If you’re reading this and thinking ‘Gee, that sure doesn’t sound like a particularly great game’, well, you’re right, it’s kind of not. The Thing: Remastered so gloriously channels the vibe of something you’d rent from the video store on a Friday night and binge across the weekend that I can’t help but love it anyway. Level layouts are often uninspiring, what few puzzles there are tend to be mildly annoying in their design, companion and enemy A.I. alike are completely wretched, and from start to finish it filled me with childlike delight in a way that no new game has in years. I’ve always had a soft spot for earnest B games, and The Thing: Remastered is the most earnest B one I’ve played in a long time.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is probably the most ambitious title this franchise has ever received. It mixes classic side-scrolling beat-em-up action, with varied other retro-inspired styles of gameplay. It is hit-and-miss; playing by yourself feels brutal and at times unfair, and the non-beat-em-up sections, whilst initially exciting, can be tiresome. But with hand-drawn SNES-style graphics, a pumping soundtrack and nostalgia coming out of its ears, it still manages to be fun most of the time.

I want it to be known that I really wanted to like The Spirit of the Samurai. I am a massive fan of stop-motion animation, and any piece of media that utilises or seeks to evoke or pay homage to that style has earned my respect. That said, as well put-together as the cutscenes are, The Spirit of the Samurai is just not very fun as a game. From the clunky and unresponsive controls to the linear and murky levels filled with oddly placed traps and pitfalls, it can often feel like a slog to actually play. If you are a fan of stop-motion animation, then you may get something from the experience, but it is unlikely to be too satisfying for just about anyone else.

Antonblast is an incredibly odd, yet rather absorbing platformer. Despite its audacious presentation, there is a surprisingly skillful platformer underneath the over-the-top chaos of its visuals that fans of speedrunning and mastery over a game’s mechanics will be sure to greatly enjoy. Not all of the level gimmicks work as well as others, but considering the amount of imagination which has been squeezed into this 10-ish hour experience, it’s hard to come away from the game without a smile on your face. If you’re a fan of Crash Bandicoot or the old Wario Land games, or just really like well-designed and memorable 2D platformers, Antonblast is a tonne of fun and an easy recommend.

Neon Blood, on its surface, is a stunning pixelated cyberpunk adventure that boasts an intriguing plot. However, players will unfortunately find that when they spend more time with the game it is riddled with clunky traversal, uninspiring combat and the lack of accessibility features. Though Neon Blood looks like it would be an exciting cyberpunk adventure, the issues make it visually gorgeous but not a super fun experience.

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.

Aspyr continues their recent but crucial work of restoring legacy games with Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered, and it’s arguably their best work yet. The visual fidelity and style upgrades are meaningful, only touching the fundamentals minimally so the twenty-plus-year-old cult classics remain the historic ventures they always have been. Though the untouched level design will feel at times dated with players, it’s a janky and charming pair of games that are dripping with edge. Nostalgic fans and lovers of 2000s broodiness and creative design won’t want to miss this one.

If you’re looking for a fun fitness routine that you can easily do at home, then Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer. Not only does it incentivise you to return every day, but the exercises you will be doing will get your heart racing. While it shouldn’t replace going to a gym, nor will it make you a professional boxer, it will give you a workout based on your needs and abilities and you can change it to your heart’s content.

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is a vibrant and whimsical RPG from some of the best that have ever done it. The incredibly rich storytelling and setting are bolstered by a quaint and gorgeous world to explore thanks to the striking diorama sets, charming characters and another stellar Nobuo Uematsu soundtrack. Though the game isn’t without its frustrating grinds, it’s more than the sum of its parts. This is a step forward for the turn-based genre thanks to meaningful and much-needed quality-of-life improvements in its tactical nature and pace-controlling Dimengion system. FANTASIAN Neo Dimension proves there is still so much excellence and magnificence to come from RPGs.

Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator is an absolute technical marvel when everything is running as it should. While there were significant hiccups at launch, the level of ambition Asobo brought to the table is clear. With numerous challenges, missions, and a vast and beautiful world to explore, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is sure to keep you entertained. While the learning curve for newbie pilots may be steep, Flight Simulator has plenty on offer for beginning players and veterans alike, no matter whether you’re keen to just do some in-flight sightseeing, or embark on a career mode to get all possible qualifications in-game.

Loco Motive is a comfy ride the whole way through. It’s good lookin’, it’s got a pleasant soundtrack, and the writing and voice acting are good for several chuckles. The way the stories of the three protagonists intermingle is a great concept that’s executed well enough, even if I wish it was a little more fleshed out. Still, fans of point-and-click adventure games have no reason not to add Loco Motive to their library.

Nairi: Rising Tide is a beautiful game. The background art showcases how gorgeous an area is, and it gives so much life to the characters. The writing is hilarious, and it makes the characterisation display every positive and negative trait of everyone. But, even with that, art and writing cannot carry a game alone, as the puzzles become too puzzling, and some of the themes and world-building don’t feel explored enough. Its hint system is mostly unhelpful, causing frustration rather than satisfaction. If Nairi is to have another entry, HomeBearStudio will hopefully learn from its mistakes.

