Two Point Campus takes its time to teach you the fundamentals of running a successful university, with free reign on how you complete your objectives. The depth of the resources given to you and the amount of customisation for each of your campuses shows great attention to detail. The game is filled with wacky, silly, and sometimes dry humour that you can’t help but laugh at. While there are annoying inconveniences, success is still in your hands. It can be hectic, but you won’t find a better university management sim than this.

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.

Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is probably the most approachable tactics game ever. Featuring new map navigation, dozens of abilities to tool around with and a diverse fantastical cast, it makes for an even more readable experience. The magic spark that I felt had been missing from some of Mario's more recent adventures is coincidentally back again, amongst Ubisoft's quirky mascots of all things. Yes, even when the Rabbids can be just that little bit annoying, they're as equally charming when meshed with the Nintendo cast. At times the overzealous amount of side content may also daunt the player, but never enough to take away from the clever and delightful journey. Sparks of Hope is the most exciting franchise affair we've had since Odyssey.

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

Scarlet Nexus combines an enthralling story with fascinating characters and an addictive combat system that demands your attention. As you slowly peel back the layers of its cast, the twists and turns of the narrative will keep you engaged throughout its lengthy adventure, and as your skills increase, battles become a chaotic dance of exploding enemy bits, crazy finishing movies and endorphin increasing pleasure. While there are some areas that can feel repetitive at times and the visual novel presentation of its cutscenes might not be for everyone, there's a lot packed into this dual protagonist story that begs for an extra playthrough as soon as you finish your first. Scarlet Nexus is unmatched when it comes to style and oomph. It manages to incorporate so many clever and creative combat systems that are slick and exciting that it far outweighs the slower pace of its narrative with in-your-face, over-the-top action that simply must be played to be believed.

Everything that I loved about Citizen Sleeper is present here in Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector. The music and art are as stunning as they ever were, the quality of the writing is exceptional and there is no shying away from complexity when it comes to the questions posed and the sometimes painful, but often beautiful conclusions drawn from them. While it doesn’t engage with its core theme as extensively as I might have liked, I found myself enjoying every moment I spent in the Starward Belt, and I was captivated by everything I saw through the Sleeper’s eyes.

TEKKEN 8 unleashes a storm of punches, blending chaotic Mishima drama with accessible combat changes. The short story, though dramatic, loses steam, but the Heat system and Special Style redefine the fight. Arcade Quest mode injects a needed charm, offering a nostalgic journey with opportunities to grow your fighting game skills. Visually stunning with a diverse soundtrack, the game achieves a balance between the familiar and the cutting-edge. Despite a stumble in the narrative, TEKKEN 8 delivers a knockout combo.

As a debut title, Violet Saint has done an impressive job of building a world that feels both dark and dismal, but also alive and full of character. Moroi is so much more than just a hack-and-slash, with both mystery and puzzles to solve throughout. The cast of absurd characters and humour keeps things light, even with all the gore, and the action packed combat sequences are bolstered by the pumping soundtrack. Even if you aren’t familiar with Romanian folklore, anyone who enjoys a good grimdark fantasy will enjoy Moroi.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road expansion demonstrates ZeniMax Online Studio’s storytelling and world-building excellence. While the gripping narrative, new Scribing mechanic, and challenging but rewarding trial will appeal to long-time fans, this chapter and the game are no longer new player-friendly. Gold Road is a must-experience chapter for the crowd still invested in one of the best MMOs in recent years, but it poses significant questions about ESO’s growth and future.

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

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma perfectly blends the farming and combat experience with Japanese influences. The result is an immersive cultural experience that you don’t want to put down. You actually feel like you are rebuilding villages and restoring prosperity to the land instead of just being a landowner. While it isn’t perfect despite several improvements to the formula, it nevertheless delivers a fun experience that you won’t soon forget.

Goodbye Volcano High is a fun, nerdy, queer narrative adventure that focuses on the last days of high school, and possibly, the last days on earth, for a group of quirky teenagers. Its narrative is full of heart and players will fall in love with its concept and characters. Some gameplay elements can be a bit hit and miss, though overall, you’ll likely fall in love with the snappy dialogue and beautiful, wholesome relationship between these dino teens.

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.

