If you’re not bothered about extra loot or costumes, then Episode Gladiolus might not be that worthwhile. But if you’re a fan who was invested in Final Fantasy XV‘s main story, finding out what happened to Gladiolus and learning where he got his scar from is a very welcome addition.

Portal Knights deserves credit for attempting to blend two distinct genres… it just does so little to distinguish itself, resulting in an unrewarding title that doesn’t draw you in.

Conarium is not a game that’s suitable for those that want constant action or in-your-face jump scares, but for the more cerebrally-inclined it offers an interesting story wrapped up within a slow-paced but visually enticing adventure.

If you’re a fighting game fan then, Tekken 7 is absolutely essential in my book. Sure, it doesn’t offer the same value for money as the recently released Injustice 2, but the combat feels better. It’s more technical and has a greater flow. If you’re a fan of the series, Tekken 7 will blow your bloody socks off. And if not, well, it’s still likely to impress if you give it the chance.

Caveblazers is a solid roguelike that always feels fair and gives players a real challenge to complete. The combat is fast-paced and exciting, and the controls are as tight as you could hope for.

If you’re wanting to pick up an accessible space shooter that you can casually play but has a great deal of depth, Everspace comes more than highly recommended. It’s a game that will have you hooked no matter your skill level.

I can’t stress how much fun SUPERHOT VR is when you become fully immersed… it’s like being able to be both John Wick and Neo at once. You can have your cake, eat it, and then be offered seconds.

While it may superficially retread a similarly desensitised violence found in the original film, little else could be compared from one to the other. In fact, Reservoir Dogs: Bloody Days is better an example of Lionsgate’s misuse of the original property, shelling it out every so often for some quick cash here-and-there.

Borealys Games, the developer of Mages of Mystralia, has really created something special here in my eyes, and it deserves to be played; if not for its spell designing system that truly is extensive, then just for the sheer joy of a hearty and extremely enjoyable unadulterated adventure.

If you are craving that Burnout action but can’t be arsed to pull out an old console, then sure, Danger Zone will at least remind you of those glory days. Unfortunately it’ll do little else.

The best analogy for NBA Playgrounds is that it’s like a leaky ship. The exterior, with its charm and aesthetically pleasing look, hides an interior rife with small missteps and annoyances.

There’s something about Tokyo 42 that makes it quite engrossing. Playing it often feels like hard work due to the annoying camera, but it’s strangely rewarding.

Between poor controls and downright tedious gameplay, Tango Fiesta fails to incentivise players to invest in its tough-guy premise.

Shadow Warrior 2 surprised me. It takes a chance by adopting a more open-ended structure, but it pays off. All the humour of the original game remains intact, and there’s more emphasis on you simply having fun, whether that’s by yourself or with others. And what fun it is.

It’s by no means perfect, but Friday the 13th: The Game has a lot of fun to offer when you can get into matches. It delivers the promised tension of the film series, and you can see the love for the franchise in nearly everything.

What really makes From the Gallows stand out as one of the better episodes this season is that in and among all the action and drama, there are some really touching moments of laughter and love.

For any Samurai Warriors veteran, Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada will feel like a pair of comfy old slippers – easy to slide into, and once you’re in their warm embrace you won’t want to part company with them until they’ve become a little too sweaty and overbearing.

Big things come in small packages, and much like its levels, OVIVO shows that it’s not about getting caught up in the details; it’s about looking at the bigger picture.

Tequila Works’ RiME is an audiovisual tour de force that wants to astonish you with its beauty, charm you with its loveable protagonist, and move you with its powerful emotions. And if you give it a chance, it’ll succeed in all three.

With the credits rolling, sat in the dark having begun playing when it was light outside, I felt fulfilled with what I’d just played; a game that is assuredly made by a very talented group of people wanting to make something different.

Jump into Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception expecting a traditional Japanese visual novel experience, and you’ll no doubt be a little disappointed… but look past its intermittent battle sections and there’s a fulfilling character-driven tale just waiting to be uncovered.

Easy to play but far harder to master, Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2‘s cast of ridiculous characters, improbable moves, heavy rock soundtrack and accessible fight mechanics will keep you engaged and challenged.

The Caligula Effect is a difficult game to review, mainly because of how contradictory it can be at times. Its writing can make it seem leagues above most other JRPGs despite its low production value, yet many of its systems are too complicated to recommend, despite however deep they may be.

While there are hints of fun to be had if you search hard enough, I don’t think Strafe ever makes the small moments in between worth scavenging.

Carves out its own unique place in the metroidvania genre, largely thanks to its whimsical take on presentation, puzzle-solving, and narrative.

