Psychonauts 2
Level design and narrative mesh together in this longawaited sequel. Bounce around vibrant, ever-creative platform worlds inside other peoples’ minds as you help them conquer trauma – and save the world. Ever-warm, the script is one of the funniest around.
Nier Automata
Few games require immediate replaying, but this demands it. The twisty-turny story reveals more just when you think you’re done, and the android combat as you explore is top-notch thanks to PlatinumGames’ expertise in creating character action titles.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
A space opera in game form. Explore the galaxy as you try to stop a universe-wide threat, building a team of the best as you go. The adventures are better than ever in this smoothed-over version. A fan of science-fiction sagas? You owe it to yourself to have one of your own.
Days Gone
On the surface this seems to be a step backwards: a testosterone-fuelled Freaker-killing adventure, one man and his bike versus the apocalypse. Slowly you realise Bend Studio’s playing with you, and everything’s flipped on its head – while the action’s excellent throughout.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
JRPGs don’t get more classic-feeling than this, but DQ embraces its traditional qualities, giving its turn-based fights and Toriyama-designed visuals a modern overhaul. This is an adventure that’ll stick with you.
Dishonored 2
The follow-up to a PS3 great, mixing a creative skillset with impressive level design to create a Kaldwin-ning immersive sim. From the shifting rooms of The Clockwork Mansion to learning to link your powers, there’s so much scope for experimenting.
Alien: Isolation
Explore Ridley Scott’s original vision of a horrifying future in startling fidelity, as this game recreates the tension with an attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. It’s time to remember what made the xenomorph so scary… and then get killed by it.
Shadow Of The Colossus
Bluepoint completely overhauls the visuals of Team Ico’s masterpiece but still manages to match the original step-for-step in its remake. New controls and a beautiful photo mode add to the package. Wander’s tragic quest has never looked or played better.
Tekken 7: Definitive Edition
The title for best fighter on PS4 is fiercely fought over, but for our prize money King remains the, er, king. Easy to pick up, with plenty of depth, few fighters feel quite as crunchy as this. With all DLC characters now released, from Noctis to Negan, it’s time to get sweaty.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
The mobster fantasy comes to life in this full-on remake. What was once stiff now drips period atmosphere, and while the open world is still mostly set dressing, it delivers a rollicking and affecting crime story. Any limitations almost feel refreshing in retrospect.