What [Clouds and Sheep 2] lacks in originality, it more than makes up for enjoyable gameplay.

For hardcore gamers looking for a solid metroidvania fix, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is quite possibly worth the asking price despite its issues.

Ultimately, Genso Wanderer is a unique and intimidating game… It may lack Touhou’s epic music or its frantic bullet-hell difficulty, but it brings out what’s always been enticing about these games and, more specifically, its community’s ability to create.

Breath of the Wild is a marvel of design; it’s a wonder of ingenuity, and it has completely changed the standard when it comes to open world game creation.

Good concept, but lacking depth and variety’ is probably the best way to describe Legend of the Skyfish.

In this case, total insanity doesn’t equate to total fun; it equates to frequent failure. Albeit, often financially rewarding failure. No, the finer moments of FlatOut 4: Total Insanity are to be found when it’s either being more restrained or just all out daft.

If you enjoy a good horror with a bleak tale – and can stomach seeing pixelated children in cages or mauled by animals – then 2Dark is definitely worth checking out.

Sure, it can be a fairly short experience, but providing you engage with it in the way the game intends you to, Herald is a fantastic experience.

From time to time Table Top Racing: World Tour can feel a bit mundane; like it’s missing a certain je ne sais quoi. It’s a game I keep coming back to though, playing the odd hour here and there between other titles, and with this approach I greatly appreciate its charm.

At the outset, Future Unfolding is magical experience; an elegant world waiting to be explored, with wonder at every step. But with each discovery, the wonder disappears – and isn’t replaced with anything new. Once you’ve uncovered everything the game has to show you, puzzles soon become petty barriers, the magic runs out and the procedurally-generated world loses its charm. In the end, Future Unfolding keeps unfolding for just a little too long.

Ghost Blade HD is one hell of a lot of fun that does a great job of reminding you of the uncomplicated nature of the genre’s past without the fuzzy visuals.

It’s a shame that Trulon: The Shadow Engine lacks a lot of polish, because at its core, it’s a pretty enjoyable experience.

As a shooter, [Ghost Recon: Wildlands] is tactical, refined, and precise. As a world it is open, sprawling, and filled with things to do/find. And as a co-op experience, it’s arguably one of the best yet.

Ultimately, [NieR: Automata is] a game that will stay with you long after you’ve seen the credits roll for the second, third or even fourth time; the memories of its characters and music lingering in your head, reminding you of what games can be like if they dare to be different.

What it may lack in narrative development, Styx: Shards of Darkness more than makes up for in its near-faultless gameplay that stands out as a prime example of stealth design done right.

Ultimately, Dying: Reborn is a halfway competent puzzler, but a failure as a horror game.

Don’t expect too much from the single player mode, but if you’ve got a friends who’ll enjoy puzzling with you, I highly recommend picking Shift Happens up.

As music rhythm games go, VOEZ is one of the best I’ve ever played, up there with the likes of Parappa The Rapper, Hatsune Miku Project DIVA X and Gitaroo Man.

[Fast RMX] may be little more than a port with spruced-up visuals and a smattering of new content, but it’s a bloody good one, so if you have a penchant for arcade racers you should definitely pick it up.

Put simply, Specter of Torment is absolutely brilliant. It’s a slice of classic platforming action that puts a smile on your face from beginning to end.

[Halo Wars] may not be as strong as some other legitimate classics of the genre, or even the franchise it is associated with. However, what it is, undoubtedly, is an underrated game that deserves more attention.

With a large, beautiful, varied open world, a compelling central mystery, interesting side-quests and top of the field gameplay, Horizon Zero Dawn is easily Guerilla Games’ best effort yet and by far one of the best games this generation so far.

Under the hood Warhammer Quest is a good game – at least for a while. The gameplay loop of killing, looting and upgrading is an enjoyable one; it’s just a shame it gets buried underneath a few negative issues, exacerbated by frustrating controls.

If you give Sublevel Zero Redux the time it deserves, you won’t be able to help falling in love with its approach to upgrades and consistent unrelenting challenge.

BOOR remains an enthralling, charming game that, with its beautifully rendered, challenging levels and innovative central mechanic, will have you hooked from beginning to end.

