Chaotic with friends and addictive alone, this will leave you intoxicated by its charm, and with so much to do, it won't outstay its welcome anytime soon.

Thumper makes an incredible case for the future of virtual reality. With an incredible level of quality paired with a reasonable price of admission, this should absolutely be one of the first titles that anyone interested in making the most out of their new PlayStation VR headset buys. With blistering speed and intensity to go along some easy to learn, difficult to master gameplay mechanics, the future of rhythm games – and, by extension, virtual reality – is bright.

Iron Galaxy has polished both titles to a contemporary shine. In simple terms, Chronicles of Mystara is the best of the best.

If it's more of the same you want, with a few extras, some more polish and updated player rosters, have no fear – FIFA 13 scores effortlessly on that front. There aren't a whole lot of huge changes during this run out, but the substitutions across each mode, plus some smart new diversions such as Skill Games, the great integration of live team updates and tightened mechanics, ensure that it stays on top of the table for another year.

A staggering title: not only is it a successful test bed for one of the PlayStation Vita's most promising features, but it's also a cunningly addictive game in its own right.

Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is a masterwork – a gorgeous and subtle experience, which treats you as an adult, without ever indulging in pretence. It cares about its characters enough to give them interesting and meaningful things to say, while also playing host to some truly breathtaking art direction and music.

Episode four of DONTNOD's Life is Strange continues the exceptional level of quality that episode three delivered. It even goes so far as to surpass what came before in a variety of ways.

Fallout 4 is a masterclass in open world design. Consistently engrossing and absolutely stuffed with intricacies, it's a title that'll keep you enthralled for hours at a time as you gradually unravel its desolate yet hopeful post-apocalyptic portrayal of Boston. Although it's let down by some disappointing frame rate issues, it's not enough to detract from what's otherwise one of the most atmospheric and beautifully brutal games on the PS4.

Yet another timely reminder that Capcom has been the king of its craft for decades now, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 superbly digs into the Dreamcast era of the Japanese publisher’s iconic output. While its commitment to arcade conversions means you’re missing some of the single player modes from the various included titles’ home console ports, there’s simply so much quality content on offer here that it’s hard to complain, with the likes of Capcom vs. SNK 2 and Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper having legitimate claims at being some of the greatest fighters ever made.

Resogun’s still sensational at its core, and the Heroes expansion serves as a resplendent reminder of that.

BreakQuest: Extra Evolution is one of the most addictive block breakers since Shatter. With a treasure trove of gorgeous stages, a fantastic soundtrack, and a pocket change price-point, this is one PlayStation Mini that you can't afford to miss.

Housemarque has delivered the PS5 promise with Returnal. All the console's bells and whistles enhance the experience, making this a real showpiece for the hardware. But more than that, the game is a force to be reckoned with; the breathless combat, super slick gameplay, and the subtle but unsettling story combine for an experience of surprising scale. Rogue-lite aspects mean it won't gel with everyone, but for those looking for a challenging, addictive arcade shooter, this comes highly recommended.

Resogun: Defenders signs Housemarque's shooter off in predictably sublime style. Protector is arguably the game's greatest mode to date, offering everything that's enjoyable about the original – just at pulsating pace.

Even though the visual design is a standout, the shining stars in Overwatch are without a doubt its heroes, not to mention their wonderfully varied weapons and abilities.

STFU is one of the best indie releases on PS4.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the remastered collection that the trilogy deserves. Playing these games back-to-back showcases the immensely impressive scope of BioWare's series — an ambitious project the likes of which we haven't seen since. In some ways, all three titles are showing their age — but excellent character writing and exceptional world building make this a timeless trilogy. An emotional and truly memorable experience, from start to finish.

Astro’s Playroom is deserving of every single superlative you’re likely to hear associated with it. As a platformer, it’s a varied and entertaining experience that’s constantly introducing new and exciting ideas over the course of its campaign. And as a DualSense tech demo, it’s similarly effective at showcasing the power and potential of Sony’s new hardware. But perhaps above all, this is a love letter to the legacy of PlayStation, and it feels fitting that as we enter an exciting new chapter from an undeniably iconic gaming brand, we take a moment to remember the milestones that got us to this point.

