Mixtape is an adventure specifically for those of us who grew up in the angsty 90s. For those players, the top-tier soundtrack selection and unpacking themes you may have been avoiding for a few decades is going to hit very hard. For others, the rose-tinted glasses and hammy dialogue may feel distant or indulgent. Just like an actual mixtape someone makes for you, not every track lands. But it’s so clearly made with love, and the tracks that do will stay with you long after it’s over.

Wax Heads makes you feel like you are part of this safe, wholesome, creative world of Repeater Records, surrounded by alternative and queer folk who just want to keep rockin’ as long as they can. Finding records for people is fun, but also challenging, so you’ll have to not only scour Repeater’s records, but watch cutscenes, search through your apps, and pay attention to the customer’s vibe. For someone who grew up in 90s indie record stores, longing to hear something that would change my teen life, Wax Heads really cultivates an atmosphere of curiosity, love and respect for musical communities, and how much better music is when it involves human connection.

Gambonanza isn’t as feature-rich or varied as it could be, but it remains hypnotically compelling all the same. Whether you’re a champion chess player or don’t know your Rooks from your Pawns, Gambonanza’s short, sharp matches and varied Gambit mechanics are engagingly addictive, and are worth checking out for any roguelike fan.

inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories is a delightful, bite-sized exploration of finding beauty in the mundane and the importance of being kind. The setting feels intimate, like an episode from a slice-of-life anime. While the cast of characters is small, they are each equally as enjoyable to get to know, and their stories feel real and relatable. The simple gameplay style is satisfying, and the small touches, such as sticky notes from the day shift commending the work done on the night shift, brought a whole world of unseen characters to life.

Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is a heartfelt adventure that understands the magic of its storybook world. Jansson’s childhood series is rendered with such love and care that I quickly fell in love with the Moominverse. Hyper Games has very clearly treated the source material with great care and respect, creating an experience that feels made for longtime fans while also remaining warm and welcoming to newcomers. While the gameplay can feel repetitive at times and the firewood grind did sour my experience, it was still good to explore the snow-covered Moominvalley as the adorable Moomintroll to experience a winter that would send any Australian into shock.

SAROS delivers Housemarque’s best-in-class gameplay, backed by a genuinely intriguing narrative and a unique world. But it’s lacking polish, with performance and optimisation issues that are impossible to ignore for a game so reliant on precision. Arjun’s story truly gets its hooks into you and refuses to let go, but it’s difficult to give glowing praise in its current state. As it stands, SAROS is an excellent game that’s being held back from greatness.

Titanium Court possesses the spirit of the fool and the wit and insight to match. It is a joy of a game to clown around in – a hilarious, richly designed and ingeniously made roguelike that also gleefully points the finger back at us through the screen, daring us to prove that we don’t enjoy running around in circles for its own (and our) amusement. If it pleases the queen, this is a play of a game that deserves front row tickets.

Dosa Divas is another concise and wonderful RPG from Outerloop Games that may be simplistic, but in turn offers adventurous storytelling and themes. With a diverse cast of characters with strong voice acting, emotional beats that hit and a love of all things food and South Asian culture, it’s an incredibly impactful and resonant experience that is a damn great jaunt for the genre. Filled with striking vibes, the entire adventure melts in your mouth and goes down well, lingering within your brain like that one childhood dish you just can’t get enough of. There’s good eatin’ here, folks.

OPUS: Prism Peaks is a heartfelt journey about the human condition and the importance of friends and family. While this is a slower-paced experience, focused on imagery and storytelling, every aspect felt engaging and enjoyable. The 3D anime art style and vivid colours make the landscapes really pop and become the perfect backdrop for photo taking. A real orchestral soundtrack adds a beautiful layer of depth and emotion to the already emotional story, and it’s hard not to fall in love with the charismatic cast of characters. While this style of gameplay won’t be for everyone, the story is one that will stick with players for a long time.

There is an immense amount of fun to be had in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, though much like its predecessor, it’s a game that is best absorbed in small bursts. Additions like the little quirks and pronunciation tool do so much to improve upon the original formula, and it’s great to finally see these little guys return to the forefront. I’ve missed them.

It may seem counterintuitive, but not all games live or die on gameplay. Experientially, games have evolved to be a diverse format, and often the most memorable elements are more esoteric than the raw mechanics. Rarely, however, is this the case for a shooter. But it is true for MOUSE: PI For Hire. A mechanically solid albeit mostly average FPS wrapped in a beautifully realised stylistic package with incredible commitment to the bit. MOUSE is a game that lives and dies on the charm in the art it evokes, and the references it is slavishly committed to. If you want to play a shooter that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you can do far worse.

Fishbowl will put you through an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a narrative-heavy story dealing with grief, the loss of a loved one, isolation and even depression. Fishbowl features little mini-games for you to play, as you help Alo uncover the boxes filled with memories of her grandma. The art and sound design are fantastic, and there are some moments where the characters touch on topics perceived as taboo. The game presents a lot of unique characters who help Alo grow, and who Alo can help, too. There are issues, like some gameplay elements not being explained well. But, overall, it’s a touching game that will have me thinking about it for years to come.

Though none of its individual pieces is all that original: a sci-fi setting where a tragedy has befallen a space station, a side content emphasis and a cute young companion aiding you on your journey, Pragmata is still a certifiably damn good time. Though we've seen plenty of hacking in games before, its intrinsic link within the combat makes for some juicy action-packed and tactile fights that feel satisfying to pull off. Diana, while not the deepest of characters, endears the player and is a trusty sidekick with her technological know-how that aids the protagonist's combat prowess. Less of an evolution for Capcom and more of an homage and fusion of their prior works under a new skin, Pragmata may not light the world on fire, but it is still a great success with plenty of promise should they choose to revisit its world in a sequel. A worthy space mission indeed.

