Rock, Paper, Shotgun's Reviews
A roguelite sequel that takes a few steps forward and one or two back from the original, but keeps the gloomy but intense spirit alive.
A hollow open world FPS which feels more like you're playing through an already abandoned live service, as opposed to a fully supported one.
A slightly janky Lovecraftian Holmes adventure in neo-classic Frogwares style, offering decent fun for fans of the studio's work.
An accomplished fantasy 4X with RPG leanings and cleverly interlocking systems that plain hasn't grabbed me personally, despite some colourful ideas.
Honkai: Star Rail is still in its early stages, but this free-to-play turn-based gacha game is incredibly good fun. With a strong opening, heavy focus on story, and simple but deep turn-based battles, this RPG is bursting with potential.
An undeniably fun Star Wars sequel with a suitably epic story and smart combat, but a hell of a lot of busywork alongside it.
A modern monster catcher RPG that brings lots of smart evolutions to almost every Poké-like system you can imagine.
Stranded: AD builds thoughtfully on the survival sims that came before it, keeping what works and streamlining what didn't. It all adds up to a classic story of human vs nature in which your survival depends on carving out a niche for yourself on a planet teeming with life.
Hibiscus & Butterfly tries to do more than it should as a second episode, but this is still a sweet, warm visual novel that's as restorative as one of its good cuppas. If you wanted more Coffee Talk, you're in for a treat.
Oxygen is a post-apocalyptic city builder where you develop technology, accumulate resources, and build advanced facilities in the face of toxic wind. And it's okay.
Dead Island 2 doesn't pretend to be anything other than a daft, messy romp through undead LA, and this carefree, capricious attitude is precisely what makes it fun.
Minecraft Legends is an interesting blend of adventure and RTS that could have been great, but hamstrings itself by limiting the player's freedom and control far beyond what you'd expect from a Minecraft game.
Mr. Saitou is a wonderful, short RPG which sees a troubled salaryman rediscover bits of himself, all thanks to a bright kid with a dream of his own. And while there's some serious bits in there, Shigihara cleverly ensures that the overarching theme of Japan's working culture is presented as laughable - because it is. Ultimately, business is weird, so make sure it's your business to give the game a whirl.
This grungy medieval low fantasy tactical RPG isn't just a sandbox, but a quick-sandbox, capable of sucking you right in with emergent stories and moments equally thrilling and silly. The trade off here is it can lack a bit of momentum, but if you stay curious, you'll end up well rewarded by its layered and considered world and systems.
A surprising prequel that does interesting stuff with rhythm-action and fun for fans of Road 96.
A classic arcade space shooter with an action RPG twist, Everspace 2 could have dropped out of a wormhole to the early noughties.
The Last Worker's comically exaggerated vision of the future of work is highly relevant. Yet its story focuses on showcasing the talents of its stellar voice cast at the expense of offering meaningful things to do, and its satirical punches rarely leave lasting bruises.
Wildfrost is a captivating card battler with an art style that absolutely shines, even if it's difficult to out-plan your luck.
A sloppy, buggy Payday pretender whose USP of using 90s movie stars is probably the worst thing about it.
A puzzle-citybuilder about rejuvenating the environment, Terra Nil has an almost lovely message, but it's buried beneath tedious chores.