A compelling culmination of exact care and attention, Grand Theft Auto V's obsessive attention to detail is matched only by its gripping mission design and clever caricature cast.

While the lack of Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker is extremely disappointing, if you own a Vita and somehow managed to miss all of the previous releases of these two titles, now is a better time than ever to come out of your cardboard box and experience these two award winning games whether at home or on the go.

Gran Turismo 7 is a game for everyone: the racing enthusiasts, the novices, and anyone in between. It celebrates car culture and history within the confines of a driving experience, explaining how the automobiles you race past the chequered flag fit into the wider world. There's never been a game quite like it before: Gran Turismo 7 means more than just racing. It's something that matters; something that warrants appreciation and respect just as much as it hands it out itself.

There's a tangible insistence from gamers that this series needs to evolve, but it seems unwarranted when it still leads the FPS class. The engine's definitely in need of an overhaul, but when it comes to thumping set-pieces and addictive multiplayer design, Modern Warfare 3 is still in a league of its own.

Octopath Traveler II presents enough rich, turn-based action to forgive its minor combat system flaws. It's a breath-taking work of art, filled to the brim with story and adventure, bolstered by a cast of incredible characters who will leave you wanting more at every turn. A masterfully crafted RPG.

Much like last year's The Making of Karateka, Digital Eclipse’s format sets a high standard for retro collections going forward. It's made the story of these games accessible to all audiences. As a portrait of Jeff, it’s a heartwarming and educational depiction of a personality every gamer should know about.

With stellar writing, challenging combat, a compelling central quest, and dozens of worthwhile side activities, Divinity: Original Sin II is one of the finest role-playing games available on PlayStation 4. There’s the occasional small issue and some scant technical hiccups – particularly when playing online – but these are minor quibbles. This is a dense, engrossing adventure, packed to the hilt with stories worth hearing, conflicts you’ll want to resolve, and secret treasures just begging to be discovered.

Bloober Team has faithfully and respectfully recreated one of the survival horror genre’s all-time greats, modernising Silent Hill 2 in all the right ways. So much of what made the Konami classic a masterpiece in 2001 remains in this PS5 remake 23 years later, with the same unforgettable story, satisfying exploration, and weighty combat. There were concerns in the lead-up to release, but Silent Hill 2 speaks for itself: a spectacular experience that once again represents survival horror at its best.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is an imaginative and innovative platformer which plays to the strengths of PlayStation VR and delivers an immersive experience that isn’t easy to forget. Stunning presentation elevated by insanely good animation ensure that you always feel present in the release’s virtual world, while tight controls and genuinely clever level design will keep you engaged. This is the kind of game that will leave you beaming long after you’ve taken the headset off – and we can’t give it higher praise than that.

Mugsters may not hit all the notes of a fast frenetic party game, and it may not have the deepest story to suck you in and keep you playing for months and months. However, the endless variety and sense of curiosity we felt playing, exploring, and blowing stuff up was enough to keep us very, very busy. This is a game with no definite end in sight, and absolutely no boredom to be had.

Grow Home is a gorgeous title which acts as yet another example that not all games need to be hours upon hours long. Its unique climbing mechanics make for a tense and often terrifying time, while its endearing story grounds the entire experience. There are some niggling control issues, but the stunning presentation and subtle soundtrack round things out, ultimately making for a satisfying and adorable game.

While it’s perhaps not the graphical powerhouse we would use to showcase our new console to friends and family, WRC 9 on PlayStation 5 runs at a consistently smooth 60 frames-per-second at 4K resolution, and marks a significant improvement over its last-gen underling. However, it’s the game’s use of the haptic feedback technology provided by DualSense that really takes centre stage here, potentially offering a transformative experience for players who choose to play with a controller.

Each of the game’s three “campaigns” distinguishes itself from each other as well. From the sandy canyons of Geonosis, the eerie halls of the Prosecutor, or the densely forested Kashyyyk, they all feel distinct. While it may not be a visual feast anymore, the takeaway with Republic is less look how far we've come but rather look how far ahead it really was.