Minos is another excellent and entertaining gameplay-focused experience from the underrated developer Artificer. Crafting deadly labyrinths to make waves upon waves of human meat victims feels truly devious, thanks to the diverse set of traps and creative building abilities you can experiment with. Though I don’t quite think every piece of the pie works, it’s a winning formula in the form of a well-designed roguelike experience that I can’t exactly turn my nose up at either. Besides, how many other games let you feel like your own ancient Greek version of Jigsaw, crafting mazes and escape room hellscapes of death and torture? Not bloody many.

I ended my time with People of Note with a huge smile on my face, and if you fall into the specific Venn diagram of “turn-based RPG fan” and “musical fan”, then you probably will as well. The game’s music-infused combat system and world felt incredibly engaging and cohesive, with an elaborate, very fun combat system and an assortment of puzzles that are mostly challenging but fair. If you enjoy turn-based RPGs, People of Note is delightful and nails its particular medley of genres with excellence.

A solo-developed whimsical puzzle adventure, Rhell: Warped Worlds and Troubled Times impressively amalgamates some of the best ideas in recent indie gaming and presents them in a gorgeously neo-retro package. From its witty, low-stakes writing to its diabolical open-ended puzzles, it scratches the brain just right. Some awkwardness in its movement can be forgiven when presented with the sheer freedom of experimentation its rune system and element-based world allow. A true indie gem.

Aether & Iron takes immense joy messing around in the noir decopunk playground it has constructed, and that joy is often infectious. Some polish, mechanical depth and omissions aside, Aether & Iron’s world and characters monologued their way into my heart, and the inventive tactical car combat, charming indulgence of tropes, and overall direction make for a glamorous and gold-embellished package that deserves to have its name in lights for a time.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder was a joy to play in 2023, and the Meetup in Bellabel Park expansion for Nintendo Switch 2 has only sweetened it. Even if you're only playing solo, the amazing new boss fights and extra challenges do a lot to inject additional variety and additional difficulty into the experience and make it worth a return to the Flower Kingdom. Once you have finished with those, Bellabel Park's minigame attractions are loads of fun if you have friends to play with, either in co-op or competitive play. While some of the features feel redundant, like the Co-Star Luma or greetings options, or gratuitously overpowered, like the Dual Badges, Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park remains the definitive version of one of Nintendo's best 2D platformers.

iRacing Arcade is an impressively well-made and fun little game. It features cute, shrunken-down models of real race cars, tearing around equally shrunken and cute versions of real-life tracks. The career mode features a fun world builder on the side, which has practical impacts in the form of usable perks. The gameplay is tight, and you can tell they have implemented a nibble of their physics engine in the mix as well. If anything, some additional content would have been nice, but as a snack-sized arcade racing game, this hits the mark.

Among the many great arcade racers out there, Screamer sets itself apart with its TV-worthy campaign, The Tournament, which highlights its roster of compelling characters across a tour of a futuristic urban setting. For those who just want the racing, its Arcade modes offer more than enough challenge with unique driving controls that really make you feel like you’re behind the wheel.

Crimson Desert is clearly a labour of love whose developers filled it to the brim. While many central mechanical systems work well, they are accompanied by numerous side systems that never quite earn their place in the wider world of Pywel. There is plenty to enjoy here, but you can’t help shake the feeling that if Pearl Abyss had focused on fewer systems and a more grounded narrative, Crimson Desert could have been truly special.

Pokémon Pokopia soars and excels by utilising the series’ 30-year legacy as its strength, harmoniously fusing the adorable, warm world and character design of Pokémon with the likes of other beloved life-sim titles. There’s excitement waiting around every corner as you unearth a new Pokémon at a habitat, find a weird bit of lore in the zany backstory, or show off your creative flair with a robust crafting and building system. There is never a dull moment to be found here, always offering new sights and things to do that make you feel giddy and like a kid all over again. Pokémon has got the magic juice again, and all it took was creating the most sensical fusion of games in history. I doubt this’ll be the end of the Pokopia name. It’s amazing, and a continuation would just print money. If a single spin-off can deliver such heights, I can’t help but feel hopeful that the tides are changing again for the beloved creature collector series. There’s a pulse here yet.

Timberborn has spent a long time in early access now, and all that time was clearly worth it because the game is incredibly well-crafted with only a few minor caveats. If you are looking for a city builder with a more naturalistic tone and some cute beavers to protect, this might be the one for you.

Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection expands the series’ horizons in some ways while remaining stubbornly traditional in others. Soaring across the sky on the back of my Rathalos felt amazing, and I’d love for Capcom to utilise more of the open world exploration elements in the main Monster Hunter series. While the more dramatic narrative and engaging cast of characters were appreciated, if you didn’t enjoy the largely luck-based combat in previous entries, then the fact that those elements have not been altered much won’t impress you. Capcom has delivered a compelling world to explore in Monster Hunter Stories 3, and if you can look past some of the combat system’s drawbacks, you’ll likely have a good time with it.

WWE 2K26 is still the heavyweight champion of the scene; the series does not disappoint with loads of content across multiple varied modes of play. It features the largest roster of past and present Superstars of the series, despite a handful of those sitting behind a grind. Questionable micro-transactions still exist, but the gameplay is still solid and competitive, and there are several new features that help with immersion and presentation. It’s a worthy entry to the series, even if we are not exactly reinventing the wheel.

