Although Going Under is a short venture where the art style and humour may not be for everyone, the fun action, creative world, and addictive gameplay make this an excellent roguelite well worth the work hours. And again, Jackie can pat the office dachshund!

Zoe Begone! is the perfect example of a modern arcade game. It takes the best from modern gaming tools to add a wonderful polish to its graphical style that those from the days of arcade halls couldn't. It stays close to its roots with a gameplay cycle that will take 5-10 minutes before the game over screen appears, before players last half an hour as they learn not just to beat the game, but also chase high scores. It is so refreshing to see a game dare to go in this direction and even make the easy difficulty level challenging for real, obviously not being meant to be beaten easily. The only thing lacking to make the arcade feeling 100% pure is an actual arcade cabinet.

While some infrequent instances of poor game design prevent the game from being an absolute success, it's still a very worthy entry in the Sonic franchise that can keep up with and, in some areas, even surpass its home console counterpart.

Twelve years later, and the dreary little world of Persona 4 Golden is as captivating as it's ever been. Having it on Steam is a wonderful boon to its accessibility, given the limited range the Vita and PSTV had, and this port more than does it justice. The elements unique to the expanded rerelease may not add much to the experience, but there's no doubt that this should be on everyone's list of must-play RPGs.

Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution does a great job of feeling exactly like a Game Boy Advance game that holds up in the modern day. Despite limiting itself to the capabilities of a previous console, its presentation is incredibly charming even when not played in the modern style, and the game design on display is strong enough that Shantae Advance might actually surpass some of Shantae’s other recent outings. While some of its action-centric areas can get a little confusing to explore, and it never goes quite as cinematic in its set pieces as other games, the overall package is strong and series fans will not be disappointed.

The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria is a fantastic multiplayer survival game. The mining is fun, the fighting is serviceable, and the progression feels really nice. The fact that it brought back Gimli and is set in the Fourth Age is really cool, especially since the player has a custom character in the story. Best experienced with friends, but totally fine to play alone. This title really deserves more attention than it got! Highly recommended to all fans of Middle-earth.

As an early adopter of Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, it's a delight to see nWay listening to the initial issues and addressing them as thoroughly as they have. Rosters and stages have increased exponentially and by focusing firmly on the Shattered Grid storyline of the comics, have created a fanboys dream in terms of a story mode. Mostly all series are represented here and with game expansions and updates being added constantly, if your favourite isn't there, rest assured they are coming. Fans are also being consulted on next additions which is really appreciated. At its core, there has always been an in-depth well crafted fighting game on offer, but now with all the bells and whistles raising it to a real contender for the fighting game throne. This has got the power.

Littlewood defies tradition with its unique premise, proving that Happy Ever Afters really can happen. Having control over how world reconstruction occurs is a huge bonus, enabling everyone to have an individual style with endless scope for personalisation, even with resident demands. Gameplay will stretch into dozens of hours, with you having the freedom to focus on whatever aspect of rebuilding you want, subject to certain quests being carried out.

Heretic + Hexen by Nightdive Studios is an easy recommendation for collectors or newcomers to these super old and once popular titles. Ideal for someone who loves old school Doom “clones,” or simply players who want to relive the beginning of the Serpent Riders saga once more, as well as the new campaigns that were created for this re-release.

People may scoff at the idea of Nintendo regurgitating a small idea from a previous retail release, yet for 200 Points Pyoro proves to be one of the most addictive action puzzle titles on the already impressive DSiWare download service.

It's been a long wait for western audiences to get their hands on Moon and for the most part, it's been a wait worth taking. The initial hours are certainly going to put off gamers looking for a normal RPG experience but for the more patient, unlocking the full potential of what is on offer here is going to be extremely rewarding. Around every corner is a mystery wrapped up in a Mr E. Nygma presented in a gorgeous style only found in the games of the decade it was originally released in. Lose yourself in the world and characters, be helpful to anything and anyone and ensure that a world can be saved not through a fully levelled titan but with the power of love and cookies.