30 Birds is a rich experience with a gorgeous world to explore that takes full advantage of the marriage of both 2D and 3D. The puzzles are engaging and there is plenty of variety to be found across the lanterns and amongst its colourful cast of characters. The story ends a little more abruptly than I would have liked, but it does end with the implication that Zig and the bird goddess are romantically interested in each other, which rules. There’s a lot to love with 30 Birds so it’s a shame that it still has a couple of bugs here and there and that the outstanding soundtrack just disappears sometimes. They are very minor issues though and ones that I’m certain will be patched very soon. I had a great time exploring the lanterns within 30 Birds and I’m sure you will too.

Everholm succeeds at delivering a cozy farming sim that involves solving a mystery. You have fun configuring your farm while building relationships with the town’s residents and exploring dungeons, but you will spend more time farming and exploring than solving the mystery since it has a slow pace. There aren’t many differences from other popular games in the genre as well. But if you know what you are getting into, Everholm delivers a solid experience.

Critter Café takes you to a colourful world that mixes modernity with fantasy. Not only are you operating the magical animal café of your dreams, but you also get to escape reality and go on an adventure to save critters. However, unlike other restaurant-based cozy games, there’s a missed opportunity to offer more interactive opportunities outside the café operation and the exploration of the ruins, making the game feel a bit boring, lifeless, and repetitive.

Toads of the Bayou has so many awesome concepts that I thought it may just be one of my games of 2024. The character and world design are both well-developed and adorable, and the gameplay was fun… before I started dying over and over again. To really let more players appreciate this world they have created, La Grange either needs to put in difficulty settings or provide players with more support, instead making gameplay harder by punishing them with ‘cursed’ cards when they are struggling. Because the way it stands, I won’t be jumpin’ to head back to the bayou anytime soon.

I liked Spirit Mancer well enough as an arcadey 2D hack and slasher with a fun monster summoning twist, and you might too. The addition of a monster collection element is a pretty fantastic inclusion, and the simplicity of sealing a weakened monster into my deck and then pulling them out at the opportune moment always felt satisfying. Unfortunately, the boss fights are mostly a bit of a letdown, feeling surprisingly slow-paced and often frustrating, and while the narrative doesn’t take itself too seriously, it doesn’t quite end with the impact that it should. That said, if you just want a fun 2D hack-and-slash game with a unique twist that you can play with a friend, you can do far worse than Spirit Mancer.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is an anomaly. It dazzles with stunning visuals, an eerie atmosphere, and gameplay that captures the soul of the original series. Yet, like The Zone itself, it's plagued by technical glitches, inconsistent performance, and design missteps that get in the way of its lofty ambitions. Despite its flaws, STALKER 2 has a strange magnetic force, and once you’re in, it’s hard to look away.

Tetris Forever is best approached as a tribute to the cultural legacy of Tetris. It’s not the definitive way to play the game, but it’s an essential experience for anyone interested in gaming history. Just don’t go in expecting the perfect Tetris fix—this is a museum exhibit, not an arcade.

Sorry We’re Closed is an incredible debut from á la mode games. It dares to go where scarce horror games have gone prior in making their underworld adventure also dreamy, poppy and dripping in substance. The world of demons and angels is tantalising in writing and worldbuilding but also visual design, depicted as god-like otherworldly hotties. Thankfully that substance isn’t skin deep and also translates to inventive horror gameplay design where you’re constantly shifting between claustrophobic fixed camera positioning for arena fights and first-person mode for lining up crunchy shotgun blasts. All these moving parts make for a memorable adventure filled with exciting boss fights, wicked needle-drop moments mid-battle and deep discussions on love and relationships. Quite simply the coolest survival horror game to ever exist, Sorry We’re Closed is certifiably one for the girlies.

It becomes harder and harder as we get older to be astonished by the simple things in life. The way that Miniatures asks the player to slow down and explore four different memories, each so beautifully drawn, made me feel that sense of curiosity and awe in the worlds the game has created, a feeling that doesn’t occur as naturally as it once did. Though the narrative missed an opportunity to discuss deeper themes and make each tale offer some deeper meaning to the audience, there is still a lot for players to get from this short, yet sweet, point-and-click narrative experience.

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.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake is a triumphant remake of a classic. The new visuals and sound design are beautiful and elegant, with new systems updating just enough to keep it palatable to modern audiences while still keeping systems that make this game unique. Though some elements don’t hold up to scrutiny, including some parts of the voice acting and writing, and enemy behaviour, they aren’t enough to detract from how enjoyable this game is, now made more accessible than ever. With similar remakes of the first two Dragon Quests on the way, fans and new players are going to have a good time. The quality of Dragon Quest HD-2D Remakes hopefully inspires a higher quality of classic remakes to come.

