You won't want to leave Lake when the credits roll, such is the splendour of its setting and the welcome warmth of so many people who call this place home (assuming you weren't a dick to everyone). But you'll wish its flashes of understated majesty and its softly spoken introspective exchanges weren't compromised by performance that's woefully inconsistent. But if Gamious manages to patch this into a steadier experience, you can add a point, or even two, to the score below. Because there's something special here, beneath the creaks and the cracks.

Let’s Sing 2024 is a mixed bag; it’s a party that doesn’t reach its full potential, sadly fizzling out before it gets started. It’s a shame because I believe the core of the franchise is still there behind all the new licks of paint, it’s just harder to see when other, less favourable elements catch your eyes instead. But it still bursts with fun, ready to be unpacked at a moment’s notice and, for that reason, it’s a decent game in my eyes.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a seven to nine hour dose of pure, stake-free fun. It’s a platformer that won’t offer you anything you haven’t seen before, but it executes what it does well. The familiarity of the characters and world is always going to be its selling point, and fans won’t be disappointed by the quality of the humour.

Overall though, it feels like a patchwork of things the team wanted to make work but didn't finalise. It's like the hotel recreation itself - odd, but promising, and then as we delve deeper and deeper we realise that the enigmatic engineering has its weaknesses and its parts that aren't done yet. This isn't to detract from the fear that I felt, nor from the stomach-churning sense of dread whenever Du'Met turned his head like a hawk realising he might have heard someone breathe. I only wish the nausea wasn't from indigestion after an overstuffed and underdone game.

I think if I was more invested in the TRON world, or had a passion for the narratives that have already been told, I would have enjoyed TRON: Catalyst much more. With the lack of drive to see this world unfurl before me, it really felt like a simple action game, moving from point-to-point, with decent combat. It’s dripping with gorgeous design, and I could walk around in the world happily, or zoom around on my bike, all day, but the isometric view does remove some immersion. There’s a spark here, and a high level of polish, but I think it just wasn't really for me in the end.

I really like that the difficulty of Warsaw seems intrinsically tied to the plight of the Polish people during the Uprising, even if it does at times make the game more punishing than fun. Having never played it on PC (or for that matter the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One) it's difficult to say whether the Nintendo Switch is the way to experience the game, but I am happy to concede playing it there felt like a completely natural experience. If you're in need of a new roguelike and have an affinity for World War Two history, Warsaw is well-worth a look.

The Isle of Armor DLC feels like a glimpse into the future of what Pokémon is going to be. It's just a shame that elements from the base release hold it back. Let's hope the next half of the DLC, The Tundra Crown pushes the gameplay to even greater heights.

Perhaps Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow isn’t the triumphant return the series needed, even if the game itself is somewhat fine. In essence, virtual reality fans may enjoy it, while long-time fans hoping for a comeback in the vein of the original series may be disappointed. I hope whoever at Eidos is in charge of the Thief brand doesn’t shelve it for another decade, because I’m still holding out hope that the franchise will have a decent revival worthy of the Looking Glass Studios titles.

South of the Circle is a thought-provoking narrative adventure that fans of this genre of low-interaction-but-high-storyline-satisfaction will adore, and like Firewatch I would absolutely read the novelisation of it. (Can someone make that happen, please?) I took so many screenshots, so gorgeous is this game at times, and any release that has me seeking wider context for its setting and events is a good one. But it has enough fiddliness, enough tiny faults, for the overall impression to be of excellence fallen just short of.

The Callisto Protocol is a lucid dream of a game. You want to escape the terrors flickering before you but once the game gets hold with both tentacles, you’re trapped in the hostile environment of the best horror game of the year.

Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions may be a game about students playing football, but it feels more like a tactical battle experience. You wear teams down by crushing their players. You smash through defenders and score ludicrous goals. It's not realistic but that's a good thing. It's about something more fanciful, more spectacular, more theatrical.

House of Golf 2 then, is a mighty fine way to play Crazy Golf. It looks lush, it plays smoothly and it gives you a chance to feel like a golfing god. The dopamine rush soon ends after about 8-10 hours, unless you’ve got loads of mates to play with, but you’ll likely thrash them unless you’re drunk. I had a good time and I’ll play again if new courses are added, but after that handful of hours, I’d had my fill.

This is easily the best game in the Mario & Sonic series to date. Unfortunately, all that really means is that your mileage with the game comes down entirely to your own experience with the franchise, as this latest effort just doesn't do enough to tackle the problems inherent in its predecessors, and does precious little to keep players invested and engaged for more than a few dozen hours.

