A Pixel Story has the potential to be great, but falls just short of capturing that potential. The basic mechanic here is a clever one, and the developers to a good job getting a lot out of it. Unfortunately, they fall just short of elevating it to something truly special, and the final result is a bit more basic than expected. Puzzles are good, but repetitive, and exploration is fun, but simple. This combined with floaty, imprecise controls and an odd insistence from the game to focus on them, makes this fall just below the top tier of puzzle platformers. Fans of the genre might still want to check this out, but everyone else might want to see what other stories are out there.

New graphics, quality of life improvements and humour make Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World an enjoyable platformer. Its level of challenge depends upon player experience in the genre. It is unfortunately let down by the final level which had little challenge and numerous small issues that should have been easy to fix. It is a sound title on Nintendo Switch that could do with some tweaking to make it shine at its best, but for those who love the graphic style and just want to have fun there is plenty to enjoy.

One of the better movie-based games, and one that packs in a lot of variety, even if it does feel somewhat-limited in parts.

Elite: Dangerous feels a bit like a lifestyle choice, honestly. Getting good at piloting and traversing this universe takes almost as long as a full length game in and of itself. For those who endure, there's some exciting things happening in space, but for the rest, the price might be too high. This is clearly an example of a niche game, a remarkably thorough space sim that requires patience and tenacity to unearth its many secrets. It also requires caring about the universe you're in, and that can often be difficult to do after extended periods of time fighting with the game itself, whether it be through the controls or long stretches of nothing happening. As Carl Sagan once said, though: "The universe seems neither benign nor hostile; merely indifferent."

Risk System is a hard game to recommend on a whim, yet also pretty remarkable. Players can't expect to just jump in and blast everything in sight. First they have to get a handle on controlling their own ship, which is an awfully tall hurdle in itself. The bosses are also frustrating, especially when playing for score. Altogether, this is an anti-establishment STG. It features a learning curve of its very own, one that quite a few may never be able to appreciate.

For the most part the touch screen provides a great interface for constructing buildings and managing units. Unfortunately, poor path finding and AI tarnishes the experience and adds a great deal of frustration to the mix.

Dead, fountain pen shaped birds and big reveals are the main motivations to play Inked: A Tale of Love. There is a lot of good stuff here to like no question, particularly with some story beats, and the whole relaxed tone that embodies the experience, when it's not drawing out a vibration of two. It is hampered by some minor presentation issues, and, much worse, control issues that require the patience of a saint if playing in docked mode - but it really is unique to itself, except for perhaps maybe… Comix Zone? Like Gary Coleman, short and quite easy, but there is some replay value here too with collectible paintings that are scattered and hidden around each chapter. These paintings can be an added incentive to go back and enjoy the art; or perhaps it is the love, the sacrifice, muse, or obsession that one should pay heed to.

Solitaire is as Solitaire does. It's as much as can be done with a title such as this, and 3D Solitaire is for filling those times when bored senseless and just wanting something to do. It works well and looks halfway decent, even if the controls are a contradiction of sorts.

While a great game, a fix to this is in sincere need. The gameplay is great and shows the best sides of both genres, as it mixes together in a wonderful way that helps them enhance each other, while at the same time offering a more pure experience for the respective genres.

Ys X: Nordics isn't a bad game, but it's not great either. The graphics don't look any better than when Ys VIII came out years ago on older systems. The story and characters are passable, but in a crowded field of games, this isn't enough anymore. The time spent on this game felt more like a reminder of what it could have been rather than an entertaining adventure. One's enjoyment of this is going to be directly proportional to if someone wants 'more of the same' of the recent Falcom formula. It is clearly selling, so the trend is likely to continue for better or worse, but there is a lot here that is tough to recommend except for diehard series fans.

Aegis Defenders is an average, run-of-the-mill indie game. It had some worthwhile goals, like hybrid tower defence and action gameplay mechanics with Lost Vikings character puzzles. The most interesting quality is that there is a two-player co-op mode, which changes the dynamic of the game drastically. The real shining moments are during the defending the target portions of the levels, since teamwork actually matters and doing these alone can be a bit much to manage. With a bit of polish and tighter balancing, this could have been a real darling.

