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

It’s clear that Open Roads is a passion project, one filled with personal touches, love and its team’s personality. But it’s also a triumph: Tess and Opal’s story is gripping, and you’ll eat up every minute of their road trip mystery, hanging onto every word of their conversation. Add to that a unique and beautiful art style, some incredible voice performances and so many nostalgia-inducing objects to nosy at, and you’re left with a truly memorable experience. It’s just a shame that it’s all over so very, very quickly.

There’s no doubt that some will absolutely love what The Last Case of Benedict Fox: Definitive Edition sets out to offer. It is genuinely unique, and you might feel a pull to bring the case to an end in spite of its many issues. It is a bit of a mess, though, both technically and mechanically, and it’s telling that there are options to trivialise both the game’s combat and puzzles. Still, they help make completing Benedict’s last case more palatable, and that’s all you can ask.

It’s safe to say that Frontier has done a fantastic job bringing Planet Zoo: Console Edition to life. Playing on console is just as joyous as playing on PC, even if it may take a little while to get used to the controls. It’s intuitive enough, though, and it’s a game worth persevering for: growing your own zoo, seeing your animals thrive in your built environments and watching your visitors have a jolly old time in your park is endlessly rewarding.

South Park: Snow Day is, ultimately, a huge disappointment. This is so far removed from The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole that it really shouldn’t be considered to be related to them in any way. Sure, there’s a glimmer of trademark South Park humour here, but it’s not enough to make the repetitive, dull and painfully scrappy gameplay any more enjoyable. This is a snow day you can safely sit out of: stay home and play Stick of Truth again instead.

It’s safe to say that Rise of the Ronin is perhaps Koei Tecmo’s largest and most ambitious game yet. There’s tens of hours of fun to be had here, living out your fantasy life as a Ronin. Who you ally yourself with and how you develop your character is up to you, and with so many options, you could have a very different experience compared to a friend who is also playing. It’s just a shame that its open world areas aren’t a little more interesting; it ends up diluting the experience on the whole. Still, whether you love open world games, action RPGs or simply like the idea of being a samurai, Rise of the Ronin is worthy of your attention.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a huge upgrade over its predecessor, offering a grander adventure that’s full of choice, consequence and discovery. Every journey you make, big or small, has the chance to be full of wonder, whether it’s due to finding valuable loot or encountering a fearsome enemy that’s rewarding to combat. Its lack of hand-holding in some regards still might deter some players, but for those who value a sense of adventure, Dragon’s Dogma 2 might just end up being the highlight of 2024.

Alone in the Dark isn’t flawless, but it’s definitely one of the best entries in the series so far and an accomplished reimagining. Its story will keep you on your toes, even if sometimes you might feel like it could have a little more fleshed out. And while the game’s combat doesn’t impress, the oppressive atmosphere throughout is effective at keeping you on edge. Throw in a bucketload of enjoyable puzzles to overcome, and you have a survival horror that’s well worth spending some time with.

If you’re the type of person who gets a kick out of design and renovation, you’re likely going to love Hotel Renovator. It scratches that cosy simulator itch, providing you with repetitive but wholesome tasks to complete. Random events and the odd injection of humour aims to mix things up, but ultimately, Hotel Renovator is at its best when you’re knee-deep in redesigning a hotel room, making everything beautiful and just how you want it. Bliss.

It seems Time Rift slipped under the radar when it first launched back in 2022. With this PS5 release, it deserves a second chance: this is a clever and challenging fast-paced puzzler, packed with excellent ideas that really make you think about your actions. The best part? It’s only £7.99. A bargain for numerous hours of thrilling puzzle action.

Between its bugs and its busywork, Outcast – A New Beginning does feel a tad dated. But it’s charmed us with its characters, combat and a world that, thanks in part to your jetpack, is a joy to roam. [Review in Progress]

There’s nothing else like Melatonin. This is a gorgeous rhythm game about dreams and the meanings within them — but even if you don’t want to read into it, there’s so much to enjoy in its challenging rhythm-based levels and pastel-coloured hand drawn art. Even if you find it tough, it’s an experience worth sticking with. You won’t regret it.

