It serves as a great example of substance over style, but Downwell is perhaps just too one-dimensional to offer the same degree of longevity that other similar titles may offer.

Yeah, Total War: Warhammer is pretty good and a step in the right direction to boot, but I refuse to be dazzled by some stickers when the core game takes only a tiny shuffle forward at best.

Chronicle: Runescape Legends is not just fun but good-looking, easy to play and incredibly addicting.

With its charming 2D graphics and unique premise, My Night Job truly is a game full of character. Unfortunately though, character is not enough to make the game fun or sufficiently engaging to play in the long term.

Despite the few negative things mentioned, Koihime Enbu is still a fantastic anime fighter and a great addition to the fighting genre. All of the different female characters are animated beautifully, the voices are done very well, and overall the gameplay is fluid and nearly perfect. Perhaps a quick ironing out of the strange multiplayer glitch and confusing controls will make Koihime Enbu get its well-deserved spot next to the classic fighting games that we all know and love.

While The Beggar’s Ride does a lot of things quite well, and has some creative and interesting ideas behind it, it just doesn’t do enough for me to get past its one huge flaw – the terrible controls.

It’s a gorgeous game in a simple yet enchanting package, but it’s just a shame that as you unwrap it and delve deeper into its core, you’re left with little but frustration and disdain.

But, as an action-puzzler, Soft Body is great fun and has some incredibly rewarding puzzles – especially when you get into Hard Game and Soft Game+, where you cannot combine your bodies and the game takes on a whole other realm of maddening difficulty.

Despite its simplicity and lack of content, there’s something strangely addictive and compelling about Super Night Riders, something that draws you to it even though on paper you know it’s not very good.

If Cubikolor was about half its asking price on the store, then it may be worth picking up if you’re looking for a new brainteaser to sink your teeth into. As it stands though, there are plenty of other games available that offer a better and broader challenge – and in some cases, at a much cheaper price.

Despite its problematic narrative, Shadwen is a very unique game that breathes new life into a genre that hasn’t seen much development in a while.

If you’re desperate for a new rogue-like, having exhausted all of the more popular choices, you may get a bit of enjoyment out of Virtual Rogue, but for everyone else, there are much better titles out there.

If you’re looking for a super casual, story-driven game to play when you feel like lazing around, Root Double is highly recommended.

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.

In an age where every genre and cult-classic is getting the revision-treatment, Lastfight offers up a unique and nostalgic take on a formula that has been sorely missing this past decade.

I like the ambition of this game. I like the idea behind the game (we need more interactive stories). I even like elements of the execution of this game. But unfortunately, overall, this is a failed experiment. We need failed experiments, however, to pave the way for the successes. So here’s to Deer Man for trying, at least. Now, on to the next one.

With several upgrades applied to your car, Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing can become bearable to play – but that’s just it; bearable. And for it to reach that “bearable” point, you’ve got to put in far more time than your wits can probably handle, so it’s just not worth it.

Between its action-packed campaign and the interesting SnapMap level editor, there’s more here to keep first-person shooter fans occupied than any other game in recent memory, and to put it bluntly, DOOM’s campaign is the most outlandish fun I’ve had with a game up to now during this console generation.

It would be easy to dismiss Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End as a jack of all trades and a master of none, and in terms of gameplay, that would be true. Beyond navigating the environments, nothing is truly exemplary and is mostly fine or good. Thankfully, it’s so much more than that with standard bearing presentation, writing, and acting.

Each of the four chapters ends with a finale that is the best the game has to offer; the fast-paced rhythm is taken to the extreme as everything crumbles around you while you race through the level.

The point-and-click sections seemed lazy and rather poorly thought out; and they’re drawn in black and white, a strange choice for an otherwise beautifully colourful game.

Given Neverending Nightmare’s lack of closure, rather than feeling dead and done about it, it leaves us wondering about the game’s meaning. A cascade of “why” and “how” and multiple theories swirl around our heads like cartoon birds. It’s certainly not an experience I’ll be forgetting about too soon and one that people should play at some point in their lives.

