Slick and simple, and at times, fun that's bordering frenetic. Despite the lack of diversity in gameplay and sound, as well as few new challenges introduced throughout, the game's an easy-to-pick-up diversion that tests your multitasking ability.

Nightmares From the Deep: The Cursed Heart is kind of like the old pirates of yore: What it lacks in finesse, it makes up for in brute force. If refinement and attention to detail are a priority, then it will probably leave you cold. But if what you're after is a big pile of hidden object scenes and you're not too particular about how it's all tied together, this tale of tragedy on the high seas will fit the bill nicely.

I highly recommend Enigmatis: The Ghosts of Maple Creek. The length of the game is excellent and, while the bonus chapter isn't particularly long, it adds enough to the story to make it worth the Collector's Edition price.

Taking over the world is a lofty goal, be it for a player or a developer. But as far as unique mash-ups go, Tiny Token Empires might just be the best we've seen yet. Demanding a good deal of strategy on multiple fronts, gamers with a thirst for global conquest and a taste for fantastic gameplay owe it to themselves to pick this one up.

Avernum: Escape From The Pit provides plenty of bang for the buck in a world that's both impressively vast and well realized. Trying to escape a horrifying fate has rarely been this enjoyable.

I’m a big fan of pixelated titles and management/simulation games, so I knew Discounty was for me, and it didn’t disappoint.

At face value, Date Everything may seem like a silly little dating game. The hilarity of the memes and social media posts regarding the game is certainly attention-grabbing, but they don’t touch on the intricacies of the title. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it’s so much more than that. Characters interact with each other, and some even have a bit of history. Harper and Dirk, I’m looking at you. It creates a world that feels real, as they speak of other objects, immersing you in a sort of hub world within the walls of the house. You forget the fact that you don’t touch grass, and instead, you spend all day, every day socialising with your furniture. Okay, it sounds weird when you put it like that, but despite the game taking place in one major location, it doesn’t feel limited in the slightest.

Fantasy Life has something for everyone and feels like an expansive, multi-layered adventure.

To wrap up, I enjoyed my time with EvoCreo2. It’s a game any fan of Pokémon could enjoy, without the £60 price tag. I liked the Creo designs, main story, side quests, interactions, and world layout. Particularly, the Creo upgrades are more in-depth than just evolution. They had customisable moves, passives, and traits to help them prestige. I also loved the evolution animations and how they were unique for each elemental type. Other animations, such as attack and sprite movements, were also lively. My personal favourite is the Bug Bite move attack animation with its snarly fangs and fluid blood movement.

Do I recommend Sorry We’re Closed? A million times yes! If you like old-school horror games and miss the PSX era, then this game is just what you’re looking for. It’s got a Y2K flare combined with the darkness of familiar survival horror titles. On top of that, the storyline is engaging, the characters are likeable, the dialogue and relationships feel natural, and trying to uncover the mysteries of both worlds had me glued to my screen for hours.

To me, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is the perfect game to snuggle up with. Even if you play for just an hour, there’s so much to do, and it’s all so relaxing. With an abundance of side quests and main quests, you’ve always got something to do.

Tensei is not perfect – there’s not much content here, ultimately – but we still really enjoyed our time we had with this intriguing casual title.

Ultimately Just Crow Things is a fun time that isn’t pretending to be anything it isn’t. If you’re looking for an amusing little indie title to while away some hours with you could do a lot worse.

It’s a very short title, but anyone looking for a chilled puzzle experience should be checking out Paper Trail.

A game that keeps throwing surprises and different puzzles at you, Animal Well is arguably one of the very best indie releases from 2024.

Overall, I think this is a wonderful game for fans of Error Salvation. You get to play through a variety of alternate endings, both good and bad. Bad in the sense that they’re depressing and dark. From the selection screen, you have multiple options to choose from.

Perhaps not quite as pure and joyful an experience as Grapple Dog, Grapple Dogs is still a hugely impressive and playable platformer.

It won’t be for everyone, but Thank Goodness You’re Here offers up such a bravely unique vision it’s hard not to be impressed.

With the ability to upgrade your weapons, collect pets, and increase your stats, there’s a constant sense of progression in WitchSpring R. It’s one of the best things about it, and makes it an essential purchase for RPG fans.