Not only does the game fit the PlayStation Vita like a glove, it's still one of the most engaging tower defence games ever crafted and the perfect game for those times when you want something you can quickly get into and play.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch is a stellar Metroidvania adventure set in a beautifully realised world, replete with challenging combat encounters, rewarding exploration, and some spicy platforming action. Rayton Rabbit might be of diminutive stature, but he's punching well above his weight here in what is one of the best games of 2021 so far.

The missions can be repetitive and the levelling system simplistic, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a well-crafted RPG that is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end.

The ultra-smooth movement and responsive controls make for a deliciously slick gameplay experience. You've plenty of ways to enjoy it as well, with several modes for up to four local players, including competitive variants that are decent fun with friends. Precision platforming isn't for everyone, but it's executed very well with Flat Heroes. If you've ever enjoyed the likes of Super Meat Boy or N++, it's worth giving this stylish action title a try.

With sound mechanics and some great difficulty tuning options, this should appeal to everyone – whether you're a baseball fan or not.

Fall Guys is the Battle Royale game for those who don't like Battle Royale games. This is enjoyment and positivity in its purest form with a long list of events that are primed to put a smile across your face, no matter whether you're playing alone or with friends. Your family will catch you chuckling, your buddies won't forget that time you cried with laughter, and you'll do it all over again because there’s nothing else like it. Fall Guys is just the best.

VOID Riders is a solid addition to OlliOlli World that justifies itself with a neat new mechanic, fun characters, and some cracking extra levels. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't need to; if you're into it already, this just gives you more excuses to keep things rolling.

Minecraft's arrival on the PS3 is exactly what you may have expected, as this is still the same addictive, quirky, and humorous title that's been available on the PC for years.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is the best way to experience the return of Cloud and company. Remake remains a game of ups and downs in terms of quality, but by the time the credits roll, its most memorable moments shine through — of which there are many. Meanwhile, Episode INTERmission won't blow anyone's mind, but it's an enjoyable adventure that slots neatly into the existing story, and fans won't want to miss it.

Gameplay is unchanged, retaining the linear nature that guides you through a crafted campaign full of surprises and standout sequences. The English army of 1348 and rodent infantry burrowing underground create environmental puzzles with inventive solutions while combat is almost always a life or death situation. Miss your shot and doom is likely right around the corner. But so too is one of the most underrated experiences of the past few years. A Plague Tale: Innocence has always been a great game. PS5 makes it that little bit better.

While the game doesn't quite reach the level of bombast found in the console iterations, Uncharted: Golden Abyss sets a high bar for what portable gaming is capable of, setting a promising benchmark for what Sony's latest portable powerhouse can deliver.

The pricing will seem somewhat steep if you've already poured countless hours into the original Dragon's Crown, but that doesn't take anything away from what is still one of the best, most memorable beat-'em-ups on the market. Topped off with some incredibly addictive RPG elements, it's difficult not to fall in love with Vanillaware's stellar sidescroller all over again.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris is another great expansion that fans of the base game won't want to miss. However, unlike Wrath of the Druids, the second DLC's strength is rooted in its adaptation of the old Assassin's Creed formula. Black box assassination missions are the stars of the show, where stealth and deception are brought back into fashion. What's more, the story's darker tone makes for some memorable moments.

NBA 2K19 is once again the best simulation of basketball. When it comes to gameplay, presentation, and polish 2K’s latest entry is undoubtedly unmatched. However, basic cosmetic options being held hostage behind microtransactions and an obtrusive story during MyCareer are huge unforced turnovers and prevent NBA 2K19 from cementing itself as the Greatest Of All Time.

Eight years after its initial release, and Valkyria Chronicles remains a thoroughly enjoyable strategy game. Its mix of real-time movement and tactical, turn-based decision making still feels unique, and proceedings are carried by a story that blends the harsh realities of war with more intimate, personal narratives. Parts of the remastered package do feel a little worn by today's standards, but those who missed out on joining Welkin Gunther and the gang the first time around should certainly consider enlisting for this return to the battlefield.