I've yet to take the game online so I can't comment on how it performs there, but locally Tokyo 2020 is a blast in co-op or played competitively. Whether it's table tennis or boxing, beach volleyball or the FIFA-lite football mode, controls are mostly well explained and fairly intuitive outside of a handful of select events (swimming, for example, is a test of precise timing and controller dexterity). Whether you're a seasoned gamer or not, you will find something here that you will come to really love, playing alongside someone else in a same-sofa scenario.

My hope is that The Wild Gentlemen return to the game after seeing all of its success, either through DLC or simply creating it into a full, feature-length title. What started out as a simple prequel has grown into something bigger, something that can hold its own away from the eccentric personalities of the Chicken Police’s Marty and Sonny.

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage comprises two parts and yet I’d argue that the collective release feels like one part of a larger whole. Rage does little to conclude the events of Bloom, instead providing unsatisfying answers while withholding larger mysteries for a sequel that could take years to manifest, and that’s if it’s given the green light. I retain the opinion that there’s something very special about what Don’t Nod has conceived here; I just find myself struggling to find any sense of closure within the events of Rage. I’ll be there day one for a sequel. I just wish my satisfaction regarding this game didn’t rely on another that’s yet to exist.

Hoa doesn't do anything strictly wrong. It is not broken, or bad, or worse still boring. It's a delicately enjoyable time in a whimsical land, with a simple story of a child wanting to return home. The issue here is that it doesn't do much that's different, either. It's the kind of platforming you've seen in 2D games infinite times before, and you will likely experience again and again. It's short, it's sweet, and if you simply want to turn your brain off and not experience anything particularly new, it's not the worst path you could tread.

I’d be eager to see another collection done in a similar style, and one that includes the more advanced Yu-Gi-Oh titles from home consoles, but this is fine for the time being.

By the time I rolled credits, which I did so across two sessions in around three hours, I was left wondering where I could re-add colour into my own life. I can’t transform into an object like Henry can, but it’s quite illuminating to look at the objects in my home like I could. I felt compelled to pick up my guitar, to finally use that pretty notebook to journal some ideas. Henry Halfhead is unlike any game I’ve played, and it’s not one that’ll appeal to all. But for the sentimental amongst us, those with a penchant for the poetic, it’s a cathartic experience I’d heartily recommend.

Frank Stone has embedded his unforgiving Wraith-like weapon into my mind. I cannot escape his legacy, nor do I necessarily want to. Ever since I stepped foot into this Cedar Hills mystery, I’ve thought about the lore of this game and the endless ways it opens up the Dead by Daylight franchise. Whatever the next story is about from this clever pairing between publisher and developer, I’ll be there, anxious but ready to give it my all until the bitter end.

Battlefield 2042 will split opinion. Some will love the new stuff, others will hate it. Some will use it as a gateway to get the biggest nostalgia hit they can. The game EA and DICE have created here is more like a toolset to make your own fun than a great game in its own right. Does that make it a good game if it relies so much on community involvement? We’ll find out... [Review in Progress]

Destroy All Humans! 2 - Reprobed is sure to be a nostalgic blast from the past for any fans of the original game and series, although given its buggy state, it might be worth waiting to see if a patch can add some much-needed fixes before you dive in - it’s not currently the love letter it aims to be.

Soundfall isn’t a perfect game. I’d love to see the narrative throw more challenges my way and the somewhat repetitive levels would benefit from a few added platformer elements for variety's sake. That being said, I haven’t had this much stake-free fun playing a game in a long time. Amidst the heavy gaming themes I’m used to, I loved shimmying my way through Soundfall’s varying levels as it took me on a musical tour for the senses. Soundfall has the groundwork to be a timeless hit, it just needed a little more tweaking in the studio.

Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss is an interesting AA detective game, with fun investigation mechanics and a gripping premise, but quickly falls apart in the second half of the story. It’s disappointing, because there are occasional sparks of ingenuity in some of the game’s later chapters, and it’s a shame to see the final quality so inconsistent.

I fear that saying any more would utterly spoil what is a tremendous piece of storytelling that could only be achieved via interactive media. Sure, you can tell this story via film, but I’m not sure I would have been as unsettled, nor would I have cared so deeply for Arthur. Apartment Story won’t be to everyone’s tastes, with retro graphics, little action, and minimal dialogue, this is auteur game creation that works because it’s so simple and devoid of any pretentions.

For a short, replayable FPS game, Bright Memory: Infinite really is a stunning creation. Like its prequel, it is engaging, exciting and extraordinarily fun. Similar to many Resident Evil titles, it’s perfect for playing through multiple times, and it’s a game I urge any first-person shooter fan to play.

