While it may not fully deliver on its roguelite promises, it more than makes up for it with its Tower Defence and Worker Placement mix. Every turret feels unique, upgrades feel worthwhile, and combinations fulfil the genre desire to turn peashooters into powerhouses. The economy side of the game is surprisingly intricate. Devising your ideal order and approach game after game is satisfying, and while options are numerous - it’s all intuitive and introduced bit by bit so as not to overwhelm the player. As a complete package, it’s a great little tower defence that offers enough on the side to make it feel more than an attempt some long-past glory days. For fans of the niche, or those who like their roguelites with a bit more of a strategic spin, there’s a lot here to really dig into and enjoy.

Though DOOM: The Dark Ages skirts around the tried and tested formula of the DOOM we know and love, which may not please everyone, its core DNA still shines through with beautiful, brutal strength.

Compulsion Games conjured yet another narrative-strong release set to a backdrop of enchanting American South folklore that tells not only a coming-of-age story but also one of grief and sorrow that weaves its way into our heartstrings.

WWE 2K25 would be a near-perfect game if The Island wasn't a greed-fueled dumpster fire sucking the oxygen out of this franchise.

Though not reinventing the Soulslike wheel, The First Beserker is a thoroughly enjoyable game in its own right. A challenging adventure with enough combat variety to suit your playstyle.

With a compelling story shrouded in mystery, weighty combat and beautiful environments, Atomfall makes for a wonderfully condensed game that respects its players’ time and provides a welcome challenge throughout.

A game that puts your creativity through the ultimate test - against a rampaging horde of otherworldly horrors. Build, and watch it all fall down - brick by brick.

A very solid, if not spectacular, entry to the Two Point franchise, and one charming enough to keep you engaged one museum at a time. But it seems Two Point Studios may have missed a trick by not capitalising on what could have been a stand-out mechanic.

An impressive medieval city builder with unique systems and great visuals, despite some frustrating clarity issues.

Avowed excels in its good pacing, vibrant zones and dynamic combat, but is ultimately let down by a weak immersive world and the illusion of choice.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2's many robust gameplay mechanics, stunning open world, and brilliant writing come together to create one of the most immersive, rewarding, and deeply memorable RPG experiences of modern times.

Civilization VII is a bold, feature-rich reinvention of the series, packed with personality and stunning detail. While some issues remain, Firaxis has delivered a landmark strategy game that’s impossible to put down—once it gets its hooks in, you’ll be chasing just one more turn.

Featuring a unique approach to environmentalism, encased in a co-op survival game, Aloft encourages players to proactively invest in restoring the islands from corruption in an environment where they feel empowered to protect them. [Early Access Score = 70]

Marvel Rivals had big shoes to fill as a direct competitor to Overwatch 2 and, while not perfect, it delivers. With a large roster of iconic Marvel heroes, fast-paced 6v6 combat, and well-balanced abilities and mechanics, it stands out in the hero shooter genre. Marvel Rivals isn’t just a fun alternative — it’s a serious contender poised to shake up the competition.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle smartly blend prolonged hours of rewarding, open-ended exploration with fewer but satisfying set pieces.

Monument Valley 3 capitalizes on its legacy through its minimalist art style, intricate puzzle design, and accompanying game audio. It wants us to succeed and feel satisfied with our achievements without any time constraints; however, specific story beats weren't immediately explored, gameplay sessions were sometimes limited due to operational issues, and it still feels like a rehashing of previous entries despite a few new additions.

Fear the Spotlight channels PS1-era horror with its retro charm, tense atmosphere, and clever puzzles. It’s a short, engaging homage to classic survival horror games.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard vaults over the seemingly daunting task of exceeding player expectations by delivering one of the best action RPGs of all time.

Mouthwashing captivates with its eerie atmosphere, gripping narrative, and tense psychological horror. While some mechanics falter, it’s a memorable, haunting indie gem of 2024.

