That said, it’s still Saints Row, and there’s still a ton of fun to be had up front before the activities start repeating themselves.

If you are a devoted fan of racing simulations, MotoGP25 will undoubtedly be right up your alley. Its commitment to a realistic two-wheeled racing experience, coupled with its stunning visuals and authentic audio, makes it a compelling package. While the introduction of the arcade handling mode does make it a more accessible entry point for newcomers to the series, it remains a game with a reasonably steep learning curve. However, for those willing to invest the time to master its intricacies, MotoGP25 offers a deeply rewarding and exhilarating racing experience.

I don’t think Valley is the strongest of the three games which make up Trackmania 2 but you will still have fun if you play it. I certainly did, and will continue to do so. Now, if you’ll let me, I’m going to go and conquer that wall ride that’s been bugging me.

Cook, Serve, Delicious! isn’t trying to impress you that much, it is just all serving up a healthy dose of fun with a side helping of frenzied action.

Like many of my piratical favourites, King of Seas doesn’t take itself too seriously, and as a result makes it a fun game for casual players. My main gripe is that the side quests aren’t varied enough and do get a touch monotonous. Unfortunately, they are the quickest way to gaining experience when grinding through the levels is required. But that said, sailing across the map is a relaxing experience, with King of Seas allowing would-be-pirates to play the game their own way. Simple controls, and fun story, and enjoyable gameplay mean that it is a game for all wannabe swashbucklers.

All in all, Nihilumbra is a short, but fun, puzzle platformer.

Although Assassin's Creed Rogue has many similarities to both Assassin's Creed III and Blag Flag, it does combine the main gameplay features of sailing, exploration and combat rather well.

Overall, Supplice is a standout game that really emphasizes the aspects that people remember of the 90's FPS, but one final bit of attention to detail that should make any fan of the genre give Supplice a closer look is the pricing. The game is $15 on Steam base price, not counting any potential bundles or deals that may be occurring at the time. This price point makes the game feel a lot easier to swallow despite the short length, relatively speaking, meaning that players itching for something along the lines of a so-called 'boomer shooter' may want to pick up Supplice.

All told, Veilguard is an enjoyable RPG with rich character customization and striking visuals, especially within the cyberpunk-inspired Minrathous. The freedom to shape Rook's backstory and outlook is a welcome touch, yet it is offset by the reduction in meaningful choices and the series signature moral complexity. While Veilguard might not capture the epic scope of Origins or the tightly woven, character driven narrative of Dragon Age II, it is a solid entry that hints at a new direction. If future Dragon Age titles can re-embrace the far-reaching choices and branching narratives that once made the series iconic, they may yet recapture the magic of Thedas. For now, Veilguard is a promising — if somewhat pared down — addition to the Dragon Age legacy, and fans of the series may find it worth exploring.

Overall, Thief is a quality game, particularly if you take the time to explore the side missions. If you go in expecting the game to be a solely stealth game or a remake of the original, you will probably be disappointed.

It has some faults, but for the most part you’ll have a good time fighting and thinking your way through this game’s many levels.

Projection: First Light does a lot of things right. The visual style is pleasing and the story is quite charming. The puzzles have been well designed often allowing for more than one solution to moving Greta through the levels. The many levels slowly incorporate new challenges as the gamer progresses, and the collecting of butterflies allows for multiple playthroughs. If you’re a fan of puzzle platformers that you can speed through, Projection will cause some angst, due to the finnicky shadows - particularly in the timed puzzles. Despite that, Projection: First Light is a fun, relaxing puzzle platformer for all ages.

March of the Eagles is a great game, but it’s the same game you have played before.

You can play Marvel Heroes through without spending any money on it, and it will be a decent experience for you. However, the inelegant handling of multiple characters, along with the lack of any real difficulty means that it doesn’t quite reach the heights of other games in the genre. But it is the only game of its type where you can play as your favourite Marvel characters and that is certainly something that will draw many people in.

The Metronomicon comes together in a neat package which rhythm game fans will certainly get a deal of enjoyment out of. The soundtrack is varied, with highlights being songs from the likes of Perturbator, however it’s likely you will dislike just as many songs as you do like. Bringing in the RPG elements makes this game stand out from other rhythm games, and there’s enough here to keep you going through the end of the game and beyond.

