It may not stir the hordes of wailing YouTubers looking for the next best haunted house, but SOMA succeeds at crafting something much more meaningful than jump-scares.
Hard-hitting and visually arresting, EA Sports UFC 2 refines its brutal action while still retaining some notable flaws.
Dirt Rally's arrival on consoles lets more people join in Codemasters' celebration of this brutal motorsport. [OpenCritic note: Richard Wakeling separately reviewed the PC and PS4 versions.]
Sherlock's powers of deduction are as enthralling as ever, but middling action gets in the way.
Refinements to its measured combat make for a better game, but problems still persist in key areas both in and outside the squared circle.
Football Manager 2017 is not a game of revolution, but one of refinement. Transfers are smarter and more involved, and the faster player development and the aforementioned streamlining of information are welcome. The perennial strengths of Football Manager are stronger than ever, yet it’s the furtive improvements to the match engine that really set Football Manager 2017 apart from its immediate predecessor.
The grisly ballistics are still second to none, but it's the improvements made beyond the sniper scope that make Sniper Elite 4 a series standout.
Sony's long-running baseball sim returns, with better action on the field, and more options off it.
A newfound focus on player choice pushes CI Games' series in a positive direction, but myriad issues keep it from being a top marksman.
Dirt 4 is a grounded and thrilling racing experience with customisable difficulty options that should appeal to newcomers and veterans alike.
Absolver's methodical combat would be superlative on its own, but the unique customisation of its Combat Deck takes this melee brawler to thrilling new heights.
Project Cars 2 builds on its predecessor with improved handling and impressive scope, but it still suffers from unruly AI and a slew of bugs.
With the glitches piling up and very little in the way of innovation, WWE 2K18 continues the series' floundering output.
Dull and uninspired, with a relentless emphasis on grinding, Need for Speed Payback is neither fast nor furious.
With a significant new addition and impactful overhauls built atop its already-solid foundations, Football Manager 2018 is every bit the compelling time sink as its predecessors.
UFC 3's overhauled striking is wince-inducingly brilliant, but its cumbersome grappling continues to lag behind.
Gravel's arcade sensibilities conjure occasional moments of flat out fun, but unimaginative track design and a lack of depth means most races are just dull.
Onrush's unique blend of influences results in an innovative and refreshing racing game that replaces the finish line with objectives and teamwork.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 continues the series' excellent run of form, introducing smart improvements that enhance the on-pitch action.
While not much has changed between the ropes, WWE 2K19 gives you more reasons to play by featuring a plethora of new modes and content.