Codex Lost brings a refreshing twist to the Soulslike genre with its exclusive focus on magic abilities. Players can navigate a beautifully interconnected world filled with dungeons, challenging foes, and formidable bosses. While we can’t fully recommend the game due to its notable flaws - underwhelming gameplay mechanics, a clunky UI, and occasional performance issues - it shows strong potential as an indie title. Fans of Soulslikes seeking a magic-only adventure may still find Codex Lost a standout option in this niche.

Mirthwood boasts stunning storybook-esque art design, a whimsical score, intriguing gameplay mechanics, and features hindered by performance and graphical issues. However, with the development team committed to providing post-launch support and a detailed roadmap outlining the future ahead, the game does indeed have a promising future ahead.

With nostalgia at its heart and enough vibrancy and style to ignite London’s nightlife, Sorry We’re Closed is very much its own beast. It's only held back by some ever so slightly clunky combat.

With its upbeat presentation, classic slapstick humor, and surprisingly in-depth combat, Lego Horizon Aventures cements itself as a worthy 15-20-hour experience for any Horizon or Lego fan.

Tormenture is an interesting concept but the gameplay can sometimes be confusing, leaving more questions than answers in its murky narrative.

While The Road Ahead nails its survival mechanics, it ultimately falls short in narrative and gameplay depth. An immersive experience, but one with lasting impact.

Funko Fusion is not a bad game by any means, but it’s certainly not the standout experience it had the potential to be.

ZEPHON delivers a thrilling, combat-focused twist on the 4X genre with relentless battles, strategic depth, and a distinctively dark, immersive world that makes every encounter feel meaningful. While not without minor issues, its polished mechanics and unique setting make it an outstanding choice for fans of grim sci-fi strategy games.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 stands out as one of my most enjoyable gaming experiences this year. It delivers nonstop entertainment with an engaging campaign, the return of the classic Zombies mode, and the always-popular multiplayer. However, it doesn’t break new ground and still feels very much like a traditional CoD title, Treyarch and Raven Software have created a refined and authentic Black Ops experience that’s a must-play for fans of the series.

Life is Strange: Double Exposure stays true to the beloved themes of the series while introducing fresh new faces and deepening Max's development.

A vibrant, flashy and overdue return to one of Dragon Ball’s best game series. But it’s not quite fresh enough to keep me coming back for more.

A bundle of two very fun halves that don’t break new ground but bring Sonic and Shadow to a new generation (heh), Sonic x Shadow Generations is a solid update to a great platformer and a promising revival for Shadow. [Review in Progress]

Don’t miss out on this delightfully heartwarming and unforgettable story wrapped around an excellent platformer. I’ll Be Brave, Tomorrow may not be long, but it will captivate you from start to finish.

Vessel of Hatred brims with an addictive new endgame loop, hundreds of gameplay changes, the brilliant Spiritborn class, the vast and beautiful new region of Nahantu and a dark, unrelenting story.

Undisputed bursts onto the scene with a stiff right hook, and it’s definitely the best boxing game available today. Exciting gameplay and great visuals pair well with a solid career mode, but some customization and story upgrades would help. Adding a showcase to highlight moments in boxing history could also tip the scales and make this game truly great.

Citadelum is a game that hits its core objective admirably but struggles to land with several of its more ambitious systems.

Neva is a tale of growth not only within the game’s story but for Nomada Studio itself, showcasing how the studio has evolved since GRIS. With a more action-oriented focus, while retaining its emotional depth, Neva is a masterpiece. It's a must-play for anyone seeking a break from the grind of casual gaming, offering both meaningful gameplay and a heartfelt experience.

Black Myth: Wukong is a visually stunning, action-packed adventure that continues the tale of A Journey to the West. You'll encounter formidable bosses, explore breathtaking locations, and discover how this epic story unfolds. Despite a few shortcomings, the game guarantees an unforgettable experience for anyone who picks it up.

