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

A gorgeously presented modern twist on the classic 3D platformer, Ruffy and the Riverside is positively glowing with charm. Featuring a cavalcade of fun environmental puzzles that take advantage of its unique copy-and-paste “SWAP” mechanic, a delightful blend of hand-drawn spritework and rendered environments, and cheeky writing that makes you fall in love with its silly little characters, this is a perfectly lovely adventure with tonnes of heart.

Terra Nil is a masterclass in everything that it attempts to be. A resource management sim that can be as difficult or relaxing as you want, that successfully provides an alternative to classic city-building games by completely flipping the core pillars of the genre on its head, and showing that a game about fostering nature can be just as engaging as one about destroying it. The game does an amazing job of evoking emotion in the player with just its environment alone and even allows you a moment to relish in the majesty of each region you have restored before heading on to the next. Terra Nil wants you to find love and beauty in nature, even if you have to leave it behind. Endlessly satisfying and elegant, any fans of city builders should give this outstanding take on the genre a try.

Conscript is a good survival horror game but not the fantastic one it should have been destined to be. Its fierce and very apparent survival horror devotion is incredibly admirable, shining best when depicting war in quite simply the best way I’ve seen it in games to date. The sound design, art style and general mood make the vibes palpable like you’re there on the ground in the thick of it. This loyalty to the genre is also a double-edged sword though, not quite having enough quality-of-life additions and progression slowing to a halt when you’re hunting through a labyrinth for that one key to unlock that one door. For better or worse, Conscript is a homage to classic Resident Evil, through and through. Isn’t that enough?

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

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.

Rollerdrome is an unbelievably fun single-player experience that hasn’t quite reached its full potential. The explosive gunplay and roller-skating trickery are complemented by the picturesque yet bleak world all realised in a graphic novel art style. However, improvements can be made with some of the enemy types, bosses, and the inclusion of other competitors. Despite room for growth, this game is clearly being made by one hell of a talented team and Rollerdrome proves to be one hell of a shooter.

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

KarmaZoo offers a unique cooperative platformer experience, that actively engages players to experiment and work together. Its colourful graphics and original game mechanics are incredibly charming, and the variety of levels and character forms means no two runs ever look the same. Additionally, thanks to the game’s structure, runs are short and engaging, making it a perfect title to unwind to while catching up with friends. That said, players who are completionists may find that unlocking every possible form can feel like too much of a grind, as that process comes with a hefty karma price tag. But, if you’re looking for a casual title to dip in and out of for a long time to come, KarmaZoo is certainly worth picking up.

Hozy, while a short experience that can be completed in one sitting, is an enjoyable title. With beautiful, realistic graphics, lighting that feels luxurious to bask in and a smooth jazzy soundtrack that helps tie it all together. The attention to detail in the weight of an object, the way the wind blows through an open window, and the ambience that layers when you turn on a fan or a radio, all help build an aesthetically impressive game. Though it lacks in replayability and doesn’t push much farther than a room decorator in its mechanics, Hozy will likely be a hit for fans of titles like Unpacking or any decorative cozy game.

Gears of War: Reloaded is the definitive version of Gears 1, but only by default. A faithful remaster of a remaster that keeps the series alive and opens the door to PlayStation players, but doesn’t do enough to feel essential. It’s both dated and timeless, clunky and exhilarating, simple and unforgettable. A solid nostalgia trip, but a missed opportunity to make the original shine for modern audiences.

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.

Even though its overarching story world could be fleshed out further, Dicefolk offers a refreshing take on the roguelike formula. Thanks to its combat mechanics, dice system, and variety of chimeras and equipment, gameplay is varied and complex while still being accessible to newcomers. Added to this, the feature of customising different dice allows players to tailor their dice according to their personal tastes and playstyle, making Dicefolk a good fit for both casual and more hard-core roguelike fans.