I’m finding it apt to compare Killing Floor 3 to Payday 3’s launch, which is another series I absolutely adore. Fans will remember Payday 3 launched with a lot of problems, many of which seem to have been repeated here. Tripwire Interactive has a long road ahead to persuade fans that making the jump to the third game will be worth it. And I truly believe there’s an excellent foundation here to turn it into something great, but I’m not convinced this is what that game is right now.

Biomutant is a superb open-world, action-focused RPG. You can fight to your heart's content, meander through gorgeous and bleak environments, and enjoy a story that takes you to far corners of a wonderful in-game map. It's not always easy on the eye, but look a little deeper and you'll see it's brimming with beauty.

Call of Duty deserves so much better, and if there’s anything that I’ve learned from Black Ops 7, it's that the annual releases need to come to an end ASAP, so that the developers can have more time to ensure that each new release lives up to the legacy of this series that has been built over the last two decades. Hopefully, the next entry will get the series back on track.

I could appreciate the animation, the odd joke, the voice acting from the English dub Pikachu, and just being in the world of Ryme City. It was an extension of the film I enjoyed and it was a place to be with my favourite Pokemon, too. I think if you temper your expectations, Detective Pikachu Returns can be exactly what it wants to be, a delightful journey through the world of Pokemon.

What frustrates me the most, is I really wanted to love Star Overdrive. I wrote about it for a little news story, highlighting how good it looked - honestly, the visual design is simply lush. The trailers sold me on a joyous adventure balancing combat and exploration, and I ended up wishing for more, and feeling sadly disappointed.

In short, Saints Row is a very good game. It’s got highs and lows, with some flaws hopefully set to be patched out by its release date. While it may not blow players away, it’s an enjoyable open-world title with lots to do. Side characters are charming, there are plenty of funny moments, and it’s a perfect game for simply messing around in.

In spite of the fact that the adorable art-style (which looks like it was plucked straight out of a children’s book) is a treat on the eyes, and the accompanying music - although rather repetitive - is very pleasant, Minabo: A walk through life isn’t a game I find relaxing, but just rather boring. While other social simulator games like The Sims give players full control over their characters’ personalities and what they do with their lives, Minabo just sees every vegetable plod along at a painfully leisurely pace, achieving very little other than interacting with their brethren in the most basic ways and sprouting children from the ground. Despite being inoffensive for a short period of time, this isn’t the engaging new cosy game that you’ve been waiting for.

Twin Mirror is a lot, and I mean a lot, of fun. If you're looking for a visually stimulating and, at select points, an intellectually invigorating game with the makings of a modern Agatha Christie novel, this is absolutely for you. It's for point-and-click lovers, mystery admirers, and those who just want an good gaming story that comes in at under 10 hours. Is it perfect? Not at all, but it's another quality release from DONTNOD which bodes well for future projects.

After Us succeeds in what it sets out to do. The world that Gaia is trying to save may be a grave warning to us all, but After Us never feels heavy or oppressive. Your platforming efforts are rewarded by reassurances that maybe everything isn’t doomed after all. Gameplay is perfectly synced with the narrative to create an experience that is both enlightening, interesting, and - despite the doom and gloom - enjoyable. It is a game that makes you feel like you’re making a difference all while reminding you just how to do so in the real world. After Us seeks to better players, not just entertain them. To put it simply, it’s impactful and a must-play.

The enemy designs were done with care and detail that stunning a cluster of the creatures and then scooting them off a leaf feels like snatching survival from their jaws. And, as more and more inventions and upgrades unlock, the rig is yours to helm and personalise. On a console, I could certainly see Stonefly being a firm favourite for younger children, especially with the multiple save slots, accessible story, colourblind modes and the assist mode that lets you switch on invincibility. There are a few wrinkles, but it's nothing that a helping of elbow grease won't fix.

It would be a mistake to judge AEW Fight Forever purely on its looks. Sure, this game is basic in a lot of ways, but it’s all about taking it back to the basics and ultimately having fun, and isn't that what playing video games is all about? AEW Fight Forever probably won’t be winning any end-of-year awards, but whether you’re a pro wrestling fan or an arcade brawler, AEW Fight Forever will be one of the most fun video games that you’ll play this year.

While it’s not without some mild downsides, Gotham Knights is an outstanding title that deserves a space in any Batman fan’s game collection, especially if you want to see his protogés get some deserved spotlight for a change.

