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.

Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut is a stunning upgrade to an already excellent title and brings forth some fantastic updates to the PS5 version of the game that enhance, deepen, and expand the gameplay experience. Other than the very minor complaint of some dark visuals, there is a whole lot to love on offer here, and I was delighted to have another reason to join Jin on a new, exciting adventure in feudal Japan. Ghost of Tsushima was already a must-play title, and with the Director's Cut here there really is no excuse to not experience one of the greatest new IPs PlayStation has to offer.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is yet another magnificent showing from Nintendo. To take a concept that’s so well understood but still find new ways to impress is no easy feat. Yet Mario Wonder excels in this field thanks to incredibly dynamic gameplay, headlined by the imaginative amazement of the Wonder Flower. It’s hard not to fall in love with this new release, a game that’s packed to the brim with charm and zest.

Eastward is truly a gem of the pixel adventure-RPG genre. It is plain as day that Pixpil poured their affections for this genre into making this game. They’ve provided fluid and expressive animation rarely seen in pixel games, lively characters, quirky writing, and catchy chiptune soundtracks. It is visually enticing from the beginning and will continue to keep you hooked until you are satisfied with unravelling its narrative. Eastward has easily taken its place as my favourite game of this year. I highly encourage lovers of pixel JRPGs to try this game out for yourselves. John and Sam will cook you up a satisfying adventure you will want to devour whole.

Marvel's Midnight Suns is a fantastic tactical adventure that adds much-needed depth to the superhero genre. Taking advantage of deeper-cut characters and lore, a heartfelt and sweeping story is told, even finding a way to make an entirely new character fit into the fray. Accompanying that are engaging and curious mysteries to find around the Abbey grounds and a nice feeling of found family among friends. Losing track of time as I had talks with my favourite superhumans, doing whatever menial task at hand too was a particular highlight. Even in these moments of charming oddities, characterisation is stellar. Rounding it all off is another superb tactical experience from Firaxis Games, this time going all in on approachability and options to dominate the battlefield in your own personal ways. This is one of the best tactical games of the year. Marvel as a franchise still has some fight in it yet, and I can't wait to have more experiences like this from them in the future.

Cities: Skylines II is a city-building experience of epic proportions, filled with complexity and creativity. Its immense ambition in city design is complemented by an intricate web of services and an intelligent population. It may stumble under the weight of technical performance and a few bugs but the series still continues to redefine urban strategy in games. Colossal Order have truly delivered a living, breathing, dynamic city management game.

The occasional bug and missing stamina upgrades are really the only negatives I can lodge at Sable. I can think of very few games that have presented such a beautiful harmony of its attributes. Everything supports everything else. The story implores you to go out into the world, to see all that there is to see. The gameplay ensures that the focus is always on the vistas that lay before you, and it's all stylised beautifully. The game creates a view of which I cannot tire. This is truly one of the most well-conceived and executed games that I have seen in a very long time. It's one of those games that truly is using everything to its maximum potential.

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.

This is what the game aims to teach. That you don’t have to be perfect, that you don’t have to be a chosen one. Everyone in the world has the capacity to do good and no one person should have to wear that burden on their own. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay not to be okay.

Transitory issues aside, We Were Here Forever is, at least at the time of writing, my favourite game of the year thus far. At times it frustrated, but all that did was make the completion of its various brain teasers all the more satisfying. The mark of a truly fantastic game is one that aligns all its elements around a central purpose or goal. In this title, everything orbits around testing the skill of its participants, and that makes for a truly memorable experience for its pairs of players.

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.

The Rise of the Golden Idol is a brain-breaking collection of mysteries all wrapped up in one absurd narrative and is a must-have for lovers of investigation games. While it doesn’t quite replace the original game in my heart, the puzzles are bigger and better, the plot progression is more fluid, and it’s all-around beefier. Golden Idol’s unique take on investigation and logical progression is as engrossing as it is difficult, and keeping up with its complex mysteries makes you feel like a master detective when you finally hit that “aha!” moment. I’m waiting with bated breath for those DLCs!

Psychonauts 2 is absolutely fizzing with ideas in gameplay, story, and presentation. Its story is emotional, its characters are hilarious, its worlds are huge and imaginative, plus I had a fun time actually playing the dang thing. Apart from some minor issues with the optional dialogue, it's clear Double Fine went all out developing this title. Nothing feels rushed, nothing feels unfinished, and nothing feels like padding. This is a fabulously well-made game, and a perfect game for lockdown. If you’re looking for some extra joy from your video games, you need to play Psychonauts 2. If you’re a fan of the original, I suspect you’ll like it even more.

Without a doubt, OlliOlli World is going to be the skateboarding game to check out in 2022. It's an adventure full of plenty of fun and is incredibly hard to fault. Where the challenge in the late game can be a bit much, plenty of accessibility options help you make do. On offer are luscious and vibrant levels to absolutely melt away into with rewarding easy-to-pick-up and at times hard-to-master gameplay. Roll7's hard work refining their craft and genre niche over the years have well paid off, shaping one of the best and most joyous skating games in a long time. It's well worth creating your own weird skating hero, diving head first into the wondrous weird OlliOlli World has on offer. You owe yourself that much.

