Symphony of the Machine does what I'd like to see more VR games do. It doesn't try to shoot above its developers ability or resources and promise a life-changing experience. It doesn't rely on gimmicks that quickly lose their luster. It doesn't toss VR in for the heck of it just because it can. It's a title built from the ground up for room-scale that delivers a game not possible with a mouse and keyboard that accomplishes what it sets out to do efficiently. Symphony of the Machine is an easy recommendation for anyone with a VR device.

The Banner Saga 2 is a slight improvement on an already excellent game and the wait for the third game in the series is going to be even more painful than it was for the second.

Pipistrello and The Cursed Yo-Yo is a must-play for anyone who loves Metroidvanias or classic Zelda-style adventures. It's full of heart, brimming with quirk, and clearly made with love. The visuals are gorgeous, the world is rich, and every mechanic feels thoughtfully crafted. It's absolutely time well spent.

Overall, there’s nothing bad to say about the game as long as your only wish from the series was for more of the same goodness as you had in Trine 1 and Trine 2. Although I feel that I’d like to have learned more about our trio of heroes - how are Amadeus’ triplets turning out, for example? - it is the gameplay, puzzles and atmosphere that drives these games forward. And Trine 4 certainly delivers in that regard! There’s a lot of fun to be had here, especially in the co-op mode, and I cannot recommend it too much.

The developers have intertwined the symbology beautifully, allowing gamers to interpret the story differently. Some of the symbology made me think that the scientist that is building the machine could be dreaming about a sexual encounter, which may or may not have actually occurred. The dreaming about eating an ice cream cone and knowing what this dream can be interpreted as meaning further shows the developers brilliance that brings this game to life. Two thumbs up from me to the developers for adding that extra layer to this game other than relying on what could just be the rote action of solving a bunch of puzzles.

In the end, the best thing about Audioshield is the ability to add any song from your personal music library to interact with in an all-encompassing environment, making every other rhythm game obsolete.

Whether you're a newcomer to parkour games, an intermediate, or a longtime expert, Phantom Abyss is more than well-worth a go. The combined low skill floor to entry, vs the far higher skill ceiling one can hope to reach over time, in combination with the replayable nature of each level, gives Phantom Abyss a lot of potential longevity moving forward. Here's hoping the developers continue to flesh out the core experience via new levels and quality-of-life improvements in the months following this transition from Early Access to full release.

If you wanted TESO to be a Skyrim sequel, you're going to be disappointed. If you wanted it to be another World of Warcraft clone, then stick to Lord of the Rings Online. If you are looking for something fresh in a familiar setting then you are in for a feast.

Poly Bridge is a game beautiful in its simplicity, doing everything a good physics-based puzzle game should do.

The bugs get worse as the game goes on with frequent crashes and other problems spiking up in the third act and beyond. These are the same kind of issues that Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous had at launch, and fortunately in both cases the games subsequently became more stable and polished with future updates. So you may want to wait a little while before picking up Rogue Trader. However, even with the bugs, Rogue Trader is an excellent CRPG set in one of my favourite sci-fi settings, and I would be remiss not to give it a glowing recommendation.

Voidtrain offers an incredibly satisfying gameplay loop, rich progression systems, a compelling art style, and a story that, while far from sophisticated is intriguing enough to keep you invested from beginning to end. In many ways, Voidtrain is the quintessential AA game, and players interested in a more casual approach to survival gaming should definitely take the time to step into the void.

Van Helsing II eclipses its predecessor in almost every way.

Tour de France 2021 is a very good entry into the simulation genre of video games for this year. It may not be suitable for all sim game players simply because the game player might not be interested in the subject. Unfortunately that fact might relegate the title into the niche realm of computer simulations. It's not really a racing game, it's a pure sim that requires a character to gain experience and levels in order to progress to bigger things and new game areas. There's a lot to like in this year's edition. Sure it's basically the same as last year but I for one don't want to be riding on an old bike when I race. I want to ride this year's Tour route and I want to ride with the riders that will be in this year's race! Viva la France!

As with its predecessor, Deadfire is a truly engaging RPG in which there is always something interesting to do, or something to stare at in wonder. So much so, that hunting down Eothas - is - almost the distraction. The archipelago has lots of problems that are in need of a Watcher’s touch and most are intriguing enough that you want to get to the bottom before you progress the main storyline. If that is not the sign of a great RPG, I don’t know what is.

