A Total War Saga: Troy is a good addition to the franchise, but it is not recommended for new players. However, fans of the historical setting Total War games shouldn't hesitate to check this one out.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War offers fun, mindless zombie slaughtering co-op excitement without pretending it's anything else. An absolute blast with friends, it's brutal, disturbing, and you get to kill Nazi zombies. What's not to love?

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand. For those willing to piece things together and live in the moment, this title’s mystery – and its many puzzles – are just waiting to be explored.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a game for JRPG fans and Monster Hunter fans alike, perfect for those that have a thing for capturing and raising monsters.

Devil May Cry 5 converted me from a skeptic to a believer. Old fans and new alike will find something to enjoy in this title.

Racing fans, arcade aficionados, and those with a need for speed, rejoice: Victory Heat Rally was made for you. Its drifting system is not for everyone, but those always on the hunt for the perfect time will have a blast shaking and baking.

While a bit light on content, GUNVOLT RECORDS Cychronicle pulls from the greatest rhythm games to create something worthy of The Azure Striker. For those who can’t get enough idols - or catchy bops - this title is all too happy to make sure one’s concert is a big success.

Not for Broadcast: Prologue provides a fresh experience that pairs original gameplay with a great sense of humor. Though there is a bit of hand-holding, this taste of things to come has got us eager for the final release.

While Rage of the Dragons NEO packs a steep learning curve, this fighter greatly rewards those that put in the effort. The team at QUByte Interactive gave plenty of love to Rage of the Dragons NEO, making it the definitive way to play this cult classic.

I didn't dive into LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga expecting to have a lot of fun, but that's exactly what I had: a lot of fun. The witty writing is well timed and expertly delivered, reliving the events of the Star Wars franchise was a welcomed nostalgia trip. Even after completing the game, I woke up excited to dive in and explore more worlds, solve more puzzles, and unlock more characters.

Oozing with style, Galactic Grinder channels the best score chasers with its skateboarding action. Those who love to gun for the high score – and do it with panache – shouldn’t miss this sleeper hit.

Brilliantly crafted boss encounters, challenging enemies, immersive environments – Remnant: From the Ashes has everything you could want from a Souls-inspired game and more.

Death End re;Quest struggles to do anything to entice players from outside the JRPG space, but for fans of the genre, there’s plenty on offer here. The story is compelling, the characters are diverse, the combat is fantastic, and it is one of the freshest JRPGs I’ve played in years.

Wave 6 of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass continues to bring more great tracks and characters to the game, but some odd choices prevent it from taking first place. Mario Kart fans will have an absolute blast, but more casual players will rue the day they ever came across Rosalina’s Ice World.

Wonder Wickets turns the game of golf on its head with its vibrant worlds and saccharine stylings. Gameplay can be somewhat gimmicky, but those looking for a far out take on the time-tested sport will find a lot to like here.

While Samurai Warriors 5 doesn’t break from the mold, it does help get the Warriors series back on track after Dynasty Warriors 9. Fans of hack and slash or past Musou games should check it out.

While Resident Evil 2 Remake is the better game, Resident Evil 3 still makes for a good time. For those looking to pay a trip to Raccoon City and face off with Nemesis, give it a go.

Blades of Fire tries something new with its combat, truly excelling as a result. Those that devote the time to its blacksmithing and weaponry will no doubt have fun slicing and dicing (and piercing and blunting).

Any Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, or JRPG fan shouldn’t hesitate to pick up Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore. It’s fantastic to see another lost gem from the Wii U shine brightly on the Nintendo Switch.

Rift of the NecroDancer packs a steep learning curve, but those that come to know their way around slimes and skeletons are in for a real treat. Those that take the time to learn the inner workings of Rift of the NecroDancer's Action Row will be blessed with good tunes, a high skill ceiling, and plenty of replayability.

While it’s about as scary as a Disney Halloween movie, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is still a joy to play. First-timers and veterans alike will find their time well spent here.

The perfect history lesson, World Heroes Perfect combines timeless fights with rollback netcode and more in what amounts to a title that respects the past while also looking to the future.

For those looking for some co-op fun, Nobody Saves the World is your game. If you’ve got a buddy that likes top-down action RPGs, make sure to add this one to your queue.