Sticking to a well-practiced formula but making smart, thoughtful enhancements, Far Cry 6 is a satisfying adventure through a beautiful setting in the tropical island of Yara. Some of its darker themes are glossed over a bit too quickly, but the story and the incredibly likeable characters you’ll meet along the way make for a memorable romp, with a once again compelling villain and, for the first time, a hero to truly root for. With a gigantic open world filled with delightful distractions, Far Cry 6 is the strongest entry in the series and is a great example of evolving a popular franchise into something special.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance adds numerous quality-of-life improvements and drastic changes to the story and exploration that make the original game seem outdated. Plus, since the original campaign is still available in the Path of Creation, you are technically getting two games in one package. The new characters give you more reasons to care about the narrative, the new exploration options are thrilling, and the Press Turn combat system is as rewarding as ever. The series’s eccentricities may not be for everyone, but no other franchise provides an experience quite like Shin Megami Tensei.

Neva is beautifully crafted and deeply emotional, making for one of the most touching and exquisite games of the year. I loved the growing companionship between Alba and her cute wolf pal, as they evolved from hesitant adventurers into confident allies. The visuals are simply breathtaking, with a stunning watercolour aesthetic and lovely little details in its animations. On top of that, combat is satisfying and just varied enough as new abilities get added into the mix. Though it may be a relatively short adventure, Neva leaves a lasting impression that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Sonic X Shadow Generations gives Shadow fans everything they could wish for and more in this celebration of the Ultimate Lifeform’s history. The level design established in Generations and Sonic Frontiers has been perfected in the generously sized Shadow Generations storyline, with reimagined stages and boss fights from Shadow’s past appearances alongside heaps of references and tributes you’re bound to love.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 sticks the landing with a clean kickflip and a modern twist. Iron Galaxy may have sanded off some of THPS4’s open-ended charm, but what’s left is a fine-tuned tribute to skateboarding. With excellent controls, deeper creation tools, and a diverse music and character roster (shoutout to our Aussie legends), the game is accessible and ridiculously fun. Even with a few bails, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 proves the Birdman’s legacy can still shred.

Resident Evil 4 rips you right back to 2005 and reminds you how special games can be. A remake done right, this release amplifies the game’s strengths and obfuscates its weaknesses, making for a superb and modern take on a classic. Whilst further improvements could have been made, the results still speak for themselves, as Leon and Ashley’s journey becomes immortalised with contemporary gameplay and visuals that maintain respect for the original release.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a more than worthy follow up and worth the wait. Whilst not necessarily reinventing the wheel, it excels in being one of the best versions of the open-world formula we've known for some time. With silky-smooth parkour and combat mechanics, and plenty of things to see and do, I highly recommend the plunge into The City. Where there's slight polishing to still be done and the story at times leaves a bit to be desired, shining moments and performances make it all the more worthwhile, standing as a stronger entry than its predecessor. This has become my favourite free roam zombie game to date and has me constantly itching to jump back in and tool around some more in its playground. Not bloody bad, Techland.

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.

More than just a meme game with a meme name, Lies of P is a thrilling Souls-like that delivers on its promises. On offer is a charming and over-the-top dark Pinocchio story, made all the more impactful by its blunt environmental storytelling. Genre fans also get to have their cake and eat it too, having functions from a lot of the titles in the crowd that work together in tandem to create a thrilling and delightfully challenging combat experience with memorable and grandiose environments and boss design. There are small mechanical additions such as breaking foes’ weapons and a morality system explored through lying or telling the truth that are both valuable in distinguishing itself just that little bit more. Topping it all off is a thorough journey with meaningful upgrades and a changing of world states to have you coming back for more. I cannot believe this silly little game actually pulls it all off, providing one of the better action games we’ve had this year. Lies of P isn’t just a wannabe. It’s a real game standing with giants.

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.

Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time is amazing and well worth the wait, and Level-5 bringing it to multiple platforms to experience it in all its whimsy and wonder was an incredibly smart and measured decision. I’d struggle to find anyone who wouldn’t gel with how effortlessly endearing it is, with its vibrant world and charm, dopamine-providing levelling system, a bounty of activities and things to see and do. The side-games that feel like their own games, whether that’s exploring a Breath of the Wild-like open world or creating a cute and cozy village of locals à la Animal Crossing, are substantial and meaty, adding to the fun and delight that awaits around every corner. Even the most monotonous task of chopping down a tree is suddenly super exciting. The Fantasy Life series, and The Girl Who Steals Time, are just that magical and effective in doing so. This is a level up for Level-5. Job complete.

On the surface, Inscryption is described as a card game, but it hides a lot more than just cards under the bonnet. Prepare for a layered story, thrilling surprises, and terrifying yet fascinating characters that will keep you glued to your seat. The game masterfully expands on the story playthrough after playthrough, providing a fresh perspective with each run. In this sense, Inscryption is a great twist on the otherwise repetitive roguelike formula that has dominated the deckbuilder genre in the last few years. This, in addition to the strange storytelling we’ve come to expect from Daniel Mullins, makes for a gaming experience that is not to be missed for card game and narrative game fans alike.

Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name more than justifies its existence. It creates fantastic points of tension and a real constant threat in Kiryu’s attempts at anonymity as he butts head with the Yakuza and some mysterious, shadowy figures. Always keeping me on the edge of my seat, it’s a heavy-hitter in the narrative, having me actively weep at the conclusion. This kind of magnificence is the payoff of years upon years of hard franchise work, entirely rewarding for longtime fans though boldly unapologetic and unforgiving to the newcomers. Slamming enemy’s heads into walls and getting emotional over the franchise-long angst and baggage our beloved protagonist holds has truly never felt this good. Despite now hosting more than a dozen entries, Gaiden proves the Like a Dragon name is still endlessly valuable to this day. Bring on the next dozen, I say.

For an independent studio’s debut game, Luto strongly delivers on Broken Bird Games’ ethos of delivering deep narrative experiences that reflect both their passion for video games but also great stories. Despite being a story about death, Luto has more on its mind than presenting melodrama. It’s incredibly unique, fantastic to look at, highly atmospheric, and poetically beautiful. Devoted to those who are no longer with us, and hoping to make a change in the world by humanising the struggles of living with mental illness, Luto stands as one of the most powerful games of the year. It’s transformative, evocative, and breaks form and conventions around how a game should be and how it should play, taking the overused trope of horror as an allegory for mental illness, and making it something truly memorable. It is a game that I cannot recommend more to those in the right headspace.

It’s a crime that The Great Ace Attorney and its sequel took so long to come to the West. The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles bundles in two of the best games in the franchise to date, its improved graphical fidelity setting a new bar for the series. Chronicles doesn’t add much in the way of extra content, but it’s hard to improve on something that was already so good. The Great Ace Attorney 2: Resolve is the crowning Jewel in this particular bundle, but even Adventures is a must-play for any Ace Attorney fan.

Remakes of true classics are usually cause for some concern, particularly a game that’s almost 35 years old, but this is so much more than just an old game with a new skin. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX balances perfectly the updates an old game needs whilst still staying true to what made the original such a landmark title. The quirks of the gameplay are all still there, controlling just like the original, although with little tweaks that make the experience even better. The new levels fit so well, it’s pretty, and it sounds good to boot. If the developers could take on Alex Kidd in Shinobi World next that would be great, please and thank you.

The Ascent proves why the cyberpunk genre is so popular right now. There isn’t anything exactly different or unique about its story, but it perfects the atmosphere with terrific environment art and an otherworldly soundtrack. Combine that with outstanding twin-stick shooter gameplay and elements of wall cover, cool-down management, and role-playing to deepen the experience. Blasting through crews of Rojins with a rocket-firing gun, the Astrosmasher, being among my personal highlights. It may have accessibility and minor performance concerns, but it’s still sensational, action-packed, and so much fun. The Ascent may be the best cyberpunk game in the last year.

The Rogue Prince of Persia is both a fantastic Prince of Persia game and a brilliant roguelite. Evil Empire draws on the DNA of Dead Cells to make a game that offers a compelling combination of platforming and combat, robust roguelite systems, and an understanding of the underlying rhythms of action games. It’s as enthralling to watch and listen to as it is to play.

Gunbrella is another example of developer doinksoft proving they know how to make a wicked cool video game. Featuring rainy nights and gorgeously bleak environments overrun with pollution as the backdrop, the steampunk and noir vibes are palpable as you investigate the inner politics of a town and, most importantly, your wife’s killer. Thankfully all that deliberate dreariness is complemented by a cool traversal system with the umbrella and frenetic 2D action that does a good job balancing the difficult task of empowering and challenging the player. Topping it all off is a final area and twist seen to be believed. Gunbrella is amazing and a must-have modern action title for your library of games.

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.

A lusciously dense world of natural beauty colliding with cyber-future grimness is ready to be explored from a uniquely tiny perspective. Stray tells a surprisingly emotional tale that instantly grips during its opening moments and doesn’t relent until its closing scene. A standout release so far this year, Stray proves to be so much deeper than just a cat adventure game.

Rainbow Six Extraction ran the risk of being labelled as an expansion or an unnecessary spinoff, but confidently proves that there is more than enough room in this universe for a survival horror tactical shooter built on the foundations laid down by Siege. With a mixture of enjoyable objectives, a diverse range of Operators and a compelling gameplay loop filled with aggressive enemies and intense action, the addictive nature of the experience shines through with a constant struggle between playing it safe or risking it all for greater reward. Rainbow Six Extraction is full of truly exciting and memorable moments, continually testing your skill and perseverance around every dark corner, which makes it an incredibly gripping experience that doesn’t let go easily.