Maybe I’m just a softy, but Pinstripe is a game that I can tell is going to echo in my head for awhile. There aren’t any giant plot twists that catch you off guard and blow you away. There aren’t any new incredibly game mechanics that add a twist to the genre. There’s just good old fashioned quality storytelling put together by a guy that’s clearly got a lot of talent, passion, and love for the project, and it shines through from start to end. In a time of buggy, rushed releases and half-baked indie cash-grabs, it’s nice to play something memorable, well-made, and complete, and, for those reasons and more, Pinstripe is an easy game to recommend.

My overall thoughts about Draw Chilly are quite positive with the graphics, sounds and gameplay all working seamlessly together. However, replayability might be a bit limited if additional levels or another sequel aren't on the menu.

Aliens: Dark Descent is, without a doubt, one of the best games in the franchise's history. It's campy and ridiculous, intimidating and unsettling, tactical and yet still casual. It attempts to pull off a number of different (and often even opposing) themes and mechanics, and impressively rarely fails outright at any of them. The story, dialogue, and cutscene animation all work in tangent to produce a compelling narrative that stays true to the typical narrative conventions of the Alien franchise, taking what would normally be a forgettable cast and setting, and making them stand out through their reactions to situations and their contrasting personalities and approaches to dealing with the threats that face them.

Neversong is an absolute gem. It's apparent that a lot of love and time went into making this game brilliant. The story, gameplay, characters, and soundtrack all come together masterfully to create a dark, unsettling, yet whimsically fun experience. For a game roughly 3-4 hours long, the journey through this atmospheric world was nothing short of impressive. I would strongly recommend this title to everyone.

I may have failed beautifully in managing my city, but Cities: Skylines allows me to create a vast, complex ecosystem of a city that I can call my own, and it does so with style and grace.

I can’t believe how much I am gushing over this game. It looks like a simple and relaxing city builder at its surface, but there is so much more to it. Even with its deep skill trees and challenges, I found the game incredibly relaxing. Listening to the whispers of the wind and the dulcet strumming of an acoustic guitar as I guided my pupils to The Eye was a memorable experience. From the beginning to the end of any given run, the pupils would gain personalities in ways that made them feel more alive. I cared about the pupils in this game, I felt connected to the atmosphere and settlements it offers. This, paired with a great blending of theme and mechanic, make this a truly unique game.

It all blends into a winning mix that sees Tropico going from strength to strength delivering a fresh take on a concept that has captivated city-builder fans since the turn of the century. More than a decade after its inception, Tropico is still getting better and has me hooked all over again.

Pool Nation VR is a polished, fun game that does what every good early entry for a new device should do- showcases what it does that those coming before it couldn’t and does it well. Here’s to hoping that there are more like it to come. [Tested with Vive]

TimeMelters has an ambitious premise that could very easily have gotten out of hand for a small, three-person development team, but the experience is an incredibly enjoyable one through and through. However, the small team and modest budget do come through in the form of quite dated graphics and uninspired enemy design. Fortunately, that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise excellent package, and strong gameplay and unique mechanics make TimeMelters an easy recommendation for anyone to whom the premise sounds even vaguely appealing.

While not everything has panned out as brilliantly as I had hoped, I have to say this is the most fun I’ve had with a Civilization game since III (I know - heresy).

TopSpin 2K25 comes in a polished package. Both single-player and online matches feel good (though a ping differential can cause havoc), and feel lovingly crafted. A few presentational flourishes heighten the experience, but most importantly it's a game that rewards your efforts to improve at playing it. While it would have been nice to see a simulation-type focus on the life of a professional tennis player to flesh out the experience, the truth is, it doesn't need it to feel like a great package. It caters to those who want to continually improve and take on the world after conquering the tournament circuit, and also to those that just want a solid tennis game to play against AI or friends.

The Fall is a great story, well told, and it's thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Maid of Sker doesn’t have terribly complex gameplay, but it’s a tightly-made game that succeeds in more than enough areas to make it worth checking out. The Sker hotel is haunting, filled with detail and character that makes it a joy to explore. The choral soundtrack is absolutely beautiful, befitting both the game’s plot and atmosphere. Horror fans have been absolutely spoiled with high quality games over the last few years, and genre fans would do well to add Maid of Sker to their list of must-plays.

