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.
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.
MotoGP 20 fortunately goes back to the drawing board and doubles down on delivering more content and player agency. However, taken as a package, this latest installment is sure to please veterans of the franchise.
It's a welcomed change of pace for the Bayonetta series that not every fan will find as fulfilling as the main games, but as a smaller project bursting with heart and creativity, Bayonetta Origins is a fun, charming diversion.
For all it gets right, Sonic Frontiers is the right direction that Sonic Team needs to be steering the series towards. The semi open-world template could still use a bit of creative work to give the speedy blue mascot a more suitably whacky playground, but some dull zones don’t hold it back from being a blast to play.
Far Cry 6 seems to check all the boxes for a traditional Far Cry experience, and that's exactly what it delivers, for better or worse. An excellent and intimidating villain? Check. An immersive and beautiful open world? Check. Fun gameplay that sometimes goes over-the-top? Check.
The slow pacing, often frustrating traversal and deliberately tanky controls will turn off those looking for an easy-going experience. However, once all of its mechanics click, it offers a deep and rewarding adventure that isn't like anything else on the market.
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.
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.
Far Cry New Dawn delivers explosive, chaotic fun in a vivid and gorgeous open world, but struggles to find its footing in the story and mission structure departments.
If you adjust your expectations and take the game for what it does right, you'll find God Eater 3 to be a spectacular experience as a mostly successful Monster Hunter-esque title.
The Evil Within 2 will probably please horror gaming enthusiasts hoping for a refreshing new, more freeform approach to survival horror, but fans of Shinji Mikami’s first triumphant game might leave underwhelmed.
Stellar Blade absolutely delivers on its stylish, demanding action, impressive visuals and memorable music, even if the story execution and writing stumbles at times.
Rise of the Ronin's exhilarating combat, accessibility and open world will appeal to Team Ninja fans and newcomers to the Soulslike genre, even if it's more safe than innovative.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered's technical improvements are minor (many will question if it's even necessary), but the side content like No Return is great and worth the upgrade.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is another highly enjoyable effort from Team Ninja that wears its Sekiro inspirations proudly on its sleeves, but it may lack the brutal challenge that usually accompanies these games.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a terrific remaster that brings this must-play prequel into the modern era. Almost everything that I hoped would be updated was given attention, including a more fluid battle system and combat, cleaner UI, high-quality textures, lighter controls, and (to my everlasting surprise) an untouched story that doesn't take any daringly divisive risks like Remake.
The Callisto Protocol isn't going to go down as a survival horror classic that some were expecting, but it might go down as an entertaining, technically brilliant way to spend a few afternoons across its roughly 8-10 hour journey. It's elevated by superb visuals and atmosphere, and an engaging combat system that really opens up once you learn its rhythm.
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.