God of War: Ragnarok
13th of January 2023
- Action Adventure
- Fighting
- Hack-n-slash
There are some games that you play primarily for the story, others more for the action and sense of adventure. GoW Ragnarok is one of those rare games that does it all incredibly well, and there are perhaps no other games that can match the ways in which it effortlessly blends storytelling with gameplay mechanics. Although I wished for a more satisfying end to the story, I can’t fault the developers for their continued commitment to small details in both graphic and sound design, and there are countless aspects of the narrative which are as well-crafted and memorable as any from the previous game. The core mechanics are expanded in constructive ways, and you can do more than ever with different combat options. In short, GoW Ragnarok is a fitting sequel that is well worth your time.
Lone Ruin
11th of January 2023
- Roguelike
It’s not hard to recommend Lone Ruin, particularly if you are into the genre. It’s a good price, atmospheric and a lot of fun. It’s not the longest game you will play this year. but you will still find yourself coming back for another go. Definitely check it out.
Gotham Knights
5th of November 2022
- Action RPG
A decent superhero game with fun combat and story elements, but it struggles to live up to its Arkham series predecessors. An interesting game concept but it falls short in some departments.
Steelrising
6th of September 2022
- Action Adventure
- Fighting
- RPG
Steelrising is a story first, Souls-like second, with the player getting an alternative take on the French Revolution. The storyline, side quests and character development is pretty decent, but the combat does weigh it down since it is supposed to be more difficult than it is.
Outriders Worldslayer
27th of July 2022
- Adventure
- RPG
- Third-person shooter
Outriders Worldslayer is a great addition to an already fun game. It adds to their solid variance of builds and offers those who love the game plenty of new and improved base game features to push the most fun areas of the game. builds. However, the game has some griping pains with an overly repetitive gameplay loop that doesn’t hold up to the final apocalypse tier level for the most casual fans.
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance
27th of June 2021
- Tactical RPG
Disgaea 5 is one of the premier strategy/tactical role-playing games. It is the best game in the series, mechanically, offering a lot of content and possibly 100+ hours of enjoyment.
Persona 5 Strikers
15th of February 2021
- Action RPG
Despite expecting a Persona spinoff with Warriors style combat, Persona 5 Strikers is a Persona 5 sequel in every sense of the word. This is a must play for fans of the original although those here for a Warriors style game may be left disappointed by the focus on the story and out of combat moments
Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy
26th of January 2021
- RPG
Gust have spent a little longer than they usually do with Atelier Ryza 2 and the game is much improved over the first in nearly every way.
Cyberpunk 2077
4th of January 2021
- Action RPG
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that was never going to live up to the massive hype it generated but what was released is an unfinished game with too many issues that may be beyond saving.
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
21st of December 2020
- Action RPG
This game expands and builds off of the best parts of the newer Assassin’s Creed games and offers a gorgeous open-world RPG with a thoughtful and complex main story quest. The side quests and extra content encourage exploration of the different regions so that players really get to experience the masterfully created world in all of its glory.
Pokemon Sword & Shield: Isle of Armor & The Crown Tundra DLC
28th of November 2020
- RPG
- Adventure
A much welcome expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield that introduces two, very well-designed areas, brimming with Pokémon to catch. Perfect for fans of the games, but likely won’t change the minds of others.
Watch Dogs: Legion
9th of November 2020
- Sandbox
Watch Dogs: Legion is a disappointing follow up to Watch Dogs 2, no lessons have been learnt and despite enjoying the sights of London as a local, repetition in mission design coupled with dialogue feeling like a poor Guy Ritchie knock-off leaves a lot to be desired.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
22nd of October 2020
- RPG
All said and done, Trails of Cold Steel IV is more of the same from its predecessor last year while bringing in more of the wider Legend of Heroes series to light. Those without prior knowledge will certainly miss out on a lot but for those who have been around since the start, this is one finale you will not want to miss!
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
28th of September 2020
- Social simulation
This vibrant game offers players the perfect escape from real life.
The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC
16th of September 2020
- RPG
Peril on Gorgon is more of the same, more The Outer Worlds, for better and for worse.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
15th of September 2020
- Adventure
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an emotional rollercoaster packed in a visual novel style gameplay that is excellent from start to finish. The lackluster battle system lets it down and at times, gets in the way of a game that would be better without it.
Marvel's Avengers
9th of September 2020
- Action RPG
The story is enjoyable while the combat has an interesting skill system. However, the mission variety and level design let the game down and the multiplayer needs a lot more content.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles Remastered Edition
26th of August 2020
- Action RPG
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles is still as fun as it ever was, but the new additions fail to make an impact and in some places, lessen the experience.
Mortal Shell
17th of August 2020
- Action RPG
Mortal Shell is an excellent first game from Cold Symmetry and although light on content, I cannot wait to see more of Mortal Shell down the line.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
4th of August 2020
- RPG
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best RPGs out there, and the remake means people can enjoy the game on a console that finally does it justice.