The Talos Principle: Reawakened is an already incredible game made more amazing thanks to meaningful quality of life additions, stellar graphical remastering and insightful new content in the new campaign and developer commentaries. It’s beautiful, tranquil and pensive. Filled with philosophical platitudes, brain-wrinkling puzzles and sheer tranquil vibes in all the environments, Croteam have masterfully reworked their beloved puzzle game to be as quintessential as ever.

Forza Horizon 6 hits the road with the most densely packed open world racing game ever created, in the truly iconic setting of Japan. Events and challenges cleverly mix intense racing with charming stories to discover that tap into the culture and community of Japan in a way that makes this the most inviting Forza Horizon map ever pieced together, while also being the largest. Yes, it’s still Forza Horizon as we know and love it, but you can easily make an argument for “best racing game of all time” if you particularly enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun. Arigatou gozaimasu.

Pentiment is a remarkable achievement in storytelling. If I were to play again and make different choices I’m sure I would discover new dimensions to these characters I’ve come to know very well. Thanks to the game’s aesthetics, its meticulously researched writing, and the pedigree of its development team, the story of Andreas Maler is well worth experiencing. The game gracefully balances serious themes, soap operatic twists, and some very funny moments, revolving around a large cast of diverse, complex characters. Obsidian may have taken a risk making a game so unlike anything else they’ve made before, but the gamble has well and truly paid off. It’s not just a game for lit nerds.

The remake of Silent Hill 2 walks a fine line between honouring a beloved original and innovating for both new and returning audiences. It does so with incredible success, landing clever changes to its puzzles and cleverly expanded environments that enhance the game, rather than detracting from it or over-stuffing it. Ultimately, this remake never loses sight of what makes Silent Hill 2 such a memorable experience in the first place: its ability to get under your skin, and stay there. It's truly delightful to share that the Silent Hill 2 remake is a polished, fitting homage, and a celebration of one of horror's greatest masterpieces.

Fear the Spotlight is a fantastic publishing debut for Blumhouse Games and also a triumphant (re)release from Cozy Game Pals. Now with a crucial fleshed-out epilogue that only bolsters the important queer horror story it has to tell, it’s a must-play in the indie horror game scene. Especially for those who love the low-poly style where the film grain and crunchy-looking models only aid in the eerie ’90s/2000s setting provided. I could split hairs for this game’s small issues, but instead, it’s worth focusing on the well-paced and perfectly lengthened experience it is. Fear the Spotlight is an excellently moody horror venture with tactile puzzle-solving and adorable, highly likable characters in Amy and Vivian. It’s the most queer horror lovers will feel represented and seen in a long time, maybe ever. In short, it’s the indie horror event of the year.

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.

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.

Studio Fizbin have crafted a wonderful experience that achieves exactly what it sets out to do. It’s set in an intriguing world and tells an emotional story that explores a specific type of sadness, and how it affects relationships between loved ones. I can’t remember the last time a game affected me so much that I yelled at my screen due to something a character said. Despite my pedantry, I had a brilliant time with Minute of Islands and look forward to playing it again some day.

Until Then is a must-play for lovers of narrative-focused games everywhere. The game already depicts living the life of a teenager in the Phillippines in the 2010s beautifully with its thoughtful and authentic writing, combined with a picturesque world. That alone would be enough, but it goes above and beyond, adding breathtaking pixel animation, an intriguing mystery and a palpable geopolitical subplot. The cast of characters is incredibly endearing and you’ll grow to love them all, building to the final emotional gut punch of the game that takes the wind out of you. Joining the plethora of quality narratives in 2024, Until Then is a game you won’t soon forget.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is a beautifully directed, melancholy tale of friendships forged and lost. Resonant performances and strong visual direction across two vastly different time periods will immerse you in the stakes and drama of Velvet Cove. The journeys of the characters across both parts beautifully render the power of friendship in your youth, and the harsh reality of drifting apart. As is the case with all strong supernatural stories in the New Weird genre, the core story is relatable and human. While some minor narrative stumbles in the ending, with answers that may have better been left unsaid, do detract from the concluding moments, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage is not a story to be missed.

Stellar Blade bursts out of the gate looking stunning, full of jaw-dropping set pieces, intense action and gory violence, and maintains that pace throughout. Underneath this flashy action game are a lot of systems that we’ve seen before, but despite what can feel like a lack of innovation at times, it never feels stale or unenticing due to its overwhelming sense of style and polished, gratifying combat. For every familiar puzzle or annoying platforming section, there’s a brutal boss battle or incredible over-the-top sequence that pulled me back in. Stellar Blade is a joy, a deliciously crafted adventure jam-packed with dramatic thrills.

With Trails Through Daybreak, The Legend of Heroes name is the best it’s ever been. With an incredible and sweeping story that pays off by the end, a vibrant cast of characters that will steal your heart, some of the best of turn-based combat, and streamlined mechanics, this is quite simply just a damn good and comfortable RPG well worth your time. It may ask a lot of you with its long runtime, breadth of content, and layered lore to wrap your head around but stick with it and you’re in for one of the best from the genre this year. Job well done.