Lost and Found Co. displays exactly what makes hidden-object games compelling. What starts as almost overwhelming density slowly, almost meditatively, becomes parsable with a bit of effort. Though the hints and juju points can cause frustration, Bit Egg Inc.’s passion still manages to shine through in every space you explore. There’s just so much care in the chaos and clutter. Even when finishing levels, I found myself lingering and still finding details I’d missed. Combined with an endearing story and a fun decorating system to spend many hours in, it all comes together in a great experience that’s hard not to enjoy.

Planet of Lana II is the sequel to Wishfully’s debut game, Planet of Lana. Like its previous title, the game continues to have outstanding visuals and an amazing score. Even then, there are some great upgrades that make this sequel that much stronger. We get more insight into Lana’s aspirations, along with Mui’s backstory. Admittedly, it’s not all perfect; Mui’s controls feel sluggish, and there’s unnecessary gameplay sandwiched between two cutscenes. With that said, there are new adorable creatures introduced that Mui can control, and the puzzles work well within the game. Sometimes sequels aren’t as good as the prequel, but this time, Planet of Lana II knocks it out of the park.

Esoteric Ebb is the videogame equivalent of the best kind of cover band – one that understands, remixes, hybridises and ultimately shows great affection for its inspirations. While its immediate and constant comparisons to Disco Elysium do often do a disservice to its narration and companionship, its writing, thoughtful reflections on chance, sense of humour and largely successful melding of D&D 5e systems with Disco Elysium’s storytelling creates a flawed but otherwise accomplished foray into a richly designed world.

Dead in Antares is beautiful in art style and sound, and delivers a resource management experience that will keep any genre fan happy. Its turn-based battles might be the weakest link in the package, but in the face of everything the game does right, it’s easy to overlook a few dragged-out battles in exchange for that feeling of satisfaction you get when every crewmember is fed, happy, and working to save humanity.

Overall, Tales of Berseria Remastered keeps the flaws of the original and struggles to justify its existence as a remaster, but those feel like nitpicks when compared to the solid core of its gameplay and narrative. While the game’s high-octane, skill-based combat system makes up for its lack of interesting dungeons and average soundtrack, Berseria’s gripping story of betrayal, revenge, and self-discovery captivates the player from beginning to end thanks to its cast of compelling, fleshed-out characters.

Resident Evil Requiem is a confident and well-crafted mix of horror and action that continues the series' modern era quality. Its back-and-forth between survival and power feels deliberate and satisfying, giving both Grace and Leon moments to shine. While a few decisions slightly dull the late-game tension, the environments, audio, and gameplay are crafted with care, making this one of the franchise's strongest and proving Resident Evil can still reinvent itself while honouring legacy.

Owl Machine have put out a hell of a debut with Key Fairy. Within is an incredibly artful and picturesque dark fantasy world where the bullet-hell of it all is turned on its head to be a deeply involved, intense and demanding combat experience… without requiring the player to take any combat actions themselves. Zipping and prancing through its equal parts whimsical and horrific environments with beasties, gnomes and wizards is a sheer delight, thanks to its deliberate hand-drawn art style and thoughtfully mapped out and interconnected universe. Playing through Key Fairy isn’t just a fairy tale in and of itself; its entire existence is just that, serving as a magical dream for the Aussie indie game space. Pray tell, might you take a step into that dream world yourself?

There’s a lot to love about Demon Tides. Maybe it takes some time for the uninitiated to grasp Beebz’s moveset and, sure, it’s a little lacking in its combat department, but when you’re locked into exploring, jumping around and performing sick moves, it’s a treat. It’s so easy to enter some sort of platforming flow state when Ragnar’s Rock is built like a playground for expressive movement. Lean into the chaos, chase the schmovment, and you will absolutely get swept up in the joy of styling your way across Ragnar’s Rock as the little Beebz.

The Mermaid’s Curse may not quite be as strong as its predecessor due to a less eerie atmosphere and slower narrative burn, but it’s a quality return that’s worth celebrating nevertheless. What’s within is more textbook visual novel storytelling that plays with the idea of interactivity, delivering picturesque imagery and a real sense of unravelling every thread of a mystery. The world is a better place with fine and considered pieces of work like this getting to exist beyond one-offs. The case may be closed on more paranormal affairs once again, but I’m only hoping and praying Square Enix doesn’t keep it closed all that long.

High On Life 2 is a sequel that took the concept of the first title, scrunched it up into a little ball, threw it in the bin and said “we can do better”. It smartly does away with the over-the-top edgy humour of the first game and replaces it with genuine funny moments, witty banter and charming personality. The addition of the skateboard for movement adds a super fun dimension to the gameplay and, in turn, helps combat to feel fast-paced and exhilarating. The extensive cast of characters, both old and new, is so full of personality, and even the smallest conversations feel meaningful. High On Life 2 is a vast improvement from its predecessor in every way, injected with fun from every angle.

Playing Reanimal, everything feels grander, more abhorrent, and far more centred around creating a deeply unsettling thought experiment that will stick with you well after the credits roll. While the game itself is a short journey marred by its single-player AI companion, lacklustre combat and puzzle-solving gameplay, it is one I felt impelled to take over and over again.

Escape from Ever After discusses the harm that capitalism can have on whimsical, creative, wholesome ideas, such as fairy tales. It features a cast of adorable characters that need to work together to try to save a world that is slowly losing its magic. The combat may have been an issue, but the rest of this party RPG was super charming and exciting to explore. For those who love Paper Mario or cute RPGs, Escape from Ever After may just be your next favourite adventure.