Contra: Operation Galuga is a treat for both fans of Contra and run ‘n’ gun shooters in general. And thanks to its Perk system and multiple difficulty levels, it’s one of the most accessible entries in the genre. An absolute blast from beginning to end, Contra: Operation Galuga’s campaign might be quite brief, but with its additional modes and wealth of unlockables, there’s hours upon hours of arcade fun to be had here.

If you fancy a sandbox where you can design exteriors of homes, cafés, hotels – whatever you want, really – SUMMERHOUSE is a seriously cool one. It’s as basic as they come, but there’s charm in its simplicity. Nothing to bog it down: just you, some design tools, and whatever you want to create.

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.

With several different modes and solo and online play at your fingertips, Quilts and Cats of Calico is the type of game you can go back to again and again. Challenging yet wholesome, we love its unique brand of puzzle that manages to test your brain while also providing an ideal tool for relaxation. Whether you’re familiar with the Calico board game or not, this is a PC puzzler worth checking out.

Ultimately, The Outlast Trials finds itself in a bit of an awkward spot. It doesn’t quite hit the mark as a single player game, though playing alone is where the true horror lies. Play it with others, and while you’re likely to have more fun, it comes at the expense of atmosphere and scares. For many though, repetition is likely to be the biggest issue with The Outlast Trials; sneaking around in the dark is only fun for so long, after all. Still, that’s not to say this experiment is a total failure — it has a lot to offer for those who do find enjoyment in its grotesque endeavors.

There’s a lot to like about Ufouria: The Saga 2, and its ridiculously cute art style is only the tip of the iceberg. This is a clever platformer that rewards exploration, and wandering around the game’s intertwined world remains a joy, even when you’re revisiting the same areas multiple times. We dare you to try and find something cuter than this: it really is in a fluffy league of its own.

For much of Reveil we were worried that it was just going to be another bog-standard first-person psychological horror game, but it’s safe to say that its late-game twist saved it. And so while it’s not all that scary, and the voice acting of the main character somewhat ruins the atmosphere at times, it’s still very much worth a play if you’re a fan of the genre or just enjoy a good story that throws you a curveball.

If you thrive on arcade shooters that can be returned to again and again, Akka Arrh has a lot to offer. It can feel a little messy and unfair at times, but it’s an original concept that keeps you on your toes. And when you get into the zone it’s easy to get entranced by its abstract art style and unique soundtrack.

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.

It has some issues that can frustrate, mechanically it can take some getting used to, and it could do with a patch or two to clear up some unfortunate bugs, but Penny’s Big Breakaway has a lot of charm which sees it pull through the other side. If you’re a fan of 3D platformers, especially those with unique quirks and gimmicks, chances are you’ll absolutely love what Penny’s Big Breakaway has to offer. It’s certainly a solid debut from Evening Star, and we can’t wait to see what the studio does next.

Whether you’re a fan of WWE or wrestling in general, WWE 2K24 is pretty much a must-have. As ever, it’s a comprehensive package that has something for everybody, and with its enhanced gameplay and expanded creativity options, it’s a title that you’ll likely go back to again and again. It’s assuredly the best WWE game in a very long time — and might actually be a contender for the title of best wrestling game ever.

Expeditions: A MudRunner Game succeeds in being a more varied, interesting and accessible entry in Saber’s Runner series, although it’s still on the challenging side and has niche appeal. We’ve had a great deal of entertainment from it though, and will continue to do so — it’s 70-plus expeditions present a seriously considerable time investment. With DLC and a co-op mode to come, it’s likely to get even better, too. Ultimately, it’s not for everyone. But for those who dream of navigating harsh environments in an assortment of vehicles, it’s a blast.

If you love all things retro, or are mad for beat ’em ups with high skill ceilings, you might get a good kick out of Slave Zero X. For many, though, tedium is likely to set in pretty quickly, and frustration might be felt regularly too. It’s the type of game that draws you in and makes you want to like it, but then often fights you and pushes you away. We’d certainly be up for a sequel that refines what’s on offer here and expands upon it.

Keep your expectations in check for Welcome to ParadiZe, and there’s some fun to be had here. It’s marred with some technical issues and the odd bug but ultimately, exploring its world with your pet zombies in tow is, against the odds, entertaining enough to keep us playing — especially if you’ve got a co-op buddy along for the ride.

