In spite of lower physical launch sales, it is the fifth-biggest physical launch of the UK this year so far, coming in behind The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Hogwarts Legacy, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Resident Evil 4. 

Another new launch debuting high in the charts is Sonic Origins Plus, which comes in at No. 3. It saw 52% of its sales on the Nintendo Switch, 29% on PS5, 11% on Xbox Series X, and 9% on PS4. Meanwhile, fellow new releases like Aliens: Dark Descent and Crash Team Rumble have failed to break into the top 10, debuting at No. 11 and No. 15 respectively. 

You can check out the full top 10 for the week ending June 24 below. 

Perhaps the biggest addition is Amy Rose being playable in the base collection, and she even has a super-powered form like Super Sonic. Knuckles is also playable in Sonic CD, which should change the gameplay for hardcore fans.

Sonic Origins Plus retails for $39.99 and also includes all previously released DLC for the base game. Those who already own it can purchase the Plus Expansion Pack for $9.99 as an upgrade, which bundles the new content with previous DLC. For more details on the enhanced version, check out our official review.

Those hoping for a brand-new side-scrolling Sonic title should look into Sonic Superstars, which launches this Fall. Expect more details on the next Sonic Central, which airs at 8 AM PT on June 23rd.

But as Sonic Mania proved, the powerful little hedgehog fits right at home in the 16-bit format. His side-scrolling, platforming ways in the 2D space are an unshakeable formula that will keep fans coming back for more every time. In 2022, the original adventures of Sonic and his pals were shipped to gamers as the Sonic Origins package. Now, you can retrieve the Plus expansion or buy the base game and the expansion in one complete entry entitled Sonic Origins Plus.

"When playing these games in the new Anniversary Mode, you might be thrilled to find that the display has been modernized with a 16:9 aspect ratio."

If you’re new to Sonic Origins, there are a few things you should know about the updates to Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic CD, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic 3 & Knuckles. When playing these games in the new Anniversary Mode, you might be thrilled to find that the display has been modernized with a 16:9 aspect ratio. You don’t have to select options to stretch the picture to fit your screen or have those tacky side bars boxing in an old 4:3 display. Furthermore, the games are infinitely more accessible in this mode. Limits in both time constraints and the number of lives you have until a game over have been removed. So, if you played these games in their heyday and never completed them due to the grueling difficulty of classic platformers, now is your chance.

However, if you are truly longing for the Sonic of yesteryear, then you can play the Classic Modes of each of these titles which restores the time and life limits as well as the 4:3 aspect ratio while maintaining the remastered video and audio elements.

What Sonic Origins proves, and what was already stated in GamingBolt’s review of the base release in 2022, is that there is a timeless quality to these original games. The 8-bit and 16-bit eras are now considered artistic choices in the modern age. It’s a style all on its own, not simply a game development limitation of a bygone era. And complimenting the vibrant and colorful pixel art are deep and complex level designs throughout each experience that will keep you coming back to perfect your run toward the end goal. The Anniversary Mode’s removal of the “game over” limitations even allows for endless exploration in these extremely vertical and layered gauntlets.

To add icing on the cake, the Sonic Origins base game includes a host of content that might give you a reason to play and replay each of the games. As you earn coins (similar to earning lives in the original), you keep these rewards outside of each adventure to spend toward unlocking art, behind-the-scenes videos, music, and more. Everything from classic box art to comic book covers can be unlocked for the die-hard Sonic fan.

"Let’s be honest here, just because we’re getting 12 games from a 3-decade-old catalog, that doesn’t mean these are all heavy-hitting must-play classics."

The Plus addition to this collection only expands the classic Sonic pantheon of games from the ‘90s. Now, fans can experience 12 Sonic games that were exclusive to the Sega Game Gear – you know, that enormous black brick some of us carried around as kids to get our Sega fix on the go. You can now play games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog Triple Trouble, Sonic Blast, Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine, and so much more originally exclusive to the Game Gear handheld now on a modern platform. It’s a wealth of content for the most ardent fans to dig into. But let’s be honest here, just because we’re getting 12 games from a 3-decade-old catalog, that doesn’t mean these are all heavy-hitting must-play classics.

