At the end of the day, my fiance and I both enjoyed our time with Split Fiction. While it definitely has some narrative issues and the pacing can be a bit uneven, it’s still a great time for two players who want to experience a fully fleshed-out co-op adventure. Its highs are arguably higher than It Takes Two thanks to its numerous setpieces, and outside of a few puzzles that made us a wee bit angry, our relationship is stronger for it.

Silksong was a joy to play through. This review was written from the perspective of a Hollow Knight nerd who was concerned that the game may not live up to expectations, and is delighted to have been proven wrong. We reviewed the game on Nintendo Switch 2 and found it ran perfectly, with no noticeable frame drops, visual quirks, or bugs – other than the actual bugs themselves – to report. It all looked incredible, but more importantly, it felt incredible, with smooth movement, well-designed levels, and an agile main character. While the difficulty level and unforgiving nature of some bosses may be understandably off-putting to some players, others are bound to fall in love with Silksong. It’s beautiful and mean, with a vast world, a fierce roster of bosses, and an engaging story. Just remember to pick up Hollow Knight as well if you haven’t already – it’s just as lovely. Silksong was worth the wait.

If you’re a seasoned survival horror geek, Resident Evil Requiem might still worm its way under your skin like a persistent centipede. The game is dark and startling, with a rich story that unfolds smoothly between the dual perspectives.

Battle Suit Aces could’ve easily collapsed under the weight of its ambitions as part card battler, part visual novel, all wrapped in an anime-infused melodrama. Instead, it finds a sweet spot where quick, punchy battles and heartfelt storytelling keep feeding into each other. It’s not the deepest tactical game, and not a dating sim, but it knows what it wants to be: a fun, mech adventure that celebrates both friendship and blowing stuff up with big mechs.

Mewgenics is a strangely engrossing experience, with a tactical style of play and a weirdly wonderful world. While the dark sense of humour and odd quips will likely put off a chunk of players, others will find these elements compelling. If you’re looking for something new in the roguelike world, it’s worth checking this game out.

Monster Hunter Wilds sands off a lot of the edges from the series, and while I was concerned that this could leave the game feeling frictionless and uninspiring, the addition of a really engaging story, some of the coolest monsters I’ve seen in any game, and the new systems all combine to make it just pure fun. It’s good for newcomers because of all the helpful parts, but veterans will be overjoyed with everything that comes after the credits, not to mention the wonders of having two weapons easily accessible. Monster Hunter Wilds is probably going to be my game of the year, and I’d be shocked if that’s not the case for a lot of other people too. [Exemplary]

Lumines Arise is a meticulously crafted musical with a confident, rhythm-driven twist on the classic Tetris puzzle formula. The new Burst mechanic adds an explosive touch and extra layer of tactical depth that feels fresh without being overcentralizing. The campaign length is satisfying, and the multiplayer offerings will keep players coming back for more. While the visuals are vibrant and immersive, some themed backgrounds make it difficult to distinguish the blocks, slightly undermining an otherwise engaging and stylish puzzle game. Still, Hydelic and Ishida’s soundtrack delivers a hypnotic experience unlike any other.

Disappointing ending aside, Dispatch really is a gem of a game, and the fact that it came out of nowhere and grabbed the attention of fans the way it did is even more impressive. Few games manage to merge gameplay and story as well as this, and even if Dispatch Season 2 is a long way off, there’s still a ton of potential for this setting in the meantime.

After two hours with the game, Hi-Fi Rush has immediately left a really great first impression. While some of this may be due to my own personal nostalgia and Xbox’s unique release structure, there’s such a strong sense of voice and style throughout every aspect of the game, right down to Chai’s clean character design that feels like Marty McFly crossed with Joe Musashi’s flowing scarf. By the time I got to the first boss fight, which was set to the beat of “1,000,000” by Nine Inch Nails, I was sold. I know we’re only a month into the new year, but I think we already have a contender for best surprise of 2023. [Early Impressions]

Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven is a brilliant expansion on an already solid game. The amount of new content it adds is impressive, providing plenty for both players who enjoy combat and those who prefer the base-building elements of the game. If you enjoyed the original game, it’s well worth your time. Join us on the mountain.

Nioh 3 was a treat to explore as a fan of Soulslike games with well-developed worlds. Whether you’re a fan of the series or a Soulslike lover looking for a new title to rip through, chances are you’ll get a kick out of this title.

I’ll have more thoughts in the coming days, but for now, Arc Raiders is some of the most fun I’ve had in a video game all year.

The Silent Hill series has always been spectacular, but its latest entry, Silent Hill f, propels it to new heights. This blood-soaked fever dream combines exquisite survival horror with a gripping narrative, making for an unforgettable experience. It performs brilliantly, looks gorgeous, and has a gut-wrenching story. What more could you want?