I’m seriously going to make it a regular addition to my exercise routine because A) it’s fun, and B) it works up a sweat! I genuinely feel as if I’ve done a real workout at a gym class with an instructor afterwards, but from the comfort of my own home with my favourite Vocaloid. I also think the addition of building up your data to keep an eye on your progress is a nice touch, as I can see where I’m going wrong, and what I need to do more of.

Celestia: Chain of Fate completely took my breath away, and it truly felt like I was in a fairy tale. The art and music are beautiful, and I loved that even the people you only meet a few times have additional stories and extras dedicated to them. I’ve already romanced Luke… so I think I’ll go for Ash next!

This is a game we’d ultimately recommend playing in short bursts – this way it offers a perfectly judged experience for both experienced and novice fans of the tower defense genre.

If you like cosy fantasy games, but with a hint of action, then Elrentros Wanderings comes highly recommended – as long as you’re okay with things getting a little repetitive at times.

I absolutely adore the art in this game. The character models are gorgeous, the art pieces during romantic scenes are beautiful and cosy, and the UI has a charm to it.

I think my love for Potion Permit comes down to the stunning world design, weird villagers and homely, whimsical charm. That and I’m not immune to being a witch doctor. Echoing what I said at the start of this review, you need to try this game! Potion Permit is stacked with a great storyline, freedom of choice but a linear progression, lovely visuals and a huge sense of accomplishment as you build relations between the characters.

Ultimately, Sticky Business has perfected the art of relaxation whenever you need to take a break from the hustle bustle of reality.

Now I know Otome games can get steamy sometimes, but some of the dialogue and art for Tengoku Struggle Strayside had me giggling and kicking my legs like a teenager. That’s a good thing, trust me.

There’s a great range of challenges, the presentation is purely old school cool, and the controls are ultimately well judged.

Our only complaint would be the price tag, which is a tad high considering the age of the game – even if there admittedly is plenty of content to get your teeth into. For any fans of old school first person shooters this is still a must buy though.

Cavern of Dreams is effortlessly nostalgic, whimsical and charming. I’ve been so eager to get my thoughts out on this title since it is wholeheartedly my current favourite game I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. Before I’m Fynnished (ha!), Cavern of Dreams really is a title kids and adults can easily enjoy.

In conclusion, I had a blast playing Sympathy Kiss, and I can’t wait to dive back in to reach other endings. This Otome game has given me yet another fictional man to love, and for that, I highly recommend it.

The way qomp2 keeps you guessing means it’s a must try if you’re looking for a new experience.

Despite having no prior experience with the series, or even with visual novels in general, I found myself totally engrossed in the story of Apollo Justice. The bizarre dialogue and twisty plots made the whole thing feel like a playable anime, with stunning art and animation to match. While it may stumble sometimes with puzzles that feel too tricky for their own good, referring to a guide occasionally is a small price to pay to enjoy three fully-realised epics such as these. We the jury find Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy… Not Guilty! Of being a game you’ll regret picking up.

Despite the colourful and generally chill aesthetics, Promenade is certainly not a game to be trifled with. This only made us enjoy the game all the more though. What could have been another bland indie platformer is something much more interesting. So if you’re looking for a new platforming challenge, we’d highly recommend Promenade. It’s charming, well designed, and has a few interesting new ideas of its own.

Time Master is a charming, whimsical game with easy controls, great replay value and engaging levels. Despite not finishing the game to completion I’m eager to get back on the game and seek out those later-game levels – that alone should be telling enough of the entertainment value of Time Master.

If you’ve had a tough day, and the soup on the stove still has a while to go, then give Anomaly Agent a shot – and lose yourself in a simpler world. For a little while, at least.

Hiveswap boasts some brilliant character design that feels true to the Homestuck lore – on top of the fun interactions you’ll partake in. Similarly to Pesterquest you get to tell your own story through the friendships in the game. Though some of the friends you make are…questionable. Trolls are fascinating in that their ways of befriending are rather extreme. You’ll be put to some extreme lengths to accumulate new chums.

I think it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed Pesterquest and still continue to do so! I haven’t gotten through every route yet, but knowing I have more plus replay value ahead of me hasn’t left my mind, and I’m itching to have this review live to get back on it.

You get a lot of decks to play with, sure – but we would still expect a much more refined party game experience for such an outlay. So with that in mind we’d only truly recommend Heads Up! Phones Down Edition when it’s on sale, and even then you may be better off investigating some of the other more unique party titles the Switch has to offer first.