A surprisingly fun throwback to a genre of puzzle adventures lost to the winds of time, and also a loving nod to the career of its creator. It's an enjoyable dungeon crawler with some fiendish puzzles and punishing death traps. This game's slight – those with even a passing skill at puzzle games can best it on the adventure difficulty in a couple of stretches – but there's plenty of collectibles to get and enough hidden Waster eggs to warrant multiple playthroughs.

Rebellion and Just Add Water’s made a fine effort at bringing Sniper Elite to PSVR. By offering a full-sized original campaign, more authentic weapon handling, and ample replayability, it’s a strong debut for this established series into first-person territory. Though motion controls feel fiddly at times and the PS Move controllers do the experience a disservice, it’s a great adaptation worth looking into.

Monster Hunter Stories 3 is the pinnacle of the series in so many ways — especially from a storytelling perspective. At its core, it's a ridiculously addictive monster taming RPG, boasting in-depth progression systems and satisfying combat mechanics — but it does take quite a long time for everything to truly click.

Despite some technical letdowns, Arizona Sunshine 2 is still a joyous celebration of zombie brain-bashing. It features some of the best VR shooting on the market, with a reload mechanic that is incredibly satisfying and really brings to light what makes the platform so great in the first place. As a sequel, it improves graphically, narratively, and just controls a whole lot better. With a solid campaign offering, various difficulties, and a horde mode with more maps to come, Arizona Sunshine 2 is the full VR package — and an absolute must-buy for PSVR2 players.

God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is a brilliant addition to a brilliant game. Not only does it remix the core title's combat in a compelling, highly replayable roguelite mode, it does so with Santa Monica's usual cinematic style, weaving in meaningful story that'll keep you hooked while it lasts. Fans of the series really shouldn't pass on this — and, because it's totally free, there's no reason to do so.

Though the environments offer intriguing ethereal backdrops to fire from, they're a bit busier than we’d like. Once in a while you’ll lose track of the notes because the environments may briefly draw your attention from the song. In fact, apart from a disorienting moment where the game briefly freezes upon completing every song, this is the game’s only flaw. The difficulty ramps up well, shooting notes is rewarding and satisfying, and you’ll find yourself wanting to go back again and again.

KickBeat is definitely on rhythm, and will consume hours of your time with its beat-matching brawling as a consequence.

The overarching feeling while playing this game is that it's wonderfully relaxing. Save for a handful of tough difficulty spikes or moments where you lose your way on the sprawling map, A Monster's Expedition provides a genuinely pleasant puzzle experience you can enjoy at your own pace. A few options for tips mean you have some help if you want it, and no loading means it's a doddle to get into. If you're after something chilled out to wind down with, it's certainly worth taking this journey.

Fate/Samurai Remnant really leaves a mark with its character-driven story. The tale of Miyamoto Iori is consistently intriguing, and watching such a grounded protagonist navigate seemingly insurmountable situations is what makes this action RPG so compelling. The uniquely balanced combat system takes a while to get going, and the strategy stuff runs a bit hot and cold, but this is a surprisingly intricate package overall. A surefire win for Fate fans and newcomers alike.

The deep, meaningful narrative, partnered with the lovely pixel art and outstanding music composed by Masdito Bachtiar, create a mysterious title that we couldn't put down until we had seen it through to its satisfying conclusion. We would highly recommend A Space for the Unbound for anyone who loves a good story-driven adventure game — just expect to be run through the wringer in this powerfully emotional tale.

Overall, we'd say this is a decent upgrade that makes effective use of PS5's capabilities. However, if you're yet to grab Sony's new machine, the PS4 version will serve you just fine until you do.

It may be easy to accuse sports games of offering the same experience year in and year out, but you simply can’t say that about NBA 2K23. The game still has issues with its overemphasis on microtransactions in MyCareer and to a lesser extent MyTeam, but the new MyNBA Eras mode is a revelation – and the Jordan Challenge campaign is damn fun, too. On the court, 2K Sports has made some nice balancing tweaks and also improved the overall AI to make matches more dynamic and competitive, and when you pair all of that with all the new animations, you end up with a basketball sim that’s the very definition of a slam dunk.

