the experience back. But given time, and despite its obvious narrative shortcomings, Pearl Abyss' fantasy outing has the potential to be something truly special. As an open world adventure, it can be utterly engrossing; a smorgasbord of systems and mechanics that somehow — against all odds — form an intoxicating whole. For better or worse, there's simply nothing like Crimson Desert.

Although some parts haven’t aged as well, most noticeably regarding its gameplay, the Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection is worth checking out if you enjoyed Battle Network or are looking for a new RPG series to dive into.

While the presentation is mixed and the game does ultimately run out of ideas, we actually do recommend this to beat-’em-up fans. There’s more depth to the combat than we anticipated, and there’s an air of weirdness to the whole endeavour that helps it to stand out.

Fatal Frame 2: Crimson Butterfly Remake is arguably one of the scariest games we’ve ever played. Team Ninja has somehow managed to make an already terrifying game even more so, turning Minakami Village into a visually striking and tense playground for fear. The Camera Obscura combat remains novel and unique, but clunky controls and some drawn-out encounters can frustrate.

It's just good fun. You can argue against some of the back-tracking and some slightly fiddly platforming, but by and large this is a solid beat-'em-up with a lot of personality.

There's so much to like about Tokyo Xtreme Racer, and while it has its flaws and certainly isn't for everyone, it stands out thanks to its brazenly old school and pleasingly straightforward approach.

Ultimately, it's four identical games with no newly developed content, a sprinkling of bugs, and an absence of the nostalgia-inducing original soundtrack. It leaves us wishing Ubisoft had spent more time deciding which games to include in this collection, and also put more effort into refining the 30th Anniversary Edition of one of PlayStation's most iconic IPs.

God of War: Sons of Sparta is a fun spin-off that takes a series we all know and love and places it somewhere entirely different. It's a mostly successful experiment; the Metroidvania structure works well with the franchise's mechanics, and it looks and sounds the part. However, it takes too long to really come into its own, leaving the early parts of the game feeling a bit lacking compared to the richer experience found later on. If you have the patience to see it through, and can overlook some rough edges here and there, this is a worthwhile adventure for fans that delves into Kratos' history in a way we haven't seen before.

High on Life 2 is a great sequel that sticks to its guns and refines the best parts of the first game. The skateboard-shooting concept works excellently, elevating the gunplay and creating a more engaging and enjoyable moment-to-moment experience. But all of this is ruined by incredibly poor visual fidelity on PS5 and PS5 Pro that distracts from the release's overall artistic achievements.

Even with its slow moments and uneven presentation, Dark Auction’s writing and mystery kept us hooked. If you enjoy character‑driven visual novels with a darker edge, then it’s worth a look.

In the end, you get a title with little interest in holding your hand or teaching you the ropes. However, if you put in the time to learn, there’s an impressive amount of content to enjoy. The presentation makes it all worth it, offering a wildly immersive experience.

Just as enjoyable as it is frustrating, Romeo Is a Dead Man is an incredibly uneven experience. You’ll love it one minute and hate it the next. Persevere with its more annoying elements, and you’ll discover a unique and entertaining hack and slasher at the end of it all. It just takes a lot of effort and restraint to get there.

Cairn is a great climbing simulator, one that presents you with an entire mountain and complete freedom to traverse it as you please. Some light survival mechanics apply just enough pressure to push you forward, and the purposely slow pace encourages careful climbing and proper planning. Aava's expedition is simultaneously meditative and fraught with danger, with death just one slip away at all times. While we have some small reservations about the story, and the frame rate struggles to measure up to Mount Kami, those looking for a challenging, satisfying journey will find Cairn a unique adventure to conquer.

Code Vein 2 is not the strongest soulslike we've ever encountered. While there is absolutely some fun to be had slaying the myriad horrors that inhabit this post-apocalyptic world and building a powerful Revenant Hunter, repetition inevitably kicks in. Narratively, it's pretty dull, lacking compelling characters or quests to engage with. While not broken or a bad game per se, it is hard to recommend when so many better entries in this well-worn subgenre already exist.