Scars Above is exactly what you’d hope it would be - a reasonably priced and hugely entertaining third-person sci-fi action-adventure shooter. The team at Mad Head Games have crafted an exceptional game that I’m certain will delight those who pick it up. The developers were clever in their approach - very much aware of what Scars Above could and couldn’t achieve. It isn’t a game that’s dragged down by having ideas beyond its station. It perfectly mixes enjoyable combat with an intriguing world and a compelling story. Add in the immersion of the DualSense controller if you choose to pick the game up on PlayStation 5 and you’re in for a real treat. Scars Above isn’t revolutionary, but it executes what it does very well. When I hit the credits, I was sad that the game had drawn to an end - and that’s all you can really ask for.

Did we really, really, really need a cat taming minigame? And you already told me the story of Athia at the start of the game. Why am I now ‘learning’ it again at the end of the game, strolling from point to point, pressing triangle for exposition. It’s a gorgeous game, but God if it’s not like a minorly insipid make-up artist’s Instagram grid. Loads of things to look at but no actual meaning in any of them.

If you liked the original, then this mesmeric remake is gorgeous and suspenseful, and I imagine it’s ideal after the Fatal Frame series has lain dormant for so long. On the other hand, if your palette for horror has been spoiled with more modern hits in the genre, Maiden of Black Water’s atmosphere rises to the surface while its other dated aspects pull it back down

Kao the Kangaroo may be too lacking in originality to stand the chance of being a game of the year contender, or even the best example of its genre this year, but it does excel in what it set out to achieve - to celebrate the golden age of the 3D platforming genre. Thanks to this reboot, Kao has every reason to proudly stand alongside Crash, Spyro and Mario as bastions of the genre. There’s lots of fun to be had running, bouncing, jumping, sliding, climbing, skating, and fighting yourway to completion, and if a sequel is announced, I know I’d play it in a heartbeat. Kao the Kangaroo has officially bounced back in style.

Small issues aside, The Suicide of Rachel Foster is a truly riveting thrill ride. The story plays out perfectly in the first-person narrative video game medium. You owe it to yourself to discover the secrets of the Timberline Hotel - just make sure you've got a few hours spare, because you're not going to want to put it down once you've started.

It’s hard to see Chocobo GP as more than a sweet, simple racing game. From my limited experience, it’s easy to label it as shallow and uninspired, but that doesn’t seem fair given that I was unable to test the 64-player online mode, or any multiplayer options for that matter. However, as a Final Fantasy fan, I appreciate this instalment in the franchise as a cute, pleasant aside to the usual JRPG formula. It may not be groundbreaking, but it has its moments and is well worth a try considering it has a free version.

Windbound might not be a perfect game that delivers on all of its promises, but it comes close. Those of you looking to scratch that open-world survival itch could do a heck of a lot worse. While it could definitely have used a little more time in the oven to really smooth over its rougher aspects, 5 Lives has still managed to create a seafaring adventure that, for the most part, feels truly grand.

Alone In The Dark may not be the shiniest or glossiest game available right now. It doesn’t boast cutting-edge graphics, but, I urge you not to be put off by how a game looks. Sure, I’d be surprised if Alone in the Dark is a game of the year contender (though I think its sound design and acting are worth a shout for a nomination) but if you love old-school horror games, then Alone in the Dark could be your surprise contender for 2024. Despite some flaws, it wholeheartedly gets my seal of approval.

Broken Pieces is a compelling mystery title that’s guaranteed to pull you in if you have it within you to overlook the fact that the game is trying to tackle too many genres at once. It’s a testament to Broken Pieces’ ambition though. The time-management and combat mechanics had the potential to add real urgency to an already intriguing tale, but lacked the refinement to truly achieve that goal. Still, I pushed on - rooting for Broken Pieces. It may not be perfect, but Broken Pieces is a promising start for Elsewhere Experience that shows that this indie studio is one that’ll surely make a name for itself in the world of narrative games.

It’s a huge shame that after so many years in development, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 has ended up not quite living up to its potential. The RPG features have been drained away, leaving behind a husk of an action-adventure title that sometimes passes as interesting. Set your expectations accordingly for this one, as it doesn’t live up to the series’ name, no matter how much it uses its compelling setting.

Still Wakes The Deep: Siren’s Rest won’t convince anyone who found flaws in the original—as the same issues persist here, but it’s a good recommendation to anyone who enjoyed the original game’s twisted body horror extravaganza.

