It's every bit a Batman game made by fans for fans. [3-Hour Hands-On Impressions]

If you like urban open worlds with life sim elements, then it’s impossible not to recommend NTE right now. This game has one of the most beautiful, vibrant sandbox settings I’ve seen in some time – and despite some irksome characters, I’m generally enjoying its plot so far, which blends slice of life mangas with sci-fi horror. The gacha business model is understandably not going to resonate with everyone, but at launch this is one of the more generous games in the genre thus far. And the sheer number of things to do day one, from managing coffee shops to beating down possessed DJ decks in DDR-style rhythm battles, is simply unprecedented.

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.

By and large, Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes succeeds in adapting the series for headsets, though it’s disheartening that it repeats mistakes from past titles. But, if you already like Little Nightmares, you’ll absolutely enjoy the two hours you spend with this.

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.

Saros is a brilliant third-person shooter that takes what worked in Returnal and streamlines it for an even smoother game without diluting the fun. The core gameplay is the star attraction; complex yet intuitive, and a perfectly judged challenge that's so satisfying to overcome. With compelling permanent progression, flexible ways to modify your experience, and an intriguing story to follow, this is another step towards Housemarque's planetary takeover.

There's so much to like in Vampire Crawlers; it's fast-paced, tactical, and super satisfying. We heartily recommend it, but beware its terribly addictive nature.

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.

MOUSE: P.I. for Hire offers incredible art and animation, as well as enjoyable first-person shootouts. For that, it certainly succeeds — just don't expect it to do much of anything else.

We expect great things from Supergiant Games, and with Hades 2, the developer has proved its mastery of the roguelike genre. Addictive, rewarding, stylish, and extremely compelling, you cannot call yourself a true roguelike fan without experiencing Melinoë's immortal journey.

Pragmata knows its strengths and leans into those hard, and the result is a cracking action game that just feels brilliant to play. One could argue it could do with a little more variety throughout its campaign, but the game's unique hack-and-shoot combat is so fun and so satisfying to pull off that you won't mind doing it over and over again. A refreshingly straightforward structure and charming dual leads round things out, but it's the inventive and tactile action where it truly sings.

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.

Marathon doesn’t have that instant fun factor and casual appeal that an extraction shooter like ARC Raiders does. And for a lot of people, that likely means it isn’t the game for them. But Marathon is a game that gives more to you the more you give to it. With impeccable Bungie gunplay, a gorgeous world and artstyle, and a gameplay loop much denser than its competition, we think Marathon is something special. The more we play, the more we love it.

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.

The overall technical execution leaves a lot to be desired. This is an indie title, so certain dispensations can be made. However, a wildly inconsistent frame rate, constant texture pop-in, and a truly bizarre facial animation system test the patience more than most low budget releases.

Screamer is a bold and exciting arcade racing game that stands out from the pack. It takes some big swings, and most of them have worked out, save for a story that maybe outstays its welcome. The racing itself is unique and challenging, and once you have a handle on all its systems, it's very rewarding to master. With its stylish presentation on top, this is one racer very much in its own lane.

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.

The Island makes its return this year, and seeks to persuade sceptical players to hop into its multiplayer world, joining one of three, Superstar-lead factions for wrestling dominance. While it's to be commended that voice acting, the bonkers Scrapyard match, and additional character customisation options have been added, we experienced several crashes throughout, plus it still smacks of money grubbing to us, so your mileage may vary...Equally, the Battle Pass-style changes to DLC and general unlocks could prove divisive, and not all wrestler likenesses are created equally. In spite of these shortcomings, however, WWE 2K26 is another strong effort from 2K and Visual Concepts, and one not to be missed by wrestling fans.

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.

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.

On paper, Resident Evil Requiem is essentially a two-in-one package that delivers both excellent survival horror and action gameplay. It is that in practise, too, but the playtime imbalance between the two is enough that you’ll get too much of one and not enough of the other. At the end of it all, it’s another fantastic entry — you just might not get everything you’re looking for out of it.

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.

Avowed is arguably Obsidian's strongest modern release, and it's not for the reasons that you may think. While the game's writing and storytelling often lack bite and excitement, its gameplay saves the day with a cracking combat system, meaningful player choice, and the enjoyable exploration of some truly stunning locales.

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.

By improving upon its work from the Little Nightmares series, Tarsier Studios has crafted its greatest horror game yet. Reanimal is an impressive, smooth mix of action, platforming, and top-of-the-line presentation. It’s a very gripping and intense experience, both in solo play and co-op.

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.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is one hell of a package. Taken purely as an expanded remake, it's an absolute blast for fans both old and new — but questionable changes to the story and its cast will inevitably stain the experience for plenty of people. It's such a shame that these unforced errors muddy the waters, because we think Kiwami 3 is probably RGG Studio's best remake to date — and one of the strongest titles in the series with regards to gameplay.