LEGO Horizon Adventures offers a different take on both LEGO and Horizon as a series, with mixed results. The charm of experiencing the epic Horizon Zero Dawn story in this family-friendly brickified way is unmistakable, with strong visuals and a fully voiced cast going a long way in making things feel epic. It’s a shame that the repetitive mission structure and overall short adventure stop it from becoming something truly special, not fully nailing it as either a LEGO game or a Horizon game. Still, as far as family-friendly cooperative gaming romps go, it’s polished, silly and sure to generate some laughs for the more casual or younger gamers in our lives.

Farmagia is a very interesting concept with a lot of good ideas, great voice acting and an elaborate story. There is a lot to like, especially if you are a fan of tropey anime romps, but it has its fingers in too many pies, ending up feeling unfocused and not as polished as it could have been. There is definitely a very interesting game in Farmagia with lots of moving parts and a story that clearly had lots of effort put in, but it falls short in a few areas with disconnected farming mechanics and framerate issues. This is a shame because there is a lot of heart to be found within. Any big anime fans are likely to have a good time with the story and voice acting, but outside of that, there isn’t much to grab players.

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!

Farming Simulator 25 is a tough experience if you haven’t done farming before. The tutorial is short and only introduces you to the basics of agriculture, so you’ll spend most of your time making mistakes and fumbling around. But if you stay and learn, you get a comprehensive farming experience. It comes at the cost of everything being related to farming, but you’ll gain a better appreciation for the work that farmers do.

Great God Grove brims with charm and originality, offering a fresh take on word puzzles and gods among people. Its offbeat humour and playful design will draw you in, but clunky mechanics and a fairly straightforward narrative may leave you wanting more cohesion and polish. With a little more divine intervention, Great God Grove’s quirky moments might have ascended to a truly special adventure.

Though it’s not without some technical issues and frustratingly inaccessible small font in menus you have to squint at, Metal Slug Tactics is a blast of a rogue-lite adventure. It’s a quality return to a long-running franchise and one that has translated its difficulty and style well by offering enticing risk vs reward mechanics at every turn and striking pixel art and visual flourishes to boot. With plenty of experimentation in character abilities and what feels like endless upgrades and unlocks to chase, it’s a rogue-lite venture that is only complimented by the more hours you put into it. You get your money’s worth here. SNK and Leikir Studio have successfully completed their mission of making Metal Slug exciting and relevant once more. Job well done.

Daemon Masquerade’s corkboard mechanic is so simple that I can’t believe it’s not a standard feature of the genre. It’s implemented near flawlessly here, with a compelling narrative that’ll glue your butt to your chair for its runtime. Being just a few hours long, it’s a perfect bite-size mystery.

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.

Extra Coin is a heartfelt little tale set over a gorgeously colourful video gamey backdrop, and offers an addicting duelling game system that you can play continuously without getting bored. The art direction is beautifully detailed and the potential of the virtual reality of the Arcade is immense, but it seems to have held back on exploring its concept past the surface level. Its small scope doesn’t quite do justice to what the story and world could have been, but it’s still an easy recommendation.

There’s a decent time to be had in Slitterhead as a blood-wielding badass dealing with some dastardly demons in the striking and grungy concrete jungle of Kowlong. The game finds a satisfying balance of empowerment and challenge as you hijack body after body to topple your foes. Similarly, it’s exciting to use these supernatural powers to traverse the land and uncover mysteries across the city. The game, however, is held back by an obtuse story, a frustrating lack of apt signposting in some missions, and an adventure you never really wrap your head around in its twelve-hour runtime. It may not make a huge mark on the horror action scene, but to the select few that vibe with its freakishness, it’ll be an underrated gem for years to come.

Black Ops 6 nicely balances an action-packed campaign, lively multiplayer, and a refreshing take on Zombies. The game combines great visuals and gameplay, proving once again why Call of Duty remains a powerhouse in the gaming industry. While some technical hiccups and issues with multiplayer suppress the fun, the sensational controls and production values make it hard to put down.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is undeniably endearing, learning from other media forms to present an uplifting adventure with lovable protagonists. With too much dialogue and backtracking implemented within the game’s design, it can run at a pace that feels slow, ballooning what should be a fun jaunt into an overly long adventure. There’s room for further fine-tuning of ideas, meaning Brothership isn’t the flawless seafaring journey we wanted. Though it’s also far from a shipwreck with incredible charm and gameplay offerings carrying this title across picturesque waters.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred is a smart expansion that offers more than enough tantalising new content to bring back previous players while keeping existing fans happy. The new Spiritborn class is fun, versatile and customisable, while other additions like mercenaries, reduced level cap and new ways to tweak your build all make a lot of sense. While the story might not set the hellish world on fire, it has some memorable new environments that make playing through it still feel interesting, even if it’s clearly setting up for something bigger. With new captivating endgame content, Vessel of Hatred makes diving back into the world of demons as enticing as ever.

Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is a welcome tune-up of a modern classic. If you have never played Guerrilla Games’ 2017 original, this is the definitive way to experience it. While many of the visual enhancements may be rather subtle, they are widespread, and do a lot to bring the game up to the standards of its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West. The new DualSense controller features and accessibility options are also excellent additions that serve to make Horizon Zero Dawn far more immersive and approachable. That said, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered doesn’t deliver much more than that, and players wanting more improvements on the gameplay side of things may be left wanting.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a huge fumble for an otherwise fantastic series. What began with a promising opener only really leads to a great big pile of disappointment and heartbreak. It’s filled with visual and audio bugs and a mystery that turns baffling and misdirecting in abominable ways while also being downright disrespectful to its lore, canon and cast. It is a painful thing to watch my favourite franchise destroyed in front of my very own eyes. Worst of all, the game teases that follow-up ventures are only going to follow suit even more. Not even the adorable Max Caulfield and her sapphic ventures could save me from having a good time in the snowy, miserable Midwest. Like many media you can point to today; just because you can bring something back, doesn’t mean you should. Like our superpowered best friend in her endless searches across timelines, I’m left wondering where the hell it all went wrong.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a triumphant return to form for one of gaming's most loved developers. It’s an epic and grandiose RPG adventure, interwoven with intimate, powerful stories about its cast of endearing and quirky companions. It has a truly stunning world to explore, with hidden secrets, alluring side quests and a literal treasure trove of lore to comb through. Its tight, in-depth combat systems and breadth of accessibility options deliver a highly personalised experience. But beyond the adventure itself, it’s another shining testament to diversity and inclusivity, polished to near perfection in its presentation. Put simply, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is Dragon Age at its most captivating, a truly generational adventure that is as heartfelt as it is thrilling.

Ascending Inferno may have bested me and kicked my rear relentlessly, but it’s still nothing short of a kickass game. Following the template of difficult climbing games but making the design, platforming and gameplay challenge more purposeful than ever before, Ascending Inferno is the best “one of those” games. I may have been tearing my hair out over my fifth straight plummet but that pain was worth it to spend some time with the incredibly cute and likable Dani and Vincent, marvelling in their sibling banter and taking in the weird and wonderful views of the underworld. It’s a damn hard time but it’s also a great time; with promised quality-of-life additions only later likely going to make the climb all that greater. If you’re a glutton for punishment, Ascending Inferno is well worth the Sisyphean uphill battle that awaits.

The Until Dawn remake is a fantastic horror game for anyone who missed it the first time. Influencing the story through butterfly effects and seeing the consequences is horrific. The game’s improved graphics really drive home the horror even if you know what is coming. But for veterans, some aspects of the game became worse with time. There’s not enough to bring you back if you already played the original, but it’s a good choice to recommend to newcomers.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven shines when it comes to its story and unique take on character development. Passing down the skills you learned to future generations immerses you in the long battle against evil. This also happens to be one of the harder SaGa entries and you may feel like the game is stacked against you. Persevering is part of the fun but it could get too frustrating.

SWORD ART ONLINE Fractured Daydream is a love letter to the Sword Art Online franchise. You get to play your favourite characters from both Sword Art Online and Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online, in a story that unites both worlds. It’s compelling and it adds shock value, especially if you follow the anime or light novel. In addition, the multiplayer campaign is well-built as it encourages teamwork and knowledge of your chosen character. Lastly, there is an incentive to play the game over and over as the in-game achievements challenge you to achieve the highest score and learn what happens to your favourite characters.

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.

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.

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.

Drova – Forsaken Kin is an action CPRG that keeps you on your toes. The action is exhilarating, your decisions have no judgment, and your playstyle is your own. But this is tempered by a difficult beginning, a lack of decent maps, and combat that’s not in your favour. While the game still promises a good time for CRPG fans, it may not be the easiest entry for others. Stay the course and fight through the difficulties to find a game that delivers on its premise.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is yet another quality entry in the series, containing a generous number of new boards, minigames, and fresh game modes. The new Jamboree buddy mechanic adds a much-needed element of chaos, and the game boards contain interesting events and hazards. Its similarities to the previous two Mario Party titles for the Switch are starting to feel a little long in the tooth, but that won’t stop you from having a grand old time. I just hope Nintendo spices things up even more for the next one.

I wish I enjoyed Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire more than I do. There is plenty to love, such as its charming visuals, fun narrative and worldbuilding. However, it’s simply hard to look past the clunky gameplay, from the incredibly slow and repetitive animations to the clunky menu navigation, and that’s not even mentioning the bugs. Hopefully, the worst of them will be patched out, but at least at launch, Sky Oceans: Wings for Hire is a turbulent experience, and worth recommending only for those willing to brave the game’s flaws.

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.