If you've been wanting to play through Yakuza 0 again, or even get stuck in for the very first time, then you can't really go wrong with Director's Cut. But at the same time, its additions range from superficial to downright dumb, cheapening a game that introduced so many to the franchise.

Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow had so much potential. It’s got a great aesthetic, and VR movement feels as fluid as you’d hope. However, glitches, disappointingly thin levels, dumb enemy AI, and a lack of replayability result in an undercooked experience.

That's pretty much it; a simple, arcadey rally racer with fun stages, recognisable cars, and a great aesthetic. Hopefully the iffy default handling doesn't deter people, because there's plenty of fun to be had once you find the right balance.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a perfectly solid instalment in the Square Enix franchise, though its overwhelming familiarity will make large parts of it feel like a retread. Its town-building mechanic and expanded party system are smart expansions, and the move towards a single, centralised story is a benefit. However, Octopath Traveler 0 will still feel largely the same in an experience below that of its predecessors.

If you're a fan of roguelikes that push back, rewarding skilful play and understanding of its barely-explained layers, Morsels is definitely worth sampling. Some might be frustrated by its refusal to hold your hand, but those who stick with it will have a fun and singular experience.

The most ridiculous Call of Duty has ever been, all of Black Ops 7’s multiplayer strengths are overshadowed by the silliest campaign in the franchise’s history. It’s still quality online, and the Zombies mode is as solid as ever. They don’t matter quite as much, though, when a co-op campaign manages to reframe an entire release into one of stupidity.

Neon Inferno has nice visuals and is a solid throwback to classic arcade titles, though you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed by the high volume of enemies, projectiles, and more present on both parts of the screen.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide isn't going to blow anyone away, but it's a perfectly decent 3D platformer that mostly captures the energy of the show. Swapping between SpongeBob and Patrick is a neat mechanic that's used very well throughout, and levels are big and varied as you explore Bikini Bottom and talk to its populace, all of whom are voiced by the proper cast. It definitely has some rough edges and some soft writing, and it won't win over any SpongeBob detractors, but it's a good all-ages game for both kids and longtime fans.

It remains to be seen whether Rennsport can find its place among the other eSports racers. But as a console motorsport experience, it can’t compete.

So, while there are elements of Tales of Xillia that don't quite measure up to today's standards, the core adventure remains rock solid, and the remaster brings some welcome additions and extras to the table. This PS3 RPG deserved a good re-release, and it's got one.

Wreckreation isn't quite the arcade racer many fans have been waiting for. Its super-fast racing action and emphasis on taking down rival drivers recalls fond memories of Burnout, and the game's focal point — the ability to build your own challenges and courses wherever you please — has bags of potential. Unfortunately, iffy physics and handling and a lifeless open world let the side down, but there's still fun to be had in this open world racer, especially if you can gather some pals for some online shenanigans.

For those who appreciate a great movement system in a VR game, Reach is worth checking out for that alone. It’s lacking the same vibe as Synapse, with a dull story and repetitive environments, but if you give it time, there’s fun to be had here.

Roguelites are all about repetition, and Full Metal Schoolgirl has that “one more go” factor that makes the genre so darn compelling. Its tongue in cheek premise resonates in these wild times, and its gameplay – with a bit of tinkering – blends character action with third-person shooting in a fresh and interesting way. You just need to be prepared for a bit of frustration and a pinch of jank: this isn’t a straight-A student by any stretch, but its robotic heart’s in the right place.

The Outer Worlds 2 succeeds in being a bigger and better sequel, buoyed by an even greater emphasis on player choice and freedom. Its RPG mechanics are largely fantastic, and there are key improvements to both combat and exploration. However, despite Obsidian's clever writing, there's a underlying dreariness to the property that it just can't seem to escape. These dull characters and their one-note factions are difficult to truly care for.

