An immersive first-person shooter and RPG hybrid experience faithful to the original films while standing on its own two (robotic) feet.
An entertaining story, extensive character customisation and stylish anime presentation elevates Code Vein above just another Souls-like.
Absolver is an ambitious and unique indie fighting game/action-RPG with ample character customisation, compelling PvE and PvP content and an engaging martial-arts focused melee combat system that rewards practice.
World of Final Fantasy embraces weirdness and silliness to further itself from its more serious counterparts, while simultaneously revisiting the franchise’s classic roots to create something special. As a casual fan of the series who might not have recognised every single reference, it was still an extremely fun standalone entry. The addictive Pokémon-like monster capturing and training, combined with classic turn-based combat systems (which I love compared to real-time combat), was fun and in-depth, and complimented by a refreshingly upbeat and zany narrative which grew on me the more I played.
Must-play for fans and newcomers looking for an in-depth fighting game with shamelessly over-the-top violence, time-travelling shenanigans, and creative ways to beat foes to a bloody pulp.
Days Gone offers fun open-world exploration and survival-horror gameplay elevated by a compelling post apocalypse narrative and top-notch presentation.
Hitman: The Complete First Season is the perfect re-introduction to the third-person stealth franchise, bringing back sandbox game design and player choice to the forefront with six expertly hand-crafted missions with hundreds of opportunities and ways to approach killing targets, and a ton of side content in the form of Escalation contracts and the Sarajevo Six (effectively “What If?” scenarios and missions). Newcomers will also find the full package of Season One a lot more digestible than the episodic distribution model which may have put off naysayers. Give it a fair go if you can fit it in your holiday gaming schedule.
Shovel Knight perfectly encapsulates what is so great about playing modern-retro games inspired by the 8-bit era of the 1980s and early 90's without being derivative or trapped in the past.
Watch Dogs 2 is a much stronger open-world hacking sandbox experience than the first. While not to the same level as Assassin’s Creed 2 which accomplished much for its similarly divisive first entry, this game’s more varied mission structure and lighter-hearted tone elevates it to a must play this holiday.
NetherRealm Studios continues to prove that high-quality, story-focused content in fighting games has an audience, and they deliver that in spades with Aftermath.
A compelling action-RPG adventure with a unique narrative, impressive artstyle and strong writing that shines brightest in its quests.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions is a blissful trip down nostalgia lane thanks to its excellent graphical overhaul and engaging new side-content.
Monster Hunter: World is the best entry in the long-running action RPG series to-date, accessible for both new players and returning fans expecting the in-depth gameplay systems and rewarding hunt/craft/explore loop we all know and love.
Hellblade offers an engrossing single-player cinematic experience coupled with Ninja's Theory's tight melee combat systems and responsive controls. An enthralling sensory onslaught for the eyes and ears.
Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is an excellent strategy role-playing game with thrilling tactical turn-based combat with some gameplay omissions which may split the existing fanbase.
Tales of Berseria is a return to form for the JRPG franchise, with a captivating main story of betrayal and vengeance, satisfying real-time combat and an amazing cast of characters.
Dead Rising remains one of Capcom's most classic and ambitious games to-date, and the re-release is most welcome, even if a lack of new content or genuine remastering is present in the package.
Whatever your viewpoint on its faster pacing and shorter duration, Give No Shelter and the choices it presents the player as Michonne lead to one hell of a ride many will be divided on, but undeniably intrigued, by for the final episode.
The first episode of The Walking Dead: Michonne is a fun, interesting journey into the psyche of Michonne and how she handles a new violent group of survivors.
Gravity Rush Remastered is an excellent port of the original Vita exclusive to PS4, with unique gravity-shifting gameplay mechanics that lends to fun aerial exploration - all with a distinctive European comic book aesthetic.