Mafia: The Old Country offers a compelling mob story, complete with great voice acting and beautiful cinematics, that’s undermined by some bizarre mechanics. Shoddy stealth segments, familiar set-pieces, and vanishingly few opportunities to explore its stunning world make for an entry that’s far from the worst in the series, but falls short of the best.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition brings a massive, must-play RPG to Nintendo Switch 2. Its solid performance and fantastic visuals are technically impressive and a real showcase of what the system can do. Throw in a wealth of Nintendo Switch 2-exclusive features, plus a handy progression sharing system, and you have the best way to play it on the go.

Wild Hearts S gives Switch 2 owners the chance to play Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force’s monster-hunting game. It’s far from a perfect port, with a noticeable visual downgrade and choppy performance. But it’s still perfectly playable, and the game’s fantastic Karakuri system and interesting take on weapons and armor sets remain as refreshing today as they did in the original release.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is the best Tony Hawk has ever been. The 1 + 2 remake set the standard, now 3 + 4 has elevated it by offering more goals and content, extra customization, and introducing new levels. It's not an easy game to master due to a high skill ceiling, but once you get to grips with it, chaining together long combos is so satisfying. Roll on the Underground remakes.

Jamboree TV offers some more and varied uses of the Switch 2's unique features with a charming game show format that will be fun for breaking out at parties. Its new content, however, doesn't integrate with the base game and makes for an awfully pricey package if you don't already own the original game.

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is another excellent addition to developer Hamster’s collection of preserved arcade classics. Having the arcade version of the original Ridge Racer on Switch 2 is a real blessing, and its support for online leaderboards allow for quickfire, moreish handheld play. It’s certainly not the most feature-rich game in the series, but a handful of modes and satisfyingly simple gameplay have kept me coming back.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is the best soulslike game since 2023’s Lies of P. Developer Leenzee has handled almost everything expertly, from intricate level design that intelligently loops back on itself to thrillingly fast-paced combat that introduces some very fun defensive elements. It’s also a game that really makes you think about your loadout on a per-level basis, with status afflictions and damage types playing an important role. Some frustrating moments aside, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an essential soulslike experience.

2024's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was already one of the year's best games, delivering an incredibly immersive and engaging action-adventure that recaptured the magic of the iconic archaeologist's silver screen exploits. But thanks to noticeable visual and performance enhancements, including native 4K resolution, 60 frames-per-second performance, and advanced ray tracing – as well as some slick DualSense tricks – the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro versions now offer the title's definitive experience.

Fast Fusion is a very impressive showcase of the Switch 2’s graphical capabilities. A decent range of tracks and the awesome fusion mechanic definitely make it worth checking out (especially at its unbelievably low price tag), though some frustrations with progression and borderline unfair AI rubber-banding hamper the overall experience.

Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour is ultimately a curio that won’t live long in the memory. As a literal tech demo for the various components that keep the Switch 2 ticking, learning things about the system can be fun, and the demos and minigame challenges presented each offer something unique. The experience only lasts a handful of hours, though, and you will need a 4K TV and accessories like the Switch 2 Camera in order to see the game through to completion, which is more than a little cheeky in a paid release.

Tamagotchi Plaza is a painful slog, with embarrassingly basic minigames that fail to provide even a slither of entertainment. Grinding for hours in order to unlock upgrades for its miniscule hub world is incredibly unsatisfying and ultimately a huge waste of time.

Donkey Kong Bananza is the greatest Nintendo Switch 2 title to date, delivering an incredible destruction system that showcases the power of the new system. It’s visually impressive and, while the story isn’t anything to write home about, benefits from charming and expressive voice acting and animations. Throw in a seemingly endless stream of collectibles and secrets, and you have a meaty adventure that’s a delight to explore.

While surely a joy for series fans, as a newcomer, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Awakening can, at times, be unwieldy and lack direction, with core tenets that should work to balance out the game, like diplomacy left flying half-mast. That being said, it’s a rewarding game to master, offering ample replayability and a healthy dose of Japanese history.

Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Edition on Nintendo Switch 2 is a port that does Capcom’s latest fighting game justice. The game is feature complete here, with a combined 26 characters from the base roster and two years of DLC. The single player World Tour mode leaves much to be desired in terms of performance, but the game runs solidly where it counts - namely in Arcade mode, offline versus, and online matches.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was already on the Mount Rushmore of video games. That said, if you weren't able to click with the original due to the performance, the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition completely revolutionizes the game. Having spent over 70 hours exploring the vast region of Hyrule in glorious HDR, I can't recommend this game enough; it's truly one of the best gaming experiences you can buy in 2025.

Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army serves as a faithful, yet significantly refined take on its source material. It stays close to its PS2 roots visually, while adding much-needed quality of life improvements like a fresh UI and enhanced 3D environments. Expressive voice acting and a fantastic array of demons also add color to an engaging, mysterious plot. Unfortunately, there are some aspects that don’t quite land – demon investigations feel a little flat and combat, though improved, can feel a tad clunky at times. All in all, though, this is a lovingly crafted remaster that had me hooked throughout.

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.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a great example of a sequel that expands on the original without losing sight of it. The traversal is still the star of the show, while the action has been significantly improved without taking over the experience. While a conventional plot takes the back seat for a more character-driven story, the new cast of characters and a phenomenal final third act stick the landing with prime Hideo Kojima bombast.

Split Fiction, on paper, is the perfect companion for the Switch 2. In some ways, it is, with its Friend's Pass allowing for online crossplay and the GameChat feature letting you see and hear your online friends as you play. But there's no getting around the fact that this is a serious downgrade from the versions on other platforms. And, while the Switch 2's versatility means you can technically play on the go, the experience is less than optimal. That's not to say this fun-filled co-op game looks or performs badly, but the drop in quality is disappointing. If you don't care about performance or visuals, however, and simply want a thrilling co-adventure to jump into with a friend, you can't go wrong with Split Fiction.

Mowing down poorly paced waves of the same handful of enemies in repetitive, cramped environments is a chore in this ill-conceived Control spin-off, even when you add two friends to the equation. With no story to speak of and sluggish progression, FBC: Firebreak is a disappointing mess.

Dune: Awakening is a survival game where the mechanics feel right at home in its brutal but beautiful fictional world. Between the sunburn, sandstorms, and militant forces leering on your location, there is no shortage of hectic hurdles to fight against as you grow your power and form alliances. Despite the lackluster combat and occasional bugs, Dune: Awakening offers an enticing trial by fire for fans of MMOs and Frank Herbert alike.

Fortnite is the biggest battle royale for a reason. Epic Games has created an ecosystem that you can get dozens of hours of play from without even touching the main Battle Royale mode. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is a massive step up from the original Switch, thanks to its enhanced performance, and I can’t think of a better way to play the game on a handheld.

The best indie game I've played in a while, The Alters is an ambitious sci-fi tale that successfully marries several game genres with an interesting plot to deliver a standout experience unlike any other. Supporting all the exploration and base management is a beating emotional heart to this game that makes you eager to push forward and see what will happen next.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is already a classic, thanks to its incredible systemic open-world design that truly allows you to run wild and do whatever you’d like. It gives players the tools to experiment, do silly things constantly and make their adventure their own. And if you want to play it straight it’s a wonderful adventure game in its own right. The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is simply the game as you know it, but better thanks to its improvements to framerate and resolution.

While Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster will feel incredibly familiar to returning players, this is the perfect way to play an RPG great. One of the best Nintendo 3DS games is back for a new audience to discover, and sometimes knowing when not to change something is an important part of re-releasing an older title. At times, it feels like a lost relic, but I’m glad it’s here again.

Survival Kids is a beginner-friendly co-op survival game that lacks the personality needed to leave a lasting impression. Still, with ample platforming puzzles and seamless GameChat integration, it does provide a playful backdrop for catching up with friends.

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.

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.

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.

Lies of P: Overture is an expansion that exudes confidence on the part of developer Round8 Studio, which looks to have already mastered its particular brand of the soulslike format. Overture successfully enriches the entire Lies of P package, with stunning and creative level design and some of the best boss fights in the subgenre as a whole. It’s simply an unmissable experience for fans of the base game.

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is by far the best and most well-rounded compilation of fighting games the studio has put out so far. There’s truly something for everyone here, from the ocean-deep mechanics of Capcom vs. SNK 2 to the madcap party fun of the Power Stone games. Capcom Fighting Evolution is still a dud and could’ve been replaced with literally anything else, but this is an otherwise unmissable collection for both local and online play.

Despite the lack of crossplay and some frustrating multiplayer issues, Elden Ring Nightreign is a fantastic example of how to reuse and reshape an existing framework into a captivating and addictive experience. By removing a lot of barriers and focusing on combat flexibility, player discussion, and map knowledge, FromSoftware has created an impressive co-op experience at launch. It is also an experience with room to expand over the years as new bosses, characters, and world events are added.