If you’re nostalgic for the classic fast-paced restaurant/cafe management games, you’re bound to love Pixel Cafe. It offers hours of fun and is one of those rare games that reminds you of fond old favourites from back in the day. With a low price tag, it’s worth checking out.

If you like JRPGs, combat with depth, and love getting to know characters more, CRYMACHINA is the game for you. Not a lot of games as of late feature such a distinctive art style, and it inspired me to pick up my own digital art projects again for a while – and that’s saying something!

To sum things up, this game was a real experience. It opened me to a new genre of games which I previously dismissed. I found myself wanting to replay stories just to try for different endings. World of Horror is an ideal title for gamers who like causal horror titles. There’s a low commitment to the stories despite the range in difficulty, and it’s easy to pick up and come back to time and time again.

Overall Spirittea is imbued with so much charm, and it’s all wove together to create a fascinating and whimsical experience. Plus, with a character as sassy and hilarious as Wonyan to guide me, all the tasks he bestows are always delivered alongside amusing dialogue. I’m a dog person at heart, but Wonyan is my honourary cat.

Overall, I really do love Super Mario Bros Wonder. It brings in classic elements of past games but sprinkles in a ton of new features to create something new. I love the variety of characters you can play as, and the variety of new items and power-ups. I’m a big fan of the badges and think they are really useful! Some levels and boss fights are easy compared to past games. I think they could have squeezed in a few more levels in each world too. It is a magical and vibrant experience for all ages! Not to mention, it has a super catchy soundtrack (Piranha Plants On Parade is a true masterpiece)

Lil Gator is a wonderfully refreshing and often very funny adventure we’d recommend everyone to check out.

Koa and The Five Pirates of Mara is perhaps a little twee for older gamers, but anyone that’s after a fast paced platformer should check this out.

Perhaps it’s slightly overpriced for what is ultimately a 5-6 hour experience, but this is still a very unique release and one worth supporting for anyone with even the slightest interest in gaming history.

Disney Illusion Island might not appeal to those who want non-stop hardcore platforming thrills, but there’s more than enough challenge here for those who look for it.

If you love Stardew Valley, Sun Haven, and the earlier Harvest Moon games, you are sure to find yourself enjoying your time in Fae Farm. While there were some concerns about the pricing, it’s easy to say that it’s worth it. Fae Farm has hours of content to play through and it’s clear to see the amount of love that went into it during development. The attention to detail is amazing, and it certainly sets a new standard for the genre.

In conclusion, Vampire Survivors is a gem. It’s a wonderful example of a successful indie game that has a simple concept but executes it perfectly. The catchy tunes in the background and the retro pixelated art combine to create an entertainingly addictive experience, and it’s even well priced – including all the DLC in the core price.

If you loved the original Oxenfree game, you’ll adore this follow-up title. It retains the familiar qualities of the first entry but offers more than enough new elements alongside this to feel fresh. You can definitely play Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals without playing the first game too, but doing so will provide you with a little more context as to what exactly is going on.

Ultimately though Fashion Police Squad is a well priced and superbly presented shooter that offers something very different to its peers.

Ultimately Decarnation is incredibly thought-provoking. Gloria’s life in the physical world is slowly falling apart, which in turn has a significant impact on her deteriorating psyche. You’ll find yourself thinking about this game even when you’re not playing it, and there can be no greater praise than that.

The only downside is the high price tag, especially considering there’s no online modes and the single player campaign gets dull fast. Still, if you have a set of friends to play with Hyper Gunsport is an almost essential purchase.

Nuclear Blaze is definitely a case of quality over quantity though, and well worth checking out.

Ultimately we don’t think Everybubble does much wrong, and is an essential purchase whether you’ve played a Puzzle Bobble game before or not.

Ultimately this is an improved version of an already almost perfect strategy game, and its bulkier sequel isn’t bad either. We recommend you sign up forthwith.

Overall, the entire concept of an office building being run by the Grim Reaper, or Death, himself brings a smile to my face. I look forward to making it back to the main area so I can watch the NPCs hold their coffee mugs as they gossip about other members of staff. I think my favourite NPC at the moment is the adorable Pump Quinn who clearly loves her work and is often seen clutching a bunch of papers. I’ve already recommended this game to everyone that I know, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves roguelike games. Even if you’re not usually a fan of the genre, you should give this one a try purely for the fast-paced combat and comedic situations that pop up throughout the game.