Despite its age, Ys Origin is a solid dungeon-crawling RPG adventure to rival the best of current gen games.

It may not be wholly original, but Hollow Knight is without a doubt one of the best metroidvania games out there.

With Psychonauts 2 currently scheduled for release in 2018, Psychonauts: In the Rhombus of Ruin is the perfect way for long-time fans to revisit old friends, and for series newcomers to meet the gang in preparation for it.

For its price, SQUAKE is definitely worth a go if you’re looking for something fun to play in short bursts.

Simple, violent and rough around the edges, Berserk and the Band of the Hawk is just like its protagonist, Guts, and equally just as endearing in small doses.

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.

Despite its difficulty, Flywrench never lets up. While it’s not casting a particularly wide net, for those that fell in love with the games of its kind it is without a doubt one of the best in its class.

[Forma.8‘s] gameplay is solid, if not a little frustrating at times, but its great sound design and brilliant aesthetic really sets it apart from the crowd.

Poor sense of humour aside, Kill the Bad Guy is a decent puzzle game that is worth a stab if you are in the mood to be challenged.

In the end Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns might not be perfect, but it’s still a wonderful game in many ways. There’s tonnes of stuff to do on your farm, what feels like a million side quests, and even adorable postmen to woo if that’s something you’re interested in *wink*. It’s a shame that it does get quite repetitive, there’s no huge overarching goal, and the tutorial made me want to punch Uncle Frank in the face, but all of the good surely outweighs these minor points. The game design is gorgeous, the dialogue and story are very well written, and overall the game is just really great fun.

There’s something rather alluring about Torment: Tides of Numenera. Whilst its central story is somewhat linear, it’s truly impressive just how personal your adventure can be thanks to the wealth of side quests that surround it and the multiple ways you can deal with each of them.

Stories Untold places a hidden story within a hidden story; a puzzle that only reveals itself once you piece together its outer layers – and it’s one of the most fascinating and unique tales you can play this year.

It’s hard to tell whether it’s the mouth-made sound effects, nifty clues, or funny characters that are the cutest part of [Hidden Folks], but it’s easy to lose yourself in its strange and captivating world for a couple of hours.

Put simply, if you enjoyed Chime, then you’ll love Chime Sharp. Anybody who enjoys a block or tangram-type puzzle would be wise to give it a go.

Blueprint Tycoon just isn’t particularly fun. Without a way to lose, there’s no real challenge… It all just feels like a long, somewhat tedious, tutorial.

Takes the very best aspects of the genre, cuts out most of the tedium and delivers an exciting, stirring and compelling trip through memory lane.

A Pixel Story is a hugely fulfilling experience. Its perfectly pitched difficulty ensures that it’s challenging but never frustratingly so, and above all, it has that elusive ‘just one more go’ quality that will keep you hooked.

For Honor has quickly become my favourite online multiplayer game, and one that I’m certain will have me honing my skills, and my blade, for months to come.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a serious table tennis game then this isn’t it; VR Ping Pong sits firmly in the casual gaming genre, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The slick, fun gameplay coupled with the brilliantly nostalgic visuals and sound effects is immensely enjoyable – and especially considering its ridiculously cheap asking price, I can’t recommend it enough.

Though far from revolutionary, iO is a simple, yet intuitive puzzler that is sure to dig its hooks into fans of the genre looking for a unique challenge.

[All The Delicate Duplicates’] moments of greatness – often coming from its experimental nature – are too few and far between stages of gratuitous reading and derivative searching. The final experience, marred by playing it just too safe, comes off feeling needlessly short and forgetful.

In no uncertain terms, Nioh is something special. It’s one of those rare games that surpasses expectations, taking the best elements from a variety of genre-defining titles whilst sprinkling in a handful of its own ideas.

Divide‘s curious narrative and enigmatic characters can only do so much; for every genuine moment of intrigue there are a hundred other moments to be spent aimlessly wandering the endless, grey corridors, desperate for the whole thing to just end.

Halo Wars 2 is hands-down the best RTS available on console, and a game that rightfully deserves a place in any thinking Xbox One owner’s library.

