Overall though, Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka is a unique triumph, a game that offers a fresh take on a well-trodden genre that’s far funnier than a game about communist history has any right to be. It manages to feel incredibly polished without losing that distinctive indie touch; the feeling that you’re playing a distinctly authored experience that hasn’t been focus-grouped to oblivion. Be prepared to think outside the box, but make sure you check out this beautifully constructed and often hilarious adventure that’s sure to delight anyone who loves a good point and click game.

I have to say that Super Bomberman R Online is actually a pleasant surprise. Like Tetris 99, it takes a classic and injects it with a modern twist to bring it to life once more. It’s familiar, but fresh. Without any single-player features, however, it relies on an active player base, which I hope it can find on Stadia. And of course, you’re also really going to want to make sure you have a stable internet connection – competition falls flat on its face when you’re lagging everywhere. But still, if you love Bomberman or are just after a new battle royale experience, Super Bomberman R Online is well worth spending some time with.

FMV games are a little like Marmite; you either love them or hate them. But while others spin tales of murder mysteries, espionage or the end of the world, Five Dates is a grounded, human story about something we can all relate to: love. It’s simple, touching and heartening – and thanks to its excellent acting and low-key but on-point production, it’s a pleasure to experience. If you’re a softie at heart and love a good romance story, Five Dates will put a smile on your face.

We feel like we’ve discovered a real hidden gem in Dynopunk. Part visual novel, part management sim, every facet of the game has kept us thoroughly engaged. Its pixel art style is wonderful, and accompanied by an eclectic and unique soundtrack, it’s hard to put down once you start playing. We really hope Dynopunk garners a bit of buzz, because it absolutely deserves it.

Kill Knight is easy to pick up and hard to master, but it's rewarding to do so thanks to the wealth of unlockable weapons and more that are on offer. Most importantly, it's devilishly fun to play, being fast-paced, responsive and full of variety.

A music rhythm game with roguelite elements, there's genuinely nothing else out there quite like Fresh Tracks. Its intuitive controls and mechanics make it easy to pick up but hard to master. And while all of its songs are original, they're of very high quality. For fans of both genres, this is a genuine treat.

I can’t say that the odd bug has really spoiled my time with Little Kitty, Big City though. Once I started playing, I couldn’t pull myself away. This teeny cat may be the most adorable protagonist of recent years, and engaging in feline shenanigans is every bit as joyful as you’d hope it would be. I’d gladly take more of this: a bigger sequel set in an all-new city please, Double Dagger Studio.

If you like the idea of a puzzle game set against a backdrop of an old-school RPG, you’re going to love Dungeons of Dreadrock. Its aesthetic is excellent, and its puzzles are wonderfully designed, offering a meaty challenge for anyone willing to take it up. For such a budget price, you really can’t go wrong.

The more you put into Fae Farm, the more you’ll get out of it. This is a delightful entry into the farming sim genre, offering a wonderful, magical world that begs to be explored, and an endless list of things to do. Whether you want to simply tend to your crops or hunt down every secret that Azoria holds, you’ve got dozens of hours of gameplay to look forward to here.

Danger Zone 2 is hugely enjoyable. The only thought on my mind as I finished up getting all of its platinum awards was that I wanted more.

A massive improvement over its predecessor, The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is an absolute treat for horror fans, combining tense exploration, enjoyable puzzles, and some effective scares.

It was a joy to visit Part Time UFO again outside of a smart phone. Being on Switch gives the game new life, and it’s more enjoyable than ever. Thanks to its varied levels and its ridiculously cute characters, you’ll come back to it again and again. Just don’t expect too much from its multiplayer mode.

Shadow Warrior 3 isn’t a very big game. It doesn’t really innovate, either, or let you breathe. But on the flipside of that, it’s focused, and doesn’t waste any of your time. You’re ushered from one combat encounter to another with a big smile on your face, the action never letting up, all the while bombarded with witty dialogue and visual gags that will genuinely make you chuckle. So, if that sounds like your idea of fun, jump right in. You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve nothing but praise for The Pedestrian. Its fantastic concept shines through, but beautiful graphics and excellent, inclusive game design make it something quite special. If you enjoy platforming games and want something with a bit of a twist, you could do a lot worse than The Pedestrian.