Just Dance 2018 is the ninth instalment in the long-running dance-a-thon series, and it still grooves deep into the early hours of tomorrow morning, even with this excellent Wii U version. It may not be a revolutionary entry by any means, but it adds enough to be a fully-fleshed game for newcomers, while also tempting enough for any series veterans looking to dust off those dancing shoes.

A solid, smooth transition to Nintendo's 3DS as an enjoyable port that does the original version justice.

Whilst it starts off somewhat slow, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero quickly kicks into top gear and stays there right until the end, making for one of the most engrossing 2D platform adventures of recent times. A few unnecessary special abilities may have been tacked on, but the balance for the essential ones is spot on. Also, it may suffer from being too easy on the standard difficulty setting, but there is a harder setting for veterans to tackle, as well as plenty of reasons to revisit the different levels included, with a Metroid-esque feel to proceedings at times.

This is a no brainer for Whovians like this reviewer. The story is regarded as canon, expanding on one of the best episodes of the new series (Sally Sparrow should have always been a regular assistant) to provide an intriguing mystery that not only fascinates, but at time, provides some genuinely frantic moments. This may be as close to being part of the series as any of us get and sets a new benchmark for all Doctor Who titles in the future, or past. Wibbly Wobbly…

Curious Expedition 2 offers a customizable gaming experience that can be as casual or as hardcore as players like, with tons of content and options, many of which can be changed on the fly. The game is smooth and solid, and having so much randomly generated content (and so much content to pull from) ensures a different experience on every run-through, even if the gameplay loop gets a little stale sometimes. For a certainly fair price point, players are getting a game they can play a hundred times a hundred different ways. Some of the best games are the ones where developers simply create a space and let players play; Curious Expedition 2 does so wonderfully.

It feels strange to have to say this, but FIFA 22 is a sports game made with love, whose developers have obviously rediscovered the joy behind how a football sim should behave. The changes to gameplay and graphics, and the evolutions of established modes, give it the largest scope yet for a football sim - perhaps any sports game, ever. And it pays off. FIFA 22 is the most streamlined, self-aware and ultimately enjoyable FIFA title in years and makes a strong case for being its altogether best entry. It's just about the shakeup that the fans have been asking for for a long time, and it's a pleasure to say it's well worth playing for the next year.

It proves to be a fun and inventive puzzle platformer that feels completely original within the franchise. The only complaint that can be levelled towards it is that it doesn't run well at all on older models of 3DS.

Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a fantastic RPG that has every right to stand right next to the classics that inspired it, and especially the SNES gem known as Earthbound. It's funny, weirdly heart-warming and melancholic at the same time, and, believe it or not, very spooky. Apart from those who resent turn-based battles, or don't have the patience to do some heavy grinding, most are definitely advised to try this out.

Mechstermination Force is a terrific boss-rush adventure that grants a few hours of undisputed, frenetic, and fast-paced gunplay against gargantuan robotic titans. Climb up the legs and torsos of these mighty beasts and take back Earth. Up to two heroes can blast away these monsters to the backdrop of fantastic audio tracks, while using a plethora of the biggest and most damaging guns. The visuals look neat, and the action-heavy fights are pretty to look at. If one downside had to be mentioned, it's that this experience can be over pretty quick as there aren't a lot of MegaMechs to battle, and the three-star system used to replay previous battles doesn't feature any further incentive other than bragging rights.

Despite a reliance on gimmicks and an, at times, overwhelming difficulty curve, Masters of Anima manages to overcome its shortcomings to deliver a wildly addictive action-RTS experience.

The bad rap that Skyward Sword received is evidenced here to be undeserved. Even the worst Zelda game is still a good game, and this is by no means the worst Zelda game. It has some dungeons and experiences that are standing side by side with the very best of the whole franchise. While the controls aren't as good as they could have been, and some of the early annoyances remain, this is absolutely a must-buy. It's not the worst Zelda game, not a bad Zelda game, but a great Zelda game.

With such a well-respected and well-known title such as Cuphead, there really isn't a lot that can be said for the PS4 port that hasn't already been stated since its original release in 2017. A fiendishly difficult platformer with a great soundtrack and beautiful level design and aesthetics awaits any gamer that loves a challenge, and is happy to put the hours in. Sit in a darkened room, avoid any and all of those pesky real-world interruptions, and take on a telepathic giant carrot. Ace.