There’s a lot of fun to be had in F1 25, largely thanks to the excellent Braking Point 3 campaign and a very welcome upgrade to the My Team career mode. That said, most modes remain practically unchanged from last year’s entry, leaving the series feeling like it's spinning its wheels somewhat. Here’s hoping Codemasters has some big changes planned for next year’s game in line with the sport’s real-world regulation changes.

At its best, this blacksmith action adventure endears with great characters, engrossing action, and retro simplicity. Attempts to chase industry trends often hold it back.

This series has been veering towards an increasingly hardcore audience lately, so the addition of arcade handling is a welcome option in Moto GP 25. There are tweaks to be made in post-release patches, most notably AI difficulty in arcade mode, and the flat track, but the handling, visuals and authentic touches keep this essential for MotoGP fans and well worth a look for a broader audience of racing gamers.

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.

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.

Days Gone Remastered looks and feels better than the original, offering welcome accessibility features, more challenge, and enhanced visuals. But the old issues, primarily poor pacing, underwhelming story, and repetition, plague this open-world adventure. If you're looking for a decent zombie-slaying survival game, you'll be satisfied with this but don't expect a bump-free ride.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered has single-handedly restored my faith in remakes and remasters, allowing me to experience a true classic for the first time that I’d simply have never played otherwise. Tweaking the original game slightly but leaving many of the quirks fans have grown to love strikes a near-perfect balance between old and new.

Fired from your job and abandoned on a distant planet, Revenge of the Savage Planet is a competently put together action-adventure game with Metroidvania progression that's entertaining enough on the whole. Thanks to its formulaic structure and tacked-on co-op mode, however, you’ll occasionally get the feeling that you would be better off doing something else with your time.

Channeling true JRPG excellence while putting its own western twist on the genre and turn-based combat, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an absolutely belting game. It has exquisite writing and story craft, wonderfully stylish and multifaceted combat, and is a blisteringly beautiful assault on all the senses from top-notch voice acting and audio to some of the most beautiful environments I’ve seen in years. It has the scope and execution of a game built by hundreds of developers, not a few dozen, and is easily an early game of the year contender.

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.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves provides a refreshingly old-school fighting game experience, dialing back on the complicated meter systems and overly aggressive play seen in other modern entries in the genre. However, the game’s REV system provides plenty of risk-versus-reward decision making, while the brake and feint functions allow for much combo and playstyle creativity. You’ll certainly get the most out of it by hopping online, though, as its single-player offerings at launch aren’t overly compelling.

Blue Prince’s fantastic puzzle design, roguelike room-laying mechanics, and intriguing mysteries create an experience that’s utterly captivating. You’re encouraged to ponder every clue and remember every detail, all while striving to find the next big discovery.

South of Midnight has razor-sharp controls and a stunningly unique audio/visual presentation that stands out as one of the most memorable in gaming this year, despite having some predictable combat and exploration.

Fragpunk isn’t perfect, but it’s still a lot of fun. The game-changing Shard Cards and unbalanced Lancer abilities are a blast in a casual setting, but its poor side modes and lack of competitive appeal mean that it might be a short-lived thrill.

The First Berserker: Khazan is one of the toughest action games and soulslikes in recent years. It's relentlessly punishing, with challenging spectacle fights and bosses to overcome. However, each challenge you do topple leads a sense of satisfaction that harkens back to the genre’s origins when everyone was less experienced at these games. That combat is only let down by a somewhat overwhelming story for newcomers to the Dungeon & Fighter (DNF) universe, a lack of accessibility options besides an easy difficulty, and a gear crafting system that feels unnecessary.

Atomfall reimagines a jolly trip to the Lake District as a fight for survival, a unique idea that leaves a lasting impression. Not every decision you make feels like life and death but its British sensibilities and stunning visual design make up for those weaker points, delivering an engaging jaunt in the countryside… with guns.

Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer gets a lot right, and it’s an addictive, well-thought-out boxing experience with a virtual workout planner that's perfect for beginners. At its best, you can tailor it to create an engaging daily workout, and even I struggled to keep up with its harder difficulty levels. However, it suffers from the same issues as many movement-based games that came before it: it’s easy to cheat yourself out of the experience based on shoddy movement controls.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a massive success and a winning combination of stealth and steel. It’s a fantastic entry in the open-world RPG line of games in the stealth series and the most refined version of that style yet, with satisfying and rewarding exploration, brilliant combat, and a dual protagonist system that really works. Even a few minor quibbles can’t hold it back.

The release of Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition means that the entire Xenoblade quadrilogy is now playable on Nintendo Switch. If you’re playing the enhanced Wii U title for the first time, you’ll undoubtedly be dazzled by its breathtaking open world and astonishingly deep battle system. Series veterans will also appreciate quality-of-life changes like an improved tutorial, better navigation as well as the overall cleaner visuals whether you’re playing in docked or handheld mode.