Dawntrail has the benefit of years of gameplay and graphical improvements, and puts them to great use in designing some of the best dungeons and trials we’ve seen to date. However, its confused story prevents it from reaching its full potential, and will likely bump Dawntrail down to the bottom-to-middle of most player’s tier lists. These issues aren’t enough to ruin the experience though, so it’s still a good time for Final Fantasy XIV players.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins puts you in a unique outsider position to influence Romance of the Three Kingdoms to your liking. It gives nuance to characters and lets you see parts of the story in a new light. The visuals are gorgeous and the experience is more immersive than before. That said, it’s still the familiar musou combat and you shouldn’t encounter many surprises. If you haven’t touched a Dynasty Warriors game before, or haven’t played one for a while, this is the perfect opportunity to jump in.

New Pokémon Snap is a fantastic sequel to a much-beloved N64 classic. It improves on everything from the original game, and the opportunity to snap cute pics of our favourite Pokémon with upgraded graphics is worth the purchase alone. Due to a few small annoyances, it falls short of being a masterpiece, but it’s certainly nothing that will ruin your enjoyment. New Pokémon Snap was worth the wait, and it’s a must-have for any Pokémon fan.

While its spoofing of the management sim lacks bite and its cast of characters is a tad thin, Discounty is otherwise an interesting debut title. Rearranging and optimising the layout of its titular supermarket is simple but unnervingly satisfying, and its daily loop makes for an addictive trip down the pixelated produce aisle, even if I can’t help but be disappointed by the ambition its story lost along the way.

Rift of the Necrodancer is a solid rhythm game with some fresh and exciting takes on the classic Guitar Hero formula. The different enemy types and health system make this stand out from the crowd, but at higher difficulties, these fade into the background as you memorise your way through the tracks. Still, with killer design, delightful minigames and some absolutely banging tracks, this game delivers foot-tapping goodness that might just have you hooked.

With high-energy beats and an outlandish visual style, Everhood 2 is an unconventional title that strays far from the beaten path. Despite falling for some RPG trappings leading to padded content, this release still finds a way to surprise and delight with moments of hallucinogenic thrill and perplexing characters that’ll leave you absorbed in the insanity.

Welcome to the sunny shores of High Isle, an idyllic zone and Chapter for The Elder Scrolls Online. The storyline is down to earth, with politics and conspiracy at the crux of a deep but a little less engrossing narrative. Companions Isobel and Ember are useful fighters with great character-building quests. While Volcanic Vents aren’t an amazing multiplayer activity, the Dreadsail Reef is a challenging but satisfying trail to grind impressive gear sets. However, the cherry on top is Tribes of Tribute, which you’ll spend too much time mastering the mechanics of the new in-game card tournament. If the lack of PvP doesn’t bother you, High Isle offers another year of excellent content for The Elder Scrolls Online.

Compared to the original, House Flipper 2 is a more than decent renovation and sale. Built from the ground up it features crisp, clean, better graphics. It features more attention to detail for the little things such as cleaning up, taking out trash and so on. It also features no less than three different environments with houses to match. The client jobs are time well spent, interesting and with decent rewards. After doing my first few ‘flips’ I felt like I did not want to let my creations go. But on the flip side, I miss the assembly and the features added to the original game over time like proper gardening and pets in particular. Those should have been implemented here as standard, but House Flipper 2 still manages to scratch the same satisfying itch as its predecessor.

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

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is a well-presented time capsule of classics, porting its beloved titles not only without lag but with modern-day improvements and a smorgasbord of extras to boot. While the collection won’t be for everyone, those willing to dive in and see what Digital Eclipse have to offer should be blown away with what they find. For those who’ve missed that nostalgic feeling, it’s truly time to love being a turtle once again.

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

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a thoroughly enjoyable sea-faring adventure filled with delightful ship combat and hectic brawling and swordplay encounters. Though it might rank somewhat lower in the series thanks to its weaker story and somewhat disappointing substories, it won’t bother players all that long when they merely engage in some of the open-world chaos that comes with living out a pirate’s life. Yo-ho, Yo-ho, a Mad Dog’s life for me.