The Booster Course Pass Wave 3 tracks are some of the most enjoyable yet and certainly make the overall package even more attractive. Tracks like London Loop, Berlin Byways and Merry Mountain will feel like brand new courses for those who have not played Mario Kart Tour, and the return of Maple Treeway, Peach Gardens and Boo Lake are also much appreciated to add to an already diverse mix of tracks. The Booster Course Pass, either as a standalone purchase or for those with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass, has incredible value and with 24 more courses to come there is still plenty of scope for other inventive courses and remixed tracks to join foray.

Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary goes for a stark and minimalistic style. This is still present in the more detailed and gritty look of this re-release and the new details elevate the ambiance. There isn't much that could have been done to what could laughingly be referred to as the "story". The plot is exactly the same as it was, recycling the exact voice over narration of two characters. Interestingly, Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary offers a mode that edits out all story development involving characters and background music that drives the narrative. This mode borders on being pointless, but playing the game in this manner does change the atmosphere and adds a stronger sense of mystery due to the lack of explanation of everything.

Wizard of Legend is one of those rare titles where it's easy to come back to it at any time. The game, for having so few bosses and levels, never begins to feel dull or repetitive. There's tons of variety in equipment and spell loadouts, and the dungeon changes enough each time that it never really starts to feel stale. It would be nice if there was a little more variety in the stages offered, but there are enough unique combinations that each adventure is always fresh and exciting.

Ironcast is a daring title with a concept many would be terrified to touch. The reward is huge, though, as this might be one of the strongest match puzzle games on the market at this point, with depth unlocked thanks to the choice of theme. Every piece of Ironcast works together in a wonderful resonance between style and gameplay, and creates a unique and entertaining experience that fans of the genre will not forget in the near future.

Although its east to miss the dizzy heights of the Cybersleuth series, it's to be applauded in what has been attempted here and with an easily accessible series, will convert even the most hardened hater of visual novels. With the superb presentation and the relaxed approach, many Digi-destined (which sounds way better than trainers too) will be happy for the series to continue in this style of digi-volution.

Haunting, evocative, introspective, atmospheric and memorable, Shady Part of Me feels like a journey - and, a very personal one at that. It's the kind of journey that many in the audience will be able to identify with. It may only take a few hours, but it's one worth experiencing more than once. Just eight people made this title, and it's exciting to see what that little team will be able to do next.

Despite the story shortcomings, there is a lot to like about Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune. The gameplay shines above the rest of its shortcomings, and the diverse upgrade paths for various characters through crafting, loot, and equippable skills really helps make the game feel fresh and exciting throughout a fairly lengthy adventure. Even a year or so after its release Frontier Hunter is worth checking out, despite the absolute deluge of other titles available in the genre.

Inmost could be the very definition of a hidden gem. It is probably too niche and maudlin to connect with a wider audience, but one would suspect that those it does connect with will find it to be a unique and affecting experience. It's short and not a difficult undertaking to get through, but it does do just enough to get the grey matter moving, and rewards consistently with those congratulatory "aha!" moments or aforementioned set-pieces. This really defines itself with a dark atmosphere and filmic quality, even if that's hard to imagine a 2D aesthetic doing. It has an auteur's mark on it, which leaves an impression, and makes Hidden Layers Games, Alexey Testov and Andriy Vinchovskiy ones to watch out for in future.

The Punchuin is a delightful adventure where players take a journey through a variety of progressively complex puzzle rooms, meeting eclectic characters, and enjoying the wintery atmosphere. It's a short experience, but it more than makes up for it with just the right amount of substance. A perfect wintery pick-up for all puzzle lovers looking for a charming retreat.

Hidden Mysteries: Salem Secrets, Witch Trials of 1692 is a fantastic example of how PC adventure games can be translated across to the Nintendo DS without any real loss in detail or quality. Filled to the brim with an intriguing storyline, plenty of brain-teasing mini-games, enjoyable free-roaming gameplay and hidden object puzzles, this is definitely one for fans of the genre to add to their shopping list.