And, because this is a video game, I'd best end on something that outlines why you should play JETT. How's this: if hands-holding AAA-proportioned adventure is your thing, leave this alone. If you always need a clear sense of direction, and you require resolution to every little thing by the time the credits roll, leave this alone. If you don't like distinctly stylised visuals and open worlds that would rather you were wiped out than set free to explore for treasures, leave this alone. If you like your games to be almost violently opposed to you having a good time, to offer you incredible wonders but then command them to kill you, play this. If you like your games to stir sensations wildly disconnected from power fantasies or comfy escapes, play this. If you like your games to simply be different to what you're used to, to deviate from expectations in real time, and to leave you in awe of their ideas and aspirations, just staring at the screen after it's all wrapped, play this.

It’s always frustrating marking a game down due to very simple, but easily fixable flaws. Arctic Awakening has been receiving frequent patches during the review period, so it’s entirely likely that a lot of these bugs have been squashed. Nevertheless, this was still my experience of the game after playing through to completion. I enjoyed the narrative, and quite liked seeing the mystery unravel over the course of the story. I just found it to be a frustrating experience on the technical side.

It falls short with the combat unfortunately, which is a shame because it’s such a huge part of the game that you can’t really avoid it. Like I alluded to before, the final boss was a slog to get through and not the kind of finale I was hoping for, but it’s clear a lot of love went into the game so I’m trying not to judge it too harshly. I’d still recommend trying it for yourself, but don’t be surprised if the delightful visuals don’t keep you invested till the end credits, it needed a little more.

Despite all the game's flaws,they've created something new, and it works. There's a world and a concept here that has the potential to deliver something truly epic - and the gameplay itself, when it's at its best, is pretty damn great. There are lessons the team will have learned in making Disintegration, and I hope they get the opportunity to grow as a studio and create a truly special sequel. The potential is there.

I don’t see much replay value in Endless Ocean Luminous, nor do I see enough to keep players occupied or interested for the long haul, aside from perhaps the multiplayer offering. If you’re nuts about fish then this is probably a game for you, but if you’re looking for anything more than an artificial aquarium simulator, you might be disappointed by how shallow it is.

This mileage will vary depending on your skill level, but regardless, it would have been nice for Telmari’s arrows to have a secondary skill, especially as Telmari won’t hurt a creature. It’s a game for the most patient among us and one that will go down well with speedrunners. It’s reminiscent of old-school platformers in both the best ways and the worst - simple to pick up, difficult to master. While I enjoyed my time with Telmari, it isn’t a game that will stand out in memory outside of its genuinely lovely visual design and early levels.

Yes, Cartman is funny. Kyle is stuck up. Stan is the mediator. And Kenny, is, well, Kenny. You can’t fault the cut scenes which act like clips from the show and are the game’s redeeming feature, but it’s surrounded by recycled and uninspiring gameplay that might have worked on the PlayStation 3, but roguelike battlers, particularly ones involving cards, have come so far. As a South Park fan, I was disappointed. As a roguelike fan, it stung a bit more. The huge potential just falls flat and while it might be redeemed with your mates and a six-pack of beer, it’s unlikely it has legs to keep you returning.

All in all the game is straightforward and for the most part is enjoyable as you do feel like you're basically a captain of a Star Trek-style ship. It does unfortunately start to feel a little repetitive as the missions go on, as they tend to just be things like heading to a certain location to pick something up, or heading somewhere to clear the area. But there's a good amount of content in here to keep you entertained, such as unlocking new parts for your ship, recruiting new members, and being able to customise the look of both your crew and ship.

Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings game doesn’t reinvent the cosy formula, despite several promising glimmers of originality. Any sign of promise is, unfortunately, cancelled out by mediocrity and an experience that is dominated by untapped potential. The game, despite these issues, has undeniable charm but it’s difficult to claim that it’ll resonate and land with the masses.

Shattered Space offers up a good time, and shows off just what a great state Starfield is in after the various post-launch updates. It draws players into a thrilling new tale, ending in yet another enormous moral dilemma. Va’ruun’kai is an interesting locale to explore, although the atmosphere is far more ghost town than bustling metropolis. The expansion excels in its cosmic horror fuelled opening that sadly fades out into something that’s far less intense. This expansion, while hardly ground-breaking, reminded me of just why I enjoyed the base game so much in the first place. I only wish this DLC had been a tad bolder in the realisation of its vision.

Irreverence works when you yourself have that playful perspective too, not just as a set of jigsaw pieces that actually don’t make any sort of picture at all.

Personally I’m a sucker for a game like this, and I’ve enjoyed it plenty enough to keep on pushing for all achievements and to see that pesky third ending. Your mileage will vary - newcomers will most likely be miffed by the whole thing, and purists dismayed that their bullets keep missing. But arcade-goers of the late 1990s who want a gory little slice of exhumed nostalgia might feel satisfied enough with what’s on show. Remake offers plenty to chew on - it’s a shame it doesn’t go down smooth.