Mafia III does most things right, though. It is an enjoyable game, one that has probably the best licensed soundtracks for a game outside of a music-based game. The combat and cover mechanics work really and the cut-scenes allow the story to progress smoothly in the wonderfully presented city of New Bordeaux.

Players more loving of a slow and contemplative gaming experience are certain to love InnerSpace, finding that it offers them a series of strange and beautiful worlds to explore.

Let’s be clear here: Ancient Space is definitely not a new Homeworld, nor should it have to be. It has found its own niche, applying the excellent balance and approachable tactics of the traditional RTS, and taking it into space with panache.

Despite its issues, The Dark Eye: Demonicon remains a fun adventure that, while lacking polish, is an enjoyable journey through The Dark Eye setting.

GolfTopia does feel like a sim game of old - in a good way. It is accessible to newcomers to the management sim genre and as such, retains a more casual feel. With nice visuals, a well laid out user interface, and some interesting futuristic takes on the game of golf, GolfTopia is a game for all, even if you’re not a fan of golf. But if you are a fan of golf and designing courses, then there aren’t a heap of choices that are as fun as GolfTopia. It will however be interesting to see how the course editor on the upcoming PGA Tour 2K21 compares.

Despite the somewhat mundane tasks that gamers need to complete, it is the range of environmental dangers that make Lumberhill a fun couch party game to play with family or friends. Whether you’re playing co-operatively or in competition with one another, there is a ton of enjoyment to be had. With simple controls (albeit somewhat clunky at times), cute cartoon visuals, tight level design and varied themes and environmental dangers, Lumberhill is a fun game for up to four players. When we’re all cooped up inside the house during lockdown, what better way to build up a sweat than to virtually chop down some trees and herd animals into their barns. I can almost smell the fresh outdoors just thinking about it.

Fell Seal isn't a game that breaks new ground, but it's still enjoyable to play regardless. The story is fun to experience and the gameplay is usually smooth and able to be played with little to no grinding. Character customization is impressively detailed in both aesthetics and creating class strategies. Overall, I enjoyed my time with Fell Seal despite the small issues I had with the difficulty spike and the graphics.

While not drastic pieces of content, for their price, Celestial Worlds and Harmonic Memories add a valuable boost of replayability, the best friend of any strategy player. I would especially recommend both DLCs for any player who has yet to play one of the Endless Space 2 races, as the new quest-line, music, unique planets and improvements add a slightly richer campaign experience on the whole.

Rainbow Six Extraction is a bold game for the Tom Clancy brand that jumps head-first into an over-the-top, absurd mix of horror, sci-fi, and military realism. It does at times feel more like a Siege DLC than a stand-alone game, but it’s a solid option for players not interested or intimidated by Siege's intense PvP community. There are several interesting design decisions meant to encourage teamwork and decision making in each missions, though I’m not sure if there will be enough variety without PvP to keep players hooked long-term.

If the Season 2 Pass only brings us Arms Race, I would be disappointed. The additional skill trees in the Designer's Cut for the vault hunters are wonderful additions, but are somewhat obsolete for current players, particularly for those who have completed the bulk of the missions. Arms Race itself does provide a new perspective though, focusing purely on gunplay rather than combining it with Vault Hunter skills and although it took me a couple of turns to get used to, I found it a great way to collect some great weapons. It does however provide for a replayable experience, each time entering the zone and discovering new areas before taking on the Heavyweight Harker. I am certainly hoping that the next phase of the Season 2 Pass will add another playable mission though.

Anyone who plays adventure games for deep stories and complex characters should definitely avoid this one, but players looking for a short, surreal point & click will undoubtedly enjoy their time in the Bunker if they can look past the flawed gameplay experience.

There aren’t really any new added gameplay features or modes that I could discern, which is a bit of a shame, but the game on the whole has actually aged very well. Also the lack of new features is more forgivable when you see how low the price tag is (considering most remasters generally charge full retail price). So if you never managed to play this destructive jewel back in the day, or if you are feeling somewhat nostalgic and traded in your copy years back, I would certainly recommend a revisit to the Red Planet.

