If you’re fan of challenging arcade games and love competing for the top spots on leaderboards, it’s safe to say that Marble It Up! Ultra will absolutely be your jam. The gameplay here is simple but infectious, making you hit that retry button time and time again whether to simply finish a challenging skill-based stage or give it another go to improve your time. And thanks to weekly challenges, the fun doesn’t have to end. It’s just a shame it doesn’t have a local multiplayer component.

It’s a shame that Atlas Fallen isn’t a little more polished – it’s clear that it’s a title very much held back by its budget – but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. While you’re not likely to be captivated by its story or wowed by its presentation, its combat and exploration, both buoyed by the skills granted to you by your mysterious gauntlet, are likely to keep you playing. Provided you make it through the game’s off-putting opening, that is.

It’s a shame that the songs in Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical didn’t have quite the impact on us that we hoped, but it might not be the case for everyone. Still, while we won’t be rushing to listen to its soundtrack on any streaming platforms, we’ve very much enjoyed our time with the game, and we’ll no doubt be returning to it for another playthrough or two in the future.

Nova Strike isn’t a bad game by any means, but it doesn’t do enough to make it stick in your mind like the best of the genre. The roguelike elements are nice, but there simply needs to be more variety and unpredictability to make the focus on them truly worthwhile. And so what you’re left with is a shoot ’em up that too quickly looks and feels generic, with little reason to keep playing once you’ve bested what it has to offer.

Ultimately, Ninja or Die: Shadow of the Sun is a stylish and unique roguelite, and for some players the originality it exhibits will be enough to win them over. There’s no getting over the fact that it feels messy at times, though, and that repetition can set in if you sit down to play it for a considerable period of time. Still, anyone after a challenge that involves a lot of jumping may want to check this out.

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.

Are there better platforming games out there? Without a doubt. But Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a welcome addition to the genre, providing a familiar playground to run, jump and dash around in. Its bite-sized levels have been put together well, and even if some sections are a little on the frustrating side, you’ll likely be determined to see it through to its end. At a bargain price, it’s well worth picking up if you’re a fan of 3D platformers.

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.

It may not be original, and with only 25 levels you’ll likely be done with it in a few hours, but that doesn’t stop Manic Mechanics being jolly good fun to play. Tackle it by yourself if you want, but this zany repair ’em up shines when you’re playing with a friend or three. It’s colourful, it’s humorous, and it’s easy to pick up and play – basically, it ticks all the boxes of a solid co-operative party game.

It’s commendable that Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons tries to do something a little new with the formula – although Streets of Rage 4 did get their first with its Survival mode which also features roguelike elements. There is fun to be had here, but ultimately, the late-game difficulty spikes are a major hurdle to get over – and the moment-to-moment action never reaches the heights of some of the best in the genre.

Chances are it’ll only take you a few hours to beat Super Catboy, and you might encounter some frustrations along the way, but for the most part you’ll likely be playing with a smile plastered on your face. With his red jacket and cool shoes, the star of this adventure is instantly likeable. Factor in the budget price, and there’s not really much to lose.

Like most Sims 4 expansion packs at this point, Horse Ranch isn’t revolutionary in any way. It does add plenty of welcome new content, though, and once again the Sims designers prove they can make one hell of an inspiring neighbourhood. If you’re a horse lover, you’re going to absolutely adore getting to bond with The Sims 4’s newest equine residents.

There’s a lot to like about Remnant II – this is a very worthy sequel. It offers more of the same challenging, world-hopping, third-person shooter action, but this time with more choice, more polish, and a variety of gameplay improvements. Fans of Remnant: From the Ashes will lap this up, and newcomers are likely to get a lot of enjoyment from it too – as long as they’re brave and persistent.

If Resident Evil and Sesame Street had a baby, My Friendly Neighborhood would be it. It wears its classic Resi influences on its arm – such as its door-opening animations and its use of safe rooms – but it’s never derivative, instead managing to be something entirely original, not to mention a great deal of fun. One of the best indie horror games of recent years, My Friendly Neighborhood is well worth paying a visit to.