If you’re willing to put in the time to fight your way past its flaws, then you’ll get some enjoyment out of How to Survive 2, but there are better zombie shooters and survival games out there.

The dual reality premise makes Semispheres distinctly unique in its gameplay and is a clever mechanic that other puzzle game developers would do well to take note of.

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.

A Normal Lost Phone is a game with a really brilliant concept. It covers complicated, sensitive topics which, in many ways, is a bold and brave thing to do in today’s world.

Standing head and shoulders above its predecessors, Sniper Elite 4 is Rebellion assuredly stepping up their game. Sure, the story at the heart of the campaign is still a bit duff, but who plays games like this for the narrative? I certainly don’t. What’s important is that all of Sniper Elite 4’s gameplay tweaks and improvements come together to create a package that feels solid and succinct, offering an experience that is enjoyably tense and rewarding. What’s more, it’s always thrilling lining up that perfect shot before witnessing its gruesome effects on your victim via the x-ray kill-cam. Perfection eludes it due to the small amount of screen-tearing and somewhat repetitive sub-objectives, but Sniper Elite 4 is essential for the armchair sniper out there looking for their next sure-fire hit.

Random but ridiculously repetitive, this deadly dull dungeon hack gives little reason to recommend it.

Though I still believe there is plenty of room for improvement, and it’s not the kind of game you’re going to want to sink hours of time into, I have to admit that I’m impressed by the hard work of the developers, artists, designers, and programmers that created Ruckus Rumble as students.

It’s safe to say that Splasher ticks all the right boxes in all the right places. It has the potential to be the next big thing in platforming – I urge you, if you’re a fan of the genre, then you must give Splasher a try.

It’s too bad that its production values and general lack of polish keep it from ever achieving a proper moment of emotional transcendence… [but] there’s enough earnest desire to show you the world through a glass darkly that We Are Chicago isn’t without value.

The Road to Boruto expansion for Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 offers more of the same over-the-top action, which for many players will be enough for them to part with the cash.

A game of impeccable design and gorgeous art, with almost no missteps to speak of. With all the games to choose from these days, don’t let this one slip by.

The world in which Phoning Home is based is gorgeously designed; each organism you come across is new and different – some glow, some shine, and together, it is all incredibly beautiful.

Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Book isn’t anything groundbreaking, but any fan of the series can attest the Atelier games never set out to be – and it doesn’t matter.

For all of its problems, there’s no getting around the fact that it does have the capacity to entertain for a fair number of hours when played in co-op, meaning ardent fans of the series may still want to consider picking it up.

For all its linearity, Mainlining does a fantastic job of making you feel like a detective. It’s as much a puzzle game as it is a point-and-click, and the continous light-hearted humour keeps the experience from feeling too drab.

If you’re a die-hard RTS fan, Seigecraft Commander and its brand of cheerful, bright and breezy gameplay is enjoyable enough. But without a significantly larger online community, Siegecraft Commander just doesn’t last long enough or offer enough of a challenge to say it stands out.

If you’re looking for something unique with a great replayability factor – and most of all, lots of fun – then SpiritSphere is worth checking out.

If you want something actively engaging, then this isn’t the title for you. But if you’re happy to let yourself relax and get lost in an intriguing, dark, sometimes funny and always mysterious narrative, then [Knee Deep] is definitely worth picking up.

99Vidas‘ humour can be very hit and miss, and the game’s challenging difficulty level may put some people off. But persist and you’ll find it a rewarding and hugely enjoyable brawling experience that will have you coming back for more, no matter how many virtual teeth you lose.

The post apocalyptic world of Diluvion has a steampunk mixed with sci-fi feel to it, and the story reflects that too. I just wish there was less travelling from A to B, or a busier, more detailed landscape to explore along the way.

The sort of rare failure that makes you look out in awe in its magnificence, knowing you yourself will never reach such an absolute. It is the worst video game I have ever played, period.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a remarkable accomplishment and a truly triumphant return of a storied franchise. Masterfully executed on all fronts, this game will leave a lasting impression on you long after you’re done.

Toby: The Secret Mine can be easily pardoned as a complete larceny of Limbo – but it’s not as simple as that. When Toby does craft its own uniqueness, there is a lot to like.