I encountered a few small rough edges during my review sessions, though, like a graphical element flickering and a small typo/grammatical error in a dialogue pop-up box. These weren’t major issues and didn’t hinder my enjoyment overall, but they were noticeable...Outside of this, Europa Universalis V was a delight to explore. It felt detailed and vibrant, and while it took me a while to pick up the game mechanics, the process of learning the game felt rewarding. Fans of grand strategy games looking for a new addition to their library will get a kick out of this title.

Overall, I really like Two Point Museum, and the game falls somewhere between Campus and Hospital for me. Museum fixes the pacing problems that made Campus often feel like a slog, while not falling into the micromanagement trap of the late game portion of Hospital. At the same time, the game can still be tedious at times, and I do wish there were more levels. Not every part of the title clicks perfectly, but Two Point Museum is a fun, charming game that I absolutely recommend to lovers of management sims. [Recommended]

It’s hard to recommend this Kollection to anyone other than those who’ve adored Mortal Kombat since its early years, as when compared to the more modern entries, retro remasters of MK1, 2, 3 and 4 simply aren’t going to measure up. So much content will feel redundant, too. This is not to say that any of it is bad, it’s just a compilation that only the most committed Mortal Kombat fans will truly appreciate.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a pretty game, the kind where you can get lost in its world. Unfortunately, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a video game, not a cartoon, and the gameplay is a little too mundane, and its pacing is a bit too all over the place. There are certainly worse Metroidvanias on the market, and MIO: Memories in Orbit can easily be recommended for people looking for something similar to Hollow Knight, but more forgiving. It’s more the Metroidvania diehards who will be wishing that there was more under the hood.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a pretty game, the kind where you can get lost in its world. Unfortunately, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a video game, not a cartoon, and the gameplay is a little too mundane, and its pacing is a bit too all over the place. There are certainly worse Metroidvanias on the market, and MIO: Memories in Orbit can easily be recommended for people looking for something similar to Hollow Knight, but more forgiving. It’s more the Metroidvania diehards who will be wishing that there was more under the hood.

The Outer Worlds 2 was a delight to explore, and I can’t wait to dip back into the game to build a character that’s the polar opposite of my first one. Arcadia felt both rewarding and dangerous to venture through, and the story stayed consistently entertaining throughout. Fans of the original should get a kick out of it, but new fans of the series will enjoy it, too.

It plays fast and keeps you on your toes all the while. If you’re looking for a side of strategy with your next cozy gaming session, you’ll find it in Synergy’s fascinating desert, a world beyond our own.

Ultimately, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a celebration of everything that made the 2006 game special, and with that nostalgia has to come the understanding that while the remaster is an impressive love letter to the original, it doesn’t (and can’t) fully escape its age. Players who have realistic expectations will have a great time experiencing the remaster, whether it’s for the first time or not. However, those expecting a new, 2025-level Skyrim will be disappointed.

When Ninja Gaiden 4 focuses on what it’s good at – fights against lots of sword-wielding enemies in melee combat or a single big boss, it excels. Few games feel as satisfying as Ninja Gaiden 4, when you’re seamlessly blocking attacks and going straight into flashy, instant-kill death combos, with red rivers of blood soaking every surface. It’s just the moments outside of these that can test your patience, as the game can feel unfair, especially during a first playthrough when you’re learning the ropes.

With the amount of content and value on offer here and an incredible open world to sink upwards of 80 hours into, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an example of what the franchise can be among its best. While not every aspect is perfect, the game’s epic journey makes for the best Assassin’s Creed game in a decade, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the franchise after seeing Ubisoft can still deliver on its flagship IP in a big way.

The fact that modern players now have the option to play through both games with Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is a blessing. It helps to demonstrate the progress made between the two games, and coupled with the added features like fast-forwarded battles and a conversation log to track everything, it both streamlines and expands the experience in a way that just wasn’t possible before. [Exemplary]

While Avowed doesn’t finish nearly as strong as it starts, the game’s reasonable runtime is still worthwhile. The fantasy world of Eora is fascinating. Exploring it is deeply rewarding. The companions give the journey lots of heart. The story, even for its faults, still tells a cohesive story supported by some visuals and performances. If you can get through a few narrative lowlights and the typical RPG bugs and jank, Avowed houses an approachable but wonderful fantasy RPG worth completing and repeating. [Recommended]

I know I have a limited amount of time with the Diaz brothers and I want to make the most of it.

If you’re a fan of atmospheric horror and immersive adventure games, you’ll fall in love with Reanimal. It’s dark and oppressive in places, but also whimsical and charming in others. The world it paints a picture of is horrible and beautiful, all at the same time, meaning dedicated Tarsier Studios fans are in for a treat.

ROUTINE stands out as one of the most memorable sci-fi horrors of the year, creating a genuinely unnerving, frightening, and otherworldly experience that’ll be a delight for seasoned horror lovers to tear through. Its story feels deliberate and well-paced, with a few startling moments that’ll have your heart thundering.