Metro Awakening is one of the best VR experiences I've had so far, and may even be my Game Of The Year. If you are willing to get scared a few times, I could not recommend this game more to you. If It wasn't for the lack of a knife, I think this would have been a 10/10, but because of this, I avoided experiencing a majority of the stealth options. I hope Vertigo Games keeps up with this momentum because they are one of the best in the business so far.

Three Kingdoms is the most divergent Total War I’ve seen since Total War: Warhammer. I would in fact call it the first post-Warhammer historical installment, taking what is good in fantasy and using it to compliment the historical components of the game. On top of that, it revamps both diplomacy and spying, two aspects of the series that desperately needed updating.

Rollerdrome is beautiful to watch and satisfying to play. I would easily consider it to be an encapsulation of what makes games special. It has gameplay that is challenging but rewarding. There is an adequate level of assists to turn on for those not looking to be beaten down too much. And there's a level of replayability that can satisfy the perfectionists and score hunters. If it came packed with a story that took a few more chances it could have reached a near-perfect state. I'm still left feeling that this will lead to further adaptations of the action sports formula, but at the very least it's a game that knows what it wants to be and delivers exactly that.

If you’re looking for a deep sim, this game isn’t going to be quite deep enough to satiate your hunger. If you’re looking for constant guided goals and challenges, you’ll run out soon enough. Where Planet Coaster’s long-term legs are going to reside is with the people like me that simply enjoy the thrill of the build. It’s easy to sink hours into, even if you’re just trying to design a building or tweak some scenery. Quite simply, it’s the sequel that RollerCoaster Tycoon games of yore really deserve.

Overall, Bookwalker is an engaging game that takes an interesting premise and uses it to tell a story full of mystery and creativity. I enjoyed the meta-ness of me controlling a fictional character as he wrestles with how and if to control other characters that are fictional to him. World-building, puzzle-solving, and quality visuals and writing make Bookwalker a satisfyingly complete package well worth checking out.

I honestly had a blast with Death's Door, with the only major problem I ran into being some save file problems. Admittedly, playing a pre-release version of the game could have had something to do with that. The game is not phenomenally long, sitting at around twelve or so hours, with the chance of it being even less if you have fewer issues with the somewhat unforgiving nature of the game. There’s also no difficulty scaler which may turn off some players who want a slightly less difficult playthrough. If you too like to roll on the darker side of life, or death if you will, give this game a chance!

While the story never reaches the level of Bioshock or Portal 2, Wolfenstein: The New Order is a great experience both narratively and gameplay-wise, and has way more heart than it has any right to.

Playing the remastered Homeworlds is a trip through memory lane. Carried by the original’s fantastic story, the series has been restored to the point that it feels and plays like a brand new game.

Developer Walter Woods, in an almost entirely solo effort, has made a horror experience that easily comes more highly recommended than many of those from teams a hundred times larger or more. A lot of that has to do with the cohesion of the world, storytelling, and gameplay. As the story drew to a close, I felt disappointed that I wouldn't get to see the game continue its upward trajectory. But as credits rolled, I couldn't help but feel happy with the experience as a whole. The faults in Dark and Deep are inconsequential enough that mentioning them almost happens as an afterthought (not to mention that they're almost universally a potential patch away from not existing). The notable moments, though, are at the absolute minimum the bar that horror games should aim for.

After the many big bads we have fought along the way, it's good to take some time to remember that we're supposed to be fighting each other, too. So whether you rep the Alliance or the Horde, Battle for Azeroth has something for everyone. But if you were missing world PVP, it especially feels like a love note from Blizzard to the gamers.

Deep Sky Derelicts makes me happy. I play through a lot of early access titles, and I’ve often had reasonable ideas on how games can improve- only to have them released with little to no changes. That isn’t the case here, with changes to balance and resource availability turning this into a game I don’t have a problem recommending.

Total War: Warhammer seems like what the Total War franchise should have been all along, and after playing it I’m not sure I want to go back to the real-world Europe or Asia again anytime soon. Above all else, I don’t think I can stand losing the personality the battles have adopted. While it’s cool to see real historical figures and eras, games here just seem so much more alive. Total War: Warhammer has become the best of both of its worlds.

That said, I can't get too upset about anything in this translation. It is obviously the work of someone passionate about the story they were telling and wanted to share it with the largest possible audience they could. It's also someone with a degree of reverence for the story, as I've seen the translator respond to numerous bad reviews across the English apologizing for his work if it has caused them to misread the story. In a world where games and anime are often mistranslated to include irrelevant political messages or jokes about Gamergate, I cannot hold the rough but faithful work of this translator in much contempt.