Relooted turns a fantastic premise into a fun heist game. Putting its weaknesses in writing and plot aside, repatriating African artifacts is fun, swift and captures the emotional spikes and troughs of the heist genre nicely. Relooted also never loses sight of why these artifacts should be repatriated, treating them not as empty collectibles but instead as a way to help players understand their cultural significance and why they should be returned.

RIDE 6 is still the yardstick for motorbike racing simulation. This new entry takes all of the aspects that defined the previous title, but fleshes it out with an improved career with branching paths and challenges. Not only that, it features additional options that will make it easier for newcomers to get to grips with a game of this nature, such as the new ‘arcade’ style of play. Coupled with an improved range of rides and tonnes of tracks, for fans of RIDE 5, it definitely makes sense to move on to RIDE 6.

There’s never a dull moment with Mewgenics. This wild title surprises and delights in equal parts, never resting on its laurels or hiding amongst the crowd. It stands out from the pack for all of the right reasons, with sharp wit, attention-grabbing visual designs, and music that absolutely slaps. More than the sum of its parts, Mewgenics intelligently introduces new ideas into a cohesive package that will keep you coming back time and time again.

It’s wonderful to play Dragon Quest VII Reimagined today, knowing the importance of the original in JRPG history more than 25 years ago. It also does exactly what it says on the tin; this is a reimagining of the original, removing some parts entirely and vastly improving its pacing and story flow. Its combat is still as fun as ever, with dual vocations allowing for more experimentation, and the puppet and diorama art style pops. Purists may struggle with or question some of the bolder changes here, but this version feels like a solid entry point and is far easier to recommend than its clunky, long-winded original, even if it may feel just a little bit less epic.

Cairn is The Game Bakers’ magnum opus. The climb is filled with superb, big and small picture character writing and themes with protagonist Aava. Every facet of the game is touched with the same level of masterful care and magical design. Each crack and pore or clearing to explore in Mount Kami feels purposeful and is designed to be equal parts challenging and restful, depending on the context. With these come these moments of beauty, both scripted and unscripted, minor or major, that stick with you. Even with its obscene difficulty and harsh challenges and teachings along the way, it’s a game that’s essential food for the soul. I’m not making a mountain out of a molehill here. When we talk about games as art, Cairn is the shining example, grabbing you, taking hold of you and changing you.

Don’t Stop, Girlypop! is a unique take on a genre that has, for decades, appealed to a predominantly masculine audience. By coating everything in a thick layer of pink paint and throwing some glitter on top, Funny Fintan Softworks has taken this title from a simple movement shooter to a critique of the idea of masculinity and femininity as a whole. With easy-to-learn but challenging-to-master movement mechanics that feel as fluid and fun, plus a totally original and incredibly catchy hyperpop soundtrack, Don’t Stop, Girlypop! feels like a much-needed re-tint of a tired genre.

Recovering from the somewhat awkward middle arc chapter that was Daybreak II, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is a triumphant narrative JRPG powerhouse, significantly moving the story and world of Nihon Falcom’s beloved series forward. It’s not without its minor PC performance issues and small tonal issues, but what this entry ushers in is monumental and a masterclass in raising RPG stakes even 20 years deep into a series. Featuring rich character development and interactions, a geopolitical mystery, meaningful combat and side offering refinement that all later coalesce into a showstopping cliffhanger finale, Horizon is an incredibly unique event for the genre. I don’t know exactly where Trails is going next, but I do not doubt that myself and fellow fans will be joining them in their journey to reach for the stars.

TR-49 is a strong start to 2026 and continues an unbroken chain of extremely well-crafted packages by developer inkle. It’s smart, it’s thoughtful, and it’s filled with those investigative moments that make you feel smart just for making an educated guess. Its playtime manages to cram in a lot in a short amount of time, and is especially meaningful for today’s world, where written works can be generated — and overwritten — by machines.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Code Vein II, and fans of the first Code Vein and first-time players of the series will have a lot to look forward to in this fantastic start to Souls-likes in 2026. While the tumultuous woes of its performance and camera deeply hinder the experience, the exquisite charm of the game’s anime art style, its cast of compelling characters, deep character customisation, and a riveting story that sees you traverse the very fabric of time make this a remarkable sequel.

The Spirit Lift is a fun new take on the rouge-lite deck builder genre with plenty of additions that make it feel full of life. Getting to explore the hotel and making active choices through the terrifying journey up to the penthouse was a great way to put some more meat on the bones of the genre and give The Spirit Lift its own identity.

Big Hops is a really solid platformer that doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to make for a good time. From the incredible movement to the brilliant Veggies mechanic, exploring every new world is a constant joy. Even when levels feel lacking or simplistic, the speedy gameplay mixed with such gorgeous biomes always results in a fun time. With a bit more polish to fix some technical issues, Big Hops could end up as a hidden gem of the 3D platformer genre.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is outstanding. Douze Dixièmes have managed to nail the difficult balance between teaching players just enough while still stepping back and letting the player learn on their own in a world crafted to support them. The platforming is precise and challenging, but every obstacle is fairly designed, rewarding skill and perseverance. With a backdrop of gorgeous art, standout music and thoughtful world design, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a phenomenal example of just how good Metroidvanias can be.

Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland is a heartfelt and inventive adventure game that blends fantasy storytelling with a linguistic twist. Players step into Lemon’s shoes as he navigates a magical world where words are spells, solving puzzles and restoring lost meanings to help NPCs rediscover their identities. With emotional depth, cultural nuance, and clever mechanics rooted in real-world language, the game offers a unique experience, even if some elements feel underutilized.