With its tight controls and simple gameplay that’s easy to pick up but hard to master, Mr. Run and Jump is yet another game from Atari that should thrill those seeking an old-fashioned challenge. Though it is attractive-looking with its neon visuals, this is a game that proves gameplay is king, with you becoming strangely invested in the exploits of its stick-man protagonist and his dog, Leap.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced platforming and like a challenge, consider Garlic a must-have. Add to that its budget price and its excellent sense of humour, and you have an indie gem that really does deserves more attention than it’s had so far.

We wish there was a little more direction in The Repair House at times: we’d much prefer a clear path to follow to achieve repair shop success. But there’s still a lot to like, and bringing old items back to life is rewarding enough in itself. With a little more structure and polish, The Repair House could be a stand-out title in the simulation genre. As it is, it’s a pleasant enough way to spend a few hours if the idea of tinkering with curios sounds relaxing to you.

With a new PvE match type set to be added to the game later this month, and more updates promised in the future, we’re intrigued to see what becomes of Exoprimal. While it’s not quite as compelling to play as we’d hoped it would be right now, it’s still very enjoyable in short bursts. We love its Exosuits, and we love its varied range of brilliantly realised dinosaurs, but we’re not so keen on the fact that there’s currently only one match type and that, whether you play PvP or PvE, it’s ultimately still a race that gives you little opportunity to take everything in.

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t disappointed by Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR. Our expectations weren’t outlandish; we just wanted another Operation Wolf game where the guns were our Sense controllers. While Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission VR somewhat fulfills that wish, it adds in needless complications and needs a little more fine-tuning and polish to really shine. If you have some love for the series this will serve up some entertainment, but it won’t replace the feelings you have for the classics.

Sticky Business is a nice idea, and for a few hours, we’ve had a great time creating our own stickers and sending out orders. But if you’re the creative sort, you’ll feel much more fulfilled by doodling your own tangible designs, or opening up Photoshop to create something you can admire in the real world. As a game, there’s just not enough sense of meaningful progression to keep us engaged in the long term – but we did enjoy hearing our customers’ stories, at least.

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.

If you’re a fan of pop music, you’re going to get a big kick out of Invector: Rhythm Galaxy. Its uneven difficulty might prove to be an obstacle for some players, but if you’re willing to persevere – or don’t mind playing on its ultra-easy ‘Casual’ mode – there’s a lot of content here to enjoy. Being able to play more than 30 songs straight away is a real boon, and the chance to unlock more by playing Campaign mode is a very welcome incentive. Is it quite as good as Avicii: Invector? Inexplicably, perhaps not – but we welcome the new range of songs with open arms.

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.

While Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg feels very basic in some regards, and some elements of it can be repetitive or irritating at times, it’s hard not to be won over by it. This offers a good old-fashioned Atelier experience, where the events that play out are based on your actions. And with that comes plenty of freedom and a multitude of endings to discover. Whether you’re a series fan keen to explore its origins, or newcomer looking for a good entry point, this remake is well worth sinking some time into.

Ultimately, Classic Racers Elite does indeed take us back to simpler times. It’s just a shame that there’s not a lot to it and that it’s lacking polish. If you can look past the serviceable physics and unstable visuals, there’s a good few hours of fun to be had here at least, but it’ll be a big ask for some. Those longing for the return of the great arcade racer, then, will be waiting a while longer.

There’s nothing remarkable about Shootvaders: The Beginning. Its presentation is rather bland and its deafening, uninspired sound effects will leave you reaching for the mute button. But with such a budget price tag, it’s certainly not a bad shoot ’em up game. As simple as it may be, it’s the sort of thing you can keep jumping back into to challenge your own high score. And the odd new ship upgrade as you play is certainly welcome, too.

While its gameplay can feel a little basic at times, we’re really glad that GYLT is now free of Stadia. This is a small but powerful horror title that tackles an important issue while also providing hours of engaging gameplay. And though there’s nothing truly original here, Tequila Works has obviously put this together with care. If nothing else, it deserves praise for simply being a horror game accessible to younger audiences while still being unsettling for all.

