Zelda meets Dark Souls, Tombwater is a fantastic action adventure set in a Lovecraftian reimagining of the Wild West. Tricky combat is king here, but thanks to difficulty options you can choose to focus on exploring the rich world around you and uncovering its secrets. This is a real hidden gem, and one that really should be on any action-adventure fan's radar.

It’s safe to say that 2K and Visual Concepts have hit the ball out of the park with LEGO 2K Drive. We haven’t had this much fun with an open world racing game since Forza Horizon 4. The racing action is tense and chaotic, the open worlds are a pleasure to explore, and everything is just so varied. Everything pretty much is awesome when it comes to LEGO 2K Drive, resulting in a game that’s fun for all ages and skill levels. And the coup de grâce is the vehicle builder, allowing you to truly let your imagination run wild.

A Way Out is a triumph for co-op games. From the way it's uniquely presented to the way it demands that you work together to overcome problems you can't solve independently, it grabs your attention and doesn't let go until the credits roll. And then you'll probably go back to make different choices during pivotal key scenes to see what you've missed.

Comprised of the base game and both parts of the White March expansion, Pillars of Eternity: Complete Edition surely offers more than 100 hours of gameplay for those who succumb to its charms. That’s exceptional value for money, and with the writing and gameplay being so interesting and entertaining, it’s easy to get sucked in.

A short but focused and utterly compelling experience, This Bed We Made is a mystery that we simply couldn’t pull ourselves away from. As wrong as it feels to be in Sophie’s shoes, snooping into things that didn’t concern us, it didn’t take long for us to be utterly engrossed in the mystery that unfolds. This is a detective game done right, with engaging puzzles and the perfect balance of player autonomy and guidance when you need it. The team at Lowbirth Games has revealed itself to be an incredibly talented bunch of people, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

101 Ways To Die is great fun; each level is superbly crafted and the whole experience is enjoyable. Loading times are almost non-existent and the install size is only notable by the fact that it’s a mere 289mb. How they packed it all in to that, I’ll never understand.

Blending an engaging and often thought-provoking narrative with combat that flirts with both strategy and chaos but always remains fun, Persona 5 Strikers is quite simply one of the best action RPGs I've ever played. If you love the Persona series consider it a must-play, but even action game fans that have never touched a Persona game before might want to give it a try. The combat is a far cry from Omega Force's usual brand of mindless hack and slash; in fact, it's totally unique. And alongside the usual Persona 5 flair such as bold visual design and an utterly sumptuous soundtrack, it creates an experience that could well be one of the highlights of 2021.

As a sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel. It does improve on the formula of the original game in various ways, however, and features a story with more impactful choices. Only some troublesome stealth sections and the odd bug bring it down a little, but it's still a fantastic experience overall.

As long as you know what you’re getting yourself into with Ghostrunner, it might just prove to be your favourite game of the year. It’s certainly the most action-packed and exciting. It absorbs you in a world that’s dripping with atmosphere thanks to its stellar visuals, and its pumping soundtrack makes you uncontrollably tap your feet. The gameplay, though, is what will ultimately make you love it. It might take a few attempts, but when you finally clear a room of enemies in one continuous motion as if it was choreographed for a blockbuster movie, you can’t help but feel a great sense of accomplishment and awe. And Ghostrunner has so many of these moments that you can’t help but love it.

Age of Empires II is a game that has demonstrably lasted the test of time and arguably didn’t need an update; even in its original form it remains a real staple of the real-time strategy genre. However, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition has taken that winning formula and ever-so-slightly tweaked it; not enough to disrupt anything that makes the game some great in the first place, but just enough to bring the game into the modern day.

Remnant II is a best-case scenario for the genre. The anticipated follow-up sequel ups the ambition and it pulls off immensely well, providing one of the best non-FromSoftware Souls games we’ve had yet. It’s the true complex Action RPG without any of the fuss. Co-op play is seamless with getting teammates in and out of the action. Menus are clear and concise while experimenting with builds is a rewarding and deep experience. Environments are tenfold more detailed and exciting than its predecessor, providing some of the best setpieces and boss encounters I’ve seen in a while. Deep too is the lore and exciting world to uncover, all well worth chipping away at. Little is holding it back bar a quality-of-life update or two. Remnant II is golden, magnificently making moves in the now crowded game space it has found itself in.

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.

