Astro Bot (PS5)
Astro Bot returns with a full-length platformer that expands on Astro’s Playroom’s charm. Vibrant worlds, tight controls, and fun gameplay mechanics make it a delight for all ages. Some sections may feel simple for platforming veterans, but the game’s polish and creativity make it a standout family-friendly game.
The Plucky Squire (PS5)
A really unique adventure where storybook hero Jot leaps between 2D pages and a vibrant 3D world. Clever puzzles, seamless transitions, and a whimsical art style make this one a delight to explore. Though there are a few filler moments, but it’s inventive and thoroughly charming from start to finish.
Thank Goodness You're Here (PS5)
An absolutely hilarious cartoon romp through a small British town filled with oddball characters and nonsensical tasks. Witty dialogue and surreal humor offer a refreshing change of pace. The gameplay is simple and repetitive, but the short length keeps things fresh, letting the comedy shine through.
NBA2K25 (PS5)
NBA 2K25 brings slightly upgraded graphics and a few tweaks to motion, shooting, and defense. To be honest, it feels very much like 2K24 and 2K23, just a bit brighter. As usual, it heavily encourages players to inject real cash or face the grind of an uncoordinated, often embarrassing player. It’s a solid basketball game but is, once again, tainted by a reliance on microtransactions for true enjoyment. If you own 2K24, you really don't need to bother.
EA Sports FC25 (PS5)
EA FC 25 hugs the dedicated FIFA player of old, with familiar gameplay, sounds, and slightly improved visuals. The addition of AI brings a smarter, more layered NPC defence — until the AI slips up, leading to some laughable moments. Ultimate Team continues to skilfully drain your wallet, and some performance issues like frame drops and other graphical hiccups are present, but the biggest problem is the overwhelming feeling of annual release fatigue which is hard to shake.
Star Wars Outlaws (PS5)
An impressive first attempt at an open world Star Wars game. Huge worlds, epic space battles, and a refreshing take on the Star Wars universe with a focus on the criminal underworld. Unfortunately the game is let down by a lack of polish in some places and some bizarre difficulty spikes in stealth missions. Definitely one to watch for fans of both Star Wars and open-world games.
Stellar Blade (PS5)
Review Text Pending
Broken Roads (PS5)
This post-apocalyptic RPG set in the outback of Western Australia has a beautiful art style and slang-filled dialogue which really captures the sunburnt country. The story and characters are well written but inconsistencies with voice over and some pacing problems let the game down in places.
Rise of the Ronin (PS5)
Rise of the Ronin is the latest Ubisoft-style, open world game. Team Ninja looked to separate this from other games in the genre by peppering in a healthy dose of Japanese history and samurai gameplay. It ticks many boxes with it's long list of collectibles and side missions, but doesn't quite reach the heights of many other games in the genre.
Skull & Bones (PS5)
Visually stunning and surprisingly content-heavy at launch for a live-service game, with a clear gameplay hook. The naval warfare genre may not grab everyone, but there are countless hours of fun for those who do get stuck into it.
Helldivers 2 (PS5)
Honestly one of the most fun multiplayer experiences we have had in a while. Frenetic gameplay, mind-blowing visual effects, and a great co-operative experience make this a must play shooter on PC and PS5.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (PS5)
Suicide Squad marks a distinct change in style for Rocksteady after the Arkham games and while it's not perfect it does have plenty of redeeming qualities such a great dialogue, fun combat, and nicely varied abilities for the four characters. Will definitely benefit from future expansions as a live service game but the framework is certainly there.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (PS5)
Prince of Persia is not only one of the best games Ubisoft has released in a while, but is also one of the best metroidvania platformers in recent memory. This game is exceptionally crafted with excellently balanced platforming and
combat, and smooth seamless animation whether playing on PS5 or Switch. The first must-play game of 2024.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora (PS5)
Avatar feels like another in a long line of Ubisoft checklist open world games. While it can be fun at times and the world of Pandora is beautifully realised, it unfortunately suffers from pacing issues, bugs, and repetitive quest design.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (PS5)
Spider-Man 2 is everything we hoped for and more. In this third game in the series we once again get to don the spider suit and swing through a bigger and brighter New York, filled to the brim with stories and people. Insomniac Games really showed their talent for story telling and game design, and have pushed the PS5 beyond any other game yet.
Assassin's Creed Mirage (PS5)
Mirage is a return towards older style AC games with a smaller map, shorter story, and more focus on stealth. While it's a good game in itself the mini-refresh in style doesn't necessarily do enough to outweigh the tiredness of the franchise as a whole.
Baldur's Gate 3 (PS5)
Truly one of the greatest RPGs ever made, Larian Studios took on the assignment of creating a sequel to one of the most well known CRPG series of all time and nailed it beyond anyone's expectations. With a rich and vibrant world, incredible voice acting performances, and perfectly executed gameplay systems, this is without a doubt a game that should not be missed.
Starfield (Xbox Series X)
As you'd expect, Starfield is huge, providing a literal universe to travel. But that universe often feels sparse, and NPC's come across as needy and are mostly useless in battle. Overall a good game, but it falls short in some ways which means it's not the savior Xbox needed.
Mortal Kombat 1 (PS5)
Mortal Kombat 1 continues the story from MK11 in the epic fashion we have come to expect from the franchise. Brilliant graphics, gameplay, and the dynamic new Kameo system make this an excellent game. Unfortunately it's let down by a somewhat under-cooked multiplayer, and an overwhelming focus on microtransactions.
