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Super Mario Bros. Wonder lives up to its name and delivers one of the most joyous and inventive 2D titles the Mario series has ever had.
Ghostrunner 2 sticks to the fast-paced formula of "Live, die, repeat" while adding new mechanics, excellent levels and additions like the motorcycle. Some areas could use more polish, but as a whole, it's a futuristic rollercoaster from start to finish.
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 brings three classic stealth action games to a modern generation of players, and along with it, brings a host of goodies and books that are quite fun to dig through. The extra gameplay goodies, like different versions of classical games, are also fantastic additions.
While it's not going to set new standards in the survival crafting genre, Wildmender is decent enough to hold its own, but it desperately needs to improve performance, combat and itemization.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 does a great job of overcoming the original's shortcomings, and comes out as a more complete and well-rounded racing game. While it isn't immune to scrutiny and criticism, it's still a great arcade racer that's well worth trying out.
While its meshing of genres may not be as avant-garde as when Dungeon of the Endless debuted, Endless Dungeon is still a fun roguelike experience.
Overpass 2 attempts to bring racing fans a complete package at a seemingly discounted price. What players will find with this experience is that this is one case where the old "you get what you pay for" addage rings true. Everything in the game's core elements from racing to team management is unsatisfactory and feels half-baked at best. Visual design, controls, and physics don't fair much better. Players will find better racing experiences elsewhere.
Sonic Superstars started so well and with such potential but quickly fell off a cliff due to its irritating Zone design, forgettable soundtrack and odd aesthetic choices.
Front Mission 2: Remake holds up better than the original game, and while it still occasionally remains an exercise in frustration, it's a compelling and genuinely entertaining experience a lot more, and merits a recommendation to at least genre and series fans.
Lords of the Fallen is an interesting new take on the Soulslike genre. While it isn't trying to reinvent the wheel with fresh new ideas, it instead acts as more of an evolution of the genre, refining ideas and concepts that have been tried and tested by other games. The game features excellent combat and fun exploration, which thankfully are more than enough to detract from its dull storytelling.
Gameplay updates enhance the on-ice action, and despite some of NHL 24's touted new features not being new at all, the game's atmosphere is still electric.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a great ride for younger players, with its straightforward gameplay and fun story, but layers on enough edge and bite into the writing that long time series fans will enjoy what it has to offer as well.
Cricket 24 builds on its predecessor with better visuals and presentation but could have used more fine-tuning. If you're happy with Cricket 22, there's little reason to play the sequel.
Turn 10 Studios' flagship racing series has never been better. With exceptional gameplay, gorgeous graphics, a compelling Career Mode and a swathe of options, Forza Motorsport is simply incredible.
Assassin's Creed Mirage looks to the franchise's past, and delivers a strong, focused entry that is exactly what it says on the tin, nothing more and nothing less.
COCOON brings together its vibrant visuals, chill vibes, and minimalistic approach to gameplay and storytelling together to create one of the most interesting puzzle games in recent times.
Witchfire is a game rife with potential that will hopefully be realized throughout its stint in early access. It has an addictive gameplay loop that makes you attempt at least "one more run" thanks to its fast-paced melding of first-person gunplay and magic. The only real downside right now is the relative lack of content.
Starbreeze Studios' Payday 3 improves the series' base gameplay but falls behind on progression, matchmaking, quality of life and more. The lack of social options makes it an even lesser co-op experience.
The on-pitch gameplay in FC 24 remains as fun as ever, but its failure to make any real, meaningful changes is a real disappointment, especially because almost none of the few changes it does make come anywhere close to sticking the landing.
The console release of Gloomhaven continues the trend of making it one of the best board game-to-video game adaptations out there, and there are a lot of deep combat mechanics for players to sink their teeth into. Inconsistencies in the interface and being balanced around multiplayer are the only real downsides to Gloomhaven on the PS5.