Combining engaging combat, some of the most thrilling traversal you’ll find in a video game, and a truly rich narrative, there’s very little to find fault with in Dying Light 2: Stay Human. Whether or not you’ve played the first game, if you enjoy open world adventure games – particularly with a touch of horror – Dying Light 2 should be high on your must-play list. With its delays and long development, Techland almost had us worried, but we had no reason to be. It has delivered an experience which might just be one of the best open world games of recent years.

Who knew that combining Scrabble with Balatro would be so compelling? It's a crossover that works so well, and if you're a word game fan, consider Beyond Words an absolute must-play.

Rarely putting a foot wrong in terms of production and storytelling, we’ve loved every moment we’ve spent with The Devil in Me, an absolutely wonderful conclusion to The Dark Pictures Anthology’s first season. Its story is the most captivating and the most well-realised; so much work has gone into crafting characters and locations, and the sheer goriness will delight and horrify in equal measures. Supermassive Games continues to go from strength to strength, and with The Devil in Me, the studio has cemented itself as a master of the horror genre.

If you’re a roller coaster aficionado, theme park sims don’t come much better than this. An incredible amount of work has gone into making Planet Coaster feel at home on console, and Frontier has done a commendable job of doing so without making sacrifices. It looks fantastic, performs admirably, and designing the park of your dreams has never been more enjoyable.

I would compare Clustertruck to a good Monty Python sketch: incredibly silly, beautifully charming and wonderfully crafted.

When I sat down to play Batman: The Enemy Within – Episode 1: The Enigma, I was glued to my seat until its thrilling conclusion. While lengthier than most Telltale episodes, the time still went by in a flash. In the end I was left on tenterhooks, shocked and eager to get stuck into the second part of the story.

If you enjoyed the original Guacamelee!, this sequel is an absolute must. It’s not going to particularly surprise you in any way, but it’s certainly going to have you grinning from ear to ear as you play. Also, if you liked the original Guacamelee! but found its platforming and bosses a little too hard in the latter stages, you’ll find Guacamelee! 2 to be much more enjoyable.

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.

You likely won't have played anything like Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo before. Combining puzzles, combat and adventuring, this game is an utter joy — and using a yoyo as both a weapon and a tool never gets old. Well written and incredibly accessible thanks to its difficulty options, this is a true indie gem.

If you’ve played the hell out of Monster Hunter Rise and are hungry for more, Sunbreak should be considered a must-have. With new monsters, locations, features and more, there’s just so much here that makes this latest Monster Hunter foray a richer, deeper and more enjoyable experience.

Never has putting a family tree together been so much fun. I couldn't put down The Roottrees are Dead once I started playing it, leaving me feeling like a true detective, searching web pages, library archives and more to piece together this intriguing family's history. This is a must-play for any puzzle fan.

Has Gran Turismo 7 fulfilled all of our wildest dreams? Unfortunately not. And for some players the new career structure, unwieldy menus and drone-like A.I. might really knock their duck off. But for those prepared to scratch under the surface and accept that not everything can be perfect, there's one hell of a racing game to be enjoyed here. Although to call it a racing game is perhaps reductive: this is about the love of cars just as much it is about racing them. Whether you want to learn about the history of some of the most iconic cars in the world, take stunning photographs, complete your car collection or race others online, this is the game for you. This is Gran Turismo, and there's nothing else quite like it.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is the kind of gorgeous, wonderful indie gem that leaves you with a huge smile on your face. Whether you’re familiar with the Moomins or not doesn’t matter one jot here as care has been taken to make sure this game is accessible to everyone. Its beautiful art style and equally mesmerising soundtrack will keep you hooked from start to finish — we just wish there was more to enjoy.

With Song of the Deep, Insomniac Games have truly surprised and impressed, and hopefully they will continue expanding their portfolio with similarly leftfield titles in the future.

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

A true hidden gem, Bore Blasters has all the ingredients of an indie classic in the making. The gameplay loop here is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying that we’ve had the pleasure to play, and each new upgrade really does feel like an achievement. Simply put, we can’t get enough of Bore Blasters: we’re going to be returning to it time and time again. And each time, we won’t be able to pull ourselves away.

Minor grievances aside, the fact remains that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is easily the best version of the game. Those who were deterred by it the first time around are unlikely to warm up to it this time, as its divisive battle system remains completely in tact. That being said, the sweeping narrative and endearing cast of characters, alongside the drastically improved character upgrade system, provide an expansive and refined role-playing experience that still manages to charm even a decade after its original release.