Overall, the story was interesting, the puzzles had just the right mix of challenge and logic, and I enjoyed almost every minute of playing. Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall didn't disappoint and kept me riveted until it was over, too soon. I'll be looking forward to the next instalment in the Nancy Drew series – though I might wait until I have some real free time before I buy it!

I would recommend Scheming Through The Zombie Apocalypse; it’s not an expensive game and is sure to give players a fair amount of fun. But I would mainly recommend it to players for whom a funny story and dialogue can take precedence over mechanics and play.

OK, so The Bureau is different to what XCOM fans would be used to, but does that make it a bad game? As a squad based shooter, The Bureau is reasonably good.

Learning a language can be tough, but Kana Quest takes away some of the monotony of learning the Japanese characters and has made it a wonderfully enjoyable educational experience.

When it comes to the fundamental elements that make up a point-and-click adventure, Randal’s Monday gets a lot right, but also makes some disappointing mistakes. Fans of Kevin Smith or of comedy adventures will want to at least give this one a shot, but make sure to have a walkthrough on standby – I assure you, you will need it.

LA Cops is a heap of fun. And although the missions are all somewhat similar, they are a joy to complete.

Verdun is a game that should appeal to any FPS fans looking for something different.

If you’re a fan of AFL, then AFL Evolution will certainly be on your radar. And there is no reason that it shouldn’t be. There are certainly a number of things that could be improved, but most do not alter the fun that can be had in the game. The jump between the difficulty levels is probably the main issue I have with the game, although, with practice, winning does happen. Visually, the game doesn’t look overly spectacular, but for me, gameplay has always trumped looks. And the control scheme implemented by the developers, is clearly an improvement on past AFL games, allowing the game to flow smoother and more intuitively. With AFL Evolution, the complexities of the game are evident, but - like the real spectacle - is still heaps of fun to play.

Despite some problems which are just part of the genre, Cave Digger is a very entertaining game that is very exploration focused.

Judgement is a pretty coherent game. Nothing about it really blew me away, but it certainly does what it sets out to do. In this sense, it will most likely be an enjoyable romp for tower defence or survival fans. But when other RTS survival games like Frostpunk are playing with environmental hostility and RTS narrative in such interesting ways, I found it hard to get excited by what feels like just another tower defence demon/zombie survival with little narrative engagement.

Monark is full of dark themes, contemplations of Ego and Desire and what they mean, what makes someone truly human, and if or when they should set aside their Desires. Accompanied by a soundtrack filled with catchy J-Pop/Rap music from the V-Tuber group Kamitsubaki, and a team of developers fresh off the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series, Monark is a game that I had high hopes for. From a story perspective it succeeds and then some, but from a gameplay perspective I find it lacking in both combat and exploration.

At The Gates feels a bit like a flawed gem. It’s far from perfect, but full of intricacies, and it offers a wonderful new take on the 4X genre. Having spent almost 50 hours with the game, every minute has been rewarding. In fact, it’s easily the most refreshing strategy game I have played in years.

If you’re looking for to scratch that dogfighting itch in a beautiful looking game featuring a sci-fi setting that’ll throw unknown challenges in your path, look no further than Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown. If, however, you’re looking for realistic combat simulation and a down-to-earth relatable story, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

A solid title, a Kickstarter success story. Unfortunately, owing to a forgettable story, uninspiring missions, some wonky combat mechanics and the infrequent crash, it will not win any GOTY awards.

Ghostwire: Tokyo is not a bad game by any standard. It's pretty, it's fun, and it follows a formula that has proven to be successful even if it's overdone by this point. As I played through it for this review I found myself alternating between enjoying myself and being frustrated with its shortcomings. There is a potentially brilliant horror/detective game buried under all the superfluous side quests and pointless collectibles, and each time I caught a glimpse of it, I find myself wondering about what could have been.

Thankfully for Samurai Warriors 4-II, the core of the game works well enough that despite its flaws it’s still a very, very fun game.