It’s quite the contrary, in fact, as many of these games were considered stinkers even at the time of their release. Sonic Drift and Sonic Drift 2 were originally only released in Japan. They were later included in other Sonic entries as unlockable bonuses. Yet, with bland and uninspired gameplay., they’re painful reminders that the magic of Super Mario Kart can’t be easily replicated. Sonic Labyrinth is an isometric slog that ditches platforming in favor of puzzles and random pinball elements. In the story, Sonic is quite literally stripped of his most thrilling feature: his speed. With action-oriented gameplay featuring puzzles and pinball elements, this mish-mosh was and still is a complete disaster.

Of course, among the selection of Game Gear offerings, there are a few would-be gems including Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Sonic Chaos. The first two, while sharing the same title as its counterparts, do not share the same levels and challenges. All three are typical platforming romps of their era with an intense difficulty spike that is thankfully aided by the addition of save states. Lives aren’t unlimited, but save states will grant you all the retries in the games’ toughest spots enabling you to push through. Even though titles like these were hits for the time, they are dumped in this Plus expansion in their original form with no modern comforts added. As such, they are a bit rough around the edges compared to modern Sonic entries, including the stellar quartet of Sonic games in the original Origins release. Most will likely access some of these games for mere moments if only to behold the nostalgia of the sights and sounds before quickly returning to the main menu for the vastly more enjoyable and engaging remastered titles or a different game entirely.

"Most will likely access some of these games for mere moments if only to behold the nostalgia of the sights and sounds before quickly returning to the main menu for the vastly more enjoyable and engaging remastered titles or a different game entirely."

The Plus expansion also makes Amy Rose a playable character in the Origins remastered trilogy and Sonic CD. Her addition might offer some a reason to entertain additional playthroughs of these games utilizing her special hammer ability. Furthermore, Knuckles is also playable on Sonic CD. The daring echidna’s glide and climbing capabilities might lower the difficulty a tad by enabling players to cruise over obstacles with ease. If you find yourself struggling in any of the four primary offerings in Origins package, jump on the Knuckles train.

When all is said and done, however, the Plus expansion doesn’t offer much for the average fan. Adding 12 Game Gear games might seem like a fairly solid number, but there’s little reason to even approach much of what’s provided in this listing. Whether it’s the simple fact that these titles were never any good to begin with or have simply aged poorly, they leave little room for a lasting Sonic experience with modern players. Though, it seems like this all-in-one release is an attempt on Sega’s part to offer a more complete package for the die-hard fans. If you fall into this category and don’t mind the Game Gear catalog, warts and all, this collection was put together with you in mind.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is the first mainline sequel in the series since 2016 and the first in a long time without producer Yoshinori Ono at the helm. It returns to its roots of fighting on the streets but also introduces new combat mechanics like the Drive System for unique parries, reversals, dashes, and stronger versions of Special Moves called Overdrives. There are 18 fighters available at launch, from veterans like Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Dee Jay to newcomers like Marisa, Manon, JP and Jamie, with a wide range of play styles.

Fighting Ground is where you’ll find Arcade Mode for each character, Extreme Battle for zany fights with unique gimmicks, Training and 1v1 battles, and online matchmaking for Ranked and Unranked fights. Battle Hub is where the real online competition is, with players meeting up in a virtual arcade to duke it out for supremacy (with rollback netcode and crossplay supported). You can also take a break and partake in retro titles like Street Fighter 2.

Single-player fans have World Tour, where you create a custom fighter and explore environments like Metro City from Final Fight, challenging everyone and becoming stronger. You encounter characters like Luke and Chun-Li who can act as masters, participate in mini-games like breaking boards, and customize your character with sweet cosmetics. Of course, there are other cool features like Real-Time Commentary, which provides simulated commentary from a range of professionals like Steve “TastySteve” Scott, James “jchensor” Chen, Thea Trinidad, and much more.