It has all the drama you’d want, all the corruption you’d ask for, and the same gameplay as the first, but expanded upon to make it much more enjoyable. The new squad strategy mode is a huge surprise that was neither asked for nor expected, but it gives the game so much more.

Despite its garish, over-the-top veneer, Danganropa V3: Killing Harmony is an emotional, involving, brilliant game that will yank out your heart and run it over with its brightly coloured tricycle.

When it all comes together, Unavowed is practically flawless. In fact, no other point-and-click game has blown my socks off quite like this.

Undoubtedly one of the best family party games we've ever played, LEGO Party! is beautifully presented and an absolute riot to play. With game boards made entirely out of LEGO bricks and a suite of brilliant minigames, it gives Mario Party a good run for its money.

Dredge is one of those rare treasures: a game unlike anything else that completely captures your attention with its intriguing world and simple yet captivating gameplay. We could keep hunting for rare fish forever, and we only wish there were more secrets for us to uncover; new parts of the world for us to explore. But when our only complaint is “we want more of it”, it’s clear we have something rather special on our hands.

It's a shame that GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition has no multiplayer modes, but it's an absolute treat for those happy to race against the CPU. With two meaty modes for players to sink their teeth into, attractive visuals and plenty of options to tweak, this is easily one of the best racing games available on Switch 2.

It packs in a challenging campaign, brought to life with characters that are hard not to love, but it’s the level editor that really sets WarGroove apart. If it’s your jam – like it is mine – then Wargroove offers literally endless potential. And even if level designing isn’t really your thing, it’s still a lot of fun to play around with.

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.

Coming from Mimimi Games, the developer of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, Desperados III is an accomplished real-time tactical stealth game that is practically flawless outside of some minor technical issues. Those seeking a title that they can really sink their teeth into, learning the ins and outs of its world so that they can master it will find a hell of a lot to enjoy here, especially if they resonate with the Wild West theme. Players will need to accept that failure is a part of the process, however, as is dealing with occasionally fiddly controls.

Overwatch may but not 100% perfect, but I haven’t had this much fun in a multiplayer shooter in about a decade.

Due to its extensive range of options and the amount of challenge provided, the highs that can be achieved from being successful in Football Manager 2020 Touch are that much greater than last year’s iteration. And thanks to newly added features to improve the youth team, and a much wider set of goals from the club, that success feels more dynamic than ever before. Football Manager 2020 Touch proves that the series is more than the stuffy old manager with the same ideas that always work; it’s also a young and exciting manager ready to innovate.

Ultimately, if you love horror games, in particular P.T., simply know that you need to play MADiSON. This is the best pure horror game in years, shredding the nerves of even the most brave of souls. It can be a little frustrating when you get stuck on a devious puzzle, but when you finally find the solution it’s very rewarding. No game has horrified us quite as much as this debut from Bloodious. We just hope the studio is ready to follow up with something else even scarier.

Islanders truly is a relaxing, immersive experience that’s so easy to get lost into. The challenge of working out the best location to place a building is endlessly enjoyable, and for puzzle fans there’s even a hint of Tetris as you rotate differently-shaped buildings in order to make them fit perfectly within a space. For players looking for something a little lighter to play, I can’t recommend it highly enough – Islanders is the perfect way to switch off and unwind from the stresses of real life.

City of Lights has some of the best storytelling that Telltale has ever accomplished; it’s no wonder story is what they’re most known for.

In an age where countless games are trying to imitate the past, there’s nothing like having Dragon Quest back where it belongs.

Trials Rising offers phenomenal value for money. The tried and tested gameplay has been refined to perfection, there are more than 100 events on offer, and its multiplayer modes are a blast. Any Trials fan should expect to get dozens of hours of gameplay out of Trials Rising, which is not to be sniffed at.

Proving that a simple concept can be a highly enjoyable one, especially when the element of competition is added into the mix, it’s a game more than worthy of being added to your growing library.

For the budget price that’s being asked for VASARA Collection, it’s an absolute steal.

There's nothing else quite like it on Switch - in terms of presentation nor gameplay. If you're a fan of music rhythm games, Floor Kids sits alongside the likes of Voez and Superbeat Xonic EX as being a 'must have'. In fact, scratch that, if you're simply a fan of games you need to have Floor Kids in your life.