In my time with World of Warcraft, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Warlords of Draenor is the best expansion yet to the game.

Expeditions: Viking spins an absolutely wonderful tale of exploration and conquest. The setting, the story, the ambiance –my imagination ran wild in ways you’d expect to experience reading a good fantasy novel. Betrayal angered me, new friendships elated me, and changing the balance of power in Britain made me feel equal parts devious and mischievous. Reconstructing my home, making it safe, strong and prosperous made me feel proud of my achievements. Every battle, every camp site and map scrubbed clean of its hidden treasures felt like it played a part in the grand scheme of things. There aren’t a lot of games that can pull something like this off even adequately. Expeditions: Vikings does it masterfully.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is still a welcome return to one of the greatest games ever made. Unless you specifically want to experience Snake Eater exactly as it was in the early 2000s, this is the version to play. It is the best-looking and best-playing release among all the ports, remasters, and remakes. If you've never played it before, it is an easy recommendation — Snake Eater has aged like fine wine, and Delta makes it taste just a little better.

With cinemas closed and most everyone hunkered down at home, The Complex’s hybrid interactive movie experience might be just what the doctor ordered to remedy your cabin fever. Whether you play it by yourself or navigate via decision by committee with some friends, there’s something to be enjoyed here by everyone. In my mind, Wales Interactive has earned itself a reputation for being the bar to be measured by in the interactive movie genre, and I can’t wait to see where they go with it next.

This is not a game that I’d recommend for someone that wants a quick way to jump in and create something over a weekend, but, by all accounts, it’s an awesome tool for those that understand the program will give back as much as you’re willing to put in.

I think the Rise of the Tomb Kings DLC is as successful as Norsca; it gives us a race who not only add re-playability to the original campaign, but bring their own flavour. The race-specific mechanics make their campaign feel unique, especially the lack of army upkeep, which pushes the boat out and will necessitate most Total War players rethinking their strategy. This is a good omen for the future of Total War: Warhammer 2. It shows us that even though the Mortal Empires campaign still needs work, that even though Norsca won’t be added till May, CA is still keeping what’s important in sight. They are sticking to their formula of race-specific mechanics, based on lore, to create a distinct playable experience. And I think Rise of the Tomb Kings is another example of that successful formula.

The speed at which Railway Empire progresses is similar to that of 2003’s Sid Meier’s Railroads! and that moves it decidedly outside of the realm of rail transport simulation titles such as Transport Fever and Railroad Tycoon. I was a bit afraid at first that this would hamper my enjoyment but nothing could be further from the truth. It’s a tremendous amount of fun and sinking 80 hours into the game has left me far from bored. I keep going back for more and I find new strategies to up my game with every playthrough. For an action oriented rail game that was never meant to cater to my train tycoon simulator itch, that’s a deviously masterful trick.

With its minimalist pixel art aesthetic, Anomaly Agent crafts a cyberpunk dystopian world with neon lights and flying cars. It is reminiscent of films like Blade Runner, even to the point where your character is an agent hunting down replicant-like clones. Much like other games in the genre, Anomaly Agent is only as good as you make it. Its catchy synthwave beats and blood splattered chunky pixel violence are akin to other indie darling Hotline Miami, but Anomaly Agent isn't just a, pun intended, clone of previous media, but an intriguing anomaly with a lot of heart that is worth the journey, however brief. If you're looking for a fun action platformer, with a sci-fi story that has fun with the genre, then do yourself a favour and check out this little gem.

This game could have come out ten years ago, and it would have been great then, but it's great now too. That's the very definition of timeless.

KARMA: The Dark World is some of the most fun I've had with a game this year. It takes a potentially tired setting and injects artistry and life into it, delivering a compelling package that's thrilling, terrifying, emotive, and satisfying. For these reasons, it's an easy game to recommend not only for those inherently interested in the genre but for anyone looking for an enthralling jaunt.

DOOM is a must own for veterans of the series, and any FPS fans in general.

Element4l is founded on solid mechanics, fresh gameplay, and a undeniable sense of style.

I love shooters, I love RPGs. I love racers, narrative driven experiences, indie games and AAA smash hits. About the only games I don’t love, are Tetris clones. Death Stranding hits different for me. I love the game, I have had an incredible time with it. I enjoy the simple but addicting gameplay loop, the sprinkled moments of action, and overall I enjoy the long winding narrative that sometimes takes a few too many pit stops along the way. However, it easily ranks among one of the bleakest games I’ve ever played.

