Despite its few narrative drawbacks, Uncanny Valley remains a genuinely creepy and interesting indie horror experience, and one that should be applauded for its unique consequence system.

The lack of VR features is disappointing, but Per Aspera VR is still a rewarding experience. If you want something truly immersive from your headset, this might not be for you. But if you’ve not tackled Per Aspera‘s PC incarnation and you’re a fan of hard science, you’ll have a space whale of a time making Mars your own.

If you can forget about the annoying flaws in some of the puzzles and accept that you’re going to have to do a lot of backtracking, Adventures of Mana should certainly be a title every Vita owner considers adding to their library.

Those difficulty spikes are just too unforgiving, and there’s only so many times you can be completely obliterated by the same set of enemies before you have to throw in the towel.

Playable in one or two long sittings, The World Next Door is an interesting mix of genres. It won’t set your world on fire, but what is there is pretty fun. Without much reason to replay, you probably won’t jump right back into Emrys when you complete the game, but it’s well worth your time at least once.

It is by no means revolutionary, it isn’t going to transcend its genre, but it is going to entertain a lot of magical yuri fans. If you count yourself among them, go buy this game.

You’ll grind your teeth when you’re the last man on the moon, but the more you persist, the more Mars Horizon pulls you in. If you’ve got even the slightest interest in the Space Race, this is one of the most engaging ways to experience it.

Inspired by German folklore, Heart of the Forest follows four amateur hikers as they get lost in the sprawling Black Forest. This horror FMV is a decent romp, and although it isn't particularly scary it does at least feature some suitably unsettling imagery, and a smattering of decisions means you have a genuine impact on how the narrative unfolds.

It might not be the best rhythm game out there, but there’s no arguing that Super Dodgeball beats is pretty fun. Its frustrating power-up system and troublesome timing lets it down somewhat, but it’s still worth playing thanks to its brilliant soundtrack, wonderful character design and delightful visuals.

Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness somehow manages to be an easy and hard recommendation at the same time. The story, characters and theme that worked so well in the first season of the anime return and are in top form. The antagonist might very well be the best in the entire franchise. Any fan of the series will find a lot to love here. Unfortunately, as a video game, or as a visual novel, it fails to really impress. If you’re unfamiliar with the anime, I doubt there’s much here worth investing in.

There’s no denying that this is the best MXGP release yet. While they’re not particularly sizeable, improvements have been made, and it’s nice to have some new tracks thrown into the mix. Just be aware that if you already own MXGP 2020, MXGP 2021 isn’t going to offer a wildly different experience. It feels more like a refinement or expansion rather than a sequel. Whether that makes it worth the asking price is up to you.

Whether you’re looking for a casual, classically inspired fix of arcade action, or a hardcore, brutal scrolling shooter you’ll find the possibility of both with Raiden V: Director’s Cut. It’s a shame that lack of innovation and some strange design choices hinder it. However, it still remains an enjoyable experience for long-term fans of this almost three decade old franchise, or newcomers alike.

If you’re an ardent shoot ’em up fan, there’s no doubt that Cotton Reboot! is an attractive proposition. And if you’re the type that will replay it countless times in order to master its stages and claim a spot at the top of the online leaderboards, the price probably shouldn’t put you off. The fact remains that there are plenty of shoot ’em ups available that are just as good if not better, however, and many of them are cheaper. So, unless you’re chomping at the bit to play it, you might want to wait for it to go on sale.

While it’s not an exhaustive package with its singular mode and no leaderboards, Geometry Survivors is still very much worth checking out, whether you’re a fan of arcade shooters or Survivors-likes. An attractive audio-visual presentation with addictive gameplay and plenty to unlock – what’s not to love?

This long-lost chapter of the Shantae series provides more of the hair-whipping and belly-dancing action that it's known and loved for. Some might get a little frustrated by the amount of backtracking that's required, though, as well as navigating some of its maze-like locations without a map.

Peril on Gorgon is an entertainingly substantial chunk of The Outer Worlds content, with a handful of side-quests that will keep you poking around the planet until you’ve seen every inch. It may not push the envelope, but it’s good, clean, corporation-crushing fun. And it’s made me eager to see just what the The Outer Worlds’ next expansion will bring.

