John Robertson
Bloodborne is one of those experiences that totally consumes you when you're involved in it and working to see all that it has to offer. In that sense it's the digital edition of a round-the-world trip to foreign continents, each turning of a corner providing equal helpings of excitement and trepidation. That recipe brings it own rewards by simply being a part of it, the seemingly effortless delivery indicative of a design team and philosophy that is only getting sharper.
In 2005 Shadow of the Colossus was a masterpiece and that remains so in 2018. This is one of the greatest games ever made and is an accolade that shows no sign of being detached from its monumental presence.
Without question it's the best game Microsoft has published since the onset of the Xbox One era and one that's pleasingly, satisfyingly easy to recommend.
Its high level of difficulty means that this remains a franchise not suited to everyone, but its sheer quality means it's infinitely deserving of being given a chance. Take the plunge and allow yourself to be absorbed by the ride - it's well worth it.
Whether playing online or off, there's a huge amount to do here and a huge amount to love about it. Put the effort in and you're repaid with a genuine sense of satisfaction and a feeling of real accomplishment. Once again, PES has set an incredibly high level of quality for other sports games to try and match.
By having the courage to rewrite the racing game rulebook, Project Cars manages to carve a space for itself alongside the genre's finest.
The final result is a brilliant alteration of an old friend, shining a new light on a proven structure.
The fact that everything plays out so smoothly here suggests that the finished product is extremely close to the designers' original vision for the project, a compliment that certainly can't be levelled at all games. This clarity of creation brings us a game of expert pacing and reward, as well as one that possesses more depth than the vast majority of its genre peers.
All of the depth is there as before, but the humanity of football is represented in a greater way - whether that is through players striking up bromances that lead to goals on the pitch or you personally getting involved in pricing wars with clubs from Europe and, increasingly, China.
Ultimately, then, Project Cars 2 is not a racer in which you ever feel compelled to simply go through the motions. It's a game that centres you firmly as an active participant. It's a game that makes you want to be a racer, and that might just be the best compliment that can be bestowed upon a representative of this genre.
Dragon Quest VIII was one of the finest JRPGs upon its initial release and it manages to retain that lofty status through this 3DS edition. Its adherence to the traditional rules of the genre is where it pulls its strength from, the familiarity of the template allowing the design team to worry about making sure each element is as good as it can possibly can be.
Ultimately, FIFA 18 introduces enough new ideas to suggest it's not sitting on the laurels of its success. However, it's a simplified experience, one that fails to embrace the complexity of football at the highest level.
PES 2015 is a genuine return to form for the series, one that competes with FIFA on every step, pass, and shot.
FIFA 15 might not be wholly realistic, but it brings more flair and excitement than any game in the series so far.
Football Manager 2015 is the same game we've come to know and love, but in this case that's no bad thing.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a valiant attempt at bringing an ambitious and expansive RPG to the handheld realm. For the most part it works, but the original undoubtedly shines brighter than this tweaked offering.
Thanks to its excellent battle system, Bravely Default breathes new life into a traditionalist genre.
Less crossover and more combination, the excellent Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney provides each of its stars equal face time.
Tearaway's blend of the real and virtual worlds makes it a rare and charming treat.
If you're prepared to embrace its intimate teamwork requirements then Evolve supplies a rewarding multiplayer experience.