Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a smart sequel. It leans on the original’s strongest elements in the aesthetic and stylistic choices, whilst moving the gameplay into a new and entertaining direction. It doesn’t do anything groundbreaking, though it does succeed at producing a high-quality product that feels good to play. Thanks to an interesting upgrade system and in-built chance mechanics, The Eternal Die stands out on its own and proves to be a game absolutely worthy of your time.

KILL KNIGHT is a devilishly impressive isometric shooter. There’s a pure glee generated by the title’s fast and ferocious combat working in perfect harmony with its hellish visuals and sound design. What may at first seem like an overly complicated system of mechanics quickly falls neatly into place and it becomes apparent just how superbly everything is designed to be cohesive and put the power into the player’s hands. A deeper notion of progression could have helped the game to avoid that feeling of repetition so commonly associated with high score-based arcade games, but it’s a minor critique in what is ultimately a skillfully crafted experience. Just one that may not be for the faint of heart.

Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss is one of those games that’s best played blind. It’s a grounded yet enthralling mystery that uses its light clue-combining mechanics to convey an emotional journey of closure and grief. Its puzzles get you thinking without ever being too hard, allowing the story to naturally play out in the lonely ruins of this sunken ship.

An incredible video game seventeen years ago and an incredible video game now, Ninja Gaiden II Black is an immensely strong and timeless action game. All these years later its combat animation, diverse arsenal of weapons and setpieces are unmatched. Though there’s still the issue of it not quite being the most definitive version, this 3D reboot run of the Ninja Gaiden franchise is as relevant as ever. Remember around the time of this trilogy when the age-old debate was whether pirates or ninjas would win in a fight? You simply need to look no further than Ryu and his friends in their blood-soaked glory.

Much like the titular protagonist having to restore his name and save face, The First Berserker: Khazan overcomes doubt that there is room for new, great big beasts in the Souls-like space. It may not be the most original experience and may be overflowing with too much loot, but despite that, it provides incredible play variety, meaningful character progression, spectacle, and exciting boss encounters to boot. Bathed in blood and dripping in metal-as-hell edge and angst, The First Berserker: Khazan is another unbelievably fun and great action RPG for the books.

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.

Game Over: A Musical RPG is a passion project which is bleeding heart and soul. The soundtrack is incredible, every encounter is unique and entertaining, with nothing being repeated. All the characters are charming and have their own unique personalities that help the world feel grounded. The dialogue and comedy are perfectly timed and full of wit and there were genuine laughs around every corner. If you’re a fan of Undertale, Earthbound or The Stanley Parable, please do yourself a favour and check out this home-grown Australian indie.

Many Nights A Whisper is another magical story and experience from Deconstructeam, now with the added co-development of Selkie Harbour. Though some could take issue with its brief foray, it’s worth it for the incredibly pragmatic lens of teaching players to be okay with the unknown, while also questioning rituals and the everyday norm. How much stir and bubble you want to put out into the world is entirely up to you, and through controlling the protagonist known as The Dreamer, you get a microscopic look at what it means to put good out into the world, but also what implications that could have. Backed by an entrancing lo-fi soundtrack from the wonderful fingerspit, along with a colourful vignette of a greater world, Many Nights A Whisper reminds us that there is hope yet for this world. Through it all is that fiery, bright shining beacon of light in the distance.

Overall the remake of Riven is an excellent effort on all fronts. The original Riven was already an exceptionally high quality title that is still playable even today. This new ground-up remake takes that epic title and introduces it to a new generation. This is definitely its final form and stands on its own as an excellent release. I highly recommend it, not just to fans of the original but to any gamer who enjoys puzzle games.

Showgunners creates a bombastic, colourful, chaotic world that incorporates elements of reality TV, turn-based combat, dystopian energy and characters that grow alongside a strong narrative. All of these elements combined could have made the game a messy experience, but the story kept me engaged, and I felt intrinsically motivated to conquer Homicidal All-Stars so that Scarlett can finally find peace. Showgunners is a successful mash-up, and Artificer’s inclusion of various intertwining gameplay features make the game an ever changing, fun ride that made me excited along each step of the way.