As is the case with many annual sequels, MLB The Show 21 is an iteration and improvement over its predecessor. Having said that, if you bought The Show 20, I personally can’t see enough of a change to justify getting 21 in my opinion. There are improvements to the game modes that deserve praise, though I don’t know if it will keep me on the hook for a very long time. Having said that, both titles share some fantastic elements, such as the impressive depth of mechanical customisation, which by itself carries the game into high regard.

Riders Republic offers a cornucopia of extreme sporting choices for players to choose from. By giving enough attention and fine-tuning to each individual sport, it has created an evergreen title to receive future updates or expansions to build upon well into the future. With a solid foundation offering solo and group players fun and exciting experiences, Riders Republic has set the stage incredibly well. While its predecessor Steep failed to capture a lasting audience, I feel strongly that Riders stands a much greater chance at retaining players’ interest due in part to its tongue-in-cheek tone combined with the game’s sheer variety of extreme sports adventures and energetic open world. I look forward to returning to Riders Republic to bike down mountain paths or fly through narrow canyon gaps while listening to alt-rock radio sometime soon.

Birushana: Rising Flower of Genpei has great world-building and complex characters that helps to deliver a powerful story. Being able to shape the personality of the main character and feel invested in their adventure immerses you into the story, and you are tempted to see how everything ties together. The visual novel helps to break up the story and makes it easier to follow along. Replaying for different routes can be difficult since it’s not always clear what your choices affect, and the intensity of the action scenes isn’t helped by the visual novel medium. Despite its flaws, the story remains excellent, and you will be interested in seeing how the characters determine their future.

LUNAR Remastered Collection is a warm and welcome return to the important and severely underrated ’90s JRPGs. Within are those iconic anime cutscenes, a charming cast of characters and a magical universe that spans a millennium. Though more could’ve been done to modernise the pair of adventures, including minimising the frustrating difficulty spikes and at times disorienting level design, it’s worth it for how this special and unique collection is enshrined today. The LUNAR games are an endearing and wonderful affair that shouldn’t be lost to time and are begging you to play them. If you make the right decision to do so, the rest will be history.

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.

The Quarry proves to be a worthy successor and a notable release within Supermassive's lineup of branching-path slasher games. A frightful narrative full of tense moments creates a satisfying experience for horror fans, made even better when played alongside others. An ambitious amount of choice proves to be a double-edged sword as the game teeters on the edge of quality and quantity, with one particularly egregious mechanic dampening the experience for those who don't like to replay large chunks of a game. Though, despite its obvious shortcomings, there's a level of campy fun that's undeniable as the game engages from one freaky sequence to the next.

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

Skin Deep is a wild, fun, and inventive immersive sim, rewarding creative thinking and playful exploration. Its unique look and comical approach to gameplay make it a memorable experience, despite a few mechanical issues and overloaded moments. If you love Blendo Games’ offbeat signature style, blast off into this universe where cats are the real stars and space pirates are disposable entertainment.

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

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.

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.

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.

I can’t praise Nobody Saves the World enough for both its undeniable style and interesting game mechanics. The world is fleshed out and detailed, which allows the characters and environment to come to life. The Forms available create a unique class system that I personally haven’t seen before, especially because the character designs are so eccentric and interesting. The dungeons are all thematically compelling with tough challenges that make you have to experiment with different abilities and combinations. Add to this co-op compatibility and you’re left with a remarkable release that’s ready to bestow you and a friend with unrivalled joy.

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

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.

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

Black Book is a bewitching combo of deck-building RPG and D&D-esque storytelling, with a bucket load of ideas where some work better than others. With some refinement and editing, Black Book could have been a must-play release. Without it, it’s still an intriguing mix of gameplay systems that is bolstered by its striking visual style and incredible attention to detail with its Northern Slavic mythology and well-thought-out story-telling. It’s definitely like nothing else I’ve played this year, which is worth celebrating. Despite its shortcomings, I couldn’t help but be under Black Book’s unique spell.