Street Fighter 6 releases on June 2nd for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Whether it becomes a massive success or not, it’s looking much better than its predecessor did at launch.

We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie

MONKEYCRAFT of Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series and Katamari Damacy REROLL fame is back with a remaster of We Love Katamari. REROLL retains the same gameplay loop that fans know and love. You have a Katamari and can roll it around on things to gather them up, thus making it bigger. The Katamari has to be the same size as other objects to roll them up, so there’s some strategy required to grab everything.

Royal Reverie is the new content with players controlling the Great King in his youth as he undergoes the same Katamari rolling to become worthy of the throne. This results in five new challenges, which should test the skills of long-time players. Put all this together with some sleek-looking visuals. We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is out on June 2nd for PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Diablo 4

Diablo 3 launched in 2012 and went on to sell over 30 million copies by 2015, yet it took this long to get a sequel. Nevertheless, Diablo 4 is nearly upon us and features yet another world-ending threat. As the Wanderer, you’re…wandering around and seeing all this evil business before taking it upon yourself to stop it. After all, who can say no to sweet loot?

With five classes, each with unique skills, play styles and specializations, there are several ways to customize your monster killer. Despite a more visceral, macabre story rife with suffering, Blizzard won’t overtly restrict you. The five regions are mostly free to explore with side quests, World Events, World Bosses, Whispers of the Dead, PvP via the Fields of Torment, +100 Dungeons, Strongholds, and much more to conquer with tons of loot to collect and Aspects to draw on.

Of course, post-story, you get to the real meat – the end game. You’ll progress through World Tiers, add affixes to Dungeons to turn them into Nightmare Dungeons for more rewards, encounter Helltides, complete Capstone Dungeons, fill in Paragon Boards, collect Uniques, and much more to chase on the path to power. If you brave all that and somehow hit max level, a pinnacle boss awaits at the end. And hey, if that’s not enough incentive, Blizzard is begging you to buy the game in their latest live-action launch trailer. Why not do ’em a solid for $70?

Diablo 4 is out on June 6th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5 and PC, with Deluxe and Ultimate Edition owners gaining access on June 2nd.

Layers of Fear

Previously called Layers of Fears and now known as, uh, Layers of Fear, this follow-up from Bloober Team and Anshar Studio remakes the first two games and the Inheritance DLC in Unreal Engine 5. It means prettier-looking visuals with more impressive fire effects, particles, textures and lighting. Some new mechanics have also been added, like the oil lamp for burning away ink splotches and fighting off the Artist’s wife in the first game.

The main appeal is the new content surrounding the mysterious Lighthouse and The Final Note DLC. The former sees players controlling the Writer, who is holed up inside the lighthouse and discovers aspects of the other Layers of Fear stories. The Final Note takes place from the perspective of the Artist’s wife and gives some more context to their relationship.

Layers of Fear seeks to link all these stories together with ray tracing, 4K and HDR support. It’s out on June 15th for PC, Xbox Series X/S and PS5, and probably worth checking out for those who didn’t play the original games.

Aliens: Dark Descent

The quality of games based on the Aliens franchise is hit or miss post-Isolation, but Aliens: Dark Descent looks promising. Releasing on June 20th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, it focuses on a Colonial Marine squad which crashlands on the backwaters planet Lethe and quickly finds it swarming with Xenomorphs. As the commander, you lead a Marine squad through various locations, purging enemies throughout. It’s a tactical squad-based strategy title where you issue commands to units in real-time.

There are five classes of Marines with different weapons, specializations and abilities to customize them with, and each level offers various paths. They’re also persistent, so any motion trackers and shortcuts unlocked will carry over when you return. However, the Xenomorphs will adapt to your strategies eventually.

Keeping your squad healthy and sane while managing resources is key. If any of them fall, you’ll need to train replacements since death is permanent. With various tactics and enemies to encounter, Aliens: Dark Descent looks like a tense but fun action strategy experience while maintaining the scary atmosphere of the movies.