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist offers an impressive Metroidvania experience, featuring hauntingly beautiful visuals, an evocative soundtrack, a unique story and a wonderfully genuine Homunculi cast that offers an exciting challenge for both seasoned Metroidvania fans and newcomers alike. While Lilac’s fragility and the few navigational issues may hinder your progress temporarily, stay persistent. It’s well worth seeing it through to the end to uncover the secrets of the Land of Fumes.

Metal: Hellsinger aims to be a full-featured first-person shooter as well as an engaging rhythm game, and I am so glad it delivers on its ambition rather than falling flat. Fun, frantic combat paired with a crushingly heavy, star-studded soundtrack makes Metal: Hellsinger one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable games I have played this year, and I urge anyone with a passing interest in metal or shooters to give this a spin.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is one of the better returns to a classic tactics series. Both individual games have aged exponentially well with campaigns that are more enjoyable and charming than you’d think, and just as many thrilling fights to match. Developer Wayforward deserves credit for earnestly including quality of life and approachability options for more players, but it can ever so rarely leave a difficulty imbalance from level to level. However, that is hardly a scuff on the excellent product provided. Smart battlefield design accompanied with engaging objectives make for some excellent missions to chip away at. Similarly, the colouring and model design is superb, further immersing the player in commanding a battlefield as an ultimate strategist. Players are in excellent hands with Re-Boot Camp. It’s up to them to use those tools to triumph in battle and come out on top. Hoorah.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective now being playable on modern platforms is an incredibly exciting occasion worth celebrating. Its involved puzzle mechanics are as satisfying to unfold as ever as you glide between interaction points, moving that last piece to create a thrilling domino effect of a solution. Complimentary to this are the quirky character design and animations, along with the involved storyline that wraps up without any loose threads. Tying this all in a neat bow is the return of a fantastic soundtrack now with incredible rearrangements to further immerse you in the noir setting. Ghost Trick is back and the gaming world couldn’t be any better for it.

Even though Nintendo has now come out with a modern Advance Wars game of its own, Wargroove 2 stands as more than a mere homage. With a grander scale and more units, Commanders, and other gameplay features than ever, Wargroove 2 is an excellent strategy experience. The new Conquest roguelike mode feels like a complete experience packed within an already feature-rich game. Even after the campaigns are over, the Conquest mode, missed optional objectives, and future custom content will ensure plenty of reasons to stick around. If you enjoyed Wargroove or Advance Wars and want another fantastic strategy offering, Wargroove 2 is not to be missed.

The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is a great game hurt only by its length and occasionally convoluted mystery mechanics. I’ve been around the block and then some with the FMV genre. This particular experience has certainly climbed up there in the ranks for me. With ambition and potential reached avidly, this is frankly a type of foray I haven’t played before. Provided are mesmerising set and costume designs, along with excellent character working and acting. Topping it all off is an enticing mystery and gorgeous cinematography to immerse you further. This is one for the books and a case worth investigating indeed.

Overall, Kaizen: A Factory Story is a brilliantly made game that creates a difficult, but satisfying experience with likable characters and an engaging story to boot. It’s always exciting when it offers up a new tool to use, and you can figure out all the different ways it can be used. On top of that, the character interactions were always fun to read. Maybe this is better than a boring job in sales after all.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes shines bright in the long lineage of games in the Musou formula. Miles better than its predecessor, this is one of the smoothest Warriors-style games yet. Barring a rare example, its mission and gameplay loop holds up. The narrative does the best it can in a genre not particularly known for stellar stories, but will still remain a little oddly paced from time to time. Provided is a joyous occasion to revisit some treasured familiar faces and engage in riotous combat and a smooth experience not too barred down by menus. If the series continues on this trajectory, it’s all smooth sailing ahead. For Fódlan!

If you told a past me that 420BLAZEIT 2, the game with many a meme and weed reference, would secretly be an incredibly endearing, competent and even sentimental shooter, I’d have laughed in your face. Yet here we are. A riotous blast from the past, this FPS adventure is far better than it has any right to be, with tactile shooter action and sights and sounds that’ll tickle your brain. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time smoking, blazing, rinsing scrubs and getting rekt in the process. Sure it’s irreverent and far from high art and won’t land for all, but it’s also something special. Find yourself within the weird and wonderful niche it’s catering to, and I promise you damn will enjoy that time too.

Neon White is a truly unique first-person action experience. With its clever level design and Soul Card system, chaining together demon-slaying and platforming to get to the goal the quickest is a breeze. The game’s compelling cast and setting draw you into its story, and the wealth of side content and drive to improve on one’s scores will keep you coming back. Even its sluggish boss fights and somewhat samey visual style doesn’t do much to hold the game back. If you are looking for a truly unique indie action title, you should definitely check out Neon White.

Frog Detective 3: Corruption at Cowboy County is a sweet ending to the investigative series. Playable by all audiences, it’s a clever, humourous experience that plays with and parodies the adventure genre tropes incredibly well. Plenty of whimsical characters and interactions await thanks to the writing chops provided. This is further exemplified by true mood-setting in the colourful environments and masterful music work from Dan Golding. The final reveal may be a little predictable, but who cares? The series’ final chapter is closed ever so intricately and they even managed to add a ridable scooter. Farewell Frog Detective. I’ll miss you.