The remaster basically makes everything better – particularly the visuals, which have been lovingly brought up to modern standards. While the gameplay didn’t really need such sweeping changes, the dual-stick controls are an incredibly welcome addition. It’s just a shame that a few other modern touches couldn’t have made it into the final experience, including auto-saves, fast travel, and a more useful map.

There are numerous interesting puzzles that unfold because of the game’s unusual mechanics and set up, and it would be almost unfair to ruin any of them for you here. We’d therefore recommend trying out A Space For The Unbound if you’re looking for something that’s clearly been made with love and passion – it’s hard not to be whisked away by its charms.

There are some fairly fetch quests involved, but also a range of interesting mini-games and environmental puzzles – everything meshes up incredibly well. Add in the beautiful hand drawn visuals and animation and you have a title that is an almost essential experience for all ages.

Although for our money it’s not as engrossing or as immediately entertaining as Shovel Knight’s usual adventures this is still a well put together title that has very few faults when viewed purely as a roguelite.

The Switch is probably not the best place to experience the game – this was originally a PC title – but playing it handheld on the touchscreen is easy enough, and this is well worth investigating for those looking for something a little different.

Heidelberg 1693 is a great 2D platformer. Its occasionally frustrating gameplay is still hugely rewarding, and it’s a title that difficult to put down once you get a hang of the controls and combat. Just make sure you’re up for the challenge.

Dorfromanik succeed in nearly all it sets out to do – delivering a fun, relaxing and addictive gameplay loop that’s perfectly suited for the Switch. If you want a game that’s easy to pick up and play in and play in between this holiday’s bigger release, Dorfromanik is just the ticket.

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration serves to teach – and remind – us of a time in gaming that was very different to the one we live in now. One that was perhaps a little more exciting and imaginative. If you go in with an open and inquisitive mind there’s almost endless entertainment to be found here. Trust us.

Severed Steel is ultimately still well worth a look for first person shooter fans seeking something a little more experimental.

Overall Islets is a brilliant take on the Metroidvania genre though. The fast paced gameplay, brilliant boss battles, and interesting characters, all add up to it being a beautiful and unique take on the genre.

If you are a fan of Japanese humour or simply looking for something a little different in you game library Shin Chan Me And The Professor On Summer Vacation: The Endless Seven Day Journey is well worth investigating.

Dungeons of Dreadlock was clearly a labor of love by its developer, and despite some issues with controller support it’s an experience that’s worth checking out for anyone who’s a fan of the many genres it inhabits.

Overall, we feel pretty positive towards Disney Mirrorverse. Despite the flaws inherent with the genre, this is bristling with high production value and varies up the gameplay nicely. It’s also, honestly, just a joy to see collect your favourite Disney heroes and watch them fight alongside each other.

Catalyst Black is an entertaining shooter, but in a lot of ways it’s going to be pretty divisive. If it clicks with you then there’s a very good chance you’re going to spend the next couple of years engrossed in its violent action. But if it doesn’t, if it all gets a bit too much early on, there’s a good chance you won’t give it a second thought.

Of all the battle royale games available on mobile this ranks amongst the most polished, the most well-balanced and the most entertaining. It’s a big, complex, AAA experience that’s going to leave you with a massive grin on your face. Apex Legends Mobile is well worth checking out.

Overall though there’s actually very little to criticise about The Skywalker Saga. It’s a perfectly constructed love letter to a series of films that will appeal to young and old alike. The force is strong in this one.

We found A Musical Story easy to lose ourselves in, despite the difficulty. Others may not be so forgiving, but if you’re looking for a new rhythm action title for your Switch this is an almost essential purchase.

There’s an elegance to Knotwords that puts it in the hallowed company of the likes of Wordle. In fact, if anything, it’s a far deeper experience than that most recent of word-based phenomena. Those little moments of success, that affirm that your brain can still figure things out, make this the sort of game that’s going to stick around on your phone for a good long while. And you’re going to enjoy every challenge it throws at you.

It will appeal to anybody looking for a punky presentational style, a deeply silly story, casual gameplay, and lots of risque imagery and innuendo. If you’re not already a fan of gacha-RPGs on mobile, this won’t be the game that changes your mind. But it’s a solid addition to the genre.

Hot Lap League definitely achieves what it sets out to. It’s fast and reasonably furious, and there’s a level of challenge here – especially on the harder levels – that demands a lot from your reflexes. It’s lacking slightly in thrills and spills, but it makes up for it with those pure moments of time-based success.

