F1 Manager 2024 doesn't completely escape the pitfalls that come with being an annual series, but great new features like creating your own team still deliver a more compelling management sim.
That said, while we realise this is rare for the genre, qualifying before races would be nice. Perks like starting races in 9th place don't provide a real substitute. Furthermore, online multiplayer's omission is also disappointing, though at least there's local multiplayer for up to four players. These aren't deal breakers, though, and when the core campaign is this good, New Star GP comes recommended.
Persona 5 Tactica marks a welcome return for the Phantom Thieves, delivering a fun strategy spin-off with plenty of heart.
Frontier's annual management sim offers some small refinements over its predecessor but a lack of major upgrades means it doesn't snatch pole.
A Capcom charmer returns from the dead with a definitive remaster .
Trails into Reverie is a fine epilogue for Crossbell and Cold Steel arcs, offering necessary closure and clear hints about the series' future.
Trails to Azure is an important second entry to the Crossbell saga, adding some neat touches and forming two parts of a whole with Trails From Zero.
Forspoken takes it time to get over a wobbly start, but there's something worthwhile here amongst the noise.
Nintendo's long-running fantasy series looks to its rich history for this smart, satisfying turn-based strategy game.
Among Us VR is a strong remake of Innersloth’s social deduction hit. While Schell Games’ take could do with extra content, it makes up for this with polished gameplay.
Trails From Zero might be late to the scene but even now, Nihon Falcom's JRPG remains one of the best Trails games yet.
F1 Manager 2022 is a strong first entry in Frontier's new series, filling a niche that's been sorely lacking on PlayStation for years. Capturing the spirit of Formula 1 with its strong attention to detail, there's some thrilling races to be had and we're impressed by how well it handles race days with its 3D engine. As a management sim, it's a slow burner and we do wish you could create your own teams, but it still holds a distinct charm of its own. If you've got the patience for the long haul, F1 fans won't want to miss this.
Characterful fighters, a good skill ceiling, and a co-op emphasis with real depth makes Warner Bros. MultiVersus a very pleasant surprise.
Red Matter 2 is one of VR's finest adventures yet. With an intriguing mystery, impressive graphics, and intuitive design, Vertical Robot's sequel pushes the Meta Quest 2 to its limits to nearly match the PCVR experience.
Multiplayer is undoubtedly the game's main draw. Supporting up to four players, you've got free-for-all, 2v2 team battles, while Mayhem Mode – which is sadly not available online – introduces minigames, including classics like The Floor is Lava and boss fights. Our personal favourite is Rampage, which sees players racing to destroy as many buildings as possible for points, though there’s plenty of other options. This all adds some necessary variety and if you can assemble three other players, GigaBash is a great time that comes recommended.
I'll likely be playing Three Hopes for a long time to come - I've already begun my Black Eagles New Game+ run - and when I previously said this isn't just Dynasty Warriors with a Fire Emblem skin, I meant it. Three Hopes is genuinely impressive. It walks a fine line between freshness for existing fans and approachability for new players, and personally it's had me invested from the start. I'd love to see where Nintendo's musou spinoff concept goes next.
Kao the Kangaroo makes no secret of its inspirations and while this isn't the toughest platformer going, it's refreshingly straightforward.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a fun companion to Hundred Heroes, offering a bitesize action RPG that stands up on its own merits.
Cities: VR presents a more streamlined experience than Cities: Skylines that's beginner friendly, adapting well to virtual reality with a few significant compromises.
Moss: Book 2 builds upon its predecessor nicely with a captivating world and entertaining platforming, let down primarily by the PSVR's aging tech.