It feels excellent to be back in the world of Dead Space. Advancements in technology have allowed for further immersion into what remains one of the most engaging and terrifying horror video game worlds. The visual enhancements don’t stop there, also translating to clever planning of scares and moments of tension as you wander the Ishimura Station halls. It’s in some of this revisiting of those beloved halls that you’ll notice some dated gameplay design points not quite ironed over. However, it’s hardly a blip in the radar when you consider the other mountain of quality of life improvements to make this Isaac Clarke’s bloodiest and most delightful foray yet, with new tidbits to uncover and stellar survival horror to engage in. Dead Space has some life in it yet.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R serves as a reminder from Square Enix that this is an RPG property not to be ignored. On offer is one of the most enjoyable of its genre I’ve played in some time with a heartfelt story, colourful cast, and a wonderful fusion of both fantasy and science fiction goodness. The quality doesn’t end there, though. Deep leveling and specialistion systems make for meaningful refining of your party, becoming more self-sufficient the further along you get. This complements some battle encounters that are deeper than many other RPGs on the market, always keeping you on your toes. One or two quality-of-life additions that could’ve been better implemented aren’t a worry for long when you also consider how gorgeous the world of Expel really is, with its characters popping off your screen. A killer title to convert newcomers and satiate longtime fans, this remake is one for all and all for one. Star Ocean forever.

Do you want more of Bayonetta 1 and 2? That's Bayonetta 3! It keeps the heart and soul of the first two games in every sense, but adds even more fun ways to pound your enemies into the dirt with style. Its chock-full of action set pieces, each more ridiculous than the last — it stays at 100% almost the whole time. Our favourite witch is back in black!

RKGK is a tight, smooth platformer that lets you take your time exploring each level, then challenges you to rush out and apply what you’ve learned. It packs a ton of fun ideas and a wide spectrum of difficulty into 6 hours, and gives you more than enough reasons to return to earlier levels for more things to find. It’s all about art, down to how you will accidentally create art based on how you play. There needs to be more games like RKGK. It’s simple, sweet, and leaves you wanting more.

Every game mode and feature in WWE 2K25 isn’t going to be for everyone, and that’s okay. Regardless of whether you’ll spend your time battling through the campaign, taking a Bloodline history lesson or strolling around the micro-transaction-riddled The Island, what’s included here is almost everything a wrestling fan could dream of. Packed with an epic roster, new match types, unbelievable creation options and smart gameplay tweaks that continue to prove the in-ring action is the best it’s ever been, it’s undisputed: WWE 2K25 is the best wrestling game available today. Put your ones up; because that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.

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.

Atelier Ryza 3 is a wonderfully cheerful celebration of everything there is to love about modern JRPGs. Its gorgeously realised world is filled to the brim with quirky characters, vibrant environments, and a whole lot of charm. While its many interlocking systems (which are taught through tutorials that prove simultaneously verbose and unhelpful) may prove a barrier for newer players, persistence and a sense of curiosity are rewarded with a rich and deeply satisfying level of mastery. The core gameplay features – exploration, combat, synthesis, and key creation – feed into each other in a delicious loop that is at once addictive and relaxing. Atelier Ryza 3 is a joyous, cosy romp that will delight any JRPG fan looking for something refreshing.

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.

Despite the passage of time, OFF still holds up incredibly well. The newer translation lets the utterly hilarious dialogue shine, the updates to the combat make it far more intuitive to use, but the part that really holds it together, the story, hasn’t changed at all, and honestly didn’t need to. It’s still a well-written, bite-sized experience that deserves the attention of anyone who loves newer RPG maker games or games inspired by that genre. You owe it to yourself to finally get around to beating OFF.

Call of the Elder Gods is a really well-designed puzzle game with great characters and a story that grips you the whole way through. It’s a shame that some of the plot developments don’t continue the whole way through the narrative, but it’s still a story well worth following. I can’t wait to see what eldritch ventures this team will send us on next.

Lushfoil Photography Sim is worth playing, especially for those who want to dabble in digital photography. The techniques used in the game mimic those in real life, the maps are close to accurate, and the added little challenges test your creative eye. The game is like visiting someone’s memory as you’re bound to a specific area, but the maps are huge and very detailed. While it does feel weird and somewhat scary being the only person wandering around popular tourist spots, exploring the wildlife and these unique places all by yourself turns them into a delightful nature/travel photography playground.

Promise Mascot Agency is bizarre, hilarious, stylish, and incredibly fun. It gets its hooks into you with its brilliant world-building, wicked sense of humour, and thrilling narrative, then delivers a blend of gameplay systems that combine into something truly unique. There are a few quality-of-life bugbears, but these pale in comparison to the wealth of content that this game has to offer.

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.