A safe bet for anyone looking to scratch an old tactical JRPG itch. It may not reinvent any part of the wheel, but it reconstructs it in a way that is quite admirable.

As horror games go, Narcosis is a triumph, managing to get under your skin and stay there long after you’ve put the pad down.

The Dream Machine is a flawed, yet stunningly gorgeous game. The time and effort that went into it from such a small studio is mind-boggling, and every minute of it was well worth it from an aesthetic point of view.

Akiba Beat’s biggest failure is, undoubtedly, its disconnect with what makes Akihabara so enticing. It is missing the heart of what you’d expect a game of its kind to have.

This grim, pixellated gorefest successfully channels the spirit of 8 and 16 bit shoot-’em-ups but doesn’t stand up to sustained play; spend too long with Butcher in one sitting and it starts feeling like an infuriating grind.

Prey expertly blends a compelling narrative with open level design, a fear-inducing mechanic and near-unparalleled player freedom to deliver an appealing, atmospheric and aesthetically pleasing chunk of sci-fi that will get sink its spiky teeth into you and never let go.

Expertly designed with a brilliant and unique concept, Super Rude Bear Resurrection kept me hooked even in its latter stages, where the game’s flaws started to become more irritating.

Hilarious and empowering, even if it is frustrating at times, Human: Fall Flat is definitely worth at least one play through.

GNOG is an artistic fever dream that oozes imagination; it is equal parts delightful and bizarre.

By the end of my time with Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3, I was left very much disappointed. Not because of the poor story and acting, but because of the technical issues that kept the game from being anything more than mediocre. It’s a shame too; it’s a good – if not amazing – looking game, with some really fun mechanics. With either a little bit more time and/or money, Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 could have been a sleeper hit. In its current state, it’s simply a sleeper miss.

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.

Baboon! isn’t a bad game per se, but because of its flaws I can only really recommend it to the most die-hard of platform fans looking for a new quirky challenge.

Cosmic Star Heroine’s excellent combat system and well-executed retro stylings make it a must for those who hold the classic JRPGs of the past close to their hearts.

In short bursts, it could be a fun diversion, but in the annals of history, Age of Rivals may be a short-lived one.

A well-crafted RTS that eschews some of the tired old tropes for a faster pace and a tighter experience.

Statik does what any good puzzle game should: it challenges you. No puzzle felt unfair or insurmountable. The game itself, and the way in which it is played, is arguably the best use of the PSVR yet.

In any way you look at it, the story of Syberia 3 cannot be described as anything other than heart-breaking. Not only for the player or the characters themselves – if ever they were capable of realising the technical mess they were a part of – but for developer Microids. So long have they been working on this game with an ambitious attitude hoping to satisfy long-time Syberia fans after an excruciating 13 year wait. There is a great adventure game here just begging to be broken out, however for now as Syberia 3 stands, Kate Walker’s story is one best left washed ashore.

Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap sets the bar incredibly high for future recreations of classic games. Not only does it pay reverence to the source material in nearly every conceivable way, it also manages to modernise the original game through an astounding level of quality in presentation.

In all seriousness, Little Nightmares does a fantastic job of pulling off “childish horror”. It strikes a good balance in introducing horror without ever being too scary; anyone who loves a little bit of the macabre without the intense dread of true terror will love this indie title. It is a bit on the short side, taking me only a little over four hours to beat – and that was with me getting stuck twice – but what it lacks in length in makes up for in brilliant content. If you enjoyed the likes of Limbo or Inside, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the world featured in Little Nightmares. With its brilliant setting, wonderfully whimsical characters and clever puzzles, it’s hard not to recommend it as yet another essential title from what’s shaping up to be an incredibly stellar year of gaming.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with Lost Grimoires: Stolen Kingdom, per se. Had I not played any Artifex Mundi game before, I’d probably be pretty satisfied with what’s on offer. It looks nice, it plays well, and the puzzles are fine. But there’s nothing particularly outstanding about it, either.

Aside from the framerate issues, The Disney Afternoon Collection is overall a very pleasant experience and a worthwhile purchase for anyone looking for a taste of nostalgia.

A story like no other; both very grounded in reality, yet at times other-worldly beyond imagination. It’s touching and thought-provoking; daring to explore dark subject matters rarely delved into by video games. It may only take a few short hours to complete, but every moment is so packed with significance that it hardly matters.

Offering you more freedom to explore and customise your characters, Dragon Quest Heroes 2 is undoubtedly a commendable follow-up to its predecessor even though it feels more than a little bit samey at times.

Layered with enough depth and intricacy for genre veterans, but loaded with fantastic tutorials and information for newcomers, this game welcomes all types of players. A formula that has been bettered, through and through, Expeditions: Viking is an absolute joy.

