Justin Towell
At 4K/60, Need for Speed Unbound is a clear showcase for the new generation of consoles"
A magnificent, authentic, totally uncompromised sequel that crucially ignores virtually every gaming trend of the past 18 years.
F1 2017 is another superbly authentic recreation of modern F1. However, the sport's current complexity will be overwhelming for most, and the returning classic content is nowhere near as good as it should be.
Gran Turismo Sport is a bona fide virtual motorsport and that's awesome. But single-player modes are lacking and it's demonstrably outshone by Forza Motorsport 7 in virtually every area.
A superbly-produced, feature-rich racing game. Too much of it may feel like busywork and filler, but few other racers are this slick or feature-packed, and it certainly has moments of magic.
Despite being smaller than regular Driveclub and lacking variety, this is serious fun, surprisingly accessible and features a more sophisticated handling model than the main game. Great stuff.
Forza Horizon 4 isn't as bombastic as its predecessor, but still a challenging and all-encompassing online racer. And the more introverted moments of driving through autumnal or snow-dusted Britain are beautiful, especially as a showcase for Xbox One X.
More of the same is absolutely fine, as Bayonetta delivers her trademark action in true style. This sequel takes too long to get going and can feel harshly unfair, but when it's at its peak, the action is breathtaking.
Mario Kart 8 is a slick and gorgeous-looking kart racer that's perfectly solid but not always as exciting or addictive as we've come to expect from the series.
Another superlative career mode, but the avatar customisation and tacked-on supercars feel like bullet points.
A perfect blend of authenticity mixed with modern-day quality of life enhancements. Joyous, slick, hi-score gaming that looks nice too.
The excellent story, still-superlative career and loot-based F1 World make for a convincing and gigantic F1 experience.
The deep career mode is even better when managing your own team, and the racing is superbly tactical.
A breathtakingly expansive and authentic recreation of the core Star Wars universe in LEGO. Its gameplay is predictably simplistic at times, but literally everything else is stellar. At last, THIS is the droid you are looking for.
A stunning example of interactive storytelling, Firewatch's greatest success is making you feel like it's really happening to you. And the less you know about it going in, the more you'll enjoy it.
A superb action game that does far, far more than just depend on the novelty of gravity switching. It deserved so much more than to be ignored on Vita, and you simply must play it on PS4.
Improved lane-hopping controls and fun multiplayer make this a blast to play, but it's as an interactive music album where new Amplitude really shines. You need to experience it.
While essentially a retread of its predecessor, Rise of the Tomb Raider is a magnificent adventure game, brilliantly combining action genres and letting you play the way you want to.
Many small tweaks, amazing weather and phenomenal photo mode have turned Driveclub into PS4's best racer. At times breathtaking and always involving, it'll keep you coming back for more.
Another superlative simulation of the Formula One world, now with an enjoyable story mode too.