In summary, The Sims 4: Tiny Living Stuff Pack is not totally disappointing, but also not very interesting. It could have been implemented as part of one of the bigger DLCs, instead of being released on its own. Since it is relatively small, the current retail price seems hardly justified, but for true collectors, lovers of challenges, or those wanting to experience their Sims in tiny houses, it may well be a nice add-on.

Zoo Resort 3D provides a nice twist on the regular type of zoo simulation game, but once the story mode is complete there is little pull for further gameplay, even with the added features of challenges to complete.

Those who are expecting 'Resident Evil with Boobs' will be disappointed. Red Colony 3, like every single installment before it, is nowhere near Capcom's classic in terms of gameplay, and no amount of jiggly digital mammaries can change that. So, no, don't come in expecting a great survival horror experience. Come in for the b-movie-esque, camp feel it has, the pleasantly bad writing, and the bonkers plot. Red Colony 3 is not a very good game, but it is still enjoyable despite that.

Nekograms is absolutely adorable, with challenging puzzles, beautiful art and great sounds. However, it is a bit monotonous, in that it does not offer anything other than the base-type puzzle. Although puzzles are beautifully designed and offer a fun way to spend some time, some more content could really improve this title.

It plays very well and, besides the small loading screen glitch, it does little wrong. Miffy's World will keep a child happy, and that's what matters.

The biggest problem for Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale rests in the fact that it tries to be two things, but is only going halfway with both, something that creates an experience that will leave most people longing for more.

The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered is a solid JRPG, but its story leaves something to be desired. There is almost nothing to emotionally latch onto. However, it offers a satisfying gameplay loop for those who enjoy grinding out weapon skills and spells, and exploring vast regions. If you're looking for a more engaging narrative and deeper gameplay systems, however, Emerald SaGa might be a better choice. While both games share similar turn-based combat, Emerald SaGa boasts a richer story and more robust mechanics.

An experimental experience that feels like it tries too hard with its surrealism and strangeness, to the point it actually negatively affects what it was trying to do. There are some wonderful experiences in both the 2D and 3D worlds, and there's something of a coherent story lurking in the forced quirkiness, but the pacing, combined with the nonsensical aspects hold this back from being something a little more.

Animal Crossing: Wild World is a good entry to the series for newer players; there's the same charm and simple fun that has drawn in many fans - but with the available technology and development time there was so much potential for doing more.

The focus on online elements positions Megaton Musashi W: Wired as a potential favourite for mobile gamers accustomed to online interaction. While solo and offline play are available, the core experience lies in the extensive online grind alongside other players who prioritise efficiency and rapid mission completion for loot acquisition. The narrative in Megaton Musashi W: Wired may not resonate with all audiences, lacking complexity and English language voice acting. However, it compensates with a focus on bombastic action and over-the-top brawls, reminiscent of the live-action Transformers films. This emphasis on explosive spectacle may hold appeal for players seeking a purely action-oriented experience. Megaton Musashi W: Wired offers a flashy combat experience hampered by a repetitive structure, excessive grinding, and a weak localisation effort. While the frenetic action and customisation may appeal to some, the lack of depth and focus on loot acquisition limit the game's overall appeal.

Kat may be a Layton but she's far from the Layton everyone knows and loves. Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy feels more like a pale imitation with glimpses of the greatness that has come before. There's a ton of potential here and the adventure is still enjoyable, but just falls short. It holds a lot of promise for the future, at least, and the story wraps up with plenty of questions unanswered. Level-5 is clearly ready to keep this story going; however, hopefully it is with something much better and more deserving of the series' lineage.

Aenigma Os stands out as a really clever take on the modern puzzle genre. It offers great brain training and entertaining game modes that really change how players have to plan their moves. The biggest problems are that it is very similar to many other games and that it is on a home console.

This game has the makings of something really great. The art and sprite work is outstanding. Wildly inconsistent difficulty jumps, frustratingly long bosses, fights, check point lengths and cheap deaths all ruin what absolutely would have been a title much higher rated. The majority of the experience is fun, with a good difficulty level, but inevitably there will be these randomly, absolutely killer, difficulty walls, which ruin how good it was going up to that point.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster offers a streamlined experience with an easier gameplay balance, improved controls and some regretful censored content. While some of these changes may disappoint series veterans, the core appeal remains intact. The overhauled visuals and simplified gameplay mechanics make it more accessible to a wider audience, including younger and casual players.