Crash Team Rumble

You’ve seen Crash and friends in kart racers and platformers, but what about a 4v4 multiplayer game with MOBA elements? Not the most enticing proposition, but Crash Team Rumble does have a lot going for it. It’s developed by Toys for Bob of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time! fame. Along with the titular bandicoot and his sister Coco, you can play as his arch-nemesis Neo Cortex, an alternate-universe Tawna, and Dingodile, among others.

The objective of each match is to gather Wumpa fruit and deposit it in your goal. The opposing team will try to stop you, though. Each character has unique abilities and roles, with Scorers gathering the fruits, Blockers attempting to stop them and Boosters activating Gem Pads for powerful assists. There’s a decent amount of strategy involved, but platforming and understanding each map is the key to success.

Crash Team Rumble launches on June 20th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC, with crossplay support. Though it has post-launch seasons and battle passes, you earn heroes and their abilities by completing in-game challenges.

Final Fantasy 16

Square Enix’s next mainline Final Fantasy, and perhaps its biggest single-player game, was first announced in September 2021. However, it’s been in the works for longer, starting with its concept in 2015. Final Fantasy 16 is darker and more brutal than its predecessors, taking place in Valisthea, with six nations battling over the Crystals. Many of them have Dominants on their side who command powerful Eikons like Titan, Ramuh, Bahamut and much more.

The story focuses on Clive Rosfield, who becomes a Branded after the invasion of his home in Rosalith. With the power of Ifrit, he’s somehow capable of harnessing the power of other Eikons, adding their abilities to his repertoire. Final Fantasy 16’s combat is fully real-time with hack-and-slash mechanics, dodging and combos to chain in various insane ways. Only Clive is playable, with party members coming and going depending on the story.

By exploring the massive world, divided into four large zones, Clive seeks to defy his fate and comes into conflict with the other Dominants. Thus far, Final Fantasy 16 has looked very impressive with its visuals, enemy design, combat and presentation (which includes over 11 hours of cinematics). With a hefty campaign and side content, not to mention New Game+ and end-game challenges, it promises to be a brave new beginning for the franchise when it releases on June 22nd for PS5.

Fans won’t have to wait too long to get their hands on it since a demo goes live roughly two weeks prior, with progress carrying over.

Sonic Origins Plus

Sonic Origins may have turned heads due to its convoluted chart of pre-orders and price, but Sonic Origins Plus may be a more worthwhile proposition. It features the base game with Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2, Sonic 3 and Knuckles and Sonic CD. You also get all the previously released DLC content like Mirror Mode, Extreme Missions, backgrounds, music and new character animations.

The Plus Pack is new and adds 12 Sonic games from the Game Gear era, including Sonic Drift 2, Tails’ Adventure, Sonic Triple Trouble, Sonic Labyrinth, Sonic Blast and more. Granted, not all of them are the best, but there is some nostalgia value. Also, you can play Amy Rose in all of the base titles or control Knuckles in Sonic CD. Sonic Origins Plus launches on June 23rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch

Trepang2

Do you miss the days of F.E.A.R. with its slow-mo kills and fast-paced action? Trepang2, from the appropriately named Trepang Studios, may feel that niche. As an amnesiac soldier on the run, you have powerful abilities to assist in mowing down hordes of foes. Slow-mo, like in F.E.A.R., lets you quickly empty a clip for massive damage, but you can also turn invisible and snap necks, slide, take an enemy hostage, throw them or just kick them in the face.

It’s over-the-top and more than a bit ridiculous (like the reloading animation for when you’re wielding dual shotguns), but that makes it fun. Trepang2 releases on June 21st, exclusively for PC.

Amnesia: The Bunker

Frictional Games’ latest survival horror title in the Amnesia series is taking a semi-open world, sandbox approach. Set in an abandoned bunker during World War 1, Amnesia: The Bunker sees Henri Clément, a French soldier, trying to escape. It’s easier said than done when the darkness is overwhelming, a vicious monster is on the prowl, and he only has a revolver with one bullet.