Metaphor ReFantazio feels like Atlus’ Final Fantasy 7 moment. It’s an evocative, empowering, near-perfect JRPG that people will talk about for years to come.

With excellent performances, improved mechanics, and more than just a fresh coat of paint, Bloober Team’s Silent Hill 2 is one of the studio’s best projects to date. A sinister and compelling return to Silent Hill that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Echoes of Wisdom is yet another stellar release that not only continues to redefine the series through experimenting with gameplay mechanics and creative storytelling, but we finally got Princess Zelda as a playable protagonist.

NHL 25 is the most visually stunning release this franchise has ever seen, and on-ice gameplay is an absolute blast. Franchise Mode was given a massive upgrade while HUT and WOC saw some solid improvements, but another year of neglecting Be A Pro leaves career mode players out in the cold.

Crusader Kings 3: Roads to Power revolutionizes gameplay with unlanded adventures and an intricate intrigue system. This expansion redefines the experience, setting the stage for future developments. [Review in Progress]

Breachway is a striking new Roguelite deck builder that steps away from the pack, and breathes some new life into the genre. [Early Access Review]

Nine Sols masterfully combines 2D action with Souls-like mechanics, paying tribute to games like Hollow Knight and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The unique "Taopunk" setting creates a fresh and original world, while the bosses serve as standout moments, enhancing the game’s deep, though occasionally inconsistent, narrative. Nine Sols is well worth your attention with its distinctive world, thrilling combat, and unforgettable boss battles.

Armed with a magical paintbrush that can paint or thin out obstacles to uncover the path forward, Purple Lamb has given players a colorful and delightful remake that is faithful to its original release. Truly delivering Mickey’s best and most epic adventure finally for last and next-gen consoles and PC.

Enotria: The Last Song is a beautifully Italian-inspired Souls-like that perfectly captures the theme of "Summer Souls," offering punishing combat and an intricate story, all set in a stunning world. While the game suffers from a few glaring flaws, it shows strong potential to become a recognized entry in the Souls-like genre.

I’m glad there’s another historical 4X on the block - and for those of you who want something a bit meatier than Civ, I think this can fit the bill. ARA: History Untold is bold, innovative and exciting - but thoroughly held back by frustrating problems and an infuriating user experience.

Frostpunk 2 lives up to - and in most ways - surpasses the original. A chilling, intense game about human survival and conflict - that will leave you questioning your own sense of morality for many hours.

A quirky and vibrant storybook adventure with so much to offer that you won’t want to put this lighthearted tale down.

Thanks to the beauty of the RE Engine, and some desperately needed QoL improvements, there has never been a better way to enjoy Dead Rising.

While it’s a fantastic game once you actually reach the court, NBA 2K25 is going to full court press every player into starting MyCAREER and spending as much money as possible. There’s still an amazing basketball game in here if you can get to franchise mode or the thankfully overlooked WNBA career mode, but 2K is never going to stop pestering you to give them more money.

Whether you’re planning to dive into career mode or want to wade through history in the Djokovic Slam Challenge, hours of tennis gameplay are bolstered by crisp graphics and a deep roster. There’s just no denying that Tiebreak is the best tennis game available today.

For a game that dropped a prologue demo two whole years ago and is now two months out from a worldwide launch, My Museum: Treasure Hunter still has far too many fundamental flaws. Future updates may be able to make this into something more enjoyable, but at this point players need to expect a very shaky experience.

The Casting of Frank Stone stands out as an excellent and fitting new addition to the Dead by Daylight universe. Blending familiar narrative elements with new characters, the game gives players the power to make their own decisions in a way that perfectly suits the Fog. This Dead by Daylight adaptation is arguably Supermassive Games' best title yet, and will likely not only become a fan-favorite for DBD fans, but for fans of choose-your-own-adventure narrative titles altogether. It breathes new life into Dead by Daylight, but is also an interesting, well-made, and developed enough story to stand entirely on its own.

