Nathan Misa
No longer soul of the lost, and withdrawn from its (PS3) vessel, Bluepoint has transformed a cult classic into a modern next-gen marvel.
A definitive version worth replaying for returning fans and new players alike, and still one of the best Japanese role-playing games this generation has produced.
Injustice 2 is the best fighting video game released this generation, with stellar single-player and online content, addictive gear and customisation options, fast and frantic gameplay and incredible graphics, all of which impressively realise DC Comics' most iconic superheroes and supervillains.
One of the best RPGs ever created makes it to consoles with a staggering amount of gareat new content.
A fan-faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and jam-packed with quality content. A package both longtime Resident Evil fans and newbies will enjoy.
A must play for action-RPG fans looking for deep combat systems and an expansive open-world that truly rewards exploration.
An excellent Metroidvania adventure with intense combat, rewarding exploration and a visually immersive dieselpunk world.
With engaging social simulation gameplay, addictive turn-based combat systems and an unmatched visual style, Persona 5 is the ultimate Japanese role-playing game any PlayStation 4 owner, newbie or hardcore fan, should give a fair go in 2017.
Another must-have Switch exclusive, and a modern reminder why the mother of the Metroidvania sub-genre still demands attention.
Stylish kung-fu combat, in-depth combo systems and high replayability make Sifu a must-play for beat 'em up and fighting game fans.
Quantum Break is another incredibly satisfying action-adventure mystery from Remedy in the same leagues as Alan Wake and the original Max Payne – bolstered by a bigger budget which has resulted in a terrific cast of actors, complex and intriguing storyline and script, and well-implemented live action television sequences. The third-person cover-based gunplay, while executed better in other franchises, is still enjoyable, but it is the exploration of the environment for background details, clues and easter eggs is what makes the bulk of the gameplay enjoyable.
The pick-up-and-play nature of Rhythm Paradise Megamix always encouraged me to return for more and beat my previous record, and this is a key strength of its winning formula and why its replay value is so high. The multiplayer is extremely fun and easy to set up with just one copy of the game needed, and with tons of unlockables and throwbacks to older Rhythm Heaven entries, this is a 2016 Nintendo 3DS title which shouldn’t be missed by those who love the weird and quirky of Nintendo’s solid output.
A beautiful, hand-crafted action-adventure experience with challenging combat, rewarding exploration and an intriguing story.
Dragon Quest XI S is the ultimate content package of a new JRPG classic, and a phenomenal port for the Nintendo Switch.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is a faithful reimagining that brings the beloved survival-horror classic into the modern era with a host of new features, content tweaks and graphical updates.
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores delivers a fantastic post-game content expansion for those wanting more adventures with Aloy.
The Taken King is a solid package offering several more hours of fun, engaging new gameplay.
A melodic and stylish JRPG catering to those who love anime, Japanese culture and J-Pop, but might not entirely appeal to Shin Megami Tensei or Fire Emblem fans.
Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is one of the best MMORPG expansions in recent years, with a compelling and well-written main story, intriguing Far East setting, a wealth of new content and important QoL refinements.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a huge leap forward for the series towards a deeper action role-playing experience. The sheer ambition and amount of content available in Ubisoft's latest historical sandbox – quests, NPCs, side-activities, collectibles, historical landmarks, locations and secrets – is staggering, and it's easy to get immersed in what is a truly spectacular open-world rendition of Ancient Greece, the Aegean Sea and its many different islands and warring states. This latest entry will especially resonate best if you enjoyed the different direction last year's Origins took.