While its unique visual style – and even the action – can eventually become a little repetitive, it’s hard not to be impressed with what Synapse offers. It’s particularly fun in short bursts, and so it’s handy that you can leave the game during a run and resume where you left off at a later date. if you’re after a fun, action-packed PSVR 2 experience that truly puts supernatural power in your hands, then, it’s definitely worthy of your time and money.

A triumph in just about every way, Dave the Diver is undoubtedly going to be one of 2023’s biggest success stories. This gorgeous adventure keeps you hooked no matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re serving up sushi, catching fish or exploring the depths of the oceans for long-lost secrets, you’ll struggle to pull yourself away. We just love it. Even if it does leave us craving sushi – but it’s a small price to pay.

It may only last you a few hours, but Kingdom Eighties: Summer of Greed is well worth spending some time with. Its simple gameplay is infectious, and you’ll rejoice as you expand your basecamp, pushing enemies back in the process. There’s limited guidance but you’ll soon get to grips with what you should be doing, soaking in the absolutely gorgeous visuals as you do.

Ultimately, if you’re a fan of The Callisto Protocol and simply want more, Final Transmission will keep you entertained for a short while while embellishing on the game’s original ending. Do you need to play it? Not really. What’s added here isn’t all that refreshing, and the final boss fight is a bit of a bust. But picked up as part of the game’s season pass, it’s worth playing though just to discover Jacob’s fate.

If the idea of playing Breakout crossed with squash in VR appeals to you, it’s definitely worth checking C-Smash VRS out. Unless you have friends willing to buy and play it with you online, though, you might want to consider it a single-player only experience, and there’s not an abundance of content. But like the best arcade games, this is something you’ll likely return to many times just for a quick burst of fun.

We were never expecting Greyhill Incident to be amazing, but it falls even short of simply being mediocre. Unfortunately, it’s one of the worst games we’ve played this year. While it manages to create a truly unsettling atmosphere and has some pretty hair-raising scenes, its gameplay is so tedious and frustrating that it kills your desire to progress. And so, those looking for alien-based horror thrills will have to do with the paltry options that are already available for now.

As far as party games go, Everybody 1-2-Switch is one of the best we’ve played in recent years. Whether you’re simply going head-to-head with a loved one or gathering the whole family together, the minigames here are bound to have you laughing and guffawing your way through them. The variety is excellent, and even the ‘worst’ games in the collection are so silly that you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. At just £25/$30, it’s an absolute steal, too.

The only way you could be a little disappointed with Ray’Z Arcade Chronology is if you were expecting some kind of museum-like content, as there’s none of that here. Otherwise, this is a brilliant collection for shoot ’em up fans. All three games presented here are classics and they’ve never looked or played better. Add in all the new options and features, and you’re onto a winner.

With the last couple of entries in the WWE 2K series being particularly strong, AEW: Fight Forever always had its work cut out to impress. What’s been delivered, however, falls below even our tempered expectations, with sloppy gameplay, dull visuals, and a serious lack of modes. Chances are you’ll get a little fun out of it if you’re an ardent AEW fan, but there are better wrestling games available whether you want to the action to be a more accessible or not.

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.

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.

Ask yourself: have you long wondered what a competitive multiplayer Crash Bandicoot game would be like? If the answer is yes, then you should probably give Crash Team Rumble a try, especially given its budget price. Crash Bandicoot fans with open minds might also want to dip their toes in – there’s fun to be had, after all. But to really draw players in, we can’t help but feel that this would have been better off as a free-to-play title.

Dordogne’s unique selling point is undoubtedly its art style. It truly is beautiful – perhaps one of the most gorgeously animated games we’ve had the pleasure to play, even. And yes, the visuals alone are almost enough to carry the game. Despite the odd misstep, though, we did thoroughly enjoy the story and came to care for Mimi and her grandmother – as brief as our time with them was. It’s small, it’s quaint, but it’s touching – and it’s one of those special games that reminds you life is precious, fleeting and nothing should be taken for granted.

If you’re a F.E.A.R. fan, Trepang2 is a game that you should definitely invest some money and time in. It’s also a game for those who simply love hardcore first-person shooters. Your considerable arsenal here is enhanced by your supernatural abilities, and with other moves up your sleeves – such as a slide that can send your foes flying and a powerful punch – you can have so much fun running rings around your enemies and dismembering them in gloriously gory fashion. This may not be F.E.A.R., but it sure as hell scratches the same itch.