Cabernet is a game with a lot of heart. It puts so much work into establishing the eastern-European setting, the vampire lore and all of its wonderful characters, which all have impressive voice acting that makes the story more emotional throughout. While the game does certainly lack a little polish in spots, it’s a highly engaging story that’s more than worth sinking your teeth into.

Sonic Frontiers was definitely a risk, but SEGA and Sonic Team are no strangers to rolling the dice and operating on pure ambition. If we are honest with ourselves, for too long, Sonic has come up short on the execution. But this time the iconic speedster has truly delivered. Open world games might be a dime a dozen, and they have not reinvented the wheel here. Instead, they've successfully transported Sonic to an intriguing new world that is a pleasure to explore, while maintaining some retro flare and an engaging story that will make fans happy. Put simply, Sonic Frontiers is the best 3D Sonic game ever made, and a fantastic step in the right direction that bodes very well for the future of everybody's favourite blue hedgehog.

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.

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.

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.

A witty, vicious, and charming-as-heck romp through a Victorian steampunk city, Sovereign Syndicate wraps its tight, character-driven story in layers of deliciously decadent prose. Delving through the seedy underbelly of this alternate-universe East London is compelling on its own, made all the more intriguing by the different perspectives of its trio of protagonists. Despite a few glitches at launch and some slightly rushed final moments, Sovereign Syndicate is a deeply satisfying narrative RPG and an absolute pleasure to play through.

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?

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.

A touching fable of companionship, Koira is a strong debut title whose thoughtful design belies its simple presentation. Its charming use of music over dialogue, affection for small, quiet moments and simple but clever mechanics create an affecting journey through and with nature.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection joins the Nathan Drake Collection as the best way to experience some of the greatest titles PlayStation has ever put out into the world. Naughty Dog truly are kings of their craft, having created many of the industry's greatest games, and with Uncharted established a franchise that captures the movie-like-magic of adventure cinema and brings it into the interactive space. Who knows what the future of the Uncharted franchise has in store, but for now getting your hands on this collection is a sure-fire way to experience a platform-defining experience that should hold up for years to come.

It’s exciting to see such an iconic, loved horror series go in such a different direction with Silent Hill f. But while the combat has some tricks up its sleeve and the setting is distinct, it still inherently nails what makes a Silent Hill game so successful: the terror, the sense of dread, the enticing puzzles and the dark story with twists, turns and violence. Silent Hill f is a wonderful survival horror game that makes some compelling decisions about the future of the franchise, while managing to remember its past. It’s brutally bold and frighteningly great.

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.

With or without friends, WarioWare: Move it! will have you smiling at every turn. Featuring hundreds of new and quirky micro-games, Move it! gets you on your feet and moving once more by striking silly poses with the Joy-Cons, which feels (mostly) natural and accurate. It’s not the kind of game you can play for hours, but it will be one to return to any time you need a pick-me-up. Its sense of humor and goofy mechanics will stay fresh for years to come. Finally, this is the successor to Smooth Moves we’ve been waiting for.

Rosewater is an epic point-and-click Western adventure that will satisfy fans of both genres. It’s easy to see the love that Grundislav Games have put into making Harley’s Rosewater tale as immersive and as riveting as possible. This epic, 20+ hour-long adventure, with its weaving narratives and character development, feels grandiose and impressive. This adventure title makes you feel like you are truly part of the action, with your choices determining Harley and her posses’ destiny.

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.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a next-generation action game of mechs, industry, and technology within a rich story. It will be renowned for its advanced approach to strategic combat, integrated assembly system, and immersive soundscape, offering an unparalleled experience for fans of the genre. Amidst its narrative intricacies, pacing, and camera control challenges, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon stands as a symphony of metal and fire, inviting players to pilot their destiny in a futuristic universe unlike any other.

Cronos: The New Dawn is a strong new scary entry from Bloober Team, mixing well-worn tropes of the genre with some interesting sci-fi twists and a captivating, if somewhat confusing, narrative tying it all together. Balancing a restricted inventory while tackling waves of disgusting creatures makes for an intense time, and exploring the infected district in Poland is a memorable setting. Cronos: The New Dawn is confident in delivering what it set out to do; it’s a new survival horror IP that has legs – and lots of other limbs – carrying it to spooky success.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is an undoubtedly fun, charming, and riveting entry into a well-established franchise. With a sprawling open world to explore, a variety of interesting ideas and themes, an extraordinary story, charming characters, and a completely overhauled synthesis system, Atelier Yumia is a great starting point for newcomers, and a welcomed addition to a much-loved franchise by fans.

