Alcyone: The Last City tells a compelling story, full of intrigue and questions on the meaning of life and our place in the universe. However, it leaves one wanting more than a second or third playthrough might not provide.

MULLET MADJACK is more than worth your time and money, a perfect culmination of artistic vision.

Another great entry to Like a Dragon, just don’t rely on it for hard-hitting canon lore (just hard-hitting cannon balls)!

There’s a lot of heart and dedication on display here, but the later Tomb Raider games issues are still on display.

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.

A game that’s not without its issues, but is a great entry in the franchise, and didn’t feel the need to cram in a ship to captain.

ORDER 13 is a bite-sized horror game that will have you on edge as you try to keep your cute cat alive and strict quotas fulfilled. Cute, scary, and challenging – it’s definitely worth a try.

Kamikaze Lassplanes is a great mix between an ecchi-filled visual novel and shoot ‘em up with a branching story where your choices make a difference and can change the ending.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is a generic third-person extraction that challenges, engages, then bores.

Lilac 0 is a fun shoot-’em-up that provides a tough challenge, great for veterans of the genre but not too friendly for anyone fresh.

Possibly the best Atelier game to date, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land is a thoroughly enjoyable, and rather cosy, RPG that anyone can easily sink hours upon hours into.

Trolls vs Vikings: Reborn is a quirky lane defence game, but it has many stages that look the same, making it feel repetitive at times.

The Backrooms 1998’s jumpscare-heavy take on the Backrooms is an underwhelming entry in the horror space with poor sound design choices, lack of intentionality with its mechanics, and bugs.

MainFrames is, simply, a lovely retro-themed puzzle platformer with humour, challenge, and some brain-straining mechanics to master. While not easy, the satisfying controls and charming world will make it hard to put down.

This globe-trotting adventure can err on the side of being too simplistic, but with amazing scenery and fun puzzles, it’s a solid update to the classic Carmen formula nonetheless.

This is a game about digging a hole in the ground and it's just as fun as it sounds, if not more!

While everything in Shieldwall works mechanically, the lack of any variety slowly drags it down to being just okay.

Bing in Wonderland: Power-Up Edition is a fast-paced action title that is brief but can feel repetitive and bland in the fights and music loop.

Quilts and Cats of Calico is a fun console version of the board game, but the music is like a lullaby and don’t expect much for online play.

While Priest Simulator: Vampire Show was fun in spite of its flaws, its DLC is hidden behind frustrating races that just aren’t fun.

Avowed is decent fun and has a beautiful world, but its story, progression and characters leave a lot to be desired.

While it takes some getting used to, it’s possible to have a lot of fun with ROBOBEAT, especially when you add your own music.

While it is missing some features, DYNASTY WARRIORS ORIGINS is a fun time and a great place to hop in for newcomers!

While Waiting is a lovely puzzler that embraces patience and offers a tonne of fun if you let your curiosity go wild while you wait. Its variety, replayability, and charming style make it easy to recommend.

SNØ: Ultimate Freeriding is just a really nice and casual skiing game with no frills or filler. It’s a simple idea executed very well.

On Your Tail is a cosy detective title that lets you see the sights and make friends all while stopping thefts around a gorgeous town, and it delivers on every (sea)front. Make time for this one.

Monster Hunter Wilds is an incredible entry into the franchise that provides a fun and smooth gameplay loop and a beautiful world to explore and hunt in. It’s Monster Hunter at its finest.

Whilst there is an undeniable charm to Build Lands, it’s quickly lost thanks to the repetitive nature of the prebuilt levels and occasional issues when creating your own island.

Despite getting some enjoyment out of it, Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator quickly became both monotonous and irritating thanks to the driving sequences. A disappointing simulator that just doesn’t live up to its potential.

Stunt Flyer is a wholesome and relaxing arcade-style flying game that has great visuals and chill music. It can be played solo or in split-screen co-op.

Techno Banter is a short, but neat game to play if you want a glimpse of a controlled simulation of security work for nightclubs, or simply want to call a music snob a dumb arse… or emasculate an incel.

Let’s Cook Together 2 is a game that is fun to play solo or with others; the controls are easy to learn. The game is wholesome and challenging at the same time.

Dead Dragons looks like a classic turn-based RPG, but with a cool fantasy story and an interesting battle system, this title is a fun twist on the usual offerings in this genre.

Despite some tedious mechanics, Microtopia is a fun and satisfying base-builder.

STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is a fun side-scrolling arcade beat ‘em up, with a few issues, but is still a fun time.

Priest Simulator: Vampire Show is a mostly-enjoyable experience, but it does lose its charm later in the game. While it has a goofy premise with a unique mockumentary format, it could do with a little more polishing.

Coridden is a fun game with an interesting premise, but playing solo just makes you feel like you’re missing the full experience.

Into the Emberlands is a delightful exploration-based game that sees you gathering resources and rebuilding a cute yet ramshackle town. It’s perfect for those needing a chill and casual time with a good balance of challenge and variation.

Driving Is Hard is surprisingly fun despite its rage-inducing nature. It’s not unfair like some of its contemporaries, but is a nice yet difficult journey that will keep you trying even after the biggest falls.

Whilst the story isn’t as strong as the previous title, the endearing, well-written characters and exciting battle systems make this a Trails game that’s well worth it for long-time fans of the franchise.

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?

It has its issues, but it’s nice to finally get this off of the Vita.

F2D - Steer To Persevere is a completely fine, casual racing game for fans of Formula Racing and makes for a decent introduction to the sport, but currently could use some cleaning up.

An interesting story and amazing visuals ruined by annoying gameplay and a sub-two hours playtime.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is one of the finest games I’ve played in years, with a gripping story and refined gameplay. It’s still early in the year, but this is definitely on course to be 2025’s Game of the Year.

Big Helmet Heroes is simple and does what it sets out to do. It’s a fun time, but it struggles with any gameplay depth, leading to a lack of longevity; I did enjoy my time here, especially with the presentation.

Something of a hidden gem which has a lot of gems hidden for you to shoot with your machine gun drill.

Basureroes: Invasion is a side-scrolling game that has a lot of fun stages and characters to play as, but repetitive music and odd gameplay choices make it frustrating.

Dead of Darkness is a creepy and challenging survival horror title with an interesting story that makes you want to solve the mystery of what is happening here.

Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection is a fun adventure with a beautifully voiced cast. However, the gameplay can stagnate a bit and the summoning lacks something that would help it stand out.

With a mix of stale combat, rough translation, and no saving, Ship of Mist has an interesting core concept, but the execution falls flat to the point that I cannot recommend.

Quite a disappointment, with only glimmers of fun to have peeking through the bike exhaust.

A linear adventure that looks great, with some combat and a bunch of puzzles to keep you thinking.

Tap Wizard 2 is a twist on a bullet-hell type game with RPG elements, but it is hard to play with a controller and has too many things to collect and equip with little direction.

Creo God Simulator makes smiting villagers fun, and there’s no shortage of godly powers at your disposal, but gameplay lulls, high building costs, and repetitiveness can dampen your time as Creostrider.

Eternal Strands is an amazing adventure that excels in combat and exploration. Finding unique sights, battling fearsome bosses, and crafting incredible gear makes it extremely fun to play. Highly recommended.

Sniper Elite: Resistance is a fantastic time, with its minor flaws rarely impacting the experience.

Escape from Mystwood Mansion is a fun and snacky puzzler with varying brain teasers and a fun, if mostly absent, meta-plot. Though the length is on the short side, it’s as long as it needs to be. I just wish there was an inventory.

At first glance, Skystead Ranch is a creature-collector title for Viva Piñata fans, but upon further inspection, it feels too unfinished with features that don’t work and design elements that don’t feel as cute and whimsical as its visuals.

Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a superb SRPG that every fan of the genre needs to play. Its complex battle system and engaging story make this an absolute blast to play through.

Wren’s Resurgence is a fast-paced action title with great parkour action, but at this current stage, it is very buggy.

The visuals and designs are all great, and the gameplay can be fun, but it feels like something is missing, combined with slippery controls and an annoying camera.

Discolored 2 is a fun experience, but it offers nothing new, and some of the puzzles can be challenging.

RANDOMAX is a nice shoot-‘em-up that leans into its chaos and makes for some fun and quick play sessions. However, there isn’t really anything that will make you play more than a few runs.

Garten of Banban 7 is a creepy game set at Banban’s Kindergarten. The controls can be frustrating, but the game lasts for less than an hour.

Chocolate Factory Simulator is a fun time, though it truly uses "simulator" in the truest meaning. If you like realism when it comes to baking and have some patience, this is for you.

Tales of Graces f Remastered is a great RPG that does everything right with a compelling story and battle system. It's a must-play.