Even those who have never played Snake but like simple arcade-like games will enjoy this one. Pick it up for a lovely, no-stress experience.

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.

There is a surprising amount of content crammed into a deceptively small package, and despite its setbacks, there are plenty of thrills to be found in Corridor Z‘s tight, zombie-ridden corridors.

If you’re looking for a good time, you’ll be pleased to find one in Push Me Pull You, as long as you’ve got friends to share it with.

Those who view the story as a prelude to the many hours that can be spent in the game’s Endless and Challenge modes however, completing speed runs, seeing how long they can last against a constant stream of enemies and beating levels only using swords for example, will find a game with as much longevity as it has originality.

At its most frustrating, I Want To Be Human is at its best… the intense, demanding platforming was superb.

For what it’s worth, this is a game that will please anyone with a passing fancy for puzzle games, and will impress you if given the right situation.

The presentation of The Magic Circle is simple but striking… I would be lying if I said it wasn’t one of the cleverest uses of a retro aesthetic I’ve ever seen.

Valkyria Chronicles was, and still is, one of the best strategy RPGs ever made, and this accomplished and very welcome PS4 port does it the justice it deserves. From its beautiful and timeless visuals to its engaging and often epic battles, everything about the game feels like it has been made with love and care, ensuring every moment spent with it is to be treasured.

It’s fair to say that TASTEE is probably one of the most tactically fulfilling games on the market at the moment, but it’s also incredibly good fun and is not as complicated as it might at first seem.

Don’t skip the dialogue, investigate everything properly, and experience Corpse Party in its full glory.

It’s undeniable though that if you’re after some solid strategy action to exercise both the brain and the thumbs that Samurai Warriors 4: Empires will satiate your desires; just don’t expect it to blow you away.

It’s fast, it’s frantic and it’s hairy, but Neon Chrome will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more!

Unreasonable expectation of perfection aside, Stellaris is a expertly blended mosaic of 4X, grand strategy and self-created narrative. For the relatively small niche that this game occupies, it is the undisputed master and commander.

Really sticks out as one of the best looking pixel art games I’ve played in a while.

Ultimately though [Gear Gauntlet is] really challenging and it’s up to you to decide whether you enjoy this type of punishing, repetitive, retro gameplay experience.

It also has no local multiplayer, which seems bizarre as it would really boost the game’s lifespan but hopefully this will come in a future update. Until then, you may as well give it a try while it’s on PlayStation Plus, however, Table Top Racing: World Tour remains an entirely forgettable experience, full of caveats and missed opportunities.

It probably goes without saying that I enjoyed almost every aspect of Fragments of Him. The only negative is its very short running time, lasting around two hours; I would have loved to go more in depth into Will’s life and the struggles of his friends and family.

It’s hard to recommend Coffin Dodgers to anybody but the most ardent karting game fan who’s desperate for a new title.

Overall, Party Hard is not a game you need to play. There are some fun moments, sure, but predominantly it is boring, which is a cardinal sin when it comes to serial killers.

The story could use a little more depth, but hey; the Super Mario games didn’t have the greatest storylines and they’re still considered to be among the best platformers of all time.

Despite some problems with the pacing during the main campaign, Rocketbirds 2: Evolution is, all in all, a wonderful package.

Actress Again Current Code is an obvious passion project from Arc System Works.

So, The Detail Season 1 isn’t perfect, but what ever is? It fails in some places and shines in others. Despite the clunky gameplay elements, there’s a unique style and an expertly written cast of characters waiting to be uncovered for those who are willing to stick it out. For all its problems, The Detail still has plenty there to make me excited for the next season.

It’s worth every penny.

Whatever magic was left lost in the early 2000s, doesn’t resurface here through CTU. You’re still better off buying a used copy of Swat 4.