LawBreakers is a fun game, lacking in content certainly and no way near worth a full price tag, but good and even innovative in its own minor way. Hopefully with time players and content will come, because otherwise like Brink, it will just become another failed shooter you half remember.

Ain't pretty but plays well.

It might have been too much to expect incredibly new and diverse mechanics so soon after the release of the base game. Instead Eight Princes represents a few little changes and a nice dose of added re-playability. I think that in time we will receive DLC that does significantly change things and offer new and incredibly fresh mechanics, but Eight Princes isn’t that. I would however recommend it if you enjoyed the campaign experience of the original game.

Arma III is the best representation of realistic warfare I've seen to date, and I for one can't wait to see what the community cooks up for it. For now, however, it is a bit too skinny for its breeches.

Winds of Magic is decent, but I feel like it unfortunately represents a step away from what makes the Vermintide series truly special.

My initially negative impression started to melt away when I reached the second island. I don’t blame myself too much for that, as the game’s presentation at that stage is kind of bland and uninviting and especially its God-awful music needed switching off immediately. But sticking around a little longer, I started to appreciate what the game was trying to achieve; combining the therapeutic fun of slaying zombies with requiring players to apply their brain and look for ways to survive tomorrow as well as today.

Screamer is a compelling purchase for any racing fan looking to trade technical simulations for pure, stylish speed. Its unique twin-stick drifting mechanics offer a refreshing challenge for those tired of standard controls, while the sheer variety provided by the 32 tracks and character-specific abilities keeps the gameplay from feeling repetitive. With its vibrant cyberpunk aesthetic, a pulse-pounding electronic rock soundtrack, and a wealth of game modes that cater to both solo and social players, it delivers a high-value package that captures the best of the arcade racing spirit.

In all, Last Regiment is an enjoyable game that fits the mold of ‘easy to learn, hard to master’, with complex lore that is impressive in scope. The difficulty occasionally spikes in the single player, making certain that gamers pay close attention and don’t get complacent in the midst of the campaign. The several modes on offer allow for no small amount of replayability. And despite the drama of the wars and violence portrayed in Last Regiment, there is a note of humor as well which keeps things somewhat upbeat while fighting fungal hoards or unfeeling machines.

This reviewer cannot deny that despite obvious flaws and frankly boring interludes in Metal Wolf Chaos XD’s gameplay, it is a game that will be remembered fondly.

The game has taken an interesting departure from its predecessor and I found myself slightly preferring the first game. That’s probably just down to my own personal preference in genres so if a deck-building / action-RPG / Rogue-like hybrid appeals to you, Forced Showdown is worth your time and money.

The Masterplan succeeds in making everything from the triumphant heists, close scrapes and complete wash-outs, interesting – you’ll just have to work for them.

The new features and the new game modes certainly make the Cubemen 2 an improvement on the original and for the small price tag it is certainly worth a look.

From top to tail-pipe, Car Mechanic Simulator 2015 is every bit a fun game, but it doesn't always live up to its predecessor. Much has been improved in terms of added variety in cars, but there are still many areas that feel under-developed and lacking in substance, even in comparison to that earlier title.

I don’t think anyone will consider Viking: Wolves of Midgard’s hack & slash play as anything novel but some of its other innovations are very welcome. The environment forcing you to take some time to recover is a nice little feature but the town building aspect is what I enjoyed the most. It sounds like a simple enough addition but the impact on character progression and the relevance of loot and materials should not be overlooked. What you do during a mission, or rather bring from one, actually matters beyond a few gold coins in your inventory. Fun? Fun.

Yes, fighting higher ranked opponents certainly takes some level of strategy, but for the most part, the developers have made it a fun arcade-style game rather than a realistic boxing simulation. In career mode, gaining the number one ranking and then earning a shot at the World Title is a little too easy, but this makes Boxing Champs a game in which younger players can feel a sense of achievement. Playing against a friend is certainly a tougher challenge but can be a heap of fun. If you’re looking for a boxing game that is simple to play and reminiscent of classic arcade style boxing games, then Boxing Champs is worth a look.

The gameplay is hectic, the boss battles are challenging, and the mini-games are enjoyable and allow for some respite in an enjoyable game that pokes fun at itself and other games of the genre.