Dicefolk is the type of game we can see ourselves going back to again and again. It’s going to appeal to fans of deckbuilding roguelikes, but its Pokémon-like twist — and the fact you’re rolling dice instead of playing cards — helps it stand out from the crowd. It’s challenging but addictive, which just so happens to be the perfect combination for a game like this.

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

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake feels like a missed opportunity to build on the unique concept of the original game. It could have been expanded with new scenes and situations to provide fresh new challenges and keep players on their toes. Given the success of A Way Out and It Takes Two, more work could have been done to make its co-op mode much more intuitive and enticing, too. As it is, it’s successful in beautifying the original game but nothing more, unfortunately.

Picross isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of these taxing logic puzzles, you’ll love Piczle Cross: Story of Seasons. There’s no farming sim elements here: just hundreds of well made, fun to solve puzzles. And for a picross game, that’s exactly what we want.

If you’re looking for a happy go-lucky adventure, this is not it. Framed through the eyes of this young girl, Torn Away lets you experience a distressing, personal slice of an already disturbing period of history. Is it heartwarming? Hardly. But it’s honest, heartfelt and, in a grim enough way, entertaining. When you’re dealing with a topic like this, what more could you ask for?

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

Even with its areas not entirely remembering what you’ve done on a previous visit, however, Promenade is still a joy to play. It looks gorgeous, has a neat soundtrack, and is full of variety. What other game can you think of where you can go from finding chickens to playing a sneaky game of space invaders within minutes? If you love platformers, especially those that require you to collect things, consider Promenade a must-play.

Please Touch The Artwork 2 is a short experience, but one that leaves a lasting impression. It’ll likely only take you an hour or so to complete the game, unless you’re determined to not utilise the hint system. Either way, it’s bite-sized creative fun — and best of all, it’s completely free. You simply can’t beat it.

While Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator’s longevity feels somewhat artificially expanded, as you’ll need to repeatedly wait for seeds to spawn randomly, we can’t lie: we’ve had a lovely time tending to our flowers and seeing our garden take shape. The story mode has a good sense of progression, and reaching the next goal or meeting a new character is always a cause for celebration. We wish there wasn’t a limit on how many plants we can have, though.

We absolutely loved Final Fantasy VII Remake, but it's safe to say that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth surpasses it in every possible way. It's a masterpiece. It tells a grander tale, with more twists and turns that keep you on your feet. And while some new story elements may rub some players up the wrong way, they keep things feeling fresh, and make us keen to see where Square Enix will take things next. Ultimately, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has exceeded our expectations, building on the original game and indeed Final Fantasy VII Remake, delivering a sequel that feels bigger and better in all regards.

qomp2 isn’t a game for everyone. While it may be a sequel to Pong, it lacks the raw simplicity of the original. And while some may fall in love with its strange premise and unique gameplay, others are likely to simply see it as a source of frustration.

If you fondly remember Mario vs Donkey Kong from its Game Boy Advance iteration, we’ve no doubt you’ll get a kick out of seeing it with a gorgeous, fresh coat of paint. You still will if you’re a newcomer: it’s a treat for the eyes, but it’s also a fun little puzzle game to pick up for 10, 20 minutes at a time. It’s not going to set your world on fire, but those mini Marios are sure to put a smile on your face for a little while.

No two games of Balatro are ever the same, which is only one of the reasons why we love this poker roguelike so much. Sure, it’s annoying if your run doesn’t get off the ground — it’s easy to fail early on if you can’t get your hands on a good Joker. But when you’re in the swing of things, scoring tens of thousands with just one hand, you’ll feel like the most powerful card baron there ever was. Simple and devious, Balatro is, quite frankly, brilliant — and I’m going to be playing this for months to come.

Server issues aside, which eventually should be eliminated, jump into Helldivers 2 and you’re bound to have a good time. Its battles are challenging and engaging, it’s got a fun sense of humour, and it’s rewarding seeing your war efforts pay off. Whether you find yourself fighting against fearsome automatons while waiting for your flag to be raised, or squashing bugs while racing to take down an illegal radio signal, chances are you’ll have a big grin on your face while doing so. And that’s what really matters. Helldivers 2 isn’t particularly big or clever, but boy, is it a lot of fun.