Uncover secrets, evade dangers, and embark on an eerie journey in ANIMAL WELL. Billy Basso has crafted a dark neon aesthetic and enigmatic gameplay that delivers a Metroidvania unlike many others. The mystery and cryptic puzzles won’t be for everyone, but those who enjoy a challenge and a good platformer will be rewarded with a haunting adventure.

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.

RPG Time: The Legend of Wright is a game with the kind of visual presentation that must be revered and venerated by all, despite some weird fundamental gaps in its user-friendliness. Whilst there are absolutely some opportunities for additional polish, it’s ultimately a minor ding in what is otherwise an insanely impressive game. This is an example of the best of what indie games can bring to the table. It is beautiful, it is dumb, it is dorky, and it is constantly tripping over itself to show you its new cool ideas. The Legend of Wright deserves recognition and love for all the amazing stuff it’s bringing to the tabletop.

At first, Mafia: The Old Country swept me up straight away. Its stunning world, compelling story, and rich sense of place felt like an Italian holiday. As I played on, the simplicity of its combat and stealth stood out more, but that’s not what I valued most. Not the most inventive action game, but one of the most immersive you’ll play this year. This is a leaner and more focused Mafia game that trades scale for storytelling and worldbuilding, and in doing so, delivers something quietly special.

Immortals of Aveum boldly attempts to deliver an epic cinematic experience about a war involving magic, and it succeeds in its ambition. Fast-paced combat that places the game firmly in the shooter genre combine with satisfying platforming and puzzle-solving to make for an adventure that stays focused on its linear story while offering extra secrets for those who want to explore beyond its core narrative. There’s some repetition here and there that can be frustrating, but when you’re blasting colourful magic spells across battlefields of enemies like a violent fireworks display, it’s hard not to be impressed. Visually stunning with an excellently committed cast, Immortals of Aveum is a satisfying adventure and an impressive debut from a studio clearly not afraid to defy expectations.

Cult of the Lamb doesn’t just surprise and delight with its visual prowess and unflinching cultist motifs, it also hooks you with its addictive and adaptive gameplay loop. There’s not a dull second as you move through two equally important and varied genres of game that mesh beautifully together to create a unique and captivating experience. A lack of end-game content may disappoint some colony sim fans, though it ultimately does little to sour what is a genuinely novel game that knows exactly what it wants to be.

Jusant is wonderful and never fails to impress. It’s at its best when it’s offering you the quiet, contemplative moments, teasing passed on civilisations with its very apt environmental storytelling. Offering climbing gameplay that is more focused on fluidity and responsiveness than gruelling or trivial makes for a smoother and more enjoyable experience, bolstering the cinematic and picturesque world painted. Basking in the glow of the sunlight, reaching a peak and in turn being greeted with beautiful pieces of music that feel almost like they’re cheering you on… they entirely more than make up for the brief moments the game overshares in its otherwise mystique nature. At the end of it all, Jusant is worth the climb, remaining all peaks and no valleys.

A polished, cleverly designed, and utterly joyful experience, Sea of Stars takes the best parts of classic RPGs and distils their essence into something at once comfortingly nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Its combat system twists traditional turn-based combat into a satisfyingly tactile blend of strategy and execution, making exploring every inch of its gorgeous world an absolute pleasure. Despite some odd pacing in the final act and the occasional cringey joke, Sea of Stars holds up as a fantastic modern RPG and a must-play for fans of the genre.

I hope Visions of Mana signals a new, brighter direction for the series. This is more than a classic series receiving a jaw-dropping glow-up. This is a game that gives you a classic JRPG experience while being a modern blockbuster through and through. It’s one of the best-looking games this generation and gives you dozens of unlockable options to customise your party your way. The story is deep and dark (for a PG title) and explores familiar themes in a new and engaging way. Visions of Mana confidently asserts its own spot among other long-running modern JRPGs, and I can’t help but agree. It’s proof that despite its age, this series still has a lot of potential left.

New Tales from the Borderlands could have played it safe by using characters from the well-established universe that people know and love. However, Gearbox Quebec’s decision to create a whole new bunch of ragtag characters that connect so clearly with Borderland’s existing humour, art style, and lore has really paid off. New Tales from the Borderlands isn’t a gameplay-heavy game, but the visuals, narrative, and the way the character’s personalities are so well-developed kept me riveted and surprised. With what Gearbox has created here, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see even Newer Tales From The Borderlands in the future.

