Matthew Castle
The platforming won’t give Mario any restless nights, but the exuberant creativity around it makes for a bold, buoyant adventure.
Yakuza’s new direction maintains the series signature drama and deckings, while finding rich new comedy in its weirdest beatdowns yet. Hugely entertaining stuff.
An uneven action experience gets by on a huge amount of charm and a gorgeous visual treatment that more than holds its own ten years later.
Lively combat and engrossing social clubs keep you busy, but it’s the much-improved detective story that elevates Lost Judgment above the original.
IO continues its tug of war between Hitman: The Story and Hitman: The Assassin Simulation. For the most of Hitman 3 the latter wins out and delivers classic hit after classic hit. Wobbly conclusion aside, it’s a must for existing fans and a great introduction to gaming’s boldest, baldest stealth series.
The Last Campfire is an unusually freeform puzzle adventure that stuffs its six-hour playtime with conundrums of every kind. While a few puzzle designs deserve more time in the spotlight – or could support whole games by themselves – the game's commitment to new ideas makes for a refreshing change of pace. This is proof that Hello Games don't have to build a universe from scratch to entertain. More of this, please.
This remastered game from the Wii-era remains a wildly imaginative and magical experience created by Nintendo's brainiest puzzle architects
Under the cheery looks is a surprisingly gripping shooter; one that, second time round, offers a healthier spread of modes and an addictive breadcrumb trail of hero progression.
Improved platforming underpins a glorious return to one of gaming's most inventive and empathic universes.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers a massive world, and more than enough story and character to fill it, combined with the series’ most reactive combat system to date. While certainly a monster commitment, Aionios is an incredible place to live for a month or two.
A one of a kind combat experience and Platinum’s most well-rounded adventure to date. A killer combo in every sense of the term.
An intelligent port that shrinks one of the best RPGs of recent years without losing the scale and magic.
Still the best of Monolith Soft’s three Xenoblade games, tweaked and polished to perfection.
An already spectacular game breaks free of its solo constraints to become the definitive Tetris experience.
The most freeform Zelda yet, without sacrificing the charm, fun or quality you expect from the series. Nintendo’s finest work since Super Mario Galaxy.