While sometimes feeling like a pastiche of better things, Dead Pets still offers some fun jams about the challenges of the contemporary life of a punk and female artist. Its management systems accentuate its otherwise tropey storytelling, its minigames are eclectic and varied, and its music is nicely interwoven into its narrative. It might have been a bit more punk to break some new ground, but as adult slice-of-life videogames go, Dead Pets is still one to chuck on the record player if you’re so inclined.

Road 96 is an emotional character-driven game that is unfortunately marred by heavy-handed attempts to evoke real-world politics. It is still very much an enjoyable experience with fun mini-games, a beautiful visual style and soundtrack, along with the interesting mechanic of having to make the trip to the border multiple times. It’s upsetting that the game loses itself when it tries to tackle politics when it really should have focused more on the relationships between the characters and their journeys on the road. Despite this, it was still great fun to play the whole way through.

Golf Club: Wasteland is a rather standard golf game bolstered by an experimental narrative approach. This iteration is, have no doubt, an improvement on the niche ideas therein, and for that, I applaud the developers. However, good as these ideas are, they suffer from feeling incompatible with each other. Everything is OK, with the distinct sting of feeling like they could have been great, given the right conditions.

Crysis Remastered Trilogy is a collection of games that is a hell of a lot of fun and really is an important moment in video game history. For a while there, it was the benchmark for graphics in games, and it’s important that games like this are preserved and released in their remastered form not just on PC but for modern consoles as well. It’s a bundle for those who love their games to look gorgeous, have the autonomy to blow up stuff in a number of different and creative ways, and love FPS vibes. With all three games remastered and in one collection, Crysis Remastered Trilogy is a lot of big bangs for your buck, despite some shortfalls.

Anger Foot is a good shooter but it’s not always a compelling shooter nor the best it should be. I feel it important to give flowers to the unique use of hardstyle music and the fun implementations of new abilities granted by the different pairs of shoes you unlock. Though the polish and sheen are undeniably present with its gorgeous presentation and frenetic and fun gameplay that sees a symphony of flying kicks, bullets and grenades, it’s let up by ways the game could’ve been better refined. The humour found within gets old after a while and it has some of the most dull and uninspired boss designs I’ve seen in a shooter for quite some time. Yes, the minute-to-minute is good but the pitfalls feel like a square, hard kick in the head. Ouch.

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.

Overwatch 2 restores the fantastic hero shooter by making it free for all to enjoy. Changes to multiplayer mechanics make gameplay even more enthralling and address annoyances with the original. Although, there are still valid concerns about hero balancing, UI overload, and the future of the battle pass model. While it may not feel like a true sequel without the promised PvE story mode, Overwatch 2 can potentially be the most popular shooter on the market.

It can’t be denied how impressive Civilization VII is as a complete package. This is a franchise that finds a way to continually satisfy, even when compared to its already glowing legacy. Amongst a sea of strategy games, Civilization VII stands tall as a title that understands its identity, shows incredible attention to detail, and lives up to lofty expectations. Future expansions will undoubtedly fill certain notable absences, but even before then, we still have a formidable release that’s deservingly ready to eat away at your free time.

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

Bears in Space has the potential to be a great game, at least for a younger audience. It’s entertaining yet provides a sense of challenge. The story will hook you in and many of the activities will keep you satisfied. For a game that was developed by a small team, Bears in Space provides so much content that will entertain and keep you bear-ry busy. Despite some unfortunate glitches, exploring a vast galaxy with Maxwell and Beartana was definitely a fun adventure.

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

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.