If you were thinking about buying Sonic Origins, picking up this expanded and enhanced edition instead is pretty much a no-brainer. Even though you might not get much fun out of the Game Gear games, the benefits provided by the other DLC packs plus being able to take control of new characters makes it worth it. For those who already own Sonic Origins, however, whether or not to upgrade is something that should be given some thought. Do you remember these Game Gear games fondly and want to revisit them? Consider it a must-have. If not, weigh up just how much you’d like to play as Amy, as well as Knuckles in Sonic CD. That’s your answer.

Final Fantasy XVI is a brave new direction for the long-running RPG series, and one that pays off. We haven't been this engaged by a Final Fantasy title in quite some time, and we absolutely love the new action-focused combat system. Sometimes elements of the new and old Final Fantasy clash, and the story has some elements that left us scratching our heads, but overall this will be remembered as one of the greats. With stunning visuals, a rousing soundtrack, a fun combat system and an engaging politically-driven story, Final Fantasy XVI is quite simply a triumph.

It’s safe to say that we’re very impressed with Aliens: Dark Descent. Developer Tindalos Interactive is clearly a fan of the franchise, and it’s plain to see that much love has been poured into this title. Aside from its engaging gameplay, the story had us gripped right from the get-go, helped along by excellent voice acting. The only disappointment for some might be that there are no multiplayer offerings, but it is priced accordingly. If you’re an Alien fan after some single-player thrills, this is well worth picking up – even if you don’t usually get on with real-time strategy games.

Fans of the Layers of Fear series are likely to enjoy this new take on its stories, combined and enhanced with new elements. But at the same time, you’re likely to be disappointed that more hasn’t been done to make everything more consistent and unique. What’s more, it’s not as if these games are so old that they needed remaking; the Writer’s story could have perhaps been its own thing, expanded upon to offer something genuinely new. So, while Layers of Fear (2023) is a solid horror experience, we can’t help but feel like Bloober Team has missed an opportunity to really mix things up and impress.

Does Park Beyond capture the magic of Theme Park World from the early 2000s? Not quite, but damn, it tries. It feels like a nice, happy medium between the complexity of Planet Coaster and the simplicity of Theme Park: stick to flat rides and prefab coasters if you want, but if you’re the more creative type, you’ll get a huge kick out of the freedom Park Beyond’s coaster building and design tools give you. Packed with personality, plenty of gameplay and some truly wonderful ride designs, Park Beyond is a must for theme park sim fans.

F1 23 is pretty much a faultless racing experience. While its career mode may be lacking in innovations this year, the return of Braking Point and the new F1 World mode more than make up for it. Add in other improvements and features, and you have what is undoubtedly the best F1 game yet. If you’re an F1 fan this is an absolute must-buy as usual, but even racing game fans in general would be wise to add this to their collection. With its wealth of content, brilliant handling and sublime presentation, F1 23 is simply racing at its finest.

It’s hard to wholeheartedly recommend MotoGP 23 to anyone but devout fans of the sport, especially with Nine Season 2009 gone without anything to replace it. It’s a solid racing game with some decent updates, but it’s not the most generous when it comes to content and it fails to cater to newcomers without basically taking control off of them. Ultimately, it may be out of date now, but most are better off sticking with MotoGP 22 for another year.

If you’re after a fun, old-fashioned arcade shooter experience and don’t mind the dated graphics, Terminal Velocity: Boosted Edition is certainly worth its budget asking price. It’s not a comprehensive remaster of the close to 30-year old game, but its exhilarating gameplay still shines through.

Raiden III x Mikado Maniax isn’t the most content-laden shoot ’em up package, nor is it the best looking. It’s impossible to recommend it over its follow ups, which overall are simply better games. But despite all that, this is still a great shoot ’em up which has stood the test of time. And so, if you’ve already acquired the newer entries in the series but want yet more Raiden action, this will serve you well.