Folks, City of Gangsters is a very well thought out and developed game. It's very detailed and quite comprehensive and to the point that most everything you could think of when thinking about booze running crooks is there. The developers definitely did the work and research necessary to show what prohibition was like back in the 1920s. Throw in a good measure of fun along with your bottle of moon shine and you will have hours of fun, just like I did some twenty-odd years ago with the Railroad Tycoon games that I loved so much. Don't drink too much of that white lightning because the cops could be pounding on your door next. Just make sure they are on the take like the cops in City of Gangsters are and you should be OK!

Taking everything into consideration, it's safe to say that Xenonauts is a must play for any fan of turn based strategy games, as it is one that I'll be playing for some time to come.

Texas Chain Saw Massacre cuts its way to the top of the modern asymmetrical multiplayer horror market. While its darker tone and more sophisticated mechanics, compared to some of its competitors, may alienate some more casual players, diehard horror enthusiasts will find much to enjoy here. While it's uncertain what longevity this game has in store, something that is largely dependent on the developers, and the assumption of post-launch free content updates, here's hoping that Texas Chainsaw Massacre continues to raise the hairs and bring forth screams from its playerbase for many years to come…

The Banner Saga’s mature and gripping story, sublime visuals and soundtrack, and engaging gameplay make for a game that’s worth raising the banner for.

With some interesting backstories for each of the characters, some cool abilities - particularly with Isabelle, and some lovely settings, Desperados III is an enjoyable, albeit slow, puzzle-solving experience. But it is that same methodical experience that won’t suit all gamers, especially those who want some quick-fire action.

The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk is a very enjoyable game, and one I recommend to anyone that has even a passing interest in the tropes and cliches of fantasy worlds and Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.

‘Faith’ is a great episode, possibly my favourite of Life is Strange 2, and undoubtedly one of the most thematically strong. There are a number of great choices, and the only sequence which felt a little unnecessary, was the hospital section at the beginning, which for me only waylaid getting to the important parts of the episode. But in general the discussion of faith, parenthood, and Christianity is precise, prompting the player as to where they want to place their faith, while at the same time, questioning whether repentance, and forgiveness as a concept, are achievable.

The overarching story itself is fairly generic - the world is in peril and only you can fix it - but the bits and pieces that it is made up of are all colourful and entertaining.

Once you have maybe 10 hours of gameplay under your belt, you will start to appreciate the subtle changes that the upgradable heroes and combat mechanics bring, and thus the equally subtle innovations that Triumph Studios has made throughout the game.

While the ever changing aspect of the levels, was probably one of the best times I’ve seen it done, running through the levels over and over, did grow a little tiresome. Especially when there aren’t more NPCs, or things to find (other than chests). But on the whole, if you like rogue-lite (or metroidvania), there is a hell of a lot to enjoy.

If I wanted a deep fantasy RPG with strong characters and a thick plot, I'd go and play Dragon Age. What we have here is something very different – a game that you can pick up and play without all of that traditional RPG baggage. Grab a few friends, hit 'random level', and give it a go. I challenge you not to have fun.

A few things hold it back from being a complete success, but these can largely be overlooked in favor of all the things the game does right. Never before has a game made four words fill me with such excitement and anticipation. "Pilot, prepare for Titanfall."

Kill It With Fire 2 can best be described as more of a good thing - everything that made the original an enjoyable experience is here again in spades, along with many new additions such as multiplayer, new spider hunting tools/weapons and new and larger maps. It can be said that the best of sequels take everything from the original and improve upon it - and I can gladly say that my time within Kill It With Fire 2 follows that saying. This war against the arachnid menace seems long-lasting, but so long as this war is as fun as it is, I say bring on the demonic little buggers in order to Kill Them With Fire!

The Gardens Between is a beautiful game and combined with the relaxing atmosphere set by the wonderful soundtrack and simple controls make it one worth checking out. The story of the two friends’ adventures is told without the use of any dialogue and although it is a little on the short side, it did leave me wanting more - which is always a good sign. The puzzles are not overly difficult, and the lovely story of friendship told within the environments where their adventures occur, make The Gardens Between a game for all ages, but will be especially nostalgic for those gamers who grew up in the 80's.

