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Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered swings onto PlayStation 5 and brings with it a sterling remastering of one of 2018's best games. Though perhaps not quite essential for rabid players who have explored every nook and cranny of Insomniac's impeccably realised Marvel New York, Marvel's Spider-Man: Remastered is must-have gaming for everyone who has yet to sample the heroic adventures of the original friendly, neighbourhood Spider-Man.
An all-encompassing edition of Warhammer's latest foray into Diablo style dungeon crawling, Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition struggles to stand out with its grindy gameplay and poor use of the DualSense controller. That said, there is sufficient depth in its character build creation and near endless quest lines that those who can withstand its less agreeable aspects will find much to tide them over.
Planet Coaster rides the line between warm and friendly accessibility and in-depth theme park management surprisingly well, even if it does occasionally wobble nervously with the switch to console controls. It's a largely serene experience with an utterly engrossing roller coaster creation tool that just makes the overall package that much better.
A definitive take on some of the best co-operative games to ever grace PlayStation, whatever Overcooked! All You Can Eat might lack in terms of bespoke content and PlayStation 5 focused features, it more than makes up with a delectable banquet of face-stuffing goodness. Need a good party game for your PlayStation 5 to get you through the holidays? Look no further.
It will take quick decision making, precision platforming, and skill to beat Ghostrunner. Whilst many of its environments are dull in imagery, they are an important component as to why it plays so well. Its lacklustre story does not take away from the addictive, thrilling gameplay that will keep you coming back. Ghostrunner is an exhilarating, challenging, adrenaline pumping platformer that succeeds in making you feel like a cyborg ninja.
A fantastic way for newcomers and lapsed series fans to get back into the Devil May Cry franchise alike, Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition is a value stuffed offering that lays a coat thick, next generation paint across the surface of one of the best hack and slash yarns of recent years. If you've not played Devil May Cry 5 before and you're looking for something new to show off your shiny new PlayStation 5 console, you really, *really* cannot go wrong with Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition.
Despite early fanfare very much focusing on Kero Kero Bonito's catchy theme song, and on just how outlandish a game the initial trailer seemed to show it as, the actual fact of the matter is Bugsnax is a real success, a game chockful of charm, wit, and plenty of heart - and one that revels in its eccentric trappings and delivers a meaningful adventure that'll ensure you never quite want to leave the inhabitants of Snacktooth Island after all.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin is a fun and entertaining game. I was quickly swept in by its charming characters, great writing, and rice farming simulation. Unfortunately, a lot of the game mechanics hold it back including the brutal day and night cycle and having to wait an entire game year just to level up Sakuna to make the game a little easier.
A stunning and must have PlayStation 5 launch title, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a beautifully digestible superhero yarn that not only maintains the formula of its 2018 predecessor, but which also lays down an enticing blueprint for a full blown sequel to follow. This is essential stuff.
With its much hyped status as a showcase of the DualSesne controller's fancy new haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, it's equally important to recognise that like Astro Bot before it, Astro's Playroom is a fundamentally excellent platformer that commendably stands on its own merits. Equal parts a stirring demonstration of the capabilities of the DualSense and PS5 console as it is an excellent traditional platformer, Astro's Playroom might just be the best pack-in title of all-time.
With a huge variety of music, an amazing UI interface, and enough content to keep you happily bobbing your head for days, Fuser is one of the best music games ever made. Even those with no musical skill will enjoy learning how to create great sounding mixes in Fuser, and the game gives them plenty of leeway to practice. Fuser is a burst of happiness, light, and live music, all of which are sorely needed in the world right now. The highest recommendation.
An eye-opening restoration of arguably the purest title in the series, Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered brings distilled white-knuckle thrills and furious racing back in fashion once more. It's time to party like it's 2010.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon is an impressive and quality JRPG that successfully acts as a jumping in-point for new fans and also ties itself to the series' past in exciting and engaging ways. The turn-based combat has been infused with some mechanics that help retain the action and over-the-top hilarity the series is known for. Mini-games once again shine and there is a lot packed into Ijincho. Like A Dragon paves the way for a bright future for the franchise.
Remothered: Broken Porcelain should have been a good game but instead ends up as one of the year's biggest disappointments. The great soundtrack and atmosphere can't save it from terribly broken enemy A.I., an overly complicated and confusing story, and the plethora of bugs and glitches that plague the title. This final release is here, but it feels like Broken Porcelain needed at least six more months of development time.
Amnesia: Rebirth may not have the wow factor of modern AAA visuals, but it offers so much in its direction, effects and sound that it has an unbelievably immersive draw. What it lacks in raw gameplay mechanics it makes up for with a consistently engaging series of scenes, puzzles and set pieces. Amnesia: Rebirth is a terrifying cosmic thriller that is accessible enough for all types of players, but certainly should be a welcome addition in the library of any Horror fan.
Foregone is a mix of ideas that don't mesh well. The name of the game is simplicity, but Foregone contradicts itself with randomized loot, an immense difficulty spike, and a hard turn away from "play as you like" after committing to that formula. Foregone is a copycat title through and through with a couple good ideas that are encrusted with careless execution.
The Dark Pictures Little Hope is a solid continuation of Supermassive Games' horror series, and a step above the previous entry, Man of Medan. With a gripping story, heaps of collectibles, and a solid cast of characters, Little Hope is a fine addition to PS4's already-stacked horror library.
Raji: An Ancient Epic is an incredible experience delivered through a short and vibrant story. You can feel the passion and the talent from the developers come through in each moment of the game. Though it may not be as polished around the edges as I'd like, the issues do not outweigh the high points.
While not being an all-encompassing experience, Carto allows you to explore a hand-drawn fantasy at your own pace. It includes camp-fire like folktales of family, growing up, and making your way in the world. The Carcassonne like map-making and editing system is unique and very rewarding. If you are looking for a small, fun game while waiting for some big titles to drop, give it a go. It's a lot of fun and very different.
What 9 Monkeys of Shaolin lacks in typical beat 'em up fashion it more than makes up for with a dynamite combat system. The 5 hour campaign may feel a bit short, but replay-ability and co-op modes offer good value for the purchase. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a great pick fans of the genre, or anyone wanting to get the best gameplay simulation of 70's Kung Fu movies. Don't let the terrible name put you off!