If you want a quick blast of escapism with a bit of a challenge, then this what you’ll get. Nothing more, nothing less.

Whilst the Final Fantasy series constantly shifts in an attempt to expand its audience, alienating many long-term fans in the process, Tales of Berseria is a love letter to Tales fans, reassuring them that the series doesn’t need to change to remain relevant.

The Flame in the Flood successfully captures the intricacies of a better class of survival games and wraps them in a very neat, very pretty package.

The Lions Song – Episode 2: Anthology is a wonderful second story to this series. Each of its elements – the soundtrack, graphics, story and dialogue – add up to create a wonderful, yet short experience.

If you let it gets its hooks into you, you’ll be able to tolerate its flaws. While it won’t sate hardcore horror fans, Nevermind is visually and thematically striking enough to be worth a look.

Quite frankly, there’s nothing about Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Mega Battle’s creation that feels worthwhile.

Dream Drop Distance is a fine HD remaster, and the game is solid, if not the best of the series. 0.2 Birth By Sleep, on the other hand, should not be missed, and has got me incredibly excited for where the series is going to go next.

The most frustrating thing about playing an indie release like Spheroids is the feeling that the developers were not even attempting to create something fresh or novel.

Between the bland visuals, the uninspired soundtrack, the unoriginal characters and lacklustre plot, Asdivine Hearts offers nothing compelling to fans of the genre.

To play Yakuza 0 is to deeply fall in love with its characters and world; a challenge that many games try to conquer, but only a handful ever manage to actually achieve.

It’s far from perfect, but if you’re willing to overlook its lack of polish and graphical fidelity, Sylvio has a decent experience to offer – especially if you’re a dab-hand at puzzle solving.

Power Hover is one of those rare games that will compel you to go back and try to perfect each level.

Whereas particular genre elements and features make a point of setting it in the past, 2064: Read Only Memories‘ outlook and perspective firmly place it as one of the best point and click adventure games of late.

Offers mindless fun, sure, but there are a slew of other Musou titles also available on PS4, and nearly all of them are superior to this.

While it’s by no means perfect, Tattletail goes beyond mere jump-scares and delivers an experience that is genuinely and persistently frightening.

Afterbirth+ completes the package and in that respect, purchasing it will give you the definitive Isaac experience. But I can’t help but feel that it’s overpriced. A safe tack on to a game that’s finally rounded off, yet somewhat exhausted.

A lot of Epic Manager‘s mechanics, like the map, contract negotiations, and the random encounters are fleshed out and well-designed, but core gameplay elements like the turn-based combat are so simplistic that the game quickly becomes tedious.

For all of Aqua Moto Racing Utopia’s light sense of fun and nostalgic reminiscence of past games like Wave Race 64 and Jet Moto, the act of taking to the waves is unfortunately tarnished by some frustratingly aggressive AI and a general lack of polish.

If you like a good challenge and value quality gameplay over length, which you should, Rise & Shine is a great little title and a great start to the gaming year.

Kamio Recoil has, at its core, a solid concept, yet the execution of this concept is deeply flawed. Its clunky mechanics, awkward controls, infuriating enemies serve to stifle any appeal it might have had.

Think of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone as a massive ‘best of’ compilation of her greatest hits that you can play and you can’t go wrong. It’s the kind of game that you’re likely to revisit for years to come.

Think of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone as a massive ‘best of’ compilation of her greatest hits that you can play and you can’t go wrong. It’s the kind of game that you’re likely to revisit for years to come.

As a whole ,there isn’t much to the core gameplay in terms of variety or depth… At $4, Dustoff Heli Rescue is too expensive for an experience that can be replicated for free on mobile.

Tales of Cosmos is a game which, with a little more thought and attention could be a joy to play. Its frustratingly obtuse puzzles and repetitive space travel eclipse the game’s enjoyable moments. Appealing as Tales of Cosmos may initially be, it remains disappointingly flawed and is best left to drift through the aether.

I think it’s fair to say that Townsmen isn’t going to be the deepest or most engaging game that you’ll play this year, but for me, it still manages to tick the two most important boxes that make me like it regardless.