Atomfall is a departure and a triumph for Rebellion Developments. A showcase of narrative freedom that allows players to discover their own story within a tightly designed puzzle sandbox. While the strict mechanics have been seen before, the depth of the world and strength of the central mystery are the secrets behind Atomfall’s true success.

Crow Country threw me back to my childhood days of sitting in front of a CRT TV with a controller in hand, while streamlining the less desirable, archaic sensibilities. Familiar elements and tropes are well-executed, and the perfect runtime of four to five hours allows it to end on a high before it overstays its welcome due to its smaller scope. Perfect for a weekend! I thoroughly enjoyed my time playing Crow Country and I am looking forward to what SFB cooks up next.

The Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series has taken two classic games that deserve to be experienced and given them new life, and I’m honestly really glad that so many people will be able to see the magic that I’ve seen from the series. These are solid, polished platforming titles that feel great to play, look lovely to the eye, sound beautiful and are presented properly, with only the occasional frame drops and some annoying collectables bringing them down. If you enjoy platformers at all, be it Mario, Kirby, Spyro, Sonic or otherwise, do yourself a favour and get this compilation – Klonoa deserves to stand alongside them all as one of the greats.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an incredibly pleasant surprise. Brilliant gameplay and gorgeous visuals make it utterly addictive to play, and in my time with it, I never wanted to put it down. The only fault the experience really has is the story, and while it is perfectly serviceable, it’s never sufficiently engaging, even if the gameplay itself is enough to keep you going. If you are looking for a new Metroidvania to sink your teeth into, this is one I can highly recommend, and a strong return to form for the previously long-resting franchise.

Another Crab’s Treasure is a Soulslike hit and another win for Aggro Crab. Proving the genre can be more than just darkness and grit, offering colour and whimsy all within a memorable nautical world. Though it might not always be the most original, that’s easily forgiven thanks to damn good action RPG combat, a healthy dose of accessibility and thoughtful environment design you’ll get lost in for hours. Ducking in and out of shells, toppling great big bosses and zipping around with a grappling hook is SO. MUCH. FUN. This journey to the deep is well worth the plunge.

Against the Storm’s genre hybridity does jettison some of the base pleasures of the city builder, but otherwise, Eremite Games has crafted a compelling ‘just one more settlement’ roguelike gameplay loop. With the combination of a beautiful and familiar fantasy aesthetic, strong foundational mechanics with a lot of variety, and a remarkably intuitive adaptation from its PC roots to a controller, Against the Storm is an assured and accomplished console port.

Date Everything! is an exemplary example of what happens when game developers remember they have free will and can do literally anything they want. A classic dating sim style game but with a twist, Sassy Chap Games decided it would be really cool to basically hire the entirety of the professional voice acting industry and assign them all to sexy human versions of furniture, and somehow it worked spectacularly. Date Everything! is an experience dripping with charm, inclusivity and pride, and is the exact right amount of self-aware. Being able to make a hundred characters equally as unique and captivating as they are is such an impressive feat. This is a dating sim that breaks free from the mould, and even those who aren’t fond of the genre will find something to love within this world.

Inventive, exciting, and addictive, Fresh Tracks delivers a unique take on the rhythm genre that will have you diving into its story-songs over and over. With fantastic music, thrilling boss battles, and tonnes of replayability, this is a must-play for fans of rhythm games.

Mortal Kombat 1 may not be a massive evolution of the fighting game formula, but what’s on offer is still incredibly detailed and lovingly implemented. From the camp fun of the game’s main campaign, to the beautiful flow of online fights, to the string of new ideas found in the seasonal Invasions Mode. There’s a lot to digest here and a lot to enjoy. Another success by NetherRealm Studios, solidifying them as a masterful fighting game force.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened is smaller than the game it’s a sequel to. It had to be, due to painful real-world events that affect the developer to this day. But by streamlining mechanics and sticking to what they do best, Frogwares delivers a refreshingly focused experience. Despite its gruesome subject matter, the game is a joy to play, taking care not to cause anxiety through gameplay. This is a masterful detective game, giving you the tools to figure out complicated mysteries on your own. The final chapters may leave certain things open-ended, but that only raises hopes that Frogwares can make another fantastic game next time. Based on their past work, I know they can.