PowerWash Simulator 2 isn't reinventing the wheel; it's an overhaul of the original that improves just about every aspect. It won't win over any sceptics, but if you loved the serene, zen-like satisfaction of hosing down houses, this is a no-brainer.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a rock solid action game that delivers on what's most important — the combat. While some of the surrounding aspects are a little less successful, such as repeated environments and a forgettable story, the intense battles and myriad challenges are where the game shines, whether playing as Yakumo or Ryu. It doesn't hit every mark, but the simplistic structure, emphasis on technical combat, and even the cheesy performances combine for an action game that feels like it's from a bygone era, in the best way possible.

When you consider how far Train Sim World 6 has come since its original introduction, it’s staggering. But compared directly to its predecessor, this new version doesn’t change a lot. The new Riviera route is breath-taking, and we really appreciate the addition of passenger announcements and the random events that can impede your journey. But if you’re not immediately attracted to any of the new lines, we’d recommend you focus on the free Starter Pack and wait for some of the upcoming expansions, which will include all-new countries like Japan, Portugal, and Czech Republic.

Little Nightmares III is a nightmare worth having, even if you’ve dreamt it all before. Supermassive Games holds a mirror to the franchise, reflecting the series’ charming horror, clever puzzles, and grotesque universe. But it plays it safe, adding little in the way of originality. Online co-op is the biggest change, but solo play remains the preferred experience. Overall, Little Nightmares III is unsettling enough to make your skin crawl — just not enough to wake you up.

If Digimon Story Time Stranger just sat back and allowed its largely fantastic RPG systems to breathe, it could be counted amongst the finest of Digimon games. But instead, it gets bogged down in disappointingly linear design that limits combat and party-based progression at almost every turn. Despite being packed with such clear potential, Time Stranger ends up feeling like a frustrating misfire.

Fans of 3D platformers will likely have a decent time with it, particularly if they enjoyed the original, but there are enough frustrations that hold this game back from being an easy recommendation.

Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian succeeds through the strength of the sum of its parts. Its story and dialogue are a bit obtrusive at points, but the simple loop of fashioning items to flog them to forge even better ones is compelling. With strategic turn-based combat and breezy presentation, this is an overall enjoyable RPG time sink – even if its character designs and anime tropes may immediately turn some players away.

NHL 26 isn’t a massive overhaul by any means. The title fixates on a couple of key areas to improve upon, and unlike some previous entries, it succeeds. The new updates to Be A Pro, chiefly the World Juniors and voice acting, are incredibly welcome. Even more so, the tweaks to the hitting engine and especially goaltending are phenomenal. But that’s a rather slight list of changes for a full-scale annual release. Pair that with poor online performance and difficulty of finding matches, and you have to ask yourself if the updates are worth it. Is this a better title than NHL 25? Absolutely. But are those changes enough to make this a good game? Well, that’s a more complicated question.

By truly dividing the gameplay between two very distinct presets, EA Sports FC 26 is trying to appeal to everybody. The more methodical Authentic toggle will attract offline Career mode tinkerers, who want to work hard for those scrappy 1-0 wins. Meanwhile, the snappier Competitive option is built for online sweats, who want to force their opponents into submission by burying them in goals. Both feel good in their own ways, and when paired with several new features and refinements, you get a flexible game of football that should please everyone – well, aside from those who simply can’t jive with the franchise’s over-reliance on monetisation.

Silent Hill F takes the survival horror series in a new direction, which pays off for the most part. It’s quite different, and hardcore fans will have to accept that. Combat is a heavy focus, and the move to Japan means there’s a different kind of tone and atmosphere in the air. Technical problems aside, it marks a bold new chapter in the Silent Hill saga. Accept it for what it is, and you’ll find one of PS5’s most intense experiences.

An open world was the right move for a Borderlands franchise that’s on its back foot. If you can grin and bear through some bad console performance, Borderlands 4 rewards you with a whole lot more looting and shooting. Some small new additions around the edges and a solid slate of bosses and side-quests spice up this fourth numbered entry that’s still as brazen and immodest as ever.