At its heart, Football Manager 2018 remains a compelling experience, delivering rollercoaster highs of conquering the world while battling the agonising lows of relegation and sackings. The problem is the first signs of weariness are really starting to show themselves in this year's edition. It is like an ageing star in the twilight of their career; more than previously, there is a lack of genuine innovation from a team of developers who are held up to an exceptionally high standard. For sure, there are some welcome additions; the performance of the 3D match engine, alongside the revamps of scouting and medical teams, for instance, show that Sports Interactive does take refinement seriously. However, the continuing focus on the aspects most fans of the series find the most tiresome - the social media and player conversations - portray a worrying trend of the wrong path being pursued. The fundamental strengths of Football Manager remain, yet it seems a better strategy these days is possibly to pick up the title every two seasons for the best 'bang for buck' factor. For the annual buyer, this year's might prove a tougher pill to swallow and could well be deserving of one mark lower.

Aside from a few limitations and exclusions in the mechanics department, Harvest Moon: One World is an exciting addition to the famous series from Natsume Inc. Dozens, if not hundreds, of hours can be spent befriending town residents, taming wild beasts and being a good farmer so the world can prosper and people can eat more than just potatoes. Different landscapes and climates provide region-specific crops and creatures that expand beyond the basic types initially available, adding variety throughout and beyond the main story - not to mention the house decoration mechanic and wardrobe to expand with new clothes. The invention of shrinking the farm buildings at the touch of a button makes it easier to build and manage a vast farm empire that benefits the entire world. This is one for every farm sim fan to check out.

Once again, FarSight Studios has packaged together a compilation of pinball tables that each serve a purpose and are significant to pinball. From Ghostbusters, Last Action Hero, and The Phantom of the Opera, to Harley-Davidson and Mustang with High Roller Casino action in there, this is a worthy add-on pack to further bolster the table offerings in The Pinball Arcade. Some tables are harder than others due to having to really work for points, while other tables throw high scores out willingly, yeteach table has their own "character" and story behind it, and there are always plenty of secrets to uncover in these tables. It's more than just pinball.

Shifting World takes the whole world switching mechanic and breathes fresh air into it, presenting players with some amazing brain-teasing stages. Smart level design, a stylish art style, and plenty of different modes to work through make this puzzle platform title one of the best 'under the radar' Nintendo 3DS games of 2012.

Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut is as good as you heard it was. Thanks to a great wealth of content, not all of which is as exciting as others, it would be easy to get lost in the seemingly endless list of new levels and character unlocks, without feeling overwhelmed. Really, the game's biggest strength is how smart the puzzles are and how it balances a lot of content without feeling like there's too much. Unfortunately, some of that content feels underwhelming, almost like the game is ripping itself off.

In spite of a somewhat spotty presentation, Fell Seal: Arbiter's Mark manages to fill a tactical RPG niche that had been lying dormant for far too long. Beyond just serving as a competent TRPG, however, Fell Seal engages with the genre in increasingly dynamic ways. It borrows a good deal of its concepts from Final Fantasy Tactics, but nothing is just brought over as is. While there are conceptual similarities between the titles, this has more than enough mechanical depth to stand on its own. Strong map design and plenty of customization options make this game a must-have for fans of tactical RPGs.

However, this space journey is a splendid combination of old school adventuring and strategic battling, complete with an absolutely engrossing story and sublime soundtrack that all adds up to an unforgettable gaming experience on the humble DS.

Many indie titles have a formal understanding of retro pixel-bit graphics, chiptune soundtracks, and Metroidvania design, but few of them successfully build a nuanced and complete template around said formula. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is one of those rare occasions. For whatever design quibbles may lightly diminish the end result, Pocket Trap has nevertheless crafted one of this year’s best games.

Chicken Wiggle is a charming platformer that blends simplicity with sophistication into a cohesive whole. There may not be much in the way of originality outside of a slightly unique control scheme, but the "Best of" platforming feeling that the levels give off act as a reminder of not only the great platformers of yore, but how their mechanics have been refined since. Player-created stages add a much needed longevity to the short playtime and ensure that there will always be more chickens to rescue. For a game so ingrained in playing around with pre-existing design philosophies, Chicken Wiggle has a strong sense of self that other platformers should be envious of.

