Absolver's methodical combat would be superlative on its own, but the unique customisation of its Combat Deck takes this melee brawler to thrilling new heights.
Dirt 4 is a grounded and thrilling racing experience with customisable difficulty options that should appeal to newcomers and veterans alike.
A newfound focus on player choice pushes CI Games' series in a positive direction, but myriad issues keep it from being a top marksman.
Sony's long-running baseball sim returns, with better action on the field, and more options off it.
The grisly ballistics are still second to none, but it's the improvements made beyond the sniper scope that make Sniper Elite 4 a series standout.
Football Manager 2017 is not a game of revolution, but one of refinement. Transfers are smarter and more involved, and the faster player development and the aforementioned streamlining of information are welcome. The perennial strengths of Football Manager are stronger than ever, yet it’s the furtive improvements to the match engine that really set Football Manager 2017 apart from its immediate predecessor.
Refinements to its measured combat make for a better game, but problems still persist in key areas both in and outside the squared circle.
Sherlock's powers of deduction are as enthralling as ever, but middling action gets in the way.
Dirt Rally's arrival on consoles lets more people join in Codemasters' celebration of this brutal motorsport. [OpenCritic note: Richard Wakeling separately reviewed the PC and PS4 versions.]
Hard-hitting and visually arresting, EA Sports UFC 2 refines its brutal action while still retaining some notable flaws.
It may not stir the hordes of wailing YouTubers looking for the next best haunted house, but SOMA succeeds at crafting something much more meaningful than jump-scares.