Exploring the environment and scavenging resources while evading hazards and the monster forms the main gameplay loop. The sandbox approach means multiple solutions to different problems. However, the monster also constantly adapts to your actions. Every death and respawn sees the world randomized, which means you’ll need to stay on your toes to survive. Solving questions like how you ended up in the bunker and where your allies have gone is also paramount.

Amnesia: The Bunker has suffered several delays since its initial announcement, but seems to be on track for its release on June 6th on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Here’s hoping it reignites interest in the franchise while delivering a terrifying narrative.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

The underrated Capcom adventure finally comes to contemporary platforms. Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective launches on June 30th for Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch, and sees Sissel, a recently deceased individual turned ghost, trying to find his killer. He only has a few hours to do so but can possess objects for puzzle-solving and go back in time.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective was renowned for its aesthetics, soundtrack and unorthodox mechanics. The remaster packs some new musical arrangements (though you can always switch back to the original tracks) and a brand-new track. You can also check out artwork in the Collection tab, play the Ghost Puzzles from the iOS version and complete new challenges. All this is in gorgeous new HD visuals with a revamped interface and higher frame rates.

Dordogne

Developed by UN JE NE SAIS QUOI (French for a pleasing indescribable quality) and UMANIMATIon, Dordogne is a narrative adventure focused on Mimi. In the past, she explores the area of Dordogne, which is rendered in gorgeous hand-painted watercolors, to remember the times spent with her late grandmother.

There are photos to collect, a journal to maintain and much more as Mimi explores caves, kayaks and ventures into forests. It affects Mimi in the present, as she solves puzzles her grandmother left behind. Dordogne promises to be “a heart-warming narrative experience” when it launches on June 13th. It’s coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

F1 23

After last year’s overly safe entry, F1 23 is doing things differently by…bringing back Braking Point (but with a “2” at the end). The gameplay sees changes, with F1 2014’s Red Flags returning, new vehicle physics, the option for a 35 percent race distance, and the arrival of F1 World.

F1 World features daily and weekly challenges with a seasonal cadence, and players can unlock new cosmetics and liveries for customization. As you advance through the ranks, your Tech Level improves, lending more parts and upgrades for Team Members to your car and unlocking even more events. Since it links all the modes, a new Safety Rating system is in place to match players who focus on clean driving.

There’s more to look forward to, including two new tracks, the return of classic tracks and Precision Drive tech for more responsive racing via a controller. F1 23 is out on June 16th for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Thankfully, it supports Dual Entitlement, so buying the game on one generation of console grants ownership to the other.

Park Beyond

If you’ve been craving a new theme park simulator, Tropico 6 developer Limbic Entertainment has you covered with Park Beyond. As the Visioneer, it’s your job to design and manage amusement parks, create and research rides, terraform the environment, place shops and appeal to your visitors in various ways. Everything is customizable, with thousands of props available to mess around with.

There’s a Campaign Mode where you team up with Cloudstormer and face Hemlock in a war of the parks. However, you can also unwind in Sandbox Mode and build to your heart’s content (or make things much more difficult). Whether it excels over classics like Rollercoaster Tycoon or not, Park Beyond does look pretty appealing. It launches on June 16th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.

Crime O’Clock

A hidden object game with a twist, Crime O’Clock is about exploring the maps of multiple eras and preventing crimes like hacking, theft and murder. You’ll take in the machines of the Steam Age, venture underwater to the Atlantean Age, explore beautiful Milan in the Information Age, and even venture to the cyberpunk future in the Aeon Age.

There are markers to investigate, and you’ll have to find clues to piece everything together and find success. However, this isn’t the end, as maps can change and new cases open up. While these crimes are happening in isolation, there’s a common link throughout the eras – it’s your job to find it. EVE, an AI, will accompany you as you hold sessions to deduce clues and solve puzzles.

Crime O’Clock releases on June 30th for PC and Nintendo Switch.