This PSVR 2 exclusive rendition of Hitman is an absolute delight, and a prime example of the games the system desperately needs. If you own the PlayStation headset, you won't regret playing this superb VR sandbox.

Dynasty Warriors Origins is an incredibly confident and successful revamp of a series that desperately needed it, offering up the most absurdly satisfying ‘1 vs 1,000’ gameplay backed up by surprisingly nice visuals, rock-solid performance on console, and a belter of a soundtrack. The core Warriors identity remains intact, but the change to a sole playable protagonist does end up feeling like quite a strange choice in the end.

Tom Clancy's The Division Resurgence is a supreme example of a major console series making the jump to mobile and sticking the landing. Gripes like level-gating and the need for powerful hardware to get the most out of the game do hold it back a little, but translating the core Division experience to the small screen with a wonderful recreation of post-apocalyptic New York, a moreish loot-to-improve loop, and satisfying cover-shooter action means that long-time fans of the series and newcomers are very well served.

Wargroove 2 is a successful sequel as well as an impressively moreish game of strategic challenges in its own right. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran of the genre, the tailored difficulty settings and roguelike Conquest mode provide plenty of avenues into its compelling battles.

Football Manager 2024 is a competent and polished strategy game that plays it a bit too safe to be essential. Like a venerated striker, this is worth a play but unlikely to offer up anything truly surprising.

MIO: Memories in Orbit doesn't quite hit the highs of the genre greats, but developer Douze Dixièmes clearly understands what makes a Metroidvania sing, with a stylish, thoughtful, and enjoyable adventure. It starts slowly, and a few elements aren't fully realised, but this is a fabulous game for newcomers and fans of the genre who will feel right at home.

Super Mario Party Jamboree doesn’t break new ground but takes the best of the series’ past and present to make a big celebratory package, best experienced at get-togethers where the real magic (and carnage) happens.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is another great entry into a relatively overlooked stealth franchise. While the game feels a little more like an expansion pack to Sniper Elite 5 rather than a full-fledged sequel, it still hits the highs of the previous entry with great level design and satisfying sniping. Meanwhile, the new Propaganda Challenge mode offers a nice arcade-style distraction.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a mightily impressive return to the fantasy series offering engaging combat and a charming cast of supporting characters - but it never quite escapes the orbit of its predecessors.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the series back to its roots but also innovates with exciting new aerial combat, a game-changing Kameo system, and a thoughtfully designed roster to be the most mechanically deep and engaging entry in the franchise yet.

Hitman World of Assassination – Signature Edition is a decent port of an incredible stealth game, bringing hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of entertainment to Nintendo Switch 2 in a very well-rounded package. Performance could be better, and there are a few bugs in need of patches, but it's nevertheless a joy to pick up and play and almost impossible to put down.

Like stumbling upon a haunted floppy disk next to the old Mac computer gathering dust in your parent’s attic, World of Horror is constantly surprising, genuinely unsettling, and truly unlike anything you’ve played.

Deltarune is a charming pixelated adventure that's not afraid to lean into the weird and wacky. This indie RPG flips the genre on its head, encouraging kindness over combat and delivering laughs in spades across its four chapters thanks to its witty writing, bizarre characters, and memorable worlds.

Keeper is a refreshingly creative game out of Xbox-owned studio Double Fine Productions, where you take control of a sentient lighthouse to journey to the top of a mountain with the company of a bird friend. Simple puzzles, tight camera angles, and varied traversal keep the game ticking along, but a lack of extra depth to the world or the story made Keeper feel a little one-note and not as weird as it might think it is.

Persona 3 Reload is a stunning remake of a must-play role-playing game, boasting fantastic improvements to the battle system and quality-of-life. However, it’s let down on the whole by a couple of missed opportunities.

Mario Kart World is easily the standout launch title on Nintendo Switch 2. And while that may not be saying much, I anticipate it’s comfortably going to be the best-selling Switch 2 game for the entire console generation. Nintendo has created a visually stunning kart racer here, chock-full of its trademark charm and personality. But it’s not without its issues - like the daftly organized character select screen and a Grand Prix format that has a bit of an identity crisis - but what’s here is an undoubtedly impressive racing game that I hope Nintendo continues to build and improve upon.

Pikmin 4 breathes new life into a franchise that was starting to feel lost to time, welcoming new players into a well-loved yet underrated Nintendo series, while simultaneously reminding older players as to exactly why they fell in love with the goofy world of Pikmin in the first place.