With solid mechanics, one of the most imaginative game worlds we've seen in a long time and a killer sense of humour, Journey to the Savage Planet is pure joy from start to finish.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a unique game that brilliantly blends together action and strategy, resulting in a game that makes you think and keeps you on your toes. Add in sublime enemy design and a wonderful soundtrack, and you have a game that rubs shoulders with the best of 2024 so far.

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.

If you like the idea of a game that defies genres and will constantly take you to places you don’t expect, pick up Inscryption. If you enjoy card-based roguelikes (with some other stuff thrown in), pick up Inscryption. If you want to play something unlike anything else, doing things that most other games wouldn’t dare to, pick up Inscryption. Just… be prepared for the unexpected. Time and time again.

We expected Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge to be good, but instead it’s absolutely outstanding. It’s got character, it’s got charm, and it’s got gameplay that puts up zero barriers. It’s just an absolute blast to play through from beginning to end, whether you’re alone or accompanied by friends. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans will love it. Side-scrolling beat ’em fans will love it. And those who simply like fun will love it. Cowabunga indeed.

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

EA sports F1 25 features the usual iterative improvements when it comes to visuals and physics, and LIDAR technology has been used to make a number of tracks as accurate as can be. But it's the return of Braking Point as well as a substantial overhaul of My Team that really makes this an impressive package, and a must-have for both casual and ardent F1 fans.

Fun, challenging, creative, rewarding; bust out your old sketchbooks and build that dream machine from your childhood.

Lovely Planet Arcade is a twitch shooter that will kick your butt, pat your wounds, and give you butterfly kisses that turn into literal butterflies.

What Darkwood does best, though, is give you a feeling of complete helplessness. The atmosphere, the darkness, the eerie soundtrack, and the design of the monsters you encounter are what make Darkwood one of the most memorable survival horror games I’ve played in recent times. Even after preparing as best you can, you’ll still always feel as though you could’ve done more. Death is always inevitable, but you’ll definitely be ready to jump right back in to try again.

Horizon Zero Dawn might not have needed a remaster, but Nixxes has put in some serious effort to bring this great game bang up to date and make full use of the capabilities of the PS5. And so, whether you're a fan wanting to jump in for another playthrough, or a newcomer to the series, it's a no-brainer.

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

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.

Once the credits roll, you truly get a sensation of closing out the thrilling finale of an action movie. There are very few parts of Blood & Truth that left me wanting.

The Casting of Frank Stone is a surprising treat in numerous ways. It’s longer than I expected, taking somewhere between six and eight hours to complete depending on how thorough you are in exploring each area. I was expecting Dark Pictures length, but this is more on par with The Quarry. It warrants that running time too, packing in a lot of thrills, adventuring and storytelling. It’s also surprising in that it does a fantastic job of pulling you into the world of Dead by Daylight: it might not rely on you knowing much about the universe, but there’s a good chance you’ll come away wanting to play. When it was announced, a collaboration between Supermassive and Behaviour sounded strange, but seeing it come to fruition, it’s nothing less than a stroke of genius.

Avalanche Software and Portkey Games have done an impressive job of creating something original within a much-loved franchise. Hogwarts Legacy is the closest any of us are ever going to get to actually attending Hogwarts, and what a magical experience it is. It’s clear that it’s been created with love, and the attention to detail here is phenomenal. It’s not without its issues, of course, but there’s few that get in the way of the overall experience. It looks gorgeous, it’s a joy to play, and being a wizard is just about as fun as we’d always hoped it would be.

Battlefield is back. While the single-player campaign of Battlefield 6 has its moments, it's pretty mediocre on the whole. Thankfully the game's extensive multiplayer offerings make up for it. The action here is fast-paced and wonderfully intense, making each match rewarding whether you win or lose. Some maps could do with some tweaks, but other than that there's not much to complain about.

The perfect bite-sized adventure that you can pass away an evening or two with, A Tiny Sticker Tale is a must-play for anyone who wants something cosy, laid-back and whimsical to get lost in. Forget violence and fast-paced action: moving stickers around to solve puzzles, while you’ve got a nice cup of tea to hand, is our idea of an ideal evening.

It’s fun because it is good. It’s fast, sharp, intuitive, and an absolute blast. For the price and the replay value, it’s a steal.