The DioField Chronicle has proved to be quite the surprise. Its story isn’t the most riveting out there, but it is interesting, with a cast of characters whose motives aren’t always clear. But what carries it are its battles, which are enjoyably deep but not bogged down in complexity or length. They’re fun and engaging, challenging you to think and act fast while making use of the skills available to you. Everything comes together to create one of Square Enix’s most enjoyable RPGs in some time, with a combat system that we hope we haven’t seen the last of.

It’s been a long time coming, but Return to Monkey Island is an absolute treat for fans of the series. It looks wonderful, it sounds wonderful, and its combination of excellent puzzles and expert writing will keep you transfixed from start to finish. Our only real complaint is that newcomers may find this a difficult starting point – but that’s easily rectified by jumping into the originals.

It’s safe to say that Them’s Fightin’ Herds subverted our expectations. It’s easy to look at it and think that it’s going to be a jokey affair, and while there is an air of playfulness about it, at its core is a solid, taut fighting system. Add in the genuinely unique story mode, and you have a fighting game that’s well worth your time and money, despite having a limited roster of fighters and uninspiring stages.

Strike Vector EX pulled on a lot of nostalgic heartstrings for me, and it was a refreshing experience.

Pizza Express is one of the most intense, complicated, and truly fun management simulators I’ve ever played and truly came out of nowhere! I love its art style (apart from some hard to read pixel text) and retro feel, along with its loveable characters and overall entertaining story and gameplay.

The lengthy loading times wouldn’t be as problematic if they were easier to avoid.

It may be short, but Trolley Problem, Inc is something you’re going to keep thinking about for days after you’ve played. Yes, you’ll feel horrible about some of the choices you’ve made – but being able to see what percentage of other players agreed with you might help you feel better. Or worse, depending which way it goes. Ultimately, this is a very clever little game – if we can even call it a ‘game’ – unlike anything else you’ve played so far. If you’re up for some mental stimulation and a challenge for your morals, don’t sleep on it.

When Ski Lifts Go Wrong is very much like Poly Bridge from Dry Cactus, and that’s no bad thing. Aside from those irksome technical issues, Ski Lifts Go Wrong stands very nicely alongside Poly Bridge and other physics-based puzzle games of the same ilk. If you enjoy a good challenge – and a good amount of silliness – you’ll certainly get a kick out of this.

With improved visuals and fully-voiced story scenes for the first time, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is, technically speaking, the best entry in the series yet. Add in more kinetic movement options, a bright and vibrant town to explore and a whole new market stall mechanic, and it's the best Story of Seasons game in other ways, too.

Needless to say, if first-person shooters, roguelikes or rhythm games are your thing, you might want to check BPM: Bullets Per Minute out. Especially if you also like heavy metal music. And if you like all of those things, well, BPM: Bullets Per Minute might well just be your dream game. With addictive gameplay, bucket-loads of content and numerous settings to make it a little more forgiving if you need it to be, this is one of the most unique and rewarding games available right now.

Whether you’re a Pokémon fan who fondly remembers the original or a newcomer looking for a way in to the series, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond is easy to recommend. It may seem a little bit costly for a remake that stays fairly close to the source material aside from a snazzy new look, but there’s still a lot of game here. Even better, it’s enjoyable no matter your age, gender or skill level. Once you’ve started playing Pokémon Brilliant Diamond you really will feel the urge to catch ’em all. And the improvements here mean it’s never been as easy or enjoyable.

It’s safe to say that Killer Frequency has taken us by surprise. We don’t really know what we expected from it, but it gripped us from the outset and made us keen to keep playing. A multi-layered affair, it’s a lot of fun trying to find solutions to the harrowing situations that your callers have found themselves in, but there’s also pleasure in finding out more about its protagonist, Forrest, and the rest of the residents of Gallow’s Creek. Those fond of narrative adventures and engaging puzzles would be wise to give this a spin.