Fairy Tail
29th of July 2020
- RPG
Fairy Tail is a fun romp through the kingdom of Fiore with many interesting features although newcomers to the franchise may feel lost at times with the story.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
27th of June 2020
- Action RPG
The first episode of the Final Fantasy VII Remake series gets off to a strong start, and despite the odd graphical blemish, pacing issue and bizarre plot addition, it’s hard not to be optimistic about what comes next.
Ys: Memories of Celceta
8th of June 2020
- Action RPG
Despite being a remaster of a VITA game, Ys: Memories of Celceta is another excellent addition to the Ys series that is now accessible to a larger fanbase where it may perhaps get the recognition it deserves.
Utawarerumono: Prelude to the Fallen
22nd of May 2020
- Tactical RPG
As a newcomer to both visual novels and the Utawarerumono series, it tells a compelling story that introduces you to a fantastic world. The story is entertaining throughout, and the battles are fun enough if a little basic.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
27th of April 2020
- Tactical RPG
- Roguelike
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a polished and largely enjoyable experience but the gameplay loop soon grows stale and ultimately becomes a forgettable experience.
Trials of Mana
22nd of April 2020
- Action RPG
Trials of Mana is the pure definition of an AA game and that is not necessarily a criticism, not every game has to be a AAA blockbuster. Indeed, despite my grievances with a lot of the game’s issues, I never once disliked my time with the game and hopefully this is the start of a revival for the Mana series.
Resident Evil 3 (2020)
14th of April 2020
- Survival Horror
Resident Evil 3 brings a refreshing feel to the classic by implementing immersive music, remarkable graphics, and a fantastic story along with an updated combat system that does a great job of leaving you wanting some more Resident Evil action.
Greedfall
10th of March 2020
- Action RPG
Greedfall is a frustrating experience: there are some firm foundations to build from and it has all the makings of the next great action-RPG series. But the game lacks depth to really take it to lofty heights where it could knock the very best off their perch.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
9th of March 2020
- Adventure
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a masterpiece in every single way. A thought provoking storyline, unbelievable music and plenty of customization. This is Ori bigger and better in every single way and a strong contender for game of the generation.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
7th of March 2020
- Action RPG
KA-ME-HA-ME-HAAAAA! This game is the most faithful retelling of the anime and a blast to play, but it isn’t without its faults.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
11th of February 2020
- Action Adventure
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order brings a unique take to the world of Star Wars by implementing a Soulslike element to it. This is an excellent immersive adventure with flashy moves, incredible music, remarkable graphics, and a fantastic story that does a great job of setting up the next game.
Kingdom Hearts III: Re Mind DLC
4th of February 2020
- Action RPG
Re Mind is a fantastic DLC for those that are seeking a greater challenge than the base game offered. For those here for the story, you’ll be left sorely disappointed but with everything else the package offers, there’s something for everyone.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore
23rd of January 2020
- RPG
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a great RPG that deserved a second chance on a more popular console. The changes might not be numerous but what is there elevates the game beyond the original and for those with a tolerance of the industry, you’ll find a fantastic RPG that fills that Persona void on the Switch.
Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition
16th of January 2020
- RPG
While overflowing with content, the console port of Neverwinter Nights: Enhanced Edition suffers from technical issues and poor controls. If you have a group of dedicated friends to adventure with the experience may be worthwhile, but there’s little compelling reason to prefer this version over the cheaper, more feature-rich PC version.
Pokémon: Sword & Shield
28th of December 2019
- RPG
An enjoyable Pokémon adventure for fans new and old. Slightly let down by an unwieldy multiplayer front-end and poor budget choices.
SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions
16th of December 2019
- RPG
SaGa Scarlet Grace: Ambitions may not be a game for everyone but for those willing to not judge the game on its presentation will find a rich world with a unique gameplay experience unlike any other. This is a great starting place for new SaGa fans and one of the best yet for long time fans.
Star Ocean First Departure R
16th of December 2019
- Action RPG
Exploring the ocean of stars is never better than with this version of the game. There are some noticeable flaws that bring down the score, especially with modern gaming, but being able to experience the first game that started the Star Ocean series is fantastic, plus the game is just fun to play.
Borderlands 3
23rd of October 2019
- FPS
Borderlands 3 is the return of the king of loot shooters, with enough familiarity there for fans. The gameplay is the best it has ever been in the series, so get ready to blast some bandits. There’s just a few things keeping it from being a truly remarkable game.
The Outer Worlds
22nd of October 2019
- RPG
The Outer Worlds is a devotedly single-player experience where player choice, witty dialogue, detailed worlds and interesting characters are paramount and may be Obsidian Entertainment’s magnum opus.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III
14th of October 2019
- RPG
All in all, Trails of Cold Steel III is an excellent Legend of Heroes game that brings the series to a more modern standard. The graphics are a lot better, the battle system is a lot more in-depth if not easy to break and the story is intriguing throughout. If you’re new to the series or have only played the previous Cold Steel games however, you’ll find yourself lost at times with the overall plot and many of the new areas and characters introduced here.