Inside isn’t as impressive in terms of the physics based puzzles as Limbo was six years ago, but it doesn’t make them any less enjoyable now.

In all, Skully is a quirky and entertaining romp with fun puzzles and platforming, amusing character interactions, a good story, beautiful music, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Easily an entertaining game that this reviewer can and will gladly come back to time and time again, no bones about it.

Folks, Farming Simulator 25 is a massive game with this version being even more extensive than it's predecessors. All of the vehicles and attachment tools carry their real world brand names, so Giant Software has all of the aspects of a very good farm simulator game lined up perfectly. Even though the worker AI could be improved upon, it works fine. The environment is interactive and it contains various weather situations like rain in the summer and snow in the winter. In addition to that, fog can often times be present at night and especially in the early mornings so be careful driving on the narrow and curvy country farm roads. Luckily, I haven't see my crops being blown away by a tornado yet, but as one of the new features to the game this year, but I'll certainly be aware of them when I plant my next crop.

Once I got going, I found it hard to stop running, jumping, sliding and smashing my way through the hundred and twenty levels Runner 2 had to offer. The gorgeous visuals combined with the fantastic soundtrack and addictive gameplay make this an excellent game, and it is great value for money.

I can attest to the fact that TM24 basically does look and play the same as last year’s version, but the new edition comes with much more that you can't see on the outside. It's kind of like buying a new car that looks a lot like last year’s model in that you don't notice the difference until you start the engine and race off with a big smile on your face! Yes, you are still building an academy and training tennis players; however, with the enhanced athlete training, match animation improvements, opposing player AI upgrade, the enhanced game customization options and the new Fantasy Court feature, it really does make for a good argument to go out and purchase the new model instead of driving the old one around for another year. With that said, I give the new Tennis Manager 24 a two thumbs up rating.

There’s no way of skirting the issue – this game is a Zelda clone, through-and-through. From the bombs and arrows to the comically oversized chests you find them in, Oceanhorn is a mere re-skin mod away from being the Zelda release for PC we all so desperately long for. In fact, this may well be the closest we will ever get.

Dungeons 3 proves that you do not need earth shattering changes to make a great sequel. The game very much feels like a loving update to its predecessor and the small splashes do more than enough to freshen things up. Easily the most polished and refined Dungeons game to date and Evily as good as the game that started the genre 20 years ago.

I’m not sure there is enough extra content to warrant a purchase from FIFA 13 unless you’re a diehard fan and want the up to date player lists, but if it’s been a couple of years since you’ve looked at a FIFA title, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be getting FIFA 14.

If you’re a fan of Borderlands, then playing Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will be a no-brainer. The main storyline does feel shorter than previous Borderlands games, and this is probably indicated by the fact that players top out at level 40. Gamers will still get in excess of 20 hours gameplay for a single character, but the fact that players have six classes to try out and loads of exploration means that this can be multiplied. The humorous banter between characters keeps the mood light as do the vibrant colours in the wonderfully designed medieval lands. The spellcraft fits in wonderfully well within the setting and accentuates the enjoyment of the gunplay and all the looting that is customary for a Borderlands title. Dungeons and Dragon (Lords) has never been so much fun.

Its outer layer may appear light and fluffy, but its innards are serious and in-depth, and anyone who enjoys exploration and adventure with a light smattering of combat should definitely investigate this game.

Fans of both the Star Wars movies and the Lego series of games will not be disappointed and those looking for a fun, easy to play title, should definitely consider this game.

Games like Fall Guys and Among Us have proven the ability for smaller teams to take centre stage and captivate the throngs of players who crave these formats of competitive, highly replayable party games. In doing so, they have elevated the expectations for the genre and consequently, throw down the gauntlet for those that hope to follow. However small a percentage of the day, Cake Bash has been nothing but enjoyable to play and fits right in amongst the growing pantheon of small developer teams that produce such rich and fundamentally fun games. It almost seems unfair that I initially conferred so much of the world’s circumstances on the release of this game - because it rightfully stands on its own two feet regardless of any broader context.

Blackguards 2 is an immensely satisfying turn based strategy game that brings an enticing story and high-quality balanced combat to the table.

It’s also a lot smarter than it had to be. Usually with space strategy it often seems like a case of build it and they will come, especially with the current trend of Mars based colonization games. But Surviving Mars is by a long-shot the smartest I’ve played. It really makes you consider the cost of human life in its current state; to me it didn’t feel like a game blindly saying that colonization was the inevitable future of humanity.