A fitting end to Max and Chloe's story, it's a real joy to have these two iconic characters back together again. While the story, revolving around Caledon University and Abraxas, might not be quite as gripping as it should be, this is still a very strong entry into the series, with brilliant visuals, stellar voice acting, and a great mixture of puzzle-solving, evidence-hunting and exploration.

Even with the issues you can pick at in this remake, though, there's no denying that Persona 3 Reload is one hell of game. Its story is as engaging as ever, and now its gameplay has been notably improved, giving you more options in combat and out. Along with the new visuals and soundtrack, Persona 3 has never looked, sounded or played as good. It's just silly that it's arrived so close to the remaster of Persona 3 Portable: if you've played that recently, it might not grab your attention throughout due to its authenticity. For those who are yet to jump in or are keen to relive the classic yet again, however, simply play and enjoy.

If you liked Space Invaders but find it to be a bit too “retro”, then Hyperspace Invaders II could well be the perfect game for your pixel-destroying frenzy.

Ultimately, if you enjoy Uno then you’ll probably enjoy this version of it.

A gorgeous adventure that is as surprising as it is beautiful, Keeper is far more than the game about a sentient lighthouse that it presents itself as. Filled with engaging puzzles, mesmerising scenery and a visual story to make you think, Keeper is well worth taking the time to complete.

Filled with engaging puzzles and a story that's both compelling and deeply emotional, there's a lot to love about Thalassa: Edge of the Abyss. Some of its mechanics are a little clunky, and there's the odd technical issue, but they're worth overlooking for the mystery that awaits under the waves.

Darwin's Paradox is a brief but enjoyable 2.5D platforming adventure which also incorporates stealth and some light puzzling. It has some minor issues, such as dubious checkpointing in places, but Darwin's undeniable charm will ultimately win you over.

MotoGP 22 is undoubtedly the best MotoGP game yet, but there’s still room for improvement. Numerous tweaks and additions result in a game that looks and plays better then ever, but it’s the introduction of the documentary-styled Nine Season 2009 that makes this a must for MotoGP fans, even if they own last year’s release.

Severed Steel‘s campaign may be short, but it’s very sweet. And the high-octane nature of its action is intoxicating, meaning you’re likely to engage with firefight mode and perhaps even play through the campaign again with Mutators active. A single-player only experience, those who like waging war while feeling like a badass will be in their element here. It’s an absolute blast from beginning to end.

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan is the embodiment of wholesome gaming. Its messages of hope and happiness might have you rolling your eyes from time to time, sure, but it’s hard not to be warmed by its wonderful optimism. With enjoyable puzzles, gorgeous character design and a world worth exploring, there’s a lot to enjoy here. If you’ve got primary school-aged children, play it with them – they’ll benefit greatly from the messages of respect, friendship and believing in yourself that are sewn into every aspect of the game.

There really isn’t anything else quite like Old School Musical. It’s a game that’s been several years in the works – and when the outcome is something as unique and special as this, I daresay every moment was worth it.

Haven is a unique title; more than likely, you’ll never have played anything quite like it. Exploring the world is lovely and relaxing, though making progress can feel frustratingly slow in the game’s early hours. Once the story really gets started though, it’s impossible to walk away. Players will love getting to know Yu and Kay and slowly uncovering the story of how they ended up together in their dangerous predicament. Haven is slow-paced, but it’s beautiful and captivating. If you want something to enjoy while tucked under a warm blanket, this might just be the comfort you need.

If you’re not a huge fan of puzzles, then you might find Call of the Sea‘s gameplay more frustrating than satisfying. But if you enjoy solving logic problems, there’s a lot to love here. The game looks beautiful, and the island you find yourself on, complete with all of its mysteries, begs to be explored. Its few bugs aside, Call of the Sea is a satisfying adventure that will keep you gripped from start to finish.

There's nothing here that fans of the game won't have seen or played before, but it's still one of the best arcade racers around - and considering that it's now ten years old, it speaks volumes.

Heavily inspired by the Kingdom games, Sons of Valhalla is great fun — if not a little too unforgiving at times. It's seriously rewarding though, and the sort of thing we can imagine jumping back into time and time again.