As a relaxing life sim Rune Factory 5 certainly has a cozy home on Nintendo Switch. The dozens of hours of gameplay extend beyond finishing the main story, with levels to be maxed out, new equipment forged and even a new dungeon to explore, making the occasional lack of clarity of next steps a minor issue in the deservedly popular farming title.

Even though a bit harder to play compared to the original, the wonderfully designed puzzles, characters and music make this game a wonderful experience. Players that enjoy brain teasers without being forced into a time constraint will enjoy Katrielle and the Millionaire's Conspiracy - Deluxe Edition, as a relaxing and sometimes infuriating title - but remember that every puzzle has an answer!

MySims: Cozy Bundle offers two solid titles for Nintendo Switch that promise relaxation and a tad of creativity. It is the ideal game for those that like to bundle up in a cosy blanket and enjoy non-threatening gameplay.

What a hidden gem! Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together is a definite must-buy on Nintendo Switch, showing off not just a fantastic idea with great puzzles, but driving home the team-work element that works so well on Switch thanks to its 'play anywhere, anytime' ethos. Sit with a friend, get family members involved, or even go it alone, play it in tabletop mode, portable, or even on the big screen - whatever the case, it all works perfectly. This is going to eat away at the hours, without a doubt. SFB Games and Nintendo have struck gold with this one.

There's something that definitely seems to be missing from Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest. The challenge is certainly there, but it brings its own sacrifices, as well.

Donkey Kong Country Returns has been translated well for the Nintendo 3DS, bringing more traditional control and nifty 3D effects to the well-received Wii release.

Mighty Switch Force! 2 continues to provide a very refreshing side-scrolling experience on Nintendo 3DS. It's one of the most addictive platformers on the system, with tricky puzzles and high replayability.

There is so much crammed into Mantis Burn Racing that its bland visuals and forgettable audio can easily be overlooked, with an extensive single-player campaign that brings together previous DLC releases into one handy bundle, plus the addictive local and online multiplayer options give it a massive boost, helping it overtake the rest of the pack and creep up swiftly behind FAST RMX and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe in the racing ranks on Nintendo Switch. Perfectly accessible for friends and family to enjoy, yet also deep and challenge enough to give solo players great value for money.

Lapis x Labyrinth is all that a one could want from a rogue-lite. Countless hours will be spent engaging in simplistic yet also compelling hack 'n' slash action. The eight playable classes offer plenty of diversity in their skillset and play-style. Forming them into a squad and maximizing their effectiveness is lots of fun. The frame-drops are regrettable, but can be alleviated somewhat by skilful play. Oh and of course you've got to love the FEVER. Why is FEVER in all-caps anyway? It's because lower-case letters can never hope to contain its awesomeness.

Its premise may border on ridiculous, but behind its wacky veneer, Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido hides an expansive package. Despite its short runtime, there's a lot of charm packed into its campaign, and plenty to do once the credits have rolled.

The price is indeed a bit steep in that regard in this day and age, however the quality of every single release included is to be considered, as well as the fact that M2 handled this and did so just as perfectly, as we've come to expect from the people working there. It is a no-brainer purchase for Konami and Contra fans, especially on Switch, where portability without any compromises is an extra that can't be afforded by other platforms. Others who may just be interested in taking a first dive into the series may prefer to wait for a light drop in price however.

While it may be easy to disregard Blossom Tales as a simple Zelda clone, the amount of charm and effort put into making it wholly unique, while honouring its inspiration, is both admirable and deserving of attention. Its dungeons feature genuinely thought-provoking puzzles, its combat requires a fair amount of strategy, and its story's Princess Bride-like narration lends itself to copious amounts of charismatic story beats. The faux retro graphics won't win over anyone sick of the style and the first impression perhaps relies upon referencing A Link to the Past a bit too much, but Blossom Tales is an incredibly creative and wholesome adventure that knows exactly what it is, even if it isn't entirely original. If nothing else, it's an immensely satisfying scratch for the Switch's 2D action-adventure itch.