EA Sports FC 24 (PS5)
EA Sports FC 24 might have a new name, but at its core it's the FIFA franchise that we know and love. With new animations, updated rosters and lots of new stadiums to play at, EAFC24 delivers what is expected; another great football experience for fans
PAW Patrol World (PS5)
A large number of the TV show voice cast combined with an open world spanning many recognisable locations from the show makes this a must have game for young fans of the franchise. Definitely the best PAW Patrol game we have seen so far, providing many hours of fun for kids out there!
NBA2K24 (PS5)
NBA2K24 promised a focus on the game, so instead of starting in the draft or earlier you begin your journey in the centre of the court as a team starter. The gameplay and graphics as expected on the PS5, are amazing, but the game is let down by character progression which is even more heavily skewed towards microtransactions for success than usual.
Red Dead Redemption (Switch)
13 years later and the original Red Dead Redemption is still one of the best games ever made. Although this release is only a port of the original rather than a remaster it is wonderful to be able to play on a handheld, not to mention being able to finally play it on a PS4/PS5.
Viewfinder (PS5)
One of the freshest puzzle-platformer experiences since Portal. Inventive level design and innovative use of perspective and optical trickery make this a fantastic experience from start to finish, despite a mostly lacklustre story.
Immortals of Aveum (PS5)
An entertaining first-person magic shooter with surprisingly robust gameplay, interesting puzzles, and some excellent set pieces. Immortals of Aveum is a lot of fun despite some lack of polish and a cliched story.
Diablo IV (PS5)
Diablo 4 continues the battle between good of evil, angels and demons, Heaven and Hell. To say it's epic is an understatement. With a huge world full of content and the promise of years of post-launch support Blizzard continue to prove that they have nailed the ARPG formula. Diablo 4 is a great game for veterans and newcomers to the series alike.
Lego 2K Drive (PS5)
Racing games are a dime a dozen these days but combining one with the brilliant dynamic world of LEGO seems like a great idea. Unfortunately LEGO 2K Drive fails to capture the magic of LEGO and ends up being a decidedly middle of the road game full of grind, micro transactions, and disappointment.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (PS5)
Arguably the best Star Wars game ever. Respawn looked at what worked and what didn't with Fallen Order and used those lessons to craft a truly magnificent game. Unfortunately an abundance of graphical glitches, framerate issues and lack of optimisation taint an otherwise top tier game.
Dead Island 2 (PS5)
It took 12 years to get a sequel to the incredibly enjoyable Dead Island, and I've got to say that Dambuster studios and Deep Silver nailed it. All the wise cracks, over the top gore and at times intense action combined with mild horror makes Dead Island 2 a really fun game.
EA Sports PGA Tour (PS5)
It has been 8 years since EA's last PGA Tour game came out and while with this game they haven't quite hit a hole in one, it's at least par on a long four. The courses are beautifully realised and the commentary is refreshingly varied. but the game is let down by some performance issues as well as mechanics which are great at times and clunky at others.
Resident Evil 4 (PS5)
The 2005 Resident Evil 4 is still widely considered to be a masterpiece which redefined the survival-horror genre. With this 2023 remake Capcom has set a new benchmark in how to revitalise a classic. Totally rebuilt from the ground up, the new RE4 looks and feels like a modern day blockbuster. Not for the faint of heart, but do yourself a favour and grab this right now.
Anno 1800 (PS5)
A surprisingly exceptional port of a beloved PC strategy/city-building franchise. Anno 1800 makes the jump to console and gamepad smoothly with intuitive controls, while still maintaining the complexity that makes the franchise so engrossing. The game has some texture pop-in issues but is generally graphically stunning, and the gameplay hooks will keep you playing for hours.
Hogwarts Legacy (PS5)
An absolute love letter to fans of the Wizarding World. This game captures the magical vibes of the Potterverse perfectly and is packed with fan service. The developers have nailed the implementation of spell casting and combat, while keeping the game fun to play.
Dead Space (PS5)
Remade, replayed, and re-pooped myself. An amazingly caring, loving remake that has retained all that made Dead Space a true Survival Horror classic. For returning players this is a masterful trip down memory lane. For newcomers this remake has given the game a modern touch and it will prove once again that Dead Space is much better than anything else in this genre.
Forspoken (PS5)
When a game comes along with a world with such huge potential it's always a shame when it doesn't quite pan out. This game is decidedly average, and it's a game which at times feels like it's not even sure where it's going. Mostly disappointing but propped up by it's excellent combat system and graphics.
The Callisto Protocol (PS5)
The Callisto Protocol was expected to be the Dead Space of 2022, which it turned out not to be at all. Due to the nature of the genre, some elements are there, however Callisto Protocol is not what we all expected. Ambient music forecasting potential jump scares, a steep difficulty curve, and cumbersome character death scenes make this game fall short of being an truly A-grade horror game.
Marvel's Midnight Suns (PS5)
A surprisingly good game, although it really should be no surprise given the pedigree of the developer Firaxis. While the card based tactical combat gameplay is top tier the dialogue and story elements are a little below what we have come to expect from AAA games. A definite buy for Marvel fans and fans of the turn based tactical genre.
God Of War: Ragnarok (PS5)
Sony Santa Monica have managed to follow the critically acclaimed 2018 God Of War franchise reboot with a sequel which is equally masterfully made. Ragnarok continues the emotionally captivating story of Kratos and Atreus which pulls the heartstrings at all of the right moments. The huge and beautifully crafted open world impresses while also providing plenty of content for players. A true must-play game on the PS5.
Gotham Knights (PS5)
A nicely implemented open-world Gotham City should provide an incredible playground for players but this game doesn't quite hit the quality mark we've come to expect from Batman-universe games. Unfortunately a lack of variety in gameplay, as well as only superficial differences between the playable characters make the game get old fast. Great for hardcore DC fans but disappointing not to see the developers get more out of the story concept.