Ys X: Nordics may not have been the flourishing and vibrant first venture in the series I was after, but I’m also far from turned off by the franchise. Its fast-paced action combat with a plethora of strategies and abilities to employ never ceased to satisfy my brain’s often insatiable need for flashy fighting. Backing it is kickass battle music with a heavy emphasis on electric guitar riffs that never get old. Though I wish the story, world and lore found within were more captivating, pretty and memorable, I can’t fault how fun and solid the gameplay loop of perusing both the vast seas and involved islands is. There are plenty of secrets, fun gameplay moments and goodies that await. Having considered all that, I’d call Ys X: Nordics a damn fine seaworthy ride indeed. Nothing more. Nothing less.

A lovely, beautifully crafted adventure, Europa feels like stepping into a piece of art. Its art direction is nothing short of magnificent, supported by an atmospheric soundtrack and fantastic voice acting. Flying through its gorgeous biomes is tactile and relaxing, and its short narrative compels you through its intriguing world. Despite a few frustrating mechanics interrupting its flow, Europa is a stunning little indie that’ll delight gamers looking for a chilled-out few hours.

I enjoyed my time with Undisputed. It features a wealth of licensed boxers but also allows you to create your own and take on a career. The Career mode is detailed enough to be exciting but could have used a few tweaks such as letting us hit the gym to practise our moves before the scheduled matches. Without that ability, this title does feel a little empty. Especially given that it has been in Early Access on PC for a while now. That said though, the presentation, overall, is excellent; the characters look great, and battle arenas cover everything from gyms to full-on television with commentators calling the shots as we fight in the ring. Undisputed is an admirable piece of work, but just needed a little more than in-ring action to make it the king of the hill.

I've always wanted Atlus to tackle political fantasy as a genre and of course when they finally do it with Metaphor: ReFantazio it's one of the best RPGs in years. This is the result of 20 years of incredible game craft that has taken shape in the best and most refined version of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei formula that we've ever received. Probably the best we'll ever get. This is their magnum opus. With immensely satisfying and tactile turn-based combat, and a memorable cast of characters including the alluring and ever-intimidating villain Count Louis, you'll be taken by the world and story to explore within Euchronia. Much like the protagonist, you'll be compelled to save its people. Metaphor: ReFantazio is a crowning achievement under Atlus' long-running and award-winning belt. You should join them on the throne. The view is beautiful from up here.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero captures the fighting experience of the franchise better than the previous fighting games. The graphics are amazing and hold up to the intense movements. Several opportunities to play online and offline mean there's always something to do and an opponent to test your mettle against. There are some combat kinks to work out and some features only appeal to the hardcore fanbase. But for anyone who has an interest in Dragon Ball, this is a game you must have.

Fresh, unique and exciting, Phoenix Springs pulls you through a compelling mystery with excellent writing, impeccable design, and an inventive take on the point-and-click genre. Every aspect of its presentation is considered, culminating in a cinematic experience that is more than the sum of its parts, and worth every second you spend with it.

The kindest thing I can say about Shattered Space is that it’s “just more Starfield”, and if you wanted more missions and story content, then this expansion delivers. However, if you didn’t enjoy the base game very much, Shattered Space doesn’t provide much reason to return. If you wanted a colourful new planet to roam around and a couple of new scripted story missions to expand your experience with Starfield, Shattered Space certainly provides that. However, with few particularly unique missions that stand out from the main game, and an overall lack of new mechanics, interesting new narrative content, or polish, only the most diehard of Starfield fans are likely to get much out of it.

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.

Overall, EA Sports FC 25 is another solid entry in a franchise that has now spanned three decades. It still offers something for everyone, whether that be casual fans or more passionate fans of the sport. It still has that classic accessible gameplay, but also has the meat on the bones for the hardcore to really dig into. You can manage your favourite team, play for your favourite team, or start from scratch and live your dreams as a professional footballer. The multiplayer aspect of playing football against another human, for me, is up there with the most exciting (and frustrating) tests of patience and friendship. This series has always been the gold standard for that experience. Despite throwing a controller once or twice this time around, I still want to go back for more.

Bloomtown: A Different Story is a very special game, and one of 2024’s hidden gems. While its premise and combat won’t come across as the most original at a glance, the sheer care and skill at which the developers combine those familiar ingredients, from its fluid animations, engaging narrative, earwormy soundtrack and surprisingly deep combat, all come together in an exceptional package. If you wanted a bite-sized Persona game that you can finish in a reasonable timeframe, or are just a fan of turn-based RPGs in general, Bloomtown: A Different Story is a very easy recommend.

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.

Urban fantasy which mixes fantastical elements with a recognisable and familiar setting is one of my favourite genres, and Reynatis’ premise definitely ticks a lot of those boxes. However, despite a generally rather fun combat system and memorable soundtrack, Reynatis breaks down as it progresses, with dull environments, forced backtracking, poor technical performance and lengthy boss fights. If you can look past these issues, there is some fun to be had, but it is a highly tentative recommendation at best.