One Piece Odyssey is going to be most loved by people who are already invested in the One Piece franchise. Its clever approach to storytelling feels like a ‘greatest hits’ of sorts, and revisiting familiar places and faces is sure to be a joy for any fan. That said, this colourful, lively world is such a pleasure to be part of that even if you’re not well acquainted with Luffy and co, you’ll soon warm to their charm. An excellent blend of combat, adventure and storytelling, this is a JRPG not to be missed.

The aesthetic is beautiful and enchanting. And the storytelling is the crowning jewel of it all.

Clearly inspired by Theme Hospital and Two Point Hospital, Galacticare takes humorous hospital management into deep space. Building the perfect hospital and helping patients from a range of species is every bit as enjoyable as its inspirations, and with high production values, there's a lot to like. Some of its humour might not quite land, but we think if you're a Theme Hospital fan, Galacticare is a no-brainer.

Re:Turn – One Way Trip is filled with unexpected twists and turns, satisfying jumpscares, an eerie atmosphere and a well-written story. There are some moments of awkward dialogue, but it does very little to take away from the story. Discovering what happened to the old passengers of the train and how their experiences effect the characters is good fun. It’s also terrifying, and the perfect title to pick up this Halloween. Heck, it’s perfect for any time really. Just be sure to play with headphones on and the lights off to get the full effect of the scares.

Impeccably presented, The Operator leaves you feeling like a real government agent, solving real crimes and becoming embroiled in a real conspiracy. It's not the longest experience, but we were thoroughly engrossed in every minute of it; our only real complaint is that we were left wanting more.

For fans of puzzle games and visual novels, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is a bit of a treat. It’s a stylish and humorous affair that’s a pleasure to look at and has a fun soundtrack. Only the odd frustration is likely to sully your impression of it, as having to watch the same scenes play out multiple times until you strike it gold with the solution can get a bit tiresome. But overall, these moments are far outweighed by the many bouts of joy you feel as you overcome challenges and unfold the game’s engaging tale.

Dicey Dungeons is a brilliant rouge-like deck-building game full of humour, hard-as-nails gameplay and plenty of replayability. The six playable characters are so different from one another that players are sure to find one that fits how they wish to play the game. Whether you want to be an aggressive warrior or a sneaky thief, there’s something for everyone.

Ascension is at its best when you allow it to wow you, let it win you over… It requires as much patience as the developers had, but it rewards you. With that, Nobunaga’s Ambition: Sphere of Influence – Ascension is a staggering accomplishment, and a pretty darn good game, too.

Tales of Berseria Remastered takes an already great JRPG, tidies up its visuals, and adds some welcome quality of life features. It's the fact that it also includes most of the game's DLC and brings it to more formats that should make it particularly appealing though, especially to newcomers.

With its engaging combat and dark world that begs to be explored, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale is a treat for those who love RPGs they can sink their teeth into. It might not be the deepest in terms of mechanics or character development, but that just adds to its allure, keeping it relatively frictionless. It’s the fact that this is your journey that will really win you over though. Will you rule over Camelot as a tyrant, or try to bring peace to the land? It’s up to you. And there are many other important decisions to be made along the way.

We can certainly see ourselves going back to Little Noah: Scion of Paradise time and again. Its gameplay is simple but engaging, helped along by pleasant and colourful visuals. You’ll quickly care about Noah and her sidekick Zipper, and even when you die you’ll be raring to go again: this is a game that nails the ‘just one more try’ aspect that’s the driving force of any successful roguelike adventure. Little Noah deserves more attention, and with such a low asking price, there’s no reason not to dive straight in.

There’s a charming story and intricate systems that help make it one of the best entries to date. I can’t think of a better way to help celebrate 20 years of this long-running series.

If you appreciate great art and design, and enjoy solving puzzles, don’t even hesitate to pick up Figment. You won’t regret it.

Its black and white presentation and 1930s noir-style storytelling sets it apart from the crowd, as does its unusual cast of characters – teddy bears, robots, talking fish and stuffed giraffes are just a few of who you’ll meet along the way. It’s a shame that only chapter four has achievements, however, as the previous three chapters are just as deserving of your attention. Regardless, if you dig talking bears and puzzle solving, Bear With Me deserves a place in your library.

A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers DLC is a triumph indeed. Max Inferno has drawn on the strengths of the base game and the result is a series of puzzles that, for the most part, shine even brighter than the rest. Sure, once again, not every puzzle has been created equally, with some not hitting quite as hard as others. But there are more than enough fantastic puzzles here to make this a worthwhile purchase for anyone who enjoys sorting and organising.