As it stands, I don't think I can recommend Cyberpunk 2077 to you if you plan to play it on a last-gen machine, at least not right now. Based entirely on my own experience of running the game on the PlayStation 5, I still think you might be better holding out until 2021 and the "true" next-gen versions of the game, at which point I've no doubt many of its more glaring issues will have been fixed...For now, Cyberpunk 2077 on consoles - on new-gen consoles, that is - is a good game. It's often a truly great game - one that I've been having a ton of fun with.

Playing Clive ‘N’ Wrench certainly isn’t a smooth experience, but perhaps that’s what the quintessential 90s platformer is all about. I oftentimes felt lost and frustrated by the game’s lack of instruction and difficulty that I was forced to take time away, but those inviting 3D worlds just kept drawing me back in. Clive ‘N’ Wrench isn’t just a warp through space and time. It was a journey into my own childhood nostalgia. If you stick around for the journey, you’ll be rewarded for your perseverance. I worry though that Clive ‘N’ Wrench may be too lacking in fluidity and intrigue for those who fail to notice its tributes and inspirations.

The truth is Deadly Premonition 2 is like watching Nicolas Cage act: an incredibly divisive experience. There are things it does well and there are things it apparently doesn't. There are even elements of it where you just can't tell whether it's genius or nonsense. No video game has ever been so good and so bad at the same time.

If there’s anything to take away from this year's disappointing release is that now Microsoft owns Activision, I’d like to think that Microsoft wants better for this series and I can only hope that this is the catalyst for ending Call of Duty annual releases, at least for the foreseeable future. Call of Duty deserved much better than this churned-out disappointment. If you’re desperate for a bit of CoD this year, then you’ve probably already picked this game up. Otherwise, give this game a miss or at least hold out for patches to fix some issues. In a year that has brought us so much joy with some amazing video game releases, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III somehow manages to lower the tone. [Campaign Review Score = 50]

Preservation of games is important, and Aspyr's light-touch remaster delivers, basically, the Xbox game as it was, 16 years ago. Just don't come to this one expecting anything of Halo quality, because what felt mid-tier then, absolutely does now. Stubbs The Zombie is a gas for a few hours, but outside of a local co-op mode starring another zombie called Grubbs, it's unlikely to be something you return to once its hero's rebellion is over.

Funko Fusion feels like it was put together by a committee who didn’t understand the brief. Or fun. And the worst thing? I actually like Funko Pops. I have quite a few displayed around my flat. I was desperately hoping this would be a hit and give us another great action game to lose hours to. This could have been amazing, it could have been the proper mash-up of pop culture it first appeared to be. Instead it’s a vapid, forgettable release that has no idea who it’s for.

Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is a wonderful counter to games like Baldur's Gate 3, thanks to its focus on action, co-op and replayability. It's straight to the point with its arcade action, endlessly fun combat, and well-crafted levels that beg to be explored. Although it's good when playing solo, it really comes alive when playing with friends, and brings back memories of playing games like The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King on the Nintendo GameCube. Seriously, don't sleep on this one.

It does sadden me that the game turned out this way, as I fear a certain dark corner of the internet will use the game’s negative reception to push an unwarranted agenda, namely that the game’s failure is tied to the assumed relationship of the two female leads which, of course, is not the case. It’s difficult to overlook 1348 Ex Voto’s flaws though. While there are some charming performances on display, it’s ultimately let down by a dull and problematic combat system and poor optimisation that doesn’t really give you any incentive to push on with what is, sadly, a slog.

As I came to the end of my time in Tamagotchi Plaza, it became an insipid place to roam - an existential nightmare where everyone is constantly happy, living in a cycle of benign pleasantries. The constant repetition only serving to chip away at my sanity, much like when I owned my first Tamagotchi as a kid, hearing it chirrup for attention until I shoved it in a drawer to die.

Really, the only people I would hesitate to recommend All You Can Eat to are the ones that have already conquered both games in the series. There isn't quite enough new content to encourage forking out for this double pack. But for everyone else? All You Can Eat is clearly the ultimate Overcooked! experience, and one I would urge anyone who has yet to dive into its delectable series of ingeniously designed challenges to check out. Similarly, if you've just played Overcooked! or Overcooked! 2, this is a must-buy since you won't have seen half of what All You Can Eat has to offer.

Super Arcade Football is the video game equivalent of a catchy pop song. It may feel simple but the more you play it, the more you'll find within. It's simple in the best possible way, and while there's one issue with the story mode that is hard to look beyond, it's a very good game overall.