Endless Ocean Luminous provides an immersive and moreish deep sea diving experience with an impressive variety of biomes, over 500 species of sea creatures to catalog, treasures to collect, and mysteries to solve. And it’s all backed up by a staunch pro-environmental message.

Space Marine 2 is a well-crafted power trip elevated by stellar combat and awe-inspiring visuals. Though it lacks depth in some places and overreaches in others, fans of Warhammer 40,000 or third-person action games will find themselves well served here.

With this remake, Nightdive Studios has created the essential way to revisit System Shock. Despite the body horror at its core, Nightdive’s remake feels immediately comfortable, despite rocky combat and uneven checkpointing.

Like any game in Grasshopper Manufacture’s offbeat catalog, Romeo is a Dead Man isn’t for everyone. On the surface, it’s a hilariously violent action game with bizarre pop culture references, and the story might alienate players who are more used to titles with straightforward narratives. But dig down a little, and you’ll find that Romeo is a Dead Man deals in immensely rewarding combat, irreverent and varied art styles, and above all, a ton of soul, all in spite of a short runtime.

House Flipper 2 is fiendishly difficult to stop playing. Transforming homes from veritable garbage dumps into enviously slick pads through renovating, decorating and furnishing simply doesn’t get old.

Still Wakes the Deep is an incredibly atmospheric, tense, and gripping first-person horror game. With a tremendous sense of place, superb voice acting, and creepy horror elements, it’s a small but punchy experience that we fully recommend despite some hand-holding, simple puzzles, and the story being a little too short.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows feels surprisingly at home on Nintendo Switch 2. Despite some understandable cuts to the visual quality it remains an immersive, satisfying, and well-rendered gaming experience. Unfortunately, small issues with the frame rate and input lag can frustrate throughout the game, but following a very successful first patch, the road to optimization is clear.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a charming follow-up to Link's Awakening that builds on that game’s beautiful aesthetic while introducing just enough new mechanics to feel truly distinct. The dubious performance and repetitive combat can drag, but this is largely an excellent adventure throughout.

Two Point Museum is a fantastic addition to a cozy weekend or long-haul flight. The combination of wacky customer animations, tongue-in-cheek exhibits, and well-written narration brilliantly complements the approachable management systems, keeping me entertained as I focused on making my business a success.

Helldivers 2 delivers on the promise of chaotic fun through superior firepower. Whether you’re slaying enemies with your friends or slaying your friends while enemies are also present, if you’ve got the crew, this is a guaranteed good time.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond can't possibly live up to years and years of anticipation, but that's not to say it's a disappointment. Drop-dead gorgeous visuals pair with stunning environments and a uniquely alien atmosphere. Its massive open desert is a slog to get through, however - even on Samus's new bike - but Beyond is nonetheless an adventure that's tough to put down, flaws and all.

The concept of Station to Station sounds incredibly simple at first, but this sweet pixelated world will enchant you for hours on end - regardless of your passion for trains or railway networks.

Octopath Traveler 0 is another excellent RPG in this new-era classic franchise. But while there's an awful lot to love here, this entry also shaves off some of the unique identity that Octopath has carved for itself. Tell me this is Final Fantasy, and I'd believe you.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a faithful, yet expanded remaster of a genre-defining classic that gets it right where it matters most. Upgraded visuals, a fast-forward option, and auto-saving go a long way in making Tactics accessible for returning fans and newcomers alike. The voice acting is, at times, a little underwhelming, the camera can still be a touch awkward, and some difficulty spikes can be crushing. But still, an epic story, great score, and pleasingly deep combat make this a must-play for tactical RPG fanatics.

From the intriguing narrative and wonderful Lunar setting to its multifaceted and moreish combat, Pragmata is a joy to experience. Hugh and Diana’s trek through an AI-powered moonbase gone bad is full of satisfying combat encounters and puzzles in some exceptionally cool environments, with only a few wrinkles.

The visually stunning world of Towa and the Guardians of the Sacred Tree is compelling and full of heart, staking its claim in the bustling roguelite genre with its unique dual-character mechanic. Its cast of vibrant characters, both in your party and in the hub area, fills the journey with depth, though sometimes a little at the expense of the pacing, but still makes for a thoroughly enjoyable adventure.

An incredibly well-made and entertaining game with excellent world-building, narrative, and atmospheric audio that is sadly let down by psychological horror that borders on harassing. It’s not for the faint of heart.