These classics look great with their updated visuals, and while tank controls in 2024 sound like a pain, they inexplicably add to the charm of each title, making you take time to survey your environment, consider your actions and simply enjoy your surroundings. But our biggest take away from all of this? We really hope Lara’s next installment returns to her roots, valuing exploration and discovery over shootouts.

The sheer amount of puzzles on offer here is incredible, without ever being overwhelming. There’s a solid sense of progression, with goals to work towards – but you’re also free to explore however you wish, tackling the puzzles that interest you and, for the most part, ignoring the ones you don’t enjoy as much. It’s already great but with a few updates over time, Islands of Insight could really be something special.

Banishers: Ghost of New Eden isn’t the most polished game out there. With a love story at its heart that asks you to ponder the morality of your choices throughout, however, you can’t help but be drawn into its world. It also helps that it’s a game filled with variety; exploration is finely balanced with combat and investigation to create an experience that keeps you on your toes and stops tedium from seeping in, even though none of those three aspects are particularly impressive by themselves. Basically, it’s greater than the sum of its parts, especially if you get on board with the tale it wishes to tell.

We feel like Ultros is destined to become a cult classic. It will undoubtedly be loved by some, but many will find it overly vague in terms of story and direction to leave a lasting impact. It has some interesting ideas, a stunning visual style and a neat soundtrack, but the further you progress, more and more frustrations are likely to creep in, undermining them all. Add in the combat which doesn’t really go anywhere during your adventure, leading it to eventually become stale, and you have a game that doesn’t live up to its potential.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash is very much a missed opportunity to capitalise on a popular franchise. It’s a brawler that fails to get the most important thing right – making its combat dynamic and interesting – and also makes a litany of other errors along the way. And so, while some die-hard fans may eke some enjoyment out of it, we can’t really recommend it at all.

It may not be quite the leap forward that some would expect from a fully-fledged sequel, but it can’t be denied that Under Night In-Birth 2 Sys:Celes is still an accomplished fighting game. With its expanded roster, new mechanics and implementation of valued features such as rollback netcode, this is an enticing offer for series fans. And while newcomers might have a hard time when dipping their toes into its online offerings, it at least offers a myriad of ways for them to improve their skills.

CLeM isn’t a very long game: you’ll finish it in around three hours, much less if you know what you’re doing with all the puzzles. Short but sinisterly sweet, then, it’s just the right length to fit in a good amount of puzzles without overstaying its welcome. If you’re a fan of Mango Protocol’s other games – or indeed anything with a slightly dark undertone – you’ll love this.

Being a live-service game with plenty of content to come post-launch, it’s impossible to say right now whether Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will have legs. There’s certainly the possibility of it getting better in the future, if missions can be made more interesting and loot can lead to more unique builds. At the moment, though, when the campaign is the main focus and there’s limited endgame content, it’s hard to not be disappointed by what’s on offer. This isn’t a bad game by any means, but poor mission variety and some other minor issues really do suck much of the fun out of it.

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

Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal is a superb Switch stealth outing, especially if you get your kicks from hiding in plain sight. Its price tag, a good chunk of cash more than the mobile version, may raise an eyebrow or two. But with so many ways to dispatch your thoroughly deserving targets you’ll get your money’s worth out of this murder-em-up.

Our only real reservation about Boxes: Lost Fragments is how close it is to The Room. But should we really chastise it for taking heavy inspiration from a classic puzzle game? Whatever the answer, we can’t deny that this is a beautiful, clever puzzle game that’s provided us with a few hours of engaging gameplay. The puzzles here are excellent, and it’s a visual treat.

While it can be a little ham-fisted with its messaging, Silent Hill: The Short Message is a suitably dark and disturbing experience that certainly captures the look and feel of Silent Hill. Those who dig into it will find that it offers an interesting take on how these stories can occur outside of the actual town of Silent Hill, too. In any case, for the price of free, it’s hard to complain about a short horror experience that is as good as (or better than) most of its ilk released at a cost.