I think my co-op partner said it best: “I hate it, but I want to play more of it”. Bonkies can be infuriating and difficult, but it’s also hysterical and a lot of fun, especially if you’re playing with friends. If you’re looking for a new couch co-op title to play that’ll encourage you to work together and exercise your brain matter, Bonkies is well worth a try.

There are plenty of exercise games available for Switch, but Let’s Get Fit might just be the best one yet. It lets you get straight into the action, tailoring workouts specifically for the parts of your body you want to target. Whether you want to tone your arms, strengthen your glutes, lose weight or simply improve your overall health, this is a great, low-cost way to get kick-start an exercise regime. As long as you’ve got the willpower to jump into it regularly, of course.

Defender’s Quest: Valley of the Forgotten is an engaging blend of two normally distinct genres, bolstered by an interesting, if sometimes tonally inconsistent, story. But above all, it’s a ridiculous amount of fun and if you’ve even the remotest interest in strategy games this is one valley you should visit.

If you like the idea of an open world adventure filled with wonderfully written characters, engaging puzzles and a heart-warming story, don’t hesitate to give Chicory: A Colorful Tale a try. It’s so much more than “a game you colour in yourself”; it’s a journey filled with heart and soul. It isn’t free of frustrations, but they’re easily forgiven thanks to just how charming and wonderfully unusual this adventure is.

With the combat being the heart and soul of Evil West, it’s a relief that it’s so engaging and enjoyable throughout. It’s just a shame that a better balance hasn’t been struck between performance and visuals, as neither mode is particularly ideal. It’s still very much worth digging into Evil West, however: if you can look past the blurry visuals at 1080p, there’s a lot of fun to be had in this old-fashioned action-adventure – and you can even bring a friend along for the ride.

Although short, A Juggler’s Tale is an intelligent game well worth spending a few hours with. Its visuals are spectacular, and its haunting poetic narration – although jarring at times – provides an excellent and unexpected ending. Abby might not speak, but you’ll be rooting for her each step of the way.

For the most part it’s wonderfully well-realised: it has a compelling and moving story that really drives the game forward, along with engaging and thought-provoking gameplay from start to finish.

Dying frequently may be frustrating, but RAD‘s mutation system and trippy 80s vibe make it a unique adventure that’s well worth taking.

Stylish and captivating, The Land Beneath Us is yet another success that should be celebrated in the roguelike genre. This turn-based dungeon crawler has some great ideas, and its sharp, focused gameplay is hard to put down.

While it will likely still only appeal to a niche audience, Monster Jam Showdown is the best monster truck game yet, inviting players to tackle a range of events across three distinct environments. Numerous assists and settings are available to make it accessible to all skill levels, and whether you prefer to play on your own or with others, you're decently catered for.

Slayaway Camp isn’t a large nor an expansive experience – but it doesn’t want to be. It wants to be a simple puzzle game that through evolving mechanics becomes a difficult and satisfying experience. It revels in both the ludicrous and outlandishly fun things that come from its original genre while making fun of its stupidities. It won’t be for everyone but for those who enjoy basic puzzling at its best, Slayaway Camp is a killer.

Best enjoyed in co-op, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a seriously satifsying tower defence game about destroying as many orcs as you can. With a wealth of traps to place and a number of skills and weapons up your sleeve, you'll need to be creative and strategic to get the most out of the game — but success doesn't always come easy.

While not every part of the story hits the mark – we didn’t quite gel with the ending, for example – it’s still very easy to recommend South of the Circle. If you’re the type of person who enjoys interactive dramas, like the recent As Dusk Falls or Gone Home, you’ll likely find yourself engrossed in the narrative that unfolds here. It’s interesting, cleverly told and very intelligent – and, if nothing else, it’ll likely encourage you to learn more about the Cold War and the Antarctic Treaty. Any game that inspires us to educate ourselves more about the world around us is a win in our book.

Steel Assault is a hell of a lot of fun while it lasts, but unfortunately that’s not likely to be long. After that, there’s not much else to do but play through it again on a harder difficulty or try to tackle arcade mode, but that doesn’t really offer anything new. At least it looks and sounds great while it has you in its grasp. And its price is fairly reasonable.

A strategy puzzle masquerading as a world builder, Planetiles is a wonderfully challenging little game that we can't get enough of.