A lot of Front Mission 2: Remake's shortcomings lie in a mixture of a sloppy transition to becoming a more modern game, including low budget and some of the old design choices from its source material. Many of the best aspects of the original still shine through and the remake's staff did make some legitimate improvements like the options to speed up gameplay aspects of the gamepla. With a bit more time, perhaps a better translation will get patched in and maybe a port for the more powerful consoles will iron out its technical shortcomings. Anyone who desires a demanding and complex strategy mecha game with political intrigue and a plot that predicts the dangers of globalism will get their money's worth with Front Mission 2: Remake.

Thymesia is a nice diversion - something that can keep you occupied until the next great soulsborne game gets released. That is its curse. It's a good game, with fast and enjoyable action, but lacks the immersive story and atmosphere, as well as the quality of level design and combat finesse that is expected from such titles.

This remaster brings a few quality of life improvements that make the experience a bit less cumbersome to sit through, and the visual uplift is definitely welcome. However the latter can't help the mediocre English voice acting, and the fact that its character animations have aged terribly, despite the character art itself being good, coupled with the scenery itself having a level of detail that belongs in the PS2 era. That combination of factors means it will be very hard to get into for most newcomers. Those that stick with it long enough, and put in the unusually big effort required to truly grasp all its ins and outs, will find a good JRPG story a few hours in, just one with hit and miss production values.

With the WRC series on hold for 2018, V-Rally 4 took the rally-title for Kylotonn. Fortunately, a lot of the racing mechanics are streamlined compared to past experiences, easily allowing for newcomers to jump in and pick up the controls quickly, while veterans will still enjoy the difficulty boosts. Some stages wildly inconsistent with their degree of difficulty - and with only a career mode, and online play the features in this complete game are quite lacklustre. While hours of racing can be enjoyed, this will eventually wear quite thin pretty fast.

Paper Mario: Color Splash is a complete joy aesthetically, looking and sounding fantastic, complemented by some very amusing script work. At its core, though, whilst attempting to mix things up as much as it can in order to keep the action fresh, its battle system grows tiresome very quickly, dragging the enjoyment factor down several notches.

While certainly charming and cleverly designed for its short length, Xeodrifter ultimately feels too disjointed for its own good. Separating the overworld into four, smaller maps is a good idea in theory, but the disconnect between stages takes away the interconnected feeling of exploration Metroidvanias thrive on. Bosses themselves are also a big letdown, especially since the weapon customisation would lend itself well to more varied foes. It's even difficult to recommend Xeodrifter as a beginner's Metroidvania since the early game is far harder than everything that comes after. It's endearing enough and can kill an easy three hours, but there are better Metroidvanias to choose from.

The low-poly graphics may not appeal to everyone, and various mechanics can make gameplay feel a bit on the slow side, but those who love the cute aesthetic are guaranteed to have fun helping Fennel settle into his new town of Button City with the bright colours and entertaining characters. The range of mini-games means there is something for everyone to enjoy from racing to rhythm games, and the plethora of side quests add to the post game content. The almost non-stop humour aside from the moments where gravitas is required make it more than just a game. It focuses on and excels at showing the nature of friendship within small groups, and also the wider social structure of what it takes to be in a community.

The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a worthwhile horror game, but one that will test one's patience. The randomisation compounded with the cruel and unfair AI throwing outrageously long QTEs will undoubtedly frustrate the most dedicated horror fans. However, it is fun to see Youngho again and to find out what he has been up to, and the scares deliver the chills.

Warmind seems to indicate that Bungie is serious about getting Destiny 2 back on track, although a lot of that could be the result of better updates between expansions, rather than any real excellence from the expansion itself. Still, Warmind is a significantly better expansion than last year's Curse of Osiris and brings back a little of the mystery that made uncovering secrets in the original title so compelling. The Destiny 2 experience might still be a little off, but this is a pretty good place to jump back into the action.

A solid but short VR horror experience, Afterlife VR is a confident and reasonably immersive game. The developer clearly had fun making it but the lack of replayability and shorter runtime stop this from being a full recommendation.