Repetitiveness is undoubtedly God Eater 2: Rage Burst’s biggest issue. The mission structure is repetitive, the basic combat system is repetitive, and even your actions within the hub are repetitive.

It's not the deepest or most expansive online multiplayer game, but you can have a lot of fun with Midnight Murder Club, especially when playing with friends. Sneaking around a pitch-black mansion armed with just a flashlight and a revolver can be a tense affair. And thanks to the Guest Pass system, just one player needs to purchase this bargain offering to play with up to five others.

Freedom Planet 2 will surely be enjoyed by Sonic fans wanting some more high-speed 2D platforming antics. It even has a soundtrack that can trade blows with the Blue Blur’s finest. It suffers from the same pitfalls as a typical 2D Sonic game, though, such as enemy placement sometimes feeling punishing. And the deviations from the Sonic formula often work against the game rather than for it, with combat in particular being deeper but also scrappier. Still, this is a solid game, and developer GalaxyTrain should be applauded for trying to build on the Sonic formula rather than simply replicate it.

For hack-and-slash fans looking for something a little bit different, there’s a hell of a lot to like about Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior. Its puzzle-like nature adds another dimension to the action, making you think before you charge headfirst into combat. It’s just a shame that the story isn’t a little more engaging, and that even with new mechanics and elements being added frequently, it still becomes a little repetitive after a while.

It might rub some people up the wrong way in light of the current sensitivity surrounding US law enforcement, but it should be said that, while it might exhibit less tact in dealing with some of those situations that hit closer to home, This Is The Police still gives the player the ultimate choice: they can choose to do what’s morally right or… not.

Those who like anime ladies, mechs, fast-paced action and visual novels are bound to get plenty of enjoyment out of Alice Gear Aegis CS: Concerto of Simulatrix. It’s not likely to wow anyone in any way, but it’s a solid battler with a pleasing amount of customisation and plenty of female combatants to discover the motivations of.

Rogue Wizards is inherently difficult, but for the most part, it’s a rewarding, challenging difficulty that keeps the player engaged.

The Persistence Enhanced is well worth checking out if you’re a horror fan, especially if you also like a bit of stealth. Those fond of roguelikes will no doubt get a kick out of it too. However, the game’s repetitive nature alongside its clunky and often unfair combat will likely result in some frustration, and maybe even cause some to give up on their bid for freedom. Players who do see their journey to its end, though, will find a welcome assortment of complimentary modes that will entice them to go back for more deck exploring action.

Ultimately, the success of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl lies in how lively its online community is. We’ve found players easily enough so far, but who knows if they’ll stick around. It’ll be a shame if they don’t though, because this is a competent brawler. Its pleasant visuals, varied roster of beloved characters and surprisingly deep combat make it one of the better Smash-type games out there. But if there’s nobody online to play with, its offline content will quickly lose its fun.

Glass Masquerade is a unique and enchanting jigsaw puzzle game that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something they can unwind with.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers is a great entry point for those looking to get into the long-running series, and one that’s more accessible than ever thanks to an aesthetic that makes it more suitable for younger players. Throw in new features like the character switching mechanic and you have a game that’s a blast to play in small doses when alone, but really shines when played with others. Ultimately though, repetition is still an issue, as the gameplay never really evolves as you move through the lengthy campaign.

Overall, In Between is a stellar title. It’s a refreshing take on the platformer genre in a market that is saturated to breaking point.

Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure can be a relentless beast – like any karting game, you can expect to be constantly inundated with attack after attack, and it can get tiring. But racing around its colourful, upbeat tracks remains fun, and the sheer amount of content here makes it excellent value for money. Whether you want to race solo or against friends, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained.

Despite its brevity and simplistic nature, Don’t Open The Doors! offers an incredibly unique experience that’s worth it alone just for the extraordinary stop motion animation.

If you enjoy a challenge and some classic old-school arcade action, you can’t go wrong with Pang Adventures. Just watch out for the bouts of imminent Rage Quit.