A varied and engaging experience moment-to-moment, The Expanse lives or dies on how much time the player invests in exploring its setting and engaging with its characters.

The granddaddy of stealth returns in a no-thrills rerelease that lets a whole new audience experience the superlative sneak-’em-ups. A few “of their time” moments make the story awkward, but there’s no denying every game in this collection still has the magic.

Jedi Survivor is an ambitious and faithful Star Wars adventure. Though far from flawless, its engaging soulsborne-style combat and immersive visuals thrill and delight.

WWE 2K25 Nintendo Switch 2 Edition finally brings the thrill of the wrestling ring to handheld, allowing users to battle on the go with similar performance and gameplay to their home console. With a wide variety of game modes to choose from, including The Bloodline’s 2K Showcase, My Rise, and Universe, to name a few, WWE 2K25 on Switch 2 is the wrestling game fans have always dreamed of: the best of sports entertainment in your pocket.

Slitterhead won’t be for everyone due to its quirks, it’s a bit clunky and reuses content frequently. But behind its issues lies one of the most unique titles of the past few years. With a great mystery story, impressive world-building for a debut, and a possession mechanic that adds an extra strategic layer to combat. Slitterhead lives up to its pedigree.

There’s a lot packed into F1 23 for fans of the motorsport, as well as more casual sim racing fans. This year’s release brings back the surprisingly compelling Braking Point campaign alongside immersive, highly customizable career modes full of decision-making and driver and team development. Throw in the all-encompassing F1 World mode and you’ve got a feature-rich package that’s sure to please most racing fans.

Heavily inspired by Monolith's 2005 shooter F.E.A.R, Trepang2 delivers stylish, bloody action with breath-taking visual effects and weighty, kinetic gunplay. The broader experience is let down slightly by a truncated campaign bulked out with fun, but superfluous feeling side missions.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is the latest edition of the two-decades-old (yes, really) 3D fighting game, and one that finally makes it available for modern consoles. It plays as well as it ever has, with a steep but mega satisfying learning curve, and an incredibly diverse roster of characters. World Stage mode is a fun little single player addition, but lackluster customization and long matchmaking times remain as the game’s weak points.

The Outer Worlds 2’s collection of medium-sized immersive sim-like sandboxes are brimming with detail and avenues for creative exploration. There are some minor missteps, however, namely in moments where the pacing slows down to a trudge, making for uneven momentum in how the adventure plays out. Like Obsidian’s finest games, its latest offering teems with brilliant, witty dialog, strong anti-capitalist themes, and a plot where your decision-making can lead you down truly unpredictable paths.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is a huge improvement over Age of Calamity. It offers more characters with interesting move sets, decent performance, and a story that doesn’t relegate itself to being a meaningless ‘what if’ scenario. Said story here does miss some open goals here and there, and the inevitable Musou repetition can set in during longer sessions. But overall, Age of Imprisonment delivers an incredibly satisfying Warriors experience with delectable Zelda flavor.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 has been ported effectively to Nintendo Switch 2, with performance that compares well with the PS4 version in both handheld and docked mode. Sure, some of the technical issues from the past still stand – the targeted 30fps framerate and occasional drops cause gameplay to lack the fluidity of the first Yakuza Kiwami – but the streamlined combat, engaging story, and typical zaniness of the series is strong here. The Dragon of Dojima still gets a solid outing on Switch 2.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden excels thanks to the memorable narrative and complex moral decisions. Alongside a brilliant world and some of the best voice acting around, it's easy to forgive the few shortcomings.

If you’ve ever imagined you could run a race team better than F1’s team principals, give F1 Manager 23 a go. Its difficulty can be very humbling, but if you put the time in to learn its overlapping systems you’ll find an engrossing strategy game that does a fantastic job of holding your attention.

Rise of the Ronin is a robust and enjoyable open-world adventure across 19th-century Japan. It features superb combat, an intriguing Bakumatsu-inspired setting, and a world with so much to do. However, its identity feels a little unclear at times and some repetitive missions, plus bumpy visuals, hold it back.

Eternal Strands is a light and breezy fantasy action RPG that's elevated by its innovative use of physics-based magic that makes even minor combat encounters feel novel. It's also thrilling to take on the larger foes, though this is more short-lived than the likes of Monster Hunter.