Cozy Caravan is the living embodiment of the phrase “It’s all about the journey, not the destination.” It’s actively trying to do something different. Because of its uniqueness through its various in-game mechanics and progression, Cozy Caravan feels like it’s dragging itself out, but at the same time, that slowness and need of absolute patience is part of its charm as its what Cozy Caravan is trying to offer – a sweet escape away from the city and giving you the chance to explore someplace far, where everyone knows each other.

INAZUMA ELEVEN: Victory Road delivers a fun sports story about football by looking at players who walk away from football in their own ways. Showing their development and how the team comes together is genuinely interesting to see. Gameplay allows every player to shine rather than letting a few star players shine. It’s not perfect as the story takes lots of time to get started, and there’s a lot to learn. Give the game a chance, and you will have an enjoyable soccer adventure on your hands.

I can’t overstate enough that I imagine Angeline Era is what it would feel like for Nihon Falcom to return to Ys’ bumpslash combat. It is an unbelievable triumph, success and love letter to the RPGs of yesteryear. What’s within is a superb refinement on the niche ‘bumpslash’ combat, providing ample fine-tunings to make you feel well-equipped and versed in how to tackle its challenging arena gauntlets. With that comes a magical world filled with a uniquely non-linear story where you’re unearthing the path forward and discovering the potential of its universe, your very self. It is peak comfort food RPG goodness, and a must-play for the retro lover in you. Join me in the task to bump the world.

If you miss Dead Cells and are sad that its developers moved on to work on other projects, Dunjungle does a lot to fill that void. The game does plenty to satisfy fans of fast-paced roguelike platformers, with a cathartic and diverse combat and upgrade system bursting with customisation options to mix up each run. While Dunjungle won’t satisfy anyone looking for a deep narrative, its pleasing pixel art did enough to charm me. It may take a while to unlock most of its content, but once you’re past those slow early hours, Dunjungle is a load of fun and brims with variety. I had a great time with Dunjungle, and if you like roguelike platformers, you likely will as well.

Overcoming a lacklustre start to its story mode with some bugs and other minor issues, UNBEATABLE manages to become an incredibly memorable and poignant journey. Eloquently exploring themes of community and the blood, sweat and tears that come with creating art, it winds up being a stylish adventure with a lot of heart and a fantastic celebration of all things music and rhythm games. Playing it almost feels like you’re in the middle of a mosh pit, receiving blows and elbows to the face as you watch your favourite band. You’re getting knocked about, and your footing isn’t always stable and able to keep up with the noise, but damn if it isn’t some of the best and most passionate things worth living for.

Skate Story is a sensory feast of crystalline visuals, psychedelic sounds and rapturous movement. Its story may get in its own way a few too many times to be a completely propelling experience, but the audacity of its meditations on vulnerability and drive through both its premise and style nonetheless make Skate Story feel like a love letter to skateboarding as a craft. This is a very special skateboarding game that, in those moments when its style, mechanics and ideas all click into place, shines brighter than a diamond under moonlight.

Octopath Traveler 0 is a fascinatingly unique RPG, taking the skeleton of a free-to-play mobile RPG and adding enough substance through a detailed town-building feature and deep party and skill customisation to make it the most mechanically engaging Octopath Traveler game yet. While the plot isn’t the most compelling, it was good enough for me to want to see where each arc was leading. Whether you’re an Octopath Traveler fan or a series newbie, Octopath Traveler 0 manages the balancing act of being a great jumping-on point while also providing enough fan service that just about any RPG fan will have a great time with it.

ROUTINE is a frightful time on the lunar surface. While the narrative doesn’t entirely hit due to a lack of memorable characters, the sense of immersion and beautiful visuals carry the scares. ROUTINE is a game for horror aficionados who don’t mind basic gameplay and the occasional puzzle, even if some clues might be hidden slightly too well.

It’s so good to know that the long wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was worth it. Retro Studios knows what’s important to their flagship series and sticks to it, bringing us a classic Metroid adventure featuring fantastical alien worlds full of creatures to fight and upgrades to find. The combat is tight, the bosses are epic, and the Galactic Federation characters are only mildly annoying. It’s been a long time coming, but our favourite bounty hunter is back just how we remember her, and better than ever.

If you want to go on a magical misadventure in a charming, hand-drawn world about a wizard, then this is the game for you. Scrabdackle somehow pulls off having such an unserious and fun aesthetic while also having challenging boss fights that are tough but fair once you take the time to learn the mechanics. With simple controls and flexible difficulty, anyone can learn to become the master wizard Blue aspires to be in future acts to come.

As an interactive archive of gaming experiences, Simogo Legacy Collection sets a new bar for quality. Presenting a variety of fun, cleverly designed games in a gorgeously polished package, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the development team’s earliest works and piece together the DNA of their more recent masterpieces. Year Walk and Device 6 alone are well worth the price of admission – a must-play for indie game lovers.

Dispatch is a fun and visually appealing narrative adventure. Its dialogue is razor sharp, coming out of characters’ mouths that have a lot of personality and, most importantly, heart. It’s a game with characters that I enjoyed hanging out with and getting to know, with a management system that needed me to know the ins and outs of the strengths and weaknesses of each villain in my care. AdHoc have a very strong IP with Dispatch, and I hope that this is just the start for Robert Robertston and his merry group of villains, whose work turns them into the heroes they never thought they could become.