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

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

Ys Memoire: Oath in Felghana may be far from the most ambitious port or rerelease, but it is another example of Nihon Falcom catching the West up to speed across all modern platforms with their beloved games. Featuring a bite-sized story with a charming cast of characters and just enough of a rich world filled with twists, I found myself enamoured with this version of Adol Christin’s third adventure. On offer is joyous fast-paced action RPG combat where you really move about everywhere around a dungeon or arena, especially in the delightfully sweaty boss encounters. Though the new additions and ‘upgrades’ aren’t all that substantial, Oath in Felghana is a wonderful foray to finally have on Western consoles. Long live Ys and long live Adol Christin!

Grow: Song of the Evertree is close to excellence with its gorgeous aesthetic and charming writing, but it struggles under the number of gameplay elements packed into it. There’s a lot here that might work together in theory, but the end result is less than the sum of its parts. When exploring Alaria and interacting with the characters, it’s easy to get swept up in this quirky and beautiful world. Unfortunately, the bits you enjoy will be intercut with stuff that might feel more like a chore. Grow is a game with too many irons in the fire, but its obvious heart and character still presents a lot to love.

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.

Nightdive’s System Shock remake is a strange game, and whether it will appeal to you may largely depend on your nostalgia for the era of gaming from which it came. This remake still shows its age, despite the considerable and impressive paint job, lighting, and updated controls. If you don’t mind the sometimes murderous level of difficulty, tons of backtracking, and minimal handholding, System Shock may be a compelling piece of gaming history that is worth checking out.

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.

Lost in Random depicts a stunningly unique and eccentric world filled to the brim with character and personality. The Tim-Burton visuals and the kooky cast of characters you’ll meet in each distinctively different region means there’s never a dull moment to this journey. Clever strategy card elements help to mask the game’s rather unremarkable real-time combat, with some control issues that hurt the overall experience. Yet despite its flaws, Lost in Random still brings the goods and had me engaged from unlucky start to triumphantly random end.

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.

Dune: Awakening builds on the solid foundation of Survival gameplay mechanics from Funcom’s prior entry in the genre, Conan Exiles. While aspects of the game, such as combat and questing, are less than great, these flaws don’t prevent players from enjoying the well-executed gathering, crafting and research-advancing progression loop, as well as simply existing in and exploring the world of Arrakis. Those who love survival games OR the Dune franchise will likely have a great time here, though others may have less reason to stick around to the endgame. The solo and group gameplay is distinct from one another, but either approach will allow you plenty of fun time in the sun, the sand, and (if you’re unlucky) the belly of a sandworm.

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.

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

LEGO Voyagers is a simple adventure co-op game that features a straightforward story that will tug at your emotions. It doesn’t hold your hand, and you and your friend are required to work together to complete this simple game. It executes the “show-don’t-tell” very well. While it does lack the opportunity for expansive exploration, it’s the type of game that makes you want to relax and see how far creativity and teamwork will take you.

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.

Sonic Origins is a bit of a disappointment. As a massive Sonic fan, it kills me to say it but it’s true. Sure, the games collected here are undeniably great titles in their own right. But they are no better than the originals which can be found for little or no cost elsewhere already. Sonic 3 and Knuckles is considerably worse both in gameplay as well as its new soundtrack and most of the unlockable content in the Museum can be found easily via other means. For gamers that have never played Sonic and are averse to obtaining these titles on other platforms, you likely will not be as disappointed as I was, but I think SEGA and Sonic Team could have gone a little further and given these titles the proper Sonic Mania treatment. In fact, if you are new to Sonic go for the Mania instead.

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.

I didn’t think I’d love Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag as much as I did, but it’s really hard to fault this game. It’s fun, it’s bright, it’s beautiful, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and its constantly changing mechanics keep it from being repetitive. It’s easy to see this game as superficial due to its graphics and light-hearted humour. However, so many of the characters, bosses and environments have been painstakingly researched to make sure it connects with Celtic mythology. All up, playing multiple badass characters as I traversed around a gorgeous, vibrant world was a lot of fun and I highly recommend this action-adventure indie.

