James Wood
A true achievement in game design and interactive fiction, Immortality is a gorgeous and haunting magic trick that sets a new standard for the medium.
Serving as both a clever and adoring return to a classic, and an imaginative, mechanically-perfected look to the future, Resident Evil 4 is Capcom's best work and a new crown jewel for the long-running franchise.
Stellar writing and performances are paired with refined mechanics and an overall vibe that makes the whole thing seem effortless.
Death’s Door is a game that prepares you for the end, relishing in the journey all the same.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon emerges ablaze with FromSoftware’s best impulses. Demanding and rewarding combat is bolstered by series signature customisation and player-driven storytelling to form a masterclass in design philosophy and raw fun.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an expertly executed series revival that displays the best of Ubisoft Montpellier's pedigree while pushing the action-platformer to new highs.
It’s deeply spiritual, achingly human, immaculately constructed and absolutely demands to be experienced in a time when games and art are finally indistinguishable from one another.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor sharpens combat and exploration to a fine point while delivering a story that goes all in on its characters and human drama. Some minor pacing issues can't stop the game from achieving exciting new heights for the series, if you're willing to let it take you there.
El Paso, Elsewhere takes a solid shooter foundation and elevates it with a compelling and raw look at humanity as told through a story of monsters and mythology. Outstanding performances, sharp writing, and some kick-arse combat collide to make a unique and memorable experience.
An intensely personal examination of how we can fail those we love and the uncomfortable truths about why, The End of You is a fascinating and strange sophomore effort from Memory of God. Through its brilliant use of analog horror aesthetics and considered writing, it's the kind of indie experience that reminds us of the power of a weird, little game.
Signalis boldly stakes a claim on the survival-horror genre thanks to its keen eye for tone and a near-perfect core gameplay loop.
Dead Space is a remarkable achievement in design on all fronts. A loving and intelligent remake that reminds players of what has been lost in AAA games and what can be found again if you just know where to look.
Lies of P melds its strange choice of source material with a sublime set of combat and customisation tools to craft a unique take on the Soulslike that stands shoulder to shoulder with its genre inspirations.
Conscript takes its evident passion for survival horror and infuses it with purpose and grit through a harrowing depiction of war. More than just homage, Conscript comfortably sits alongside the best, and more unique, of the genre.
From its pixel perfect art to sharply deployed writing and unique, engaging combat systems, Arco is a masterclass in refined simplicity and self-confidence. Cinematic and thrilling, it is one of 2024's best surprises.
The impact Frostpunk can have on the player is truly remarkable.
For whatever visual blemishes show up, or for however far the third act strays, Observation remains a deeply fascinating experience.
Mortal Shell‘s origins may be steeped in an echo but the final product has more than enough soul.
Biomutant is a statement of intent, a deliberate step away from the excess of old and toward a genuinely exciting reinvigoration of the genre.
Wayward Strand offers up a uniquely Australian take on the narrative adventure game with a gorgeous art direction and moving portrayal of hard-working people in a harsh system. Despite a couple of pacing issues and an unforgiven save system, Wayward Strand is an approachable and hugely enjoyable little world to explore and find some catharsis in.