Super Monkey Ball is back, with the best series entry since the original thanks to hundreds of fun levels, new mechanics, and a surprising amount of challenge even for series veterans.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a good shooter at its core, but as a follow-up to two of the best FPS games ever made, it falls a little flat. The new defensive combat feels like a step back, with movement getting a significant nerf, and, while Doom Slayer is still an exciting character, the story focus feels out of place.

Even with no prior experience of the Rune Factory series, Guardians of Azuma is a relaxing blend of genres that works in part due to the wholesome nature of its cast and setting. It’s chicken soup on a rainy day - uncomplicated, but unmistakably enjoyable.

NHL 26 is the best ice hockey game you can buy, but don't go into the experience expecting a casual pick-up and play experience. With incredible realism and excellent presentation, NHL 26 is the closest thing many of us will experience to playing in the intensity of arenas like the Bell Centre. It's a very good sports game, but sometimes you just want to have fun.

Crimson Desert manages to capture the essence of pure open-world exploration and delivers incredible combat that is unlike anything you've played previously, while offering an engaging story that keeps you engaged as you progress through its massive map. It's not perfect due to some of its quality of life issues and unfair boss encounters, but this is a game that deserves very high praise.

Despite some audio issues and janky animations, Tales of Xillia Remastered proves the classic game was worthy of being brought back in 2025. The smooth graphics and fluid gameplay make for a very enjoyable experience, even for fans of the original. For newcomers, the stellar cast of characters, intense plot, and excellent customization are worth the price of admission.

Ghostrunner 2 is as fun as it is difficult. While its complexity isn’t sustained throughout the quick-paced sword-slashing fun, it will rear its ugly head just enough for you to contemplate breaking thank lovely new monitor. However, as long as you stay strong, you will be rewarded with some of the most thrilling traversal and fights.

Dispatch is no repeat of the tired, mature superhero story, but rather a heartfelt adventure about former villains looking for a second chance. With a cast of lovable characters voiced by an all-star cast, impressive interactive gameplay, and all wrapped in a gorgeous animated art style, AdHoc Studio's debut title is the underdog of the year that has reopened the door that I thought was long closed on the episodic, choice-based narrative genre.

WWE 2K25 is the best wrestling game of the modern era, with the improvements made to the gameplay and the 2K Showcase mode being fantastic additions and My Rise featuring the best storyline yet. But it’s let down by modes like The Island and MyFaction that feel tailor-made to get players to open up their wallets and purchase VC.

While Mario & Luigi: Brothership doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s a solid RPG with fun mechanics and lovable characters. New additions like Luigi Logic and Plugs make for satisfying combat, while overworld exploration benefits from the new Bros Moves and ample puzzles with a decent amount of variety. However, the game does suffer from what is emerging as the Nintendo Switch generational curse; frame rate drops, as well as some pacing issues in the late game.

Viewfinder is a wonderful demonstration of what games can be and how they can be played. While its story really struggles to come through, the brilliant puzzles, lovely world, and ingenious play more than compensate.

Manic Mechanics is the perfect game to sit down and play after a long day, that is, if you need an adrenaline boost. The couch co-op’s simple premise is equally exhilarating and frustrating, resulting in a game you just can’t put down.

Dying Light: The Beast went from potential expansion to a fully-fledged sequel, and although its origins are on full display in its narrative and protagonist, it never feels constrained by them. This is a fresh entry into the popular zombie-smashing franchise, taking the action from the city streets to a sleepy Alpine resort, but it's a welcome change of pace that opens up new and exciting ways to kill truckloads of infected Z-heads - it's just a shame that the human enemies still aren't all that interesting to fight.

Sid Meier's Civilization 7 successfully evolves the long-running strategy series with a wealth of engaging new systems. Swapping Civs is smartly implemented and the focus on distinct ages prevents matches from dragging on, though the samey Legacy Path system and basic diplomacy mean that it’s not quite the best entry yet.

Resident Evil Requiem shines in its incredible first half, which masterfully blends pulse-pounding horror with intense action. Unfortunately, that winning formula isn’t maintained throughout the latter sections, which devolve into fan-service moments strung together by an increasingly sloppy plot. Still enjoyable, but ironic that an instalment about moving on from the past would be so weighed down by it.

Tales of Berseria Remastered shows that risks do pay off when breaking from tradition. A dynamic combat system and darker storyline work wonders to separate it from other entries. Going on an adventure to reclaim what’s been stolen from you is as entertaining as it is dramatic and thanks to great additions like map markers and updated framerate, it’s the best way to experience one of the franchise’s strongest stories yet.