PGA2K23 (PS5)
The latest iteration in the PGA 2K franchise brings improvements over the previous game however it still falls short of the polish and fun of the EA Sports PGA games. This is a top tier golf simulator, but it is lacking in areas including commentary variety, AI balancing, and more.
FIFA 23 (PS5)
FIFA 23 comes as the world braces for the World Cup. It brings updated graphics, improved player movement, and a few new FUT modes, but all-in-all it's another in a long run of seemingly cookie cutter editions. Sadly, this is set to be the last official FIFA-branded football game from EA and it's not one that will leave a lasting positive impression on the franchise.
NBA2K23 (PS5)
There's a few things you can rely on in life; Death, Taxes and an annual release of 2K's flagship sports game, NBA2K. 2K's money printer has seen multiple upgrades and tweaks this year but some frustrating changes to the career mode leave us a little disappointed.
LEGO Brawls (PS5)
A LEGO brawler seems like a great idea but this one fails to innovate and falls a little flat. While customising your minifigs is pretty great the gameplay feels a little boring and uninspired. A bit disappointing and hard to recommend against it's competitors in the genre.
Saints Row (PS5)
For a reboot of a franchise this game doesn't quite blow us away but it's solid enough to give players a fair few hours of silly fun. Dated mechanics and some disappointing bugs and glitches let this game down, but it still feels like a Saints Row game so at least it's got that going for it, right?
Cult of the Lamb (PS5)
Who would have thought that combining farm/cult management and rogue-like dungeon crawling would work? Massive Monster and Devolver Digital, that's who! Playing as an evil-worshipping, murderous farm animal has never been better. A must play.
Stray (PS5)
Stray is a relaxing puzzle, similar to a ball of string: follow the loose end to unravel the mystery within. The downside, if any, is the limitation of movement and exploration placed on one of nature's most curious and nimble explorers. Stray is a very beautiful and cute game, with a dark and potentially accurate view of a distant world that humans have destroyed.
The Quarry (PS5)
The Quarry is an interactive horror movie/game from Supermassive Games. QuickTime events put you in control of the fate of a great cast of teens, as you try your best to keep them alive. More sitting around watching cut-scenes than interacting, but it will keep you entertained for a few hours.
TMNT: Shredder's Revenge (PS5)
A perfect recreation of classic arcade games and overflowing with nostalgia for us oldies who were fans of the cartoons and movies. Couch co-op works perfectly and the controls are fluid and responsive, what more could you ask for?
Chernobylite (PS5)
Chernobylite is an Action RPG with shooter elements, some team management and base building elements - a pseudo-horror game set in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. That's just the start, Chernobyllite is fun, has lots of depth and replayability.
LEGO Star Wars Skywalker Saga (PS5)
TT Games have brought their best work to this celebration of Star Wars history. All nine of the Skywalker Star Wars movies combined in LEGO glory. This is truly a nostalgic trip while also being the best LEGO game ever made.
Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)
Horizon Forbidden West combines a huge open world with stellar voice acting performances and some of the most impressive graphics to be seen in video games yet. An absolutely breathtaking game which is only let down by some repetitive quest design and frustrating platforming.
Dying Light 2 (PS5)
Dying Light 2 Stay Human drops you into a huge open world filled with more zombies than friends. The slow start is worth persevering with, because once the world and story really opens up you'll marvel at its sheer grandeur. Some of the best gaming parkour moments await while you traverse the well designed and filled-to-the-brim landscape.
Guardians of the Galaxy (PS5)
Eidos-Montréal and Square Enix delivered a save the universe size story fitting only of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The banter, fighting and grandiose nature of the plot is matched at every twist and turn by the well fleshed out and perfectly executed character driven stories.
A gem of a game that offers much to fans of the comic book, MCU and superhero games alike.
4.5/5
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves (PS5)
It hasn't been long since the two remastered games in this collection first came out on PS4, however they are still incredible. Uncharted 4 remains one of the best fan service end of an era games I've ever played, while Lost Legacy answered the question of whether Uncharted would work without Nathan Drake with a resounding yes. This remaster brings updated graphics and effects but most importantly it does away with load times. Definitely recommend.
Skyrim: Anniversary Edition (PS5)
It's the same Skyrim we've seen for ten years but in a nice new gen skin with a bunch of added content rolled in. If you haven't ever played Skyrim then this is absolutely the definitive edition, and even if you have played it before then why not jump in again?
Far Cry 6 (PS5)
Ubisoft have continued with the formula they seem to have followed since Far Cry 3. In this latest entry in the franchise you can expect a few new weapons, a new location, another dictator to overthrow and people that need your special killing skills to save them.
Riders Republic (PS5)
The most comprehensive extreme sports game out there. A beautiful and huge open world map packed full of activities as well as a really fun social and multiplayer element make this game exceptionally fun to play.
My Friend Peppa Pig (PS5)
One of the most faithful-to-the-source licensed kids games out there. Quite short but plenty of fun for really young kids with an easy control scheme and a familiar style.
GTA Trilogy: The Definitive Edition (PS5)
A buggy and unpolished mess of a port which really does a disservice to the original games. Improved controls provide almost the sole positive to this dismal remaster collection which fails to reinvigorate the trilogy in the way it deserves after 20 years.
Back 4 Blood (PS5)
4-player co-op zombie slaughter is back! The creators of Left 4 Dead have returned with a shiny new entry in the genre while keeping it fresh with a neatly balanced card system. A bit rough in single player but an unrivaled co-op shooter experience.
