OlliOlli World’s Void Riders Expansion isn’t long, but the new mechanic is implemented seamlessly. Who doesn’t want more levels, anyway?

Reanimal is worth it if you're looking for a bite-sized horror experience that's best shared with a friend. The story is gripping, and while it leads to a perhaps not too satisfying conclusion, the journey is more than enjoyable, particularly with a friend.

A solid take on the Metroidvania genre, Blasphemous 2 stands apart by managing to create a highly atmospheric mechanically demanding experience that will satisfy the needs of those looking for a good challenge.

Battlefield 6 marks a triumphant return for the franchise, delivering an experience that not only honors the roots of the FPS genre but also pushes it forward in meaningful ways. With its immersive combat, stunning maps, satisfying gameplay, and a healthy balance between authenticity and fun, it feels like the fresh start fans have been waiting for. Despite a few minor bugs and an underwhelming Campaign, it stands as a content-rich shooter that caters to a wide range of playstyles. More than just a great game, Battlefield 6 feels like a much-needed course correction for the genre, and a clear message to its competitors: the Multiplayer bar has just been raised.

Blemishes aside, it’s hard to see NieR Replicant ver. 1.22 as anything other than a masterpiece. Beautiful and tragic in equal measures, it’s a feast for the senses, a true epic, and an utterly unforgettable experience.

Stray is a wonderful exercise in organic worldbuilding with enough heart to hold its own against the best of this year. Despite having no people in it, Stray is one of the most human games I've played this year.

The Switch 2 upgrade of Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a beautifully crafted 3D platformer that brings a familiar, yet fresh, adventure for the pink puffball. The new edition enhances the experience with improved graphics, a smoother 60fps framerate, and the addition of the Star-Crossed World DLC. While the core gameplay of sucking up enemies and objects with Kirby's iconic "Mouthful Mode" remains a constant delight, the game's overall simplicity and the safe nature of the new content might leave veteran gamers wanting more.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp is a delight for existing fans to jump back into an old favourite, but the timeless gameplay makes it fantastic to pick up for those new to the series.

Mortal Kombat 1 is, from a newcomer's perspective, a perfect entry to the series. It's packed with gorgeous visuals and battles to enjoy, and I already can't wait to get back to the action.

Horizon Forbidden West improves upon the original in almost every way, making smart tweaks without reinventing the wheel. If the evolution of the Horizon series in this game is a taste of the future of the franchise, then I am definitely hungry for more.

Marvel's Midnight Suns definitely has some growing pains but the form it takes after this is wonderfully nuanced, with an interesting cast and a sandbox of great moves to try out.

Forza Motorsport's 2023 reboot is definitely the best one yet. Improvements to graphics and audio result in a fully immersive racing experience. Despite a few niggles, the race against Gran Turismo is truly back on.

Even if the combat is a little overbearing, Moss: Book II is a wonderful puzzle platformer. In VR, the world Polyarc has created is stunning and exploring it as one of the cutest characters ever is a joy.

Level Devil is a funny trial-and-error platformer that subverts your expectations of the genre in hilarious and creative ways.

Two Point Campus is a delightful treat. Consistently funny, enormously satisfying, and challenging to boot, it'll take you right back to the best years of your life, or make the worst years of your life better.

Happy Home Paradise gave me a lot of freedom to make choices then act on them without too many repercussions. Ultimately, I could do what I wanted and when I wanted (within reason). I like New Horizons, it’s a good game, but there is a limit on what I can do without needing to spend a lot of Bells or spend hours grinding for one simple change which could end up being a mistake. In contrast, The DLC thrives by offering players total control over their designs, and by setting the stakes low. From designing an entirely pink house for a fabulous Flamingo to remodelling the Cafe into a 50’s style Diner, there were few limits on my designs or on the potential to have fun.

Interface issues aside, Shadowverse Champion's Battle offers a fresh new spin on the card-battling genre (unless you've been playing the base game on PC). Its mechanics are an interesting amalgam of all that came before, but timing an evolution effect to clear a path to victory remains exciting every time.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 delivers an incredibly fun gaming experience, with massive graphic improvements, responsive controls, splendid gameplay, and great new characters. While the soundtrack leaves a bit to be desired, and some changes to Career mode are questionable, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 gameplay formula remains unbeatable, and there is no doubt this is the best skating game on the market.

If you’re a series newcomer, I’d suggest starting the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy first to see where it all began, but either way, Chronicles presents a truly exceptional experience within, one that was worth the wait. Between the new gameplay additions, thrilling story and added accessibility, this is without question my favourite entry so far and for that, I cannot recommend The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles enough.

Cult of the Lamb is a masterpiece of an action roguelike game. It's fun, engaging, has a beautiful but brutal aesthetic, and is absolutely worth a playthrough. It's missing some replayability in my eyes, but it's overall a stellar title.

A Plague Tale: Requiem serves up a sprawling adventure across a plague-ravaged, rat-infested France, though the simple tale and mechanics at its core can’t bear this sequel’s bloat.

Final Fantasy 5 Pixel Remaster still isn’t the ultimate way to play the game. That would be the Game Boy Advance version of it, thanks to the bonus classes and character portraits. However, it’s still a fantastic RPG, elevated by its spirit of fun and an absolutely gorgeous soundtrack. Whether you’ve played another version before or not, it’s definitely worth experiencing.

Ultimately, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin marks an excellent sequel to its 3DS predecessor. By offering a vibrant setting, open-ended gameplay, an engaging story and mostly entertaining combat, this is one entry that’ll suit both established series veterans and Monster Hunter newcomers alike. If you consider yourself a fan of RPGs, you won’t want to miss it.

Lila's one night of adventure provides a delightful few hours of relaxed gameplay in the chilled-out village of Sainte-et-Claire on a fateful rainy night. Highly recommended for those without much time, and in need of a respite from normality.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is the perfect Lego game, the perfect Star Wars game, and a fantastic sendoff to an illustrious series as a whole.

Bungie’s Marathon reboot successfully transforms a sci-fi classic into a tense, visually stunning extraction shooter. While a steep learning curve and punishing seasonal resets may alienate some, the satisfying gunplay, unique Runner Shell abilities, and addictive loop of high-stake runs make it a rewarding experience for those who brave the dangers of Tau Ceti IV.

If you've been hankering for a Zelda-inspired dungeon crawler or a new roguelite obsession, then you'll find plenty to love about Rogue Heroes. When you and three friends are in full swing it's a chaotic good time, and with an impressively diverse upgrade system and plenty of character classes, it'll keep you churning through its dungeon-bound monsters for weeks.

I didn’t realise that pinball would be my favourite VR game in the year of our lord 2021, but here I am, having a great time in my virtual space basement. A few tweaks for the sake of comfort would be ideal, but for now, this is pure, unadulterated, high-score chasing fun in a galaxy far, far away. (Oculus Quest 2)