Final Fantasy IX
13th of October 2019
- RPG
The modern ports of Final Fantasy IX are a great way to play the game, despite a few technical shortcomings that weren’t present in the original.
The Alliance Alive HD Remaster
4th of October 2019
- RPG
Ultimately, The Alliance Alive HD Remaster is an interesting call back to the JRPGs of old and the excellent combat system is its saving grace. If you played the original back on the Nintendo 3DS, there’s not enough new features to dive in for a second time however if you missed out on this game the first time around then The Alliance Alive HD Remaster is a competent if somewhat unremarkable game.
The Surge 2
23rd of September 2019
- Action RPG
The Surge 2 improves upon the first game in almost every way which is a huge testament to how far Deck 13 have come as a developer. If you disliked the first game and found no enjoyment anywhere, you’ll most likely find nothing for you here but if there were parts you enjoyed about the original, the Surge 2 improves upon it and makes the sci-fi Soulslike genre it’s own.
Blasphemous
9th of September 2019
- Action Adventure
Blasphemous is a great addition to the genre and it truly feels like a unique creation able to stand fine on its own without taking too much from other games out there. The world and lore are fantastic and enough to keep anyone with a passing interest engrossed to the very end.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
4th of September 2019
- Action Adventure
- Action RPG
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne is a fantastic expansion that almost feels like a sequel with all of the content that’s packed into it. There’s a huge cast of monsters to hunt with lots of new equipment to keep you going for another year at least and along with the promise of post-launch content like the base game received, you’re in for another treat when you make the journey to Hoarfrost Reach.
Remnant: From the Ashes
23rd of August 2019
- RPG
- Action
Remnant: From the Ashes perfectly captures the Soulsborne feeling it was aiming for with some neat tricks of its own. The way the world is created through random encounters and design means that there will always be something new to discover. The technical side is a bit hit or miss but underneath a few questionable design choices, there’s a fantastic game waiting to burst out.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
19th of August 2019
- Action Adventure
- Metroidvania
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a fantastic game and is a sequel to Koji Igarashi’s Castlevania games in all but name. There’s enough familiarity there but also many new ideas which will please newcomers and veterans alike. It may have been a long time coming but Koji Igarashi’s return has been well worth the wait.
Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers
1st of August 2019
- RPG
Shadowbringers is the highest point of Final Fantasy XIV to date and it brings some much needed changes, two exciting new classes and an unforgettable story that rivals even the very best Final Fantasy stories. An excellent music score elevates the package higher and with the promise of a 24 man raid series based on Nier Automata, there’s a lot more to look forward to,
Devil May Cry 5
13th of July 2019
- Action Adventure
- Hack-n-slash
Devil May Cry 5 is the action game that fans of the series have wanted since the fourth entry dropped over 10 years ago. Offering more options for combat and the ability to practice against enemies, you’ll be pulling off stylish combos in no time. Anyone looking for that over-the-top action game needs to look no further than this title.
Far Cry 5
10th of July 2019
- Action Adventure
- FPS
Far Cry 5 offers a new, interesting perspective on the Far Cry series and it’s a much needed one to stop the series from becoming stale. The Co-op mode is the highlight and you’ll get hours of enjoyment out of it should you stick around and explore Hope County to its fullest.
Red Dead Redemption 2
7th of July 2019
- Action Adventure
With a wonderful cast of characters and a narrative that will hook you to the end, it’s a story well worth seeing to its conclusion and beyond. There’s a meaty post game to contend with that expands the story even more and you’ll find yourself with something to always do.
God of War (2018)
7th of July 2019
- Action Adventure
God of War is a modern masterpiece and one of the best games to grace the Playstation 4 library. It’s a sweeping tale of loss and new beginnings and one that echoes the nature of the God of War series. With a stunning soundtrack and many gameplay systems to sink your teeth into, there’s something here for everyone and a game that will keep you engrossed for many hours.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition
7th of July 2019
- RPG
A story that begins with something simple evolves into an adventure you won’t soon forget and one that is well worth playing to its thrilling conclusion should you have the time to spare.
Kingdom Hearts III
7th of July 2019
- Action RPG
Kingdom Hearts III is a love letter to fans and welcomes newcomers to its crazy world. The story is a fitting end to a long running saga and leaves you wanting more from the Kingdom Hearts universe, Kingdom Hearts III is an epic conclusion and one not to be missed.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
7th of July 2019
- Action Adventure
Sekiro is a game made for fans of From Software who wanted a little more control over their actions. Gone are the builds and playstyles from Dark Souls and Bloodborne but the sword combat is the best that From Software has ever produced along with some stunning level design. The difficulty is brutal at times and may not be for everyone but stick around and you’ll find a journey that will pull you in like no other.