A.I.L.A is a solid horror experience with a bunch of great ideas that, unfortunately, falters towards the end as it becomes what it was designed to parody. Though the story may fall short, A.I.L.A provides a strong gameplay experience for fans across the whole horror genre. With direct references to genre classics like Layers of Fear, Silent Hill and Resident Evil, there’s something to enjoy for all.

Constance is a solid metroidvania and painterly palette cleanser. While its narrative framing left me wanting, it also imbues Constance with a detailed canvas of smart mechanical touches and stunning stylistic flourishes. It may not paint outside the lines very much, and its difficulty comes with odd peaks and troughs, but this is still an easy recommendation to genre fans.

Complex in some ways and relaxed in others, Anno 117: Pax Romana is a satisfying and creative citybuilder that is easy to spend hours on. I loved my time donning the toga of a Roman governor. While some might miss a deep combat system, I find very little to dislike about Anno 117: Pax Romana that couldn’t be fixed by switching to the PC version with the benefit of a keyboard and mouse. Maybe just wait until they’ve patched that AI art out.

Kirby Air Riders is a surprise contender for kart racer of the year. Excelling well beyond its cult predecessor, the pink blob’s latest adventure is filled with some excellent and surprisingly deep racing where your skill, expertise and management are what put you ahead of the pack. Its courses are gorgeous and intricate, City Trial is aptly chaotic, and the brand new Road Trip mode is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure filled with strategy and risk vs reward events. With a lot to see, tick off and do, along with accessibility options to refine your experience, Kirby Air Riders is crafted to be the kart racing event of the year. Eat its dust, Mario Kart World.

Demonschool gets high marks for its inventive and tightly designed combat system, but what really sets it apart from the rest of the class is how assured and cohesive its overall design and presentation are. While its attempts at variety and RPG depth come up a little short, Demonschool is nonetheless a vivid, stylistic mesh of Argento and Persona that, alongside strong writing and a fun cast, was a great companion over a semester of time. Come for fun innovations in turn-based tactic design, but stay for the humour, aesthetics and characters.

News Tower is a game that takes you back to a time when journalism was a bustling career. You will micromanage your newsroom to ensure you’re the best in all of New York, while also covering real-life stories, avoiding bankruptcy, lawsuits, and the mob. The automation system is pretty finicky, and restructuring the office might hinder your progress. Still, with enough practice and learning the kinks, you’re able to build a thriving, well-oiled machine newsroom that feels reminiscent of the good old days.

Lumines Arise takes a now-iconic formula and revamps it in a way that truly stimulates the senses. When you’re in a flow-state, headphones in, matching blocks, vibing with the gorgeous soundtrack and being mesmerised by the dazzling visuals, time simply melts away. It’s the most diverse and interesting the series has ever been, punctuated by a killer tracklist from its talented composers. Sure to be a regular puzzler to pick up in anybody’s library, there’s simply nothing else quite like Lumines Arise.

Foolish Mortals is for the 90s point-and-click kids; the kids who loved Telltale and LucasArts games, the kids who would, before the internet, call their friends and excitedly tell them they’d cracked the puzzle they’d both been stuck on. With its gorgeous backdrops, spooky vibes and a narrative filled with twists and turns, this is a point-and-click adventure that fans of the genre would be foolish to miss.

As an action game and a roguelike, Forestrike is a satisfying, if challenging, experience. By allowing the player to foresee fights and predict their foes’ next moves, it turns what would be a by-the-numbers 2D fighting game into a more thoughtful experience built around memorisation, timing and strategy. While it drags anytime you have to claw yourself back following a game over, Forestrike makes up for it with its varied combat system and appealing aesthetics. If you’re a roguelike fan or an action fan, there’s a lot to like about Forestrike, and it’s certainly worth jumping into.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is the best feeling Musou yet, with a plethora of satisfying hack and slash combat, character synergy and chaos to revel in. It’s not without its issues (namely, its narrative and content variety), but it’s worth it for the power-trip of taking on thousands of enemies and mooks with almost two dozen playable characters. It’s dazzling with its flashy combat and particles that erupt across the screen. It’s a beautiful dream of goals and refinement to chase for the completionist freaks out there, with plenty to upgrade, see and do. Crucially, it’s Hyrule Warriors, with Zelda in the limelight. Do I really need to spend any more time convincing you how much of a delight it is?

Goodnight Universe is an incredibly immersive, masterfully told, and cathartic game that left me bawling my eyes out on multiple occasions. Accompanied by a soundtrack that beautifully expresses each emotional moment, a vivid animated art style, and a mechanic that directly ties the player’s actions to what is an undeniably moving, human story about love and family, it is perhaps one of the most truly evocative experiences I’ve had playing games this year.

Bandai Namco Entertainment proves that it wasn’t just first-time luck successfully bringing back classic Tales of games. Tales of Xillia Remastered delivers a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish. And despite some of the structural faults that remain from when it was stuck on the PS3 for the last 14 years, and the new errors of overrelying on AI upscaling, it remains an excellent and faithful remaster. Newcomers and fans alike will find themselves enamoured with its engaging battle system, captivating cast of characters, and the sheer charm that it is packed with from top to bottom. What little faults there are do not hold this game back from being a great entry in the Tales Remastered Project.