A perfectly-paced, delightful twist on the classic 2D Zelda formula, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom takes everything Nintendo has learned from the Switch era and condenses it into a tight adventure jam-packed with heart. Through its wonderfully magical Echoes mechanic, satisfyingly diverse dungeon design, and unique blend of modern and classic design elements, this is both a celebration of the franchise’s history and a bold first offering for Zelda as protagonist. Performance issues aside, Echoes of Wisdom is impossible not to love for newcomers and series veterans alike.

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a fresh coat of paint for the twisted take on Disney’s forgotten edges, yet it falls short of being a masterpiece. As remakes go, the game breathes new life into the graphics, even adding extra gameplay moves and other quality-of-life improvements. However, a tedious objective system and a lack of voiced dialogue feels like a missed opportunity for Mickey’s return. Despite this, the title shines in its preservation of a unique chapter in Disney’s gaming legacy and offers hope that we might just see more from Mickey and Oswald yet.

Satisfactory’s full release has been long overdue and thankfully it’s well worth the wait. It’s at the tippy top of the automation genre and this is thanks to the hard work Coffee Stain Studios has been implementing over the years, implementing many a quality of life and following player advice. What it’s resulted in is some of the most satisfying automation and resource pipeline mechanics and gameplay I’ve ever experienced in games. It’s as deep as you want it for the hardcore players or as accessible and palatable as you need for the newbies. Additionally, its deliberately bespoke alien world is breathtaking in design and visuals, filled with many bite-sized adventures to be had no matter how few steps you take from your camp. Satisfactory is the final frontier for co-operative crafting and exploration games for me. Give it a chance and it might just be yours too.

Without the titular brand figures, there’s nothing that stands out for Funko Fusion. It’s a platformer with collectibles, enemies to fight, and the occasional puzzle to solve. There’s an adventure to be had and an overarching story, but nothing you wouldn’t find in any other adventure game. The experience is ordinary unless you are in awe of the Funko recreations and want to see the figures come to life.

Despite some small grievances, I do think that Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged is the best way to play the game. It makes plenty of quality-of-life improvements to the gameplay and even adds a story mode for those daunted by old-fashioned point-and-clicks. The visual nit-picks I have aren’t enough to ruin the experience, and the moments that have been fully updated are beautifully animated and full of character. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go figure out what to do with this dirty tissue I found in the sewer.

Frostpunk 2 dishes up engaging strategy challenges that will have you balancing multiple resources, faction demands, and production all throughout a playthrough. While it may be challenging for first-time players for this reason, the game also makes it worth your while with an impressive level of overall depth. Frostpunk 2 feels like it’s suffused with story in every possible way, and it’s clear that the developers have made the effort to create an authentic world that comes with difficult and impactful choices. If you’re a seasoned strategy buff with a penchant for story and you’re not put off by difficult decisions in a dystopian world, Frostpunk 2 is sure to be a worthy addition to your library.

Enotria: The Last Song is a compelling little soulslike which has enough of its own identity to be worth a recommendation, even if not all of its elements individually work as well. The emphasis on the game’s melee combat leaves its magic system a little clunky, and despite an impressive amount of flexibility in the game’s RPG mechanics, the ability to swap between different loadouts mid-combat wasn’t all that useful. Despite these minor drawbacks, the challenging boss fights, gorgeous art direction and fun exploration make this a worthwhile addition to any soulslike fan’s library.

The Plucky Squire may be one of the most exceptionally presented video games in recent memory. In moving from the 2D space to the 3D space, a sense of wonder is created that’s unrivalled by the vast majority of other releases. That sense of wonderment is captured in the storytelling as well, which leans on the charm of children’s fiction. Perhaps a little too scared to create complex depth to the puzzles or gameplay, more mature audiences may find the game lacking in some regard. However, that doesn’t stop the title from being widely appealing and an absolute delight from prologue to epilogue.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a great time largely thanks to the simple fact that the original game is so solid and timeless. It’s still to this day a riotous schlockfest drenched in shopping mall Americana as you raid gun stores, run over psychos with a shopping cart or suplex a zombie. This all makes for some of the best and most joyful arcadey zombie-killing gameplay we’ve had to date, made better by a healthy dose of quality-of-life additions in NPC AI improvements and third-person handling. Though not all of the mall’s residents fare the absolute best in their HD upscaling it is worth it for how gorgeously bloody and grisly the halls of that shopping district are. It’s so damn good to be back as Frank West and this scoop is one well worth investigating.

Copycat shoots for the stars with its narrative ambitions, delivering an emotional, introspective experience that will have you reflecting on your relationship to the animals and people in your life. It goes to some truly unexpected places, some of which are questionable, but all of which are compelling. Despite the pieces not quite coming together in perfect harmony, this is an experience that will stick with you for a long time.

Wild Bastards is more dastardly delicious gaming to come from right here in Australia. Blue Manchu Games have done some building upon their Bastards universe to create a thoroughly fun and explosive experience. Though the game can go on a little too long and be a bit one-note, I could never accuse it of not being some of the best FPS and roguelike fusion we’ve had for a while. What awaits is a weird and creatively designed cast with varied playstyles, quality strategic roguelike thinking and build potential that’ll more than satiate you. It’s well worth going on your journey across the stars and finding yourself some weird alien outlaw friends. Family found.

