The Perfect Pencil is a great metroidvania full of exploration, a rich story, and odd, hand-drawn characters that give the game a surreal feel you need to experience for yourself.

From the engaging storyline to the gorgeous aesthetics, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a wonderful experience from beginning to end.

Hidden Cats in London is a wholesome experience teeming with feline friends. If you’re looking for a cosy, relaxing hidden object game, this is sure to delight.

I really enjoyed my time with Hell Clock. It balances all its aspects just right: narrative, gameplay, progression, and difficulty. Just watch the clock, you might lose yourself down in Hell.

The Lullaby of Life is a relaxing puzzler with lovely visuals, excellent pacing, and a calming soundscape. This beautiful, bite-sized adventure is definitely worth exploring.

None Shall Intrude is an epic card-battling game where you play as the bad guy taking down the heroes trying to defeat you. Who doesn’t want to be a dragon?

Bleak Sword DX is an excellent game with its easy-to-learn but hard-to-master gameplay. While things may look bleak, it is never hopeless.

Contract Rush DX is an excellent 2D platformer that channels games like Mega Man and Alien Hominid, creating a fun and silly experience.

With excellent gameplay and atmospheric effects, tied together in a bundle of deeply intricate lore, fans of the series should not be disappointed.

Spend ages planning with explosives and cables only to see it fail again and again — until it doesn’t. Teardown is fantastic fun.

An engaging experience to sink one’s teeth into, Swansong may have its faults, but it offers a blood-curdling plot and amazing characters that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is a super fun arcade-style beat ‘em up starring your favourite Looney Tunes characters and LeBron James teaming up to take down Al G. Rhythm. Highly recommended if you enjoy local multiplayer games, but it is pretty short so don’t expect something that will last a long time.

No Way Home is a space shooter with precise controls and challenging combat. Being able to constantly upgrade your pod with new weapons is so much fun!

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is a must-buy title for fight game fans. I just wish there was more than one quick save slot to share for all the titles!

With a very high-pace and addictive gameplay, Not A Hero will have you enjoying every single second you play. On top of this, the sarcasm in this game will have you laughing constantly, with a very clever statement about politics.

A fantastic game for both fans of Monster Hunter and newcomers alike, cleverly weaves aspects of the main games into a traditional RPG setting and can stand on its own.

Patch Quest is a game full of exploration and a huge variety of creatures and plants to collect. Just because it looks cute doesn’t mean it is easy, like other twin-stick shooters you will find yourself in bullet hell a lot!

They say that love can build a bridge, but love isn’t GlaDOS’ style, so you’ll have to make do with girders and cables instead. Frustratingly difficult in parts, but a game that you’ll keep coming back to until you master it.

An epic open-world Action RPG with a tonne of content and genuinely enjoyable exploration makes for a great new IP. There are a few niggles with controls and loading times, and it’s not always clear what you need to do, but when the game is this much fun, I’m happy to overlook those.

Total War: Warhammer is a lovingly-crafted representation of the Warhammer world that is ripe for players to forge their stories in. It’s a must-buy for every Warhammer fan and Total War aficionado and is potentially the best release from the studio since the original Rome: Total War.

Minishoot’ Adventures is great, plain and simple. It’s oozing charm from its art style and UI to gameplay and exploration. It’s a game you want to complete 100%, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Gumball in Trick-or-Treat Land is a successful trip down memory lane. It may be a short title, but it doesn’t miss out on charm, with an adventure that will delight players of all ages.

Sandbox possibilities and endless ‘what-if’ questions bump up what is already an impressive level of replayability. Paradox Interactive have created a game that strategy gamers and history buffs should get on their shelves as soon as possible.

An industry supergroup brings together their experience to tell an engaging narrative in a beautiful world. Firewatch explores love and commitment through two of the most authentic videogame characters I've seen. A simply wonderful game.

Layers of Fear is truly a disturbing experience that even players of the previous titles need to check out. With the gorgeous Unreal Engine 5 graphics and the amazing binaural sound, this is a game that has to be played.

Anger Foot kicks ass, both figuratively and literally! It’s fast-paced and brutal, with a setting that just begs for you to go wild. Don’t sleep on this incredibly stupid and fun bout of focused chaos.

