WWE 2K26 delivers in spades. While some questionable decisions around progression hamper the overall experience, alongside a litany of microtransactions invading some modes, there’s so much to sink your teeth into - whether it’s the excellent CM Punk Showcase or the ever-brilliant Universe mode. It’s a game for every type of wrestling fan, and continues to be one of the best annualised sports titles out there.
Marathon is a special game that, like Destiny before it, is firmly rooted in the team’s focus on shared communal experiences, immaculate gun feel, and just straight-up vibes. I hope it finds enough of a foothold to exist in the live-service space longer than some of its contemporaries, because if death is the first step in Marathon, I can’t wait to see what the next one is.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is the crown jewel of this spin-off series. It builds on the best elements of Stories that make all of its core systems even more appealing, creating more depth and complexity that'll keep you coming back till the credits roll, and perhaps even beyond.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a strong reimagining of a horror classic, smartly expanding on both combat and exploration from the original in clever ways. Despite such a strong and positive change in the fundamentals of the game, the locked and stuttering 30fps mode on consoles is a baffling choice for an otherwise stellar remake. Even so, this is Fatal Frame at its best and well worth any self-respecting horror fan's time.
Defiance Remastered makes earnest effort to present Defiance in the best light it could possibly be in, while also catering to both side of the often-divided remaster camp. The original experience as it was originally shown is still here, but those who want something a bit more tweaked will appreciate the little mod cons that the remaster provides. For that, it’s praises are worth singing. this is easily the best version of Legacy of Kain: Defiance that you can play. Warts and all.
Despite not overhauling the companion-led gameplay at the core of Planet of Lana, this sequel does a tremendous job at expanding its universe, giving greater depth to its characters, and delivering another gorgeous, cinematic adventure that tugs at the heartstrings.
Simply put, Pokémon Pokopia is one of Pokémon's best spin-offs yet. It effortlessly combines the charm of Animal Crossing and Minecraft while imbuing the end result with all the best elements of monster catching. Regardless of whether you're a fan of Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Dragon Quest Builders, or are just looking to jump into something new, Pokopia will hook you in and keep you coming back for weeks.
Resident Evil Requiem is inarguably a brilliant game with an awkward identity. At its best, especially as Grace, it nails the dense, atmospheric survival horror experience that defined the series, pairing smart level design with tense decision-making and combat that feels weighty and brutal. But as the story shifts the focus to Leon and pivots towards action, it becomes a weaker echo of Resident Evil 4. Ultimately, while Resident Evil Requiem is a blast from beginning to end, it also can't decide what it wants to be, and that is bound to be divisive.
High on Life 2, which is both helped along and hindered by the double-edged sword that is its new skateboarding mechanic, is a big, boisterous, and profoundly vulgar video game. Like the original, it’s another for the Adult Swim crowd, delivering the same boorish brand of humour as before. Luckily, I am that crowd and laughed plenty, while finding great joy in the game’s irrepressible need to move from gag to gag, and from moment-to-moment, while never being able to predict what it’d throw at me next.
Romeo Is A Dead Man is a strong adventure filled with great and kooky action. And while it has some rough edges, especially with its performance, it makes up for that with a whole lot of heart. The result is a game that’s entertaining from beginning to end, if not a little nonsensical.