Nioh 3 takes all the best bits from Team Ninja’s previous efforts to form its greatest action experience in a very long time. Its new open zone maps provide more ways than ever to engage with its sublime, intense combat system — even if the activities themselves are entirely unoriginal. This is a familiar feeling title for a fanbase that knows what it wants, for few franchises do hardcore action better. Nioh 3 is its latest triumph.

Familiar yet different, Arknights: Endfield’s introduction of automation takes this open world gacha in an unusually compelling direction. While its eye-rolling reliance on proper nouns and lore make its sci-fi plot less compelling than it could be, a strong battle system and outstanding PS5 optimisation give this live service the best possible start.

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is a very high quality remake and a potent reminder of just how endlessly charming the longstanding series can be. While the story does still drag its feet at times, sweeping gameplay improvements and some welcome streamlining make Reimagined a must for anyone with a hankering for old school JRPGs.

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.

Code Violet is a mess. Crummy combat, tedious exploration, technical problems. The sexy costumes and horny camerawork seem at odds with both Violet as a character and the tone of the writing. Even at six hours long it's tough to recommend, because in six hours you could just watch Jurassic Park three times. And if you did that, you’d never once feel the need to justify what’s currently on your screen.

Trails beyond the Horizon is one of the most impactful games in Falcom's series to date, dealing in world-altering revelations and truly dramatic story developments. For Trails fans who have come this far, Horizon has the potential to blow you away — but you need to be ready for hours of character recaps and exposition before things really start to ramp up.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - From the Ashes is a simplified yet cinematic story expansion that focuses on the best of the IP, without bogging you down with too much clutter. Its new third-person mode gives the game a whole new feel, and we wouldn’t play it any other way. While Massive missed the mark with its Na’Vi enemies, it's a delight to spend more time in this giant multimedia sci-fi world.

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.

Terminator 2D: No Fate is a nostalgic throwback to the time when Terminator 2: Judgement Day was released, and it feels very authentic to that. The shooting and action carry this game, making it feel like it was a tie-in released alongside the movie, but the short length and repetitive nature of it may weigh on some people and cause some questioning of its price tag. Regardless, even if you have never watched any of the Terminator movies, you may come away enjoying what this game is in its short spurts.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is without a doubt the most ambitious and polished sim on the PS5 – but it’s not without its faults. Slow loading, visual inconsistencies, an underwhelming sound mix, and plenty of bugs pull this otherwise exceptional experience back down to earth. But if you can accept its shortcomings and you’re open to learning about aviation, this an obscenely impressive package, with a seemingly never-ending array of activities to engage with. Digital tourists will adore its attention to detail, while aviation obsessives will simply get a kick out of sitting in the cockpits of their favourite aircraft.

While it lasts, this is quite easily the most strikingly unique and visually interesting skating game you can play, and we can't help but respect its relentless effort to go against the grain.

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.

Marvel Cosmic Invasion does little to surprise, but it executes excellently on its retro beat-‘em-up ambitions. Depth perception can be a problem, but we like how the tag-team format gives the game a bit more of a chaotic feel, especially during local and online co-op sessions. And we also appreciate how each superhero handles slightly differently, adding a lot of replay value to a brawler that already has a relatively robust content offering.

So while it’s a short-lived experience, it’s one we couldn’t help but admire. It certainly caters to a niche audience, but it quickly creates a unique and tense atmosphere that plays with your head, even more so when you have the PSVR2 strapped to it.

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.

Ultimately, this is a brilliant remaster of a great title, and if you’re a fan of shmups, this is a must.

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.

Keeping one foot firmly in its own past, Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition is an exciting step forward for the series and a satisfyingly deep game in its own right; you'll likely learn something new each time you play.

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.

Following up on the brilliant Tetris Effect was no easy feat, but Enhance has done it with Lumines Arise. At its core is an excellent puzzle game with lots of depth, and mechanics that gel perfectly with the emphasis on music and spectacular visuals. It's jam-packed with fun features that provide so many different ways to play, including series-best multiplayer and a great range of challenge modes. There are some very minor gripes if we're being really picky, but fans can rest assured that this is the big, flashy comeback Lumines deserves.

Much like the remasters before it, Once Upon a Katamari is a great reminder that there's still nothing quite like this series, and it feels as fresh today as it did with Keita Takahashi's original over two decades ago.

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.

1000xRESIST is all in on story, and this laser focus allows it to tell one of the most captivating and intriguing experiences you can have in video games.

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.

