Diablo 2: Resurrected is a great remake of a real classic. It looks and feels just how I remember it from playing in the early 2000s, but with cooler lighting and sharper graphics. It has a few control issues with when using a controller, but it's still a must-play for anyone who used to play it and misses it, and a strong recommendation to anyone else who likes action RPGs, dark and grim atmospheres, or who just wants to experience a treasure from the now distant past.

I’m a big fan of the pure arcade experience, and AfterBurner Climax offers exactly that. It’s concise to the point of being a little too short, but there’s lots to unlock, a nice smattering of Trophies and a couple of extra secret levels too.

If you’ve been craving for a new horror game, can stand some outlandish plot elements and have the HD space and patience to install it, then don’t hesitate and jump in. Even if it’s not perfect, the game has plenty of strong points that makes it a great game.

Samurai Showdown is a strong entry into the sea of fighters, showing a lot of love for the original series, while also being able to appeal to newcomers. A few niggles aside, people are going to be playing Sam Show for a long time. EVO just got more exciting to watch.

Super Mario Maker 2 is all that the original was and more. The Story Mode feels like a proper campaign, demoing all of the old and new feature and barmy possibilities found in the intuitive level creator. It's a shame that it features some typical Nintendo online stumbles, but it shouldn't be long before that's forgotten in the face of the boundless creativity of the Super Mario Maker community.

Another incredibly impressive port, Sniper Elite 4 hides the cutbacks that have been needed to squeeze the game onto Nintendo Switch very well. I'd love to see more finesse to the motion controls, and the DLC pricing does feel a bit dear at this point, but Rebellion have outdone themselves with this effort.

DOOM: The Dark Ages is a fun and flashy shooter stuffed with engaging content - it's a thrill-ride from beginning to end. In the shadow of DOOM Eternal, though, the more varied set-pieces and methodical combat cause its flame to burn just a bit less bright than I was hoping for.

Yes, it could be more visually stimulating and it's basically just an online game but it is damn good value for money and one of the more consistent titles available on the online marketplace.

If you’ve had a couple of years off, or even if you haven’t, this is an ideal time to return to Madden. This is a great entry in the series, and being able to take it on the go with Switch 2 and having the game in its fullest form is what NFL fans have been waiting years for.

Despite borrowing a lot of well-worn themes from other games and movies (Hello, creepy shop mannequins from Silent Hill), The Evil Within feels fresh and exciting. It’s easy to recommend to fans of the original Dead Space and the earlier Resident Evil games.

There’s not a single part of the game we didn’t enjoy replaying, it’s a visual tour-de-force (albeit a rather minimal, Designers Republic style affair) and the music is to die for (and has it’s own player in the options). Could have done with a co-op mode, perhaps, but the promised DLC will surely keep us going for some time.

Managing to be both nostalgic and refreshingly new, Snake Pass is a glorious adventure that brings the 3D puzzle platformer right up to date. Barring some frustrations and a tough difficulty level, there are few indie games that provide such a thoroughly entertaining, beautifully designed experience as Sumo Digital have created here.

Black Book feels in some ways like a D&D campaign through rural Russia that inadvertently teaches you history and folklore along the way, which I absolutely love, that comes down to card-game battles rather than dice rolling which, again, I love. The pacing is off, the addition of Durak is a bit pointless and there are quality-of-life issues that could do with a bit of polish, but I’d still strongly recommend this game to anyone who thinks they might be interested.

Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a sci-fi blast. While it wears its influences on its sleeve, it comes out the other side as a unique and enjoyable mech-based action-RPG.

Madden 20 provides another year’s worth of well-crafted gridiron action. It’s a shame to say goodbye to Devin Wade and the Longshot narrative, but QB1 does a decent enough - if short - job of framing your own rise to fame. The rest of the package is as slick and smooth as you’d hope. Should you upgrade? If you’re an avid fan, you probably already have. For everyone else, both Madden 18 and 19 still play a fantastic game of football.