Sonic x Shadow Generations essentially bundles up a remaster of the original game with a new Shadow-led sequel. Though while taking control of Shadow is fun thanks to his range of new abilities, and there's a new Sonic Frontiers-inspired hub world to explore, it's basically more of the same, complete with highs and lows.

End of the Mine is an impressive experience for a Kickstarter game from a developer that is only just starting out. There are still a few minor issues that need fixing – I encountered a few crashes while playing – but I would definitely recommend giving it a go as more patches are released.

Considering it’s been made by one person, Estranged: The Departure is a rather impressive feat. Its world is well-realised and it has atmosphere in droves. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but as you explore you’ll find yourself getting immersed in the story, desperate to find out what’s going on. The real downside is the frustrating combat, which often feels completely superfluous to the experience. Even so, Estranged: The Departure‘s beautiful visuals and intriguing story make it well worth a playthrough for those that crave a new adventure.

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge is a delightful recreation of the event itself yet it exists in a genre populated by games that far exceed it. It’s all the more unfortunate since the core of the game could easily support a more robust and interesting package.

Battle Worlds: Kronos is a game all about tactical unit distribution and the art of patience and preparation. Unfortunately, I have neither the art of preparation nor the virtue of patience. If you do have the aptitude required for a classic unit-based strategy game though, then definitely give Battle Worlds: Kronos a go. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s a well-polished package that has plenty to offer for fans of old school turn-based strategy.

It’s true there’s not much to Minami Lane, but this is a fine example of wholesome gaming: simple, engaging and wonderfully relaxing. The fact it’s been made by such a small team makes it all the better. Don’t come here expecting an in-depth city building experience, but if a few hours of cosiness appeals, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a fine old time.

For JoJo fans, this remaster is likely to be very welcome indeed. It takes a solid fighting game that arrived towards the end of the PS3’s life and not only enhances it, but also expands upon it. The result is a game that looks a bit dated visually, but still has a hell of a lot to offer, especially for those happy to simply play against the CPU or another local player. Ultimately, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R may not quite have the pizzazz to compete with the modern fighting game elite, but it certainly puts on a good show.

It has its issues, but action RPG fans can’t go far wrong by picking Astlibra Revision up. It feels antiquated in ways, and it’s not particularly intuitive, but thanks to its rewarding character development and unusual story that will keep you on your toes, once it’s got its hooks in you chances are you’ll want to see things through. It’s especially impressive given that it’s a labour of love, and its budget price sweetens the deal.

If you loved The Caligula Effect, chances are you’ll love The Caligula Effect 2 even more. It’s certainly an improvement across the board, with a story that will keep you invested for the duration. Newcomers, however, might be put off by the references to the first game, and also may not gel very well with the relationship-building aspects that aren’t all that rewarding or interesting. Overall, there’s a lot to like about The Caligula Effect 2, but it’s accompanied by a fair bit of tedium.

True, there are times you will hate oOo, and I came pretty close to deleting the game on more than one occasion. But if arcade thrills are your thing and you can view failure as a learning experience, then oOo Ascension will be right up your street.

It’s a shame the graphics don’t look as sharp as they should on Xbox One X, but it’s a small issue in an otherwise unique game.

For fans of the Trials series looking for a similar experience on Nintendo Switch, Urban Trial Playground comes highly recommended. It may not feel like quite as skillful a game to play, but it's still challenging and entertaining nonetheless. It also packs quite a lot of content for its budget price.

All in all, Trinity Fusion is an engaging roguelike that has plenty to offer to fans of the genre. It doesn’t have the charm of the likes of Dead Cells, but it stands out thanks to its multiple protagonists. It’s also great that you get to choose which worlds to explore in any particular run, adding some variety. Add in a Hyper Mode that allows those who are struggling to make things more manageable, and you have a title that’s well worth a look even for newcomers to the genre.

EA Sports WRC is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, there’s no denying that this is the best rally game yet when it comes to authenticity and physics. It’s also pretty comprehensive, with a large number of locations complete with seasonal variations and a generous selection of cars. You can even build your own vehicles, which is somewhat rewarding. It’s just a shame that it’s dogged by technical issues, a career mode that feels a little ho-hum, and visuals that don’t truly impress. So, while EA Sports WRC is a solid effort, Codemasters still has work to do in order to deliver the definitive rally racer.