Hot Wheels Unleashed (PS5)
A fast-paced arcade racer with maximum nostalgia factor which is let down by loot boxes and a lack of variation in the tracks. Still good fun and great for kids but it disappointingly falls just short in a couple of areas.
FIFA 22 (PS5)
FIFA is back again, as always. While still being unequivocally the best soccer/football game available there isn't really anything too revolutionary about this iteration. Visually impressive, fun to play, but you could easily get by continuing with FIFA 21.
Diablo 2 Resurrected (PS5)
The OG dungeon crawler Diablo 2 has been refreshed and released on consoles for the first time. While lacking some of the real greatness that we saw in Diablo 3 this is still a great chance to revisit an absolute classic of the genre with updated graphics and a solid control scheme. A little clunky but still iconic.
Deathloop (PS5)
Deathloops fun and interesting weapons and special abilities hold up it's weak AI and a handholdy gameplay loop. The game is fun enough but it loses it's lustre well before the 15-20 hour completion mark.
NBA2K22 (PS5)
NBA2K22 continues where 21 left off. There isn't a huge improvement in game play but the emphasis this time is on a much larger player environment. If you just want to play Bball it's the same 2K you love, but if you want to grow your player and you aim to school the online world, there is more to do than ever before.
Madden NFL 2022 (PS5)
Madden's back and it's a touchdown, but one with a few quarterback sacks and fumbles along the way. If you're a die hard NFL fan it will scratch your itch, just don't expect the polish we've see in many other sports games.
Chivalry 2 (PS5)
Chivalry 2 picks up where the first left off nine years ago. Lots of deaths, lots of longswords swinging and lots of fun. A total cluster, but one well worth the effort.
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
Stunning graphics harnessing the power of the PS5 make the latest entry in the R&C franchise a real showcase for the system. The charming story and huge variety of weapons keep players hooked but unfortunately under-utilised gameplay mechanics, the short game-length, and a lack of replayability make this game a hard sell at it's high launch price.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition (PS4)
Collecting the Shepard trilogy along with all of its DLC into one package makes the Legendary Edition a must have for fans of the series as well as a great all-in-one purchase for new players. A fresh coat of paint and some quality of life changes definitely improve the game but the game-universe and the epic story are brilliant regardless of that.
WonderBoy: Asha In Monster World (PS4)
A remake/remaster of a classic mid-90s platformer, Asha In Monster World looks really great and is a fine nostalgia trip but it is let down by out-dated controls and gameplay mechanics which fail to stand up to modern standards.
Returnal (PS5)
Insanely fast-paced and action packed bullet hell combat combined with a twisted mystery story make this game a hell of a ride. The rogue-like genre may leave a bad taste in some players mouths particularly with the long run lengths but this game is truly a triumph for Housemarque.
Resident Evil Village (PS5)
Fast and not really furious. A direct follow on from RE7. Well written and compelling if you're a fan, but don't start here if you're new to the franchise.
Outriders (PS5)
A memorable world, powerful special abilities, fast-paced & fun shooting combined with some really innovative gameplay systems make Outriders a blast to play. An exciting new entry in the 3rd person shooter genre which is only slightly let down by it's rather flat plot and B-movie dialogue.
It Takes Two (PS5)
An absolute rollercoaster of a game. Every level is unique in theme and gameplay mechanics while still maintaining a coherent game which doesn't feel overwhelming or too busy. The story is compelling while offering great fun for the co-op partners who play. A must play for anyone looking for great a co-op game. Hazelight have nailed it.
Starbase Startopia (PS5)
We've come to expect great games from Kalypso Media but unfortunately this one is only a middling sim/strategy game. Startopia is competent in the necessary areas but it's nothing special and it's lacking in the overall depth required from the genre. Disappointing.
Gods Will Fall (PS4)
This is not your typical side scroller. It's a sideways, longways, slantways, and almost any which ways you can think of - dungeon adventure. Pick your champion from your surviving group and thrust them into each unknown dungeon. If your champion fails, pick the next and start again. Just don't run out of champions!
Cyberpunk 2077 (PS4)
Putting aside the glitches and crashes, Cyberpunk 2077 is a gorgeous and entertaining game, to a point. There are constant examples of master game-making in CDPR's world, however the storytelling, many of the games mechanics (namely the shooting and driving) and at times annoying acting, leave much to be desired. (If we were to include all the glitches & crashes this score would be halved)
Demon's Souls (PS4)
Absolutely breathtaking visuals on the PS5 add a brilliant finish to this exceptional remake of the original souls-like game. Unforgivingly punishing when it comes to mistakes, yet always promising and delivering the satisfaction of a job well done. An exceptional launch title for the new Playstation.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (PS4)
Treyarch's latest entry to the Call of Duty franchise is a well made, full throttle, action blockbuster. A well fleshed out campaign mode and the typical heart-in-mouth multiplayer CoD is known for.
Immortals Fenyx Rising (PS4)
An interesting new IP from Ubisoft which plays like a combination of some of the best elements from plenty of other franchises. Graphics and puzzle echo Breath of the Wild while the open world design itself is reminiscent of Assassin's Creed but it all comes together in a refreshing and fun way with narration reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons.
Commandos 2 HD Remaster (Switch)
One of the best real time tactics games gets the remaster treatment for handheld. Although it's visually impressive and great to have on the go unfortunately some unwieldy controls and finicky cameras really let this game down.