The only real hurdle to clear when offering a recommendation for Galak-Z is the difficulty. The ship is fun to use but it takes a long time to master, and the game does require mastery of movement to progress into the later stages. That paired with resetting progress to the beginning of the season and losing all your upgrades sometimes feels like a bit much, particularly after enduring a steep and lengthy learning curve.

Anno 117: Pax Romana is an incredibly rich historical strategy game that adapts to whatever the player needs it to be. Whether that’s a cosy city-builder offering boundless customisation, a deep economy management sim, or a competitive RTS, Ubisoft Mainz ticks all the boxes with flair.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a very easy game to recommend. If you have enjoyed previous games in the series, this is doing enough of the same to scratch that same lowkey mystery vibes itch. The ability to shift between timelines can become a touch overwhelming at times, but there's several things in place across the UI, accessibility options, and narrative flow to keep the gameplay smooth. What’s more, I think this game might have redeemed Max Caulfield for me too, so take that how you will.

WipEout's lovely. Yes, the loading times are a problem (but hopefully due to be fixed a little with a patch) and some of the track design needed smoothing out a touch, but overall it stands as a showcase for a new console that's only matched by the likes of Uncharted: Golden Abyss.

I really, really like Digimon Story Time Stranger. While it's hardly upending the monster collection and battling genre, it's a really comfortable and enjoyable game that feels reminiscent of watching Saturday morning cartoons as a kid. It's an awful lot of fun, and is right up there as one of my favourite games of the year.

Duels of the Planeswalkers 2013 is exactly what fans of the series will have come to expect: a clean-cut refinement with very few barriers to entry.

White Shadows might have a short run time and be fairly by the numbers as a platformer, but it packs a lot in for you to experience. If you enjoy your dystopian fiction then you will find a game that sets up a world which raises questions, though the the Animal Farm influence is clear to see. White Shadows hits on a lot of dark themes, but does so in such a way that is not overwhelming.

Growing the burgeoning ‘serotonin snapper’ genre, Pupperazi is as relaxed as gaming gets. Aimed at pretty much everyone that isn't a cat, this is another indie gem that’s sure to leave you with an almighty grin on your face and, as an added bonus, you won't get dog hair on your sofa.

Compared to the similar block-sliding puzzler D-Cube Planet this is an example of just how good some minis are and how minis games are developing. The polished presentation makes this one of the best-looking, sounding and playing minis I have yet tried.

Kingdom Hearts III doesn’t go in the direction some RPG fans will no doubt have been hoping for. It’s unashamedly over the top in just about every way, from its barmy story and stunning presentation to its huge cinematic battles. There’s plenty of depth here too, though you’ll need to find your bearings first.

Wandersong is by no means perfect, but it is very different. Charm oozes out of every note and motion you make. Despite the technical glitches it is consistently winning and moving, with a lack of aggression and a genuine optimism that beams through like nothing else. It really will bring a smile to your face.

There’s clearly been plenty of love and attention given to the remastering of Age of Empires Definitive Edition, even if some of the less enjoyable elements of the original have also made it through the process unscathed. Twenty years later it still remains a hugely enjoyable RTS, and particularly thanks to its iconic soundtrack remains a joy to play, with hours disappearing as the eras pass you by.

As we wait for the inevitable Sniper Elite 5, this is one virtual reality shooter you won’t want to miss. Sniper Elite VR hits its mark with immensely fun sniping gameplay, delivered in perfectly portioned bursts of action.

Planet Coaster feels like a step into more modern times for the genre. There are bugbears when it comes to the camera and the subsequent patience required to build your perfect theme park, but should one have the stamina to intricately design features for their park, the possibilities are nigh on endless. Managing can feel simplistic at times, but for those who want to have the amusement park of their dreams, even if they use mods from Steam Workshop to supplement their masterpiece, Planet Coaster has it in spades. Now if only the rides could be viewed in VR.

Being a massive fan of the PixelJunk series I couldn’t help but wish there was a little more to Shooter. Sure, what there is is great fun, but the experience is over rather quickly and replaying the game is for purists only.