PHOGS’ greatest weapon is just how freakin’ adorable it is. Once you’ve seen those two happy doggo faces, there’s no going back. The environments are wonderful, too; the game’s quirky art style never fails to put a smile on your face. The gameplay itself, however, doesn’t always quite live up to those same heady heights. There are some terrific and unique puzzles, but not all levels have been created equally, and some of them outstay their welcome. This double-headed doggo adventure has plenty to offer, but you’re best off playing in short bursts.

While .hack//G.U. Last Recode’s story still find ways to convey freshness and exuberance, its formulaic dungeon structure and repetitive progression sequences feel dated almost right from the get-go.

For such a seemingly bare-bones title, Alchemic Jousts is sure packed to the brim with stuff to do.

Yes, it’s very basic, but it does exactly what we expected it to do, in exactly the right fashion. And so in that sense, Save Room is a roaring success. It’s also dirt cheap. You might not have the patience to complete all 40 levels in one go, but if sorting and rotating objects is your jam, this is the game for you.

Fun-loving, colourful and jam-packed with a random selection of well-known franchises, I really wanted to love Funko Fusion. Indeed, there's a lot to like, and exploring its worlds (and finding its absolute mass of collectibles) is plenty enjoyable enough. It just puts too much emphasis on combat, and fighting your way through hordes of enemies time and time again soon gets tiresome.

There’s a hell of a lot to like about Hi-Fi Rush: its sumptuous visuals, its over-the-top characters, its silly humour. When it comes to its gameplay, however, we just wish we liked it more. Between its overly long levels, excessive abundance of rhythm-based events, and bouts of combat that ultimately feel overly chaotic and prescriptive, a lot of potential is squandered. Still, there’s some good fun to be had, even once you’ve completed the game’s campaign. And we’d certainly be up for a sequel with some of the rhythm elements toned down.

With it being a co-op shooter, series fans aren't likely to get on with this new Painkiller unless they approach it with an open mind. And indeed, while it's nothing special, slaughtering demons with friends while amassing an arsenal of upgraded and customised weapons can be good fun.

It's very short but oh-so-sweet: Duck Side of the Moon is a cosy adventure about repairing your ship after crash-landing on a rocky planet, and it'll warm your heart. It's just a shame that it's done with in only a few hours.

As HD remasters go, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion goes above and beyond what’s expected in many regards. Its visuals have been lovingly brought up to date, and the combat has been tweaked to make it much more palatable to modern audiences. But some aspects of it, like its suffocating linearity, haven’t aged well at all. And then there’s Zack’s terrible voice acting. Still, if you’ve never played this chapter of the Final Fantasy VII story, or wish to re-live it, this is the best way to do so.

Princess Peach: Showtime! feels like a safe release from Nintendo, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s fun, it’s inventive, and it looks wonderful. Its quirky level designs and Peach’s range of fancy costumes will no doubt put a smile on your face but ultimately, there’s little more here than that — a pretty, if shallow, Nintendo adventure that’s best played in 30-minute bursts.

Thankfully though, Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?!’s charm and sense of humour helps give the game more longevity than its gameplay loop alone. Its witty dialogue and groan-worthy character puns will keep you chortling along even after you’ve got a little bored of going through the same menus.

Was it really necessary to remake Like a Dragon: Ishin!? It’s questionable, but we’re glad it’s finally available in the west in some form. It’s not the best Like a Dragon game – in fact, it might come quite low in the pile – but a good time can be had with it nonetheless. Its world might not be all that attractive, and its story a slow-burner, but it has the usual charm and a bucketload of interesting activities to carry it.

Young Souls offers up a unique blend of side-scrolling brawler action and RPG progression, wrapped up in a sumptuous package. It’s Young Souls‘ art style and personality that really shines here; we felt a little let down by the combat, which wasn’t as enjoyable as it should be. Still, there’s a lot to like, and Jenn and Tristan’s adventure is one we’re glad we’ve been a part of.