Crossing Souls does so many things right. Sure, the story and the dialogue are a bit dull, but the game is fun to play, and had me wanting to move through to the completion of the tale. The mini-games are also fun and none of them feel as if they’ve been added as filler, but flow through nicely into the main game. The cartoon cut-scenes and the nods to 80’s pop-culture add further nostalgia to the pixelated visuals and digitised audio. For some nostalgic fun, don’t let Crossing Souls slip by.

Primarily marketed as a multiplayer game, I was a little disappointed to see that there are very few people playing online. Granted, I’m more of a single-player gamer and I enjoyed my time with the single-player missions but these are not fleshed out enough for me to want to play them over and over. The real Leviathan: Warships experience is meant to be consumed online where you compete against human players that employ ever changing tactics and unlimited surprises.

Ultimately, Atomfall is a game that respects the player's intelligence and rewards curiosity. It doesn't hold your hand with a deluge of mandatory objectives, instead offering the freedom to pursue Leads at your own pace and explore the ravaged landscape as you see fit. This player-driven approach ensures that each playthrough feels distinct, shaped by the individual's willingness to delve into the mysteries and dangers of post-nuclear Cumberland. If you're a player who appreciates atmosphere, emergent gameplay, and the satisfaction of uncovering secrets through your own initiative, Atomfall is a journey into a hauntingly beautiful and intellectually engaging world.

All in all A Walk in the Dark is a great game for a rainy afternoon, or to play in short bursts between work, school or other responsibilities. The piano-filled soundtrack does much to soothe the irritations of dying constantly so you won’t feel like throwing your keyboard at your screen - too - often.

If circle strafing, weapon switching, and sci-fi monster killing is right up your alley, then Desync is an easy recommendation if you’re willing to deal with some obscure menus and high difficulty. It’s got a lot of style, and the combo kills feel great when you’re in the zone, but resist the temptation to get pulled in if you’re looking for a game to blow off steam. Desync will have you on edge and frustrated for a lot of the time while playing it.

If you’ve played Overcooked to death and are looking for something similar, but with a fresh new feel, Bake ‘N Switch could be right up your alley. The co-op (or PvP) nature of the game make it a wonderful party game with friends on the couch at home or even online. The simple controls and mechanics mean that it is a game that anyone can play. The cute colourful visuals and cheery background tunes make it one that will suit families as well. But despite the gameplay being simple, the levels are challenging enough even for experienced gamers, with the gradual addition of new dough types and enemies giving each level a unique touch. And with one hundred levels to play across the two distinct zones, collecting the valued three stars on each will mean that there are hours of gameplay available for completionists.

Overall, Cyto is an entertaining experience, and it's been put together very competently, but there's little here that hasn't been seen before.

Satisfying the OCD urges will only get you so far. A bigger tank is just that - a bigger tank. It’ll fit more fish and more decorations, but I can guarantee your visitors won’t be the only ones that will get bored with those. And that is what this game is all about, filling tanks. Still, there’s fun to be had here. Do fish swimming in pretty environments get your adrenaline pumping like a filter in a million gallon fish tank? Then Megaquarium is destined to be your fix for a few rainy autumn weekends.

Despite the somewhat slow pace, there are some neat ideas in Convoy and I quite enjoyed my time playing it. Combat is interesting, even if it can become quite formulaic over time, especially when you have to restart the game fairly often.

Dirty Bomb is an addictive game. Even though I was often handed my ass on a platter by gamers with more skill, I was still enjoying myself for much of the time.

Samurai Shodown is another worthy entrant into the PC world of beat’em ups. The reasonably short story that plays out is lacklustre, but the action - particularly when playing against others – more than makes up for it. The playing poster isn’t huge, but it does allow for more familiarity with each of the combatants and their skills. With a simple control scheme, some wonderfully vibrant settings and an array of game modes, Samurai Shodown does most things right. Now, if you will excuse me, I’m heading back to the dojo to kick some more ass.

