The console port of Phasmophobia could have been a little bit more, but in many ways it’s exactly what it needed to be. How you play it will come down to personal preference and how many friends you have who also own a copy of the game, but if you’re a fan of spooks, scares and a little bit of silliness I’d say this is a game for you.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a triumph. Deck Nine has crafted a game that’s grown with its audience, resulting in another entertaining larger-than-life narrative that somehow, despite its dizzying heights, manages to tap into the messy nuances that come with being an adult - covering all of the varying and wide-ranging emotions that don’t simply stop when our teenage years end. This is a more mature take on the series when compared to that original release, but it’s just as, if not more, fun and heartwarming. In overhauling Max’s powers and increasing player agency, Deck Nine only deepens our connection with the story, making us feel the highs and lows all the more vividly. Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a welcomed reminder that life can be strange, but that’s okay.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is exactly what we needed after Inquisition. From the moment I stepped onto Minrathous’ streets, it felt like coming home. After such an agonising wait, the franchise I adore is back as strong as ever. It respects what’s gone before while also welcoming change and innovation.

If you’re exclusively a Nintendo Switch gamer, then this port is an ideal place to begin your journey in the series. That being said, if you’re a returning fan who has been desperate to play this series on the go, Yakuza Kiwami is a dream come true - especially if you thought this day would never come. Now if you excuse me, I’m off to sing some karaoke with Kiryu and his friends.

If you’re looking to be whisked away on a charming platforming adventure, I can say with certainty that The Smurfs: Dreams has you covered. It’s easy to tell when a game is good, because upon putting it down for a break, you’re left immediately thinking about picking it back up again. While this experience is maybe a tad brief, it’s clear that Ocellus Games has a bright future in the platforming space should the studio continue down this route. The Smurfs: Dreams is inventive, joyous, and a welcomed surprise of a game that I’m oh so very happy to have stumbled across.

Horror games are difficult to sum up, fear is, after all, subjective. And to spoil a scary story based on suspense and tension is a crime. And so, here I will end my review by saying that Fear the Spotlight is perhaps the first game to scare me in a while and while it is a little trapped in the past, it does a wonderful job of unsettling the player enough that you’ll be thinking about it for some time to come.

Back in 2013 I dreamed of the day Sonic Generations got a sequel featuring levels from Sonic’s history that didn’t make it into the final game, and even further back in 2005 I hoped SEGA would give Shadow another chance to shine following a frankly messy spin-off. Sonic X Shadow Generations has turned those hopes and dreams into reality, and I’m ever so thankful for it.

EA Sports FC 25 is Electronic Arts’ best football game to date. The game has clearly progressed, and it’s now got to the stage where there is little room for improvement which could become an issue. That may seem like an odd criticism, but if EA wants to make additional improvements in next year's inevitable release, it’s going to have to pull something really special out of the hat. Something that even Lionel Messi would be proud of, but that’s a potential concern for another day. For now, the football action on the pitch doesn't get much better than EA Sports FC 25.

While it is far from perfect and lacks the punch, fluidity and excitement that the classic Fight Night series had, Undisputed is a welcomed return to boxing games and will please a lot of fans.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is an excellent party game for the Nintendo Switch, fit for any number of players even when you’re by yourself. The new modes, boards, minigames and mechanics all work together beautifully, with the cherry on top being you can play the majority of them online as well as locally. While it can often feel like you’re being dealt a bad hand with minigames or NPC helpers, one could argue that’s part of the chaos Mario Party games are best-known for, so I’ll leave it up to you to decide for yourself if it’s your vibe.

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.

When Europa simply allows you to unwind and explore at your own pace, it’s one of the most captivating experiences I’ve had this year. There is real beauty to be found here, for sure, but it’s all-too fleeting.

Grunn really is one of the best surprises of this year. It’s a testament, I think, to both the central mystery of Grunn and its genuinely brilliantly designed simulated gardening, that a video game about trimming the same three hedges over and over again could be this good.

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.