Launching with a strong and varied roster of fighters and a range of modes that should satisfy most players, Street Fighter 6 is a triumph. The combat here is stronger than it’s ever been, and a serious effort has been made to make this the most accessible and inclusive fighting game yet. Whether you spend your time developing your custom-made fighter in World Tour, fighting against others in the Battle Hub, or practising your skills in Fighting Grounds, Street Fighter 6 doesn’t fail to impress and entertain. For fighting game fans, this should be considered essential.

It’s not the same as getting a brand new game, but when it comes to Katamari, we’ll take whatever we can get. We Love Katamari REROLL+ Royal Reverie is just as delightful as the original, and it’s clear a lot of work has been done to make this 18-year-old game look just as good as ever. Some of its more random levels aren’t quite as enjoyable as they should be, but as a full package, this is Katamari at its best.

When it comes to Amnesia: The Bunker, you can tell that Frictional Games really wanted to up the horror. And it’s achieved it. This is true survival horror where resources are limited, and while you can fight, it feels hopeless. It’s not the biggest game in the world, and feeling constantly stalked and preyed upon means this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But those who get a kick out of skulking around in the dark, solving puzzles while evading something grotesque, will absolutely love this

It’s safe to say that Killer Frequency has taken us by surprise. We don’t really know what we expected from it, but it gripped us from the outset and made us keen to keep playing. A multi-layered affair, it’s a lot of fun trying to find solutions to the harrowing situations that your callers have found themselves in, but there’s also pleasure in finding out more about its protagonist, Forrest, and the rest of the residents of Gallow’s Creek. Those fond of narrative adventures and engaging puzzles would be wise to give this a spin.

DRIFTCE doesn’t have mass appeal – that’s a given. For those that it’s aimed at though, it should prove to be quite the delight. The physics are solid, making pulling off impressive drifts all the more rewarding. And the fact that you have to assemble and maintain your vehicles gives everything more of a personal touch. It’s just a shame that there isn’t a little more assistance for those who aren’t fully aware where an intercooler should be fitted, for example. Still, there’s always the opportunity to learn.

We feel like we’ve discovered a real hidden gem in Dynopunk. Part visual novel, part management sim, every facet of the game has kept us thoroughly engaged. Its pixel art style is wonderful, and accompanied by an eclectic and unique soundtrack, it’s hard to put down once you start playing. We really hope Dynopunk garners a bit of buzz, because it absolutely deserves it.

We had high expectations for Diablo 4, and we're so happy to say that Blizzard has smashed them. This is a title that takes Diablo 3's meaningful quality-of-life improvements and expands upon them with aplomb, while also bringing back the much-loved look and feel of Diablo 2. All the while, it's not too focused on the past, taking the series into open world territory and making it more story-led than ever before. And what a story it tells: we never expected to be so invested. But more importantly, we can't wait to start a new character and jump once again into the endgame. Diablo 4 is devilishly good – the best Diablo game yet, in fact, and it only stands to get better.

Animality lacks any real substance: this is the type of game you’ll jump into for 10 minutes at a time, while the TV’s on in the background, or while you’re waiting for the microwave to beep. There may be meatier endless runners out there, but this one-button wonder does all you need it to in order to keep you coming back.

The gameplay of Puzzle Bobble never gets old, and in Everybubble it’s no different. Popping bubbles is just as much fun as it was in the 1990s: almost 30 years later, and it’s as enjoyable as ever. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble offers up a well-rounded package with plenty of modes to jump into, with Baron’s Tower and the joyous Space Invaders twist giving players reason to keep jumping back in long after the story mode has been completed. What’s not to like, really?

Even if you’re hugely familiar with the world of Warhammer 40,000, Boltgun is a bit of an old-fashioned treat. Its sprites are wonderfully realised, its environments suitably atmospheric, and its action brutal. Its simplicity is its strength, as well as its sheer disregard for your enemies’ innards as they spill out under your sustained fire, or perhaps an introduction to your chainsword. And so, we’re reminded why retro shooters are all the rage once more: because they’re bloody good fun.

No One Lives Under the Lighthouse is a game that horror fans should definitely check out, especially if the retro aesthetic appeals to them. It’s pretty impressive that, with such understated visuals and no voiced dialogue, a game can create such an atmosphere. And as the days go by and the horror cranks up, you’re not only kept on your toes, but also the edge of your seat.

