RIGS proves that a fast paced multiplayer FPS can be done in VR. It pushes graphical boundaries and creates an impressive sense of presence, in many ways, showcasing the medium’s glorious potential. It’s also a lot of fun to play, if your stomach can handle it.
For those who wished that God of War Ragnarok offered a bit more challenge or that Bayonetta had a bit more weight to its combat, this slick sci-fi slasher is the perfect tonic, offering both the perfect entry point into the Souls-like genre and a refreshing refinement of the well-worn character action formula. It may lack the naval gazing intelligence of the excellent Nier Automata, but when you’re having this much fun, it’s hard to care.
Humanity’s invention and weirdness makes it the perfect tonic to an increasingly risk-averse industry, offering a welcome return to the kind of eccentric oddities that endeared millions to PlayStation in the first place.
Despite some early concerns, Overcooked 2 is an undeniably brilliant co-op experience.
While it may not push the franchise in a bold new direction, Let’s Go feels like the perfect stopgap before next year’s brand new Pokémon Switch outing. And with a whole new generation of kids now discovering Pokémon for the first time too, we can’t think of a better way to introduce them to the wonders of Kanto.
Ropey dialogue may keep this from being a must-play experience, but if you’re looking to embark on a compelling and surprising co-op adventure with a friend, A Way Out is more than worth the price of entry.
Blasting your way through hell on the go is still an experience we can’t quite get over. With FPS games largely being a bit rubbish on portable systems, playing DOOM in all its glory on the train or during a flight has been a bit of a revelation.
The Fractured But Whole is still undoubtedly one of the funniest video games ever made. Packed full of more hilarious moments than most gaming franchises manage in a decade and boasting a surprisingly deep combat system, this is undeniably a great little game.
ARMS is a unique-feeling brawler with a surprising amount of depth. It also looks great, combining a colourful flair with some of the most realistic environments and characters the big N has made for some time. Its motion controls are also a resounding success.
Virtual reality has given developers everywhere the greatest gift a creator can hope for – a new medium to explore. Without a design rule book to follow, Crytek have gleefully created a first person walking simulator that manages to feel completely unique. While many PSVR experiences claim to let you inhabit another world, Robinson: The Journey fully embraces the medium and in doing so comes the closest to actually delivering on that promise. It’s not without its flaws, but still manages to deliver an ambitious, narrative-led experience that offers the kind of immersive escapism the medium was made for. It may be overpriced and not much of a looker, but Crytek’s latest still sits comfortably as one of the most essential PSVR titles to date.
Credit to the developers for combining a tightly authored narrative arc with a compelling and wide-ranging new combat system that somehow satisfies everyone – almost
Three musicians pick up the emotional and practical pieces after their singer dies in this comforting and warm game of fiendish headscratchers with a phenomenal soundtrack
Seven beautifully unpredictable genre stories, each designed by a different manga artist, are playfully rendered in this novel remake
Overgrown theme parks feature in this kid-friendly, cinematic romp through a cutesy wasteland
More than a quarter of a century since the cuddly critters were first sent in to battle, the magic of those early adventures has finally been recaptured
For those feeling worn down by the daily grind, this calming skater, with popping pastel colours and a soothing soundtrack, is a charming alternative
Garden Warfare is different enough to compliment those long sessions of other online shooters, and acts as a great palette cleanser in a genre dominated by greys and browns that often takes itself far too seriously. The inclusion of local multiplayer is also a huge plus and, depending on how often you play with family and friends, can add much to the value.
Marvel’s Spider-Man is an undeniably flawed game. Its voice acting elicits more cringes than smiles, it regularly sends you on bland filler missions, and in a post-RockSteady world, its approach to stealth feels positively PS2-esque. Yet, despite all of this –it’s a game we can’t bring ourselves to put down.
Ultimately, these are two of the most enjoyable and finely crafted action games ever released. While the lack of meaningful new content or resolution bump is a bit disappointing, if you’ve yet to experience these bats–t crazy but beautiful brawlers, this is the perfect time to discover what makes the Bayonetta series so bewitching.
In short, God of War (2018) is a triumph, let down only by some unnecessary midgame bloat and a disappointingly lazy slew of boss fight repetition. Despite its fleeting flaws though, Kratos’ return is a highly enjoyable and surprisingly moving tale — and one that you won’t want to miss.