It’s truly impressive what SFB Games has accomplished with such a small team. If you like 90s horror games — Resident Evil especially — then you owe it to yourself to try out Crow Country.

Transformers Devastation is a great example of how to take a licensed property and turn it into a quality title. While the game is a little on the short side, it's strong from start to finish.

It doesn’t make as much use of the PS4’s added horsepower as it probably should, but if you missed out on the original – or really enjoyed the title first time around – then this will prove a heroic addition to your new console’s collection.

Objectively The Disney Afternoon Collection is quite the value. Priced at £15.99/$19.99, Capcom has given gamers quite the appetising package, whether you're familiar with Capcom's retro Disney games or not. Once again, the production values and accuracy of these emulations are second-to-none, but it's the added features – like the rewind option and abundance of original artwork – that makes this selection essential.

The game subscribes to the “easy to play but difficult to master” cliché, and offers enough replay value thanks to its varied track list that it's worth sticking with over many sessions.

Omno clearly takes a lot of inspiration from the all-time great that is Journey, and often feels very similar in terms of gameplay pacing and overall tone. Omno never quite reaches the same emotional highs as Journey, but in some ways, it does actually build upon its predecessor's groundwork, offering more opportunities for exploration and player freedom. Even if you're just mulling around an area, interacting with strange creatures and soaking up the vibes, there's a lot to like about this lovingly crafted title.

Outlast: Whistleblower doesn’t muck around with a formula that’s already proven to work, and it subsequently succeeds at extending the spooky atmosphere of Red Barrels’ survival horror release. The new campaign accompanies the original game well, and even improves upon it in many ways. It also ups the ante in the terror department, hitting harder and more frequently, without relying too heavily on jump scares.

Minor conversion issues aside that can likely be solved, Darksiders: Warmastered Edition has the intrinsic fortune of being a timeless looker with its distinct visuals, which benefits from appropriate resolution and performance buffs that bring it up to speed. A fantasy world that retains its wonder and gracefully aged gameplay easily ensure that this game's horseman can confidently cometh again.

It's taken close to two years, but Street Fighter V finally resembles the game that it should have been from the start thanks to Arcade Edition. Newcomers can rest assured that there's now enough single player content to keep casual players happy, and at its core, the actual fighting remains top class. There's a cynical part of us that says Arcade Edition is little more than a glorified season three update, but the simple truth is that there's never been a better time to jump in.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition brings one of, if not the best Tales game to PS4, and that alone will no doubt be enough to persuade fans of the series. But really, ten years after its original release, Vesperia deserves more credit than that. It's a borderline classic Japanese RPG, and one that still holds up in 2019 thanks to a great cast of characters and some finely poised action.

Chants of Sennaar has a terrifically unique focus on translation, portraying the differences between various cultures’ languages excellently through its enjoyable puzzle-solving. With no other game quite like it, we’d highly recommend getting lost in translation here.

Despite one or two rough edges, Stray is a very enjoyable adventure. It's fairly straightforward, and gives you lots of opportunity to embody a cat, whether that's rubbing up against a robot's legs, clawing at furniture, or finding cosy places in which to snooze. The narrative doesn't quite reach the emotional hit it's looking for, but it slowly shows its hand throughout, with plenty of interesting details to learn. Pairing a common pet with moody sci-fi has worked well, resulting in a unique, engaging game with strengths that outshine its flaws.

By doubling down on what made the base game so sublime, FromSoftware has crafted an Elden Ring expansion that's just as great as it is familiar. Shadow of the Erdtree delivers more of the same style of content you loved two years ago rather than introducing new ways to engage. That's enough to consider it a fantastic expansion, though it's hard not to feel like you're just going through the motions again. With a new land to explore, a fresh set of bosses to fight, and extra lore to consume, it's so much more Elden Ring.

Silt represents what's so special about indies: a great game just outside the norm.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 does a lot of things better than its predecessor. A better story is propped up by better characters, and even though the opening hours are slow, there's a better overall flow to the game. All in all, Square Enix has constructed a rock solid sequel that, while safe and undeniably familiar, should satisfy both returning players and newcomers alike.