Despite its disappointing combat system and its missed opportunity for providing a more engaging story, Thea: The Awakening still manages to be a riveting game that’ll keep you hooked for hours.

A side-scrolling beat 'em up in which it's feasible to simply shoot your enemies rather than actually punch and kick them into submission, Ra Ra BOOM stands out in what is inexplicably becoming a crowded genre. It has some issues that bring it down, though, including poor balancing and some technical woes on PS5 Pro.

As far as quiz-based party games go, Family Feud is solid. It’s put together very well and manages to capture the feel of being on a gameshow better than most. It’s of course more fun if you have friends over, but it’s a welcome touch that you can play solo if you want. With the holidays just around the corner and family gatherings (hopefully) on the horizon, Family Feud is a worthwhile party game to add to your collection.

Providing you have the skill – or patience – for it, there’s a hell of a lot to like about Laika: Aged Through Blood. It’s a great-looking title with a beautiful soundtrack, an interesting world, and gameplay that is refreshingly unique. Make it through a challenging encounter unscathed, pulling off backflips mid-air to reload your guns, block incoming projectiles and take out multiple enemies in one cunning stunt will make you feel like an absolute badass. It’s just a shame that at times it feels a little bit too demanding and punishing simply for the sake of it. Would it really have been all that bad to let you reload your guns out of combat, for example?

If you have a taste for horror, you'll be right at home with Deck of Haunts. This deckbuilder may be light on story, but how many other games can you say cast you as a haunted house? Its core game loop of dispatching hapless intruders will have you grinning.

With more attention to detail in the writing, Where the Heart Leads could have been something truly special. As it is, it’s an intriguing journey through a regular life. Some moments outstay their welcome and others could do with being refined, but on the whole, Whit’s journey is one that you’ll quickly become invested in. The decisions you make carry serious weight, and after spending a few hours with these characters, you’ll only want the best for them.

It’s a niche product, Hunting Simulator 2 – it comes with the territory. It’s good at what it does, though; portraying a popular, albeit taboo, pastime. Hours can be spent tracking prey before taking decisive action, and even if you’re not successful in your hunt, the scenery is so picturesque that you don’t really care. Hunting Simulator 2 lets you enjoy the outdoors, indoors. It’s lets you enjoy dog ownership withing having to pick up its poop. Animal murder may be the aim of it, but it’s mostly beautiful otherwise.

Baja: Edge of Control HD isn’t going to blow anyone away, but for racing game fans after some cheap off-road thrills it’s certainly worth considering. It’s got a decent rock-heavy soundtrack and its races are often full of thrills and spills, keeping you moderately entertained for well over 20 hours or so.

Despite its frustrations, you’re likely to get sucked into Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon‘s gameplay loop. With an adventure mode, a daily challenge and a versus mode, there’s plenty to go at, too. Even if you do die frequently, you’ll probably want to jump straight back in, each time vying to get just that bit further. And the assistive options are a nice touch, even if they do disable trophies and achievements.

Headland won’t set your world on fire, but it will provide you with a pleasant way to spend a couple of afternoons. This cute, colourful adventure isn’t about challenging or testing you in any way; it’s simply about having fun, exploring, and helping a young boy fix a robot.

No One Lives Under the Lighthouse is a game that horror fans should definitely check out, especially if the retro aesthetic appeals to them. It’s pretty impressive that, with such understated visuals and no voiced dialogue, a game can create such an atmosphere. And as the days go by and the horror cranks up, you’re not only kept on your toes, but also the edge of your seat.

I can’t see Cuisine Royale becoming an esport, but it’s got a respectable following and I never once had problems getting a match. While the push to purchase/unlock items can be irritating, there’s still a lot of fun to be had here. Even if you’re not last man standing, you can rest easy in the knowledge you went to your grave wearing a posing pouch and a plague doctor’s mask.

What was once great then, is now simply good on the balance of things.

Sker Ritual isn’t perfect, then, but for co-op shooter fans, especially those who have dug the Zombie modes in Call of Duty titles in the past, there’s a hell of a lot to like. There’s impressive enemy variety, each map very much has its own theme and unique quirks, and mechanically it’s very rewarding. It’s just a shame that it can feel a little too overwhelming at times, and that there are some technical issues to iron out.