I Am Your Beast delivers an adrenaline injection of action with style. The game’s intense, fast-paced gameplay is driven by its pulse-pounding soundtrack and engaging story. While a few rough edges in parkour mechanics and mission design prevent it from achieving mastery, its thrills and aesthetic make it an ultra-violence power fantasy. This is a game where every second counts and every kill is a testament to skill.

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.

Age of Mythology: Retold has made significant upgrades to its RTS formula. Expanding on pantheons by using the power of the gods more often lets you experience the true force. Improvements to accessibility means learning the basics is easier for newcomers to the series. While the experience stumbles with more advanced concepts and is perhaps too reliant on faith for victory, you can still learn as you go. Age of Mythology: Retold has never looked better for fans new and old.

As the Entity looms overhead, The Casting Of Frank Stone is a cinematic run at an IP begging for further exploration. But with a strong set-up, the film reel birth of a killer lacks the flesh of a real rampage let alone multiverse caper. Thankfully though, this is still a decent game that is able to stand on its own. The Cutting Room Floor is a welcome addition to the Supermassive cinematic horror formula that needs to return in their other games. This is a love letter to Dead By Daylight fans but those outside the game’s grasp might be a little bit harder to hook. I strongly believe we’ll be seeing more from this partnership in due time.

Demon’s Mirror is a hell of a good time. The way it combines deckbuilding and the grid battle system had me hooked from my very first run and it’s so easy to learn. With an array of different cards to discover and modify, its inclusion of three characters with three different playstyles creates alot opportunity to play how you want. Even though the enemies can be repetitive and I found runs super quick to complete, Demon’s Mirror may just be one of 2024’s moore exciting new deckbuilders.

Astro Bot is not just another platformer; it's a vibrant celebration of PlayStation's storied history and a triumphant re-introduction to its newest mascot. Every world offers compelling gameplay that is elevated to the next level by the innovative use of the DualSense controller, and its heartwarming nods to the last 30 years of PlayStation ensure that the experience is charmingly nostalgic while still feeling refreshingly original. Astro Bot is whimsical, inventive and just feels downright fun to play. While Astro Bot's previous outings were impressive, this latest adventure solidifies him as a beloved character in his own right. They've truly done it. PlayStation has finally found the mascot it's always wanted.

Squirrel with a Gun has a janky charm, from its crazy attack animations to occasionally ridiculous physics-based challenges. The concept of a platformer where the player character is so tiny that their gun is used to propel them into the air is a clever one that I wish was used in a more enjoyable game. However, despite some occasionally fun challenges and crazy cutscenes, Squirrel with a Gun feels overstretched across its roughly eight-hour playtime, with an overall lack of technical polish that goes beyond funny and becomes frustrating to play. It isn’t bad overall and certainly has its fun moments (particularly the boss fights), but the bugs and general jankiness of the experience hold it back from reaching its full potential.

For a first-time developer, Janbeh Games has created such a lovely and cute time for fans of the cosy/wholesome genre. While a short game, it can be replayed multiple times just to find out the different couples and what each of their stories are like. Love, Ghostie is a pretty simple plot, and the art style is adorable, with each of the 12 characters’ aesthetics really shining through. The music embodies the mood, awkward dates sound … awkward, and when your ghost is tired the music sounds deeper. It’s really creative and helps evoke those feelings. Love, Ghostie is a tonne of fun and adorable. If Janbeh Games keeps up with this quality in future games, they’ll certainly be one to keep your eye on.

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.

Sumerian Six will more than suffice in filling the tactics-shaped hole you may have in your heart. Though its story isn’t all there and it’s far from original, it’s made up for with an electric cast with devastating and creative abilities. This sandbox nature of killing in inventive ways is only bolstered by intricate and smart level design that allows for many a cool Nazi-slaying moment. Artificer have pulled off the difficult mission of replicating the giants that came before them while showcasing enough of their own creative juices. Job well done.

Akimbot does a successful job at emulating the PlayStation 2 action-platformer era of games. It’s incredibly flashy and movement feels fluid, frenetic and fun. Similarly, gunplay leads to explosive setpieces worth witnessing. Though being true to this era comes with its own faults in frustrating checkpoint systems and performance issues, it’s all made up for in charm. We don’t get games like these often these days and for that alone, it’s worth it. We are so back.

Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club improves on the old-school mystery visual novel mechanics that the 2021 remakes refined, eliminating some of the trial-and-error frustration while keeping things focused on interviews with witnesses. While the mystery of Emio isn’t my favourite of the series, it’s still a mostly well-crafted story with gorgeously animated characters.

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.