Getting absorbed into the world of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is easy, thanks to its gorgeous presentation, thrilling action-movie moments and delightfully tactile puzzle-solving. Exploring ancient temples and foraging for artefacts beneath the surface as you solve intricate conundrums gives Indy a really satisfying sense of place, as he cracks jokes almost as often as he cracks his whip, no matter what danger might lurk around the corner. While combat and stealth can be a bit clunky and forgettable, at its heart, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a thrilling globetrotting story with plenty of tantalising secrets to uncover. It’s yet another strong entry from MachineGames which will, hopefully, spawn a whole darn series of Indy games from here on out.

Need For Speed Unbound is easily one of the best racers I’ve played in recent years and a modern highlight of the series. Through great gameplay, a true sense of progression, an engaging visual style, and a well-crafted open world the game manages to cement itself as one of 2022’s most unexpectedly shining stars. A few knocks for cliché story beats, a samey soundtrack, and a few minor bugs shouldn’t be enough to keep players from driving over to the streets to Lakeshore for some stylish, speedy fun.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands surprises and delights with its evolved gameplay and stunning world. There’s a confidence and charisma here that goes beyond what came before it, with spells and class abilities weaving themselves effortlessly between the cathartic gunplay. A cast of likable main characters and a storytelling technique that’s unique and smart both go a long way in creating a world that’s just fun to be a part of. Minor glitches and a rather unfortunate online matchmaking system do hurt the title, but the successes here far outweigh any inconveniences. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands stands out as a great title, even amongst the many we’ve seen already this year.

Solium Infernum finds itself perfectly situated to fill a multiplayer niche that other 4X games can’t, with its asynchronous multiplayer option allowing those without much time to play a game with their friends. That’s not to say the singleplayer is not just as good, however, with enough here for hours upon hours of fun just by yourself if you have the ambition to take it.

Spirit of the North 2 is a visually stunning open-world adventure that confidently stands apart from its predecessor, featuring an emotionally moving orchestral soundtrack that wraps around the vivid scenery like a loving embrace. Making progress and completing puzzles feels rewarding, and even just exploring the vast environments feels like a reward all the same. The story is engaging and emotional, and it’s easy to grow personally attached to the little fox as they learn just how big their world truly is.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection delivers some incredible experiences for fans of the series, with memorable characters, intriguing mysteries, twists and turns that you won’t see coming, and gorgeous remastered visuals. While the second game is undoubtedly stronger than the first, both deliver some excellent adventures. Ace Attorney fans rejoice, for Miles Edgeworth’s finest cases have finally made their way here.

The Roottrees Are Dead is a triumph of investigative fiction, offering a compelling yet grounded family mystery within countless articles, websites, and archives waiting for you to uncover. The game has been much improved over its original iteration on itch.io, and the extra content “Roottreemania” adds a cool follow-up mystery to the main one. Any fan of investigation games will have a great time with The Roottrees are Dead.

As a franchise newcomer, I found my entry point with The Legend of Heroes: Trails From Zero utterly fascinating, tantalising, and enjoyable. Within are some of my favourite blending of mechanics and tidbits within turn-based combat I’ve seen yet. It’s a comfy RPG that you can lose plenty of time to, sinking into the moving character narrative, all set within the colourful world of Crossbell. Character models will occasionally show their age and menus are a little funky. Still, it’s easy to forgive and just hang out with Lloyd and friends, saving the better part of humanity. Team SSS forever.

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.

If you haven’t picked up a Splatoon game before, then Splatoon 3 is a great place to start. It takes a lot of steps to make it easier to play with friends and has a variety of different modes to play, meaning everyone will have something they enjoy, even if they just want to play single player. The game is more customisable than ever and you are free to change the appearance of your character at any time if you find yourself wanting a new look. The only real problem with the game as it stands is the connection issues. When it works, the game is amazingly fun and you will find yourself playing match after match, only for the connection to drop again out of nowhere. Hopefully this gets fixed soon so I can be playing Splatoon 3 for even longer during my next session.

Wild Hearts takes the hunting action to the next level with vicious beasts, a vast world to explore, and an array of powerful weapons. But that's not all—the magical Karakuri crafting system seamlessly blends with combat and exploration to offer an awe-inspiring experience. It's so fluently integrated into the game that you'll be amazed at how much it advances combat, exploration, and the engaging gameplay loop. Still, the adventure suffers from visual issues and a waning grind. Even so, Wild Hearts is my new monster-hunting addiction.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is both a worthy sequel to a sleeper hit, and a brilliant game on its own. Asobo Studio have shown their knack for using believable human relationships as the basis for an unrealistic supernatural horror story. The next chapter in Amicia and Hugo's story deserves to be seen, if anything because the narrative is both unique and powerful. Despite the increasing brutality of this world and minor mechanical issues, you'll be in safe hands with this game, unlike our young heroes.

