There’s no denying that this is the best MXGP release yet. While they’re not particularly sizeable, improvements have been made, and it’s nice to have some new tracks thrown into the mix. Just be aware that if you already own MXGP 2020, MXGP 2021 isn’t going to offer a wildly different experience. It feels more like a refinement or expansion rather than a sequel. Whether that makes it worth the asking price is up to you.

Whether you’re looking for a casual, classically inspired fix of arcade action, or a hardcore, brutal scrolling shooter you’ll find the possibility of both with Raiden V: Director’s Cut. It’s a shame that lack of innovation and some strange design choices hinder it. However, it still remains an enjoyable experience for long-term fans of this almost three decade old franchise, or newcomers alike.

If you’re an ardent shoot ’em up fan, there’s no doubt that Cotton Reboot! is an attractive proposition. And if you’re the type that will replay it countless times in order to master its stages and claim a spot at the top of the online leaderboards, the price probably shouldn’t put you off. The fact remains that there are plenty of shoot ’em ups available that are just as good if not better, however, and many of them are cheaper. So, unless you’re chomping at the bit to play it, you might want to wait for it to go on sale.

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?

This long-lost chapter of the Shantae series provides more of the hair-whipping and belly-dancing action that it's known and loved for. Some might get a little frustrated by the amount of backtracking that's required, though, as well as navigating some of its maze-like locations without a map.

Peril on Gorgon is an entertainingly substantial chunk of The Outer Worlds content, with a handful of side-quests that will keep you poking around the planet until you’ve seen every inch. It may not push the envelope, but it’s good, clean, corporation-crushing fun. And it’s made me eager to see just what the The Outer Worlds’ next expansion will bring.

Repetitiveness is undoubtedly God Eater 2: Rage Burst’s biggest issue. The mission structure is repetitive, the basic combat system is repetitive, and even your actions within the hub are repetitive.

It's not the deepest or most expansive online multiplayer game, but you can have a lot of fun with Midnight Murder Club, especially when playing with friends. Sneaking around a pitch-black mansion armed with just a flashlight and a revolver can be a tense affair. And thanks to the Guest Pass system, just one player needs to purchase this bargain offering to play with up to five others.

Freedom Planet 2 will surely be enjoyed by Sonic fans wanting some more high-speed 2D platforming antics. It even has a soundtrack that can trade blows with the Blue Blur’s finest. It suffers from the same pitfalls as a typical 2D Sonic game, though, such as enemy placement sometimes feeling punishing. And the deviations from the Sonic formula often work against the game rather than for it, with combat in particular being deeper but also scrappier. Still, this is a solid game, and developer GalaxyTrain should be applauded for trying to build on the Sonic formula rather than simply replicate 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.

It might rub some people up the wrong way in light of the current sensitivity surrounding US law enforcement, but it should be said that, while it might exhibit less tact in dealing with some of those situations that hit closer to home, This Is The Police still gives the player the ultimate choice: they can choose to do what’s morally right or… not.

Those who like anime ladies, mechs, fast-paced action and visual novels are bound to get plenty of enjoyment out of Alice Gear Aegis CS: Concerto of Simulatrix. It’s not likely to wow anyone in any way, but it’s a solid battler with a pleasing amount of customisation and plenty of female combatants to discover the motivations of.

Rogue Wizards is inherently difficult, but for the most part, it’s a rewarding, challenging difficulty that keeps the player engaged.

The Persistence Enhanced is well worth checking out if you’re a horror fan, especially if you also like a bit of stealth. Those fond of roguelikes will no doubt get a kick out of it too. However, the game’s repetitive nature alongside its clunky and often unfair combat will likely result in some frustration, and maybe even cause some to give up on their bid for freedom. Players who do see their journey to its end, though, will find a welcome assortment of complimentary modes that will entice them to go back for more deck exploring action.

Ultimately, the success of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl lies in how lively its online community is. We’ve found players easily enough so far, but who knows if they’ll stick around. It’ll be a shame if they don’t though, because this is a competent brawler. Its pleasant visuals, varied roster of beloved characters and surprisingly deep combat make it one of the better Smash-type games out there. But if there’s nobody online to play with, its offline content will quickly lose its fun.

Glass Masquerade is a unique and enchanting jigsaw puzzle game that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something they can unwind with.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers is a great entry point for those looking to get into the long-running series, and one that’s more accessible than ever thanks to an aesthetic that makes it more suitable for younger players. Throw in new features like the character switching mechanic and you have a game that’s a blast to play in small doses when alone, but really shines when played with others. Ultimately though, repetition is still an issue, as the gameplay never really evolves as you move through the lengthy campaign.

Overall, In Between is a stellar title. It’s a refreshing take on the platformer genre in a market that is saturated to breaking point.

Beach Buggy Racing 2: Island Adventure can be a relentless beast – like any karting game, you can expect to be constantly inundated with attack after attack, and it can get tiring. But racing around its colourful, upbeat tracks remains fun, and the sheer amount of content here makes it excellent value for money. Whether you want to race solo or against friends, there’s plenty here to keep you entertained.

Despite its brevity and simplistic nature, Don’t Open The Doors! offers an incredibly unique experience that’s worth it alone just for the extraordinary stop motion animation.

If you enjoy a challenge and some classic old-school arcade action, you can’t go wrong with Pang Adventures. Just watch out for the bouts of imminent Rage Quit.

Sonic x Shadow Generations essentially bundles up a remaster of the original game with a new Shadow-led sequel. Though while taking control of Shadow is fun thanks to his range of new abilities, and there's a new Sonic Frontiers-inspired hub world to explore, it's basically more of the same, complete with highs and lows.

End of the Mine is an impressive experience for a Kickstarter game from a developer that is only just starting out. There are still a few minor issues that need fixing – I encountered a few crashes while playing – but I would definitely recommend giving it a go as more patches are released.

Considering it’s been made by one person, Estranged: The Departure is a rather impressive feat. Its world is well-realised and it has atmosphere in droves. It’s a little slow in the beginning, but as you explore you’ll find yourself getting immersed in the story, desperate to find out what’s going on. The real downside is the frustrating combat, which often feels completely superfluous to the experience. Even so, Estranged: The Departure‘s beautiful visuals and intriguing story make it well worth a playthrough for those that crave a new adventure.

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge is a delightful recreation of the event itself yet it exists in a genre populated by games that far exceed it. It’s all the more unfortunate since the core of the game could easily support a more robust and interesting package.

Battle Worlds: Kronos is a game all about tactical unit distribution and the art of patience and preparation. Unfortunately, I have neither the art of preparation nor the virtue of patience. If you do have the aptitude required for a classic unit-based strategy game though, then definitely give Battle Worlds: Kronos a go. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s a well-polished package that has plenty to offer for fans of old school turn-based strategy.

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.

For JoJo fans, this remaster is likely to be very welcome indeed. It takes a solid fighting game that arrived towards the end of the PS3’s life and not only enhances it, but also expands upon it. The result is a game that looks a bit dated visually, but still has a hell of a lot to offer, especially for those happy to simply play against the CPU or another local player. Ultimately, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R may not quite have the pizzazz to compete with the modern fighting game elite, but it certainly puts on a good show.