Supraland pushes boundaries to try to create something unique, and for the most part, it succeeds with gusto. It’s a game where you really feel like you’re exploring someone’s imagination; a hodgepodge of wonderful ideas that combine together well to create a delightful experience. Its combat may feel superfluous, but its excellent puzzle design and beautiful world more than makes up for it.

Questionable humour aside however, the icing on the murder cake is the way that AI: The Somnium Files has you revisit scenes, following different plot branches to produce a different outcome (sometimes radically different) without needing to start all over again. Date may not be a great detective, but there’s no doubting that AI: The Somnium Files is a great detective game. It blends humour and human horror to deliver an engaging, mind-bending experience that’s a cut above most visual novels.

Imagine House Flipper with extra blood: that's what Crime Scene Cleaner is. This game about cleaning up grizzly crime scenes won't be for everyone, but if you're not afraid of a bit of gore there's a seriously enjoyable gameplay loop here — and added narrative touches really help it stand out from the crowd.

I’d highly recommend Armello to fans of Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, Starcraft, D&D, or anyone wanting to branch out from traditional board games. The graphics, though not the most exceptional in terms of quality, are beautiful; the combination of 3D effects with almost anime-esque cu scenes gives the game a unique and striking look. It’s interesting, the music has a calming effect, and it gives so much for a relatively unknown game, for not much money.

I take my hat off to developer Kyle Seeley for being able to create such a realistic-feeling experience from something so simple, but just one that made me very glad my teenage years are well and truly and thing of the past.

Gearshifters’ fresh take on the horizontally-scrolling shooter template makes it easy to recommend not only to shoot ’em up fans, but also those into car combat games. There’s something immensely satisfying about slamming hard on the brakes to quickly get behind a group of assailants, before unleashing a barrage of bullets at their rears and speeding back up to ram them. Throw in a wealth of car upgrade and customisation options, and you have a game that’s fun to return to time and time again.

Put on some headphones, get yourself comfortable and let the game’s audio and visuals wash over you. By all means, try to get a good score while you’re at it, but the true beauty of Sayonara Wild Hearts is simply enjoying the exceptional music and getting lost in the visuals. Mistaking this for a simple rhythm game is to do it a disservice. It may be less than that in terms of gameplay, but it’s a hell of a lot more in terms of audiovisual accomplishment.

If you don’t have a co-op buddy on hand though, Cat Quest II is still plenty of fun by yourself. Just be prepared to get annoyed at your AI companion from time to time, but at least you can switch between either character at your will. If you didn’t much enjoy the first Cat Quest, there’s not much to tempt you into the sequel; it’s very much more of the same. But if you did enjoy Cat Quest, then that should be music to your ears. It’s everything you loved, but just more of it.

If you're a Vampire Survivors fan, you're going to want to get a taste of Hive Jump 2: Survivors. It's tough and challenging, but in just the right way: trust me, you'll be jumping in time and time again until you get the better of these alien swarms.

Don’t let Loop Hero‘s simple appearance fool you; a dense and addictive game, unlike anything else you’ve played, lurks under its retro veneer, waiting to get its claws into you. And once you’ve fallen into the loop, it’ll be hard to get back out again. Building up your character and creating the world around him is gloriously rewarding, and not even death is going to stand in your way.

DARQ may be short, but it’s the perfect length to ensure it never outstays its welcome. It uses clever puzzles and a fantastic atmosphere to draw you in, then challenges you just the right amount to keep you invested. The inclusion of the DLC makes the Complete Edition the best way to play, and if you enjoy a mind-bending and physics-twisting puzzler, you’ll love everything DARQ has to offer.

Dissidia NT successfully builds upon what came before to make its resurfacing as a competitive focused fighter a deeply satisfying one.

If you’re a fan of twin stick shooters, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Slaycation Paradise. It’s filled with humour, it looks great, but most importantly, it’s seriously satisfying to play. Laying waste to a horde of weird and wonderful enemies either with a weapon or an array of tower defences never gets old, and with the lure of a better weapon or a new upgrade always being dangled in front of you, there’s always a reason to keep on playing. It might not be the most relaxing vacation, but you won’t want to come home.