The fact that this is one of the first titles to use MotionPlus shows badly. At times it feels at best poorly implemented and at other points it just feels like it has been tacked on as an afterthought.

That said, this latest classic revamp on the 3DS eShop is certainly a enjoyable and it's tremendously rewarding to finally overcome its challenges.

Enjoyable mechanics hold the game up but not for long.

While far from bad, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot + A New Power Awakens is a hard sell for anyone who is not already a fan of the series. Even then, franchise diehards will likely notice the changes and omissions in adaptation to the point of annoyance. Combat also leaves much to be desired, lacking in depth and devoid of real strategy more often than not. At the same time, overworld exploration is surprisingly relaxing, side content outside of side quests is engaging, and the story mode does make for an enjoyable way to revisit Dragon Ball Z thanks to stellar cutscene direction. Those who connect with the gameplay will also be delighted at the sheer amount of content available, from the three DLC packs to new playable characters. Kakarot is a Dragon Ball love letter that often forgets to be an action RPG, but never loses the unique charm that has defined the series.

Jessika cannot be recommended lightly, as although the premise for the plot is promising, the factors of suicide and problematic elements of Jessika's characters could have been handled and portrayed better. In the end, the plot seems to rely on the shock factor of the subject matter and does not put enough focus on its delivery, leaving those in control with a sense of wanting more from a title that demanded so much of them.

Off has always been a strange, atmospheric, and undeniably influential RPG - one that’s ultimately more compelling for its ideas than for its gameplay. This remaster is easily the best way to experience it, thanks to its various QoL improvements, even if the new soundtrack may prove divisive among long-time fans. Combat and pacing issues prevent it from standing shoulder to shoulder with the genre’s greats, but its bizarre world, cryptic storytelling, and historical importance still make it a fascinating curiosity for lovers of unconventional indies. You may not end up liking it that much, but it’s the kind of game that’s worth experiencing at least once.

In conclusion, Genesis Alpha One is a decent way to spend a weekend, but it will wear out its welcome not long afterwards. Building, upgrading, and defending a starship is compelling enough. There are also those times when a large-scale invasion generates some real excitement. However, a lot of time is going to be spent performing mundane tasks. Although this does an admirable job of streamlining most of them, boredom will eventually set in. Still, the unique premise might be reason enough to check it out.

After a strong start with Valet Parking 1989, Zordix has managed to craft yet another simplistic action puzzle game with 1950s Lawn Mower Kids that will definitely appeal to anyone looking for a back-to-basics product. Unfortunately, though, despite having some intriguing gameplay mechanics, camera movement restrictions mar the experience overall, holding this back from being what it deserved to be - a cult classic.

The concept of Dimension Drive offers a unique style of gameplay that would melt most brains with the frantic on-screen action, particularly as players have to navigate two different set of maps at the same time on the same screen. From the outset, this particular feature will overwhelm many who aren't familiar with shoot 'em ups, yet with dedication and time, Dimension Drive can offer a gratifying experience once the powers and abilities have all been mastered.

Good graphics and solid mechanics are held back by the way the player is never given much of a reason to do anything but the current main objective, and the laid-back nature of the game conflicts with the main-character-is-dying dilemma presented as the driving force of the story. The developers at Vile Monarch have put together some great systems and laid the groundwork for a fun simulation game, but fall short of giving players much of a reason or opportunity to actually play in it. There are a lot of good things here, and with more direction and purpose, the team is clearly capable of making something great. Despite the flaws, The Last Alchemist is still a fun casual game that'll feel right at home for those who love a nice stroll through a whimsical landscape or laid-back puzzle solving.

Lichtspeer: Double Speer Edition is nowhere near as good as it could be, yet it is still enjoyable for short bursts of gameplay. While the core mechanics are sorely lacking in variety and the stages a bit too underdesigned, boss fights stand out as the main justification for the price of admission, to the point where the spear-tossing simulator might have been a legitimate force to be reckoned with had it taken a Shadow of Colossus style approach. Fantastic art and sound direction don't make up for the underwhelming gameplay and lack of online multiplayer, but they do help mask some sore spots. Lichtspeer isn't going to engage on a deep level, nor is it an entirely positive representation of arcade design philosophy, but it can be fun in quick sessions, and there's always something interesting to make note of.