Everyone has been up in arms as of late over Sony’s reliance on remasters and remakes, and I get it. Such projects should never outweigh or replace originality and innovation. That being said, Until Dawn is one such IP that I’m glad hasn’t been left to, like poor Hannah and Beth, wither away. Ballistic Moon has rid the game of its outdated tendencies, creating something that is far more grounded, detailed, and immersive. Perhaps a remake wasn’t ‘necessary’ but is any game ‘necessary’? The prevalence of Until Dawn’s wendigo spirit on the mountain, including Josh’s potential post-credits transformation, always left me thinking that the game, as a franchise, had more mileage in its tank. If Ballistic Moon’s remake has got more people on board with that thought process then I can only be wholly grateful that it exists.

It’s without a doubt the best Dragon Ball game I’ve ever played, and if I ever stop playing it over the next few months it won’t be because I’m not enjoying it, it’ll be because I’ve broken my PS5 controller trying to win too many clashes.

Metaphor ReFantazio is another truly amazing game from a developer who rarely put a foot wrong. Everything from the recognisable mechanics to the broad variety of themes marks this experience as one I’ll remember for years to come. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Persona 5, it’s certainly biting at its heels and becomes a brilliant entry in an already staggering lineup of video games.

Bloober Team has treated this remake with the utmost respect and, despite that forced stealth section, this is about as perfect a remake of Silent Hill 2 I could have hoped for. Bloober Team has finally realised its potential, and its remake of Silent Hill 2 deserves its place amongst the upper echelon of modern survival horror greats.

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.

Some minor issues aside, Beyond Galaxyland is easily one of 2024’s best surprises. I confess this is one game that wasn’t on my radar until I started playing it, but if you have any passion whatsoever for classic science fiction literature, games, and movies, I can guarantee you’ll have an absolute blast with this one.

It may have taken nearly four decades, but the first mainline Zelda game with the titular princess in the lead role was worth the wait. This is a magnificent adventure that whizzes and pops with imagination, and proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best of Link’s tales. If this is the Switch’s final Zelda game - and surely it has to be - then we’re going out on a high.

For the most part, this has been an enjoyable adventure, but not one without its problems. I don’t feel connected to the characters, nor moved to go back to learn more about the franchise. Once George is done with this tale, I will be too. I wish it had been an incredible glimpse into the past like it has for so many others. Unfortunately for me, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars Reforged ended up being further proof that nostalgia is a potent emotion that colours our opinions

Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a worthwhile play if you are a fan of Disney, particularly the Disney Parks, as there are plenty of visual nods that are a joy to see. After all, which of us wouldn’t want to platform up Space Mountain, or restore a dilapidated It’s a Small World? But for the casual platforming fan, you won’t find much here that you’ve likely not experienced before. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is an improvement upon its predecessor, adding depth and nicely updating the controls, and with that, returning fans will find what is, overall, a satisfying experience. The problem is, Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is also stuck in the past with its lack of innovation and in today’s market, it’s hard to overlook that.

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.

The speed at which this game moves is almost obscene, and pushing for the best scores and times - which will unlock even more difficult challenge levels - will undoubtedly leave your knuckles white and your butt firmly clenched. I Am Your Beast is a symphony of violence and highly polished FPS gameplay with a thunderingly excellent soundtrack, and one of the best games of 2024 so far.

Caravan SandWitch is still fresh in my mind, as is its emotive finale, a conclusion reached based on the choice you make. I suspect, however, that in the days to follow, Sauge will often pop into my mind, her orange van waiting for me to start the ignition once more. The main story may be over, but the world of Cigalo is too beautiful to only explore once.

The Plucky Squire is charm personified, and is impossible not to welcome into your heart. It’s a lovingly made sunny day of a game, a throwback to the classics with enough modern touches and genuinely original ideas to ensure it stands on its own two feet. Don’t leave this one on the shelf, whatever you do.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster still isn't without its flaws yet, it retains that gruesome, comical charm that only Frank West let loose in a zombie-infested shopping mall can provide. With the visual and gameplay improvements, there’s more than enough to encourage veteran fans to reinvest in this remaster while making those new feel welcome. In fact, considering all the improvements made to the 2024 version, I’d say it resembles a remake more than a remaster. Nearly two decades later, Dead Rising is more fun today than it was in 2006 and that is nothing short of…. FANTASTIC!