Pikmin 3 Deluxe is a wonderful adventure, and even if you’ve fond memories of the game on Wii U, the new content makes it well worth returning to. While some issues that have shown up in previous titles are still present here, there’s nothing that ruins the fun of commanding your little army of Pikmin. Whether you’re a fan of the series or picking it up for the first time, there’s a lot to love here. With its extra content, co-op play and some truly excellent boss encounters, Pikmin 3 Deluxe might just be the best in the series.

Discolored is an intriguing adventure set in a minimalistic but intriguing world. The lack of dialogue and no developing story might put off some players, but its atmosphere alone is enough to keep you engaged. It’s a short experience, and I found myself wishing it was longer – it’s an enjoyable world to explore and discover secrets within – but it means the game never outstayed its welcome. With a beautiful soundtrack, smooth controls and a unique concept, you’ll be hard pressed to find another puzzle game out there like Discolored.

If you enjoyed Cole Phelps’ investigations the first time round, you’ll likely still get a kick out of them six years later. But if you’re new to the game, its flawed systems and dated visuals will likely tarnish the experience for you. It’s a game worth playing for the story and setting, but not for the detective work involved.

Gord isn’t the deepest of city builders, and its campaign can sometimes feel like an extended tutorial, but nevertheless, it provides an engaging mix of city building and exploration. With its sanity system and pesky Horrors that need to be dealt with, there’s not much else like this around. Jump into its Custom Scenario mode with both feet, and you’ll likely a find a game that will eat up hours of your time.

Had Ghost of Tsushima released earlier into the PS4’s life, chances are it would be revered. But now, in a world in which the likes of Red Red Redemption 2 and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey exist, it feels a little underwhelming. Still, it is quite possibly the best samurai game ever made, and is well worth picking up if you’re after another epic open-world to get lost in. Just temper your expectations as much as your steel.

Ninja Theory ought to be praised for what it’s achieved – an adult story that’s told like no other, combat that’s skilful and harrowing, unique environmental based puzzles and light, scenic adventuring. It’s just a shame that some of Hellblade‘s gameplay components at times feel forced.

Fun, colourful and surprisingly well-presented, there's a lot to like about My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery. Not focusing on the task at hand can be a little frustrating, but when horsing around is so enjoyable, it's hard to be too incensed.

As an introductory episode to a three-part series, Awake absolutely nails it. The action that takes place is pretty low-key — don’t run into Before the Storm expecting epic adventure sequences — but it’s a perfect return to Arcadia Bay.

Being able to jump straight in to everything right from the start is a huge bonus, and being free of limitations – at least in terms of how far a toy village can go, of course – is a breath of fresh air.

Bold, colourful and entirely silly, Moving Out 2 is a must-play for couch co-op fans. A sequel to 2020’s Moving Out perhaps wasn’t needed, and this doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel. But it does provide fans with bigger, better, and more riotous levels to play with their friends. And this time, you can play online too! What more could we ask for, really?

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

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

It’s safe to say that Gori: Cuddly Carnage is a very pleasant surprise. It’s a game that wonderfully balances platforming and thrilling combat, all the while having a cute protagonist who’s easy to fall in love with. Though don’t go thinking this is a game for kids: with buckets of blood, some scary adversaries and lots of foul language, this is strictly for adults whose idea of having a good time is ripping unicorns limb from limb. If you’re a fan of character action games, consider this a must-play.

Despite its childlike exterior, Ittle Dew 2 certainly isn’t child's play; this is a serious adventure wrapped up in a colourful and simple disguise.

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

While it may not have Civilization’s country-spanning scale or Total War’s grand battles, it’s nevertheless a satisfyingly deep strategy game. Age of Empires may be ancient by videogame standards but this engaging, challenging overhaul is well worth digging up.

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

Cricket 19 is by far the best cricket game available right now. There’s enough about it to keep cricket newbies entertained while its high level of authenticity will no doubt delight die-hard cricket fans. Even England’s Barmy Army, however, would get quickly tired of the loading times, and may notice the small imperfections to the matchday experiences. Despite this, Cricket 19 is a solid boundary, with the career mode hitting nothing but sixes.