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.

Atelier Yumia is a must-play RPG. Its open-world exploration is incredibly moreish and the battle system is quick and responsive. Best of all is the ingenious alchemy system which makes crafting feel rich, rewarding, and accessible - even for someone who typically hates crafting in games.

Just like real-life golf, PGA Tour 2K25 is a hearty mix of satisfaction and frustration. The former comes from its excellent shot crafting and wonderful shot-to-shot golf play which is moreish and multifaceted. The latter comes in the form of disappointing commentary and audio, a dizzying amount of transition screens, some missteps in skills, and the glaring absence of the most famous courses and tournaments which still keep it firmly in EA Sports PGA Tour’s shadow.

Split Fiction is the third co-op game from Hazelight Studios and arguably its largest and most imaginative to date. It packs an array of captivating mini-games into a linear, yet highly rewarding platformer, laced with Hazelight’s trademark storytelling to keep you on your moral toes. Players will have fun recognizing the vast pop culture references that have been peppered throughout Split Fiction, which deliver a unique twist whilst nostalgically returning us to the early days of gaming.

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.

Monster Hunter Wilds is a bold and bustling continuation of its predecessor’s approach to streamlining the once-niche series. By stripping away some of the more frustrating elements of the past, and focusing on getting players into hunts as quickly as possible, Monster Hunter Wilds has the potential to launch the series to new heights. Aside from some head-scratching omissions, Monster Hunter Wilds is a collection of the greatest hits from past games, one that finally delivers on the promise of a truly vibrant and living open world.

Don’t be put off by its absurd name or ridiculous premise; Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii provides a sincere and heartfelt adventure that successfully marries the series’ penchant for engaging power struggles with high-octane swashbuckling action. For existing fans, it’s a superb follow-up to Infinite Wealth. And for newcomers, it’s an excellent onboarding experience thanks to its myriad of fun and accessible gameplay systems.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 might only be the first half of the story, yet even as I rolled credits, tears streaming down my cheeks, I felt satisfied and deeply curious about the chaos its cliffhanger ending had wrought. I’m keen to dig in and unlock the missing pieces of Swann and Co.'s past, one aberrated camcorder clip at a time.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered delivers a welcome visual overhaul to The Last Revelation, Chronicles and The Angel of Darkness with excellent character models, detailed textures and revamped lighting working together to wonderful effect. The modern control schemes across the collection are frustratingly cumbersome but some great quality-of-life improvements and the excellent photo mode features make this remaster a must for longtime fans.

Avowed is an excellent first-person fantasy RPG that features slick combat feel and moreish exploration. Its setting of the Living Lands is rich in atmosphere and has an ethereal quality that made me want to uncover every nook and cranny. Obsidian’s writing is as sharp as ever, and the cast of party members is both charming and highly memorable.

More like Bizarro to Superhot's Kal-El, Cold VR's flip to slowing down time while in motion offers some incredibly fun gameplay moments that are also enhanced by great presentation. It's too bad that the game often lacks the polish of its biggest inspiration through bugs and occasionally wonky design.

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.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a triumph, weaving complex systems together in an incredibly immersive medieval world that remains a joy to explore even after countless hours. The story is thoroughly enjoyable, despite some iffy voice acting, and the challenging combat is a blast to master, all making for one of the best RPGs in years.

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.

Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector tells a radical science fiction tale through an impeccably designed system and a moving narrative rife with themes that are acutely attuned to our times. This is bolstered by a crew of companions who are not only well-fleshed out but offer genuine support during crises - a predicament you’ll find yourself in frequently. The soothing atmospheric soundtrack doesn’t hurt, either.

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.

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.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is finally a definitive way to play Retro Studios first Donkey Kong adventure that’s untethered from forced motion controls of the Nintendo Wii or the performance of the Nintendo 3DS. However, outside of that, it brings nothing new to what is probably the weakest entry in the series, apart from a high price point.

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.

With 33 Heroes to play as, best-in-class presentation bookending matches, and a free-to-play monetization model, Marvel Rivals is almost too good to be true. There’s balancing issues, and some core problems with the way objectives play out, sure, but given that Marvel Rivals has only just launched, the future is very bright indeed. For now, you’ll be able to jump in and have a blast, whether you’re looking for a competitive challenge or casual fun.