Braid is undoubtedly a classic that revolutionized the indie game landscape, and it still has enough unique ideas to make it worth a playthrough for the first time today. Whether or not the Anniversary Edition is worth it, however, will largely depend on your experience with the original. For newcomers, the enhanced graphics and extra levels make this the definitive edition, and worthy of a purchase. Similarly, up-and-coming game developers will find lots of love and advice poured into the game’s comprehensive commentary system. However, for those who have experienced Braid before, unless you're itching for a revisit, there may not be enough new content here to justify double dipping. Whether it's the original or the Anniversary Edition, though, Braid is still a game that should be experienced by everyone at least once.

It's clear that a lot of care and attention has gone into this game, and while it certainly won't appeal to everyone, we daresay that Gamindustri veterans will be delighted with the offering.

Sadly, if you've been holding out for a more traditional Dragon Ball fighter, Dragon Ball XenoVerse isn't it. It is, however, a well realised and refreshing take on Akira Toriyama's universe, which allows fans to appreciate the source material from a whole new angle.

Grand Kingdom is a strong tactical title that will ignite your inner sellsword. Some minor difficulty spikes can't upset the entertaining strategy action being served up here, and with tons of content on offer, this is a game that you could potentially still be playing this time next year.

Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is another cracking remake from Activision. The purple dragon's original trio of adventures holds up brilliantly, with beautiful, colourful visuals and meticulously rebuilt levels. The controls are faithful to a fault; Spyro turns on a dime, but camera issues can frustrate occasionally, and loading times are perhaps a little too long. Overall, however, this is a remake Spyro fans can be proud of, and a threesome of old-school 3D platformers that a new generation of players will come to love.

Newcomers to the franchise may want to delve back into Disgaea's archives before trying their hand at D2 in order to better acquaint themselves with the three main characters, but after a few hours eliminating demons on the battlefield, you'll soon be up to speed with all of the tactical gameplay delights that the series has to offer.

At its best, Frostpunk provides a tense, nail-biting experience like few others in the genre. It's not about building an empire, or creating a beautiful cityscape, but simply doing what you need to do to guide your people through what at first seems like insurmountable adversity. There's a few niggling issues, but the feeling you get from surviving the campaign is one of utter, unbridled joy, and it's that feeling more than any other why we have absolutely no qualms about recommending Frostpunk to you.

Much of its appeal may go missing on those that aren't in love with the source material, but everyone else should give this a look.

Honkai: Star Rail, already a tremendous success, transfers to PS5 flawlessly – and is almost guaranteed to become one of the most-played games on the platform. In some ways its bite-sized nature means it’s more at home on mobile, but its beautiful anime art style and stunning animations deserve to be experienced on a big screen. While its narrative is occasionally overwritten, and it demands players invest a lot to experience it to its fullest, this is a live service executed impeccable. And the truly exciting thing is that the best is yet to come.

DOOM Eternal: The Ancient Gods - Part One is so much more of the PS4's best first-person shooter. It doesn't do anything dramatically different from the base game, rather letting its phenomenal gameplay loop revel in new environments and against new enemies. Difficulty spikes present more problems than we'd like, though, to the point where casual players might feel like giving up. Nevertheless, bring on Part Two.

The core Hatsune Miku gameplay has barely changed, so if you liked it before, you'll like it now. The most compelling case for picking up Project DIVA Future Tone lies in the options you're given as to how much of the game you want to buy. While the free, base package won't give you much to sink your teeth into, either of the reasonably priced add-on packs offer an awful lot of bang for your buck, and combined they make up the most robust and complete version of Hatsune Miku ever released.

The strategy RPG genre owes a lot to the Tactics Ogre franchise, which is filled with lesser titles trying to recreate even a fraction of its winning formula. The experience that lies at the heart of Tactics Ogre: Reborn has stood the test of time admirably and, thanks to the swathe of intelligent tweaks and quality-of-life improvements introduced, will likely remain at the head of the pack for years to come.

Borderlands 2 doesn't quite recapture the same sense of wide-eyed wonder that made its predecessor such a commercial smash-hit, but it's still a dangerously addictive game.

