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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Signalis boldly stakes a claim on the survival-horror genre thanks to its keen eye for tone and a near-perfect core gameplay loop.
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.
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.
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.
Jusant's melancholic world may be built on the absence of life but through its methodically refined climbing mechanics and richly rewarding thematic work, it carves a path that rarely ever leaves you looking down.
Heavenly Bodies deploys a fantastical movement system and clever puzzle design in service of a decent enough time on your own but probably deserves to be experienced with a friend.
MLB The Show 20 is a confident, sleek package of the best of baseball with systems that welcome newcomers and veterans alike. Crisp user interfaces, extensive customisation options and solid core mechanics make for a game that has even this novice keen for the places the series will go next.