After a poor last effort, WWE 2K22 brings the long-running wrestling franchise back in a big way, proving that the extra development time is just what the doctor ordered. It successfully streamlines its in-ring action so that it’s more adaptable to players of different skill levels, removing archaic systems that previously bogged it down. Animations and presentation are top notch, and there really is a game mode for everybody, with a lot of variety. While not all the modes deserve to main event when you dissect them in detail, there’s still a very strong foundation to build from; the bottom line is that WWE 2K22 is the best wrestling game in over a decade.

The last of LCB Game Studio’s Pixel Pulps is here! Bahnsen Knights is a short, choose-your-own-adventure about a cult of the same name. Despite focussing on the wrong areas of the plot, the game does have some lovely characterisation where one sentence paints a big picture. The nostalgic feel along with the gorgeous and sometimes downright terrifying pixel art means that Bahnsen Knights offers a lot, despite some rough edges.

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.

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

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

While Chorus lacks a more deft approach in telling its story, its gameplay more than makes up for it. The game provides a nice sandbox experience to explore a beautifully realised cosmos, with different-looking systems to explore to add some nice variety. Exploring this galaxy on its own could be enough in its own right, but space combat also offers an enjoyable and satisfying experience that controls superbly well. Chorus achieves where it counts and I feel there may be potential for this team to explore a sequel should they so choose. It offers a compelling enough world that could evoke stories that might matter more to the player, widening the potential for the game’s context to further emphasise the game’s truly stellar combat .

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

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a fun, narrative-led stealth game that doesn’t demand too much of you. Stealth game veterans are unlikely to find a challenge in these common mechanics, but the beautiful details built into the world of Rosmark make up for it. The character-driven story is supported by great vocal performances and cutscenes that would fit in alongside any modern triple-A.

Warhammer 40000: Rogue Trader does a great job of putting you in the shoes of space royalty. You travel around galaxies and explore new areas while addressing issues that plague your rule. Combat is strategic and encourages you to use the strengths of your companions. Exploring new galaxies and harvesting resources immerses you in the role of Rogue Trader, encouraging you to be the ruler you want to be. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of information to learn for players new to Warhammer 40K and the maps aren’t very helpful. But if you are willing to spend the time to learn and experiment, there’s a fun strategy RPG waiting to be explored.

RoadCraft is a game that will require absolute patience if you want to get the job done, while adding some leeway to speed things up a bit. While game progression is slow, it is part of its charm as these are heavy work vehicles, and they’re not made for speed, thus fitting its theme. The world is very well-detailed and eases you into its mechanics throughout your gameplay. While sometimes repetitive, it compensates with different strategies to complete the task. The beautiful landscapes of your work areas make it forgiving when your vehicle travels through the rough terrain. It’s like you’re doing actual work as seen in real life, thus creating a great simulation game.

The Great Villainess: Strategy of Lily is a hilarious take on a strategy campaign, pairing an unserious yet compelling story with genuinely tough gameplay to create an experience that is easy to recommend to any genre fan. The characters are rendered in a striking anime style, making it easy to fall in love with Scarlet, Lily, and their growing band of rebels. The fact that it’s light on side content means that the pacing remains fast and efficient, so you never have a chance to get bored.

I’ve fallen in love with Solar Ash. It proves to be one of the best recent action-adventure games with a stunning sci-fi world, rich with bits of lore and worldbuilding to unravel. It may have come just under the wire in terms of 2021 releases, but it’s still a game that’s a must-play. Step on in and you have an experience with none of the fat and all of the glory. Gameplay that feels fluid and satisfying, moments and cinematography that feel like paintings of art, a story that resolves in an impacting way… this game has it all. Heart Machine you’ve bloody done it again.

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

Overall, 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.

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.

Rain on Your Parade does what it sets out to do. It’s chaotic, ridiculous and allows you to ruin the day. The lack of cohesion between target market and style does make this slightly confusing to recommend. However, players of all ages will enjoy the simplistic but enjoyable gameplay. It’s a cute indie game with a great visual style but in many ways it also misses the mark just slightly. It lacks immersion with the jarring and seemingly pointless cutscenes and the jumping in and out of load screens. With a few design changes, Rain on Your Parade has the potential to gain better continuity and appeal to a wider audience. There’s something special and engaging here, but in its current state, it leaves me a little frustrated, confused and expecting more.