Those expecting a traditional RPG experience from Granblue Fantasy: Relink might be left disappointed, with developer Cygames instead opting to offer something a little more succinct. It's hard to not get drawn in by the game's story, though, especially when it's backed up by such engaging action, which stands head and shoulders above most in the genre. So, whether you're an existing fan of Granblue Fantasy or not, if you like the idea of playing through the best bits of an epic RPG campaign and then absorbing yourself in hours of additional quests alone or with others, you'd be wise to give this a look.

Even with the issues you can pick at in this remake, though, there's no denying that Persona 3 Reload is one hell of game. Its story is as engaging as ever, and now its gameplay has been notably improved, giving you more options in combat and out. Along with the new visuals and soundtrack, Persona 3 has never looked, sounded or played as good. It's just silly that it's arrived so close to the remaster of Persona 3 Portable: if you've played that recently, it might not grab your attention throughout due to its authenticity. For those who are yet to jump in or are keen to relive the classic yet again, however, simply play and enjoy.

You can finish the game in two to three hours, but it’s just the right length for this slice of suspense (and the game’s £8.49/$9.99 price tag). Engaging and shocking in equal measure, Bahnsen Knights is a wild ride you won’t regret taking.

Lil’ Guardsman is so much fun to play. Players will be laughing out loud from the very beginning and will enjoy the fun references and silly jokes throughout. And those that like to play games multiple times will be able to see all of the different options and outcomes. Sure, this is a pretty easy game, but for something that’s mostly about the story and the characters, we didn’t find this too disappointing. If you’re looking for a relaxing, funny time, Lil’ Guardsman is well worth picking up.

If you enjoy seeking and finding, you’ll get a big kick out of playing Hidden Through Time 2: Myths and Magic. With more than 30 beautifully designed environments, there’s plenty to keep you searching – and when you’ve had enough, you can try your hand at making your own levels. Sure, it’s not going to be for everyone, but if hunting out objects is your jam, there are several hours of fun to be had here.

The biggest Yakuza game to date, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth certainly doesn’t disappoint. While its story is somewhat hampered by frequent diversions to introduce new mechanics or side-content, there’s still plenty to keep you gripped. And while we have to admit that we enjoy the combat more when it’s action-based, the turn-based system here is entertaining. In any case, Infinite Wealth delivers exactly what you’d expect by now: a lengthy story full of surprising twists and turns that manage to elicit a wide range of emotions, and a ridiculous volume of side content that will keep you playing long after the credits have rolled – or simply delay that from happening.

Taking into consideration its wealth of content and aggressive combat system, it’s clear that Tekken 8 is one of the best fighting games around. With its numerous single-player modes and online offerings, there’s something here for everyone. And its character roster should be applauded for its depth and variety. Above all, though, Tekken 8 succeeds because it’s simply such good fun to play. Stunning visuals work with its clever camera to inject battles with genuine drama. And thanks to more accessibility options than ever, more players can have fun whether they’re a seasoned pro or an absolute newcomer.

Throw in additional unlockable Crumblings (and the promise of more), and you’ve got a game that’s wonderful wall-to-wall whimsy. Crumbling is best enjoyed in bites – you’re not going to spend an entire day pottering around the toy shop – but it’ll leave you with a smile every time. If you’ve got so much as a single action figure, Skylander or Amibo sitting on your shelf, Crumbling is for you.

As a whole, Home Safety Hotline doesn’t outstay its welcome, and it’s an absolute treat for lovers of folklore or fans of the uncanny. I never thought I’d say it, but this is one call centre I’ve absolutely loved clocking into.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is a bit of a no-brainer for fans of the series – it’s three more solid entries enhanced for modern consoles alongside a wealth of extras and quality of life improvements. What’s not to love? Saying that, however, we’re of the opinion that this offers the weakest selection of games when it comes to the three collections now available. If you’re new to the Ace Attorney series, perhaps start with the Phoenix Wright Trilogy or Great Ace Chronicles, then think about picking this one up.

