Critical Hit
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I think it's impossible to put down your controller once you finish Rift Apart for the first time, and not have a smile on your face. It's a game that's chicken soup for the soul, nourishing and positive content that's just incredibly wholesome to consume. Loud with its setpiece moments and surprisingly introspective with its emotional haymakers, all of its style and substance comes together to create not only a colourful, and wonderfully mad showcase for the PS5, but also the definitive Ratchet and Clank adventure for the next generation of gaming.
Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U is a no-brainer. If you own the console, there really is no reason for not owning the title already. There is enough content, fun, and joy to keep players busy for perpetuity.
Forza 6 is one of the very best racing games available on any system. If you are a fan of cars and racing then this is absolutely something that you need to play. I still can't decide whether I preferred the classic racing or taking dedicated racing cars around the larger tracks, but it was all incredible, offering the perfect balance between simulation and accessibility
Crystal Dynamics have effortlessly done the impossible with Rise of the Tomb Raider, crafting a sequel that is superior to their reboot in every single way possible. It's a bigger, more expansive experience that has a captivating narrative, engrossing gameplay loops and an absolutely stunning presentation. Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the best action games ever crafted, and a generational leap forward as the series looks towards the horizon. Lara Croft is in good hands.
Its mere existence proves that the RTS genre, despite the flood of MOBAs in recent years, is very much alive and well. It's clear that Blizzard have poured every resource at their disposal into making the definitive StarCraft II experience. The result is something truly special. Legacy of the Void should not be missed.
Crystal Dynamics have effortlessly done the impossible with Rise of the Tomb Raider, crafting a sequel that is superior to their reboot in every single way possible. It’s a bigger, more expansive experience that has a captivating narrative, engrossing gameplay loops and an absolutely stunning presentation. Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the best action games ever crafted, and a generational leap forward as the series looks towards the horizon. Lara Croft is in good hands.
The Phantom Pain is an unusual Metal Gear experience, one that not everybody may enjoy if they cling to systems of old. If they're willing to adapt and accept this new way of exploring Kojima's world however, they are going to be blown away, absolutely, and one hundred percent guaranteed. This new open world is one that is begging to be played with, in whatever way a player wishes.
Helldivers is hopelessly addictive and brilliantly brutal. You will find yourself playing with a gleeful smile throughout, either thanks to crushing foes with your drop shipped turret or because of shooting your enemy with bullets full of freedom. Fast-paced and humorous with deep combat, this space romp should be required in every PS4 owner's library.
In a few ways, Inquisition feels like a soft reboot of the Dragon Age series. Combat is different, Thedas has changed and the story has never been more about you as a character. It's still Dragon Age at heart, retaining some of the series' defining features, but it's hard to overlook some of the new, brilliant design choices that BioWare have made. Inquisition exudes ambition, and it's one of the very best RPGs you could ever hope to lose yourself to.
Choice is the driving theme in Far Cry 5, a game which opts to venture out of its comfort zone while fine-tuning every aspect of what makes the series so great. It's incredibly relevant, Montana is a gorgeous slice of new terrain that is fraught with peril and the road ahead that Far Cry Arcade represents is exciting to say the least. Simply put, the fifth numbered chapter in Ubisoft's series of madness, freedom and exploration is Far Cry perfected.
Grand Theft Auto V is at home on PC, with Rockstar pouring an incredible amount of effort and work into their long overdue PC port. There is simply no better way to experience the branching story in Los Santos - setting a new benchmark on what we can expect from the highest tier of visual fidelity in gaming.
The proof is in the pudding, and I'm happy to say that I went from an absolute beginner on guitar to feeling some level of mastery (on some songs, at least). It may not teach you all the guitar theory or how to read music, but it is a fantastic tool for learning and enjoying the guitar.
Toys for Bob have knocked this one out of the park and have returned with what is possibly the very best version of Skylanders available. The new addition of traps and new figurines open up entirely new ways to play. This is possibly the perfect Christmas present for the young at heart in your life.
While not perfect, Shadow of Mordor surpasses expectations - it's fun, engaging and truly impressive. The Nemesis System is a stroke of genius and sets this game apart from its competitors. A serious contender for Game of the Year.
Diablo 3 may have been first on PC, but it is most definitely better on console.
Infamous: Second Son wears its rebellious heart on its sleeve. Brimming with attitude, unrelenting and massive to take in, the game never forgets the most important aspect of game design however, and remains consistently fun.
Rayman Legends takes everything that was great about Origins, and using a combination of black magic and near faultless design, manages to make it better - but there's no reason to get it again if you've already played it.
It's one of the best Tomb Raider games ever made, and it'll live up to the Definitive Edition moniker for those gamers who never set foot on Yamatai Island last year.
Pillars of Eternity is a wondrous return to form, the latest and greatest from a recent move to revisit RPG classics. It's certainly the best RPG experience I've had for many years, and a massive part of that is how it approaches its story telling. If you enjoyed the Infinity engine games, you will have an absolutely fantastic time with Pillars of Eternity. It's a huge reminder of all the things I never knew I sorely missed from the roleplaying genre.
Super Mario 3D World is vibrant, fun and reaches a new level of excellence for the franchise, creating the right kind of cat-astrophe.