Bravery and Greed is a retro-looking roguelite title with great solo and multiplayer modes to check out with friends. Each run will be different, with different choices that will totally alter the focus of your run; this game is challenging but very rewarding.

As great as a hidden object title can get, Hidden Through Time is a simple recommendation for anyone that likes the genre, especially when taking into account the online maps, offering nearly endless replayability.

Beautiful looking, challenging racing game that recreates all the things you love about arcade racers. Great single and multiplayer experiences to be had here.

The Escapists 2 adds a lot of content and is still the best prison escaping simulator available. There really aren't any major negatives here; if you enjoy the thought of planning prison escapes in a videogame you should pick this up right now.

Suikoden I&II HD Remaster Gate Rune and Dunan Unification Wars is a treat for all turn-based RPG fans, but backgrounds can look a little too smooth and clean.

It brings more of that great Sonic Mania flavour, remixed in some slightly different ways, but the absence of some new levels stirred in leaves a disappointing taste in the mouth.

One of the absolute finest space shooters on Steam today.

There’s very little to dislike about Battlefield 1. What the game is at its core is a beautiful-looking and exciting period shooter that will give fans of the series (and those that have been clamouring for a AAA historical FPS) hours of fun.

We Are Eva is a great 2D precision platformer with vibrant colour-based gameplay, lighthearted overtones, and a charming penchant for breaking the fourth wall.

Frogun is a must-play for 3D platformer enthusiasts that love retro-inspired titles. As long as you come with tempered expectations and expect a collect-a-thon more than fast-paced platforming, you'll love it.

Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is a fun and challenging twin-stick shooter with great characters and a sense of humour. There’s so much to do here that it will keep you busy for a long time!

Talisman: Digital 5th Edition breathes new life into this classic board game. The new art and animations are fantastic, without losing the signature style. With the less harsh events and streamlined rules, you may even finish a game in a session!

It’s a great time with solid writing and gameplay, but there’s no reason to replay to explore the world.

Adventures of Pip's unique mechanic makes it stand out from the rest of the platformers I've played; the game makes wonderful use of the mechanic. Challenging enough to not make it a memory platformer but also not dull, this game is sure to charm any fans of the genre.

Bleed's entertainment value is through the roof. Despite some nitpicks here and there, they're all overshadowed by the fast-paced, balls to the walls action that Bleed has to offer.

A really nicely crafted little shooter with a banging metal soundtrack and the look and feel of the PlayStation 1 era. It's well worth checking out if you're a fan of the genre.

The King’s Dilemma: Chronicles is a must-have game that expertly immerses you into the issues of your people, other factions and the murderous cults and beings that wander into your lands. If you have the time and remaining Christmas money, get this game.

Dispatch is a well-written and innovative superhero comedy worth your time. From its charming team of heroes-in-progress to fun dispatching gameplay, it’s a title that’s easy to recommend.

GSC Game World nails a unique mixture of genres between survival horror and open world with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The atmospheric environments, engaging gunplay, and the constant feeling of threat culminate in a heavy recommendation from me for fans of the genre.

G.I. JOE: Wrath of Cobra is the 2D arcade beat-'em-up game your inner child wanted. Who doesn’t want to feel like they are in an episode of a cartoon with their friends?

Technically superior to the previous episode, and a strong second entry to the Diaz boys’ saga.

The Wonderful 101 isn't just a unique spin on the action genre, it’s a title that oozes with enthusiasm in a way that very few games do, and although the remaster doesn’t do quite enough to alleviate the daunting learning curve, it’s one that action fans have no excuse to skip.

Hyper Light Drifter is unique, it highlights the issues of a real person in an abstract way. This game plays very smoothly, and offers stunning visuals and rigid difficulty. Hyper Light Drifter is a lot of fun, and it's beautiful too. It’s a memorable experience, and can keep you interested the whole way through.

Gunbot Diplomacy is a brilliant game with fun robo characters and a plethora of enemies. It is incredibly strategic and hectic, making this an addictive title that you need to play now.

If you’re a fan of pinball and have a Switch, then it’s a must-purchase. Big fans of Star Wars will probably get a kick out of it too with all of the tables focussed on one aspect of the franchise or another.

