Spider-Man is the best of the web-slinger’s video game debuts to date; the visuals are striking, its story engaging, and its gameplay is some of the most fluid anywhere on a modern console. Whilst it does occasionally get tangled in its own ambitious web, it makes up for its minor shortcomings with a large helping of heart and an even larger dose of pure fun.
If Resident Evil 7 was the game that put the legs back under Capcom’s iconic zombie franchise, Resident Evil 2 is the game that sees it clear the way back atop its bloodied throne. From the beautiful visuals to the nail-biting scares and frantic combat, this is a horror-experience that not only scares the life out of you, it makes you think as well.
Hitman 3 is a masterful final chapter for IO Interactive’s reboot trilogy, offering a range of stunning sandboxes filled with satisfying assassination opportunities and a dynamic set of tools that reward experimentation. With the studio closing out its reboot in style, IO has cemented it as the definitive interpretation of Hitman and one of the most consistent trilogies of the last decade.
Dirt 5 offers an exceptional arcade racing experience with solid controls, stunning visuals, and a jaw-dropping variety of tracks.
And hopefully, the Judgement series will get to act as a continuation of that formula for a long time to come, as Lost Judgment proves time and time again that it's worthy of carrying the traditional, action-heavy direction of the series. Its detective elements may be lacking and its third act is slow, but it more than makes up for it, offering spectacle-heavy set pieces, an engrossing mystery, and a bounty of fantastic side missions. Whether a diehard fan of the Yakuza franchise or a newcomer looking to see what all the fuss is about, Lost Judgment is a thrilling adventure that shouldn't be missed.
The Switch may not have the power for a game as expansive as Observer, but even with its technical faults and the occasional gameplay misstep, it’s still an incredible experience. Whether it’s the morbid story, the disturbing atmosphere or the deeply involving detective gameplay, this is a genuinely brilliant horror-thriller that works its way under your skin and lingers long after you put the controller down.
Life Is Strange 2 is everything a good sequel should be: It builds on what makes the first game great, establishes a thrilling new storyline and, ultimately, is far more comfortable taking risks. It still retains the first game’s issues, but this is ultimately a bold new step for Dontnod’s beloved franchise.
Much like the previous games in the franchise, Metro Exodus isn’t perfect. Yet, despite that fact, this threequel’s bold decision to take its world in a new direction means that its glaring positives outweigh its lack of refinement. The gameplay is solid, the visuals are terrific and Metro Exodus’s decision to try new, courageous gameplay mechanics makes it a thrill to play, overall, meaning that this is not only a fitting culmination to Artyom’s story, but also 4A’s studio-defining work on the franchise as well.
Mutant Year Zero: Road To Eden is an engaging, fun and fresh turn-based strategy game that plays with the genre’s conventions in unexpected ways. It could do with some fine tuning, but the interesting world, brilliant combat and challenging stealth mechanics mean this journey through the apocalypse is one that never wears out its welcome.
Yuppie Psycho may not look that scary on the outside, but there’s a lot more lurking beneath its charming aesthetics. An amazing story, strong writing and an eerie atmosphere make this a creepy comedic gem that’s rich in personality. It’s not all smooth sailing, but this surreal nightmarish odyssey has enough smart scares to make it work.
Control is another Remedy title that shoots for the stars. It might not quite hit in every respect – with a lacklustre third act and some glaring technical issues – but its ambitious scope means what lands does so exceptionally well. The combat is satisfying, the world is overflowing with secrets and the atmosphere is second to none, ensuring Control is yet another stellar addition to Remedy's portfolio.
This is easily the best way to experience The Walking Dead on a technical front. The graphical revamp of the first two seasons is impressive, the special features are a nice touch, and having all the games in one package is a convenient deal. However, it's the content you're here for and (for the most part) the games hold up exceptionally well. They may be slightly dated, but there's no doubting this package serves as a glowing reminder of Telltale's best work.
The Surge 2 is a satisfyingly challenging game with fluid, fast and intense combat that rewards players investment. It’s not going to change the minds of Soulsborne detractors, but it’s got enough smart, unique features and interesting evolutions of the genre’s systems to put it on the radar of its fans. It’s far from a FromSoftware level game, but it’s a worthy alternative with a lot to offer.
A Hat In Time’s Switch port is sadly the worst way to play the game, however, beneath all its bugs and poor visuals, it’s the same aggressively fun and ruthlessly charming platformer. Its nine-hour runtime is filled with fluid gameplay, hilarious characters and diverse set of levels that toy around with the genre in the best way possible. A Hat In Time is simply one of the best platformers in years, and it’s worth dealing with the Switch’s technical limitations to experience.
Despite its unapproachable first few hours and some severely rough edges, Planet Zoo is one of the best tycoon games of the year. It offers near-limitless potential through its construction and exhibit tools, while Frontier’s visually stunning animals feel authentic and supremely detailed. With some patches, there’s no denying Planet Zoo could wind up being something extraordinarily special.
With more sensational world-building, slick combat and compelling narrative, The Foundation feels like a superb next chapter to Control’s story. It might not do much with the ideas introduced within the original campaign, but with Control being one of last year’s best games, that’s far from a disappointment.
Although it doesn’t offer many game-changing new features, EA Sport’s UFC 4 is without question the most comprehensive release in EA Vancouver’s MMA franchise. Setting aside some issues with the career mode, it offers a solid update to UFC 3, with smoother combat, a more accessible entry point for new players and the most complete roster of fighters yet.
Resident Evil Village is an exceptional addition to the seminal horror franchise, offering a gratifying balance between atmospheric horror and frantic action alongside captivating villains, an intriguing setting and plenty of fresh ideas. While its story ultimately fails to capitalize on its exciting central mystery, there’s no doubting it’s one of the series’ most compelling iterations in years.
Superliminal is a compelling puzzle game with an innovative central mechanic, even if its brief campaign lacks a great story or much challenge.
The Long Dark is by no means perfect, but what it lacks in finesse it makes up for in attention to detail. The survival is tough but addictive, coming with a vast array of supplies to find and stats to manage, while the challenge mode and story accommodate players with different levels of experience and ability. It’s got a lot of ground to cover in patches and updates, but there’s still a mighty fine game underneath its shortcomings.