If you’re a fan of deck building or dungeon crawlers then Monster Slayers is a must try. For the $9 price tag there is an insane amount of content and replayability.

Standing back and admiring your city, knowing that you were responsible for its virtual prosperity, is immensely satisfying. Niche interest it may be, but if you favour construction over destruction, then Cities: Skylines offers a solid foundation for your future metropolis.

If Telltale continues down this path, the season finale of The New Frontier may be one of their best yet. Sure, it might be too early to call, but the biased fan in me reckons Telltale might just pull it off. Telltale has seriously upped the ante with more action and tougher decisions to make, and Thicker Than Water has definitely been my favourite of the series so far.

Set in a world and fascinating world brought to life with brilliant visuals, a fantastic soundtrack and wonderfully likeable characters, it’s a shame that The Inner World‘s controls on console are so awkward, as otherwise the game is perhaps one of the best examples of the point and click genre.

With its saccharine visuals and cheesy yet infectious music, Puyo Puyo Tetris is about as sweet a game as you can get. And, like sugar, the gameplay is devilishly addictive. You’ll spend hours and hours in the adventure mode, earning credits and unlocking extras like new background music whilst trying to get three stars on every stage. Along the way you’re likely to dive into the many additional gameplay modes found in solo arcade, setting high scores and honing your skills. All the while, its ample multiplayer options will see you challenging friends, family and strangers to impromptu battles, eager to show them who’s boss. Puyo Puyo Tetris is the complete block and jelly dropping package, and you’d have to be mad to pass it up, even though it can get a bit crazy at times.

The production values of Outlast 2 are head and shoulders above those of its predecessor and the gameplay has been developed and refined to near perfection. Only the odd frustrating moment of trial and error sours the experience, but the rest of the game is so engrossing that you won’t let the thought of them linger in your mind.

Immortal Redneck manages to feel punishing, yet fair. Rewards are doled out frequently enough that almost every run ends with the ability to upgrade something on the skill tree, allowing the game to maintain a forward momentum that makes it difficult to put down.

For its asking price of $19.99/£19.99, ArmaGallant feels short on content. Yes, it does offer a unique and polished experience, but with only two maps and one game type to choose from, it almost feels like it should be a free-to-play version of the full title.

Detention is an astonishingly well-put together game that understands how brooding horror is more effective than mere jump-scares.

What Flinthook might lack in lore, story, and cohesion, it more than makes up for with its boatload of personality and style, all of which find themselves backed up by some of the smoothest 2D platforming gameplay around.

It’s the sort of game that only comes around once every few years. It’s a game that is so unique in every aspect that it’d be impossible to mistake a single moment of it for anything else. It’s also a game about real life, despite the wacky hijinks you’ll often find yourself in. It’s about the moments you have with your friends, laughing around a hot pot as you make jokes only those there would understand. It’s within those moments that Persona 5 enters a league of its own, untouched by its contemporaries in every respect.

Despite its issues though, Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom is overall, an enjoyable experience.

Subjects like life and death can be decidedly hard to tackle, and it is clear what Heaven Forest Nights is attempting to achieve in that it wants its players to think for themselves, go their own way, forge their own path, seek out knowledge, and make decisions without the need for instruction or guidance.

With the right crowd and the right mood, you’ll have a lot of laughs and a great time. Use Your Words follows the format of the genre, but is just unique enough to be memorable.

Complex, challenging, but never boring, The Sexy Brutale blends a compelling narrative, appealing aesthetics and innovative gameplay into one stylish package.

With its entertaining story that you have a surprising amount of control over, [Late Shift is] definitely a triumph in a genre that is steadily making a revival.

Tangled Up In Blue is without a doubt one of the best Telltale Games episodes I have ever played.

By trying to diversify the experience that Aaero delivers, Mad Fellows has created a game that’s certainly different, but often feels like a game of two parts, and unfortunately one of those isn’t that impressive at all.

The Wild Eternal is simply enchanting. It is unbelievably immersive, incredibly moving, and teaches us all an important lesson in hardship, friendship, and the meanings of life and loss.

[Blackwood Crossing is] not perfect, but the amount of love that pours out of the game – both in terms of the visual and technical quality from the team of developers and in the palpable relationship between the characters – far outweighs any minor nitpicks you could have.

In a world where indie platformers are a dime a dozen, it’s tough to stick out from the crowd but Blink definitely does.

The level of difficulty will likely throw casual gamers off, but if you enjoy solving puzzles that will make your brain hurt, then [Induction] might be for you.