Sacred 3 doesn’t do a whole lot wrong other than having lackluster writing. However, as has always been the case with the series, the action is very standard. There’s not a great deal of depth, but if you want to spend a few hours hacking and slashing your way through hordes of enemies, you could do a lot worse.

Speaking Simulator is also one of those games that is just as fun to watch someone else play than it is yourself, as you watch our robotic friend fall apart at each stumble. Learning to talk is tougher than I remember it.

Vivid descriptions of the setting and the people you are talking to help to liven up the game, but never enough to make you forget that there is no voice acting. It also lacks the depth you would expect from something set in so rich a universe and, as it stands, Shadowrun Returns does not surpass a classification that goes beyond “a fun little RPG”.

And while console gamers have an overabundance of fighting games to choose from, Ninja Storm 4 is one of the few AAA fighting games that has transitioned to PC, so that in itself gets a thumbs up from me.

Cast n Chill delivers on its promise. It's a delightful and surprisingly deep fishing simulator that strips away the real-world inconveniences of the hobby and leaves behind pure, unadulterated relaxation. With its simple controls, satisfying upgrade system, charming pixel art, and brilliant idle mode, it's the perfect game for unwinding after a long day or for anyone who enjoys the meditative rhythm of a good fishing trip, minus the bait and the mess. If you're looking for a peaceful escape that offers both immediate gratification and long-term progression, Cast n Chill is definitely worth casting your line for.

It is not your run of the mill city builder and it is hard to market something so different from the norm. That difference is not just a weakness, though, it is also a strength. I can guarantee you that you’ve not played anything like this before and the community - is - figuring it out, slowly. Urban Empire is a breath of fresh air and for that reason alone it is worth checking out.

Oozi: Earth Adventure looks like it is a simple casual game, and it is, particularly on the easier levels. It is one of those games that you waltz though, with little frustration.

I am confident that the game will stabilize over time but I cannot help feeling Rise of Industry should have stayed in Early Access a month or two longer. As it stands, the game is bursting from the seams with unfulfilled potential.

Galaxy of Pen and Paper isn't a game that'll change your life, but it's a blast to play and I found myself smiling and laughing the whole way through. It's a great game for anybody looking for something more focused on story rather than gameplay complexity, and especially for those who are interested in sci-fi popular culture. I personally loved the game, and it's likely that I'll check out the game's fantasy-based predecessor, Knights of Pen and Paper.

Andromeda Entertainment may have labelled this a video game but if I had to describe my time with it, it’s intense meditation. There’s no right or wrong way to play it but if you’re expecting traditional gameplay, you’re better off looking elsewhere as the only interactivity comes from speech. As such, it can’t be rated like a normal game so to rate it traditionally would fall flat. It’s best experienced directly to understand but in my opinion, it’s an experience worth having.

SPRAWL doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it instead pulls together several established and classic design and gameplay elements to deliver a well-rounded package that succeeds in what it wants to do. Combat is enjoyable and hectic, and though the melee system probably could have used a bit more depth, slowing time to line up the perfect headshot never gets old. The Sprawl may be a largely familiar cyberpunk setting, the the narrative set-up is intruding enough to hold interest. For those looking to scratch a twitch-shooter itch that works equally well for short-burst or longer play sessions, SPRAWL offers a package worth looking into.

In Lego Marvel’s Avengers, the developers have placed the focus squarely on combat then discovering the hidden special items through smashing bricks and puzzle solving holding up the rear. And although I did enjoy my journey through the Lego-themed scenes from the Avengers movies, I can say I didn't quite enjoy myself as much as I have in the past.

Major Mayhem is an entertaining little game that manages to charm despite its limitations. With a cute art style and simple yet effective gameplay, it remains a fun side-scroller.

I never got the chance to play the original Planescape Torment, and so I wasn’t totally sure what to expect with Tides of Numenera. But the game brings with it a story that is wonderfully detailed. Each choice you make and each person you meet along your journey seems to alter the course of the game and those within Numenera. And this is to be commended. Unfortunately, though, many may feel that there is not enough action or combat, and I’d probably agree with them. The game did take me a long time to warm up to it and I’m still not totally sure if it was worth the time I’ve spent. But the story has drawn me in as I delve further into the story of the land and its characters. With some wonderful visuals and some beautiful locations, Torment: Tides of Numenera is well worth a look for RPG enthusiasts.