Another Code: Recollection is a modernized way to experience two brilliant puzzle adventure games, but its slow pace makes it harder to recommend to those who aren’t already fans of the genre.

Despite the glossy Unreal 5 sheen, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is unapologetic in its 360-era game design that is as frustrating as it is refreshingly no-nonsense. While modern audiences might bounce off some of its old-school quirks, when its blood-gushing, limb-severing action clicks you'll understand why it deserves to be as highly regarded as Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. For the definitive experience, purists may still want to stick with the original (which is backwards compatible on Xbox) but this is still a superior remaster to the last-gen collection that offers the best of both versions.

Counter-Strike 2’s wall of noise and violence will feel impenetrable to newcomers but a welcome upgrade for long-term Counter-Strike fans. It’s the best competitive shooter on the market, but it’s so difficult for new players to get on board that it won’t be for everyone.

With this much care and love being put into refining this trilogy for modern audiences, the time is now for audiences to put some Justice on Apollo’s name, and thrust him out of Phoenix Wright’s shadow into a much-deserved spotlight.

Yakuza Kiwami feels great on Nintendo Switch 2, and performs at a smooth 60fps, displaying at 1080p. Loading times are kept snappy, and with a rare exception, cutscenes look as good as you’d hope. Kiwami itself is an excellent remake of the first game in a legendary series, and its simplistic yet addictive combat, engaging story, and surreal substories mean it's still a smash hit.

Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile offers engaging modes and near console-quality visuals in a free-to-play portable format that’s perfect for taking out and about - provided you have a phone powerful enough to run it.

Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is the definitive version of the original game, combining 2009’s PC version with content from the console and mobile releases. Some tweaks in the art style might not appeal to purists, and some bugs at launch needed weeding out, but it’s still a seminal tower defence and puzzle game that’s well worth playing today.

Anno 117: Pax Romana is a beautiful and refined city builder that’s almost impossible to put down. It’s more approachable than its predecessor and is full of quality of life changes that fans will love, but it undeniably lacks the same level of depth and complexity - especially if you’re starting out in the Albion setting.

Under The Waves is a heartfelt story-driven adventure set in a beautifully crafted underwater world. While there’s a lot to love, such as the magnificent locations and the bizarrely beautiful dream sequences, there are also some flaws that pull it back from perfection.

Borderlands 4 surprised me. After not gelling with the series’ prior two entries, the fourth mainline instalment provides some of the most fun I’ve ever had with the quirky looter shooter. Its characters are well-written and not lacking in charm, but most importantly, Gearbox has achieved something I thought impossible: making Claptrap likeable. Some performance issues do need ironing out - especially on PC - and I wish some of the side challenges were a bit more fulfilling. But overall, this is easily the best Borderlands has ever been; yes, even when stacked up to the iconic first sequel.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is the definitive way to play the greatest 2D Mario game in a generation. With revamped visuals, entertaining new boss battles, and an Assist Mode for younger players, there’s a lot to love here. The new multiplayer minigames are, admittedly, a bit hit-and-miss, and some single-player content, like decorating Bellabel Park, may not entice owners of the Switch original to upgrade. But still, this is a strong overall package, and a must-buy for those who have never played Super Mario Bros. Wonder before.

Even though A Highland Song follows a simple premise and linear narrative, its manipulation of depth and levels within its environment creates an immersive atmosphere. It’s a short, and occasionally frustrating adventure, but a gripping one complete with compelling musical segments and incredible design.

Tekken 8 had some pretty big expectations to meet, but it exceeds every single one. It’s a concrete addition to a well-established series and manages to add complexity to an already solid combat system. Every battle feels as though your life is on the line, the mark of a fantastic fighting game.

WarioWare: Move It! is hilarious and engrossing, and truly ambitious and successful when it comes to its utilization of the Joy-Con controllers’ unique features. However, it’s severely let down by its poor accessibility options meaning some folks may be locked out of the fun before it even begins.

AK-xolotl is a must-play if you’re a fan of roguelikes and bullet hells. Its various enemies offer interesting attacks and are distinct enough that you can customize effective defensive strategies against them with a range of weapons and abilities. However, some of the runs can get quite repetitive.

Pacific Drive is a superb survival game, with stunning landscapes and crafting tools that will see you painstakingly tweaking everything to perfection. With a ton of dangerous anomalies and an unpredictable environment, it’s just as stressful as it is fun.