I feel like Traveller’s Tales is going to be hard-pushed to outdo themselves on another LEGO game that feels as enjoyable to play as LEGO City Undercover. It’s a brilliant addition to the franchise, and I’m so glad that other console owners finally get to enjoy it outside of the 2013 Wii U version. If you enjoy well-voiced characters, some silly jokes and inoffensive yet brilliantly addictive gameplay, look no further. If you’ve ever played a LEGO game and even slightly enjoyed it, you will love LEGO City Undercover.

If it’s anything at all, Thimbleweed Park is a brave game. It’s a standalone adventure with no sequel tie-ins. It’s a self-contained story with interesting characters and an intriguing mystery to solve. It’s unafraid to embrace its heritage and it’s not afraid of modernising to improve on the old formula.

A dull, cynical, money-grabbing mess, Frank Rising deserves to be buried six feet under.

If you’ve worn out your Diablo disc, Vikings: Wolves of Midgard may fill a tiny bit of the void but mostly, its painful similarities yet numerous missteps will likely just frustrate you.

Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition brings one of the most underappreciated gems of the last generation up to date for a whole new legion of players to discover and enjoy.

[PaRappa the Rapper is] possibly worth buying if you’re a huge fan wanting a nostalgia trip. Just be prepared to have your fond memories of the title tested somewhat.

It’s the narrative you discover through exploration that holds The Crow’s Eye together; reading and listening to people slowly lose their minds – as perhaps your character does too – makes the psychological thriller element of the game take centre stage. It’s just a shame that the horror never quite gets there.

The Ringed City is a brutally unkind piece of content that shows the series at its best, but also unfortunately its worst.

Chaos Code seeks to carve out its own niche and it may just do that here in the west. It’s an entertaining brawler in its own right and its roster of bizarre characters and ludicrous moves are just appealing enough to keep you engaged.

I’m sure that it will find a small audience and fanbase because of its premise, but for me, a lack of overall presentation, a litany of technical pitfalls and average at best gameplay means it’s best to avoid Troll and I – just as you would Troll’s apparent stench.

A Rose in the Twilight is best described on the surface as being an undeniably bleak, somewhat charming, but consistently creative 2D puzzle platforming experience.

Starting out relatively strong in the grand scheme of things, [Yooka-Laylee] unfortunately loses focus and charm as you progress, until you ask yourself why you’re putting yourself through it just to collect quills that become useless and Pagies that simply aren’t worth the frustration.

A refreshingly unique take on the platforming genre that introduces a duo of instantly likeable characters and a colourful game world where the simple act of moving through it is a reward in itself.

Despite its few faults however, Slime-san‘s quirkiness, its fast-paced gameplay, the soundtrack from over 10 acclaimed chiptune composers, and the 5 colour palette of a wonderfully vibrant world all culminate in a delightful game.

88 Heroes has a great idea behind it, and it has huge amounts of charm thanks to its beautiful pixel art graphics and retro soundtrack. Unfortunately though, the gameplay can soon begin to wear itself thin when you find yourself making your way through the same level for the nth time.

Blue Collar Astronaut is an experience that is simply devoid of any merit or creativity, and I very much doubt any player will find it at all fair or enjoyable.

Everything is, at once, utterly bizarre, brilliantly hilarious and incredibly profound.

Often too complex and obtuse in its teachings to cater to newcomer coders, Human Resource Machine is bound to push away some of its audience with unnecessary difficulty spikes. On the other hand, successfully wrapping my mind around a difficult problem and coming out victorious is an exhilarating feeling.

Noisy, tough, but ridiculously entertaining, Neurovoider will have you praying for the robot apocalypse.

If you’ve played and enjoyed any of Artifex Mundi’s previous titles, Dark Arcana: The Carnival will be more of the same – and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

As long as you’re not expecting a simulation heavy, photo-realistic experience, you should find something to enjoy in Old Time Hockey.

With gorgeous graphics, an amazing story, and very fluid controls, The Walking Dead: A New Frontier is shaping up to be Telltale’s best series yet.

Ultimately, We Are The Dwarves is jack of all trades, master of none. The game includes strategy, stealth and action elements but none of these mechanics are particularly well implemented.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is obviously not as good as it could have been. Once you get over the fact that it’s not quite as polished as its predecessors nor does it further the series in any meaningful way though, you can still appreciate what it is: a Mass Effect game through and through.

Not since Mark of the Ninja have I played a stealth game that felt so impactful, lingering in my thoughts long after I put the controller down.

If you can handle overwrought voice acting, some nasty characters, and thin writing, you’ll enjoy the story. For fans of puzzles, thankfully there is a fast skip button that allows you to skip the overly talky bits and get to the real shining star in Zero Escape: The Nonary Games.

If you’re the patient type who longs for something unequivocally different to play on the Nintendo Switch, Little Inferno certainly delivers the goods.