Overall Rise of Industry 2 offers a refreshing challenge and will appeal to players who love detailed business and factory sims. However, the game is not for everyone, and its overwhelming complexity, micro-management and cumbersome UI make it unsuitable for more casual players.

Claws of Awaji is a decent expansion, but outside of some cool story moments, it never really elevates itself beyond the base game. There was room for improvement here, in Shadows' stunted combat and stealth mechanics, and its open world structure, but ultimately, the DLC plays it very safe — for better or worse.

The game is very straightforward and only a couple of hours or so in duration, which is all the time it needs, really. It's a joyous little thing while it lasts, but smartly ends before it runs out of new things to show you.

If you're interested in a laidback co-op experience with a friend, LEGO Voyagers fits that remit. It isn't doing anything truly groundbreaking, and there are some finicky controls that may get in the way, but overall it'll win you over with its clever design and a surprisingly emotional narrative.

The Order of Giants isn’t going to change anyone’s opinion on the MachineGames Indy outing. If you didn’t like it before, you won’t like this. Similarly for returning players looking for something new, you won't find it here, and as expected, it lacks the scale that we loved so much in the main game...However, if you're just looking for a few more hours with your favourite quipping archaeologist, then The Order of Giants offers up just that, with a fun storyline, great visuals, and some fantastic puzzles.

When the central gameplay loop of Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion starts to click, this is an action RPG with serious potential. But all too often, the joys of customising your mech and the thrills of hectic battles are held back by tedious design. With its barren open world structure and constantly expanding progression systems, it feels like Titanic Scion stretches itself too thin — but if you can stomach the missteps, there is a deeply addictive quality at the game's core.

Everybody's Golf: Hot Shots is a decent attempt to bring back the franchise PlayStation fans know and love, but there are a few rough edges that prevent it from being anything more. While the core gameplay remains fun and accessible most of the time, inconsistent technical performance interferes with some of the fundamentals, and a general lack of polish across physics and visuals get in the way. There's absolutely still fun to be had in this cheerful title, but it's a fair way from the series' best.

Hirogami is a fine example of an underused aesthetic, and its beautifully styled origami world looks great on PS5. The platforming is a bit messy and there isn't much variety on offer, but for those who prefer a bit more style than substance, it's well worth a look.

Our biggest criticism is that Sloane’s movement can be glacial, even when she breaks into a sprint, and that makes the constant backtracking a bit of a chore. You do unlock fast travel points and shortcuts, but you’ll feel like you’re going through the motions at times as you amble your way around the same streets and locations.

One of the most iconic Xbox franchises ever lands on PS5 with somewhat of a graphical thud. On its second remaster, Gears of War: Reloaded won’t impress visually. However, with a campaign that still has something to offer despite its dated design, and an excellent multiplayer mode on top, this is a welcome introduction to the Gears of War series. 20 years later, the game that started it all is still more than worth playing.

It’s very cool to see Space Adventure Cobra repurposed in this format, and we daresay The Awakening’s going to breed a fresh generation of franchise fans – especially as it includes tons of original footage from the TV show. While the in-game art style doesn’t quite measure up to the anime and the gameplay has some rough edges to it, there’s a surprisingly good rhythm to the action at times, and some clever use of the eponymous adventurer’s arsenal.

It doesn’t do anything that'll have you absolutely amazed, but the time you spend getting to know your surroundings here will be a worthy venture as your store expands and gets more products.

All in all, Hello Kitty Island Adventure will be a must play for Sanrio fans due to its great adaption of the source material, but there's also plenty here for fans of casual gamers to enjoy. Although lacking in some areas, its still a good addition to any cosy gamer's collection.