[Bober Bros] The Hole gives the player the experience of hanging around the apartment drinking beer and watching bad television, with a story about abuse and neglect mixed in between.

Murky Divers manages to stand apart in an oversaturated genre while still offering everything we love.

It's undeniable to say that Marvel Rivals beat every odd stacked against it, and that's purely based on merit alone. It's a fun team-based shooter with new and old ideas featured prominently throughout its 33-character roster that kept me wanting for more.

This War of Mine: Forget Celebrations Charity DLC is a neat little upgrade that adds a nice mode to the game. It’s very cheap and since all proceeds go to charity, I don’t see a world in which this is a bad purchase.

Super Puzzled Cat is an adorable and challenging puzzle platformer with a unique mechanic that lets you create a save state to start from that point in the level whenever you want.

In Sink is a fun co-op puzzler with multiple themed levels and some great puzzles. It can be a bit clunky and confusing at times, but taking a break and coming back to it is often enough to ensure a great experience!

A classic Action RPG that looks and sounds better than ever, Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana may not be for everyone, but those looking for something simpler will undoubtedly love this one.

While BEYBLADE X XONE would be enjoyable for fans of the series, its hefty price tag and repetitive play style means it’s only really one that hardcore fans would enjoy.

Rage of the Dragon NEO is a challenging arcade-style fighting game that boasts a roster of unique fighters. With no crossplay option, online battles are hard to find.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is a title that will make fans of the original show smile. There is so much to love here; this is a must-play game!

Sorry We’re Closed is a divine contender for best adaptation of nostalgic ‘90s gaming while reaching the tier of 2010s handheld era titles. A must-have and a must-want for anyone without a PC.

Besiege’s physics-based experimental mayhem is a lot of fun for a low price. If you’ve yet to play this on PC or Xbox, now is the perfect time to get creating!

The combat can be a little unforgiving depending on your fitness level, but this really is a VR Arkham game in every way.

I enjoyed this game because it has a good deal of fun and challenging levels.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a story-based title with a nonsensical story, rendering every other positive aspect completely unenjoyable.

SHOOPER NOVA is just plain and simple fun, with an addictive gameplay loop and satisfying visuals. However, don’t expect much else from the main experience.

Janosik 2 is a great sequel that is more than worth its asking price. Its simple yet fun, fast-paced, and challenging gameplay makes it one of the best platformers I’ve played this year.

Stars In The Trash is an experience that all pet lovers should try. Besides the hand-drawn animations, this title is incredibly heartfelt but ends way too fast.

Definitely a Marmite game, you’ll either love it or hate it. Unfortunately, even looking at it objectively, it’s difficult for me to recommend.

Luma Island is a nice and cosy game to play either alone or with friends, with plenty to do and discover. However, it can be very grindy, tedious, and doesn’t really provide much of a challenge.

Kill Nazis with Nazi machines, but it’s over very quickly.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn takes the weighty feel of a Soulslike and adds mechanics that allow constant flexibility and experimentation. It also engagingly tells an interesting narrative without breaking the flow of the gameplay.

Songs of Silence is a solid 4x strategy game to play nearing the end of the year, or, cheaper, simply listen to its official soundtrack. Either way, the player will get their money’s worth.

An amazing game fit for almost every player. From its fun quick-paced gameplay to its innovative graphics, it’s hard to think of anyone who won’t enjoy Forgive Me Father 2.

Despite high hopes and low expectations, Infinity Nikki manages to far exceed and surpass my vision for a AAA venture into Miraland, giving just about anyone interested something to do.

It doesn’t claim to be anything it isn’t, though it’s not going to blow the world of VR away.

Extra Coin explores a tale where you have to choose between reality or a dream. It tackles some heavy themes, but it encapsulates them well in this charming pixelated adventure.

Battle Shapers is a really good roguelite with chaotic combat and satisfying challenges to conquer but needs some patches and more variety in its content to really push it into the realm of greatness.

There are some issues, but Indiana Jones and the Great Circle does everything it needs to for me as a fan and as a gamer. However, one major bug keeps it from a perfect score in my eyes.

A definite recommendation for Fairy Tail fans, Fairy Tail 2 has its issues, mainly with pacing, but the overall package is an enjoyable journey with a beloved cast of characters.

A platformer where jumping isn’t that important, and you can hang onto the outside of a monorail for as long as you like. A nice, cosy time.