BUTCHER is one of the better 2D shooters for the Nintendo Switch, and, undoubtedly, the goriest, despite its super-tiny pixel art style. The problem is that it hasn't really exploited its potential. As a result, while definitely a title worthy of your time, it means very few will continue playing after completion due to the low replayability.

Where the game truly is lacking is in the online component - no course sharing and searching is a big oversight and does dampen the selling appeal of the 3DS edition, something that Nintendo should resolve.

Initially stepping into Nights of Azure 2: Bride of the New Moon, it feels even worse than the first outing. It's retreading the same ground with the story, but doing it with an inferior overall plot and some cringe-worthy writing for the dialogue. The gameplay is highly repetitive, both on exploring the world and on the generic mash-y gameplay, but, despite all the negatives, there's actually some fun to be had here. The large amount of side-quests and the varied mixture of support characters make revisiting areas to find all the little secrets enjoyable.

Short, sweet, and to the point, Lydia makes for a memorable and engaging hour of gameplay. Its story of abuse will prove uncomfortable, but a restrained hand ensures audiences never have to confront anything too visceral through gameplay. There isn't much in the way of replayability, but a well told story, plus an excellent visual style make Lydia a worthwhile play-through for anyone looking for something emotionally dense.

Aside from its main gimmick of confining and leaning on a main human with medium abilities, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a plain strategy RPG. It has no shortage of content and will keep gamers playing for well over 100 hours if they aim to defeat the optional superbosses or endlessly grind characters to god-like strength in hopes of surviving the hardest modes. It can be exhausting and sleep-inducing, but it is a well-made strategy RPG for anyone who has a tolerance for intense sweetness.

The lack of online co-op and higher price point on the Wii U isn't exactly going to help justify the purchase of this version, but for those who love zombies and are curious, check this out on another platform or wait for a sale.

Book of Korvald is a dark fantasy 2D action-RPG (with a little bit of metroidvania thrown in) that mixes Norse mythology, themes of Lovecraftian fantasy, and as the cherry on top, some thicc erotica, in a storyline that’s surprisingly good, complemented by a distinct, grim art direction and atmosphere. Clearly made with love, the moment you pick up the controller it also becomes clear that this could be so much better with some extra care, especially as this is a port of something that was around for some time. Try it out only if found at a very good price, or keep an eye out for the PC version if you want to try the complete NSFW (and then some) variant.

Cold VR has done an interesting job in taking the Superhot DNA and twisting it into something different. It's fun, fast and frenetic, and is a good way to spend 30-minute bursts of action in VR, especially for those who really enjoy similar styles of game. For some, the change of pace from Superhot will be pleasing. However, a tacked-on story that never really gets off the ground and a less refined physics system with some inconsistencies in combat, makes it feel decidedly more like a budget version of its main inspiration, except with a price tag that doesn't quite match.

Cocoto Magic Circus 2 is a solid gallery shooter with great controls and a lovely presentation.

This has some merits to it that can't be denied, such as its artwork and very good English voice acting. The problems are, for a horror game, beyond some parts of its plot, the story gets lost with far too much fluff about dorm life, and walking around the same town over and over. This could easily have been cut in half to deliver a better narrative. The 'pinball' battle system is such a break from anything horror related, it serves as icing on a cake that had good intentions, but the ingredients simply were not right for what was required.

Not much happens in the final episode of Life is Strange: Before the Storm, and, at first, it doesn't seem to matter as, instead of any new stuff, it's the "feels" that are in the spotlight this time around. The only true problem seems to be the sleep-inducingly slow pacing of it all, something that sort of ruins the end of this prequel.

It is nice being able run your own 2018 season in tandem with the real thing, but the Career Mode is nothing special. Even if the online mode and the eSport Championship function well enough, the lacklustre collision detection will hinder that side of the experience, too. This is flawed and rushed.