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (PS4)
Assassin's Creed Valhalla continues on Ubisoft's path away from the simple stealth-assassin style AC games of the past. Immersive and fun as hell, great world design and packed with beautiful scenery (which is made all the more beautiful with the PS5 free upgrade). A story and world you'll sink 50+ hours into.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales (PS4)
Astounding visuals and a compelling story make this continuation of 2018's Spider-Man a must play game for fans of the web-slinger. Although the game is short it packs some punches.
Astro's Playroom (PS4)
A tech demo for the DualSense, a platformer, and a love letter to Playstation history all rolled into one and pre-loaded for free on the PS5. This game only lasts around 3 hours but they are three hours packed with fun and nostalgia.
Watch Dogs Legion (PS4)
The much anticipated "play as anyone" gameplay mechanic of Watch Dogs Legion didn't end up living up to expectations in this sequel which fails to really innovate in any meaningful way in the franchise series. Still fun and packed full of stuff to do but in the end it feels a bit hollow and meaningless.
Star Wars Squadrons (PS4)
A really great Star Wars dogfighting game with really robust flight controls which makes the game a real pleasure to play. Squadrons is a phenomenal game to play in VR as well, however the game overall is let down by a weak narrative and some odd gameplay choices outside of the actual spaceship flying.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time (PS4)
It's been 22 years since the last proper Crash game and Toys For Bob have taken the reins from Naughty Dog with the passion and love that true Crash fans deserve. It's an absolute treasure and a fitting way to see this Gen's consoles out.
Mafia: Definitive Edition (PS4)
Hangar 13 have nailed it with this remake of the 2002 classic. This is probably one of the best quality remasters we have seen with it's fresh modern graphics, improved controls, and all new voice acting, while remaining faithful to the original. Absolutely recommended.
The Outer Worlds: Peril On Gorgon (PS4)
More content for an already great game. Although this DLC doesn't add much in the way of new features it does add a good sized area to explore, a bunch of new dialogue, and a fun new side quest during it's 6ish hour playtime.
Wasteland 3 (PS4)
An excellent post-apocalyptic CRPG from InXile. The combination of classic CRPG with XCOM-style combat is really enjoyable and the dialogue, voice acting, and story-line keep it fresh throughout. Innovative RPG systems make this a really great game to experience, especially on console. Absolutely recommend.
Marvel's Avengers (PS4)
Crystal Dynamics have aimed for Destiny but landed at Anthem with this confused game which doesn't quite know what it wants to be. The classic comic book style plot and well acted characters are definitely the highlight of this game, as well as a bunch of fan service. Unfortunately a hodge podge of Games As A Service systems detract from the genuinely fun single player campaign.
Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + 2 (PS4)
If you haven't played this remake of the iconic skater game, get off your butt and do it now! This game nails every aspect of fun on a console. Perfect for jump in & out gaming, local and online multiplayer and park building. It's just gnarly man!
Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars (PS4)
Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars is a solid turn-based strategy game with elements of card games and empire building thrown in. Some well designed campaigns and unique environments keep it fun.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning (PS4)
THQ Nordic have revisited the ill-fated Kingdoms of Amalur. This remaster gives the game a graphical polish while tightening up some of the systems. It looks fairly dated but the amazing world created by the original developers is well worth experiencing.
UFC 4 (PS4)
Historically each release of EA Sports UFC gets a little better than the last and this is no exception. The removal of last years Ultimate Team addition is a surprisingly welcome move, while stand up fighting has been further refined. Ground work is still a little sketchy but overall this is the best MMA video game experience you will find.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker (PS4)
The curse of CRPGs on consoles strikes again with this otherwise excellent video game version of the Pathfinder tabletop RPG. The dreaded load screen mars what is otherwise a quite well rounded and fun RPG experience. The addition of the robust Kingdom Management system provides a nice challenge alongside the classic isometric RPG gameplay.
PGA2K21 (PS4)
The precision of The Golf Club franchise shines as usual in this next entry of the series. Added accessibility via expanded difficulty options opens up the game to more casual players while still satisfying the more serious golf lovers. The partnership with 2K has led to a bit more gamification of the game outside of playing actual golf but the core that makes The Golf Club games great remains, including the excellent course design system.
NBA2K21 (PS4)
NBA2K21 has returned to the days of old, with a solid, yet challenging, b-ball entry for 2021. Providing players with the option to live the NBA2K20 lifestyle (with all it's money hungry, merchandising, superfluous costumes and micro-transactions) or to just focus on playing games, training and development of your on-court player. My prayers have been answered, thank you for listening 2K.
Relicta (PS4)
Relicta is a solid first development entry by Mighty Polygon. A puzzle game that uses multiple environments and solid physics to challenge the player. The story is rather basic and limps along through minimal interactions with NPCs.
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (PS4)
Charmingly frustrating online multiplayer game which provides hours of fun whether playing or just watching. It's a bit like the classic gameshow Wipeout with jellybeans instead of people.
Ghost of Tsushima (PS4)
Evocative and beautiful visuals combine with intuitive UI design to make the most meditative game of katana slaughter that has ever been. Innovative game design and a world you can get lost in make this a real contender for GotY.
Carrion (Switch)
A great twist on the classic metroidvania genre as you inhabit a tentacled flesh-eating monster. Brilliant sound design brings the game to life but slightly frustrating controls on the console versions lets it down, but it's perfect on PC.
Destroy All Humans! (PS4)
A remake of a cult classic which is extremely faithful to the original game, sometimes to a fault. Repetitive audio and long load times are tiring but the nostalgia factor is definitely there.
F1 2020 (PS4)
F1 2020 adds a new My Team thrill; where you manage the team, design the development strategy and race to the chequered flag. A fantastic game for F1 fans, but unfortunately it drops the ball on fun for someone outside of the sport.
