Sam Aberdeen
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga crams a plethora of content into one almost definitive LEGO Star Wars package that's perfect for gamers and fans of all ages. The comedy is once again top-notch, the gameplay improvements make a huge difference, and the attention to detail in recreating Star Wars' most iconic locations, moments and characters is commendable.
Tango Gameworks deliver a highly original concept with an eerie setting, well-written main characters in KK and Akito and spell-based gameplay that bursts with vibrant colours and energy.
MyRise is fantastic, the character creation is meme-worthy world-class, and the improved gameplay mechanics align it with modern fighting games. However, it's a good taste of what's possible if the series doesn't stick to a yearly release schedule.
The phrase "one of the greatest games of all time" was thrown around a lot at launch. I thought it might be an exaggeration, but I stand corrected. Elden Ring absolutely earns the badge of one of the best games ever made.
Hogwarts Legacy beautifully captures the awe-inspiring magic and wonder of the Harry Potter movies and the Wizarding World. It's a massive, densely packed RPG with so much care and passion poured into it by Avalanche Software.
Fans are going to find a lot to love with Motive's careful and almost masterful handling of the original, while newcomers will find an exciting horror ride that awaits. It may not be as game-changing as the Resident Evil 2 remake, but I can honestly say that it feels good to have Dead Space back.
Rainbow Six Extraction is fun when it leans into its absurd premise, but it also tends to take itself too seriously. Ubisoft apply all the knowledge gained from tweaking Siege's gameplay and it works well in the gameplay department, but it's a bit uninspired in other areas.
Farming Simulator 22 is an experience I can only describe as highly demanding, but almost as equally rewarding. Thanks to the bolstered business management elements of the game, you have several new opportunities to expand your business and truly feel like you're dominating the agriculture market.
There's an ebb and flow to Halo Infinite's rhythm that perfectly balances exploration, combat and storytelling. It all synergizes in an experience that feels unique without alienating fans; feels familiar without retreading old ideas; and feels nostalgic without relying on the past.
Putting aside any nagging technical issues and the games simply not aging as well as one might've hoped, the Crysis Remastered Trilogy is worth a visit for curious newcomers to the series, and for veterans to absorb all the new visual improvements.
Forza Horizon 5 is a triumphant achievement, and puts Playground Games in the pole position of being one of the most talented developers in the gaming industry.
Thanks to a likeable cast of fleshed-out characters, an immersive atmosphere drenched in evil and a gripping story with a sinister setting, it exceeds expectations and trumps the highs of Man of Medan, Little Hope and in some cases, even Until Dawn.
The gameplay and combat is fun and engaging, the Ridden are terrifying and diverse, and the campaign packs a solid punch in terms of what you get out of it. When it does stumble though, the fall hurts.
Ghostrunner on PS5 is probably the best way to experience developer One More Level's rage-inducingly difficult but absolutely addictive and enjoyable cyberpunk assassin game.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an admirable start for Ember Lab's journey into gaming that still has a bit of room to improve. However, what you'll find here is a special, cute and endearing game that gives players a blast of nostalgia thanks to its retro-inspired level design and objectives.
The new UI tweaks, slight gameplay changes, small bits of story content and more all add up to a worthwhile and wonderfully bizarre package that still proves Kojima Productions have truly crafted a game unlike any other.
If you're a fan of the original game, there's nothing here that will surprise you, but for newcomers, you can experience one of the better 3D Sonic games.
Bandai Namco have yet to really miss the mark when it comes to their trademark anime games, but Scarlet Nexus isn't exactly a massive step forward. Instead, it's a serviceable - if at times great - sidestep that brings little else to the table beyond gloriously flashy gameplay and smoking style.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a classic trilogy completely revitalized and improved for new and old fans to experience. The vast number of technical improvements really gives it a fresh coat of paint, all the while tweaking and enhancing the gameplay fronts to make them superior to their originals in almost every way.
Resident Evil Village is the best game in the franchise since Resident Evil 4, and one of the best horror games I've ever played - a praise that I genuinely thought long and hard about. Very few games have given me the exhilarating rush, the well-choreographed scares, or the masterful immersion of this game. It's a powerhouse of the genre brimming with creativity thanks to spot-on art direction and a vast list of monsters from almost every corner of horror.