A clear love letter to J-Horror games of decades past, incorporating common horror tropes while also presenting its own fresh ideas.

Deadly Premonition Origins, like previous versions of the game, is far from being perfect; like a million miles away. But it’s quirky, unique and memorable, and that goes a long way.

It may seem strange releasing Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate Definitive Edition on PC now, but as they say, better late than never. It feels archaic in some ways, but there’s no denying that even all these years later it’s still one of the best Warriors titles. And with it comprising of the base game and pretty much all of the content released post-launch, it offers a lot of bang for your buck.

There’s a lot of layers to Port Royale 4. Its gameplay is impressively deep, and to truly succeed at it, you need to excel at multitasking and strategising. Like any sim game, it’s not something that just anybody is going to enjoy. But if you are a fan of deep simulation games, there’s a lot to love here. Building up a trading empire isn’t easy but when you crack it, it sure feels good.

Achieves what it sets out to do fantastically – scare the absolute bejesus out of you.

The one letdown has to do with Colossus Down’s two-player mode. Rope in another player and you can dial up the fun by fighting alongside them, you as MechaNika, them as The Great Bleeding Pig (don’t ask). But if you’re playing on Switch, even though you only use one analogue stick and four buttons, you can’t have one player per Joy-Con; instead, you have to get another set of Joy-Cons or another controller. It’s a frustrating oversight, especially since Colossus Down begs to be shared. Still, it’s a real treat solo and if you’ve got a twisted sense of humour and a taste for side-scrolling punch ’em ups, you can’t go wrong with Colossus Down.

Despite this, Etrian Odyssey Nexus is an excellent dungeon crawler, overland locations and all. It’s not only the perfect antidote to grimmer adventures but it’s an addictive, creative, appealing outing that will have you coming back for more and rarely regretting your return.

While the story of Moonstone Island has you spending one in-game year on the isles – 112 in-game days – there’s a very good chance you’ll want to spend much, much longer enjoying everything the game has to throw at you. If you’re used to being guided through adventures, you might find the freedom here a little overwhelming to begin with. But once you start exploring the vast world, collecting all kinds of weird and wonderful resources – not to mention those Pokémon-like Spirits – you’re going to find it difficult to tear yourself away.

Beyond Blue is only a short experience – you’ll be done with it in about four hours or so. But every moment spent with the game is a treat. It might not be quite true to real life thanks to the game’s fictional and near-futuristic technology, but it does offer a very real glimpse into the lives of underwater creatures. Not only is this a valuable educational tool, it’s enjoyable and relaxing too.

It’s challenging, humorous, beautifully designed and offers a surprising amount of variety. However you feel about the insurmountable challenge of its final level, there’s still plenty to enjoy outside of that. If you enjoy platforming games, you’ll find a lot to love here. And did I mention how cute Yooka and Laylee are?

Monster Energy Supercross 2 is the best supercross available right now. It might even be the best supercross game ever made. It’s just a shame that even though improvements have been made to its career mode, it’s still not particularly engaging or noteworthy.

Do My Best Games’ first foray into game development is a fantastic one. They really have “done their best” and created something wholly unique, tense and with more going on than first meets the eye.

After many hours of playing ADIOS Amigos, I’m still completely hooked. on trying to beat my high scores. Everything from the graphics, to the setting, and the music is just so inviting.

In many ways, Midnight Shadows is the definitive Yomawari experience for anyone seeking a slightly fresher take on a survival horror game.

It feels like we've been waiting for it for a long time, but Little Nightmares dev Tarsier Studios has finally delivered its next game. Unsurprisingly, Reanimal feels very much like Little Nightmares in all but name. While it doesn't have the strongest narrative, stellar visuals, an eerie atmosphere and excellent environmental puzzles all more than make up for it.

If you’re fan of challenging arcade games and love competing for the top spots on leaderboards, it’s safe to say that Marble It Up! Ultra will absolutely be your jam. The gameplay here is simple but infectious, making you hit that retry button time and time again whether to simply finish a challenging skill-based stage or give it another go to improve your time. And thanks to weekly challenges, the fun doesn’t have to end. It’s just a shame it doesn’t have a local multiplayer component.