Hell is Us is an impressive milestone for a small team of developers, with the player-plattering design resulting in a strong vision. Whilst simple combat and mechanically shallow traversal hold the title back, there’s an undeniable clarity of vision that creates an overall cohesive package. Each of the game’s many elements feeds into one another to elevate the true star of Hell is Us, Hadea. The way themes are handled with such care should also be applauded. Few places in all of video games feel so present and fully realised, especially in a debut entry. So despite Hadea’s ongoing problems, I would highly recommend you consider crossing the border and staying a while.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe only improves on the original. It's great to be able to play as Magolor in the new epilogue, which changes up the platforming gameplay simply but effectively. There's even more fun to be had playing subgames in Merry Magoland with your friends. If you're playing solo, there might not be as much to keep your attention, but it will still be a short and sweet adventure.

Figment 2: Creed Valley is a story about letting go of the stress that life might throw at you. It reminds you that you’re not too old to play the ukulele and that you too can dance like an idiot. Admittedly, the lack of visual progression is a shame. But the art style is fantastic, with each brush stroke looking uniquely gorgeous. Not only that, but the music feels like its own character, as though it lives in the world. The story itself is an emotional rollercoaster, and by the end, you can reflect back on the great journey you’ve taken.

The key to any great roguelike is capturing that “just one more run” feeling, and Into the Restless Ruins nails it right on the head. A successful run feels great, and a failed run only pushes you to dive back in and do better. I’m almost glad there’s no mobile port, as my productivity would be in some serious danger. It’s a genuine indie gem that should be in the library of any avid roguelike fan.

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.

Have a Nice Death is a well-put-together and polished game with crisp controls, an engaging story, and an adorable hand-drawn art style. The soundtrack is an endless string of bangers that makes the runs engaging. With over 600 lines of dialogue, 9 departments, 10 bosses, and heaps to explore, there is plenty of content awaiting. The script, soundtrack and art style really set the tone for the game and ties everything together in a neat little bow. Have a Nice Death is a welcomed addition to the rogue-lite genre and sets a high bar for future releases.

Street Fighter 6 provides the fast and furious action you’d expect from the refined fighting series, offering a dynamic cast of characters, new control modes to make it more accessible, and a variety of features to keep you busy. Its story mode is a campy take on the Street Fighter universe that doesn’t always land the winning blow, however; while it’s filled with distractions and civilian fighters to take on, it can be a little repetitive and shallow. Still, the technical foundations that Street Fighter stands on are as solid as ever, and with a whole world to battle online, there’s a lot of fighting on the menu in what is once again a polished, exciting fighting experience that will keep fans engaged for years.

Children of the Sun is an incredibly vivid and creative puzzler-shooter. It is thoroughly engaging to find the perfect thread of headshots to line up, poking holes in a setpiece cultist encampment, linking each bloody kill to the next with both finesse and inventive solutions. It is quite simply the best sniping game I’ve ever played and, better yet, it has a story, vibes and atmosphere you just want to bathe in, much like the blood of your enemies. In the plethora of ‘cool’ video games to have graced our screens over the years, Children of the Sun is near the tippy top.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a thoroughly enjoyable and action-packed time that’ll satiate both series veterans who’ve long been awaiting a return and newcomers who’ve always wanted to check the franchise out. With Lizardcube utilising the best parts of their game design DNA while truly understanding what it means to be a Shinobi game, they have crafted this retro-infused adventure that celebrates the old and embraces the new. With kickass challenging platforming, combat, boss fights and setpieces that’ll take some mastering, meaningful progression that fits right into the series, and gorgeous, gorgeous sights that run the gamut on this shinobi-starring journey, Art of Vengeance is simply artful. It’s a pinpoint precision strike to the gut of those after some good old-fashioned ninja action chaos.

Unicorn Overlord is not quite enough to dethrone Vanillaware’s previous title, 13 Sentinels, but it’s not far off. With an extremely solid tactical strategy campaign that allows more casual players to engage in all of its complexities, it’s an easy recommendation for any strategy fan or fantasy fan in general. It doesn’t utilise all of its long playtime effectively with an unremarkable first half, but the gameplay and phenomenal artwork are more than enough to keep you going until it picks up.

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.

Total War: Warhammer III is an excellent addition to the series and forms a great conclusion to the epic Warhammer trilogy. It has intriguing mechanics and gorgeous visuals, and it comes with a great variety of units, factions, and heroes, along with plenty of engaging battles. If you enjoy the Total War franchise and go in for a bit of Warhammer lore, this is an engaging experience with a lot of variety, and is not to be missed.

Shadow Warrior 3 is an excellent FPS that fans of retro-style arena shooters are sure to have a blast with. Lo Wang's quips might not land with everyone, and fans of the previous game's RPG mechanics might resent the stripping down to basics with the gameplay, but Shadow Warrior 3's efficiency is its greatest strength. By ramping up the over-the-top action with new traversal abilities and Gore Tools, Shadow Warrior 3 is the series' most enjoyable instalment yet, and a strong recommend for shooter fans.