Short but entertaining, there’s a lot to like with The Cub. Its post-apocalyptic world is fascinating, and getting to collect numerous artefacts gives good reason to poke around off the beaten path when you’re given the opportunity. The platforming here is fun and varied, mixing up fast-paced running-and-jumping with more measured stealth sections. Sure, there’s the odd frustration – but that comes with the territory of 2D platforming. This is a fun way to spend a few hours – particularly if you enjoyed the atmosphere of Golf Club Nostalgia.

Whether you're brand new to The Last of Us Part 2 or already own it on PS4 and are upgrading to this remastered version for the extra bells and whistles, you're in for a treat. Thanks to the visual and performance improvements, there's no better way to experience the grim, shocking and sometimes uncomfortable story of The Last of Us Part 2. And once that ordeal is over, a great effort has been made here to allow you an interesting insight into the game's development. It's the elements here that allow you to extend your play that really make the difference, though. From new unlockable outfits to the brilliant No Return roguelike mode, chances are you'll keep playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered long after the credits have rolled.

Having been away from our consoles for some 14 years, we’re glad that Prince of Persia has made a return. And while we’d welcome another 3D action adventure entry with open arms, Ubisoft’s choice to adopt a 2.5D Metroidvania format for this foray is a shrewd one. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has everything you’d expect of a Prince of Persia game, from tense, thoughtful combat to challenging platforming. Yet thanks to its youthful flair and genre-shift, it feels fresh and unlike anything else currently in the Ubisoft library. For Prince of Persia fans and those who enjoy Metroidvanias in general, this is very much worthy of a recommendation.

That’s really the problem here – Detective: Stella Porta Case is just too rough around the edges to really stand out. To say this is a solo dev project it’s a commendable effort, but it doesn’t make for the most fulfilling experience as a player. It’s janky and barebones, and the frustration of figuring out each crime’s timeline outweighs any satisfaction you might feel from cracking the case.

But if you’ve played Saints & Sinners, and can forgive the Quest 2 version’s occasional graphical shortcomings, you’ll be in zombie-wrangling heaven with this follow-up. Being knee deep in the dead has rarely been this much fun.

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

Is Iron Man VR the best VR superhero game out there? No – that honour has to go to Megaton Rainfall. But it’s still up there, and thanks to the Quest 2’s superior tracking, this is a much better experience than it was on PSVR. And so, you’re a Meta Quest 2-owning Marvel fan, you won’t regret stepping into Tony Stark’s iron underpants.

A few niggles aside, PowerWash Simulator has translated very well to virtual reality. Getting into the nitty-gritty of cleaning the town of Muckingham is just as enjoyable and relaxing as ever, offering upwards of 20 to 30 hours of gameplay in the main campaign alone. Despite a few wonky controls and mechanics, PowerWash Simulator VR is just as fun as its flat screen counterpart – and every bit as addictive. Just don’t look down when you’re standing on a ladder.

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

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

Whether you should pick up Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising ultimately depends on how you plan to play it. While there is enough content and modes here to keep single-player focused gamers entertained for a good number of hours, it’s those who are unafraid to go up against others online that will no doubt get the most out of it. From its rollback netcode to its new lobby system and Grand Bruise mode, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising’s online offerings are comprehensive, making this an attractive package for those with a competitive streak.

With the Metroidvania genre seemingly being one of the most popular right now, fans are stacked with choices when it comes to what to play. And while Cookie Cutter might not be at the top of the pile, it does stand out for a number of reasons. Its hand-drawn art is wonderful to behold, and its punk spirit will no doubt be very attractive to some. Then there’s the combat, which has its issues but is mostly chaotic in the best way. Ultimately, then, while it’s not going to win any awards, you could do a lot worse than spend time with Cookie Cutter.

A marked improvement over the already-beloved House Flipper, House Flipper 2 allows you to get more immersed in the relaxing thrill of house renovations than ever before. Some quality of life changes take previous frustrations away, streamlining processes and allowing players to focus on what’s important. That, coupled with a face lift that makes House Flipper 2 look absolutely gorgeous, makes this a must-play for any sim fan. If only cleaning and renovating my real-life house was so enjoyable.

Would I call The Sims 4: For Rent a must-have expansion? Not quite: this is certainly one for more advanced players with a learning curve steeper than most other Sims expansions – although some of its features make for very welcome additions to the game. Finally being able to rent before buying leads to more realistic play, for example. And the town of Tomarang is simply beautiful. If you’ve ever dreamed of being an evil landlord or nightmare tenant, For Rent offers the tools to live out those twisted fantasies.