Before the balance patch, I really did think the game was just too hard. However, if you are a fan of the first This is the Police you will enjoy the second game.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is not for everyone. The web of intertwining features and mechanics are as deep as they are complicated, but for those looking for more from their RPGs – more character, more wonder, more life – Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a fantastic homage to the true roots of the RPG genre.

Its gameplay might seem simple at first, but it provides a challenge that harkens back to the days of the quarter-munching greats.

The Banner Saga 3 puts a cap on a great trilogy with a fantastic ending.

Vengeance Hunters pays glorious tribute to the 90s-era of beat-em-ups with fists-a-flying. While the level selection sticks a little too close to genre staples, those looking for some good old-fashioned street justice have found their second coming.

While it takes a while to get going, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is well worth the wait. Fans of quick-paced co-op action RPGs shouldn't hesitate to check it out.

Those looking for more Sonic could do far worse than this title, but don’t expect the extras to live up to the lofty standards set by Mania Mode.

An epic platforming challenge awaits all those that brave Abathor’s trials. Those willing to cut their teeth with its “traditional” controls will enjoy taking on this demonic horde.

Omega Strikers always has you thinking “just one more match” before sucking you in for countless more hours. At the low, low price of free-to-play, it is a minimal investment for potentially big fun.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a worthy successor to Vermintide. Fans of good first-person melee combat shouldn’t hesitate to check this one out.

Despite the odd performance issue, Code Vein II provides a solid Soulslike adventure that packs a stylish anime flair.

Where Winds Meet's epic journey to the East provides a solid free-to-play adventure well worth checking out. Those into fast and flashy action RPGs - complete with the combat to match - shouldn't hesitate to let the wind carry their legend.

While greatly enjoyable on its own, PowerWash Simulator 2 is one of those games that is better together with friends. If you have a buddy in tow, don't hesitate to get washing!

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an excellent first attempt for Leenzee that is sure to make any Soulslike fan happy.

Although it’s missing the go-karts and arcade machines, MiniGolf Maker perfectly captures the minigolf experience. The staggering amount of options (almost to an extreme) means that no two courses will ever play out the same – just the thing for those looking for an ace in the hole.

The Last of Us Part 2 just isn’t as good as the first game, but nevertheless warrants a playthrough for most fans of the series.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive karting experience with Wave 3 of the Booster Course Pass. While there are some cut corners at spots, the twists, turns, and tweaks made to tracks old and new will be a hit at one’s next shindig.

Even in the hectic year that is 2023, I still enjoyed AK-Xolotl. With a demo on Steam, AK-Xolotl is a no-brainer to try for action roguelike fans.

Dragonward’s resource management and roguelike elements make for an addicting formula that’ll have you seek out the perfect run. The random elements are not always fair, but those willing to play past defeat will find much to like here.

Gunkid 99 is a fast, frantic arena shooter with an interesting hook. Putting the focus on the weapons rather than the enemies is an interesting proposition, and its tight platforming mechanics seal the deal.

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is one of those games that will have you going back for one more quick level. If you’re still on the fence, check out the demo and get yourself hooked.

If you can stomach the rough seas of the early game, Skull & Bones has a bounty of live-service content on offer. The end-game mechanics and loot loop rely completely and entirely on the combat system that, thankfully, is one that delivers with every firing of a cannon. Taking over towns and cities, conquering trade routes, climbing the leaderboards – Skull & Bones is a thrilling ride. It’s just a shame that it can take 30-40 hours to get there.

Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers’ gathering of wolves never looked better than with Code Mystics’ new Steam release. While light on options, there's no better way to get serious than with this solid SNK fighter.

The battle between light and darkness never looked so good in GRAND CROSS: ReNOVATION. The Sun Blade mechanic is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the shmup space, one hardcore fans will enjoy mastering.

If you have not played the original Destroy All Humans, and the mindless destruction of the human race is appealing to you, the 2020 remaster is a must-play. While some of the gameplay fundamentals show their age, the fantastic dialogue and voice-over work, especially with Crypto and Orthopox, is entertaining, funny, and top-quality throughout.

Frostpunk is not for the faint of heart. However, if you think you can handle the stressful job of being a leader, you can easily lose a couple of nights to the game.