With the extensive add-on collection and new visual features and routes, Dovetail Games have created the most comprehensive and detailed rail sim yet. Train Sim World 3 is here to stay, and I can’t wait to see what add-ons are introduced down the line. If you loved Train Sim World 2, and are aching for more train sim action, then you should definitely consider the latest instalment. Whilst Train Sim World 3 doesn’t change the game completely, it remains true to the series and is certifiably the best addition yet.

In spite of its flaws, RE:CALL is a really enjoyable time. Its reality-bending gameplay mechanic is distinctive and presented in varied ways throughout the chapters so it never gets overdone, and some of the characters have a surprising amount of depth to them - there’s also some genuinely moving messages about growing from negative experiences. It might not be one of 2023’s most anticipated titles, you shouldn’t let this unique indie pass you by.

My time with Calico left me wanting more, and it’s annoyingly a tale of two halves. I quickly warmed to the delightful characters, but was left feeling shortchanged by the limited storytelling and quests. I had fun running around with a cat on my head, but was underwhelmed by the lack of any needs required to be fulfilled regarding my animal friends. I enjoyed baking sweet treats and decorating my cafe, but quickly discovered I couldn’t expand the premises. I can only hope that devs continue to invest in this world and seize the clear yet missed opportunity for growth.

It’s astonishing how much has been packed into Palworld given its Early Access status. Sure, the developers will probably expand the world, add in more Pals, and grow the story, too. But what we have here is already great, and features so many small details you’ll be amazed at what you discover. It’s a little rough around the edges in places, but the blueprint and starting product are more than enough to keep you going. With a dedicated community, Palworld can only get better. Is it a Pokemon beater? Probably not, but it deserves its place in the conversation. [Early Access Score = 80]

Serve yourself a plate of PlateUp! to prevent the pangs of hunger gnawing at your insides, reminding you you missed out on a meal that’s as delicious as it is tough to swallow. Dish up, my fellow chefs, and bon appétit.

This title so steeped in local folklore makes for an unforgettable experience, though not always for the right reasons. My time with Cat and Ghostly Road wasn’t always pleasant, nor did I feel the satisfaction I’d have liked to upon its completion. Still, seeing a cat reunited with its master after such an onerous journey is worth overcoming such inaccessibility. In this instance, it’s the unique destination we eventually arrive at, not the journey, that makes Cat and Ghostly Road such a memorable game.

There is such potential here, a lot of which is still untapped. We’re in the very early stages of a game that’s on the cusp of becoming an indie darling, so long as the devs listen to feedback while also adhering to their personal vision of what Time to Morp should be. It’s a pot ready to boil over with all its what-ifs of greatness; I just hope we get to see the true depth of this sim realised sooner rather than later. Lest its intrigue be spent, and with it, the Morps lost to space.

It feels like this game could have used a bit longer in the oven, or will benefit from a robust roadmap of future features. It’s not a bad game in the slightest, but it’s not really learning from the growth of the genre over the years - feeling a little dated already. In a year when we’ve already seen several stand-out survival games, I can’t help but think that Lightyear Frontier will be overshadowed. [Early Access Score = 60]

Abriss is enjoyable primarily due to the destruction, rather than the puzzle elements. In its sandbox joy of blowing things up, it’s a satisfying experience that makes you feel like a kid again, and while a challenge is expected, it felt like I was fighting against the UX more than the puzzles.

That’s what this game is: something special. All its potential doesn’t feel like it’s been given enough room to breathe, alas that’s the burden that all indie devs contend with. Still, despite its niggling flaws, it makes for an impressive, interactive illustration of how far your dedication can take your dreams. Uniqueness isn’t black and white. It doesn’t always make sense, nor can you always put your finger on the "x factor" that has you so taken in, yet you’re invested all the same.

With each new discovery, I find myself steadily falling in love with The Garden Path’s approach to cosy gaming; it’s more than just a genre, it’s a way of life. Take your time. Admire your surroundings. Focus on your journey. These are all life lessons we desperately need to listen to and act on, yet we rarely do. The Garden Path won’t magically transform your life, but it’ll sow the seeds of a new way of thinking. Whether they take root is up to you.