It likely won’t win over those who have already explored Odyssey’s vast platforming landscapes, but this is an ideal first step for those entering the world of gaming – or for those who simply want a relaxed co-operative experience with a healthy sprinkling of Nintendo magic.

There are different difficult settings to explore, special levels and an endless mode, and you’re going to enjoy all of them. Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield is by no means sloppy or slap-dash, and it can be wonderfully thrilling. While you’ll leave the game smiling, you’ll also be thinking about ways it could have been even better.

Ultimately Grapple Dog is a well priced platformer that’s clearly a labour of love for all involved, and is essential if you’re looking for a new 2D platformer on your Switch.

While it doesn’t reach the heights of the series at its best, Angry Birds Journey is a decent diversion that will suck you in with its gregarious bounce. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel – you could argue it deinvents it – but it’s a sugary mobile blast of dopamine hits, and it achieves exactly what it sets out to do.

Overall Card Fighters’ Clash holds up very well to modern scrutiny – like most of the top tier NGPC titles – and this sensibly priced port is a must play for anyone with even a passing interest in the card battler genre.

The first few times you play you’re not quite going to get the hang of the timing, or pay close enough attention to the damage you’ve taken and the risk that you’re in. But after a while things slot into place, and you suddenly realize you’re playing something special. Heck Deck still shouldn’t work. It shouldn’t be as much fun as it is, but here we are. These are crazy times indeed. Give it a download and find out for yourself how two completely opposite ideas can gel together to create something really special.

The combat is massively satisfying, the visual storytelling and details are consistently delightful – Dusk is an almost perfect first person shooter and this is a perfect port.

Although these Recharged titles aren’t taking massive risks, this entry is an easy recommendation for anyone who wants to enjoy a rock solid remake of a classic.

It might not be the direct port of Rocket League that some were hoping for, but Rocket League: Sideswipe captures and distils what made the home version of the game so great. And in doing so creates one of the finest mobile multiplayer experiences we’ve seen for a while.

Moncage is an interesting, experimental adventure with more than enough going for it to make it an easy recommendation. It’s tough, but for the most part fair, and the way it makes you think around its challenges is admirable. If you’re looking for a bright, engaging and challenging puzzle adventure, it’s well worth checking out.

If you’re looking for another throwaway bubble burster, then Petal Crash definitely isn’t for you. If you’re after a meaty puzzling experience that’s crafted with care and love, then it’s well worth checking out.

There’s barely anything we can say against Tetris Effect: Connected. It’s a fantastically fresh take on a puzzler that refuses to age. This Switch iteration is the definitive way to play the game thanks to the handheld element too.

Add in a good number of different arenas as well as a solid mix of power-ups and you have a title that’s well worth trying out at your next games night. It’s just a shame there’s no online play.

Ultimately, there’s a lot of quality adventuring to be had here however – with Aria of Sorrow in particular still one of the best entries in the entire Castlevania series.

The budget price-point means this is a very easy recommendation for those looking for a new shooter, or even a well balanced co-operative experience. In our eyes Centipede: Recharged is one of the best retro reboots so far this year.

Indies’ Lies isn’t as good as Slay the Spire, but it offers enough to anyone who enjoyed the mechanics of its inspiration to be worth a punt. This is a game that will keep you entertained for long stretches of time, even if it is lacking a little when it comes to imagination.

Pokemon Unite flashes moments of brilliance, and the battles always feel like they’re balanced on something of a knife edge. Is it perfect? No, some of the IAPs do feel a bit pay-to-win, and the roster of characters isn’t as expansive as MOBA fans might want. But when it works, boy does it work.

This is a game that deals in purity – even when it’s holding your hand, its grip is loose and careless. You’re on your own, just you and the track. It might not be the best looking game, or the most exciting, but if you’re looking for a racing experience that does its best to capture what pushing a car to its absolute limit is really like, Assetto Corsa Mobile is your best option.

Ultimately this is as perfect a port of Quake as anyone could have ever hoped for. The single player campaign is not extraordinary but is always fun, and the multiplayer is still rock solid all these years later. With the low price point this is quite simply an essential download.

My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge is a wonderfully ridiculous shooter that manages to turn bullet-time slaughter into a simple but effective artform. There’s so much fun to be had here that you’d really be pretty foolish if you didn’t pick it up and give it a go.