Adam Cook
Fire Emblem Engage is a masterpiece of tactical gameplay design, with a gorgeous look, and depth most games can only dream of.
Yet again, Miles Morales on Steam Deck and PC is another PlayStation triumph, with the only real negative the fact that it has longer loading times than on PS5.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are great games mired by a host of technical issues.
Compelling from start to finish, Bayonetta 3 is an exceptional time and up there with the very best there is - and was worth the wait.
Nonsensory feels like the "newest" of the 5 games on The Jackbox Party Pack 9, in an otherwise middling collection by the masters of mirth.
Warner Bros. attempt at getting things going again with Gotham Knights feels largely flat thanks to unwieldy movement and a world that is more "checklist" than immersive, but in small doses it can be fun, and the heroes all feel unique and work well in co-op multiplayer.
Two top tier games come together in the same package as the PS5 got, only now there's Steam Deck support, and wider PC support: what's not to love about Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection on PC?
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a brilliant sequel full of fun moreish combat and deep customisation that's only let down by the speed of the battles and a heavy front-loading of ideas.
No Man's Sky sits comfortably next to the best ports on the platform. Of course it doesn't sing quite as beautifully as the most high-powered console versions, but really, when you can planet hop in a decked out space ship while having a number two, who cares? Absolute wizardry.
Overwatch 2 plays brilliantly. It's a wonderful shooter full of depth, with unique heroes to master, maps to learn, and hours of your life to lose all over again.
NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is brilliant: it's still essential, still bonkers. Play this game.
Splatoon 3 isn't the most exciting release on the calendar, but it is the best the game has been. As a standalone game it's a rip-roaring success, and perhaps the game that fans wanted all along.
Should Nintendo support Kirby's Dream Buffet it with updates, new courses, then it's only going to get better. It's a lot of fun, but it's the kind of fun you can't quite see yourself returning to over and over again.
A fully complete, accessible version of Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered that will run on most systems, is at home on the portable Steam Deck, and feels fresh and brilliant even four years after release.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 changes things up in a good way, offering a twist on the most unique combat out there. It's lengthy, engaging, warm, and probably the best RPG of the year. The best one yet, for sure.
Live A Live is a neat little curio that warrants a look, but there's a huge variety in not just story, but the quality of the action as well.
In a year of great games, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is one that shouts to be played loudly enough that it simply cannot be ignored.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes takes the game you loved, spins a new yarn, and throws hack and slash combat in for good measure to create a fun, accessible experience that's incredible value for money.
Shredder's Revenge isn't an overlong experience – but it is also generous in terms of content, challenge and replayability.
We Were Here Forever is a fun, challenging co-op puzzler, but it's too long and has too many obtuse puzzles to easily recommend to everyone.