Dominic Leighton's Reviews
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore feels particularly timely. The world hasn't been the brightest, most hopeful place in recent years, but leading a team of cheerful, committed teen pop idols against demonic entities makes it feel that much brighter. This is a game that's dedicated to hope for the future, and that creativity is an integral component of that. I'm willing to believe them too.
As a collection, or individually, Bayonetta and Vanquish remain perfectly formed examples of PlatinumGames' exquisite mastery of action gaming. Here, in 4K, they've never been better.
Despite the fundamental changes to the series' viewpoint, Darksiders Genesis feels like a true Darksiders game, and banishes any memory of the lacklustre third entry.
SnowRunner is a game thoroughly, single-mindedly, in love with the open road. It just happens that it's the kind of love that's bred by getting that road so thoroughly under your nails, you occasionally have to wonder whether it's actually hate. Care, attention and time will show that SnowRunner is a passion project worth putting the extra mile in for.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a generous and inspiring remaster, finally bringing the game's visuals in line with its outstanding narrative. It truly feels like this is now the game Monolith Soft always intended it to be, cementing its position as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.
OkunoKa Madness isn't the name of the game, it's the name of the condition you have once you've played it. Evil geniuses are more forgiving than this game's development team, and though you'll be whimpering for the sweet, simple oblivion of a shark-infested tank, OkunoKa Madness will have you clambering back out for another go.
Avicii Invector Encore Edition is a perfect portable album, offering a wonderful chance to bid farewell to one of the most important electronica artists of our time.
Pacer is a magnificent anti-grav racer that's more than capable of filling the Wipeout-sized hole in your life.
Joy, wonder and engrossing park management come together to spectacular effect in Planet Coaster: Console Edition. Frontier are masters of the park building art, and as we enter a new console generation that's never been clearer.
NBA 2K21 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S is a big step forward for the franchise and easily the best version of this year's basketball franchise. There might be the feeling that features were shorn from the current gen release to give it more impact, but from the inclusivity of featuring the WNBA in MyPlayer, to the sprawling The City online hub and the stunning graphics and gameplay improvements, this will keep you and your new console happy well into 2022.
Monster Hunter Rise is an incredible game. While it may not feel quite as ground-breaking for the series as World did, it boasts a stronger and distinctly Japanese identity, and the changes and streamlined gameplay simply focus on the franchise's true stars – the monsters. Rise is easily one of the best games for the Nintendo Switch, and one of the finest Monster Hunters ever.
Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S is a remarkable achievement, and one which brings the flight simulator experience into your living room with emphatic effect. There's no sense that this is a cut-back console port, but one that widens the genre's influence into places it's never conquered before.
Death's Door is an atmospheric adventure through an inviting fantasy world. It's perfectly crafted, generously provisioned, and an instant indie classic.
Young Souls isn't just one of the best indie games on Stadia, it's one of the best indie games of 2021. A pitch-perfect side scroller that barely puts a foot wrong, this is one game you don't want to miss out on.
Forza Horizon 5 continues the series' legacy, usurping Forza Horizon 4 as the new pinnacle of open-world racing and as a graphical showcase for the new generation of Xbox console.
Jurassic World Evolution 2 is bigger, better, and bolder, and smooths off some of the original's rough edges. Frontier has tinkered with the management sim aspects, and brought in a canonical campaign into the mix that follows directly on from the events in Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom, but the dinosaurs remain the star of the show. If you're a fan of the franchise – and really, who doesn't love uncontrollable carnivores? – then Jurassic World Evolution 2 is a perfect sequel.
Halo Infinite marks a clear moment in 343 Studios' handling of the series. They finally have a grasp on what makes Master Chief tick, and they bring all of that knowledge to bear in often-spectacular fashion. While some issues nag, it's clear that Halo Infinite is a brilliant new entry in the series, and one that makes this particular sci-fi FPS relevant once again.
SNK vs Capcom Card Fighters' Clash was a brilliant game two decades ago, and the passage of time has done nothing to diminish that. If you're a fan of DCCG's, or the rosters of these two fighting game powerhouses, then Card Fighters' Clash is more or less essential.
Retro Bowl is pure gaming joy, wrapped with a nostalgic little bow. It's also the best American Football game in years.
Triangle Strategy is a beautiful and authentic tactical RPG. Fans of Fire Emblem in particular will love the involving narrative on top of the strategic action - just be prepared for a slow start as it sets its expansive story in motion.