Damn. Mouthwashing is a harrowing triumph of psychological horror, blending PS1-inspired visuals with an unnervingly muffled soundscape over its 2-3 hour playtime. Its non-linear narrative masterfully reveals layers of dread, humanity, and despair. A haunting, unforgettable existential exploration of responsibility and guilt through the darkest corners of the soul.

[Early access] Path of Exile 2 is a bold next step for the ARPG genre. With intricate - at times overwhelming - buildcrafting, refined combat, and a robust, creative endgame, it’s a rich, engrossing experience. Classes feel well defined, more deliberate combat is rewarding, and its dark atmosphere, boss fights and drive for one-more-map keep you hooked. It’s going to be great to watch this develop toward full release.

You’ll know if you’ll like Ballionaire immediately, and if you’re anything like me, be hooked shortly thereafter. The premise is simple: pachinko roguelite. But the eventually chaotic, physics-based design rewards experimentation and creativity, letting you craft overpowered ‘builds’. It’s easy to pick up but brimming with depth, and almost exploitatively satisfying.

Balatro isn’t just a great game - it’s a revelation. Its inventiveness and razor-sharp design all but set a new standard. With perfectly balanced mechanics and inspired, creative decisions, every moment feels deliberate, rewarding, extraordinary. A true masterpiece. Even in a year with lots of great releases, an easy pick for game of the year.

2024 was a year of transformation. It brought incredible creativity, resilience, and collaboration to gaming, as the industry continued to grapple with ongoing challenges like layoffs, ethical debates over AI, and the increasing struggle for smaller titles to stand out. Celebrating the outstanding work of countless talented teams and individuals, these are my favourite games of the year. Order is alphabetical, excludes early access.

Amongst all the trailers and announcements, Astro Bot triumphed over the awards themselves, taking home Game of the Year and three additional honours, including Best Game Direction. Balatro had three wins, while Metaphor: ReFantazio and HELLDIVERS 2 also scored multiple.

Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is a new sci-fi game for PS5. Play as Jordan A. Mun, a bounty hunter stranded on Sempiria, a planet isolated for centuries. Featuring a score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “survive and attempt the first escape in over 600 years”. Looks super cool.

Borderlands 4 brings the series to the planet Kairos, featuring four new Vault Hunters, co-op for up to four players, the series’ signature looter-shooter gameplay and wAcKinEsS. Coming in 2025.

The Outer Worlds 2 has been announced via gameplay trailer. Explore a new colony, team up with a fresh crew, and get set for adventure. Launching in 2025.

Fumito Ueda (Ico, Shadow of the Colossus) has revealed his next project, codename Project Robot! Backed by Epic Games, but other details are scarce - judging by the trailer, we can expect his signature style of mystery and awe.