An ungodly combination of Fire Emblem and Dark Souls, it delights in making you suffer, but every small step forwards feels like a massive achievement. It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy the darkness and feel up to the challenge, you can’t do much better than enter the Darkest Dungeon. Just make sure that all your affairs are in order and that you have written a will, because once you’re in, you might not make it back out.

It may not be as epic or mind-blowing as some titles currently on the market but it is a very solid game and one that provided me with a very enjoyable experience.

While it’s not as essential as Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was, those wanting to keep in the loop should seriously consider picking up a copy. While some of the bonus features do little to spice up the core game, there’s an embarrassment of riches to be found in the sheer volume of content on offer.

X-Morph: Defense successfully mashes up the shoot ’em up and tower defence genres which is no mean feat. and the co-op mode is a really great addition and helps alleviate the repetitive nature of the tasks. There is at least fifteen hours of gameplay on the easiest difficulty level and as you are ranked at the end of each battle there’s a good reason to go back and try again. If you like tower defence and big explosions it’s well worth a look, especially if you have a friend to join the battle.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon isn't the most gripping narrative, in part due to how much it relies on knowledge of so many other games to fully understand. What it does do right, though, is that it's an incredibly fun and addictive JRPG experience that I couldn't get enough of.

Even if Prison Architect didn’t come with a thought provoking, if short, campaign, it’d be easy to recommend to anyone with an interest in management sims. That addition not only brings some depth to the game, but it also serves as one of the most enjoyable and comprehensive tutorials I’ve ever played in a game.

Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn brings one of the Wii’s most underappreciated gems to a new audience on 3DS. In and of itself it remains a great game and the new features are mostly successful additions. The lack of 3DS specific controls does beg the question as to why this isn’t on Switch, but if you do still have a 3DS, Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn stands up as a system highlight and deserves more success than it found in its previous incarnation.

Yuppie Psycho is a surreal and incredibly unique experience. By drawing most of it's inspiration from television and film, the game develops a unique aesthetic and world that feels unlike anything other video games have explored.

Hell is Other Demons is a shining example of how to make a game that's relentlessly difficult, while also being utterly satisfying and enjoyable to play. It may get to be too hard way too fast, but once you get over that difficulty ramp, you're in for a hell of a good time. The incredible gameplay is matched by an awesome aesthetic and incredible sound design. If you want some unforgiving video game action, look no further.

I enjoyed In Sound Mind far more than I expected to, thanks to the great variety to its puzzles and overall atmosphere. While the final revelations didn't blow me away, they did bring a wry smile to my face. In Sound Mind is one of my favourite indie horror games of the past few years and is highly recommended if you’re a fan of the genre.

Minecraft Legends captures the magic of Minecraft in a wholly new way. It’s chaotic, it’s creative, it’s competitive and it’s an absolute blast.

The game leaves a good first impression and noticeably improves upon the first game. It could do with some optimisation, which will hopefully come with a day one patch today or soon after launch, but as we head towards our full review, it’s looking like a particularly good follow-up.

Swords & Soldiers 2 Shawarmageddon is a fantastic RTS addition to the Switch's library, and thanks to its portability and the addition of touch controls, Nintendo's console is once more the best place to play.

Where other franchises are demonised for failing to constantly evolve, Ace Attorney is one that benefits from remaining untouched, propped up by lovable characters and some superb writing.

Octopath 0 maintains the series’ gorgeous pixel-art aesthetic, while its adapted and evolved take on Champions of the Continent’s gameplay ensures that it feels like a worthy console release.

Not needing to reinvent the wheel, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 delivers the same fun and brilliant mash-up of two of the best drop-puzzle games ever with a healthy dollop of content, both classic and new. The jury's still out on whether the new Skill Battles will change things up, but regardless, this is a great puzzle package for parties or pros, and hopefully a great jumping off point for newcomers to discover the marvel and skill of competitive puzzle battles.

The game offers such depth of not only styles of play, but also longevity: on your first play, some sections will be unavailable until you've unlocked the required characters; bonus levels open up on successful completion of each episode; and there's the multi-player shenanigans to become embroiled in. It's not only the complete saga, it's the complete package.

Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition has learnt some new tricks on Nintendo Switch. It might be a bit creaky in places visually, but with the new Freestyle Mode spicing up its already brilliant action, this is the new definitive version of the game.

Hot Wheels Unleashed puts the brand to perfect use, marrying bright and bold toy car racing with powerful track creation.

With the big push that Nintendo has given to Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, it’s a shame that this is the black sheep of the main series. It’s not that it’s bad, far from it, and ArtePiazza have exceeded the original version in every way. Yet as much as I love the work they’ve done, the plodding nature of the game makes this the longest game in the series, for not necessarily the most compelling of reasons. A lovingly crafted game, and a dramatic improvement on the original, but not the best entry point to the franchise.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a brisk, brutal boomer shooter and another great reason for a visit to Games Workshop’s science fiction theatre.

Tales Of Zestiria is a highly enjoyable JRPG, with likeable characters, fun combat and an engaging plot, that’s only mildly let down by a few technical hiccups and a lack of grandeur to the locations. For Tales fans, Zestiria is certainly amongst the best entry’s in the franchise and one which deserves to finally enjoy success in the West.

Lair of the Clockwork God is a genre mash-up that probably shouldn't work, and yet it does. It feels a little unrefined, intentionally so, but there's plenty of comedic fodder in indie platformers, modern gaming and life for Ben and Dan to riff off through the lens of classic LucasArts style adventures.

Star Wars Outlaws is in great shape on Switch 2, and if you haven’t played through Kay Vess’ adventure yet, this is a perfect time to do it, especially when you can take it on the go with you. Wherever you play, Outlaws deserves another look.

Could be described as more of an investment; with Playsets and additional character being cheaper than movie tie-ins and other action games, in the long run it could be a cost effective solution with an additional second wave of content already planned for the coming months.

Superhot: Mind Control Delete takes the action puzzles of the original game and throws a wealth of new abilities and weapons into more randomised levels. It takes the core Superhot concept and puts a fresh spin on things. It's a shame that it's let down a little by some technical issues, as it's the best version of Superhot's unique gameplay to date.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles faithfully and lovingly remasters this deep and complicated classic for modern console. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it, and it has been amazing sinking back into the world of Ivalice. If you can get past some of the retro gaming pitfalls above, you will see a game that absolutely loves the franchise it’s in, with nods to Final Fantasy lore scattered throughout. If you’re a fan of either Final Fantasy or Tactical RPGs, we strongly recommend you pick this up.

If Jackbox Party Pack 11 is anything to go by, then the second decade of Jackbox is going to be great. There's a familiar feel to the pack as a whole, but it's really well put together and there's a great injection of noisy new ideas.

WayForward have found that magical Pixar-esque sweet spot of humour that will appeal to both adults and kids. This an absolute triumph of a remake, it’s just a shame the game can be over so quickly.

There’s definitely room for ECHO to improve and expand, but it’s a smashing debut nonetheless. Ultra Ultra has performed a deft balancing act here and one that carefully avoids over complicating things, much to the benefit of the player. It’s far and away one of 2017’s best sleeper hits and we can’t wait to see what the studio has coming next.

Rock Band Rivals marks the best edition of Rock Band 4, building on what was already a solid base and bringing in more features. Rockudrama does something different with the career mode that’s not only refreshing but often hilarious, while Rivals brings you into a bigger world of competition. The completion of the multiplayer modes is also set to finally round out what is still the best place to rock out with your friends, making Rock Band Rivals an unmissable entry in the rhythm-action series, though fans may still hanker for something more revolutionary.

Age of Empires 4 is a deeply enjoyable return for the series. It puts history front and centre, and opts to refresh its gameplay instead of reinvent it. That may not be enough for some. Then again, when you’ve got a series that’s remained the base template for RTS games for more than twenty years, who can blame them?

With the original game having done so little to impress me, The Evil Within 2 has come as a massive surprise. Although the story still failed to hook me, clever gameplay changes and well-used horror tropes combine to create a vastly-improved sequel.

The MASS and TrueBall elements make the on-pitch gameplay feel authentic, while Heart makes games much more tense and interesting. It’s the things off the pitch that let down the game, as the commentary needs work, and the framerate issues need to be resolved.