Mafia: The Old Country doesn’t have enough gameplay ideas to carry its relatively short running time. While the fundamentals here are fine, an overemphasis on insta-fail stealth sequences and floaty shootouts makes for a forgettable campaign, even if it takes place within a stunningly detailed world. The performances are extraordinary but the story itself is predictable, leaving you with a phenomenally acted crime tale that you may admire in the moment but will struggle to remember once the credits roll.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 is more enjoyable as a visual and auditory experience than it is to actually play. Even with new modes and a smooth 60fps mode the new Enhanced edition provides, the Ninja Theory sequel fails on two fronts: bad puzzles and repetitive combat. Despite that, you’ll never play anything else quite like Hellblade 2; the game’s very unique approach to the sensory side of video games is exquisite. It just about warrants playing entirely because of that.

The game will probably only last you a couple of hours or so, but that time is filled with lots of fun moments and amusing gags. It's not something that'll stand up to many replays, but it's an entertaining curiosity while it lasts.

By building on the original and adapting some of the best arcs from the manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is pretty much a must for fans. As far as arena brawler goes, this is one of the better ones, although we still think combat can be a bit flat and woolly at times. But, with a wealth of single player content and so many characters to choose from, this is a worthy sequel to an already solid game.

Wheel World is a delightfully tactile indie title, and a real celebration of cycling. It feels fantastic to play and it's lovely to look at, but it's held back by a finicky finale and poor performance on PS5. We're hoping that a couple of meaningful post-release patches will address our complaints, because at its core, Wheel World is joyous.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is enjoyable enough without its performance troubles, but with them, they’re a major drag on the overall game. Wait for them to be ironed out in post-launch patches and you’ll find a decent, if formulaic experience.

Each character has a unique move set, like Gon’s fishing rod and Razor’s volleyball spikes. There’s genuine variety to the roster too, from the quick and nimble Killua to the tricky Misoka (this author’s personal favourite). But with just 16 characters at launch, the three-on-three gameplay format feels seriously stretched, and you’ll be seeing a lot of repeated faces even during a simple arcade run...There’s not much to the game either. The story mode, which glosses over the events from the anime, basically acts as an extended tutorial, and will take you less than an hour or so to beat. Outside of that you’re left with Time Attack, Combo Trials, and the Heavens Arena, which is basically just a renamed survival mode.

The controls are the big downside here, then, because it’s practically impossible to recreate the “feel” of the arcade original on a pad.

Shadow Labyrinth is an admirable big swing that places Pac-Man in a strange new space. Unfortunately, while there are some fun elements taken from the arcade classic and a few neat ideas sprinkled in, the majority of the game is a by-the-numbers Metroidvania that doesn't quite come together. It feels like a game built to please Pac-fans and hardcore players that lap up the likes of Hollow Knight, but the end result is something that underserves both. It's not bad, but with so many incredible 2D Metroidvanias these days, this one doesn't quite do enough to measure up.

You can't really go wrong with Unfinished Business if you enjoyed its underrated predecessor, but expectations need to be kept in check. This standalone follow-up is disappointingly rough around the edges, and although its comically violent combat remains satisfying, it's not varied enough to elevate the entire action-heavy campaign. Still, we're never going to say no to more Rogue City. Teyon still manages to capture the campy 80s spirit of RoboCop here, and that'll drive most players to the top of OmniTower.

EDENS ZERO is a competent adaptation and a very basic — but often fun — action RPG. Generic in its design and held back by some seriously rough visuals, it's the kind of game that's barely going to appeal to those outside of the established fandom, but there is a charm in how breezy it is to actually play. The bottom line is that if you're looking for an easygoing anime-based adventure, you could do worse than EDENS ZERO — although it does take a few hours for things to feel mechanically interesting.

System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster is a fantastic way to revisit one of the most influential games ever made. Lightyears ahead of its time, some of its systems haven't aged well, making it frustrating at times. Still, with a compelling story and solid gameplay, and packed full of art and assets from development (not to mention scans of classic magazine write-ups, as well as a complete Prima strategy guide), it's well worth the time of any enthusiast.

It may sound a bit all over the place, but in practice this is a nicely paced and thoughtfully done game that manages to draw a lot from an old school Atari classic.

