Velocity 2X

Velocity 2X successfully builds upon the speed of the original with its awesome new side-scrolling sections.

Velocity balances platforming and shoot-em-ups as well as modern aesthetics and retro play to create a nearly perfect action experience

Despite the game's dipped-nose poise, its obsession with speed and clocks, it rewards those who take their time, who perfect their technique on each stage, and who savour an arcade game that's been lovingly embellished and expanded to its full and likely final potential.

Velocity 2X could have taken the easy route, sticking with proven mechanics for a predictable sequel. Instead, it makes a big bet, adding on-foot gameplay to already-sharp ship gameplay and the entire game is so much stronger for it.

By turns breathless, brilliant and fist-chewingly demanding, Velocity 2X might allow its tempo to drop too often, but it approaches excellence often enough to recommend - you might just fall in love.

A glance at screenshots fails to tell the story; this genre-bending and innovative title is enormously fun

Flows confidently between shooter, puzzler and platformer, never runs out of ideas, and challenges both your mind and your reflexes. Oh, and it looks and sounds gorgeous.

Velocity 2X is everything that a game should be. Requiring skill and dedication, it's been built for core gamers ready to challenge themselves; for people who desperately miss the likes of Contra and R-Type. Don't be fooled, though, this isn't a throwback or even a celebration – this is a modern game done right, and the new standard for which indies have to aim on PlayStation.

In an age where indie titles are becoming increasingly more reliant on procedural generation to do all the heavy lifting, it can be immensely satisfying to play a game that is tailor made for one specific experience. Velocity 2X excels in this regard, offering up an immaculately designed, endlessly replayable arcade experience that shows just how engaging twitch gameplay can be. We would give Velocity 2X a high recommendation, especially to anybody who's looking for a great pick up and play arcade game for their Switch; this is one you definitely don't want to miss out on.

Velocity 2X isn't just one of the best games of the year, it might just be the best downloadable title available on the PlayStation 4.