Balan Wonderworld is perfect for those who want a relatively relaxed game that delights the mind while not being overly tricky, fills up the cuteness meter, and rewards those who seek out every collectable. There are occasional frame rate drops and some potential confusion at the start due to lack of narration or knowledge about musicals. Along with what for some will be an issue with minimal lack of difficulty increase outside of boss battles and post-game content, this means overall enjoyment may be restricted for some players.

While disappointing in terms of content, Samurai Shodown's fighting mechanics alone are enough to make this a solid recommendation. As long as you don't care about not having an actual story mode or tons of unlockables, and if you feel brave enough to enter the unforgiving online portion of SNK's niche fighter, be sure to check this out.

For fans of Lovecraftian horror, The Sinking City is filled with... fishy details and lore that is used to enrich the world that Frogwares has created. Private Investigator Charles Reed must voyage through the deepest and most disturbing parts of his mind, as well as Oakmont itself, to find a way to rid the town residents of their visions. Doing what he does best, Reed must investigate and solve crimes while battling the horrors that jump out from the dark. While it lacks a bit of polish, The Sinking City is an otherwise weird and mind-bending journey, bundled with all the ingredients for a great experience.

Cosmic Snake 8473/3671 is a falling block puzzler that's unlike almost everything else out there. However, if willing to make time for it, players will discover that it's very addictive and enjoyable. The unique mechanics benefit heavily from the simplistic controls and varied pacing. Gamers essentially have all of the time in the world to figure out how everything works.

It may not feel like a 'full' sequel, more of a fan-servicing side-story or an introduction to the world for newcomers, but Okamiden proves that there is plenty of life in the series yet should Capcom choose to forge on.

FoxyLand is a must play for casual and more experienced platformer fans, with levels mostly being fairly easy to traverse, with fun puzzles to figure out involving switches and hidden items. High replayability comes from both individual competitiveness in completing a level without dying, and collecting coins to buy accessories, such as a hat or scarf to put on the fox.

The amount of content included in Disgaea DS is staggering. Not only are the game's core mechanics solid, innovative, and insanely addictive, but there's enough post-game content to consume hundreds of hours of your life if you so desire.

The Last of Us Part II's purposely bleak, pessimistic narrative spares no one, and offers a deeply engrossing tale of vengeance that grabs and never lets go. The production values, and overall attention to detail are insane, making one wonder what the developer will do when it gets its hands on the PlayStation 5. The gameplay and overall structure and pacing, while still not the thing that matters here, is thrice as good, making this a far more enjoyable experience, with a higher replay value from the original.

Coming relatively cheap and offering interesting new characters to play as, and most of them being good units, too, the Cipher Companions Pack is arguably the best DLC pack to be made available for Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia. It took a bit longer to come out, but the wait was well worth it, and this ends the onslaught of DLC for this latest Fire Emblem game on a high note. It's always tough to know what kind of value to attribute to any kind of DLC, as the main game has to be thoroughly enjoyed first before anyone should consider purchasing any, but this one is without a doubt the easiest to recommend of all those released, due to its lower price and how good the characters proved to be.

A marked improvement on the first Falconeer game, Bulwark Evolution: Falconeer Chronicles is a creative and slick "city" builder, giving players all of the tools needed for complex relationships and resource management while succeeding in the goal of making a very simple control scheme. It's possible the game won't win over everyone with its basic systems, and it may not be played for a particularly long time, but for those it clicks with, it is an addictive experience. With its unique atmosphere and setting, this is the Falconeer game to get.

The numerous goals to aim for in time, and collecting nuts to increase the hero squirrel's wardrobe, provide a great deal of replay value. Depending on the strength of attraction to cuteness, hours spent playing this may reach above a dozen. The lack of tough to beat levels may put off fans of hardcore platformers, but casual ones will welcome this reasonably paced Switch title and its very cute, furry hero.

Fans of action RPGs, dungeon crawlers and puzzle games will absolutely fall in love with this game. It isn't a flawless title, but it's definitely worth the purchase if looking for a lengthy experience.

Another top quality retro game for Switch, NAM-1975 provides top tier multiplayer blasting action, a large range of customisation that the future Virtual Console would do well to copy, and classic pixel art. A short life span encourages quick bursts of play, but compliments its host hardware perfectly.