Iron Man VR (PS4)
Excellent controls and fun combat make this a must play for PS VR owners but it is let down by some intermittent technical issues and a lacklustre story.
Desperados 3 (PS4)
A great new entry in an almost forgotten franchise. This classic Western story of revenge is one of the best stealth real time tactics game out there. With unique characters and a challenging levels combined with great replayability it's definitely worth picking up for fans of the genre.
Minecraft Dungeons (PS4)
Diablo for kids! This is a great dialled down version of the classic loot hunting in Diablo with a good selection of level environments and a flexible difficulty rating system to provide continued challenge. The 4-player co-op is particular handy for gaming with the kids.
The Last Of Us Part 2 (PS4)
Stalking infected in this sequel feels just as good as the original and incredible visuals and perfect voice performances make this game a real must-play. The slightly disjointed story unfortunately fails to live up to the quality of the first game despite the pedigree of the developer but it's still one of the best games of the generation.
Saints Row The Third Remastered (PS4)
A remaster of a 9 year old game so it’s not particularly outstanding but a great opportunity to revisit a really fun game. Dumb fun, but fun nonetheless. The ridiculousness of SR3 is a nice escape from the upheaval in the world at the moment.
Mafia 2 Remastered (PS4)
Making a port of the PC version of Mafia 2 rather than remastering the console version has left us with a pretty poor port riddled with bugs and glitches. Although the fun game and really great story are intact the technical issues really detract from the experience.
Maneater (PS4)
Think GTA but you’re a shark. A bit rough around the edges but quite enjoyable and a fresh new experience since we haven't played an open world shark game before. Chris Parnell's narration really is a highlight of the game as it turns this aquatic slaughterfest into a fun and educational experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake (PS4)
A re-imagining of the original rather than a simple remaster, this game expands upon the first part of the original game to tell more of the story and it does so in a visually breathtaking way. Some filler weighs the game down but overall it's a great game for old fans and new.
Resident Evil 3 (PS4)
This short and fast-paced remake breaks away from the roots of the franchise and falls short of the expectations built up by last year's RE2 remake despite the inclusion of a new multiplayer experience in Resistance. Series fans should resist the urge to buy it.
DOOM Eternal (PS4)
With Earth overrun by demons who you gonna call? A grunting Doom Slayer to rip, tear, and disembowel along his way to free the planet. DOOM Eternal shoots, chainsaws, punches, and totally kicks ass!
Pillars Of Eternity II: Deadfire (PS4)
Exceptional writing and great improvements to combat and overall game mechanics compared to it's predecessor are let down by offensively long and annoying common load times. An incredible RPG which has been ported to consoles poorly.
Hunt: Showdown (PS4)
Crytek blast back on to the scene with a scare your pants off zombie hunter. Not for the faint-hearted, but definitely worth a look.
Darksiders Genesis (PS4)
Despite being a breath of fresh air for the franchise with a move to a new genre Genesis continues the Darksiders trend of not really doing anything new. While still a solid game Genesis isn't groundbreaking.
Dreams (PS4)
Media Molecule have taken the LittleBigPlanet level creation to an entirely new level with Dreams. An incredibly robust "Dream Shaping" creation mode allows gamers to build and share almost anything they can think of. It really is a masterpiece.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (PS4)
Respawn have brought us the single player Star Wars experience we have been waiting for. Fallen Order has that iconic Star Wars feel thanks to a well written story and brilliant sound design and paves the way for an all new SW gaming franchise.
Need For Speed Heat (PS4)
An amalgamation of all of the best bits from the Need For Speed games over the years. Strong graphics are only let down by lacklustre character models but they don't matter much in a racing game. Gameplay is fun and there is plenty to do but is let down by some disappointing AI.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (PC)
Call of Duty returns with a stellar line-up, a great campaign and ditches wall running, zombies and double jumping (thank Cod!). Definitely worth picking up.
The Outer Worlds (PS4)
A refreshing take on the RPG genre with the high level of writing we have come to expect from Obsidian Entertainment. Engaging characters and solid combat mechanics make this a must-play for any RPG fan.
Ghost Recon: Breakpoint (PS4)
Despite some big changes from Wildlands this sequel doesn't quite manage to differentiate itself in a crowded market. While still an immensely fun game with a strong story, it is another Ubisoft 4-person co-op shooter by numbers.
Concrete Genie (PS4)
What starts off as a beautiful and unique experience loses it's way fairly early into this short game. While still managing to be a charming game throughout, the painting mechanics aren't quite nuanced enough to hold up for the journey through. A disjointed combat mechanic thrown in mid-way doesn't help either.
MediEvil (PS4)
A loving coat of fresh paint gives this PSone classic a new life on the PS4. While it still has some of the quirks of PSone gaming it is still great to nostalgically revisit the epic story of Sir Daniel Fortesque.
NBA 2K20 (PS4)
This year's NBA2K must stand for Need Bank Account 2 Kontinue as parasitic micro-transaction systems ruin a great game. The Best part of this game is the addition of a very well rounded and perfectly executed WNBA game mode.
FIFA 20 (PS4)
Although the campaign mode after the end of the Hunter trilogy last year is noticeably missing, a fully fledged Volta Football mode does fill the gap. Some big changes on a gameplay level shake things up and new additions to FUT flesh out that game mode.
Ni No Kuni Remastered (PS4)
Although this remaster is purely a graphical upgrade the game itself is still as charming and fun as ever. A magical fantasy world and a well written story make this game a pure delight to play even on the second time around.