Men of War II takes a little work to get to grips with, and we're not fond of the always-online requirement. But this WWII RTS's realism, depth and freedom to explore your own strategies still make it a winner.

If the idea of playing Breakout crossed with squash in VR appeals to you, it’s definitely worth checking C-Smash VRS out. Unless you have friends willing to buy and play it with you online, though, you might want to consider it a single-player only experience, and there’s not an abundance of content. But like the best arcade games, this is something you’ll likely return to many times just for a quick burst of fun.

Though funny at almost every turn and a rather competent first game from Billy Goat Entertainment, the fact that Her Majesty’s Spiffing leaves you flat-footed on a cliff-hanger that may never be resolved is a real shame.

Dreadbit should have excluded any roguelite features to make for a more compelling and engaging experience.

Still, putting aside the few minor technical issues, the voodoo theme and the wealth of content on offer manages to be the game’s real strong suit. There is plenty of fun to be had with Full Mojo Rampage – even moreso with friends!

There may not be much to keep you going back to Gleylancer once you’ve completed it, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue considering its budget price. And while the action it provides is rather basic compared to some other shoot ’em ups, it doesn’t stop it from being entertaining from beginning to end. In fact, it can feel quite refreshing. This is just simple, classic, retro fun.

If you’re after a new puzzle game to play, you’d be wise to consider Shady Part of Me, especially if you’re drawn to its moody aesthetic. Just be aware that it probably won’t hold your attention with a vice-like grip due to the repetitive nature of many of its puzzles. While it’s not a long game by any means, you’re more likely to enjoy it over numerous sittings, rather than being glued to the screen from beginning to end.

May not have multiplayer features or a high level of spit and polish, but it has an enjoyable gameplay loop, a wealth of unlockables, and, more importantly, it’s just fun to play.

Bury Me, My Love isn’t always an easy trek, perhaps reflecting its subject matter, and it’s still better suited to mobile phones. But it’s so emotionally engaging that, despite multiple, doomed playthroughs, you won’t leave Nour’s side until you’ve guided her to safety.

There’s no question that LUNA: The Shadow Dust has been a passion project for Lantern Studio. The care and attention that’s gone into even the smallest details is plain and clear to see. While its puzzles can be quite obtuse at times, any video game enthusiast will be happy to turn a blind eye to experience what this game has to offer. It isn’t perfect, and it isn’t for everyone, but it’s a true accomplishment – of that I have no doubt.

If you’ve got the patience for it, Relicta is undoubtedly a neat puzzle game. It’s quite lengthy for a game of its type, which is perhaps why it eventually begins to feel overly repetitive, but you are spurred on when you encounter an a-ha! moment and go on to solve a puzzle that’s been perplexing you for the last 15 minutes or so. If you’ve made your way through the likes of the The Talos Principle and QUBE 2 and are eager to get stuck into yet another brain-teasing adventure, you’ll get a lot out of Relicta, even if it won’t have quite the same impact on you.

Your enjoyment of Filthy Lucre will entirely depend on how much you enjoy pure stealth – sneaking around half an hour into a mission as the music ramps up due to increased heat can be incredibly tense – but some people may just dislike having to start all over if you die. The shooting is bad, the AI isn’t great – and why, oh why can’t I move dead bodies? – but Filthy Lucre still succeeds in being a tense, and most importantly, fun stealth game.

It would be easy to dismiss Spintires: MudRunner as a niche title but in truth it’s surprisingly accessible. It can drag sometimes and if you think patience is a dirty word, steer clear. But for the most part it’s an engaging, messy time sink that’s well worth getting stuck into.

For fans of the Rogue-like genre, Sparklite is a cute, easy-to-learn title. If you’re looking for a single-player adventure and you don’t mind spending some time grinding in order to upgrade your character, then this is a great title for you. The controls are smooth and sleek, its characters intriguing, and its boss battles ingeniously challenging. The fun soundtrack is also worth a mention, channelling classic adventure games of the 90s. Just don’t expect much from the co-op elements of the game, and you’ll have a good time.