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

It’s a shame that the combat of Born of Bread only feels half-baked, as it brings down what is otherwise a relatively entertaining adventure. Though while it might prove to be too irksome for some players, those who can at least tolerate it will find that the positives of the game outweigh the negatives on the whole, resulting in an RPG with plenty of charm and some genuinely funny moments.

If you're a fan of Ubisoft's open world formula, you're going to love Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. No, it doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it doesn't have to. The gorgeous world of Pandora makes for a fantastic playground that simply begs to be explored. And if that's not enough, you've got some epic set pieces, an enjoyable story and a great variety of side content to look forward to, too. It's open world game 101, and I'm just fine with that.

Whether you’re having a gathering with your friends over the holidays or arranging an online games night, make sure Make Way is top of your playlist. This wonderful little game turns a very simple idea into a moreish, devilish and absolutely riotous multiplayer experience that will keep you coming back for more. It’s just a shame that not everything is unlocked at the outset so we can go full-on carnage right away – but we can’t have everything.

Thanks to being able to jump in for free, you can’t really go wrong with Pinball M. Featuring the same solid physics as found in Pinball FX along with its its comprehensive list of play modes and features, this is yet another stellar pinball offering by Zen Studios. Jump in and give the free table a go, then if any of the DLC tables pique your interest, expand your game as you see fit. Best viewed as a companion to Pinball FX, it’s going to be interesting to see which tables based on more mature properties are added in the future.

A lengthy game with puzzles around every corner, The Talos Principle 2 is another triumph for Croteam. We wondered how the developer would top the phenomenal first entry in this mind-boggling series, and it’s done so by providing a veritable feast of varied and engaging puzzles, backed up with thoughtful philosophy and stunning visuals that heighten its light exploration elements. If you play just one puzzle game this year make it this one. In fact, we’d go as far to say that The Talos Principle 2 is one of the best puzzle games of all time.

Thanks to the change in genre, some fans of the original Valfaris might not get on all that well with this sequel. Being a side-scrolling shooter, no longer can players control the pace or take time to explore. Those who mostly charmed by the game’s metal-themed visuals and head-banging soundtrack, however, will be similarly won over by Valfaris: Mecha Therion. This is a fantastic shooter that never lets up. And thanks to its varied arsenal and upgrade options, you’ll likely return to it time and time again.

A great city-building game for beginners who don’t want to be bogged down with complicated systems, there’s a lot to like about SteamWorld Build. It isn’t so simple that it’s boring: the balance between your surface-level town and the mines below means there’s always something to do. Add in the fact that objectives always give you something to work towards, and you’ve got an engaging little timesink with a great sense of progression.

There’s not much to Evil Diary – it’s simple to a fault – but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t somewhat enjoy it while it lasted. It’s less than an hour of action, but shooting your way through apocalyptic enemies is always fun – and it turns out sawing through them as a duck with a chainsaw is even better.

Pick up Gangs of Sherwood and you might get a few hours of entertainment out of it, especially if you play it with friends. Ultimately, though, this is a mediocre action game with a litany of issues ranging from unbalanced characters to sub-par presentation. For that reason it’s difficult to recommend, even if you’re intrigued by its visually fresh take on the legend of Robin Hood. Though to be honest, this doesn’t feel like a Robin Hood game at all. There’s little stealing from the rich to give to the poor here. And aside from Friar Tuck, his band of merry men doesn’t really seem all that merry.

It’s simple: if you enjoyed Dredge, you’ll enjoy The Pale Reach. While this DLC doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers a solid reason to return to one of this year’s best indie games. It’s a fairly small expansion, but for a budget price you’re getting new mysteries to unravel, new fish to catch and a new area to explore – what more could you want?

Jurassic Park Classic Games Collection is a bit of a disappointment on all fronts. The games themselves just aren’t all that fun to play any more. And even if you do manage to eke some entertainment out of them, the package overall is very basic, with no museum-like content or extras to make the games more appealing to return to. Unless you’re an ardent Jurassic Park fan hellbent on having access to these games on modern formats, you’d be wise to think twice before parting with your hard-earned money.

