Nikoderiko: The Magical World may not reinvent the wheel, but it certainly does enough to stand on its own two feet. Whether the developer’s were counting on the visual similarities between Niko and Crash Bandicoot to generate chatter, I do not know but if that’s the case, I only wish they’d believed in their own vision as this is a lovely, well-rounded game that needn’t rely on imitation. With its inventive mount system and challenging boss fights, Nikoderiko: The Magical World has enough unique gimmicks to hold its own against competitors. If it’s a solid little platforming adventure you’re after, you won’t feel disappointed picking Nikoderiko: The Magical World up.

Thirty-one years on from LeChuck’s Revenge, and Return to Monkey Island is confident about what it is, why it is, and who it’s for. This is swashbuckling point-and-click shenanigans of a most splendiferously convivial complexion that everyone who ever stuck a cue-tip in a stone monkey’s lughole or took a ride around Big Whoop, delighted in asking about Loom or half-inched a hairpiece to fashion a voodoo doll, will adore. It’s fan service that doesn’t forget to make itself half-approachable to beginners, and while its 20th century roots are showing there won’t be many rookies who’ll fail to step in time with its distinctive rhythms. While its puns might sometimes elicit a groan, so cordial is this game’s atmosphere, so genial its eccentric cast, that Return to Monkey Island can’t be received as anything less than a wholesome triumph for wannabe me-hearties everywhere.

Playing Bugsnax feels like you're clutching the giant pull switch in Dr Frankenstein's lab, the creation before you twitching beneath the white cloth, while the sunlight streams through the windows: it's a lovely day outside.

I cherish the memory of playing Command & Conquer 25 years ago, and yet was surprised to find myself getting frustrated at the slog of completing some of the missions in the first game's campaign. But, given the choice, I still wouldn't change a thing about this remaster.

In multiplayer, Treyarch have gone back to their roots rather than trying to innovate, and clearly learned from previous titles, with signature maps and a simplified create-a-class system. The Zombies experience is definitely a lot more accessible, and maybe Treyarch are appealing to newer audiences more with the addition of the mini-map and indicators. But under the surface, the Dark Aether storyline is waiting for die-hard Zombie fans to unravel it, upon launch. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is an all-round excellent sequel to 2010's Black Ops. Although a little light on launch content in places, it definitely is a must-play title in the Black Ops universe.

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.

Ultimately, Button City is an excellent game. There are plenty of lovable characters to interact with. The minigames are delightful, especially Gobabots. The main story will fill you with a range of emotions, and I've no doubt you'll want to play through it multiple times. Lastly, it's a game about games, and that's something to be cherished.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is a sweet little upgrade, and it pairs nicely with Donkey Kong Returns: Tropical Freeze also on the Nintendo Switch. For those who’ve never played the game before it’s well-worth picking up, and for those who have I think it’s a good enough remaster to return to, especially if it’s been a while. Hopefully this means we’ll be getting more Donkey Kong Country games in the future, and I’d love to see other Donkey Kong games like Donkey Konga make a comeback as well.

My time with Ashley has been complicated, her family’s history filled with twists and turns, yet I’m sad to see it come to an end. As wonderful as it is to have answers to the questions that dogged me when the adventure first started, to see the credits roll is bittersweet. I don’t know if I’ll ever board a boat back to Another Code: Recollection now the shroud of mystery has lifted, but I’ll always be glad I took a chance and set out for Blood Edward Island.

Mario Kart World might not be quite as easy to recommend as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe yet, but it’s still an absolutely fantastic kart racer that’s just as chaotic, imaginative, and vibrant as its predecessors. Knockout Tour alone has ensured I’ll be playing for a long-old time yet, even if it does have me swearing like a sailor who just stubbed his toe. Savour the rage of second place, it’s how you know you’re alive.

Baladins is yet another indie experience destined to become beloved, and continues the long-held tradition of indies delivering more heartwarming, satisfying adventures than their AAA counterparts. If you can look past the initial onslaught of information that boarders on overwhelming, you’ll find what I loathe to refer to as a hidden gem. That turn of phrase has become so overused, yet there’s few other ways to aptly describe what Baladins is in such a concise manner.

Pepper Grinder is a great example as to why I love indie games as much as I do. They’re odd, and daring, and seem to create these wacky concepts that wouldn’t be found elsewhere. This makes them memorable and I know that come year’s end, I will still be talking about and recommending this game.

Lysfanga is quite a special game. With combat that feels solid and impactful, time-hopping abilities that create a very unique set of puzzles; it’s the type of game that doesn’t come along too often - one that feels wholly original and intensely rewarding. A game that, when everything falls into place, can bring impressive levels of delight.

A lot of families hide pasts that, well, those living in the present day would rather not talk about. The Ronan twins' past is one touched by darkness, by actions and individuals who they have, understandably, pushed to one side. Going through this journey of rediscovery with them is a sometimes shocking but often joyous experience, and if you're someone who loves a tender yet twisted narrative adventure, Tell Me Why absolutely deserves your attention.

