Rick Lane
Skald is a propulsive throwback RPG that exudes grisly character, though its commitment to tradition holds it back in a genre rife with competition.
Possess ladybirds and rollercoasters in Moonloop Games' quirky, inventive take on the afterlife
A more uncompromising version of the first game, Hellblade 2 offers a well told story and immaculate presentation. But it's also even simpler, to the point where it treats interaction like an inconvenience.
Homeworld's operatic space combat is as engrossing as ever in its third outing, although a weaker story and a slightly odd cover system dim the shine of its star.
There's half of an amazing game in Broken Roads. Trouble is you have to play the other half.
The stars are lost in a swamp of poor writing and buggy combat in this wearisome reimagining of the 1992 survival classic
More offroading excellence from the series formerly known as Spintires, although its scientific theme is not as interesting as it could be.
Dark Forces emerges from Nightdive's bacta tank refreshed and ready for action, combining classic FPS mayhem with thrilling espionage-themed missions.
KillPixel's shooter demonstrates breathtaking ambition in its 3D level design, but that can come at the cost of pacing and fun.
"The way bugs burst and robots rupture is a masterclass in damage feedback"
Embark Studios' multiplayer shooter dazzles in the moment, but its AI voices are symptomatic of a broader issue with artistic vision.
Fntastic has confirmed that development has ceased on The Day Before, just four days on from its launch into Early Access. Steam has since stopped allowing anybody to purchase the game, although our review of The Day Before remains – giving you some insight into the state the extraction shooter was in at release.
Gangs of Sherwood shows initial promise with its creative setting and colourful combat but runs out of steam well before the end of its already brief running time.
Its improvements might be slightly overshadowed by the more extensive overhaul coming next year, but this latest and last iteration brings the best version of its match engine yet, a superbly refined set-piece creator, and, finally, the ability to transfer your saves.
Teyon blends bloody linear shootouts with light open world action for an entertaining, if unadventurous, RoboCop experience.
With two protagonists exploring different worlds, this thriller is a thoroughly entertaining blend of detective procedural and narrative weirdness
Total War: Pharaoh's battles may be limited by history, but Creative Assembly compensates for this with a complex, thematic, and highly dynamic campaign.
CD Projekt's stylish RPG has undergone a radical transformation, and the expansion starring Idris Elba makes the best of the game's new features
Immortals of Aveum puts a fun twist on FPS conventions, and delivers upon its promise of colorful, exciting magical combat. But the story and worldbuilding are undermined by a cringeworthy script, and the half-baked loot system and metroidvania elements betray a lack of confidence in the central premise.
Beyond the shock value of its demonic horrors, this survivalist city-builder has little to recommend it.