Shank 2 does what a good hack n' slash sequel should: it adapts a few things with the aim of improvement and it turns up the action.

Dirt Rally was just a glimpse of what was yet to come, with Dirt 4 bringing this long running series back with not just rallying, but more full-on wheel to wheel action alongside it. In going for a more focused style of game and a more demure attitude, it’s lost some of Dirt 3’s hyperactivity and fun, but with a limitless supply of new stages to send you car hurtling along, Dirt 4 is a rallying game for the ages.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is a tough one to score. Whilst it does little wrong, it also fails to raise pulses. What the player is left with is a very solid game, with strong puzzle and combat elements that is well worth a look.

The London Heist always felt like it was leading to something much bigger, and here it is. Blood & Truth is a thrilling romp that puts you at the helm of your own blockbuster, dripping with over-the-top action as you blitz your way from one set piece to the next.

N++ is a further distillation and refinement of what made N and N+ cult classics in the first place. Rather than replacing those games, it expands upon them greatly, with a bafflingly vast array of levels that come to test you mastery of the game’s pure platforming, and the tools to make even more.

Cake Bash has provided my family and I the most fun we've had in front of the telly all year. It's a wonderfully enjoyable and completely hilarious party game, one that is accessible to all players. The argument can be made that it's a little light on content but then isn't that that the way with the best of cakes? Sweet, delicious, moreish and gone all too soon.

From the big marquee features to the small touches and hidden modes, Black Ops 3 features an awful lot of content, and every aspect of it is designed with cooperative play in mind. It can feel a bit disjointed in places, but it’s a broad and expansive game with plenty to enjoy, especially so when playing with friends.

The most disappointing thing with Infinity Nikki? That all of my review period progress will be reset. This is a genuinely enthralling free-to-play RPG that will delight those looking for a magical fantasy world to be swept up in.

As a freebie included with Resident Evil 3, you can't really fault Resistance, but it helps that its asymmetrical multiplayer is also a lot of fun. It’s a unique take on the Resi universe and I hope it finds some longevity.

Two Point Museum is a great management sim that takes the Two Point game blueprint and tweaks it to another charming and whimsical setting. There's great strides to allow for more customisation and creativity, a revamped structure to make revisiting levels more rewarding, and great variety in the core disciplines, but there's also a few snags along the way and elements that could improved through updates and DLC.

Dreii really is a one-of-a-kind experience, ranking among my favourite puzzle games of all time. Although remarkably basic in premise, it makes use of simple tools and mechanics to glorious effect. If you’re particularly price sensitive then we would strongly advise waiting for it to go on sale, but for those who want to immerse themselves in something truly unique, you may find plenty of value in its current asking price.

Grand Kingdom is one of the most interesting things I’ve ever had on my Vita, combining so many ideas together and somehow making them all work. Like a weird looking dish at a foreign restaurant your cousin recommended, you might doubt it can be anything other than a huge mess, but once you get a taste of it, you’ll realize just how wrong you were.

Metroid Prime 4 is a great return and new beginning for a series which has spent far too many years away. It's not the strongest in terms of narrative, but the new psychic powers add a refreshing layer alongside familiar abilities and the general feel and tone that makes this series so beloved.

Burning Shores is exactly what you would expect, with even more of that solid Horizon gameplay wrapped around a story that initially seems quite frivolous but soon becomes very dark and uncomfortable. If you loved Horizon Forbidden West, you will love this too.

Overall, SuperChargers is a competent sequel and one that’s bound to keep the Skylanders fandom transfixed for yet another year. Where previous iterations have kept the series afloat using fun albeit superficial gimmicks, this latest edition feels more like a genuine step in a new direction.

On a platform that's fundamentally starved of more serious racers, GRID Legends is a great addition to the Switch 2's library. It absolutely deserves reassessment in 2026, and within this new context, with a drama-filled storyline and blockbuster presentation, it feels more of-the-moment than ever before.