Crookz: The Big Heist is a game with a lot of options, but not enough of a sandbox to use them all in. A bit of the unknown would be nice to liven up the action a bit.

As a love letter to the nostalgia of the ‘80s cartoon, despite its high points the game feels fleeting and leaves you wishing for the full potential of the licence to be realised.

I cannot help feeling that this collection was not all that necessary and a greater product could have been achieved had say Anno 1503 been solely remastered or remade, where quality of life changes would have made for a truly unique experience amongst the genre of strategy titles. I don’t regret having played any of these games, after all I’ve discovered another strategy title that I do like from a series I had already written off. But will it keep me interested for months hereon or even years? Probably not.

This is a world full of interesting characters and visuals with some promising gameplay mechanics, but it ends too soon.

All in all, War of the Vikings does an admirable job on all fronts. Although the combat is fun, battles can often end up as swing fests particularly when the servers are full and the battle is being played out on one of the smaller maps.

For JRPG fans, Shadows of Adam is comfort food. It’s simple, to the point, and does a great job of distilling what made many of us connect with the genre in the first place. The story is not particularly compelling and it may be a bit bland at times, but its firm roots in nostalgia create a pleasant experience that I do not regret playing.

With smart writing, an incredibly off-putting atmosphere, and a low enough price and run time to fit into anyone’s schedule, NORTH is a little game that you’ll remember for a long time.

If you just like to blow stuff up with high-powered lasers and rockets, this might not be your bag of tea and you may not get a lot out of it. If you get the most satisfaction from playing the market, maximising profit, and running SWOT analyses on potential targets, it won't revolutionise your game. But if you're into storytelling and are willing to read stuff to get the most out of it – which I assume you are since you're reading this – then Legend of the Kestrel Lancers might just be worth a purchase.

Valhalla Hills is all in all, a strong little RTS, with enough going on under the surface to satisfy most fans of the genre.

EA Sports FC 25 is a solid soccer game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessors. There is nothing groundbreaking in the latest iteration of the annual football release, but the new Rush mode is a welcome addition, even if it essentially replaces the Volta mode from FC 24. As well as that, the ability to create custom tactics and strategies gives players more control over their game. The Season Pass system provides players with a steady stream of new content to unlock, and the overall improvements to the game's visuals and gameplay make EA Sports FC 25 a worthwhile purchase for soccer fans, particularly those who haven't hit the pitch for several seasons.

Atlas Fallen has much going for it, with satisfying combat, lovely visuals within the desolate environment, plenty of collectibles, and the fun sand-sliding mechanic to traverse between quest locales. But it also suffers from a several issues – not the least being the bland storyline and dialogue. Chatting to quest givers is somewhat tedious, but luckily once you head off into the dunes this is easily forgotten.

Probably the best thing about République is its evolution and the improvements made in the later episodes.

Individually, each of the three games does just enough to make them playable for all, but enjoyable for those looking for a deeper experience. There is not the same level of depth as you would get of you bought the latest FIFA iteration, the latest version of AO Tennis, or Spike Volleyball, but each do an admirable job. The controls are simple to learn, visuals have a cheerful nature to them, and each of the three sports adds something different for gamers to play. And with each of the games having a local multiplayer option, there is always the choice to have friends over for a casual sports game party.

Wartile’s strategy better reflects the reality of strategy; that you don’t have unlimited time to sit back and contemplate the minutiae of every action, often the most real strategy is spur of the moment, about reaction and improvisation. This is very much the realm that Wartile exists in. I also rarely see strategy games trying so hard to emulate board-games and I think this adds an almost stripped down/rustic feel to the gameplay. But Wartile also doesn’t go full-blown RTS, the cooldown periods still act as small turns in a way. With this in mind, Wartile could be the perfect game for turn-based strategy players looking to get into RTS, or even table-top players, looking to get into strategy video-games. Wartile is a solid addition to the genre, perhaps niche in terms of what it’s trying to do, but still certainly more innovative than most.