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.

While Zool himself can be a bit unwieldy to control, playing Zool Redimensioned it’s easy to see why he still lives in the minds of some gamers. He’s a charismatic little fellow, instantly recognisable and rather cool. And so while this retro platformer might not have the awareness or tight gameplay of the original Super Mario Bros. or Sonic the Hedgehog, it’s still well worth checking out if you’re after some old-fashioned fun.

Humanity joins the stable of games published by Enhance that are weird and wonderful in all the right ways. Its abstract visual style, strange premise and trippy soundtrack all sit on top of its unique brain-teasing challenges, creating a game that quickly gets its hooks in you and doesn’t let go. For puzzle fans, or those who simply like their games out of the ordinary, this is a must-play.

Had there been more variety on offer, a few more random elements to make Death or Treat‘s playthroughs feel more varied, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this roguelike. It looks great, its Halloween theme is wonderful, and even though its internet parody worlds might be a little tonally dissonant, they still raise a smile. But there needs to be more to keep it feeling interesting, and as it is, slashing through the same enemies in the same environments time and time again just isn’t quite enough.

TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 3 is another solid entry in the series, which thankfully mixes things up quite a lot. It’s still not all that welcoming to beginners, and there are some minor issues that might aggravate players from time to time, but overall, fans of the sport are likely to lap this up. Fast, brutal and at times utterly beautiful, TT Isle of Man – Ride on the Edge 3 will reward you if you put in the time and effort to master it. But approach it with recklessness and it’ll just give you road rash.

You might not spend enough time with Ao and Bo in No Longer Home to truly care about their feelings. But if you’re a graduate yourself, you’ll undoubtedly relate to the themes brought up in the game and reminisce over your own tumultuous time as you finished your university course. It’s only brief, but No Longer Home manages to capture real feelings and emotions in a tangible, powerful way.

Grindstone‘s premise is simple in the best way possible: this is the sort of puzzle game that really gets its claws into you and doesn’t let go. Getting a high score in a daily challenge is a thrill, and getting a record-breaking chain is oh-so-satisfying. It helps that it looks fantastic, too, with a sumptuous hand-drawn art style. If you’re after a casual puzzle game with some substance, you really can’t get any better than this. Just prepare yourself to be unable to put it down.

Formula Retro Racing – World Tour is a fun but unremarkable way to waste away a number of hours. It’s nice that it packs in multiple modes and two classes of vehicles, even if the drift class isn’t quite as enjoyable to get to grips with as the other. And with its retro aesthetic and global leaderboards, some are likely to return to it again and again.

Is Mia and the Dragon Princess our favourite FMV game from Wales Interactive and Good Gate Media? Perhaps not, but that’s not to say we didn’t enjoy our time with it. Its story might be ridiculous, but with plenty of action – and a surprising amount of cheesy gore – it kept us highly entertained from start to finish. It’s just a shame that the choices you make can leave you with a half-baked experience that doesn’t truly represent what this story should be.

After some updates, Redfall may well become a Game Pass must-play, whether you like to play alone or with others. But right now, while you can have fun with it if you grit your teeth and give it some leeway, it's very hard to wholeheartedly recommend. While some issues here are likely to persist even once the title has been polished up a little, such as the world feeling too empty at times and skill trees being underwhelming, it's the technical problems that are the stake to Redfall's heart.

Bugs aside, though, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time with Mail Time. This is a cute, whimsical adventure that anyone who likes cosy, relaxing games will enjoy. The silly dialogue won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but we still reckon it’ll raise a smile or two even from the sternest of faces. Leave action and violence aside for a bit, and Mail Time is the ideal chilled-out experience to spend a couple of hours with.

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.

Like R-Type Final 2 before it, R-Type Final 3 Evolved is a game that some will likely adore. In the grand scheme of things, though, it’s not the pinnacle of the shoot ’em up genre that it once would have been. Those who already own R-Type Final 2 might feel like this should have been offered as an upgrade rather than an updated re-release parading as a sequel. And while the visuals have been spruced up and more content has been added, notable core issues haven’t been addressed to create more widespread appeal.