Borderlands 3 (PS4)
A lackluster script which tries to be funny but falls flat at every turn combines with average shooting and repetitive level design to make Borderlands 3 a pale imitation of the games which came before it.
Control (PS4)
A new IP from industry veterans Remedy, Control is a twisting journey in to a twisting building and twisted minds. Good fun, yet not too hard in most places.
Erica (PS4)
A surprisingly strong story with quality acting performances and innovative PlayLink controls make this interactive movie a must-play game. At only two hours long it's short enough to breeze through while still offering replay-ability.
Gears 5 (Xbox One)
As the sands of time inescapably roll on, so does this franchise. Nothing really new to see here, just another good fun Gears title. Great for fans of the franchise.
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (PS4)
Brilliant gunplay makes this game incredibly fun to play but cringeworthy dialogue and performances fail to bring the story to the level of the previous Wolfenstein games.
Age Of Wonders: Planetfall (PS4)
This huge game which combines the strategy elements of Civilization and XCOM is a delight to play as a fan of the genre. Newcomers may enjoy it too but the rich universe of the game does come with a very steep learning curve.
Furwind (PS4)
An old school pixel-style platformer which has pretty fun level design which can hit the spot for fans of the genre. While it's not exactly unique it's still a worthwhile and reasonably challenging game.
Rage 2 (PS4)
Despite having great gunplay and skill progression systems Rage 2 doesn't quite live up to the hype. With a repetitive world and uninteresting characters and dialogue it doesn't quite achieve what it set out to do. While still a fun game, it's definitely lacking in areas.
Blood & Truth (PS4)
SIE London Studio's follow up to London Heist improves on the great elements of their last game to provide what is without a doubt one of the best games available for the PS VR. Compelling story and great performances combine with gameplay which absolutely suits the VR platform to make this a must have game.
Mortal Kombat 11 (PS4)
Incredible combat and another excellent MK storyline shine bright in the latest entry in the franchise but a heavy microtransaction focus bloats and overshadows what would otherwise be a brilliant game.
Days Gone (PS4)
With only a few things to set this apart from other zombie shooters Days Gone falls a little short. While it has plenty of content, it tends to be a little repetitive and uninspired but it definitely has its moments.
Trials Rising (PS4)
The latest Trials game is exactly that, a Trials game. It combines great visuals with addictive gameplay loops and challenging levels in a perfect mélange to create a game that you want to keep coming back to.
The Division 2 (PS4)
Ubisoft have built on the success of The Division and stepped it up a notch with this sequel. Despite a weak story and some funny glitches The Division 2 is a masterpiece online loot shooter with near countless hours of fun to be had.
Far Cry: New Dawn (PS4)
A colourful reimagining of the Far Cry 5 world with enough uniqueness to make it worth playing. The weak story lets it down but New Dawn provides a world full of fun.
Awesome Pea (PS4)
A retro green monochromatic visual style is the main defining feature of this simple 2D platformer. Tight controls and challenging levels make it good to play but it doesn't bring anything special to the table.
Pode (PS4)
A charming but short indie game which grows on you as you grow its world. Perfect for couch co-op with a friend but entirely enjoyable solo as well.
Anthem (PS4)
Despite initial worries based on the demo we were pleasantly surprised with Anthem. Technical glitches and crashes were common but the fun gameplay loop kept us going back. The future looks bright for this loot shooter.
Resident Evil 2 (PS4)
For a game that is 21 years old it holds up very well. Possibly the best remaster I've ever played.
Crackdown 3 (Xbox One)
This is a game that either should have been made a generation ago or not at all. Slow, easy, and lacking any heart or feeling.
Sleep Tight (Switch)
An imaginative twin-stick shooter/tower defense mash up which lets you finally test how well you could defend your bedroom if it was attacked by a swarm of boogey men!
Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4)
An incredibly full world with unrivalled levels of interaction and graphical fidelity. We expected the best from Rockstar Games for this prequel and they provided. Countless hours of stuff to do mixed throughout
LEGO: DC Super Villains (Switch)
A fully customizable main character for the first time ever gives this new entry in the LEGO franchise a bit of a fresh feeling. Add to that the enourmous list of masterful voice actors involved and a plot which twists the LEGO template on it's head and you have a game which proves that the LEGO games aren't played out yet!
WWE2K19 (Xbox One)
WWE 2K19 provides the big hair, small costumes, and bad acting in the wrestling ring but gets a folding chair in the back for it's efforts. Graphical issues and repetitive gameplay keep this game from taking home the belt.
Paw Patrol: On A Roll (Switch)
A generally uninspired formulaic side scrolling platformer. Excruciatingly linear and repetitive levels let this game down, however the chance to play as their favourite pups may be enough to keep young kids interested.
LEGO Harry Potter Collection (Switch)
LEGO games don't stray far from what has always worked for them, and the Harry Potter Collection is a great example of how well those gameplay mechanics have aged. Ten years after it originally came out this re-release for Switch and Xbox One is a great chance for new gamers to try out a classic LEGO game.
Starlink: Battle For Atlas (PS4)
Picks up where No Man's Sky left us wanting with action, fast paced exploring and missions. A confusing new IP in a played out genre but still perhaps does enough to keep kids entertained.
Assassin's Creed Odyssey (PS4)
A massive game with plenty to see and do while taking us on an epic journey into Greek history. Crippling technical issues on the PS4 version are really disappointing but the game still manages to be beautiful and gripping.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition (PS4)
A classic isometric style RPG with modern touches in all the right places. This is possibly the best RPG of this generation, smoothly converted from PC to console. An epic game which should definitely be experienced by any fans of the genre.
Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One)
Possibly the most beautiful game ever created. Forza Horizon 4 proves yet again that Forza games are the best racing games around. Visually astounding while packed full of content. customization, and crisp gameplay. A must buy for the Xbox One.
NBA2k19 (Xbox One)
A stronger focus on the in-game currency disappoints while the extended story mode seems to drag on with cut scenes, however it's still the best NBA game out there and plays really well.
FIFA 19 (PS4)
An expanded story mode with The Journey combined with big updates to the Kick-Off mode make this a great new entry in the series. Addition of the Champions League as well adds to the authentic feel of FIFA, and gives more ways to play.
Marvel's Spider-Man (PS4)
Some dated gameplay mechanics, repetitive side stuff, and some pacing problems take a little bit away from this game but the combat and traversal mechanics are so refined that it is incredibly fun to play. Combine that with an exceptional story and you have a definite winner which is well worth playing.
Flipping Death (PS4)
Light hearted and very well written with a distinctive art style. The length of the game is just right to leave you satisfied and the jokes throughout make it a bloody fun experience!
Guacamelee 2 (PS4)
Drinkbox Studios return with a sequel which expands upon the brilliance of the original game. Brilliant level design, extra powers, more chickens, and four player co-op make this an absolute must-have.
The Crew 2 (PS4)
The stunning visuals and robust vehicle performance upgrade system can't save this game from it's repetitive and shallow gameplay. Hopefully future updates will improve the game but right now it's underwhelming.
Unravel Two (PC)
While not quite managing the same level of charm as the first game, this sequel brings much needed improvement to the platforming mechanics. Not as challenging as we'd like but the addition of co-op is a great move. A lot of fun with impressive visuals.
Rainbow Skies (PS4)
A great classic style tactical RPG with cross-play across PS3, PS4, and Vita. While it can be a little uninspired in places it's still a solid game and great for fans of the genre.
Moonlighter (PS4)
A great little indie title which manages to mix a RPG and a store management sim into one charming little game. With rogue-lite style dungeon crawling by night and surprisingly engrossing shop-keeping during the day this game is definitely worth a look.
Detroit: Become Human (PS4)
Another visually stunning Quantic Dream game with all the usual stuff that comes with that. Slightly finicky controls hold this game back a little, but a really well crafted story and world with meaningful game-defining decisions and superb voice acting make it a must play game.
Knack 2 (PS4)
An excellent sequel which improves upon the flaws from the original. A new co-op mode adds another layer to the game, and extra challenge modes add a bit of fun replayability. A really fun game and great for small kids.
Morphite (PC)
Space exploration shooter which has similarities to No Man's Sky but with clunky gameplay and a lack of polish. Lots of content to explore but it gets repetitive quickly. A little interesting but ultimately underwhelming.
Pinball FX 3 (PS4)
Another great entry in the Pinball FX series. The new online tournament system adds an entire new level to pinball video games while new "special abilities" and challenges add a huge amount of gameplay to freshen up the genre and keep gamers busy.
Ruiner (PS4)
Fast-paced ultra-violent twin-stick shooter with a gritty dark cyberpunk/sci-fi visual style and an atmospheric soundtrack. All of the gameplay elements work well enough but the campaign is disappointingly short with repetitive level design.
Project Cars 2 (PS4)
Visually stunning, with really strong sound design, but let down by the
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (PS4)
Hits the usual beats of an Uncharted game which while not new, are still great to experience. The dialogue between Chloe and Nadine and the story overall was really well written. Naughty Dog have proven that they can make a solid Uncharted game without Nathan Drake.
Destiny 2 (PS4)
Despite having so many similarities to Destiny 1 this game has enough new features to entice old players to get on board. It's definitely just as fun as the original and a great multiplayer experience to enjoy with friends.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles (PS4)
Beautiful and relaxing game for all ages. An open-world adventure game without combat but with plenty to explore and do. Quite a slow plodding game but that suits it's nature to a tee.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (PS4)
A great remaster of a classic platforming game in a time where good platformers are few and far between. We wish it came with Crash Team Racing as well but getting to replay the original trilogy is a real treat.
Masquerada: Songs and Shadow (PS4)
An intriguing story with well written characters, smooth isometric visuals, and a very well built world. Tactical RPG although the gameplay mechanics aren't great and it's pretty linear. At only 20 hours long though it's definitely worth it to experience the story.
Mass Effect: Andromeda (PS4)
A new Mass Effect entry without Commander Shepherd was a risky move but it turned out okay after all. With many similarities to the original trilogy this game is a must play for fans of the series.
Lucas
The Podfather/Convo Controller
Super salesman by day, Batdad and Gamersutra by night. As a self-confessed technology pacifist, he prefers to sit on the console-war fence and play games on his PC.
Matt
PlayStation Fanboy/Motormouth
Electrician by trade and yet also highly skilled at finding time to game around work and family commitments. A PlayStation fanboy with a platinum count and obvious podcast bias to prove it. Thinks DC is clearly superior to Marvel. Has been known to rant.
ABOUT DBG
Started in January 2011 by brothers Lucas and Matt, Drop Bear Gaming has been operating for over 7 years offering a fresh and relaxed perspective on the video game industry. The website is a passion project more than anything and it is our distinct pleasure to continue bringing entertainment to our listeners and viewers.
The guys release a podcast episode every two to three weeks and over the years they have welcomed guests from developers, publishers, and other gaming outlets onto the show.
Disclaimer: From time to time Drop Bear Gaming receives copies of games for review in either physical or digital format from publishers or their associated PR companies. All reviews are based on the merits of each game on their own. Whether or not we were supplied the copy is not taken into account when compiling our reviews.