Whether it’s the visuals, gameplay, or soundtrack, Astro Bot picks up the best pieces of PlayStation’s most memorable franchises and mashes them all together in the most endearing way possible, all while effortlessly balancing its own identity through its innovative platforming set-pieces.

Space Marine 2 knows exactly what it's trying to be and makes no bones about its glaring limitations from start to finish. Fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe will no doubt find more mileage in the campaign and characters, but for players with only a passing interest in 40k (or players with absolutely no interest), it's hard to ignore the patchy narrative and increasingly one-note gameplay. That said, there’s a lot of potential here, and we hope to see a third outing from Sabre Interactive in the future.

Some pitfalls here and there don’t take away from the fact that Age of Mythology: Retold is a great reimagining of the classic game. It’s simultaneously faithful to its old version whilst having enough modern additions to make it satisfying to play some 20 plus years later. This is how you bring a cult classic into modern times. I hope you’re listening, Warcraft III: Reforged. It’s not that difficult now, is it?

Despite stumbling onto a few bug issues and a combat system that could’ve benefitted from a few improvements, Star Wars Outlaws allows players to completely immerse themselves and become a rogue Scoundrel-for-hire. Being the first truly open-world Star Wars game, Massive has done an incredible job of creating impressive environments and a compelling narrative, making being a Scoundrel both fun and intriguing.

With its extensive monster truck roster, polished presentation, and a lengthy campaign featuring a pleasing variety of game modes, Monster Jam Showdown offers a fresh take on the series and is a must-have for monster truck fans.

Dustborn attempts to tackle a lot of genres, and it honours most of them very well. This emotional, political road trip reaches its destination, but suffers a few too many bumps along the way.

While it’s not perfect, Madden 25 is the biggest step forward this series has seen in years. Superstar Mode and the gameplay upgrades shine brightest, but just about every area of the game is moving in the right direction.

This innovative debut visual novel from Cyrus Nemati and Little Bat Games is enlightening, endearing, and entertaining at every turn. Letting yourself get lost in this world is a must, and you’ll probably find something you really needed along the way.

This online multiplayer brawler is a great first offering from new indie developer Hardball Games, and there’s room to grow both for the game itself and this studio. OutRage blends multiple mechanics for a seemingly easy to grasp but hard to master fighting system, and rotating between match types will keep things from getting stale too quickly.

Despite its half-baked story, forgettable characters, and insincere world-building, I couldn't help but enjoy my time with Stellar Blade. Perhaps it's because it knows what it is, and I knew what I was getting into. What you see is what you get. The combat is the heart of the experience, but so is playing dress-up with Eve. If you're okay with all of that, Stellar Blade is a game worth your time and money.

If you've been yearning for the fun of Top Spin 4 and wishing something would scratch that tennis gaming itch, TopSpin 2K25 is exactly what you need. Settle in for some lessons with John McEnroe, work on your timing, and smash your way all the way to international stardom. The match isn't over for TopSpin, but they've delivered a power serve to bring this franchise back to life and get it on the right track.

Crow Country is a modern survival horror title that draws from the best aspects of Silent Hill and Resident Evil to create an immersive, fun experience that will draw in both devoted fans of the genre and those who have never tried it before. From its story to its graphics, it brings back the elements of survival horror that we love the most, while putting its own unique spin on the classics.

Paper Trail is a beautiful indie puzzle game with unique mechanics that isn’t afraid to present its players with a challenge. Its strong color schemes and charming characters will make this a great addition to your cozy games collection, especially if you’re looking for something to put your brain to work. However, finicky controls on console creates some very minor hindrances which, if you’re already feeling a bit stumped on some puzzles, can lead you to stepping away for a short spell.

What The Fog is great for what it is — a redeemable freebie, or a little $4.99 game otherwise. While it is a totally different experience to Dead by Daylight, and doesn't have nearly as much content, it's definitely worth checking out if you want a fun platformer/roguelike combo to play with your DBD duo and sink a couple of hours into.