If you’re a lucky enough to be in the possession of one of Oculus’ grand creations and are looking for a game that you can really sink your teeth into, look no further; Chronos is what you need. [Tested with Oculus Rift]

Despite the control issues though, Masquerade: The Baubles of Doom is still very much an enjoyable game.

The trouble is, whilst The Park is indeed unsettling, it never reaches the levels of terror that P.T. taught us to expect of a modern day first-person horror title. It’s perhaps not even as scary as Bloober Team’s Layers of Fear. Additionally, over the course of the two hours it’ll take you to complete it, the lack of any substantial gameplay will mean you won’t have really gained anything from playing it: it may as well have been a movie. And there’s zero replay value too.

Its framework is supported so strongly by Dark Souls I that at times I sensed the game desperately wished to recapture the sacred “something” of its predecessor. Having to stand on the shoulders of such a giant is a tough task that Dark Souls III does tremendously well and it provides a fitting conclusion to such a decorated series.

It’s a shame that the bulk of Azkend 2 is hampered by a lacklustre story that feels unnecessary and cumbersome. The actual match-three gameplay is enjoyable, and the mixture of gameplay types on offer add a unique spin on an otherwise tired and overdone genre.

It’s repetitive, unfairly difficult and nauseatingly ugly to the point that it’s hard to tolerate, never mind enjoy, making it one of the most unsatisfying experiences I’ve had in recent memory.

The Minims – A New Beginning is quirky, charming and whimsical enough to delight a lot of players and, while experienced puzzle-solvers probably won’t have any difficulty solving its riddles, it would make an excellent entry into the genre for anyone who’s never tried it before.

This is a superb choice if you’re looking to immerse yourself in something fantastical, slay some insidious foes and lose yourself for an afternoon or two.

There are no secrets and nothing cool to find, just a frustrating design mechanic of incessantly backtracking through areas you have already completed.

[LOUD on Planet X] is predominantly a music game above anything else and a stellar selection of licensed music highlights that rather nicely.

Overall, The Purring Quest is an enjoyable 2D side-scroller made for a good cause.

Although definitely still a niche title, Severed takes one of the oldest and inaccessible genres in video games and reinvigorates it, giving it much wider appeal than its contemporaries such as Demon Gaze and Operation Abyss.

So Wand Wars may not be the perfect game for playing by yourself, but if you grab a couple of your muggles – I mean, friends – to play along with you, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

At large, Abraca seems lacking. Its race mode is incredibly fresh and fun especially if you are able to fill up your couch with other friends, but outside of that core experience there isn’t much to the game.

It has beautiful graphics, a truly intriguing storyline, and just enough creepiness to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re thinking of giving Goetia a try, I’d recommend turning off the lights and playing with headphones to really get the most out of it!

For its low price, there’s plenty of gameplay on offer; it’s a game that will keep you playing for a long time to come.

Adding yet more layers to the web of intrigue, episode two of Blues and Bullets offers us few answers to the questions on our lips at the end of the first episode, but it doesn’t leave you dissatisfied; it just leaves you eager for the next chapter of the chilling and mysterious tale that’s unravelling to arrive. For a story-driven experience, surely that’s the highest praise that can be given.

In its current state, Dead or Alive: Xtreme 3 is a nice game to relax and unwind with, but beyond that it’s a very disappointing and lazy entry into the Xtreme series.

In the modern adulterated world of videogames, it’s nice to still find pleasure in titles like Ratchet & Clank. Though it’s obviously aimed at the younger audience, even seasoned gamers that are into more mature titles would have to have a heart of stone to not find something to enjoy here.

It is a showcase of what could have been inside a lacklustre and ultimately disappointing shooter.

Despite its few issues though, Shred It! is wonderful little game that’s hard not to love.

It’s the kind of game you decide one evening to chip away at a little bit and then suddenly wonder where all the time has gone.

Alienation is undoubtedly one of the best games currently available on the PS4. Go buy it. Now. You won’t be disappointed.