Not Tonight 2’s story didn’t quite land for me, but the journey itself, laden with laughs, was absolutely worth taking. I won’t soon forget the sheer joy of arriving at an absurd new location, frantically trying to wrap my mind around the gloriously off-the-wall entry requirements, and the silly, smug satisfaction of doing a good job.

Cat lover or not, Stray is a wonderful adventure worth jumping into. You’ll quickly fall in love with your adorable four-legged protagonist, but it’s just a shame it’s all over so soon. We could have spent dozens more hours exploring the fascinating world experiencing life as a curious cat. As it is, Stray may be short, but it’s perfectly formed.

Paul Raschid has once again cemented himself as the master of FMV games with Hello Stranger. This thriller, which focuses on AI and home tech, has a suitably twisty narrative, and with many branching paths and multiple endings, you'll want to play it multiple times to experience as much of it as possible.

Assetto Corsa Competizione isn’t a racing game for all. It doesn’t provide quick and easy thrills, with a career mode focused on building a garage full of cars and customising them to your liking. It’s a serious game for those serious about racing. Thankfully it’ll hit most of the right notes that sim fans look for. It’s just a shame that graphical fidelity has been prioritised over performance. Other than that, there’s not much to dislike here unless you’re a newcomer to the sport, or are stuck with playing with a controller.

One of my favourite roguelikes of recent years, Lost in Random: The Eternal Die takes the world of 2021's excellent Lost in Random and turns it into something new. It's a whimsical, action-packed adventure, with combat that feels smooth and satisfying. Even facing the game's ferocious bosses is seriously exhilarating. It's just a shame there's not a little more variation between runs, but that's to be expected.

The wonderful setting, the amusingly unique characters, and the excellent turn-based combat kept me hooked.

Despite these issues, it’s hard not to be won over by Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes on the whole, especially if you’re a Suikoden fan. While its story might not have much emotional impact, it’s still pretty engaging. And many will love the fact that this does genuinely feel like a JRPG from the golden age of the genre. It’s not quite the Suikoden successor we were hoping for, but it’s still a worthy game in its own right.

If you like challenging games that are full of action and are dripping with atmosphere, Valfaris comes highly recommended. And if you happen to like metal music, it’s even better. Steel Mantis has struck silver with this metal-infused shooter. It isn’t perfect but it’s bloody good.

Based on a mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it’s great that The Forgotten City has been expanded upon and given a chance to truly shine as a standalone product. The writing is stellar, and the whole affair is so unique and interesting that you can’t help but get sucked in, attempting to find a way to put an end to The Golden Rule once and for all. Not all of the endings available are particularly gratifying, but follow The Forgotten City through to its true ending and you’ll be left with an experience that you won’t soon forget.

It’s the fact that Burnout Paradise Remastered works so well with the Switch’s digital triggers that really seals the deal though. There’s no need for nuanced acceleration and braking; you just keep hold of the accelerator, tap the gas when you want to drift around a corner, and that’s it. Unlike many racing games available on the format, Burnout Paradise Remastered feels like it was made for Switch, which instantly propels it ahead of the competition. Factor in the attractive visuals, flawless performance and an abundance of content, and you have a package that’s not to be missed.

Monster Train 2 is a solid upgrade over what was already an excellent roguelike deckbuilder. New features, new character classes, new cards and a new story all make the experience richer and deeper than ever before.

The puzzle-shooter gameplay and bizarre presentation of Children of the Sun make it utterly unique. And while your success in some levels unfortunately relies on trial and error, it doesn't stop it from being a highly rewarding experience on the whole.

Knockout Home Fitness is fairly simple when it comes to content and presentation, but there’s everything here you need for a great workout. The exercise regimes it has you completing are energetic, fun, and really do work up a sweat. It’s easy enough to follow along even if you’re a complete beginner, and the fact that you can tailor your daily workout to suit you is a nice touch. If you’re looking for a video game to help you get in shape, this is a fine choice.

It’s hard to not be charmed with Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix. The visuals are more consistent and pleasing to the eyes than ever, the song list is gargantuan, and the gameplay is just as solid as it’s ever been. Only the new Mix Mode is a let-down in this package, but it really doesn’t matter as it’s simply an optional way to play. Whether you’re a series fan or a newcomer looking for the perfect entry point, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix fits the bill.

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.

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.