Death of the Reprobate is genuine highbrow buffoonery. With its biting satire, intuitive gameplay, and Renaissance style, Richardson has once again proven he can make profound statements about human nature while making us laugh at our own pettiness. Though it bears the common afflictions of the point-and-click genre, it nonetheless endures as a splendid finale to the Immortal John Triptych.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 doesn’t hold back in showing you what it’s like to be a Space Marine. Combat is gruelling, intense, and punishing even in the best of times. It’s also not easy to understand the importance of the Space Marines if you aren’t familiar with the lore. But if you are willing to give the game a chance, it provides some of the best hack-and-slash shooter experiences and immersive settings. It’s never been more enjoyable to be a Space Marine and understand the horrors of fighting in never-ending conflicts.

Enter Kirby and the Forgotten Lands with reasonable expectations and you’ll soon see one of the best refinements of a long-standing Nintendo formula yet. Cooperative play may waver in quality but does not diminish the wondrous experience ahead of you. On offer is plenty of platforming fun to sink your teeth into. Exploration, combat and the completionist itch that comes with a Kirby title are all present and strong here, and it also serves to be one of the longer adventures yet, with more to do than ever before. If you’re looking for the bright and joyous game to cosy up with on the couch this year, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands is without a doubt the one. Just maybe keep a suspicious eye on that beast pack.

Impeccable vibes, a solid narrative, and strong characters make the trip to Velvet Cove more than worth it. Tape 1 of Lost Records: Bloom and Rage effortlessly transports you back to a simpler time, while telling a grounded and melancholy tale of what happens when the perfect summer, isn’t. While it’s occasionally let down by an uneven technical state, the strength of the story still stands tall. I’m more than excited to continue the story of Swann and her friends in Tape 2.

Overall, Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World brings a decent amount of new content to the table. The new Mouthful Mode abilities are great and work well in the new Starry Stages. While the lack of new Copy Abilities and a large number of reskinned familiar enemies might be a bit disappointing, the new content overall is certainly worth the cost of an upgrade pack for existing owners of the base game. For those who missed the original, the new content and performance improvements make it the best version of a fantastic platformer by far, and easily worth recommending to Switch 2 owners looking for a memorable experience.

Slay the Princess is an entertainingly dark and subversive visual novel with hidden depths that makes for a great few hours. For developer Black Tabby Games’ second title, it’s a very encouraging success indeed, and proves that its horror-telling chops in Scarlet Hollow wasn’t just a fluke. I will be keenly looking forward to its next title.

Stories From Sol: the Gun-Dog would fit right into any collection of the best PC-98 titles, emulating the detailed art and bit-crushed music flawlessly while also integrating modern game design to marry the best of both worlds. It creates an exciting and dramatic sci-fi universe just like your favourite mecha anime from the 80s, while avoiding the bad tropes that are best left in the past. It’s an excellent debut into the world of Sol, and I can’t wait for whatever next instalment may come.

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.

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.

All in all, the simple act of going CHOP CHOP on your enemies has been made so much more fun within Conan Chop Chop. It’s quirky and fun to play solo, but even more enjoyable in multiplayer. In fact, the game’s chaotic and funny nature makes it perfect to play with friends over and over again. With its easy to use controls and simplified gameplay set up, all abilities of gamers can pick this up and enjoy themselves. This quirky roguelite will certainly surprise you with how addictive and fun it can become.

Helldivers 2 proves a basic ideology: create something special and the players will come. Built on a foundation of cheeky satire and visceral gunplay, this cooperative shooter is engaging, charming, dynamic, and at no point feels greedy or unnecessary. It’s live service done right, with appropriate progression and a feeling of global connection as you fight toward a shared goal. Server issues still impact this game’s release and they aren’t insignificant, yet they are still a mere minor inconvenience when compared to Helldivers 2’s many triumphs.

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.

The Outlast Trials is a brutally fresh twist of the knife for the franchise. Cooperative play meshes seamlessly with the horror experience, allowing players to squad up and take on brutal trials that are as horrifying as they are fun to survive together. Solo play is more trouble for the same reward, so it’s a good thing the game includes a matchmaking system. With more content on the way, it’s clear Murkoff has struck gold with this new take on a loved IP!

Techno Banter is a wild ride that lets you have the power to control the vibe within the vibrating walls of The Green Door. The way that developer Dexai Arts has captured the grittiness of a Berlin party street with their vibrant yet seedy characters shows how much love and respect they have for this world. With fun, unique mini-games and music from real Berlin DJs, the atmosphere is unmistakably stylish. Incorporating a simulation-style game mechanic, and having to walk up and down Rainbow Road before and after your shift really gave me a sense of immersion in this world. For gamers who love the club scene or appreciate techno music, Techno Banter will make you feel like you are in control of the party, and that’s a pretty cool position to be in.

