Like most roguelikes, though, the true game is about fighting back against the randomness, and you do this with each lesson you learn about the sorts of augmentations to prioritise, and each trick you uncover for minimising battle scars and maximising scrap. If you've got the stomach for the learning curve, you can probably cut it in this army. And if you can, you'll discover a game that's tense and personable and clever.
Free from the claustrophobic Fordism that increasingly robs series like Assassin's Creed of their sense of wonder, this is a game that's taken shape at its own pace, and that has been allowed to find its own voice. Pick a point to aim for and jump. Jump!
Sure, even middling ARPGs are almost always fun for an hour or so, but Victor Vran will keep you hitting stuff and collecting loot for a lot longer than you might expect.
Fast-paced stealth set to a ticking clock makes this a procedural platformer to savour.
An elegant level editor that offers real insight into three decades of platforming brilliance.
Heart Machine's slash-'em-up is punishing and precise - and incredibly beautiful.
Punishing and beautifully crafted, Darkest Dungeon is cruelty at its classiest.
Free aiming and ricochet shots bring wild life to this exquisite turn-based blaster.
Generous and surprising, Cobalt's also blessed with central mechanics that are a joy to master.
One of gaming's great neglected oldies gets a spiritual successor crafted with care and imagination.
As the game continues to pull these wonderful tricks of staging, the world of things that The Chinese Room has created settles into a more comfortable balance with the game's other elements, giving ground when needed to the human - and the inhuman - drama that's unfolding. Counter to my own expectations, this is not a particularly complex story to follow, but it is told with a wonderful assurance and a disciplined eye.
The GamePad's gone, but Ubisoft's undead are just as feisty and thrilling as ever.
Julian Gollop's devious turn-based classic receives a worthy update.
Housemarque's latest offers brilliant loot and levelling, but it's the moment-to-moment action that truly excels.
Gorgeous and clever, Campo Santo's debut is a triumph of craft - but it may keep you at arm's length.
If you can handle the wild river - and the odd bug - there's plenty to love in this heartfelt survival game.
Digital violence has never been so intoxicating - but there's more here than mere slaughter.
Behind the stylish black and white art is a puzzle-platformer that really wants you to enjoy yourself.
This is the strangest, most wilful game Intelligent Systems has ever made - and that's part of its greatness.
Pared back and wonderfully focused, Dangerous Golf brings the spirit of Burnout indoors.