If you missed out on the game’s original release or the Vita version, New Little King’s Story, the PC version is the perfect opportunity to catch up on this too often overlooked little gem.

State of Mind still delivers a stellar sci-fi experience that, while comparable to other entries in the genre, has a character all its own.

As far as co-op experiences go, Serious Sam’s Bogus Detour is up there with the best. Even in single player, you’re in for a damn good ride.

Bigger, bolder and somehow a hell of a lot more outlandish than The New Order, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus’ imperfections do little to hold the game back from being one of the most compelling single player games of the year. Killing Nazis has rarely been any more fun, and there’s a whole army of them for you to dispose of as you please when you’re not starring slack-jawed at some of the most over-the-top cutscenes ever created.

Playing it felt like a mix between watching an over-the-top anime and playing an advanced match-three puzzle game. The voice acting in itself was enough to keep me going back to it, let alone the ever-changing puzzles, fun and hilarious characters, delicious-looking sushi and adorable sprites.

Impeccably weaving Lovecraftian horror with real human emotion, Still Wakes the Deep is a fantastic, tense tale that we're not going to forget in a hurry. It's just the right amount of horrifying in all the right places, brought to life with characters who feel as believable as people you'd meet on the street. Only a few technical issues bring it down a little, but they're not enough to truly sully the experience.

Its main campaign might be brief and not all that challenging, but with the ability to create your own missions, Bloodshed is an intense first-person Survivors-like that offers hours upon hours of roguelite fun.

I’m quite torn by DiRT Rally 2.0. Its improved visuals and handling undoubtedly make it a better game to play than DiRT Rally, but in terms of content, it leaves me wanting. Sequels like this are meant to be bigger and better, but DiRT Rally 2.0 feels about the same size but better, and with less track variety as standard. Regardless, for devout rally fans it’s still pretty much essential.

However you feel about Herlock Sholmes, there’s a lot to love in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. With 10 cases to work your way through, this duo of games packs in a lot of content – and for its asking price, it offers excellent value. The stories that run through each case, despite being cumbersome at times, are strong enough to keep you invested, but it’s the joy of piecing together the evidence that will keep you coming back. Whether you’re a newcomer to the Ace Attorney series or a long-time fan, you’ll find something to enjoy here.

Madden NFL 19 is more of an evolution than a revolution then, but what else did anyone expect? It’s a refinement of last year’s effort with further graphical prowess, more fluidity and a sprinkling of new features. It’s just a shame that its Longshot Homecoming mode is such a let-down.

Even with a few minor missteps Renowned Explorers: More to Explore improves on an already spectacular game. By itself Renowned Explorers had few weak points mainly with its eventual, repetition of content. In More to Explore this is fixed while adding the campfire, which provides even more wacky adventures and events for the already charismatic characters to go through.

Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] might just be the best fighting game available on Switch. In fact, I’ll just say it: it is the best fighting game on Switch. It doesn’t have 40+ characters and it doesn’t have the history or familiarity of franchises such as Street Fighter, but it doesn’t need them. Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] simply puts up a bloody good fight and that’s all you can ask for. The cavalcade of modes in which to sink your teeth into is just the icing on an already delicious cake.

This sequel to simple tower-defense shooter Marfusha pretty much offers more of the same. Snezhinka is simply better and provides more variety, however, so whether you're a Marfusha fan or just love shooting things without having to think too much, it likely won't disappoint.

Art of Rally is one of the most unique rally games ever made, and it’s all the better for it. It defies your expectations by being a pretty serious game at its heart, despite being fun and light-hearted on its exterior. And yet while it is challenging, it’s also relaxing at times, with its mix of minimalistic visuals, disarming music and lower-stress rally action almost putting you into a trance when everything aligns. Whether you’re a fan of rallying or just like racing games in general, Art of Rally deserves your attention.

This is a fantastic remaster of what was already a great game, offering a thoroughly absorbing experience that could easily run into the hundreds of hours. Available for £35 or less, that’s a hell of a lot of fantasy adventuring in exchange for your coin.

Paw Patrol World is a pleasant surprise: it’s a rare children’s game that actually feels like thought and care has gone into its creation. It manages to capture the essence of Paw Patrol while also being an engaging and fun open world game in its own right. It’s one of the best games aimed at young children of recent years – and if you’ve got a young Paw Patrol fan in your life, they’re going to love it. Heck, you’ll probably even quite like it yourself.