There are 12 hours or so of content in The Curse of the Pharaohs, and while it isn't all good, the pieces that are good, are very good. So good, in fact, that it takes Assassin's Creed Origins and puts it on par - or even ahead! - of Black Flag for best Assassin's Creed game of all time.

A brilliant and refreshing competitive multiplayer experience, both online and offline, which really fills a void in that regard for the system.

The clever mix of standard RPG adventure with an intriguing football-based storyline and innovative battle system - in the form of tactical stylus-controlled football matches - makes this one of the most unique games not only on 3DS, but on any system right now.

Overcooked 2 is a fantastic combination of excellent music and vibrant visuals, with gameplay that is as addictive as it is dizzying. While it's not a huge leap beyond the original menu, it brings plenty to the table.

What Lode Runner Legacy isn't: something new and innovative that focuses on adding new elements to that distant classic from the '80s. What Lode Runner Legacy is: the original game at its best, with added levels, a retro-friendly voxel art style that fits like a glove, and a level editor that raises the replay value sky high… and it's on Nintendo Switch!

The clever mix of standard RPG adventure with an intriguing football-based storyline and innovative battle system - in the form of tactical stylus-controlled football matches - makes this one of the most unique games not only on 3DS, but on any system right now.

All in all, Mutant Mudds is a charming, challenging, fun, well-crafted game, and we recommend it.

Distilled down to a very, very strong portable title, Rebellion brings its A-game with Sniper Elite 3 on the Switch. It's not just that it's one of its best creations to date, but also the fact that it comes with so little sacrifice, and the series unique and visceral gameplay. It seems that the multiplayer is getting a lot of praise as well from those who could play it so. With that in mind there is no reason not to pick up this port, especially if you've not had the chance to play through it before.

Pokémon LeafGreen is a showcase of what made and still makes Pokémon games so appealing thirty years later. Timeless critters in a colourful Game Boy Advance palette, the joy of catching and battling, plus a sense of adventure that’s woven throughout. It is a shame that the port lacks additional quality-of-life updates or online play, though. The Nintendo Switch re-release is ideal way for both newcomers and seasoned Poké-veterans to get their Kanto fix, with the benefit of being able to experience FireRed and LeafGreen on the big screen.

Battle Brothers feels like a really natural fit on the Switch. The open-world nature of the game is one that is easy to get lost in and therefore having the ability to take it on the go is a fantastic attribute. As good as that is, the clunkiness of some of the controls on the console will take a bit of getting used to. However, the fact is there is not really any other title like this on the console with such a uniquely procedural role-playing feel. Making the player care about characters is one of the hardest tricks in gaming and Battle Brothers delivers this, with the sense of loss after a tough battle being really palpable.

Not only just a great sequel, Kathy Rain 2: Soothsayer is one of the best point-and-click adventures available out there - a classic of the genre without a single shred of doubt. The few flaws at hand, chief among them how this doesn’t spend as much quality time with its secondary characters as it could, aren’t enough to ruin this pleasantly dark (yet also funny) and engrossing whodunit/cosmic horror thriller. It has plenty of great detective-style puzzle solving, lots of entertaining dialogue, and is wrapped in some of the finest pixel art.

A solid, fun experience that has taken the fairly basic setup of Just Dance and added a new layer of depth, greater variety and a bigger reason to play with friends through mini-games and the amusing duet mode.

The crashing challenge of the first three Crash Bandicoot instalments gets an impressively solid, as well as stunning upgrade, making the original PlayStation series feel obsolete. The collision detection could use a nice little patch, and the omission of a higher frame-rate feels almost silly, but other than that, fans of tough retro platformers are advised to try this out. NOW!

Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is an overall fun package for those who want additional challenges and multiplayer features. There's a surprising amount to see and do, alongside the existing campaign - especially the solo training stages. It is a shame, though, that the new minigame portion is strictly limited to multiplayer, with a lack of bots or public online lobbies. For newcomers and existing players, it might well be worth experiencing the standard Super Mario Bros. Wonder release first and consider upgrading only if you crave a second helping.