Where The Heart Leads is a terrific narrative game that has you make hard, fascinating life choices on behalf of its characters to create a story that feels your own. It utilises its surreal elements sparingly, instead opting to focus on the realistic personal lives of its many richly nuanced characters. Despite some slight issues with dialogue, menus, and the camera, Where The Heart Leads is a great experience, and a fascinating exploration of issues rarely covered in games.

Soulstice is a truly great action game, which despite taking many cues from stylish action titles of the past, carves out enough of an identity to stand out on its own. The system of controlling both sisters and maintaining auras while slashing through foes is intuitive and simple to master. Although the plot leaves many threads hanging, the development of the central sibling relationship and setting were enough to draw me into Soulstice’s world and want to see more. If you’re a fan of challenging action games and can forgive a slightly annoying camera, Soulstice is definitely worth checking out.

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.

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.

ISLANDERS: New Shores builds upon what made the first game great and why I got it in the first place back in 2020. It added new elements to keep players engaged, while also providing a fresh improvement from the first game, by featuring better visuals, music, improved gameplay mechanics, and a points system that encourages you to reach the top of the leaderboard. It’s a cozy game if you’re after something chill or an intense puzzle game if you’re after that top spot. Regardless, it’s addictive and will keep you hooked.

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

Warriors: Abyss wastes no time giving players a tangible story and also appears to lack depth in its opening moments, but that also doesn’t matter. Instead, it focuses on translating the Musou experience into a tactile and fast-paced roguelike adventure and it excels at doing just that, rewarding players the more they put into it. Providing a thrilling and refreshing take on the Warriors series, it is not to be missed.

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.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is what all of the LEGO games have been building towards, if you’ll pardon the expression. With its huge open world with side quests, puzzles and secrets galore, it's a great adventure game for players of all ages. If you’re a Star Wars fan, then the nostalgia trip and mountains of obscure characters and references they manage to sneak in there is a real treat. While the unimaginative script and missing character creator does hold it back somewhat compared to previous entries, from a gameplay and content standpoint, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the most ambitious LEGO game yet, and a must-have for Star Wars or LEGO fans out there.

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

Though not quite as strong as its predecessor thanks to its narrative devices, The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II is another incredibly strong RPG under Nihon Falcom’s long-running belt. The party is stacked this time and serves as a warm-found family. Perhaps one of the best in the RPG scene. With this, there are a lot of exciting combat shenanigans and party DNA to engage in, joyously laying waste to beasties and mysterious figures. Better yet, the city of Edith feels more lived and breathed in than ever thanks to the bountiful list of activities and completion metrics to engage with. Though their journey is slightly rocky, at least Arkride Solutions has and always will have each other.

Mothmen 1966 is ultimately a terrific little horror game, reminding us that the genre can be more than first-person jumpscare factories. As the first episode of the 3-part first volume of Pixel Pulps, the adventures of Holt, Victoria, and Lee provide a terrific first impression of what will hopefully be a memorable series. The brief interactive interludes do not hold up to the polish of the writing, soundscapes, and graphics of Mothmen 1966, but LCD Game Studio have a chance to update those mechanics when the next episode, Varney Lake, comes out later this year.

Ultros is a stunning space ride through the trippy landscape of The Sarcophagus that will keep players wondering what secrets they will uncover amidst the captivating backdrop. Though the narrative can be hard to get your head around and the world is easy to get lost in the “gardenvania” concept brings additional magic to the Metroidvania genre. Ultros has paved the way for the genre to not play it safe and is one of those experiences that reiterates how games can still present us with unique ideas and worlds.

Knights in Tight Spaces has a core combat loop strong enough to carry the entire package and more than compensates for the hit-and-miss progression and the trite story. It constantly creates tactical puzzles that make you feel like a genius for escaping an impossible situation or a mastermind for pulling off a carefully laid trap. With a great sense of style and a banging soundtrack, Knights in Tight Spaces is a tough but fair tactical roguelike that will constantly have you playing just one more turn.

I would highly recommend playing Danganronpa if you have any sort of interest in murder mystery or visual novels, either on Switch after they patch the performance issues or on another platform. The games are a lot of fun and you are sure to be sucked into them. The aesthetic and music is a step above the rest and while the story can be a little wild at times, it will always keep you engaged. It is nice that Danganronpa has returned to its portable roots, but upsetting that the ports are a little rough around the edges. I wouldn’t say this is the best way to play the series in its current state, but hopefully that will change in time.