Fate/Extella Link doesn’t provide an experience that’s a million miles away from Fate/Extella: The Umbral Star, but pretty much everything about it is just better. Its story is shorter but more entertaining, its combat is massively improved thanks to you having more abilities at your disposal, and it both looks and sounds better too.

The Last Survey doesn’t provide an answer to the quandary of saving the world – how could it? – but it brings the issue to the forefront, in a meaningful and impactful way. This is a game designed to make us think, to acknowledge what’s happening in the world, and its beautifully stark presentation means the experience likely won’t leave you for quite some time.

If you revel in a challenge and like the idea of a platforming game that offers something totally different, you’re going to absolutely love Pepper Grinder. When it’s all going right, few games feel as satisfying to play as this: there’s nothing quite like powering up your drill to dive through the ground, popping out to jump through the air before landing into a well-placed drill again. Sometimes it’s perhaps a little too tough, but even when Pepper Grinder’s not at its strongest, we couldn’t pull ourselves away, desperate to eventually succeed.

A unique take on the Survivors-like genre that also throws in city building and tower defence mechanics, Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road is a moreish roguelike that will have you repeatedly coming back for more.

Its blend of action and adventure works brilliantly for the most part, and once you've acquired all of the powers at your disposal, you do often truly feel like a Jedi; there's nothing quite like using Force Push to send an entire squadron of Stormtroopers off the edge of a cliff to their inevitable doom. Players are likely to encounter some frustrations throughout the adventure though. The Force is strong with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but sometimes glimpses of the dark side seep through.

As a standalone episode, Hell is Empty doesn't quite hit the same spot that the previous two episodes reached — but that's not to say it's a let down. It just missed a certain emotional punch, and for me, I think that was a result of Chloe feeling less like the centre of attention.

Despite all of its problems, there’s just something about Flipping Death that wins you over. The combination of puzzles and platforming is a winning one, especially when served with lashings of humour.

Ten Dates might be one of our favourite FMVs to date. It’s sweet, it’s fun, and it’s packed with larger-than-life characters that we had an absolute blast getting to know. One playthrough may be short, but it makes for the perfect interactive rom-com to cosy up with. If you enjoyed Five Dates, this sequel is a no-brainer: it’s bigger and better in every way.

Whilst the art style here verges on the cartoonish, the gorgeous sense of colour and texture really brings the world alive.

It’s the perfect pick-up-and-play game, and the Switch’s portable nature means Conga Master Party is right at home.

There’s a lot to love about Monster Sanctuary. Exploring its world is rewarding and enjoyable, and its turn-based combat packs enough depth to keep you invested. Hitting a brick wall and needing to grind can be frustrating, but the desire to progress is usually strong enough to keep you going. It’s the perfect blend of Pokémon and Metroidvania, and it works exceptionally well. Even if you’re a fan of only one of those, you’ll find plenty to love in Monster Sanctuary.

Inspired by Silent Hill, Hollowbody will feel familiar to anyone that has played an entry in Konami's celebrated horror series. In any case, this is a seriously unsettling survival horror game with some fun puzzles, and its unique setting makes it feel somewhat fresh.

Blazblue: Central Fiction features masterfully complex battle systems, and although it requires a fair amount of patience, once you’ve grasped the basics you’ll be landing punches, specials in combos that feel all the more satisfying not only to achieve, but look at too! Even with an overblown story mode that sees the action take a back seat, Blazblue: Central Fiction is a solid entry in the eccentric franchise and a remarkably decent fighting game.

If you’re after yet more Darksiders action and aren’t put off by the change in viewpoint, which you shouldn’t be, Darksiders Genesis will not disappoint. Even better, it’s available a bit cheaper than usual releases. Airship Syndicate has created a game that both fans and those new to the series can jump into and have a great deal of fun. And thanks to co-op, it no longer has to be a solitary affair.

With Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami has achieved what it set out to do: breathe new life into a classic while keeping it as authentic as possible. With that in mind, its only real faults are some mechanics which now feel a little awkward and dated. The visuals here are phenomenal, bringing more nuance to the game's cutscenes, and the new modern play style is great for newcomers and those annoyed by the restrictive camera of the original game.