I’m so glad Kaname Date is back. No Sleep for Kaname Date is such an enjoyable romp through the familiar world that refines the formula, confidently adding escape sequences that fit so naturally into the gameplay loop you’d think that they’ve always been there. While the story and mystery don’t completely hold up throughout, the character interactions and pure personality of the cast more than make up for it. For AITSF fans, it’s an absolute must-play. For newcomers to the series, it’s a compelling reason to dive into the series from the start.

Cat Quest III is a fantastic game and is far better than it has any right to be. More than just a silly game with silly puns, it is an impressive showcase of simple but quality game design, where they leave clever and tantalising breadcrumbs of discovery to drive the player forward. It’s a tight and easy-to-control questathon game that anyone can play. That’s perfect too; it’s some of the simplest and most fun couch co-operative gaming I’ve experienced in yonks. Many a joyful moment was had hacking, slashing and dodging with my partner right by my side, before taking to the luscious and gorgeous crystal blue seas. These are only some of the gorgeous sights on offer. The Purribean is your oyster. Set sail, Cat Quest III is a real one.

Vampire Therapist is an incredibly fun play; all the characters are vibrant and interesting, the voice acting is outstanding the entire way through and yeah, vampires are hot. Everyone in this game is hot. There was clearly a lot of love and effort put into the therapy aspect of the game, too. Finding a way to add legitimate therapy techniques without making it feel unapproachable must have been hard, but it’s definitely paid off.

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.

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.

If you’re a turn-based strategy fan, the combat in Jagged Alliance 3 is not to be missed. Thanks to the game’s varied mercenary stats, it’s easy to put together a team that aligns well with your preferred personal play style and the game’s combat mechanics are accessible yet suspenseful, thanks to the absence of a precise percentage-to-hit chance. While the game’s dialogue feels naff in places and could’ve been executed better overall, it’s a small price to pay for the high level of entertaining battles. And if that’s your thing, Jagged Alliance 3 is sure to deliver.

The Wild at Heart is a story-rich action-adventure that draws you in and pulls at your heartstrings as we follow two children, Wake and Kirby, as they discover who they are and where they belong. The immersive and detailed storytelling and intuitive gameplay make The Wild at Heart a beautifully crafted showpiece. Whilst some of the gameplay further into the experience can feel repetitive and some mechanics are either underutilised or unnecessary, this is still a game worth sharing with people of all ages as it offers unique experiences for each player. Moonlight Kids have done an amazing job creating this unique and wonderful world and the story within. If you are an avid lover of puzzle adventure games that involve weird and wonderful creatures, coming of age stories, battles against supernatural foes and uncovering secrets, then The Wild at Heart is something you absolutely must experience for yourself.

Alan Wake Remastered is yet another classic gaming experience that has been given a new lease on life. While the ongoing trend of remasters and remakes may slowly be becoming tiring or seem uninspired to some, there exists a handful of games in recent years that have reaped the benefits of getting a second chance to strike gold. As a new player coming into the series, I was incredibly excited for this remaster and I came away from the experience with my expectations met and surprisingly exceeded. To see a much-discussed game in the best possible light, means the things that matter to what made the game special back in 2010 remain so today. Remedy delivered a fantastic video game thriller over a decade ago and with the help of the team at d3t, it has done so again with even more polish and refinement than the original ever thought to possess.

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.

It’s great that the WWE 2K series is in such a good place, where it doesn’t need to change much and still remains a must-have for wrestling game fans everywhere. When the bell rings, WWE 2K24 still continues to have the best in-ring action, with a broadcast-like presentation that very much looks the part. It’s filled to the brim with content that will keep you busy until Wrestlemania 41, but its Showcase mode, the key feature of its marketing campaign every single year, needs a serious rethink, as it’s holding the series back from legendary status. It might not Finish the Story, but it’s another damn good chapter.

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.

While it’s sporting a new look and name, EA Sports FC 24 is a familiar and altogether solid entry in the juggernaut that is EA’s annual soccer video game series. Picking up the controller for a quick session with mates feels as comfortable and natural as it ever has, with plenty of mechanical depth for hardcore football fanatics to obsess over. It’s a shame that the glitches present at release can be match-ending, and placing microtransactions front-and-centre in a full-priced retail game always feels icky, but the sheer variety and quality of game modes on offer make up for these shortcomings for the most part. EA Sports FC 24 is a true celebration of the world’s game, with plenty of content for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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.

