Ultimax still packs a mean punch eight years later and even if you aren’t a hardcore Persona fan, it gets my recommendation.
If you’re seeking a JRPG with a more horrifying aesthetic, you’ll have fun if you can look past those flaws. Shin Megami Tensei fans will probably enjoy what’s offered but otherwise, I can only truly recommend this to the JRPG faithful.
It won’t be to everyone’s tastes and combat’s trial-and-error nature might prove off-putting to some, but if you can look past that, you’ll find a highly engaging RPG worth exploring. As such, it comes strongly recommended.
Edge of Eternity offers a throwback to 90's JRPGs, though it doesn't nail the landing it seeks.
Rainbow Six Extraction is a uniquely enjoyable entry in Team Rainbow’s history, though the significant crossover with its predecessor makes me feel like Ubisoft could’ve opted for a Siege expansion instead. It's not a huge problem for Ubisoft+ or Game Pass subscribers, sure, but it's a steeper ask for everyone else.
There’s not significant variety across these extra modes — and no online multiplayer is unfortunate — though when the core gameplay is this good, it's not a major detractor. Yacht Club Games and VINE ultimately provide an excellent puzzle spin-off, one that’s accessible for all players that'll appeal to existing fans. You won’t necessarily be here for a long time, but it’s an addictive experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.
If you’re a newcomer or an existing Gen 4 fan, you’ll still have plenty of fun with Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. There are noticeable quality-of-life improvements, the Grand Underground is enjoyable, battling against friends is always a joy and there remains an entertaining story. Personally, I just think there’s room for improvement.
It harks back to 3D platformers of yore, but Demon Turf is so much more than a Banjo Kazooie-like. With its inventive platforming, packed to do list and great sense of humour, the latest game from the creators of Slime-San is devilishly good fun.
Rebellion and Just Add Water's made a fine effort at bringing Sniper Elite to PSVR. By offering a full-sized original campaign, more authentic weapon handling, and ample replayability, it's a strong debut for this established series into first-person territory. Though motion controls feel fiddly at times and the PS Move controllers do the experience a disservice, it's a great adaptation worth looking into.
Ultimately, World Brothers is a good introduction for newcomers that’ll appeal to long-time fans too. It’s not especially deep and solo play can feel slightly repetitive in longer stints, but if you gather a few friends, you’ll have a lot of fun with this colourful spinoff.
While King of Seas is a slow-burning pirate adventure with some finicky combat, it ultimately makes for a fine journey across the Seven Seas.
An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs is Strange Scaffold's latest bizarre outing and offers an incredibly funny adventure let down by constant fetch quests.
Wreckfest is back with a fine next-gen port, going that extra mile with some wonderfully chaotic gameplay.
Before I Forget is a highly emotive tale about one woman's struggle with dementia, and a story that everyone should experience.
Judgment remastered is a fine return for 2019's Yakuza spin-off. Though all of its changes are purely technical, it's the best version of this detective thriller.
Disco Elysium's expanded edition successfully builds upon an already excellent RPG, making it just as relevant today as it was in 2019.
Tennis World Tour 2 gets a next-gen upgrade, and it makes for a decent tennis sim.
Co-op is where Can’t Drive This truly shines. Bringing some frantic entertainment, cross-generation multiplayer, and adaptive feedback for acceleration – the only major PS5 upgrade — we just wish there was more to it. It’s also incredibly bare, and there isn’t huge variation between these modes. Unlocking new customisation options isn’t enough to keep you coming back, and though you’ll have a fun time with friends, you won’t be here for a long time.
For PS5, Monster Truck Championship’s improvements are technical, offering a 4K resolution upgrade and 60 frames-per-second gameplay. Unfortunately, there’s no DualSense support and previous PS4 owners don’t have a free upgrade. When backwards compatibility exists, we can’t recommend double dipping, but new players will find much to enjoy. This is the definitive edition, and if you enjoy monster truck racing, then this naturally comes recommended.
You can see Cyanide Studios had good ideas for Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood, so it is a shame to see that potential wasted. Tearing through enemies is undeniably satisfying and Earthblood's stealth mechanics feel rewarding but with poor visuals, a short campaign, and disappointing story, you can't ignore these pressing flaws. Cyanide has faithfully integrated Werewolf's lore here – even if that is a little bare – so tabletop series fans will likely enjoy it, but anyone else would best approach with caution.