It is always comforting to turn on a new Neptunia game for fans of the franchise. It is the same, yet slightly different, and like hanging out with an old friend doing something new. Although Neptunia Game Maker R:Evolution isn't the best introduction to the franchise, it's comfortable and with the warmth and humour that the franchise is known for. The game has some annoying quirks - it sometimes feels repetitive developing new games. More quality of life updates could have made this a fun, simple simulator/action-RPG. However, the simulator aspect sometimes feels like it overstays its welcome.

Eastward absolutely radiates heart, which is why it is tough to be hard on it. So many little things, from random sprite movements, to the cooking, or RPG mini-game, are charming, yet, the core element of the game - the story - takes far, far too long for any payoff. Instead, it drones on and on in meaninglessness that torpedoes the pacing of the game. While the action and exploration are interesting, it's slowed down too much by banality.

For lack of a better term, Golazo! is a pretty run-of-the-mill arcade football sim. It does well to channel a '90s aesthetic and it is sure to create some memorable moments despite the hiccups in its design. The controls are simple enough to pick up and play and the gameplay solid enough to warrant whipping it out for a night of arcade fun with friends, but it certainly isn't going to hold most players' interest when it comes to playing solo against the CPU.

WWE 2K22 certainly hits different, go check the score again, it certainly has not come out a perfect ten. The redeemable qualities, thankfully, are the wrestling mechanics themselves, which ironically might not be everyone's cup of tea, and MyRISE mode which offers a good amount of content to keep the average WWE gamer going. It has taken over 2 years for the game to finally release and while it is an improvement on WWE 2K20 it still serves up disappointment in other ways, such as an outdated roster, a pathetic attempt at recreating General Manager mode, and a disgusting ethical issue of microtransactions in MyFACTION mode, albeit optional. MyFACTION mode is enjoyable, and can be played without using real-world money to progress, but the fact of the matter is that this mechanic should not exist in a full priced game. If you came to play then there is certainly a price to pay.

The Terminator branding is mostly relegated towards the setting and a couple of characters; sadly not a single actor from the series lends their likeness or voice to add any authenticity. One of the few infiltration Terminators seen is designed as a generic looking muscle guy who looks and sounds nothing like Arnold Schwarzenegger despite his outfit being an obvious homage to the first film. Without Terminator aesthetics, this would have been a forgettable and generic action game. More than just being really easy, Terminator: Resistance is also very short. Even when completing most of the side-quests, expect to negotiate the entire experience in less than 10 hours.

Although the story arc isn't anything to get excited about, this is one of the better DLCs to have come out for Shadow of the Tomb Raider. The Price of Survival features just enough variety with enemies and puzzles to make it worth a chance on its own, but still doesn't quite make the full season pass tempting enough.

The art style and atmosphere are praiseworthy, especially as a point-and-click game. Cloud Cats' Land appeals so much towards that feeling of relaxation and deep thought that the genre often aims for. It is easy to get pulled into the magical world of cuddly cats and whimsy. However, far too frequently, the player is pulled out of that feeling when the game almost requires them to brute-force puzzles or resort to a video walkthrough. While it is generally not necessary for the genre to have guidance systems, in titles where the puzzles are not based on logic and go against it entirely, help is required. Players will rightfully stop trusting all rules and try everything they can until they find the solution, making the magical puzzles forgettable instead.

The Stretchers is a jovial, anarchic affair. It looks like a Dreamcast title and, in some respects, feels like playing one too. That comparison isn't meant as a pejorative to say it's dated, as it isn't, and certainly it has a charm all of its own. Despite some small annoyances, it is the freshness, and an arcade-y fun-ness that feels like something off of Sega's last console. This is brimming with engaging ideas, which constantly build on or mix up the core mechanic, which taken on its own merits is strong.

This Wii edition may add nice pointing controls and an interesting multiplayer aspect, but they really are not enough to justify the cost of the game in the slightest.

Sparkle Snapshots 3D is certainly a powerful little tool for all the options it provides.

Baffling leaderboard support, lack of remapping, and wonky "Timeless" mode aside, the Vasara Collection is sure to find a home with any fan of arcade classics. The Vasara series, though short-lived, offers a unique blend of STG action and close-quarters mayhem. They certainly aren't a walk in the park. It'll take weeks of constant practice to clear them without continuing. The scoring systems are compelling, and there's a plenty of enjoyment in slashing everything in sight. Give this collection a shot sometime.

