Tristan Ogilvie
Despite the fact that the made-for-PlayStation 4 Yakuza 6 was only released a few short months ago, Yakuza Kiwami 2 is the best and most fully formed Yakuza game of 2018 even though it's a remake of a game that's now two console generations old. Its storyline is gripping, its weapons-heavy fighting system accommodates no shortage of spectacle, and it serves up plenty of enjoyable side activities – both mini and macro – to divert to or return for after the story wraps. Yakuza 0 may still be the high watermark for the series on the PS4, but Yakuza Kiwami 2 isn't too far behind.
The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories is a dark, strange and utterly compelling journey.
Big Bash Boom is a fun, flashy, family-friendly cricket game that's a bit too light on features to make it a must buy.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an enjoyable re-release, but doesn't stand quite as tall next to modern platformers.
The Hong Kong Massacre is an action movie fan's dream played out in stylish slow-motion.
Metro Exodus brings its survival horror to the surface without sacrificing any of the series' signature tension.
The Occupation is an investigation game that tries to make every second count but is ultimately a missed opportunity.
The Occupation is an investigation game that tries to make every second count but is ultimately a missed opportunity.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a solid collection of courtroom dramedies, but far from essential for fans.
Judgment is a superficial detective experience, but an extremely good Yakuza one.
Ion Fury is an authentic throwback to Duke Nukem 3D that certainly hails to the king but can't quite dethrone him.
Death Stranding delivers a fascinating world of supernatural sci-fi, but its gameplay struggles to support its weight.
Terminator: Resistance's authentic looks fail to disguise its uninspired design and forgettable action.
AO Tennis 2 is a better-looking, smoother-playing and more fully-featured follow-up to the original.
Totally Reliable Delivery Service delivers some silly fun in a package that's a bit rough around the edges.
Enjoyably tense and frequently hysterical, Moving Out is a must play for fans of same-screen multiplayer games.
Someday You'll Return is just barely worth it the first time, let alone a game you might actually come back to.
Psychological horror game Those Who Remain features jump scares with a few too many jagged edges.
Desperados 3 is a Western that's as wily as it is wild, and well-suited to anyone after a serious stealth challenge.
Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise isn't so bad that it's good, it's just average and technically rough.