There are a few downsides, of course. Learning how to implement all the above involves some trial and error. While there are tutorials that teach players the specifics of how each faction works, we feel like one specifically for console controllers would have been useful. It took us about a half dozen hours to really become comfortable and competent, which might be asking a bit much for a casual player. This next one is more for hardened veterans, and even then your mileage may vary; nearly a quarter of a century on, strategy games have come a pretty long way, and there's no denying that Age of Mythology’s gameplay can feel simplistic, which is ironic, considering how influential the series has been. Having played a bunch back in the day, the missed campaigns are appreciated, but we can’t see ourselves regularly returning to the well.

EA Sports WRC combines Codemasters' off-road racing pedigree with officially licensed cars, teams, and locations. The result is a confident and robust rally game that boasts super-fun driving, intense and challenging stages, and all the modes you could expect. It's only really let down by technical and performance problems. Here's hoping those will be ironed out in due course, because this is otherwise a rewarding rally game that gets (nearly) everything right.

With a bunch of smart additions, F1 2021 is a cracking simulator for both die-hard fans and newcomers. The Braking Point story mode doesn't have a particularly compelling narrative, but it's a brilliant gateway into the motorsport and a primer for the wider game. Two Player Career, the Expert driving style, Real Season Start, and more make this the most customisable and accessible iteration yet, allowing you to play how you like across the game's excellent career options. Of course, the driving itself seals the deal, and it's a winner on that front. This is a no-brainer for F1 fans, but it's also a fantastic entry for newbie drivers to start with.

While the voice acting is a little below par, the writing is superb, crafting meaningful, emotional moments seemingly at will, while walking a delicate tonal line between sadness and catharsis. What you're left with is a fascinating, emotionally powerful experience not soon to leave you.

Arca’s Path is yet another title that PlayStation VR users won’t want to miss. It’s most importantly a relaxing and tranquil puzzler, but with a brand new way to play, controlling the experience with the movement of your head is an ingenious input method that proves how far the technology has come. Fun, inventive, and beautiful, Arca’s Path should be played by every VR aficionado.

The core Hatsune Miku gameplay has barely changed, so if you liked it before, you'll like it now. The most compelling case for picking up Project DIVA Future Tone lies in the options you're given as to how much of the game you want to buy. While the free, base package won't give you much to sink your teeth into, either of the reasonably priced add-on packs offer an awful lot of bang for your buck, and combined they make up the most robust and complete version of Hatsune Miku ever released.

On its own, Trails of Cold Steel IV is far from being the best game in the series, but as a conclusion to an epic story with characters that have long since won us over, it's a fitting finale. Class VII remains one of the most endearing groups in gaming, and although they demand so much of your time across four whole games, both the journey and the eventual payoff has been worth it. When packaged together with Cold Steel I, II, and III, this is easily one of the most engrossing RPG sagas of our time.

A slew of engaging gameplay modes and a huge character roster ensure that you'll be kept busy, but once again, it's the brilliant and intense spectacle of all-out ninja warfare that'll keep you utterly glued to your controller.

If you've ever found enjoyment at the apron of a virtual pinball machine this really is the definitive experience, and while the occasionally distracting presentation – a hallmark of Zen Studios – has been heightened in VR, you'll still find yourself flipping out over the just how easily you'll lose yourself chasing that elusive high score.

I Was A Teenage Exocolonist is a fun visit through adolescence which begs the player to keep living life to the max, experiencing all the game can offer. It's a beautifully artistic game, with many opportunities for a unique experience every time you play.

With so many varied characters to get to know there's sure to be at least one that you fall in love with. But even if you do end up friendzoned or worse, this is an experience that’ll leave you with a huge grin on your face.

Unlike say, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, there is little here that would convert someone who was not already a fan of that venerable JRPG series. Its offerings are traditional perhaps to a fault, and while modern conveniences have smoothed away some of its rougher edges, Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake does require a certain old-school mindset to be properly appreciated.

Not top dog, but not in the land of nod either; Sleeping Dogs is a predictable but thoroughly enjoyable open world romp. Its undercover narrative and atmospheric Asian setting help to augment the title with an original identity, even if it's forced to sit a couple of places behind Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto franchise in the sandbox pecking order.