Filled with the series familiar and fun mechanics, The LEGO Movie Videogame is enjoyable for series fans, but ultimately doesn't live up to the fantastic games that have come before it, and once again goes to show that TT does its best work when left to craft original stories instead of adapting existing properties.

Super Turbo Demon Busters rides a very strange line. On paper, the action and gameplay is woefully simple and repetitive, but actually playing it, the player is drawn in by the heart and old-school charm it possesses. The largest issue preventing a much more favourable verdict is the more you play, the more you wish the systems found in here were much more fleshed out, such as a deeper RPG system, a deeper skill system, a treasure system, anything, since the base is so solid, but leaves so much more to be desired. Rarely is a game like this passable, yet hints at such greatness that could have been.

Only some poor touch screen implementation and a lack of motivation for constantly coming back to replay to better scores mar what is otherwise a faithful accompaniment to The Cube on TV.

Dead by Daylight has the groundwork for a great game but stumbles in its execution. It could be so much more with just a little more polish. Hopefully, it will inspire better products of this variety, because the concept contains a bundle of promise. Horror fans will find a lot to love - as long as they keep their expectations low. Nevertheless, for all its sins it is still quite addictive and undeniably fun, at least in the right conditions. It's easy to see how it has amassed a fanbase and warranted a port to the Switch.

Elite Dangerous: Odyssey is a fundamental shift in how this operates - literally. From space to the ground. Taking those first steps on a planet's surface after having landed there is simply awesome, and is decades in the making for fans of the Frontier franchise. The unfortunate reality however is that the performance is currently letting it down. Serious optimisation work is a necessity to iron out a multitude of issues - albeit it's probably not as bad as some are portraying in the immediate aftermath of release. While the new gameplay mechanics come with some variety for those bored of simple space combat, the shooting on the ground also needs a good deal of attention, with AI, and the general standard of combat, alongside the amount of different locations generated on planets, all in need of work. The thing is, this is a journey; a road map, and this is just the first staging post. Hopefully there's a lot more to come down the line.

Career mode really needs alterations for the next version, as the repetitive nature of progression is just not fun.

An unfortunately thin experience Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered, is a fun romp while it lasts, but it lacks any draw to return to it after completion. The multiplayer options are limited, but the online mode is solid and functional. For anyone who loved the remaster in the past, this will feel exactly as it did back then, but missing local play. A decent driving game with some weird changes.

Cubic Ninja is a delightful addition to a 3DS market saturated with games seemingly made to take a quick advantage of the new technology.

Might & Magic: Elemental Guardians is a fair mobile title that offers an enjoyable experience for those who are into collecting monsters to partake in turn-based battles with. In short bursts, this is an entertaining experience that doesn't overstay its welcome. However, once the true grind begins at the conclusion of the story modes, then it can become a frustrating past-time to stay engaged with longer-term. It isn't the best "gache" on the market, but it is a free title for iOS and Android devices, so there's nothing to lose by trying this out. Note that it does require an active internet connection to play, unfortunately - so it's best to play this at home on the WiFi, where there is a steady connection, as Elemental Guardians isn't afraid to crash play-throughs.

Joindots and OG International have brought the Nintendo DS market yet another good quality entry into the Hidden Object genre. However, The Mysterious Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde fails to live up to the expectations set by competitors in the same field that were released last year.

Where it works best is in its classic elements, but the open world needs a lot of work.

Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility has all the staples of a successful Harvest Moon title as well as a few new welcome additions, but it's not without its flaws.

Despite Harold himself being the most enchanting creature that has ever graced your monitors, Harold's Harem: The Neckoning doesn't do him justice. It's a decent-to-good visual novel, which makes fun of Date Sim tropes, and it will give you about an hour and a half of laughs. It's a unique specimen for sure, with a pretty quirky sense of humor and overall design, but in all honesty it's nothing special.

Mythargia is a nice dark tale, with some nice dark visuals, and a nice dark atmosphere. It rarely ever becomes more than 'nice,' though. A bit too linear, a bit too easy, and a bit unwilling to let the player do more than just walk around and read notes, it all falls to the story to carry the experience, and while it's definitely a good story, you can generally find better. Try it out if in need of a casual-friendly and slightly horror-flavoured, narrative driven adventure, but avoid if you want something "meatier."

