Making full use of PlayStation 5's DualSense controller to convey an incredibly deep and satisfying driving model, everything from weather to reflected sound effects have been modelled to perfection – making Gran Turismo 7 easily the world's most complete driving game.
Unleashing the full, terrifying complexity of a PC-based grand strategy game on console is a Herculean task, which Crusader Kings 3 manages with deftness and aplomb.
A wordless and atmospheric puzzle game that's just as ingenious and inventive as Limbo and Inside, but with more substantial gameplay and perfect pacing.
A perfectly paced vertical exploration of a lost civilisation, that offers the most authentic climbing simulation ever seen in a game and retains its air of mystery and discovery right up to the closing credits.
An expertly constructed and intricate roguelite deck builder that draws on the language and concept of poker, before twisting it with an infinity of modifiers, unlocks, and delicately balanced risk and reward.
An arrestingly surreal triumph that blends point 'n' click and text adventures with a unique style of storytelling and gameplay that was well worth the extremely long wait.
An entertaining and agreeably clever remaster of the classic puzzle platformer, with added 3D bonus levels that give the formula a welcome and devious shake-up.
A delightful and hugely entertaining journey of puzzles, battles, and exploration that makes you feel a part of both its story and the living, breathing, miniaturised world of Moss.
More highly addictive Nazi cranium popping, that improves almost every aspect of the experience – especially in terms of the open world and expanded weapon options.
A delightful, humour-infused, and very British university management simulator with Nintendo-esque levels of polish and depth that's introduced so gently you barely notice it.
An atmospheric and compelling text-only role-playing game, with a realistic approach to survival and building relationships – where every action and failure comes with lasting consequences.
A Dark Ages mystery whose gameplay and dialogue are as unique as it's daringly unconventional premise and visuals.
A truly wizard RPG, whose historical setting frees it from the limitations of the books and films, with an open world experience that entertains no matter how much you care about the source material.
A highly original puzzle game that turns the act of telling a story into an entertainingly convoluted process of logical deduction and amusing plot development.
An exceptionally pretty slice of DLC that does nothing to address the faults of the main game but does manage to emphasise its many successes, especially the graphics.
A massive and complex fantasy themed 4X strategy game, made appealingly straightforward thanks to its cleverly refined interface.
A taut, characterful headrush of an expansion that completes Cyberpunk 2077's redemption and re-establishes it as one of the great open world adventures of the generation.
A fabulously detailed racing game with a huge car roster and engrossing single-player modes, slightly marred by forcefully encouraging you to perform practise laps before races.
A visual novel set in the world of Roadwarden that offers some degree of choice, but whose real charm comes from its straightforward prose and troubled, authentic-seeming characters.
A funny and supremely inventive story-driven puzzle game, with a plot based on Greek philosophy that's delivered with the lightest of touches and a goofy sense of humour.