Into the Restless Ruins is doing a lot of things right, then, but the auto-combat doesn't have the exponential growth of Vampire Survivors to keep it interesting, and whatever story is present is easy to forget. However, again, the game's interesting structure is more than enough to make it well worth a look for roguelike fans.

Ultimately, Ruffy and the Riverside is a game we wanted to like, but despite its attractive visual style and unique ideas, it never really comes together in a satisfying way. While there's some fun to be had running around in the semi-open world, it never evolves beyond that.

Rematch is very close to being a brilliant online sports title, and we're confident it can reach its full potential with the right updates and post-launch support. The gameplay has depth, and successful team play is super rewarding. Once it gets past its early teething issues, this has real potential to take off.

We’re sure that if you’re a fan of the base game, you’ll likely get some enjoyment here, as there are some genuine moments of tension, and we loved getting to hear wee tidbits about the Beira D disaster. However, what it does more than anything else is make us want to go back and play the base game.

If you're a fan of the franchise, then TRON: Catalyst is a title you won’t want to miss. Bithell Games has massively expanded the scope and ambition of its title from the first time out, and the results are mostly successful.

FBC: Firebreak stings a little, because it has so much of what we’re looking for in a co-op shooter. It’s got the killer world and aesthetic, it’s got quirky powers and role based kits, it’s got tight first-person gameplay, and doesn’t require you to grind things out for dozens of hours. However, despite all of that, Firebreak's just fine, and ironically lacks the fire that we expect from Remedy's output. It’s a fun, casual time, but you’ll play it, you’ll finish it, and before long you’ll forget about it and wish you had been playing Control 2 instead.

Splitgate 2 is an interesting sequel. In a lot of ways, it fixes the issues we had with the original; it looks nicer, runs better, gameplay is far improved, there’s a lot of content on offer, and the portal mechanic is good fun to learn. It's a great pick for those casual sessions with your mates, but we still can't help but feel underwhelmed by it all. The maps are fine, and the cosmetics are dull as dishwater. If you removed the portal mechanics — which were arguably more freeing in the first Splitgate — you'd be left with a competent, but ultimately uninspired shooter.

There's a fair amount of depth to Star Trucker if you have the patience for it, and it's all presented with pleasant visuals and Americana stylings that lend it a fun atmosphere. There are some potentially frustrating elements and it's tougher than you might expect, but there's a fulfilling and novel game here for sim fans.

It has a real lack of gameplay or mechanical depth, so while it is fun to experience the novelty of its settings, weapons, and enemies, once all that wears off, there isn’t much left to keep you around. The gameplay feels overly simplistic, the AI is incredibly dumb, and it's missing that energy found in most great shooters. We were won over by the charm of Hypercharge, but not by anything else.

EA Sports F1 25 is overall another rock solid entry in the annual franchise. The driving is reliably good fun and impressively flexible, and the return of Braking Point is a welcome one, even if it's not the best story ever told. A robust set of modes means there's something for everyone, and it looks and sounds great on the whole. One or two career mode changes might ruffle some feathers, and navigating the game can feel slow, but by and large it's a podium finish for this F1 racer.

Deliver At All Costs’ greatest strength is its ability to reinvent itself, but its missions lack tension and its story is a bit of a misfire. If you really enjoy that isometric era of GTA games, then you’ll find fun in this physics-heavy escapade – but expect bumps and blemishes, because this is far from the perfect package.

Even with the baggage of its PS2 origins, Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is a welcome trip down memory lane.

Blades of Fire is a well-made and lengthy action adventure romp that will test your combat skills, provided you can see it through. Taking inspiration from some of gaming's greatest hits, it never quite manages to reach those lofty heights itself, let down by a generic setting and lacklustre art direction. Still, it offers some interesting concepts, with combat and crafting mechanics that remain satisfying throughout.

It’s cute and colourful, then, and something you can zone out with while you listen to a podcast or watch something else. But it won’t live long in the memory, even if its urban backdrop and light-hearted style offers an appreciated change of pace.