For those of you out there who have friends across the country who are looking for a brutal throwback to the likes of Smash TV and Gauntlet to waste a few hours in, I suppose you could do worse. Just don’t expect too much from Kill To Collect as it’s certain to not deliver.

The combat is fast paced and really gives the player a feeling of desperation.

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.

The concept is not original, nor is Stories: The Path of Destinies‘ mechanics but there’s just something so endearing about it that makes me love the game that much more.

Taking everything into consideration, Nights of Azure isn’t particularly a bad game, far from it in fact; it’s just not so much of a good one either.

Ace of Seafood is not completely awful, but there’s no ignoring the plethora of issues that plague the experience.

If you like to immerse yourself in tough but rewarding puzzles, pick up Nelly Cootalot. If you want to step into the shoes of a delightful, cartoon pirate – if only for a few hours -pick up Nelly Cootalot. If you want to laugh, smile, and generally have a jolly ol’ time, pick up Nelly Cootalot. You can thank me later.

The full package is great experience and offers plenty of fun, but just don’t go into UEFA Euro 2016 expecting an authentic representation of the competition.

Had this game come to Xbox One before Clockwork Tales, then it may have been a different story, but Artifex Mundi have set their bar rather high, and unfortunately this dated re-release just doesn’t hit the mark.

Risk of Rain mixes the perfect levels of fun and challenge and looks damn good doing it. It’s a bloody good game.

It may be simple, but it has plenty to offer thanks to its addictive gameplay, and its welcome addition of level creation makes for nearly endless replayability. Speedrunners is definitely a must-have game if you want something light-hearted to play with friends, or even make friends with online matches.

Though it’s not a game for everyone, I guarantee that most of you – whether you call them Opal Fruits or Starburst – will be able to get something out of it: even if it’s just that little nostalgic glow you get when you hear that old “Sega” sting and can feel that lovely, curved Mega Drive pad nestled in your teeny child hands…

If you’re looking for an atmospheric, beautifully crafted, nuanced and thoughtful narrative experience, The Banner Saga 2 is a contemporary leader in all of those fields.

Despite Salt and Sanctuary‘s issues, it remains an enjoyable and rather addictive adventure overall.

Into the Stars is a subpar and incomplete product but if you’re the kind of player who has the will to put in a steady investment of time and effort to probe its every nuance and deeper subtlety you might just get that pearl.

Irrespective of its perceived value based on its length and price though, there’s no doubt that Blues and Bullets: Episode One alludes to a series that could be somewhat of a diamond in the rough, and I for one am keen to see as to how it develops.

Soda Drinker Pro is merely an abonination which exists, and really shouldn’t exist.

Given the number of indie titles available these days, Organic Panic! does enough to deserve a place near the top of the pile as it’s more than just another platformer; it’s inventive, amusing and a joy to play.

When you take everything into account, UnEpic on the PS Vita is quite a nice little port. Sure, the framerate sometimes struggles, and you don’t quite have as much information available to you in an instant, but the game feels right at home on the handheld, and the refined visual presentation is a boon.

It would take ages to explain every element of Gremlins Inc. so I won’t try. My recommendation would be to get it yourself if you’re interested in strategy board games that you can play with your friends.

The thing that really stands out about Rise of the Tomb Raider is that you care about the characters at all.

The final two games step forward and show their well-polished improvements with graphics that laugh in the face of many 2015 releases.

[Protoshift] is the Flappy Bird of the indie games scene.

The look of this game is nothing short of stunning… Each detail is carefully designed and thought out with a charming feel to it overall.

While the platforming elements themselves are basic it is the addition of outside forces that make ADIOS truly unique.

[Arslan is] not really that different from those that have come before it, but the focus on story leads to missions that feel more urgent and engaging.

The sound from completing a panel is extremely satisfying, and I’ve followed it with a victory dance more times than I’d like to admit.