This far outstrips the first game in content amount, and the approach to telling a new story that can encapsulate the wider scope is genius. We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a fantastic portable game and fits Switch like a glove. This is a hearty recommendation to all gamers and any lovers of the King's tight purple tights.

If it weren't for the helpful quality-of-life features added, the first two Turrican instalments would likely never be played by anyone today. This is less of an issue for the other two titles included in Turrican Flashback. Super Turrican and Mega Turrican are really exciting, and highly stimulating action games that hold up today. The only modern day indie equivalent would be Gunlord X, which cheekily mapped the beam weapon to the analogue stick for the fastest possible action. Turrican was where it began, and anyone who enjoys the likes of Contra or action games by Treasure should really give this a look.

Just Shapes & Beats is an inventive, creative, and memorable experience. It takes a simple concept and does so much with it, causing each level to feel wholly special, even if the lag issue can sometimes dampen the moment. The story mode is a joy to play, and the online mode offers hours of entertainment, as well.

Baseless' main mechanic takes getting used to. There is no way around that. Anyone who plays it on its own terms and learns to harness the physics will find it rewarding. Most of the time, using a high-powered space gun to control movement feels like trying to tame a wild beast. It's understandably unwieldy, yet mastering it under one's dominion is a euphoric rush.

A true example of how the 3D effect can enhance games, with both a compelling narrative and gameplay structure, and plenty of reason to take back to the skies after finishing.

Another arrow straight into WiiWare's versatile quiver, My Starry Night delivers in educational value and saves a great deal over regular stargazing equipment just 500 points, with almost as equally proficient a result.

Puyo Puyo Tetris does a great job of combining two addictive puzzle games into a feverishly fun product. The story mode is surprisingly well done, and offers some nice replay value even for those familiar with both series. Alongside the healthy amount of unlockables, modes, and options, the online multiplayer in particular shines, being a huge source of entertainment.

From the stunning, emotion-filled prologue to when the credits roll, Visions of Mana is a spectacular journey that is more than just a visual delight. Understanding the magic system and switching mana elements once obtained is not hard for newcomers to the series to understand. The captivating story is elevated with the memorable soundtrack, and all the characters were likeable. It has its flaws, especially post-game, but overall it is a great introduction to the legendary series and without doubt will lead newer fans to explore older titles, and hope for a new one in the future.

Max and the Magic Marker is yet another considerable addition to the Wii's download library, and a great start for new developers Press Play.

One for the FPS enthusiast.

AiRace Xeno is rather short on content, but what little is here delivers a real punch.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a confident, atmospheric sequel that builds on the strengths of the original while introducing a chilling new legend to unravel. Its blend of branching choices, investigative depth, interactive flashbacks, and understated supernatural tension creates an experience that feels both familiar and freshly refined for Switch 2. It is a tightly woven mystery that leaves a lasting impression.

As a huge fan of the original series, there is a lot of style drawn from it. The action is fast and looks good, and seeing the characters in another format is a great surprise. Some caution is warranted as the price tag is hefty and the lack of cross-play between PlayStation and PC might shorten the game's lifespan. While not nearly as tactical as PVP was due to its 3D plane, now condensed down to its 2D linear combat, it's a fun romp and the gallery/glossary of the lore is appreciated. In the end, as good as this game is, it's more of a reminder how much better DFO is.

Konami perhaps missed a beat and could have been a tad bit more generous by making this an even more budget-priced game than what it is being sold for to capture any FIFA players who are on the fence, but it is still worth the price of admission. If fluid, tactical and sublime football is what you are looking for then look no further than eFootball PES 2021 Season Update.

Underneath it all is a rhythm game that may not be as challenging as some of its famous console counterparts, but the ability to take it anywhere and play hassle-free more than makes up for this, and the game can get challenging in its own right—although this, like almost everything else in here, is entirely up to the player.

An odd combination of automatons and a reflexive sport turns out to make for a pretty fun and addictive experience, overall. Disco Dodgeball Remix on Nintendo Switch doesn't quite have the player count necessary for a truly chaotic time online, but more than makes up for it with competent AI foes, a boundless list of modes and parameters to choose from, and sufficient offline options to enjoy.