Alien: Rogue Incursion is one of the better survival horror VR games I’ve played, with a superb setting that's let down by monsters that are scary in not quite the right ways.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 builds on the engrossing flight model of its 2020 predecessor and finds substantial new ways to turn the impressive 1:1 Earth replica into a structured experience. But even after its disastrous launch, the streaming tech powering it seems determined to keep you from the good bits.

Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is the new gold standard that all modern remasters should strive to achieve. Developer Aspyr has taken Crystal Dynamic’s classic tale about a betrayed vampire seeking revenge and delivered an impeccable visual overhaul while maintaining the brooding gothic majesty that won Soul Reaver a legion of fans back at the turn of the millennium.

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.

Infinity Nikki‘s vibrant world design, quirky mechanics, and engaging gameplay loop make a splash in the very crowded and highly competitive free-to-play market. Just beware of timegating and gacha systems that are likely to stymie your progress and enjoyment.

Mouthwashing is one of the shortest horror games I've played but it's going to stay with me for a very long time. Bleak, nasty, and downright scary, it has a lot to say and doesn't hold back.

Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of the most haunting and atmospheric survival games of this generation. Small bugs and AI issues here and there mean that it is a little rough around the edges but the game’s world, atmosphere, and combat are breathtaking. Stalker 2 holds nothing back and forces you to play by its rules and is all the more refreshing because of it.

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.

Metro Awakening is a solid first VR entry for the series. It's not going to be loved by everyone, but it will be by fans of the Metro franchise who want to explore the horror-filled passages in a more immersive medium as well as those who like a more gradual plot.

Lego Horizon Adventures is a funny platformer that avoids adapting the source material’s complex lore and opts for simple, repetitive levels that become tiresome quickly. However, despite heartfelt vocal performances and beautiful world design, Lego Horizon Adventures fails to reach its full potential.

Engaging and approachable, New World: Aeternum mostly nails the modern MMORPG experience with its refined and cohesive game world and intuitive combat system. Crafting and gathering remain a highlight here but all types of players will find this game worthy of its upfront price of admission. That said, those looking for a wide range of high-end raiding content will be better served elsewhere and the game also suffers from an unfocused and muddled art style.

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.

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.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is an outstanding first-person shooter package that offers a thrilling blockbuster campaign with some of the best graphics on the market. Its polished multiplayer is fast-paced and intense, bringing the franchise to new heights despite a few poorly balanced maps, and the cooperative zombies mode is the absolute best it’s been in years.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is a full-on AAA VR experience that everyone with a Meta Quest 3 or 3S should try, and people who don't have either headset need to get one to play this game.

Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered may not have been entirely necessary, but for just a few dollars it remains a great showcase of the PS5’s graphical prowess. Whether that’s enough for anyone who’s beaten it already will be down to your preference.

Failing to take the franchise into new territory and held back by its ties of the past, there’s simply nowhere for Life is Strange: Double Exposure to go except aimlessly in circles.

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.

Fear the Spotlight relies on tension and atmosphere, delivering a quick gaming experience that's reminiscent of 90s slasher movies. It's appealing to both newcomers and seasoned horror fans, making it an impressive little game.

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.

Enotria: The Last Song’s stacks of gameplay systems and offbeat terminology make for a fairly convoluted soulslike experience. However, it brings some cool ideas to the table when it comes to combat and traversal. That, and it’s a simply gorgeous world set against a backdrop of Italian folklore, makes for an incredibly compelling experience. The relatively short length compared to most soulslikes also makes it a digestible game that's worth playing at least once.

Just Dance VR would have been perfect a few years ago, but the dated track list and the fact that it doesn't take full advantage of the VR medium leaves me wanting more.

With a strong focus on visual upgrades, this rebuilt take of the 2015 horror romp can feel more like a remaster than a remake. Still, if you've never played the original – or you're a seasoned Blackwood Mountain survivor seeking the game's definitive version – Until Dawn is an easy recommendation.

Whether you’re familiar with Atlus’s flavor of turn-based RPGs or not, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an essential play. The developer has built on its legendary ‘press turn’ combat with the innovative Archetype system, allowing for an unprecedented amount of customization and party composition when compared to its other popular series. Throw in a constantly gripping, politically-charged narrative and a diverse cast of wonderful characters and you have what is absolutely the best RPG of the year and a certified modern classic.

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.

Throne and Liberty is at its core an old-school player-versus-player MMO with a defined focus on world and large-scale group combat. While graphically stunning, an average combat system and a potentially divisive monetization model hold back this otherwise extremely competent MMORPG.

Silent Hill 2 is a visually stunning remake that captures much of the original's ambiance, but it could be more delicate with its difficult themes and pacing.