Leximan is a pretty short adventure, but it’s a great one nonetheless. Its humour and wit never fails to make me smile and laugh, and everything that it throws at you is fun in its own way.

Fitness Circuit is a great fitness game that requires a small time commitment and has a fun gameplay component that makes it feel more like a game than just working out. The biggest criticism I have is the repetitive music that you hear, I wish there were more options to select instead of just turning it down.

You should really play Dice A Million. If you loved Balatro, you’ll find yet another great and addictive roguelike that will take up hours upon hours of your life just rolling dice.

The accessibility of Stellar Interface makes it a brilliant induction to the often impenetrable bullet-hell genre, and the variety of different options, combined with addictive gameplay that keeps you coming back, makes it one of my favourite Switch games of 2019 so far.

Not just one, but three brilliantly unique and atmospheric tables from a stellar IP, staying true to the source material in sound as well as style.

Remorse: The List is a game that needs to be on everyone’s radar. Some little annoyances aside, the feelings you will get from this game, with its unique atmosphere and genuine spooks, make for a fantastic horror experience.

Don't start this game if you value relationships, your job, your social life, and having free time. Stardew Valley will take all of that away from you, but it's okay because it's a great game.

Watcher Chronicles is a great, challenging game with beautiful art and music. This is definitely a game for those who want to struggle against hard and difficult enemies and get that Dark Souls-like difficulty.

It's not golf, and it's all the better for it. A fun 7-8 hours that will entertain, much like a golf-themed WarioWare.

There’s a huge amount of fun to be had here, but it’s not a game that will appeal to those in the market for a realistic depiction of the joys of the internal combustion engine. Realism has been traded for pure insanity, so if you prefer something more like Forza or Gran Turismo then this won’t be the game for you. If you were a fan of Rollcage, then you’ll love this.

Great movie-tie-in game that has awesome references to both the movie and comic series. Grinding will be required if you don't want to get your butt kicked!

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition takes an already amazing JRPG and gives it just enough to make it even better. Noticeable performance drops aside, this is one title everyone should experience.

For a port of an older Wii U title, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe feels like a brand new game that everyone can enjoy. Whether this is your first Mario Kart or your eighth, there's enough here to satisfy your thirst for racing.

Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior uses a unique gameplay mechanic that has you working with clones of yourself to take down the foes that stand in your way. A compelling story and addictive gameplay make this a must-play title.

POOLS is not for the easily anxious, even if there’s nothing in the water to pull you down. The sounds alone will make you fear the depths. You should.

Wall World is a great roguelite with an interesting concept that keeps you engaged with constant upgrades, ever-changing options, and an addicting gameplay loop.

A great game that took five years to make. Subnautica is an open sandbox sci-fi fantasy that can inch it's way into horror as you explore the depths of the ocean world. Just be ready to farm!

Witness the catastrophic events that transpire over the course of Donut County as you wreak havoc by taking control of BK’s all-devouring hole in a surprisingly enjoyable title I didn’t expect to love this much.

QQQbeats!!! is a great blend of puzzle and rhythm gameplay that feels refreshingly fresh from other bubble-popping titles I’ve played. It’s challenging, and addictive!

While fun, challenging, and hilarious, I Expect You To Die 3 is unfortunately not perfect. The loading times could be better, and there was the occasional stutter despite it being natively on the Meta Quest 2. But that’s about it! I had a blast playing it, and I really look forward to I Expect You To Die returning.

A compelling found-phone horror title which demonstrates a real love for and understanding of the Doctor Who universe.

Resident Evil 2 is a wonderful recreation of a believed original that, not only recaptures the glory of that game, but also improves upon it from a visual and gameplay standpoint. All in all, don’t miss out on this one.

Overall, Long Live The Queen is a really fun game with endless hours of replay value. It’s challenging and can seem initially a bit overwhelming in its vastness but will win you over with its charm and ability to not take things like failure seriously.

A collection of some of the best metroidvanias in one package, this is a definite recommendation to both fans and newcomers. Though some minor issues hamper it a bit, they are severely outnumbered by the good.