Like the drive back home from an away day loss, you’re left wondering: what was the point? Despelote laudably captures the emotion surrounding Ecuador’s qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but it struggles to craft a satisfying video game about it.

Oblivion Remastered is a welcome reminder of just how special the 2006 RPG can be. Performance issues and tedious design elements aside, Virtuos and Bethesda deserve real credit for bringing Oblivion back in such a way that doesn't detract from the original vision, and the meme-worthy identity that it's fostered over the years. This is, arguably, the definitive Oblivion experience — or at least it will be, once the awkward wrinkles have been ironed out.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves won’t blow you away like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8, but as a more rudimentary fighter, it’s got guile. Its layered fighting system and vibrant, well-animated characters make for an entertaining overall package that’s been 26 years in the making. While the gimmicky guest fighters feel out of place and the supposed RPG-inspired single player mode is insultingly basic, if you’re looking for a fine alternative to the more established fighters already on the market, this is more than up to the task.

The Lunar games embody everything that's nostalgic about 90s JRPGs, from the fun characters and colourful fantasy worlds, to the glorious spritework and catchy music. That said, Lunar's underlying grind can make it difficult to stomach here in 2025 — especially when the Lunar Remastered Collection doesn't do enough to mitigate the series' most tedious aspects. It's great to experience these games again — a fully deserved revival — but it's a real shame that the collection isn't flush with more helpful features.

Rusty Rabbit is a standard Metroidvania that doesn't stray far from the formula, but surprises with lots of customisation and light social sim elements. It's worth playing for its protagonist alone (in the Japanese dub at least), a cute rabbit with the stern vocals of Kazama Kiryu.

There's something to be taken from almost every run, though, whether that's knowledge, some sort of permanent progress, or just discovering a room you hadn't seen before. So dense with puzzles, secrets, and lore is Blue Prince that it rarely leaves you empty-handed, even if it can feel that way sometimes. Again, if you have the drive to see the game through on its terms, you'll be handsomely rewarded, but the journey getting to that point may be too inconsistent for some.

While the game itself inevitably shows its age with its simplistic design, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos remains an adorable and fun platformer in this remaster. The revamped visuals pop while staying true to its old school look, and the analog control provides a much smoother way to play. The Crocipedia fleshes things out, providing lots of detail about the making of this pioneering 3D title.

A visual novel that cares more about its presentation than its writing, Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme is about as shallow as a reality television show – but it never pretends to be anything else. Irrespective of your personal appetite for underdressed 18-year-olds, this is an impressive looking game, with vivid oversaturated visuals and some brilliant animations. It’s a lot tamer than its screenshots may imply, but without the minigame hooks of its predecessors, it feels a little lightweight as a consequence.

There's something really compelling at the core of Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, but it struggles to emerge amidst half-baked mechanics and a general lack of depth. The game wows over the first few hours with slick visuals and a varied character roster, but it just doesn't have the content to keep anyone but the most hardcore Bleach fans hooked. While it's great to see Tite Kubo's edgy blockbuster back in action, Rebirth of Souls will go down as a flashy fighter that never realised its potential.

Ultimately, The First Berserker: Khazan is a good time. Its aesthetic differentiates it from the plethora of ARPG Souls-likes we've become used to, and its brilliant boss fights are engaging enough to entice you through levels that start to feel boring around the mid-way point of the game. But its lacklustre story and bloated, inconsistent mechanics hinder what could have been a better game if it were more refined.

Dungeons of Hinterberg presents itself as a virtual vacation, and it can really feel like one at times. Its chill concoction of combat, conversations, and puzzle-solving is always entertaining without being too challenging or obtuse. Come for the dungeons and you end up staying for the people.

Two Point Museum successfully transposes an effective gameplay formula to another theme, with this game in particular packing some serious variety due to the different types of institutions you can build. It’s laugh out loud funny, moreish, and there’s an enjoyable difficulty curve. But if you’ve never been particularly fond of this type of tycoon title, don’t expect to find anything here that will change your mind.