Everybody's Golf Hot Shots is honest-to-goodness, pure golfing fun. Better than any recent Mario Golf title, and with enough depth to satisfy those looking for a richer experience, it's a game suitable for a surprisingly wide audience. There are tons to see, do, and unlock, but the game is certainly hampered by extremely slow per-character progression.

Planet Coaster 2 offers great new content, gorgeous updated graphics, and some much-needed quality-of-life updates. Pools and flume rides add a torrent of fun to your parks and offer the same kind of creative freedom the series is renowned for. Meanwhile, updated pathing and scenery tools help to smooth some of its predecessors’ rougher edges. There are still some wrinkles and quirks to ride design but Planet Coaster 2 is definitely a step forward.

Stray Gods successfully summons a hefty portion of theatrical flare within its visual novel format. While some choices may not feel as weighted as you’d hope, a likeable cast, earnest writing, and catalogue of tunes make it a moreish musical experience worth the price of admission.

Make Way is a superb party racer. Its arcade driving is incredibly approachable and the focus on improvised course creation means that it can be enjoyed with friends time and time again.

Sonic x Shadow Generations bundles the original Sonic Generations and a new Shadow Generations campaign in one thrilling package. Whether you’re a fan of Sonic’s rival-turned-ally or not, his side of the game is filled with some of the best, most well-designed levels in the series’ 3D history.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has all the components of a thrilling adventure ripped straight from the silver screen. Its global locations are intricately detailed and a joy to explore (despite suffering from lackluster visuals on Xbox Series S) with secrets hidden around every corner while the combat system is developer MachineGames at its best. Paired with flawless voice performances and incredible motion capture work, it’s sure to go down as one of the greatest Indy adaptations in history.

Jusant is an engrossing epic adventure that captures climbing’s heart-racing thrills and serene meditations. There’s immense satisfaction in navigating Don't Nod’s vertical puzzle, and the dizzying views are guaranteed to take your breath away.

Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 2 meaningfully explores friendship, queer romance and tragedy. DON’T NOD’s compassionate writing style is consistently bolstered by stellar performances from its small but mighty cast. And, if you take the time to look, there’s detail in every nook and cranny of this inimitable 90s world. While the snappier runtime does mean the supporting characters don’t get as much screen time as they deserve, the heartwarming finale feels like a fitting end to this rebellious and often-brilliant bildungsroman.

Sonic Superstars brings the series’ 2D formula back in spectacular fashion. It’s brought back physics and momentum that are strikingly close to the Genesis / Mega Drive originals, and combines them with original zones that all offer fun, unique gimmicks. However, boss fights are tedious, and the lack of online co-op stings.

Lies of P is as slick and well-done as it is dark and mysterious. With weighty combat, cool weapons and tools, and some exquisite - though very creepy - enemy design, it’ll scratch the ‘souls’ itch for many, despite a few blemishes.

Lords of the Fallen is an expertly crafted soulslike with innovative mechanics that add risk and reward, and wonder to exploration. Combat occasionally feels unpolished and some enemy placement is cheap but there’s a fascinating game here that ticks most of the soulslike boxes while adding some tricks of its own.

Cairn is an extremely good and beautifully made climbing game that is exceptional at executing the one specific thing it's trying to recreate. If you go in knowing that and are on board with it, then you'll find a tough yet massively rewarding experience, but some frustrations could cause others to completely bounce off it.

Forza Motorsport’s comeback is an impressive one after its divisive seventh entry and a welcome return to the sim-lite formula after back-to-back entries in the Horizon sub-series. With highly accessible racing and gorgeous visuals and lighting, it’s another strong exclusive for Xbox consoles in 2023.

The Finals offers an easy-to-learn FPS playground with a strong visual identity and some of the best destruction tech I’ve ever seen. Time will tell whether it can keep an audience, but right now it’s slick.

Herdling is undoubtedly an indie gem, but not without its flaws. While it's visually stunning and creative, the gameplay needs work in certain areas. However, Herdling finds its stride when racing through the more open passages of the game, and there's decent replayability to this quick adventure.

Robocop: Rogue City is low-budget and wonky in places, but the art direction will make you feel like you’re in the movies, and the gore-soaked shootouts offer a retro first-person shooter experience not to be missed.

Against the Storm is an excellent strategy game, selling its mysterious dark fantasy setting and challenging city-building with confidence. Though a significant learning curve and the occasionally outdated presentation hold the title back from perfection, Eremite’s PC debut is a strong addition to the genre.