It’s got the sun, it’s got the babes, it’s got the bikinis and it’s got the water guns. Plus, it’s got innuendo by the bucketload.

Its graphics may look a little dated, and performance does unfortunately decline as you approach its end, but for £14.99 it provides an enjoyably compelling 15 plus hour adventure full of fast-paced combat and brain teasing puzzles that is easy to recommend. Fans of God of War and Zelda in particular will certainly find a lot to like about it.

There’s a lot to love about Oxenfree II: Lost Signals. Its spooky, supernatural tale will get its hooks in you instantly, helped along by fantastic voice acting and characters that you can’t help but want to know more about. Night School Studios has once again proven itself to be a master of storytelling: it’s been a long wait for Oxenfree’s sequel, but now we’re even more excited to see what the team might do next.

If you’re a fan of first-person puzzle games, Viewfinder should be considered essential. Sure, its story leaves something to be desired, and some of its puzzles don’t quite hit the mark. But even the worst of the bunch keep you engaged enough to see this clever little puzzle game through to the end. Never outstaying its welcome, Viewfinder has left a lasting impression on us.

For those who already own Mortal Shell on either Xbox One or PS4, this enhanced edition arrives as a free update or upgrade path, and it’s a very good reason to return to it. For those who haven’t yet journeyed into its grim world, however, there’s never been a better time, especially on PS5. This isn’t simply Mortal Shell with the resolution and framerate uncapped; the visuals have been dramatically improved while still ensuring a consistent 60fps experience, and DualSense support has been implemented with care. With Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition, developer Cold Symmetry has really given its game a chance to shine.

Our time with Venba and her family may have been short, but we quickly came to care for each of them as we watched them struggle through life. This is a beautiful portrait of a couple and their son who feel just as real as you or I. It’s a celebration of being Indian, of being human, of being a parent, of culture, of food. It reminds us of the importance of family and tradition – and the joy that eating (and preparing) a good meal can bring even in the darkest of times. Brief as it may be, Venba has left a lasting impact – and it’s made us desperate to try some traditional Tamil cooking of our own.

If you’ve ever wondered what the combination of an extreme sports title and a third-person shooter would be like, Rollerdrome is the game for you. Its story might be a let-down, and some gameplay elements might not hit the mark as well as they should do, but on the whole this is a thoroughly original and entertaining affair. We hope we get to spend more time with Kara in the future, too, as there’s a lot of scope here for further violent high-octane antics.

If you missed Devil Summoner: Raidou Kuzunoha vs. the Soulless Army when it originally released on PlayStation 2, this remaster should prove to be a treat. Featuring a revamped combat system, full voice acting, and more, Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army almost feels like a new game, and its mix of investigation, combat and demon-collecting is both engaging and rewarding.

Like any retro game collection, how much you get out of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is largely limited by your appreciation of its games. There are a lot here, and it’s safe to say that the majority of them didn’t really hold our interest. There are some classics that remain very playable though, and some were worth returning to just for a hit of nostalgia. The real reason to pick this up, though, is its wealth of museum-like content, as well as its new, reimagined takes on some popular titles. They make this a retro collection like no other.

Challenging players to trace track lines while fending off enemies, Aaero2: Black Razer Edition is a rewarding rhythm-based shooter that will go down especially well with fans of EDM.

Mortal Kombat 11’s combat is fluid and intuitive, and even when you’re losing it’s a joy to play. It’s a game that's fun just to mess about with, but once you master its nuances it becomes even more rewarding. Once a gory joke, Mortal Kombat has evolved to become one of the most accomplished fighters you’ll get your hands on.

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.

One of the best Jackbox releases in recent years, Jackbox Party Pack 11 brings us five brand new games, most of which are very easily recommended. Legends of Trivia combines RPG mechanics with general knowledge, and can be played solo, meaning you've always got something to play even when friends aren't around. When friends are around, however, Doominate is where it's at.

It took me roughly three hours to complete the 60 levels that SiNKR offers. It’s overly simplistic, and its style of puzzles may not be for everyone, but for less than a dollar ($0.99/£0.79) it’s really worth giving a go. With its minimalist approach and tranquil ambience, SiNKR is sure to chill you out and leave you wanting more.