Dawnfolk is a brilliant simplification of the city-building genre with satisfying, short scenarios to play through without skimping on difficulty. Even in easy mode, it does start getting tough towards the end and there are both hard and impossible modes on offer for those who want a little more spice. It’s supremely engaging visually and controls really well with an easily readable and comprehensible style. There are hours of fun to find in the darkness, so long as you are ready to illuminate it.

I really enjoyed Unknown 9: Awakening; I loved its pulpy globetrotting action tone and likable cast, and the combat and stealth were rather a lot of fun. The ability to remote control foes and turn them against their allies was a cool unique mechanic that, if anything, could have stood to be even more central to the gameplay. Despite some less-than-stellar boss fights and a somewhat shallow main villain, I had a very good time with Unknown 9: Awakening, and so might you. Hopefully it, and the rest of the Unknown 9 expanded universe, will find enough of an audience that we will see more of Haroona’s story in the future.

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.

Persona 5 Tactica is another successful voyage for the Phantom Thieves. Little is better than the warm feeling inside of revisiting this cast of characters I’ve come to know so fondly and intimately in a new, but familiar style. There are small ways Atlus could’ve made this a more blown-out affair, but it’s never too much of a bother when the game is this solid and satisfying to play. Persona and the tactics genre have finally been fused with great success, creating a thoughtful and smart, but approachable affair. Love or hate how long the Phantom Thieves have stuck around at this point, they’ll at least steal your heart once more.

A game whose only real sin is having been beaten to the punch by Mario and Sonic. Each event plays well and is backed up with solid presentation, tight controls and AI that offers a proper challenge when against you, while having your back when on your team. Add to that a soundtrack that feels properly encouraging and some solid reasons to keep trudging at the elusive medals and you have a solid title that clearly wasn’t rushed by any stretch. That said, if you prefer your sports to be on the realistic side, or you want things even wackier with a touch of spiky hedgehog, this probably isn’t the game for you. For everyone else – go for gold.

Bar none, Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania is my favourite arcade game on the Switch so far. The game’s short burst levels, no matter how challenging or luck-based they may be, lend themselves so well on a portable console. Rya Ga Gotoku Studios have done incredibly well in recreating and returning the niche love their arcade series has brought over the years. With plenty of playtime, cute characters to play around with, minigames to battle your friends in and challenging missions to overcome, Banana Mania can be everything you’ve ever needed in an arcade game on the Switch. It’s worth going ape over, folks.

A Memoir Blue is an interesting case study for where the future of indie games may be heading within the next 5 years. While both visually striking with a seemingly simple narrative core, A Memoir Blue is able to deliver an experience that evokes emotional sympathy and combines its game concepts directly with its themes of family and estrangement. Despite being a short experience with limited opportunities for interesting gameplay scenarios, I sense this is only the beginning of an exciting style of video games.

A Space for the Unbound is a mesmerising adventure. Dive into people’s minds and experience so much of Indonesian youth and culture through the eyes of Atma and Raya’s clash with the end of the world. Uninspiring minigames and simple gameplay aren’t its best features. Regardless, the stunning pixel-art visuals, animations, music, likeable characters and storytelling make this a game that will have you in tears.

As far as time loop games go, The Forgotten City has the Midas touch. It’s easy to see just how much care has gone into the story of the game so that it not only pulls the player in, but dares them to test the possible realities. The characters all feel real and they drive the player to find the truth before the Golden Rule is broken and the loop must reset. The developers have been careful to create a narrative that, while repetitive in practice, still keeps the player engaged in the wider narrative of the world through exploration and discovery. Combat in the game remains questionable, but the gold bow is its saving grace. If you’re after a game that will keep you guessing as you move closer to the truth, then The Forgotten City is fittingly worthy of your gold.

As asymmetrical horror games go, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre stands proudly on the shoulders of genre mainstays, providing an absolute ripper of an experience. Players are thrown in the deep end, which while frustrating at first, begins to make a lot more sense when you give it time. Seeing iconic locations from the films and racing to find your way out as a chainsaw swings behind you is quite the thrill. And whilst perks may initially be hard to understand, eventually the experience comes together as a really satisfying and macabre example of exciting multiplayer horror.