Concord is a great shooter that will pleasantly surprise those willing to tune out the outside noise. Within is fantastic minute-to-minute gunplay and action, complimented by a diverse cast with diverse abilities that can mix up a game at a moment’s notice. Though it’s perhaps the least revolutionary game we’ve seen in a long time and still in need of small functions like leaderboards and a clearer vision for its future, what’s here today is some of the best multiplayer gaming I’ve experienced in forever. I’ve found so many weirdo heroes I’ve grown a rich affinity for, whether it’s via their deep-prosed lore or their chaos-causing gameplay. Concord’s fate isn’t quite written in the stars yet; it’s far better than a majority are giving it credit for. I pray you join me and other Freegunners on this voyage. We need you.

I found myself very pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed Star Wars Outlaws. I became quite invested in its grounded heist narrative, even if its supporting characters didn't really rise above one-note stereotypes. It was a blast exploring the Star Wars galaxy, whether it was shooting down TIE fighters in space or just chilling in a Sabacc den playing cards with Lando Calrissian. Ubisoft Massive has done an excellent job in crafting an open-world Star Wars adventure, and this is one heist that is worth signing up for.

I have a lot of respect for Monster Jam Showdown, this is the kind of title that a lesser developer might have just gone through the motions with. But this time around the full force of Unreal 5 is unleashed, creating a frequently stunning and impressive-looking game. Despite their size, the superstars of Monster Jam handle brilliantly the different environments and challenges on offer. Given that most fans who attend the real-life shows or watch on TV will have their favourite truck and driver it is a bit of a shame that pretty much all of the trucks need to be unlocked via play time and challenges. Other than that though, believe it or not, I have played a tonne of Monster Truck-themed games in my lifetime and the bar is higher than you might think. Monster Jam Showdown gets a pass from me.

Though a mere optimisation and balance patch from meeting its full ambition, Black Myth: Wukong is a really great action RPG, almost standing as high as the rest. The story and world of Journey to the West and all its mythos translate incredibly well into an action game, providing immensely captivating creature and enemy boss designs and encounters. Serving as one of the most demanding games of its ilk for a while, both graphically and in combat challenge, you'll be well vested in Black Myth's world as you crush powerful mythic beasts wherever you go with fantastical magical abilities. This journey to the west is a journey well worth the wait.

Overall Elrentaros Wanderings doesn’t have much to offer. There are a lot of different elements on display but none of them mesh together in a way that is satisfying and the game itself just comes across as an under-designed mess. Despite some cute character designs, the aesthetic of the game just isn’t pleasing to the eye and on the whole, it leaves a lot to be desired.

The emotional journey that Farewell North presents will likely be a difficult one for many to tackle; the loss of a parent. It handles the subject material eloquently and delicately, offering a tale of companionship between a dog and a human that is the foundation for a heartfelt adventure. Visually stunning and a feast for the ears, this humble story about grief is the most impactful video game experience I’ve had this year and one of the most enthralling I’ve ever had the delight of playing. I’ll never get over the loss of my Mum. But Farewell North gave me some much-needed catharsis. It just might do the same for you.

A wonderfully silly little quest, Leximan feels like a love letter to anyone who’s ever played an RPG. Killer writing brings humour and warmth to its simple adventure gameplay, while a whirlwind tour of genre-spanning minigames provide constant variety that surprises and delights. Despite some occasional wonky controls and slightly under-utilised Lexicon mechanics, its iconic encounters and clever use of wordplay make this magical journey a pleasure to experience.

The Crush House might not be the perfect production players were hoping for but what’s there is a really good time and at least always fun. The nature of working and grinding to line up the perfect shot to watch the numbers tick up as you satisfy weird audiences from all walks of life is novel and never gets old. Yes, this means you’re not always authentically re-creating the filming of reality TV as you instead focus on props and the environment in the interest of points, hurting the spotlight on its cast. Though when you can focus on its characters they’re all irreverent, queer and delightfully heinous. I found myself always ready to drop everything for them at the drop of a hat as I tended to their ridiculous tasks, slowly working to an enticing sinister narrative that was hiding underneath. If all else, I could never accuse The Crush House’s beauty of being skin-deep. It is weird, extra, juicy and unapologetic as all hell. It’s exactly what it should be.

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.

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.

Eden Genesis is quite a fun title which fans of 2D platformers and speedrunning in particular are likely to enjoy. While the plot won’t knock your socks off, it’s a reasonably engaging little sci-fi tale while it lasts. The game is let down by its slow-paced mandatory combat levels, of which there are way too many and which feel at odds with the lightning-fast and flowing platforming which makes up the bulk of the rest of the game. However, with plenty of extra content to experience once you have reached the end credits, those looking for an engaging 2D platforming challenge to test your skill and reflexes will have a good time with Eden Genesis.

SteamWorld Heist 2 delivers an excellent blend of steampunk, pirate adventure, and tactical gameplay. With its distinctive style and original soundtrack, this sequel stands out. While the strategic missions and characters shine, the narrative and overworld ship combat are it’s weakest points. Overall, it’s a treasure trove of tactical fun, offering a blast for both seasoned strategists and newcomers.