In the end Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns might not be perfect, but it’s still a wonderful game in many ways. There’s tonnes of stuff to do on your farm, what feels like a million side quests, and even adorable postmen to woo if that’s something you’re interested in *wink*. It’s a shame that it does get quite repetitive, there’s no huge overarching goal, and the tutorial made me want to punch Uncle Frank in the face, but all of the good surely outweighs these minor points. The game design is gorgeous, the dialogue and story are very well written, and overall the game is just really great fun.

There’s something rather alluring about Torment: Tides of Numenera. Whilst its central story is somewhat linear, it’s truly impressive just how personal your adventure can be thanks to the wealth of side quests that surround it and the multiple ways you can deal with each of them.

Stories Untold places a hidden story within a hidden story; a puzzle that only reveals itself once you piece together its outer layers – and it’s one of the most fascinating and unique tales you can play this year.

It’s hard to tell whether it’s the mouth-made sound effects, nifty clues, or funny characters that are the cutest part of [Hidden Folks], but it’s easy to lose yourself in its strange and captivating world for a couple of hours.

Put simply, if you enjoyed Chime, then you’ll love Chime Sharp. Anybody who enjoys a block or tangram-type puzzle would be wise to give it a go.

Blueprint Tycoon just isn’t particularly fun. Without a way to lose, there’s no real challenge… It all just feels like a long, somewhat tedious, tutorial.

Takes the very best aspects of the genre, cuts out most of the tedium and delivers an exciting, stirring and compelling trip through memory lane.

A Pixel Story is a hugely fulfilling experience. Its perfectly pitched difficulty ensures that it’s challenging but never frustratingly so, and above all, it has that elusive ‘just one more go’ quality that will keep you hooked.

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.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a serious table tennis game then this isn’t it; VR Ping Pong sits firmly in the casual gaming genre, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The slick, fun gameplay coupled with the brilliantly nostalgic visuals and sound effects is immensely enjoyable – and especially considering its ridiculously cheap asking price, I can’t recommend it enough.

Though far from revolutionary, iO is a simple, yet intuitive puzzler that is sure to dig its hooks into fans of the genre looking for a unique challenge.

[All The Delicate Duplicates’] moments of greatness – often coming from its experimental nature – are too few and far between stages of gratuitous reading and derivative searching. The final experience, marred by playing it just too safe, comes off feeling needlessly short and forgetful.

In no uncertain terms, Nioh is something special. It’s one of those rare games that surpasses expectations, taking the best elements from a variety of genre-defining titles whilst sprinkling in a handful of its own ideas.

Divide‘s curious narrative and enigmatic characters can only do so much; for every genuine moment of intrigue there are a hundred other moments to be spent aimlessly wandering the endless, grey corridors, desperate for the whole thing to just end.

Halo Wars 2 is hands-down the best RTS available on console, and a game that rightfully deserves a place in any thinking Xbox One owner’s library.

If you’re willing to put in the time to fight your way past its flaws, then you’ll get some enjoyment out of How to Survive 2, but there are better zombie shooters and survival games out there.

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.

Despite its few narrative drawbacks, Uncanny Valley remains a genuinely creepy and interesting indie horror experience, and one that should be applauded for its unique consequence system.

A Normal Lost Phone is a game with a really brilliant concept. It covers complicated, sensitive topics which, in many ways, is a bold and brave thing to do in today’s world.

Standing head and shoulders above its predecessors, Sniper Elite 4 is Rebellion assuredly stepping up their game. Sure, the story at the heart of the campaign is still a bit duff, but who plays games like this for the narrative? I certainly don’t. What’s important is that all of Sniper Elite 4’s gameplay tweaks and improvements come together to create a package that feels solid and succinct, offering an experience that is enjoyably tense and rewarding. What’s more, it’s always thrilling lining up that perfect shot before witnessing its gruesome effects on your victim via the x-ray kill-cam. Perfection eludes it due to the small amount of screen-tearing and somewhat repetitive sub-objectives, but Sniper Elite 4 is essential for the armchair sniper out there looking for their next sure-fire hit.

Random but ridiculously repetitive, this deadly dull dungeon hack gives little reason to recommend it.

Though I still believe there is plenty of room for improvement, and it’s not the kind of game you’re going to want to sink hours of time into, I have to admit that I’m impressed by the hard work of the developers, artists, designers, and programmers that created Ruckus Rumble as students.

It’s safe to say that Splasher ticks all the right boxes in all the right places. It has the potential to be the next big thing in platforming – I urge you, if you’re a fan of the genre, then you must give Splasher a try.

It’s too bad that its production values and general lack of polish keep it from ever achieving a proper moment of emotional transcendence… [but] there’s enough earnest desire to show you the world through a glass darkly that We Are Chicago isn’t without value.

The Road to Boruto expansion for Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 offers more of the same over-the-top action, which for many players will be enough for them to part with the cash.

A game of impeccable design and gorgeous art, with almost no missteps to speak of. With all the games to choose from these days, don’t let this one slip by.

The world in which Phoning Home is based is gorgeously designed; each organism you come across is new and different – some glow, some shine, and together, it is all incredibly beautiful.