Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior is a great puzzle action game that plays out very differently than you might expect. Whilst it holds onto some of its best puzzle ideas until relatively late in the game, the layered time-shifted combat is very satisfying as you take multiple runs at each encounter, trying out new skills and approaches as you go. All in all, Lysfanga is a good time that offers plenty of repeat value.

A naked shower scene away from being an official Starship Troopers game, Helldivers 2 is gloriously daft fun when you can get a group of friends together to play. It's just a shame about the matchmaking and crash bugs at launch.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is a fantastic piece of storytelling, and it gives you a compelling world, people and lore for you to delve into. While it labours in some areas, you can put your own personality and feelings into this largely linear adventure, making this a game and a tale that deserves to be experienced.

Foamstars is a vibrantly inventive take on the hero shooter and Splatoon, though the bubble will quickly burst for those who can’t gel with its floaty, fluid-based gunplay.

Trepang2 is a clear love letter to the FEAR games, taking heavy inspiration from that series and mixing in some optical camo and monsters that aren't a scary little girl with an increasingly horrendous backstory. It's not a perfect game and it is a bit short, but once you trigger the slo-mo and start blasting, you won't really care.

Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections is a disappointingly dull entry in the series. You have to wonder where CyberConnect2 will go from here.

Momodora: Moonlit Farewell a game unlike any other - a metroidvania with a truly unique aesthetic that blends all my favorite things into one unforgettable package. It may be the final chapter in the Momodora story, but I can only hope there are plenty more games from Bombservice to come.

Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash is a failed cash-in on an incredibly popular manga and anime franchise, that doesn't seem to understand what makes that franchise so popular to begin with.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a perfect example of how live services can sap all the energy out of a game experience. The story, the character and gameplay all range from good to fantastic, but the missions grow stale before too long, the loot system's few bright spots are tarnished by the chore of everything else you earn, and the story and characters all but evaporate once you reach the endgame.

Anomaly Agent is a fun and furious action platformer, mixing fast-paced combat with an awesome soundtrack.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fantastic anime adventure, and one that will delight fans of the series.

Persona 3 Reload is a dream come true for Persona fans. With far more than just a visual uplift, this is very much the best possible edition of the game, even if it can’t quite be called ‘definitive’.

I hate being negative about a game but I found Evil Nun a soulless and unenjoyable experience. Even without the bugs and glitches the whole repeating loop is dull and derivative rather than immersive. If this is your kind of horror game then there may be something for you to enjoy but you should be playing Amnesia or Alien: Isolation instead.

The Legend of Steel Empire is a fun side-scrolling shooter set in an interesting alternate history timeline. The gameplay is easy to get to grips with, allowing people of all skill levels to deal with enemies. However, the short length of the campaign is not truly worth the asking price, so I'd recommend waiting for a sale to pick it up.

The Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is overall a fantastic release, bundling up two incredible games and one less-than-incredible one, and with a bevy of other features and other content for those Chords of Steel fans. Spirit of Justice might be a weakest link, but it’s still one in a damn solid chain full of charm, humour, and plot twists. If you’re a fan of Ace Attorney, you need this collection, and honestly this is still worth your time even if you’re not.

Despite three years in Early Access, it's hard to recommend Graven at launch. From odd design choices to bugs and progression issues, the unfortunate conclusion is that Graven is a real missed opportunity.

UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes is without a doubt the funnest fighting game of the year. An already smooth and satisfying fighter has been improved and expanded on so many levels with the new systems, mechanics, and moves this sequel adds. If you're gonna play any 2D fighting game right now, make it this one.

Vertigo 2 is a decent and lengthy VR shooter, but it comes up short when compared to other PSVR 2 games. It's a big game by a solo developer, filled with varied environments, weapons and enemies, but it's just not as refined as the best VR games. Still, it's well worth a look if you fancy a bit of a VR shooter romp.

Hidden Through Time 2 is the perfect family game: relaxed, interactive and creative, and it’s one of those rare titles that will keep you coming back for months to find just one more thing.

Lil Guardsman's mix of border control and adventure is a whole heap of fun, with genuine comedic moments combined with great acting. There are a few issues with the story, with the occasional inconsistency or predictable moment, but all in all this is a great addition to the genre.

Tekken 8 has started 2024 off with a bang, proving once again why this fighting series is great! It's maybe not quite as newcomer friendly as Street Fighter 6, but has a bevy of modes and new tweaks that means it's going in the right direction to be a game for all players, old and new, and will only get better over time.

The work that has gone into bringing Another Code: Two Memories and its sequel to Switch is impressive, giving us a pair of enthralling adventures to follow. The DAS is an excellent little gadget, and the characters and overall story are excellently written and charming, but the short length of this collection and lack of activities outside the investigating result in a somewhat one-note affair. Another Code: Recollection is a decent little package, but you might be left wanting if you have played the original releases.

The Cub is a really good platformer with an excellent use of the soundtrack to really immerse you into the world. While some platforming bits are a little frustrating, overall the experience is tight with a smooth flow. The story is engaging, the world interesting to explore, and the themes touching on climate change and how society deals with it relevant.

nGolf is one of those games that will fly by without much, if any fanfare. It offers a competent mini-golf game, but there have been others that have been more challenging and entertaining. It is not worth the full price, but at a steep discount it's a charming choice if you really need to play through some simple golf puzzles.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered refines and improves a much misunderstood masterpiece. It's hard not to be amazed at how good this game still looks, and it comes with a new mode and some behind the scenes stuff to enjoy. It's not as big a step from the original release as TLOU Part 1 was, and so feels like a less noteworthy release, but the price for upgrading from PS4 is reasonable for what you get. For those who haven't played it, this will be the best version to play, even if it's just for No Return to add some more longevity without all the incredibly intense emotional stress of the main story.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of the finest metroidvanias I’ve ever played and a fantastic way to start 2024. Thrilling and kinetic platforming, thumping combat, and a vast game world that demands exploration, and makes it a joy to do. It’s time to kick nostalgia firmly in the unmentionables; this is the best Prince of Persia ever.

TEVI blends the soul of Metroidvanias with the heart of a bullet hell, and the result is unforgettable. Despite a lacklustre soundtrack and some repetitive enemy encounters, this is a rich, feature-filled adventure packed with fun characters and sweat-inducing boss fights that you owe it to yourself to play.

Laika: Aged Through Blood is a haunting metroidvania unlike any other. The blend of breakneck motorcycle combat and a harrowing story of revenge smash together to create an artistic experience few games this year can rival.