Imagine Earth is a great strategy title with a meaningful underlying message. With original mechanics regarding natural resources, the health of your planet, and overpopulation, the game offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience that will satisfy both veteran strategy game fans and newbies alike. Its gorgeous visuals and story will be a great fit for anyone who enjoys city builders and strategy titles and is keen to try out something new.

An example of storytelling that can only exist through the medium of games, and a testament to the artistry of play. Its powerful writing, eye-watering design, and incredibly truthful narrative are held up by simple intuitive gameplay that immerses you in its story. While it’s not a challenging experience, Lost Words pulls you into an emotional journey that will linger long after the ending credits. This is the kind of game that makes me excited to play games, even if they leave me in tears.

Blue Reflection: Second Light is a fresh and emotionally engaging entry into the JRPG genre that shows a lot of promise but doesn’t quite manage to deliver. Gust proves that a game can juggle action, emotion, and story, but that’s not necessarily what Second Light manages to achieve. There are flashes of hope and excitement, and the game does manage to feel distinct in its genre, but it will take a little more polish for it to stand out from the rest.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden heavily leans into the premise of challenging decisions with dramatic consequences, and manages to pull off an emotional and haunting love story where those choices do feel like they truly matter. Red and Antea feel like fully-fleshed out, interesting characters, forever linked to one another but struggling to let go. New Eden is full of communities plagued by supernatural creatures and dark secrets that make each of them intriguing to explore. An over-reliance on combat and a little too much hand-holding when it comes to solving cases is disappointing, but Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden can still be chalked up as yet another storytelling triumph for DON’T NOD. Life for the living. Death for the dead.

Pepper Grinder is a good video game but it doesn’t feel like a complete video game. The mechanic of burrowing away through different biomes is always satisfying as you make platforming leaps of faith between different bodies of ground. What exploration, world and mechanical growth is there is really strong, it’s just limited and brief. Fun throughout but over before you know it, Pepper Grinder is a charming title that is just missing that extra little spice.

Roguebook is a refreshing take on traditional card games. With its original map and combat mechanics, it delivers engaging roguelike elements that keep things interesting run after run. While the game might not contain the world’s most ground-breaking story, card game aficionados are sure to find something to their liking in this Faeria-themed release.

Tinykin delivers a fun-sized chunk of satisfying 3D-platforming joy for all ages. Its charming cartoonish visuals and delightful cast of insectoids are bursting with personality and whimsy. While it doesn’t provide much of a platforming challenge and drags its feet a bit through some repetitive escort missions, it’s impossible not to smile at this joyous mini-world of anxious dung beetles and partying silverfish. A relaxing, cozy little adventure that will entertain the young-at-heart.

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

After my time with Pokémon Legends Z-A, the overall impression I am left with is “good, but with room for improvement.” It achieves that addictive urge to explore and catch ’em all, but the world map is small and doesn’t do enough to make up for it. Real-time battle mechanics are a fresh twist and are the game’s stand-out achievement, but it is a little chaotic and cluttered in its current form. The game looks better than previous Pokémon titles, but continued half-hearted attempts to give itself a high-definition look seem to come at the expense of deeper, more complex content. It’s easy to ignore these cracks, complete the satisfying gameplay loop and vibe through Z-A’s Pokémon adventure, but I know Pokémon is capable of more than this.

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.

Sunblaze earns its place as a brutal but mostly fair challenge. It is exciting and fresh in its gameplay in a lot of ways that people should pay attention to. The difficulty will be satisfying for some but frustrating for others. Whilst a lacking story holds it back, clever design mechanics propel it forward. With all that said, when you’re dying every seven seconds, it’s easy for any shining praise to start to dull.