Invincible Presents: Atom Eve proves to be an enjoyable journey whether you’re familiar with the world of Invincible or not. It’s got good writing, beautiful art, and challenging encounters that really make you think about your actions. Sure, you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the comics or watched the show, but anyone that appreciates a good visual novel or wants to delve into the life of a teenager with the added burden of super powers will find a lot to love here.

The farming/life sim space is bursting, and with many games offering a similar premise it’s hard for anything to truly stand out. Indeed, on paper Coral Island sounds very much like any other. But in practice, it’s one of the most satisfying games in the space and one I know I’ll be going back to for months to come. It looks fantastic, it offers a robust mission system coupled with endless player freedom and has some genuinely unique ideas to boot. What more could you want?

Something a little bit different from Puppet Combo, Christmas Massacre puts the shoe on the other foot, putting you in the position of power in a retro-horror setting. You’re the killer here. You’re the villain. Instead of fighting for your own life, you’re seeking to put an end to others’. It proves to be a challenging and morbidly enjoyable endeavour, even if the the game itself isn’t the most mechanically robust. If you’ve got the stomach for it and enjoy the macabre, Christmas Massacre is definitely worth giving a go. At the very least, it’ll let you release some steam if you get stressed this Christmas.

For fans of the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre, Chipmonk! is likely to be an interesting curio. After all, how many other games allow you to take control of warrior chipmunks battling against a range of other animals? It does feel rather dated though, very much taking inspiration from the true classics of the genre and not having ambitions to further them in any way. The result is a game that will be a hard sell for many, especially if they’re not instantly drawn in by the animal shenanigans.

If your child is a Bluey fan, they are going to absolutely adore Bluey: The Videogame – it’s as simple as that. An art style that matches the cartoon and the use of original voice actors make this an authentic experience, with simple and well-considered gameplay that’s enjoyable for players of any age. Yes, this is an experience aimed at the youngest players – but even as adults, we’ve had some fun with this. It’s a game you’re going to be more than happy to play with your kids, let’s put it that way.

I haven’t played anything as delightfully Christmassy as Lake: Season’s Greetings, and for that it’s an absolute success. It’s just a shame that the stories around Providence Oaks haven’t been quite as compelling as those in the main game, making it more of a slog to get through. Still, I’m glad to have seen Providence Oaks covered in snow: simply beautiful.

Cute, joyous and packing in an important message to boot, I adore Loddlenaut. This is the epitome of relaxing, stress-free gaming, with the only thing you need to worry about being keeping your oxygen topped up. Cleaning up the oceans is fulfilling in a way that few video games are – and getting to interact with the adorable loddles is simply a bonus you’re going to want to keep coming back for.

Taking six to eight hours to complete, I’ve blasted through American Arcadia in just two sittings, being utterly gripped the whole time. The side-scrolling platforming and first-person puzzle gameplay blend together seamlessly, with the story here being king. Despite a few small presentation issues that need ironing out, the gameplay here is flawless – and jumping from Angela’s first-person viewpoint to being in control of a side-scrolling Trevor via her computer monitor is nothing short of genius. If you enjoy adventure and puzzles, and like the sound of a story that’s reminiscent of The Truman Show, this is a game not to be missed.

It’s safe to say that we’ve been bowled over by The Last Faith on the whole. We’ve been lost at times, pouring over the map in the hope of finding a clue as to where we should go next, but it’s rarely dampened our enthusiasm to play. And thanks to many weapons, skills and other items to discover, time spent exploring never feels wasted anyway. While this is a game that doesn’t really offer anything original or ground breaking, then, it remains engaging nonetheless.

Persona 5 Tactica is yet another brilliant outing for the Phantom Thieves. We haven’t enjoyed it quite as much as the original Persona 5 or Persona 5 Strikers, but its combat, which is relatively fast-paced and exciting for the genre, has won us over. This is a must-have for anyone that wants to spend more time with Joker and co. And while it’s undoubtedly better to be familiar with the exploits of the Phantom Thieves, it remains welcoming to tactical role-playing fans on the whole.