Dark Souls Remastered has aged well, despite the progress of its successors. Newcomers might fight it abrasive, but it is still worth a pickup for old fans and new alike. Here’s to a release of Demon’s Souls Remastered.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master! Hits all the right notes in its jump to the PC. With a healthy amount of songs and a system that’s every bit as challenging as you want it to be, Don-chan and Ka-chan’s rhythm game is the place to be.

It's simple: If you want to play as a cat, then Stray is the game for you. However, if you're more of a dog person, then skip it.

Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission delivers on story, mechanics, replay value, depth, and combat. It’s a near complete package that’s sure to appeal to all fans of the Dragon Ball universe.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The Siege of Paris is very much a creature of habit, offering more of what we've seen before and doing very little to break away from its tried and tested roots. Whether that's good or bad is entirely up to you. If you've loved the path so far, you're sure to love Eivor's latest adventure; just watch out for those bloody rats.

Though it has a bit of a learning curve, StarPrey proves to be a solid arcade-like title that successfully combines speed with physics to create something grand.

Maze Blaze is a solid roguelike that truly makes players feel like an unstoppable tank. While the control scheme and Artifact system is a bit of an acquired taste, the foundation is here for some good ol’ fashioned blasting.

Salt and Sacrifice has a lot going for it, but some bad design choices hold it back. I'd recommend watching some gameplay footage - especially of its bosses - before buying.

While I don’t think Evil West will be anyone’s game of the year, it’s rare to get such a pure action game these days. For those looking for pure vampire punching, this is your game.

Aliens: Fireteam Elite does precisely what it sets out to do: letting players kill Aliens and defend hallways. Expecting anything more is only going to lead to disappointment.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Episode INTERmission is a fun few hours most Final Fantasy fans will enjoy. That being said, its short length and uncertain future make this DLC a hard sell at its current price point.

For better or worse, Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is exactly what you'd expect from the series. If you're a fan of farming games like Harvest Moon or Stardew Valley, be sure to check this one out.

GOODBYE WORLD provides a great tale, albeit one without too much room to grow. Those who don’t mind a brief story will enjoy this tale of game development, but it needed more time to really flesh out this pair of fledgling designers.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is twice as nice, featuring the same stellar campaign from the original release along with a solid side-story featuring the Ultimate Life Form Shadow the Hedgehog. While this new content doesn’t quite hit the same highs with a number of hands-off sequences, it’s still worth a go for those who just can’t get enough of this malcontent.

While there are some notable omissions and questionable additions in this collection, PAC-MAN MUSEUM+ is just the thing for those looking for a trip down memory lane.

Rematch is like attending football practice with a group of eager five-year-olds. Sally's kid turns up in jeans, Bob's son refuses to even get out of the car, and Steve's lad turns up in a £150 personalized Real Madrid kit. What follows is rarely ever considered football.

Robot Island is a short but sweet adventure featuring a sci-fi world rife with emotion. Though it is full of fetch quests and runs a bit short, visual novel and point-and-click fans alike will enjoy this far out tale.

Much like a goofy game show, the zany antics of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout will appeal to gamers of all types. Though the first season has some nasty bugs and Show duds, those that bring some patience into this battle royale will enjoy their race to the top.

While the Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Disney Afternoon Collection features a wealth of 8- and 16-bit classics, its light amount of extra content makes this after-school escapade feel more like an elective than a requirement.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is a grind fest that only a select few will enjoy. Those that overlook that will enjoy its well-written characters; for everybody else it's an easy pass.

While Batography is over quicker than a mooncake break, this full moon adventure is full of heart. Those looking to kick off the Lunar New Year in style – and get some nice shots in the process – shouldn’t sleep on this cozy title.

Tadpole Tales may be a simple shmup at its core, but its stellar audiovisual presentation and tight controls make it worth a playthrough for fans of the genre.

The three button setup of Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown has stood the test of time, providing an incredible amount of depth with a strong emphasis on the fundamentals. It’s just a shame that the spotty netcode drags down the overall experience; those looking to seek out new challengers best come with a bit of patience.

While City of Gangsters is a solid mafia management sim, the combat holds it back from greatness. Be sure to check out a trailer or two to see what’s in store first.

Interstate Drifter 1999 might not have a lot of content, but it does have a lot of heart. Drifting along in its retro world takes some getting used to, but mastering its slippery controls leads to an experience rarely seen in this day and age.