Thank Goodness You’re Here! is light on traditional gameplay and criminally brief, but if Coal Supper’s goal was to make me laugh until my sides hurt for nearly two hours, I’d say mission very much accomplished.

LEGO 2K Drive is, to use a LEGO classic, awesome. The automatic morphing between vehicles is a stroke of genius - keeping races varied and entertaining. Each track offers a new challenge, and the various hubs of Bricklandia are certain to keep you busy for hours on end, all whilst honing your skills at the same time. LEGO 2K Drive is a classic in the making. Visual Concepts have cruised along the track to victory.

Dave The Diver has obviously had to make a few concessions to make it onto the Switch, but for the most part it swims along beautifully. Loading screens are a little longer, and there’s the occasional framerate dip, but this is a fantastic way to play one of the year’s very best games. The game’s central loop of exploration and fishing in the day followed by an evening of restauranteering makes it perfectly suited to Nintendo’s handheld as a cosy pick-up-and-play game. A definite must-play, which is really saying something given how many must-plays we’ve already had this year.

I was already a big fan of the series when I started playing Desperados 3, but I've been so taken with how well this old series lives up. The real-time tactics genre was big in the '90s and '00s, with games like Commandos and Syndicate being well-known names on PC, but they largely disappeared in the last 15 years. It's a real joy to dive into a wholly new game that shows how engaging a style of play it can be. Hopefully this won't be the last of its kind.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns proves that when the right developer is given the keys to the Marvel toy box, something very special can happen. Like Insomniac Games and Eidos-Montréal before them, Firaxis have been unafraid to put their own stamp on a beloved universe, taking gameplay elements it’s already known and loved for and giving it a Marvel makeover that just works. What could have been a simple XCOM reskin is genuinely the best superhero game of 2022, and an adventure that no fan of costumed do-gooders should miss.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a game of universal appeal. A modern RPG with retro callbacks, it celebrates its past enough for veterans without excluding newcomers. With world class voice acting, and generation-defining visuals, it's a must-play game that easily earns its place on next-gen consoles. Characters are fascinating, the map is stunning, and the way the story incorporates real-world themes to deliver a first-rate dramatic experience means Yakuza: Like a Dragon deserves a spot on everyone's 2020 top 10 games lists.

Fae Farm is incredibly inclusive, offering a very comprehensive character creator full of aesthetic options that reflect a variety of backgrounds and cultures. It’s a game that I can see a very bright future for - one that is full of undeniable longevity and promise. In fact, I’m already curious to see what adventure my character might be taken on next. Despite having already sunk many hours into Fae Farm, I know with certainty that I’m not going to stop improving my new little home anytime soon. Fae Farm is the gaming equivalent of cosying up with a blanket and a warm cup of tea - albeit a cup of tea that, on occasion, may leave a mildly unpleasant taste. There are improvements to be made but it’s a game that’s comforting, entertaining, and oh so very easy to get lost in.

South of Midnight is, for me, an unmissable experience despite playing it safe in a couple of key areas. This is an exceptional adventure that I simply couldn’t put down and I truly hope it’s not the last journey I’ll venture on with Hazel. While the combat and traversal is both entertaining and proficient, it does lack development as the game progresses creating somewhat of a repetitive feeling. But I couldn’t help but find myself partially overlooking that as South of Midnight offers such a remarkable story and what could be the year’s best soundtrack. Just like Hazel, South of Midnight occasionally stumbles, but it’s most definitely still a journey worth venturing on.

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.

It’s immersive, delightful fun and it’s packed with little moments that should see it resonate with a big audience. Whatever Obsidian decides to do next, they should look back on this release as one where they really got all the big calls right.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 is a worthwhile remake that follows on from the great work achieved in the original Kiwami and Kiwami 2. The game feels fresh in all areas that it needs to be, without losing the identity of what made this game popular in 2009. The combat is fluid and fun, the graphics are sharp, the camera is not restrictive, and there are some new elements, such as cut-scenes, modes, and mini-games that help make the game feel somewhat fresh. Simply put, if you’re already in love with the Yakuza series, then you’re gonna love Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties.

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.

Blades of Fire isn’t for everyone, and that’s fine. Losing your best weapon only to be transported right back to the beginning of a segment with only degraded and broken remaining weapons can be a truly painful experience, but if you persevere and push on, you’ll soon discover that Blades of Fire is a real gem. Its original focus on weapon building is refreshing, and there’s something about it that feels modern and yet so distinctly old-school. Blades of Fire is challenging and punishing, it’s true, but as Taylor Swift once said, “Nothing safe is worth the drive.” Prevail through the peril, and Blades of Fire will reward you.

Your journey through this evocative world is steeped in history, memories, love and loss, but you're simply walking through it to add yet another puzzle piece to the board. There’s no action, at least not in a traditional sense, and therefore its appeal can start to wane towards the end. Personally, I felt the story overstayed its welcome. Although, I will concede and say I was most impatient to learn the truth of the events that befell the crew, so maybe that played a part in my longing to see the finish line.