While other games like Stray have dug deeper into the existential storytelling that playing as a cat can provide, nothing else has quite captured the whimsy and joy of a feline perspective like Little Kitty, Big City. For players who might be worried the fun goes by too quickly, this one has already been a blast to replay. This could become the cutest speedrunning game around, but it's just as easy to kick back and relax as you take charge of that city.

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 is Ninja Theory's magnum opus. It's a sequel that's ambitious but not overbearing. With this game, the studio has perfected its craft of portraying immaculate cinematic experiences, glimpses of which can be traced back to its earlier games, like 2007's Heavenly Sword. Most importantly, with Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory has created an utterly refreshing AAA single-player experience that is unlike anything Xbox has currently to offer this generation.

It doesn’t hold much in terms of replayability, but the emotional and concise story is well worth experiencing. Pine Hearts is a great game to cozy up with for an evening, and one that’ll definitely leave you misty-eyed before the credits roll.

Even for those who aren't rabid MotoGP fans, there's a serene intensity to finally settling in while playing MotoGP 24. Every frustrating wipeout feels worth it once you're zooming around a curve without ever feeling the controller budge. If you've been waiting a few years to upgrade from a past edition, MotoGP 24 is the perfect time to leap forward. Despite a few areas that still need improvement, it's hard not to call MotoGP 24 one of the best motorcycle racing games in years.

It's nearly impossible to please players of every single skill level, but F1 24 gameplay is some of the best the series has been in recent years. An extensive amount of optional systems allows more casual players to simply focus on the track, and the dedicated veterans have even more small settings to tweak as they fine-tune high difficulty strategies. Driver Career is a blast, especially when playing as iconic drivers of the past and present. Sadly, the missing story mode and poorly executed quick play options make it difficult for F1 24 to fulfill its potential.

In the game's current state, I recommend it as an above average, albeit not groundbreaking, psychological horror title - but I can't recommend it as a simulator. Autopsy Simulator ironically isn't a simulator, but it's a pretty good psychological horror game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Still Wakes the Deep is an example of modern psychological and survival horror done right in just about every way possible. It's obvious that The Chinese Room has learned a lot from creating titles like Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, and that expertise has culminated in the studio's best title yet.

ESO: Gold Road boasts an exceptionally well-written storyline, a compelling main character, scenic landscapes, and a World Event worth sinking your teeth into. However, the Scribing system feels incomplete but has the potential to become a useful mechanic with time and effort.

Elden Ring: Shadow of The Erdtree is a groundbreaking experience for gamers worldwide, exemplifying what a DLC should be while continuing the legacy of the base game brilliantly. The Land of Shadow is filled with adversity and danger, but you have everything you need to overcome the challenges and emerge as a true Elden Lord.

Despite a midpoint lull, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is a stunning expansion with an evocative soundtrack, challenging dungeons, and emotional story. An exciting kick-off that leaves you hungry for the future of FFXIV.

Zenless Zone Zero had the potential to be another well-rounded game by HoYoverse, but its development ultimately felt rushed. While I loved the idea behind it, I could only admire a few aspects, such as the combat, city design, and art style. Aside from these, it was an underwhelming experience for me. I often criticize the current state of Genshin Impact, apart from the Archon quests, but Zenless Zone Zero despite being new is already lifeless.

Fast-paced and hard-hitting gameplay brings the excitement of the collegiate gridiron back to gaming in College Football 25. Even with a few areas for refinement, the foundational Dynasty and Road to Glory experiences make this the best football game in years.

Norland is an exceptional medieval colony sim that marries the absurdity of Rimworld with the Intrigue and political Strife of Crusader Kings. A delightfully enjoyable game that brings something new to the genre, and one I would wholeheartedly recommend strategy fans check out. [Early Access Review]

With the added ease of a modern platform release, and all the benefits of new quality of life features, there’s never been a better time to experience this underrated classic. While Tomba! Special Edition very much feels like a retro title, its unique gameplay merits the attention of a modern audience.