Vernal Edge is a great Metroidvania game, with deep and satisfying combat, a whole lot of freedom to explore, and gorgeous pixel art.

Metro Awakening captures the tense horror the series is known for, immersing you in a nightmare filled with plenty of authentic ideas.

Skydance's Behemoth is a solid adventure with some cool moments and clever combat, but the checkpointing system is frustrating.

Pokémon Art Academy is a polished, enjoyable time sink, with intuitive controls. It’s very easy to pick up and play, and uses the Pokémon licence well to introduce a new group of potential artists to the Art Academy series.

Strategy games may be a niche market on console, but Tethered genuinely has its heart in the right place. With a little more autonomy in its Peeps, it could have been a great game, instead of an above average one. Certainly a good choice if you want a lengthy VR game, though.

A good special edition of a good game, it's hardly essential, but a definite treat for the fans.

It’s by no means easy, and takes a hefty investment of time to fully appreciate. Even after the tutorial prologue, you’ll have a lot to learn, but it’s a testament to the developers that they were able to create an engrossing game that draws you in even with such a steep learning curve.

Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg provides a nice RPG history lesson, but the combat and alchemy feel pretty outdated.

Strider doesn’t do anything exceptionally well, but we get so few good Metroid-Vania style games these days that it’s still definitely worth a play. On higher difficulties it will require skill, but otherwise Strider is a brainless exercise in platforming, exploration, and (button mashing) ninja combat.

Mario Vs Donkey Kong is a nice time for all, but those seeking major challenge or wholesale changes to the original might not find what they need here.

More attention to the story would have gone a long way, but Mortal Shell is an intriguing adventure, and an accomplished addition to the Soulslike genre.

System Shock on PS5 is a great opportunity for console players to experience Nightdive Studios excellent remake of a classic.

Cake Bash is a delicious party game to play with friends locally or online. With a nice variety of mini games and unique decoration shopping it's well worth chowing down on.

The Creature in the Well is a harsh mistress, but one that’s incredibly rewarding to those who push on.

Intuitive controls, excellent pacing, a smart script and sublime visuals mean there is much fun to be had here. If this is the last time we get to control Ratchet and his robot buddy, then it’s a rock-solid way to go out.

Race The Sun absolutely nails what it sets out to do, and it’s a game you will play in short bursts every day. While the initial feel of the game might be a slight grind thanks to the bare-bones ship, your perspective will change a few hours into the game as you start unlocking more things and as your score starts making its way up on the leaderboards.

Planet Coaster 2 is a genuinely lovely and likeable way to kill a few hours and flex your creative muscles.

If you’re into your classic shooters and don’t mind a few cheap deaths along the way, Blazing Chrome is a pulse-pounding thrillride that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve.

If you’re a fan of the franchise and enjoyed Wings of Ruin but never got to play this one, then Monster Hunter Stories Remastered is absolutely worth your time.

Trover Saves the Universe is a very funny adventure game that doesn't offer the same brand of gameplay as Astro Bot Rescue Mission, but Justin Roiland's humour makes it much more appealing.

Demon's Mirror is a seriously clever Roguelike deck builder that blends cards and gems to create a wonderful if slightly overwhelming game.

Mutazione has a beautifully written narrative filled with wonderful characters and a captivating story.

Grim Guardians has a few issues, but ultimately is a fantastic retro style platformer that fills the Castlevania shaped hole in my heart.

Outside of the lengthy modes discussed, it's just what you want out of a football game: a damn good game of footy. I don’t care what they call it next year, if it improves on this then I will be there on day one.

RKGK is a beautiful game that puts all its heart into fast and fluid movement and the graffiti you'll paint across Cap City.

Mafia: Definitive Edition oozes style and substance, harking back to a time when story was everything. The gameplay can be a little clumsy, but entwined with these awkward moments come excitement.

Madden NFL 20 is a great American Football game, and whilst it's better than last year, some of the mainstay modes could do with an overhaul.

Despite some flaws that are too big to ignore, Weird West is an ambitious, intriguing, sometimes unique action-RPG set in a nightmarish world.