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.

With multiple endings to discover, Threshold may be short, but chances are you might return to it multiple times. And with its PS1-inspired visuals, it’s truly atmospheric. So, if you’re after a game that genuinely keeps you on your toes, definitely keep Threshold in mind. Ultimately, the question is: what’s more important to you — doing a good job or uncovering the truth?

House of Ashes is by far the best entry into The Dark Pictures Anthology yet. Supermassive Games has outdone itself in terms of visual design, storytelling and pacing, and the result is a game that's absolutely dripping with foreboding atmosphere. The story, playing out over six thrilling hours, keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish – and with so many possible outcomes, chances are you're going to want to jump straight back in. For horror fans, this is an absolute must-play.

If you fondly remember the original Crashday or are in the market for a content-filled, action-packed driving game, you’d be wise to consider picking Crashday: Redline Edition up. It won’t break the bank, but it’s very likely to put a huge smile on your face.

An excellent game for young children, Gabby's Dollhouse: Ready to Party perfectly recreates the popular Netflix series. It looks great, it offers up a wonderful variety of gameplay and minigames, and it's easy to play – even for kids who are playing a video game for the first time. A rare win in the kids' franchise videogame space.

Sometimes, games don’t need to be incredibly complex to be enjoyable, and Eldrador Creatures is a fine example of that.

If you fondly remember any of the Turrican games and long to play them once again, you’d be wise to consider Turrican Flashback a must-have. All of the games in this collection retain their original charm, but are made more playable thanks to revamped control schemes and additional features. It’s not the most generous of offerings when it comes to extras, sure, but when buying just one of these games second-hand costs more than this entire collection, who cares?

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.

Detective Pikachu Returns is, for the most part, a delight. You’re naturally going to get the most out of this game if you’re a Pokémon fan, but even if you’re not, it provides a fun entry point to the world where monsters and humans co-exist. If you’re a seasoned mystery game player, the pace might be a little too slow for you: it’s more about enjoying the story than putting your investigation chops to the test. But if you’re willing to accept that, there’s a great deal of fun to be had here.

It’s a shame that the camera works against you at times, and pretty much all of the content here may be recycled from previous games, but that doesn’t stop Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania from being outrageously entertaining. Also, while the game’s premise is simple, there’s a great level of challenge here that will keep players returning time and time again to master all of the stages on offer. Throw in the party games that each offer their own unique take on Monkey Ball action, and you have a package that’s not to be missed by those who simply like to have fun.

Thanks to its abundance of playable characters, large selection of vehicles and neat Gadget Plate system, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one of the best kart racing games currently available.

The Monster Hunter Stories Collection bundles up two great JRPGs that offer a new way to enter the world of Monster Hunter, now finally playable on PlayStation consoles. Both have thrilling combat systems, and will have you avidly seeking out new monsters to add to your collection. With Monster Hunter Stories 2 not only looking better but also being more fleshed out gameplay-wise and having additional features such as multiplayer, however, some players might just want to pick that up instead.

Inversus packs a lot to love into a little package and it just works. The gameplay is smooth, the mechanics are solid and deep, and the soundtrack is perfectly tuned to the game. I admit that I didn’t catch the bug for Inversus when I first played, but I have it now and I like it.

If you’ve never played Zombie Army Trilogy before and are wanting to pop some undead skulls, you should seriously consider picking this up. Especially if you have like-minded friends to play it with. Hell, even those who have already played it before might get some kicks out of it too. Let’s face it, how often do you get to shoot a zombified Hitler in the face while sitting on the loo? This is a great game, not compromised in any way, now playable absolutely anywhere. There’s little better than that.

There’s a hell of a lot to like about Midnight Fight Express. While it has a few issues that are likely to bring you out of the experience, the fluidity and brutality of the combat will win you over. This is a game that’s simply a joy to play for the most part, with some neat ideas and a beat-heavy soundtrack thrown in for good measure. If you want to beat up large numbers of goons while feeling like a badass, look no further.

If you’re a visual novel fan, or at least open to them, you should definitely give Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! a try. What initially seems like a fairly run-of-the-mill dating visual novel soon takes a turn, and from there you’re left on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next. It won’t be for everyone thanks to its subject matter and the fact that it is indeed a visual novel, but those who do venture out of their comfort zones and see it through to its end will no doubt find it to be a memorable experience.