ARC Raiders has well and truly been worth the wait. This is a phenomenal showcase of what immersive multiplayer can be. Every run is different, and your squad will come out with stories to tell each time. It can be tougher on those planning to play solo, and the extraction loop won't be for everyone. But as far as extraction shooters go, this is one of the most accessible, and it respects your time, giving you a fun experience from your first match. We can easily say that ARC Raiders is one of the best multiplayer games this generation.

An agonisingly in-depth archive of Mortal Kombat’s importance to the industry, this is the kind of kompilation the franchise has always deserved. While its absent online features do put a small dampener on the bundle at launch, the sheer scale of this kollection and the quality of its supplementary materials make it a must buy – even for kurious passers-by who may find themselves discovering the franchise for the first time.

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.

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.

If you're a fan of Vampire Survivors and have exhausted every last bit of it, this game is well worth exploring for more of that same flavour.

We think we could forgive its simplicity if the handling was better and the price was lower, because there is fun in the outrageous nature of some of the tracks.

Dispatch could be something quite special, but it all depends on how much your choices actually matter in the long run. These first two episodes are packed with personality, wit, and flair. The script can be a bit too cute, and the style of comedy won't appeal to everyone — but we find ourselves eagerly awaiting what's to come. [Review in Progress]

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.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 is exactly what it needs to be. There's new additions to the formula set by its predecessors that enhance the experience rather than detract from it, and it accentuates what the series did well before to new heights. Dinosaurs are the name of the game, and whether you're here to help create dino families or if you just want to see a giant lizard eating the clientele, this third instalment delivers.

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.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 is a shambles. Its best qualities are always short-lived, buried deep beneath the frustrations of non-existent RPG elements, extreme padding, and diabolical technical issues. Beyond the promise of its opening hours, this is a tragic misfire of a game.

Battlefield 6 is a phenomenal multiplayer experience that immerses and impresses with its chaotic mix of tight gunplay, best-in-class audio design, and the cinematic flair that made us love the series in the first place. The campaign isn’t anything to write home about, and Portal has yet to fully prove its worth, but they act as additions to what is easily the best Battlefield in over a decade.

It's designed in such a way that you're constantly given reasons to keep playing, and runs are short enough that it's easy to excuse "just one more". The game is so cleverly done and so moreish to play that fans of roguelites and quick-fire arcade fun simply have to check it out.

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.

Absolum is both a brilliantly crafted beat-'em-up and a devilishly addictive roguelike. Although the overall experience does feel slightly short-lived, you'll seriously struggle to tear yourself away from the game's striking fantasy world — especially when all of its systems start to click.

In short, Yooka-Replaylee is a brilliant remake of the original game. It expands and improves upon so many areas that it leaves the original release in the dust. It took a long wait, but Yooka and Laylee finally have a 3D platformer worthy of the Banjo-Kazooie comparisons.

Dreams of Another is quite dream-like in some ways; the way scenes intersperse and the surreal sights and sounds put us in that headspace. However, also like dreams, the game probably does have some sort of meaning at its core, but you're likely to forget it before long.

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.

Building on its predecessor in all the right ways, Ghost of Yotei is an incredible sequel that makes you the ruler of your experience. Player freedom drives its open world, letting you craft the type of game you want to play. With improved combat, a better story, and outstanding use of PS5 features, Sucker Punch has outdone itself and created a follow-up for the ages. Ghost of Yotei is comfortably its greatest work to date.

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.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is so close to being the definitive way to play what remains a masterful game to this day. Square Enix's unfortunate decision to axe content introduced in The War of the Lions stings, but if you can get past that, the raft of quality-of-life improvements, additions, and upgrades make it a fantastic way to revisit, or experience for the first time, one of the most influential video games ever made.

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.

Baby Steps is more than it first appears, offering up a heartfelt story about a man grappling with his insecurities as he's forced to keep going. The intentionally tricky walking and climbing is a lot of fun to grapple with, and there's plenty of silly stuff to discover in the open world setting. Your mileage may vary due to various factors, not least the amount of punishment you'll take as you scramble up the mountain, but it's a journey worth taking for those willing to persist.

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.

Earthion is an outstanding achievement – a blissfully retro shmup experience with just enough modern sensibilities to make it appeal to an all-new generation of players. With sublime pixel artwork, a scorching score, and a creative campaign that keeps you on your toes, this is an absolutely outstanding effort from 90s dev Ancient.

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.

Ultimately, we’ve enjoyed what we’ve played of Dying Light: The Beast so far. To a lot of people it’ll come across as more of the same — which it almost certainly is, to some degree. However, we think Techland has been smart to improve or alter small things to make it a better overall experience. It’s not as expansive as the second game, nor as original as the first game, but if you like cleaving zombies and jumping around rooftops, then this may just be the most refined Dying Light yet. [Review in Progress]