I would never wish to slander the good name of Stardew Valley, for it breathed new life into a genre that was unfairly left to decay. Nonetheless, let it be said that Fields of Misteria is now the new standard by which I’ll measure every other experience within the genre. It’s not going to be easy to beat the attention to detail so meticulously thought through here. To those looking to rival this newcomer, I suggest you do your research to make damn sure you have something equally as enjoyable to challenge Fields of Mistria with. [Early Access Score = 90]

Mika And The Witch’s Mountain is as short as it is sweet, and while it might not be the most stunningly original or captivating game released this year, it has so much heart that it’s impossible not to lose yourself in its charming world and cast of characters. [Early Access Score = 70]

At this stage, it feels like I should be certain of my feelings towards Sunset Hills, yet all I feel is conflicted. As much as certain aspects of its gameplay make my cosy loving heart sing, there are too many issues that can’t merely be overlooked or forgiven. As curious as I am to see how the story properly ends, I’m not certain I’m passionate enough to push past the cons of the experience I’ve detailed above. Improvements need to be made for Sunset Hills to come into its own, and I fear that those improvements will come too late, if they even come at all.

While I can’t give a definitive opinion on the game as a whole, I can deliver a verdict on the slice of what will be available on release day. Which is an ARPG of sheer brilliance. One that I know will consume many more hours, will please an already established and eager player base, and evolve over time into something even more special. [Early Access Score = 90]

Despite the hurdles Lawrence and I had to overcome during our time together, I would recommend Little Lighthouse of Horror to anyone, even those who don’t usually play horror. It’s not a hair-raising experience but rather an eerie escapade that erodes at you like waves lashing the shoreline. Similar to a pebble on the beach, it’s imperfect but worthy of admiration all the same.

Leila is a game I fear not enough people will hear about, so I’m taking it upon myself to share the good word. It’s not as long as I’d like and its slice-of-life storytelling isn’t going to suit everybody but that aside, it offers such an incredible examination of not just the female experience, but the human experience. Leila deals with life’s messy emotions and feelings, ones that very few people actually discuss. It brings an emotional truth to video gaming that you simply won’t find in the AAA space. It’s challenging but through confrontation, Leila unearths liberation and happiness; I sense players will do the same.

RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a perfectly fine entry to the survival genre as it has all the hallmarks of what makes these types of games so enjoyable. However, due to its lack of originality and some frustrating features, Dragonwilds struggles to stand amongst the greats and as a result, could easily be cast aside by fans of the genre. [Early Access Score = 70]

Cattle Country defies the odds and certainly manages to make its mark on the life sim genre. It’s charming, fun, and packed with unexpected surprises and a thrilling sense of adventure that sets it apart from many of its competitors. The only question mark surrounding the title concerns its longevity. Post-launch content is key if Cattle Country is to become a titan of the genre, but if developers deliver on that front, this one could really go the distance.

In many ways, Grounded 2 is more of the same but I don’t think anyone came away from that first outing asking for anything different. Feedback has been taken on board with this sequel offering a larger map, new bugs, a mount system, alongside other refined and retuned features that make for an experience that is more seamless, more immersive, and an undeniable improvement over what came before. Obsidian Entertainment came into this project with great foundations. Grounded 2 may be in early access, but it’s already the definitive way to experience this franchise. [Early Access Score = 90]

With Magic Inn receiving regular patches in an attempt to fix the teething problems that launched with the game, I would still recommend giving it a shot as players will find a cosy, life simulator with that touch of magic. It may not be as polished as others in the genre but, issues aside, it still offers an enjoyable experience with heaps of replayability.

As Long As You’re Here is a heartfelt and emotional reminder of both the fragility and the resilience of the human mind, the importance of family, and the stories we are capable of telling through the medium of art. Coming in at just around an hour of playtime, this is one which you can easily finish in one sitting and yet it will stay with you long afterwards.

Overall, The August Before offers a quick, yet impactful look at the changes that come with teenage life, the pain that comes with heartbreak and moving on, but most importantly, the strength and excitement of moving on.

My gripes with Little Corners are mild. It’s a really simple title but what it sets out to do, it does largely pretty well. I’d have liked some more options when it comes to sticker placement and organisation, and I do feel it suffers slightly from being a game that begins to feel a tad repetitive after a while. Yet despite all of this, I’d say Little Corners is more than worth its meagre asking price of £5.99. It’s the type of game that you can dip in and out of, leaving behind your worldly woes for a whimsical sense of fun.

By the time the game came to its conclusion, I was left with an overwhelming yearning for a better future, and a feeling that that is something wholly achievable. Duskpunk is the kind of game that makes me feel hope.

Starsand Island is exactly what I’ve claimed it to be in previous previews. It’s the very best of Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and The Sims, with a flavouring of Studio Ghibli thrown in, but it’s also something completely original. Starsand Island’s depth of offering places it leagues above its competitors making it, for me, the new poster child of the cosy gaming space. I’ll be championing it until the rest of the world catches on, but I have a feeling that won’t take very long. [Early Access Score = 100]