Venba is a love letter to many things, not just food. It beautifully depicts the story of two immigrants and their struggle to keep their culture alive in a Western society that does not seem to understand or appreciate it. Venba brings together incredible art, sound, narrative, and gameplay that is magnificently entrenched in Tamil customs, leaving the player with not only a deeper understanding but also a deeper respect for this underrepresented culture.

For fans of the OG PSP game, Crisis Core Reunion is a fantastic remaster, seeing how meticulously a game can be updated with enough budget behind it. For fans of Final Fantasy VII on PS1, this is an opportunity to play the best game in the original Compilation (no offence to Dirge of Cerberus) on modern consoles. Its many changes and additions help bring these PSP mechanics closer to modern standards and the game is better off for it. For fans of Remake keen to understand more of this world and characters, Crisis Core is a great amuse-bouche before Rebirth launches next year.

Overall, Wildfrost is an incredibly well-designed gameplay experience that is sure to delight. Through its dynamic attack counter system, combined with features like charms, encounters, and randomised hero stats, the gameplay feels as dynamic and challenging on the twentieth run as it does on the very first one. No matter whether you’re a complete newbie or a card game veteran, Wildfrost is sure to entice you with its beautifully hand-drawn graphics, charming soundtrack, and engaging gameplay.

RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army sets a new standard for remasters by offering more improvements and upgrades than many games that bill themselves as full remakes. As someone who never played the original, it feels like I’m playing a modern Shin Megami Tensei title, even though it still has many of the tell-tale signs of a 2000s game. I don’t know how the game could have been playable without such a smooth combat system and the countless quality of life features.

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.

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.

Rogue Legacy 2 learns from its lineage and presents a superb sequel with a huge amount of depth of content. With so much replayability and meaningful progression, the game will have players hooked on its delightful gameplay loop for hours upon hours. Built with both style and substance, Rogue Legacy 2 is a tremendous success for fans of the original and the genre. It may not be a game for everyone, but for those willing to take up the challenge, a truly splendid journey awaits.

Dying Light: The Beast brings back Kyle Crane, the smartass we all know and love, but this time he’s different. Having gone through 13 years of trauma, he’s got anger coursing through his veins, as well as beast blood. The gameplay elements of The Beast, while very similar to Dying Light 2, still feel enjoyable. The combat brings back the visceral dismemberment from Dying Light 1, with unique executions and awesomely high levels of gore. Parkour feels more fluid than before, with sprinting through the city and rooftop traversal feeling super smooth (as long as you don’t get grabbed by an infected). Roger Craig Smith does a stellar job once again as Crane, and it was a blast getting to see his story continue. Unfortunately, a few performance issues and audio bugs lessened the experience, but overall, this is a great new entry to the franchise, and one Dying Light fans will be glad to have waited for.

Wanderstop remains incredibly sincere and thoughtful with its biting story cooked up by Ivy Road without being overly sentimental or too delicate. Not afraid to show its teeth (including occasional gameplay obstacles), within is a stellar story about learning self-care and slowing down, a refreshing narrative departure for Davey Wreden in particular, bolstered by the co-writing of Karla Zimonja and moving performance by Kimberley Woods. Present also is a vibrant, whimsical and pragmatic take on the familiar shop-running and farming hybrid genre, told all through the lens of helping out a quaint tea shop with thoughtful and bespoke mechanics and interactivity. It’s dangerous to go alone. Why don’t you stay a while and have a nice cup of Earl Grey?

Not For Broadcast ambitiously challenges the player to reconsider their ethical framework, political values, and personal loyalties through its incredibly clever combination of stressful management sim gameplay and acid-tongued writing. It’s not for the faint of heart, but balances its dystopian terrors with biting satire. With exceptional performances from its cast, a unique and varied system of mechanics that changes with each broadcast, and tonnes of extra story content, any budding media mogul will be both delighted and horrified with all that Not For Broadcast has to offer.

Evil Dead: The Game is a no-brainer for fans of the series and even horror fans in general, capturing the best elements of what makes Evil Dead so memorable and weaving them into a great experience to share with friends or even tackle alone. While it may have its flaws, the dedication put into this title is obvious from the get-go. If you’re tired of running from what bumps in the night and want to get some payback, this is the game for you. “Come get some.”

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.

Gerda: A Flame in Winter is a must play if you’re a fan of well-thought out choices matter RPG games like Disco Elysium. Not only will you get a nail-biting story with high stakes, you’ll come out knowing a plethora of historical details and challenges of the Danish people during WW2. You will come to love or hate the cast of characters, depending on what pathway you choose, but there are endless possibilities because of the games re-playability. Persevere if your first playthrough is not everything that you imagined, because Gerda: A Flame in Winter gets better and better the more you play.

Never quite sure what’s lurking below the surface, Dredge captivates from the jump with a well-defined and engaging gameplay loop built atop the foundation of a creepy and beautifully atmospheric setting. The storytelling and questing push this fishing management game into new territory as you uncover just how deep this ocean runs. Some repeated quest archetypes aren’t enough to drag this gem down as Dredge continues to surprise and delight from the moment you first set sail to when you finally hang up your sailor’s hat.