The dialogue needs some work, but it’s still a valuable addition to the visual novel genre. Not only because of its awesome setting, but because it’s exciting to see a project proudly and loudly waving its LGBTQ+ story. With two different endings, A Summer’s End is worth two playthroughs – even just to admire the fantastic artwork, music and creative concepts a second time around.

Darius Cozmic Collection Console is a niche title that will thrill the people it needs to thrill. Meanwhile, the casual crowd will rightly scoff at its price. There’s nothing wrong with this collection apart from that it’s a bit by-the-book, though as a collection of Darius games released on console, you could take the absence of Super Darius and 2009’s PSP exclusive Dariusburst to task. Still, if you aren’t averse to spending a considerable bit of dough to acquire some of the best shoot ’em ups ever made, consider picking it up.

There’s not much to dislike in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends if you’re looking for some simple yet solid arcade action. Whether you play alone or with friends, there’s fun to be had, and with 100 levels to get through, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Its modern facelift looks great, but it is little more than an old classic in disguise.

Whether it be from lack of supplies or enemies after your sweet juicy flesh; there is always something guaranteed to go badly each game.

An intriguing narrative-driven mystery that feels like a spookier version of Firewatch, there's a lot to like about Radiolight — especially when you take into consideration that it's from a solo developer. It's just a shame it's held back by a myriad of bugs and issues.

What Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs is though, is a JRPG that stands on its own two feet, and despite taking many influences and using certain generic conventions, it manages to carve its own identity.

It may take you several playthroughs to discover who did, in fact, press mute on Uncle Marcus. But hopefully you’ll be engaged enough to keep playing until you find out. Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus? feels like a return to form for Good Gate Media. It’s fun, silly and entertaining – and even when the acting is a bit hammy, it’s good enough that it’ll keep you watching. It’s more fun than an actual Zoom family quiz, that’s for sure.

With a deeper sense of strategy than most games of its kind, Loot Rascals might just be the thinking man’s roguelike you’ve been waiting for. Although slow and steady, it offers a lot to love.

Mothmen 1966 is a haunting outing that, with the exception of one awkward line, uses quality writing rather than jump scares to keep you on edge. Yes, you’ll get a little extra out of it if you’ve an appreciation for cryptozoology or astrology, but that’s by no means compulsory. It’s entertaining and unsettling in equal measure and if, as its developers suggest, it’s the first of many, we look forward to seeing where LCB takes the series next.

The high level of difficulty means that it’s unlikely to be everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s a shame that its easiest mode locks players out of a great deal of content, but there’s no denying that a valiant attempt has been made to make it more accessible. And what’s really surprising is that it also offers a surprisingly novel local co-op experience.

Some players might be put off by Spirit of the North due to how heavily it relies on its players to figure things out, but that’s also its biggest charm. You are in the shoes of a creature that can’t speak – and yet, as the game’s world and the story reveal itself to you, it speaks louder than any dialogue could. It’s not perfect by any means – the controls can be awkward, and getting stuck and needing to restart is frustrating – but look past that and you’ve got a wonderful, engaging adventure on your hands. If you’re looking for a relaxing game about exploration and discovery, Spirit of the North is a great one to pick, regardless of your age or skill level.

I’m tempted to describe the entirety of Birthdays the Beginning as ‘bittersweet’, actually; it’s equal parts massively addictive yet horrendously frustrating, but it somehow manages to always provide an enjoyable challenge. Despite the exasperation that comes with seeing a species become extinct, the game never feels impossible, and when you do reach your goals it’s pretty satisfying. It’s just a shame several minor issues hold it back from being more than just “good”. Whether it’s trying to find a lost save, figuring out an unclear objective or to getting to grips with the controls, it feels like there’s always something standing in the way of your enjoyment. Sure, I had fun evolving hundreds of species of plants and animals, but having to play the same sections over and over became tiresome. Still, for its mid price point, there’s a lot to enjoy thanks to its unique concept. If you’re heavily into sims or enjoy games that try new things, Birthdays the Beginning is worthy of your attention.