If you’re a fan of games that don’t hold your hand, you might get on well with Strayed Lights. Well, as long as you’re also on board with combat that’s focused around matching enemy colours and parrying attacks. This is a unique title with a striking visual style, but like Marmite, it’s an acquired taste. For all the reasons some will appreciate it, others are only likely to find boredom and frustration.

It's a shame that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor isn't a little more polished, as it really takes the sheen off this bigger, bolder sequel. The story may take a while to really get going, but once it does, it has some fantastic, explosive scenes that truly make an impact. And while there is some fan-service, it tries to keep it to a minimum. Ultimately, this is a must-play for any Star Wars fan, and it leaves us excited about what's next for Cal Kestis.

Despite its niggles, there’s a lot to like about Zoeti: its poker hand twist on typical card-based battler gameplay makes it stand out from the crowd. Add to that its beautiful 2D animation – and a surprisingly excellent soundtrack – and you’ve got a unique roguelike that we can see ourselves returning to again and again. With a bit of polish, it really could be a stand-out title in the genre.

Sure, Afterimage has plenty of flaws. It’s a little too difficult at times. Its choice to lock fast travel behind a rare potion is frustrating. And it’s all too easy to feel like you’re at a dead end. But despite its issues, it has kept us coming back for more. This is a beautiful metroidvania with a huge, impeccably-designed world that begs to be explored. Whether you’re a long-time metroidvania fan or enjoy action RPGs, Afterimage is well worth pouring some time into.

Ultimately, there’s nothing really bad about Trinity Trigger, but there’s also nothing that makes you excited about playing it. Its story is enjoyable but very predictable and clichéd, the combat is solid but very typical of the genre, and it looks and sounds just fine. If you’re after a fairly breezy, light-hearted action RPG to work your way through, it’s worth considering, but the experience is not likely to stick with you.

It would be easy to write off Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores as more of the same, but thanks to some stand-out gameplay moments and Aloy’s new relationship with Seyka, it should be considered essential for fans of the series. Make no mistake, a third game in the series is coming, and this is its prelude. But more importantly, if the new features and other additions here are a taste of what’s to come, sign us up right now.

There’s a surprising amount of content in Desktop Dungeons Rewind and, despite its simple appearance, this is a devilishly fiendish beast that we can’t get enough of. It’s not your typical dungeon crawler by any means, but its easy-to-pick-up yet hard to master gameplay will keep us coming back time and time again.

Against all odds, Dead Island 2 is pretty much everything we wanted it to be. This is the ultimate zombie game, dropping you in a setting that’s an absolute joy to explore and spend time in while taking apart zombies in any way you please. Fans of Dead Island will be overjoyed at what’s been delivered here, taking the core concept of the original game and building upon it to make something that’s perhaps a little more linear, but better in all regards. It’s funny to think that we once considered this game dead, because developer Dambuster Studios has proved that there’s life in the series yet.

While we can appreciate what Modus Studios was aiming for with God of Rock, we struggle to recommend it to anyone but the most ardent of music rhythm or fighting game fans. It’s a unique concept that sounds like it should work, but ultimately it’s neither fun as a music rhythm game or entertaining as a fighting game.

As much as I could criticise the game for its shortcomings, B-Movie dialogue and writing, alongside movement control issues and inconsistent/erratic/badly designed logical item puzzles with equally poor flag conditions for the branching paths and endings, the game was quite enjoyable.

While its low-fi nature means that Rewind or Die won’t be to everyone’s tastes, it’s easy to recommend to horror fans looking for something a little out of the ordinary. This perfectly encapsulates the essence of straight-to-video cult-horror favourites of years gone by, being schlocky and gory yet undeniably entertaining all the same.

Whether you’re a fan of Strider or a keen retro gamer who’s happiest when jumping into an obscure and hard-to-find title, Cannon Dancer – Osman is definitely worthy of your time and money. Thanks to its electrifying action and strong visual design, it’s a blast from the past that’s genuinely entertaining from beginning to end.

