For anyone craving a test of their mettle in bite-sized chunks and lacquered over with Team Ninja's trademark combat genius, Nioh 2 is utterly essential.

Lunar Lander: Beyond is a loving reimagining of the Atari classic, with some seriously cool mechanics and a whole lot of variety.

This is a fantastic edition of one of the Vita’s best exclusives and only heightens anticipation for a possible full sequel.

Put aside any misconceptions you have about strategy RPGs, Shadows of Valentia demands your time and will make you feel good for it.

Alienation may lack the tactical nuance of Helldivers, but it makes up for it with tight shooting and a tonne of pretty-pretty explosions.

It’s so pleasing to see a game this gorgeous actually back that up with impressive gameplay, as long as you’re a fan of the genre, that is. An impressively deep RPG that actually bothers to make each party member feel different in combat, while telling a story that most will relate to in some way or another, Child of Light is full of whimsy, yet also full of heart and never gets boring.

X-Type+ is a wonderfully simple idea tweaked and tuned into a damn fine little game, with an underlying depth and replay value that will keep seasoned shooter aficionados coming back for more. It also serves as a nice entry-level bullet hell affair before you start investigating the more exotic wares further afield.

It’s full of blood, violence, puzzles, humour, all set in such a beautifully designed world. Definitely one of the most fun platformers of recent years.

This is a superb port of one of the finest arcade sports experiences of them all, and instantly becomes an essential purchase for Switch owners.

Explosive, exhilarating and endlessly entertaining, Rainbow Six Extraction is arguably Ubisoft at their best and most confident.

Aces & Adventures combines poker and deck building to create a sensational card game that's easy to learn and hard to master.

On PS5, Control is sublime. The atmosphere is almost palpable, helped by sound direction that keeps you on edge all the time.

Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is a refreshing addition to the DRPG genre that is a must play for fans of Etrian Odyssey and those who enjoy NIS' visual style.

Good Job! is a funny and chaotic puzzle game, with a unique setting and multiple ways to accomplish your objectives. It might be a bit simple for puzzling veterans, but for some lighthearted family entertainment it's perfect.

Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story is a great-looking game, but the loop of crafting and unlocking skills is where it's at its finest.

Valiant Hearts tackles the harsh realities of what this war did to regular families. It tore people apart and, conversely, brought strangers closer together. It’s a beautiful tale of love and woe, with a consideration for the chilling realism of war.

Mini Metro on the Switch is a fantastic and zen like strategy puzzle experience with elegant visuals and addictive gameplay.

Death Stranding is an ambitious game, filled with so many different mechanics and ideas that almost always work well together. The story and acting is fantastic, and its visuals are a thing of beauty, not to mention the powerful soundtrack.

Metal: Hellsinger features a perfect blend of frantic FPS action and rhythm, utilising different skillsets to make your way through hell. The music is excellent, the range of weapons are fun to use, and the gorgeous level design and visuals make this a must to play.

A wonderfully designed zombie romp, providing a tough challenge with some fantastic humour and music along the way.

With a combination of amazing chiptunes and retro goodness Old School Musical should be the game to convert you if you’ve never considered Rhythm Action before.

DREDGE is a fishing game that breaks all the rules, and is all the better for it. The combination of relaxing fishing and Lovecraftian horror is a match made in heaven (or maybe hell) and the loop of catching sea creatures and selling them for upgrades is consistently compelling. If you think you can handle the horrors that lie beneath, you’ll find a fantastic game that’s unlike anything else.

Road 96 tells a poignant story of those trying to escape a corrupt and dangerous country through great gameplay and multiple playthroughs.

OkunoKA Madness is great fun if you can handle the difficulty, with unique mechanics, an incredible art style and tons of extra content to unlock.

Steins;Gate Elite takes the best of the anime and visual novel source material to create a superb visual novel adventure experience that is a must play for newcomers to the genre and fans of the original visual novel.

Dorothy and Fen’s adventure is a brilliant slice of zen gaming, a treat. Image & Form have knocked the it out of the park with this sequel.

Apex Legends is a superb game featuring an excellent array of heroes, tight, responsive gun play, smooth movement, smart communication system and an astonishing level of polish in a free-to-play game.

Resident Evil Village has managed to keep a series that has been going for 25 years feel new. The combat is satisfying, the puzzles are well-orchestrated, and it looks incredible.