Arkham Knight is certainly a bigger, and in many ways a better game than its predecessors, but those attempts to make it ‘more badass’ do more harm than good. Even so, any frustrations I have with Arkham Knight don’t take away from the fact that I was unable to stop playing for four days straight, frequently in awe. It’s a stunning achievement in many ways, a game of ridiculous polish and obvious effort, and its best moments are good enough to make the worst moments worth bearing.

In a world of 200 hour RPG epics, it’s nice to have something so focused on a core experience. There’s depth here for those seeking it, or you can just make visitors cringe by showing them all the bone-breakers and finishers. Look, Nanna, this guy gets his spine ripped out through his mouth.

It’s better on the Wii, but Xenoblade Chronicles is still a top-notch JRPG.

Stunningly beautiful visuals, a wonderfully grounded score, and effortlessly graceful controls make Ori a must-have for anyone looking for the new exemplar of ability-gated platforming.

Get it for the Final Fantasy XV demo, stay for the surprisingly deep and enjoyable campaign.

Mario Party 10 holds few surprises, but still offers great moments if you spread them out enough.

Bloodborne is intricate, deep, rewarding and terrifying all at the same time.

A very hard experience to swallow for a modern player. [Issue#257, p.79]

Monument Valley continues to be wonderful. [Issue#257, p.79]

If "Lovecraft inspired" immediately excites you, this is definitely worth a look. [Issue#257, p.79]

If you plug time in and start to unlock stuff it's a fun way to pass the time, although it can also be very frustrating when it's not giving you what you need to progress. [Issue#257, p.78]

An extremely esoteric game, but discovering every single thing it offers doesn't really matter. [Issue#257, p.78]

A very cool puzzle game, but one that relies a little too heavily on the inherent brilliance of its concept. [Issue#257, p.77]

Wave Wave's entire aesthetic is basically Super Hexagon, and it's gameplay is similarly inspired by it. [Issue#257, p.76]

As it grows more complicated it also becomes more satisfying. [Issue#257, p.76]

Not many games can claim to be "edifying." I think this one can. [Issue#257, p.75]

Telltale's take on normal people trying to be Vault Hunters is off to a great start. [Issue#257, p.74]

Super fun on your own, but needs more freedom in co-op. [Issue#257, p.72]

Great strategic action, made better by the addition of an open campaign. Some tutorials would have been nice. [Issue#257, p.71]

It's a fine sequel but plays it a little too safe for our liking. [Issue#257, p.70]

The main characters are somewhat derivative, but the narrative is thrilling. [Issue#257, p.68]

Well at least it's better than ACIII. [Issue#257, p.66]

Not without its flaws, Particulars is still a fine example of the amazing Australian indie scene. [Issue#257, p.62]

It's everything I wanted it to be, and Melee's true successor. [Issue#257, p.60]

So THIS is why these games are so popular. [Issue#257, p.58]

Probably the best next gen exclusive we've seen so far. It's not perfect but a great return to form for Insomniac. [Issue#257, p.56]

Utterly broken right now, but the central appeal of four Halos on one disc is irresistible. [Issue#257, p.54]

Best Dragon Age so far, hands down. Pity about the naff writing. [Issue#257, p.51]