David Gaider and Summerfall Studios have crafted an immersive world of humans and demons in Malys that is easy to get invested in, even if the story’s delivery could benefit from more animation or voice acting. Its unique gameplay, built around sacrificing cards to power up your hand, is intuitive and fun to play around with. While the lengthy runs and lack of meta-progression systems make getting a game over an hour into a run highly frustrating, it was never enough to deter me from further playthroughs to uncover all that Malys had to offer. If you like roguelikes, deckbuilders and/or detailed narratives, you’ll find a lot to love about Malys.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake faithfully recreates the experience of the original titles in this iconic JRPG series, polishing their roughest edges for a modern audience without losing their unique magic. From the simple compelling grind of the original Dragon Quest to its sequel’s broad character-centric adventure, both titles are lovingly realised in a colourful, vibrant art style and brushed up with a number of quality of life enhancements. While not all changes will please the most diehard fans, this is undoubtedly the definitive way to experience these classic titles.

The Lonesome Guild is one of those games that completely sneaks up on you. It’s a heartfelt journey wrapped in charming art and great writing. Even when combat drags and abilities feel underdeveloped, its sincere core shines through, doing well to make up for its shortcomings. It’s just so easy to fall in love with its characters, their backstories and the way their personalities come alive in conversations. Watching them rely on each other and tackle their feelings together felt genuinely meaningful. It’s a touching reflection on the strength found in friendship, even when things feel bleak. At the end of the day, maybe it was exactly the kind of cosy game I needed.

This sophomore entry in the science fiction series punches above its weight in crafting a wide-ranging story of adventure, choice, and consequence. With a widened scope for their satirical take on society in the space age, deep RPG systems, and a finale that hints at even grander aims for the series, it is hard not to be excited for the future of The Outer Worlds. While some minor issues hold it back, Obsidian has carefully crafted yet another RPG banger.

Minor grievances aside, Once Upon a KATAMARI is a surprise delight and the best the long-running arcade adventure series has ever been. I’m shocked that all it took to innovate the already fantastic series was some apt theming and missions that run the gamut, rolling across Ancient Egypt and the Stone Ages, but they damn well pulled it off this time. Meaningful inclusions like pickups and a higher emphasis on collectables and customisation also help to make missions require all the more strategy and replayability. The charm’s still there, as is the new soundtrack that’ll earworm its way into your heart and soul. 21 years deep into the beloved Japanese franchise that could, and I’m obsessed with rolling up cows, people, houses, skyscrapers and the universe all the same. Katamari is back, baby.

PowerWash Simulator 2 is a refinement of a modern comfort classic. Every addition, from the home base to the abseiling harness, feels thoughtfully designed to deepen the relaxation loop rather than distract. It’s bigger and cleaner, but still surprisingly heartfelt. If the first game helped us survive the chaos of 2022, this one feels perfectly timed to help us slow down again in 2025.

Ninja Gaiden 4 is a successful return to the 3D offshoot of the long-running ninja action adventure series. As is staple with the series, players are delivered challenging, tight and tense combat that requires serious strategy and skill to come out on top as you’re clashing against samurai, ninja and otherworldly beasts. Within are delightful and electric setpieces that feel hallmark for the series. Though the campaign could’ve been a bit more memorable by including a few more high-calibre moments and a better inclusion of their main hero Ryu, what’s within is still a bloody great time with high replayability as you slice, dice and rip apart your foes, bathing in their blood. Ninjas are friggin’ cool.

Battlefield 6 blasts onto the scene, writing the wrongs of the past in the legendary shooter franchise and destroying everything in its path, figuratively and literally. Its All-Out Warfare multiplayer remains an utter standout, offering modes that truly feel epic in scope and scale, with excellent gunplay and a bunch of well-balanced, visually appealing maps. While its single-player offering is a bit of a yawn, Battlefield 6 still manages to offer the most exhilarating multiplayer shooter experience on the market; a fantastic, bombastic sequel that confidently delivers on its many promises for those who like to break stuff.

Whether intentionally or not, Keeper feels like a quiet rebuke to the current games industry and its devaluing of human craft. A towering testament to the joyous, creative and novel search for meaning that games can elicit with a subtle focus on the hands that craft such worlds. Keeper’s surreal journey through abstraction and connection is a wondrous trip through a lighthouse’s looking glass.

BALL x PIT is a fun blend of old-school brick breaker and shoot ’em up games. Its creative ball fusions and frantic gameplay will sell you, but the variety will keep you engaged. It’s still a roguelite with some occasionally exhausting moments and very challenging bosses, but it’s ultimately inventive and full of personality.

The new and improved Yooka-Re-Playlee takes cues from other modern platform games like Mario Odyssey, successfully turning a janky and awkwardly designed platformer into a bingeable collectathon that feels more packed with platforming challenges. A full overhaul to the graphics, controls, and UI modernises Yooka-Laylee and makes it appealing to more than just classic Rareware fans, but it comes at the expense of the game’s identity as a spiritual successor to Banjo Kazooie, something that was so central to the game’s original pitch. However, taken as it is, this remake transforms Yooka-Laylee into, if not a masterpiece, at least much less of a mixed bag.

A retro-70s recontextualisation works wonders in Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile, adding a delightful stylistic flair to the classic whodunnit. With a charming cast of bougie suspects, satisfying puzzle-solving, and some thoughtful additions to the narrative, this is a unique and compelling rendition of an iconic tale. Despite some janky controls and the occasional frustrating puzzle, this is a solid mystery adventure for Christie fans and newcomers alike.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger makes big strides for the RPG offshoot of its long-running creature collector series. Despite some small missteps in story and side mission pacing, it’s a vast, colourful and exciting world to visit, filled with all your favourite possible digital monsters. For RPG freaks out there, there’s also a lot of involved systems and mechanics that feed into one another and result in some wicked cool, tactile and punchy combat. You’re in good hands with Time Stranger. Come on in and hang with some adorable monsters. The water’s fine.

Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 feel right at home on the Nintendo Switch. While some additional gameplay tweaks may have been desirable, this still remains the definitive package, with a welcome visual upgrade, more accessible difficulty options and updated controls. Whether this is your first time experiencing Mario’s voyages to the stars or you are looking for a spaceship journey down memory lane, there has never been a better time to check out Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, now on the Nintendo Switch.

There is a lot to love in Consume Me; ironically, the game’s main issue is that it doesn’t have enough bite. Even still, the narrative is deeply relatable, the art style engrossing, and the minigames are more than enough fun to keep you entertained throughout the entire runtime.

LEGO Party is a great idea executed really well. It delivers a Mario Party-style experience with its own unique game board mechanics, inventive mini-games, and wonderful presentation. Younger players will love what’s on offer, but there’s plenty of solid fun to be had by all ages and skill levels. It doesn’t shine when played single player, but with a few friends on board, it’s a fantastic addition to your party game nights.

CloverPit does what it does well. It’s very clear how much inspiration Panik Arcade has taken from Balatro and Buckshot Roulette, but it’s taken bits and pieces and created its own unique identity. The low-poly art style lends itself very well to creating an eerie atmosphere, and taking the time to put together charm combinations is fun and incredibly satisfying when it pays off. Though the rougelike element and pure RNG might be frustrating at times, and the simple gameplay loop can feel repetitive, taking what you’ve learned from a previous run and seeing it pay off in another feels very rewarding.

I’ve been waiting for a game like Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. As the true successor to Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed, it brings back everything we loved about the fast-paced, chaotic kart racer: epic tracks that get more challenging from lap to lap, satisfying air tricks that reward you with boosts, all whilst adding more of that patented Sonic charm. With a long road of content ahead, it looks like the game will be a good bang for its buck; I just wish it didn’t include Nickelodeon.

Blippo+ isn’t for those who are drawn to a game solely for its gameplay. It’s more for those who have an interest in popular culture, sci-fi and what potentially playing with our own ideas of science, entertainment, and opinions can create. As a child of the 90s, I found this to be a nostalgic ride through a lot of visual concepts that are now seen as kitschy and dated, but that really come alive, and seem like fresh, new concepts due to the extent the game goes in making every element of Blippo+ feel like a real world. Blippo+ is an amazing example of world-building done well and will be an exciting ride for those who love unique, strange visual experiences.

Ghost of Yotei is a confident sequel that grows from its predecessor in smart ways, with a bigger, bolder, more beautiful world to explore every nook and cranny of. Atsu is a strong lead, and her journey of vengeance takes some compelling twists and turns, while Edo Japan provides a true bounty of interesting side quests, charming characters, neat distractions, and wonderful secrets across what feels like a truly epic adventure. With entertaining combat and visuals that are among the best seen, Ghost of Yotei balances its violence and beauty delicately, offering a strong experience from the team at Sucker Punch Productions: an entirely memorable journey, and an action-packed, stunning adventure.

Hades II is hard to put down, and is the most fun I've had with a roguelike in years. Supergiant Games' trademark dedication to beautiful art direction, compelling writing and memorable music has come to the forefront in their latest game, combined with engaging gameplay that expands on its predecessor in exactly the ways that a good sequel should. Whether you've played the original Hades or not, Hades II is a truly amazing experience and sets the new standard for roguelike narrative storytelling and gameplay.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a successful revisitation of one of the best tactics adventures and Final Fantasy spin-offs to ever do it. Revisiting the haunting and memorable world of Ivalice, you're on the road with Ramza and company again, depicted in a lush art style that pays respect to the original's name. Quality of life additions make it the most palatable but refined version yet, making battles smoother and as aptly challenging as ever. The grandiosity of it all is also bolstered this time, thanks to the fully voice-acted story from a talented cast that helps paint the Shakespearean script you're subjected to and the deeply political world you're situated in. It's so respectful of the original that you can also say to hell with all of this and just also boot the classic version from the menu. It is a classic revisited and not disrespected. It's joy distilled in a perfect package. Crucially, it's Final Fantasy Tactics, in your hands all over again, for the first time in over a decade. The thought is so beautiful it could make me cry.

Much like the first game, Slime Rancher 2 is a really grand time. The expansive world is filled with gorgeous vistas and really clever level design. Uncovering the secrets of Rainbow Island while building your ranch remains a highly entertaining experience. In this regard, Slime Rancher 2 is a worthy successor to the original. But a bigger world to explore without equal developments to gameplay makes the cracks shine a little brighter. Ranching can still feel a little too shallow and wears thin without new challenges to overcome. Additionally, a heavy late-game grind shines a spotlight on how tedious collecting resources can become. This series of smaller problems highlights just how much Slime Rancher 2 suffers from refusing to evolve its gameplay. But, if you adored the first game, another ranching adventure with loads of exciting new content will more than make up for any shortcomings.

Baby Steps surpassed all my expectations and even small grievances to become a thrilling, trying and memorable journey about being better and learning to ask for help. It’s certainly one of the harder ‘one of those’ types of ragebait climbing games, but each step it makes in tackling this niche is as deliberate as the ones you’re making as the clumsy Nate. What’s within is a refinement of the subgenre, providing a layered and surprisingly poignant world and story to explore. Bennett Foddy and co. have made their opus here, and even with every plummet and misstep I made, I had the best experience that in the space I’ve ever had, uniquely hating, loving, loathing and delighting in it. If the devs are reading this, I hate you guys. But also, I bloody love you.