A brilliantly accessible and clever platformer with a top-notch soundtrack. This is a must-have title for any PlayStation owner who likes platformers.

Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade is technically impressive. Fixing many of the original release’s technical issues while also improving the game for next-gen hardware. INTERmission offers an excellent character edition with that of Yuffie with some excellent gameplay to boot. Intergrade is simply more of the best parts of Final Fantasy VII Remake.

I really loved BALL x PIT. Its gameplay is addictive to no end and every aspect just enriches the experience that much more.

Virginia takes you on an unforgettable, incomprehensible journey.

Final Fantasy Remake Intergrade is technically impressive. Fixing many of the original release’s technical issues while also improving the game for next-gen hardware. INTERmission offers an excellent character edition with that of Yuffie with some excellent gameplay to boot. Intergrade is simply more of the best parts of Final Fantasy VII Remake.

BABYLON’S FALL has plenty of quality game design in it, with a good length main campaign and even side content on launch, with more already added, and even more coming for free. Whether the price is worth it is up to you; play the demo and decide for yourself.

This Bed We Made is a great game without any major drawbacks that features an amazing story and a hopeful and important message. A must-buy for any fan of titles like Life is Strange.

If you were the kind of child who has sat knee deep in Lego making spaceships and buildings or were found surrounded by the guts of a clock looking up at bewildered parents. Crazy Machines 3 will engage you for a long time to come, if for no other reason than so you can work out new and interesting ways to shoot pigs on skis into space!

A massive time sink which needs an entire rainforest of sticks to shake at. Just grab it and jump in.

Final Fantasy XV: Windows Edition is one of the best ports of a videogame to date. If you have yet to experience this landmark title then do so now.

A Highland Song is just as unique and nuanced as I had hoped, and the developer did an outstanding job at bringing a wild sense of adventure and emotion to a 2D title.

Hidden in My Paradise is one of the best hidden object games I've played; it's charming visually and gameplay-wise. A lot of love and thought went into it, and it's evident.

Get your slimy appendages ready to grab this with all of your suction cups, because throwing shipping containers and launching rockets into space with your own hands has never been more fun.

A real eye-opening experience, for someone not well versed in the Vietnam War outside of Forrest Gump, it's a welcome change to the main game, and that's coming from someone who really enjoyed the main game! If you're looking to creep around a jungle blowing things up and snapping necks, then come to Vietnam. If you weren't a fan of the main game, this probably won't change your mind.

Action Henk is the perfect combination of easy to learn, but difficult to master gameplay with a massive helping of nostalgia in between. You can pick it up and play for 10 minutes, sure. But you’ll still want to know what’s happened with the last three hours.

A brilliant remastering of a PlayStation classic. While Square Enix could have gone further with the remastering you are still treated to an amazing story, a brilliant cast of characters in a beautiful world ready to be explored and loved by all.

A debut game that sets a high standard moving forward for Polygon Treehouse. Truly fitting their mission statement of creating "adventures to feed your soul", Röki is excellent.

Northgard is one of the prettiest titles in the genre, and with a very addicting gameplay loop, players are sure to spend several dozen hours to it.

Overall, whilst Tanglewood has a few minor niggles, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a must-have title on either the Mega Drive or Steam. It's cute, colourful and great fun. It's also a great achievement and testament to the dedication Big Evil Corp have put into authenticity.

Chicken Police: Paint It Red is a gorgeous looking film noir style game that takes everything you love from the classic buddy-cop movies and mixes it with a huge cast of anthropomorphic characters. The story, voice-overs and adult humour are great making this a must play.

Take control of Harmony, meet a pantheon of unique deities, and unravel a narrative of two opposing worlds clashing with one another with a unique future-seeing system that'll have you yearning for a second playthrough.

As a fighting game, there is almost no aspect of Skullgirls Second Encore that isn’t an absolute joy to play, and the Switch's portability only enhances those qualities. Fans of fighting games will find so much to love in Skullgirls, but the game won’t create any zealous converts out of those who loathe the conventions of the fighting game genre.

Rhell: Warped Worlds & Troubled Times is a charming puzzler for those who want the freedom to get super creative with magic. It’s whimsical, fun, and satisfying, so grab your wand and give it a go.