For the genre, though, it's an "okay" game that works well enough as filler when there is nothing more exciting to play.

While it certainly isn't an abysmal game, thanks to a few redeeming factors, it's obviously a massive disappointment coming from Sakaguchi who had made some great classics in the Final Fantasy series and who later gave us the incredibly good The Last Story on Wii.

Kung Fu FIGHT! is a worthy little time waster that does not insult the intelligence of the customer and manages to actually deliver a solid product for a low price.

Tallowmere can be fun, challenging, addictive, silly, irritating, and boring at the same time, but, thankfully, it's neither a bad, nor a mediocre game amongst rogue-likes. Just don't go in expecting one of the best either.

Although flawed and at times painfully inconsistent, Vampyr manages to offer relatively engaging gameplay in spite of a lack of overall polish. Combat is stiff and quite mindless, but Jonathan's progression deeper into Vampiredom is handled well and the abilities at his disposal go a long way towards masking some of the more mundane aspects of the battle system.

There's nothing inherently wrong with Picross e8 itself, but it belongs to a series that is fast beginning to outstay its welcome; unless developer Jupiter can find a way to really shake up the staling formula, it's perhaps only fair to call time on the 3DS leg of the series at this point.

Deeply emotive, well written, respectful of player choice, and with a great look and atmosphere, Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm are must-haves for anyone interested in narrative-driven adventures that focus more on the characters than the plot itself - even when taking their flaws into consideration. When it comes to the remastered collection, though… better wait for a generous bargain if already in possession of the original instalments, as the upgrades are not that strong, and the package isn't devoid of a few technical issues. If a total newcomer, however, be sure to check it out - although you can expect a bug or two if unlucky.

Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D helps to fill a void in the games market by successfully emulating the perils of being in the emergency services, and yet somehow does so a little too well if the dodgy input methods and stuttering graphical levels are anything to go by. One of the more unique first-person 'shooters' on the 3DS market, but also a book of matches you need to be cautious with when striking.

Nintendo would have been better off renaming this 'The Best of NES Remix 1&2' - admittedly not the catchiest title but it is not misleading unlike the actual name of Ultimate NES Remix.

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a stunningly beautiful, and finely-crafted… ok. It's an ok stealth/action-adventure, with ok characters and drama, and oceans of rats that add an ok survival horror vibe to it. Certainly a fun title, but not exactly a big recommendation.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy is a mixed bag; on the one hand, it is ideal for Naruto fans on the move who want to reconnect with three-quarters of the story on offer. However, on ther other, time has indeed taken its toll on the original two games so much so that it is hard to recommend them, especially as Storm 3 can be picked up individually for £16.99. If a PS4 or Xbox One is available, then it is strongly recommended to purchase the Legacy edition instead, which features better presentation and the complete experience of the Naruto story.

The puzzles never feel compelling or tricky enough, and the world feels too barren and lifeless to really invest a great deal in. However, ultimately it is a very cheap title and, as a distraction for a few hours, it is certainly worth the time.

With no online multiplayer and its very flimsy Grand Prix tour, there is no way Family Kart 3D could ever strive for Mario Kart 7's throne, but in all honesty it doesn't even seem to aim so high. It's a little, flippant alternative to the more eminent Nintendo hit, and indeed a solid and enjoyable diversion for any kart racing fan out there.

Room to Grow is probably one of those titles that don't do anything wrong… but aren't really that great. Sure, simplicity can work wonders, and in the world of puzzle games that has happened many times. Not here, unfortunately, as the progression is extremely slow, as if this is afraid of frightening players, with the few mechanics available being handed to you in an equally slow pace. Is Mischka Kamener's creation bad because of these issues? Far from it. As long as you don't mind NOT being fed with new stuff to remain interested, this is a neat assortment of smart puzzles, that will take some time to be completed, pro or not.

Unepic is deliciously old-school and thoroughly addictive, but it feels like a snapshot of an earlier time and, as such, those who have never experienced the games that this is a love-letter to may find it hard to get on with. The writing is very hit and miss - mostly miss - but it tells a decent enough story, until its final act and the horrible endings… Ultimately, a fun but flawed experience.