Short and sweet, Candy Rangers' pick-up-and-play arcade action is just the thing for those looking for a quick sugar rush this fall season.

For those who live and breathe arcade racers, making a perfect run in Rush Rally Origins is an absolute thrill. For those who don’t mind a fair amount of repetition and a steep price tag, this is your next addiction.

Breadsticks is a short but sweet platformer that will test players’ reflexes and speed. There’s not much to this package, but there doesn’t have to be – there is beauty in its simplicity.

Miska’s Cave is a simple game at its core, but its checklist of challenges and wealth of unlockables will keep players running along.

SaGa Frontier Remastered is a good slice of JRPG nostalgia that will please fans of the original classic.

Making players feel strong, Invincible VS will take you for a ride with its heavy-hitting action - even if it could use a bit more content.

The pastel world and happy-go-lucky premise of Alpaca Stacka achieve exactly what it sets out to do, providing a casual experience kids (and kids at heart) will absolutely love. It’s overly short, but think of it as a casual breather between meatier titles and you’ll have a great time.

Hardened Warhammer fans finally have the ultimate Space Marine experience with Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Gory, bloody, and brutally entertaining combat stands at the forefront of Space Marine 2, delivering one of the most immersive Warhammer worlds to date.

My time with Forspoken was a strange one. Elements of the game are fantastic, with an engrossing story and a gorgeous world. However, it all just feels segmented, like nothing really wants to work together. Forspoken is a good game and one I would recommend to most open-world fans, but it just feels so close to greatness that I can’t help but walk away disappointed.

Even with the bugs, Warhammer 40K fans will enjoy Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader immensely. If you are a tactics RPG fan looking for your next fix, this is your game.

For those itching for some new oldies, Donut Dodo is the tribute you need. The controls take some getting used to, but those weaned on the classics will take to it like a dodo to water.

Adding pizzazz to the world of Pong is a tall order, but the RPG mechanics in Hypergalactic Psychic Table Tennis 3000 largely pay off. The challenge may be uneven and the humor crude, but those looking for something new can certainly find it here.

Tinker Racers pint-sized racers put the pressure on with its elimination-based gameplay. Though this title favors crazy drifting over tight controls, those who can get a grip on its mechanics will have fun trouncing the competition.

Despite being a great game and a worthwhile remake, NieR Replicant ver.1.22 is not for everyone. Some of the dated design elements are frustrating and needlessly time consuming. The story, while incredible, is locked away behind multiple playthroughs and endings, with its true value being entirely subjective depending on how much time you're willing to invest. However, none of this is news to fans of NieR: Automata. Put simply, if you've been waiting for a deeper, darker dive into the world of NieR, ver.1.22 will not disappoint.

The Legend of Mana Remaster plays things a bit too safe with its combat system, but this action RPG still proves to be a worthwhile experience. Any old-school Mana fan will not be disappointed.

The idyllic, low-stakes world of Pupperazzi is one that budding photographers can easily be lost in. The laundry list of objectives can weigh on even the most devout pupper lover, but it is still worth a go for those looking for a breather.

Taking inspiration from a little green elf, Minishoot’ Adventures combines bullet hells and exploration to create something truly unique. This title might not be the toughest or most compex title on the market, but the feedback loop between combat and exploration kept us captivated.

Assassin's Creed Shadows is another strong entry in the AC universe, excelling by building on the series' strengths. Japan is stunning, and both Naoe and Yasuke shine as some of the franchise's best protagonists to date. However, even for seasoned fans, its repetitive and unimaginative mission structure may be tough to overcome.

Though there is a bit of a learning curve, Glyph’s physics-based platforming will appeal to speedrunners and collectathon aficionados alike. Its difficulty may be a turn off for some, but those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy bouncing their way around its world.

Much like the 80s cop movies of yesteryear, The Precinct is a little rough around the edges, but also a lot of fun for those looking to hit the streets and deal with criminal scum. Although, honestly, just giving out parking tickets is surprisingly satisfying.

Tiger Trio’s Tasty Travels packs some challenge underneath its cutesy exterior. It goes without saying that running a popular sushi business is a massive undertaking, but finding the right way to do it in this puzzle title proves that it’s worth taking on.

Despite its light roster and stage selection, Granblue Fantasy: Versus’ sheer charm and accessibility will appeal to veterans and newcomers alike.