Synapse is a phenomenal VR game, bringing striking visuals, meaningful progression and true power fantasy together to craft a game that’s begging for one more go. It stands as an immediate must-buy for PSVR2 owners.

There are quite a few single-stick shooters on the PSN store now. In my opinion, this is the best of the bunch. It has been well-designed, balanced and tuned to perfection, and is a big improvement on the original.

Nuna & Fox’s story is wonderfully told through the native tongue of the Iñupiat, accompanied by artwork inspired by the tribe’s drawings and etchings, and brought to life by the beautiful designed of the environments and characters.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is an absolute gem that shines whether you're a returning fan or a newcomer. It takes a while for the very many mechanics of the game to make sense and click, but once they do, you're in for an unforgettable experience.

The wow moments will come with the over-the-top gore but don’t expect system breaking visuals. However, do expect a unique style and a long adventure that will better cater for those that like to “grind” through a game.

The Horror at Highbrook is one of the best tabletop-style games I’ve played. The card-based mechanics are complex but introduced in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed, while the writing is top-notch and the atmosphere develops perfectly. Whether you’re a fan of board games, horror writing or just after an excellent written Lovecraftian mystery then this is an easy recommendation.

I’m not a huge fan of stealth but the world and the narrative drew me in and by the end I was sneaking around like Solid Snake in high heels. If you’re looking for a new horror experience then Remothered comes highly recommended.

New Super Lucky’s Tale isn’t so much a port as the true definitive edition of the game. A number of improvements to the controls, frame rate, level design, and overall structure of the game has resulted in a title that completely surpasses its origins. It isn’t challenging, or very long; but what is there is joyous, frivolous fun until the credits roll.

If the combat were just a touch more dynamic, Hand of Fate 2 would be essential. As it stands, it’s still a great sequel and perfect for anyone wanting the thrills of an RPG without feeling loss. Defiant constantly prod players into the unknown and the results are always fun and rewarding.

The Medium is a really good horror adventure with some stand out ideas and excellent presentation. It makes the most of its influences to create an atmospheric and involving narrative, but its wider context as a next-gen exclusive may lead many to expect it to be a grander step forward than it is. Taken on its own merits, and particularly for genre fans, this is a genuinely great game and I look forward to replaying it to take in all the amazing details and touches that I may have missed first time through. With some questions left unanswered, I hope it does well and develops into a franchise.

Two Point Hospital's performance is better on PS4 than Switch, but whichever platform you choose to play on, it's a fun hospital sim with bags of personality and humour.

I think the biggest compliment I can give The Flying Hamster is that I that I forgot I was playing a mini. Compared to other minis it is rather expensive at £5.99, but there again compared to other minis it's well designed and perfectly polished.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers is a genuine joy to play and a fun spinoff from the main series. EDF is a silly series even with its dark undertones, but World Brothers is a lot more light-hearted, and could well lead to a lot of new players looking forward to Earth Defense Force 6.

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is the game that Bleach fans have deserved for such a long time. It's a fresh and inventive arena fighter that combines the classic energy and atmosphere of the series with a fresh, stylish, and modern coat of paint.

Dandy Dungeon: Legend of Brave Yamada is a fun, unique and genuinely funny game. It manages to keep you entertained throughout its playtime with a mix of solid jokes and excellent gameplay, and unlike so many games that jump from mobile to Switch, it works perfectly on the system. It's a delight and one that you'll find yourself hooked on. Also, down with capitalism and billionaire CEOs.

That the lead character is a Pomeranian in a baseball cap ceases to be an issue once the compelling gameplay hooks you. Even when you're randomly eaten by a surprising tiger eight generations into an animal's lineage, you'll still be watching a tiger eat a pomeranian in a baseball cap. And that's brilliant.

For Switch-owning sports fans there’s nothing that comes close to NBA 2K20. Boasting great visuals, stellar gameplay and a feature-rich range of play types, there’s something for everyone, and while VC is still a ‘feature’ that we’d rather didn’t have a place in modern sports titles, it’s been balanced back in the favour of actual gameplay.

If Naughty Dog are only using 30% of the PS3's power, we're in for some treats in the next few years.