This Switch port of both games doesn’t really offer anything new for those who have played either title to death before, but those who are yet to dive into an OlliOlli game will find themselves presented with a generous package that feels right at home on Switch.

Ploughing through both games is going to take at least 100 hours, probably closer to 200 if you’re thorough. They may be close to 20 years old now, but these Final Fantasy games still have charm.

Battlezone Gold Edition is a great game that's easy to pick up and play; one that I'll certainly find myself dipping into little but often. It has some minor gameplay issues and imbalances, but they're quite easily overlooked when you're having a blast. And that's what's most important, surely?

Including the dungeon-crawling mode Beneath does damage Paint the Town Red‘s sense of identity a little, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker. The real joy of this game is the fact that you can dip into it for 30 minutes or so of gore-soaked fun; if you’ve had a tough day, it could be quite a cathartic experience. Paint the Town Red may have spent more time in Early Access than most, but it’s still a bloody joy to play. Just don’t think throwing the first punch means you’ll come out on top.

Let’s Build a Zoo’s comedic approach to zoo management belies just how deep it is. It isn’t perfect and I’d love a patch that halved the number of animals you need for splicing, but seeing your visitors gawp in wonder at your creations is worth the price of admission alone. The moral choices it throws at you, which aren’t all just for the sake of being evil, elevate it even further. If you’ve the slightest interest interest in sim games, you’ll have hour after hour of ethically-dubious fun with Let’s Build a Zoo.

While we wish it had more licensed songs – and the official versions at that – we’ve had an absolute blast playing Drums Rock. Getting into the swing of a song and nailing a combo leaves us feeling like a rock legend, and unless you’ve got access to a full drum kit, this is the closest thing you’re going to get. Make no bones about it: Drums Rock rocks.

Thanks to gameplay tweaks and numerous new features, MotoGP 21 is undoubtedly the best and most accessible MotoGP game yet. There are still some areas that can be improved, however, such as career mode which can feel sterile at times. If you’re a fan of the sport it’s well worth picking up, especially if you have a next-gen console where the improved visuals and performance really elevate it to the next level. And thanks to the new tutorial aspects, it’s also a great entry point for those keen to enter the world of two-wheeled racing.

Despite that bugbear, Maskmaker is a great game while it lasts. At around five hours play time (less if you mess with masks less than I did), it never outstays its welcome. It blends a compelling, emotional story with enjoyable puzzles and entertaining gameplay that makes it a standout VR experience.

As a package, then, Evoland Legendary Edition makes for excellent value. The Evoland games are both brilliant for their own reasons, and if you’re a fan of adventure RPGs, Evoland Legendary Edition is simply a must for your collection.

Resident Evil Village is a far cry from its more grounded and horror-focused predecessor, but in the end, it’s perhaps just as lovable. At times it feels like a greatest hits collection of some of the best elements of previous Resident Evil games, and while that leads to it not being wholly coherent, it’s not to its detriment. It may not be perfect in terms of combat mechanics and storytelling, but Resident Evil Village keeps you on your toes, with you never truly knowing what’s waiting for you around the next corner. And that’s why when playing it, the hours simply fly by. Will the series ever become stale? Not while it’s being as inventive as this, that’s for sure.

Kayak VR: Mirage may not be the most content-rich title, but if you’re picking up PSVR 2 and want something that will impress you with its visuals and realistic mechanics it’s well worth checking out. From its races that will give your arms a decent workout, to its laid-back tours, there’s a little something here for almost everyone. And while it won’t take you too long to see and do most of what it has to offer, there’s a good chance you’ll keep it installed just so that you can immerse yourself in its stunning locales every once in a while.

Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes is a challenging space-based strategy outing that'll delight fans of the series and roguelike fans who appreciate having their spirits crushed.

There’s so much more I could add about Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife but I’m not about to risk spoiling the experience. Or, more selfishly, I’m not going to say anything that could dial back its fear factor; if you’re going to play this, you’re going to be as scared as me, dammit. Gloomy, unsettling and engrossing in equal measure, you’ll regret not stepping into Wraith‘s distressing world. [Oculus Quest 2]