Ultimately, The King of Fighters XIV Ultimate Edition is an excellent fighting game which is seriously handicapped by the fact that no-one seems to play it online anymore. Thankfully it has enough to entertain on the single-player front, but some players may be disappointed by the lack of a real story mode, and the absence of a solo/team select for it and the accompanying single-player modes. So, if you have one or more friends that also love fighting games and don’t mind buying a copy, go for it. Otherwise, think long and hard before splashing the cash.

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.

Everybody's Golf is back, and though this latest entry is by a new developer, it's everything you'd expect. The three-button shot system makes a return, keeping the action accessible, but Everybody's Golf Hot Shots still requires a fair amount of skill. The main negative here is that progression is slow, so it'll take a while to unlock things like additional characters.

Land It! is going to give you a solid 10-12 hours game time in the career mode and then endless hours of challenging gameplay in the Endless mode.

There are remasters and then there are remasters. Some companies would have just taken Saints Row: The Third, tweaked the lighting a little, bundled it with all of its DLC and shoved it out on current-gen consoles with an improved resolution and called it a day. With Saints Row: The Third Remastered, however, Sperasoft and Volition have pretty much improved every single asset and implemented graphical features that make it stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the prettiest open world games available right now. This is still Saints Row: The Third – which is to say that it’s one of the most enjoyable open-world games ever made – only now it looks and plays better then ever.

Small games from smaller studious continue to amaze me with their effortless charm and unbound creativity, and Mugsters is easily one of those games.

Deliver Us Mars is that rare, beautiful thing: a successful sequel which not only builds on its predecessor but enhances the experience in numerous ways. Sure, more puzzle variety would have been nice. But that’s about the only complaint we can make about this otherwise thrilling, atmospheric deep-space adventure.

Just like the first game, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 is a joy to play. Whether you love just Puyo Puyo, or Tetris, or both, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Beautifully presented with over-the-top characters, larger-than-life animations and a bright and bold colour palette, it’s a game that’s impossible to play without a silly smile on your face. Apart from when you’re losing, that is. But you’ll always pick yourself up and play again – it’s too infectious not to.

Like a bolt of out of the blue, Skybolt Zack has truly won me over. It’s inventive, wholly original, and most importantly a lot of fun. Some might find the challenge it presents a little too steep as they make their way further into the game – situations can indeed get a little messy at times – but with practice and perseverance, no gauntlet it presents you with can’t be overcome. It just requires coordination and quick-thinking. Don’t be a fool; check it out if you like fast-paced platformers with a difference.

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

Pikuniku is an eye-pleasing, entertaining outing that just oozes charm, with characters who are endearing without ever becoming irritating. If you want a game that will have you grinning with joy, then pick up Pikuniku.

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

Capcom Fighting Collection 2 bundles up another eight classic games from the developer's back catalogue, and while some have aged worse than others, there's still plenty of fun to be had overall. Highlights here include Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001 and Power Stone 2, but it's just a shame there's still no crossplay.

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.

Bundling up the base game with its expansion and the Assassin Masks DLC, it’s a sizeable game available at half the price of a standard release. For fans of good, old-fashioned stealth, it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.

There's a lot to love about Age of Empires IV. It's clear the developers have listened to the community in creating a game that feels both fresh yet faithful to the franchise. It has tried to combine the best elements of all previous games in the series and, largely, it has succeeded in doing so. Its small pool of factions may be a problem for some, and its camera issues need addressing, but in the grand scheme of things, this is an excellent entry into the RTS space. Is Age of Empires IV the best Age of Empires game to date? For me, it doesn't quite knock Age of Empires II Definitive Edition off the top spot, but regardless, this modern entry has undoubtedly been well worth the wait.

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

Short but sweet, Spilled! is a solo project that sees you cleaning up oil spills and litter from a series of waterways. You'll have it completed in roughly an hour, but it's very much an hour well spent, especially if you love relaxing clean-up games.

With a beautiful marriage of puzzles, story, graphics and sound, Deliver Us the Moon is a unique exploration game that anyone with a fascination with space will enjoy. While some of the timed puzzles can be a bit aggravating and the checkpoints unforgiving, Deliver Us the Moon‘s story alone is enough to keep you moving forward. It’s short enough to complete in just a few sittings, but you’ll struggle to put it down once you’ve started.