Jump into Dogfight – A Sausage Bomber Story and while you’ll never likely be wowed, you will be entertained by its humorous brand of shoot ’em up action. This is a lovely-looking title with solid mechanics, enjoyable alone or with others. But there’s little that’s unique about its gameplay, and once its campaign has been completed many players may struggle to find a reason to return other than to collect more weapons.

It’s a shame that Steel Defier doesn’t last much more than an hour; we’d have gladly played through many, many more levels. This is a simple little game, but one that absolutely nails the concept of a fulfilling challenge. More please, Viridino Studios.

While it’s missing some quality of life features that would have been appreciated, and the games included are a bit samey on the whole, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is easy to recommend to Mega Man fans, and also those keen to see what the Battle Network series is all about. The combat system at the core of these titles is still engaging and original, and while you might tire of the random battles, chances are you’ll battle on to see Lan save the day time and time again. Throw in some welcome extras, and you can’t really lose.

Even if Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened was slightly disappointing, we’d ultimately still be impressed, given the hardship that Frogwares has faced over the course of its development. The fact that it’s actually a very good game its own right shouts volumes about the talent housed within this small Ukrainian developer. Truly, this is a real showcase of passion, perseverance and raw talent. Detective games really don’t come much better than this – especially if you like a bit of the occult thrown in for good measure.

While Lunark does have its merits, the further we progressed in it, the further it tested our patience. Its clunky controls are a hurdle, but one you might be able to get over. Problems with unfair combat, poor checkpointing, and questionable environmental design, however, are much harder to forgive. Ultimately, if you’re fan of the genre, Lunark is worth a try, but don’t expect it to stand up to even its decades old peers.

If you’ve got a creative streak and a taste for vengeance, Meet Your Maker will have you cackling, plotting and cursing well into the night. You’ll shun daylight, surrounded by an ever-growing field of 3D printed skulls, each representing in in-game kill. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what gaming’s all about?

Ultimately, if you’re a fan of Slay the Spire, you’ll undoubtedly get a kick out of Pirates Outlaws. It’s a solid entry into the roguelike card-based battler genre, but we just can’t shake the feeling it’s a little too much like its inspirations to really stand out. Still, it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for more Slay the Spire-type action, it’ll do a decent job of scratching that itch.

Marfusha isn’t the most visually interesting game, and for some it might quickly become overly repetitive. There’s something about its simple gameplay that makes it strangely captivating though, tempting you to return to protect its border gates time and time again. With such a wide range of cards available, and multiple characters in Challenge Mode, no two runs are quite exactly the same, either. If you’re fan of shooters that you can dip in and out of, it’s well worth adding to your library.

We cared deeply for both Kaito and Zoe throughout our time with Road 96: Mile 0, wanting to make the best choices for both of them. Their journey may be brief, but it’s filled with sincere moments, whether emotional, funny or tense – and it’s a story we simply couldn’t put down once we’d started. This is an excellent addition to Road 96, adding extra weight and context to the events of that game, but also standing strong on its own two feet, as a tale of two teenagers struggling to make sense of the complicated world around them. Once again, Digixart has created something wonderfully unique, and the studio’s talent for storytelling shines brighter than ever.

Curse of the Sea Rats is a perfectly playable metroidvania that feels rough around the edges. Mechanically it can feel a little unfair at times due to things like stiff animations and unfortunate enemy placements. And while its four protagonist set up is a neat touch, it can be a grind to upgrade skills if you do decide to change. Still, fans of the genre are likely to enjoy their time with it.

With a fantastic art style that immediately charms you, and engaging gameplay that will keep you coming back time and time again, we love Wildfrost. It’s a very welcome entry into the roguelike card battler genre, offering challenging but fulfilling combat that we can’t get enough of. If you’re a fan of games like Slay the Spire, we urge you to try Wildfrost. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’ve got an evening that you want to fill with a charming narrative adventure, The Last Worker will fit the bill. Just don’t expect it to make a major impact on you. While its story starts out strong, it fizzles out as it reaches its climax, and a number of frustrating gameplay elements suck a little fun from the experience. Thankfully, the strength of its presentation and excellent voice acting will at least keep you determined to see things through.