Geoffrey Tim's Reviews
Whether you're a long-time fan wanting to revel in the nostalgia, or somebody who missed it the first time round – pick up Grim Fandango and delight in this prime example of adventure games at their peak. Its got a lot of heart – and it deserves yours.
Child of Light's water-colour fantasy is beautiful to behold - but it's the constantly rewarding, explorative gameplay that's keeps it enchanting.
The new funky Mode dials down the challenge, but Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze remains one of the most inventive and exciting 2D platformers. It may not be surprising, or as fresh as it once was, but it's varied and challenging gameplay cement it as one of modern gaming's best platformers.
If you love those old-school games that rewards practice and patience through trial and error, Cuphead will likely delight. Yes, Cuphead is brutal and death is a regular occurrence, but it packs in that old-schoool arcade ethos that makes you want to keep trying.
Alienation is an ambitious twin-stick shooter that goes beyond Housemarque doing what they do best. It's gorgeous it's addictive, and its's some of the best fun you'll have on your PlayStation this year - especially if you're the get caught up in the grind for better loot.
As an origin story, Yakuza 0 is a perfect starting point for series newcomers, and a wonderful look in to the past for those already familiar with Yakuza. While its combat can become a slog, soaking up the sights and sounds of a 1980s Tokyo criminal underground is enchanting.
With improved visuals, accessibility, more content and a newly invigorated Battle Mode, Nintendo has demonstrated a masterclass in spiffing up an older game - giving us Mario Kart at its very best.
If you don't mind the lower resolution and slightly less crisp visuals, then the Switch version is incredibly easy to recommend, especially as it gains portability. It's a cracking port of one of the best remasters around. It's odd to say, but it almost feels like this should be Crash's new home.
Where Resogun may have been a spiritual successor to Defender in many ways, Nex Machina finds its roots in games like Smash TV and Robotron. Nex Machina is the sort of game that Housemarque does best. Accessible, hopelessly addictive arcade gaming. And they've nailed it – again.
Death of the Outsider is smaller, more focused standalone expansion that eschews some of the series' superfluous mainstays to deliver a core, action-stealth experience. If this is the end for Dishonored, then it's gone out in style.
Moss is a joyous, delightful experience that is both captivating and enchanting. It's one of those games that leaves you with an indelible smile on your face from beginning to end. It's just a pity that the end comes so soon.
Sonic Mania is a celebration of everything that made Sonic the Hedgehog such an enduring, beloved character. Plus adds to that, making one of the best Sonic games in decades even better.
SoulCalibur VI is a grand return to form for a fighting game series that's been overstuffed for decades. It's simple to play, tough to master, and incredibly fun. The best the series has been since SoulCalibur2, the game doesn't do much new. Instead, it adeptly refines something we've played before to deliver one of the most enjoyable fighting games in years.
It’s lovely stuff, offering a world of infinite Mario that has a little something for everyone.
It’s a curiously performative, surprisingly unrestrictive game. It’s also the work of a studio that’s obviously comfortable and confident with VR, who knows what works and what doesn’t in a medium that’s not completely opened its wings.
Control is an intriguing, fascinating experience. The third-person action, while slick and elegant, is perhaps a little pedestrian - but the completely bonkers story and the rewarding sense of exploration and discovery help cement Control as one of Remedy's best games.
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening is a loving remake of a decades-old game remake with just enough modern touches to make it worth playing again. Graphical overhaul aside, it's perhaps a little too faithful to the original, while additions like the dungeon-builder are a bust. Newcomers get to experience one of the quirkiest games in the series, but for those who've played through it multiple times, there's little reason to play other than nostalgia or adoration - both of which are perfectly good excuses to return to Koholint.
Very nearly everything that's been released for Street Fighter V in the last four years is part of the Champion Edition upgrade. That's 40 characters, 34 stages and over 200 costumes included in a bargain-priced package. With the massive roster and the addition of secondary V-skills adding even more variety, this is the game Street Fighter V was always meant to be.
Rare Replay is more than a collection of old games from one of the most revered developers in the world. It's a digital museum that stands as a testament to how wonderful and wondrous video games have been, and continue to be.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is a fiendishly difficult platformer that carries on Crash's legacy with aplomb. Though it sometimes feels like it hews a little too closely to the established formula, what it adds makes it more than just a worthwhile sequel. It's just a damn good game.