Thrones of Britannia is a strong installment in the Total War series, the best British based campaign I’ve seen.

Overall Saints Row IV is a marvellously enjoyable game, while still suffering from a few of the complaints that the series has always had. The main quests are great, and although the side missions are not painful to play, they don’t pack the same punch. If you played and enjoyed Saints Row The Third, then picking up this sequel is a must. Equally if you’re looking for a game that lets you act like a badass with special powers, this might be a better superhero game than many others that are actually billed as such.

In many ways, The Japanese Incentive makes Omerta feel like a more complete game. The turf war mechanic could certainly have been fleshed out a little more but it is easily the primary reason for picking up this expansion as it has a tremendous effect on how dynamic the strategic maps feel.

In all, My Friendly Neighborhood is a fun take on both survival and mascot horror gaming that provides interesting challenges in inventory management, puzzle solving, and finding the best ways to deal with threats as they come. The game does feature a lot of backtracking especially around the middle, but the varied environments based on different sets for the show as well as other portions of the studio make for an altogether enjoyable time, especially for fans of the genre. If you hadn't played My Friendly Neighborhood upon it's original release two years ago, now is a perfect time to join the neighborhood.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a wonderful return to what made the original a fan favourite. The stealth mechanics work remarkably well, and although players can go with a more attacking style if they so choose, Mirage has been developed in a way that encourages the slower methodical approach to each scenario. And then as players acquire the extra tools and increased abilities, this leads to different methods of completing the missions. With a gorgeous setting that rivals Assassin's Creed Origins and a wonderful soundtrack that sets the middle eastern tone, Assassin's Creed Mirage is a must play for fans of the series.

I started out expecting Heading Out to purely be a racing title, but it is much more than that. The various interactions you have with strangers you meet along the way are impactful, often leading to an outcome that was not immediately evident. Keeping ahead of Fear whilst maintaining your limited resources and competing against the plethora of opponents that are eager to take you down is an absolute joy. The soundtrack is a highlight though, with a mix of synth-wave and Americana tunes that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere and had me hooked right until the final orchestral score of "Take Me Home". The soundtrack alone is reason enough to buy the game, but combined with the narrative, the stylized black and white visuals and the highway racing, Heading Out is a must buy.

The level of detail in Cult of the Lamb is surprisingly deep. The combination of RPG-lite style adventuring and the management of your followers ensure that the game is never stale. With each run through a dungeon different from the previous run, gamers will encounter a range of enemies. Players will no doubt spend differing amounts of time with each depending on their personal preference, but I personally found myself managing my followers more than the hack-and slash portion of the game. Either way, the cute visuals, the awesome soundtrack and sound effects, and the fun simple combat means that Cult of the Lamb is a game that any budding cult leader should pick up.

39 Days to Mars is fun, quirky and humorous, showing a surprising awareness of its source material for such a little game. If you can personally look past the price tag for an hour or so of local co-op fun and loveliness, or can see it as an investment in future content, then I would definitely recommend this game.

The stealth in general is quite shallow and it could be greatly improved if the people you possessed panicked and caused a scene allowing you to sneak past guards in a new body. As it stands it's just tedious and dull. That said, gripes aside there is more than enough in Slitterhead to warrant a recommendation, even at a (frankly ridiculous) price of $50.

As golf games go, PGA Tour 2K21 matches any other that I have played recently. And although Wii Sports Golf will still get a run with the younger members of my family, the ease of which rookies can get into PGA Tour 2K21 makes it a game for everyone. Whether you want to play on Beginner and have all the visual aids, or you want to play on Legend where you’ll have to do everything for yourself, PGA Tour 2K21 provides you with that option. With some lovely courses, simple controls, a range of game styles and a slick TV broadcast style presentation, PGA Tour 2K21 will enable golfers the chance to keep hitting the links, even when they’re stuck at home in lockdown or due to bad weather.

Rising Storm 2, like its predecessors, is a tight, realistic multiplayer shooter with a robust community of players and balanced asymmetrical gameplay that feels fair. The sound design creates a suspenseful atmosphere while the iconic rock music of the era sets you squarely in the time period. Graphically, the game is not the best looking title around, but it's good enough not to adversely affect one’s enjoyment of the action. While not exactly noob friendly, the community will help you get your swamp legs and, as a team-based game, you will have to communicate with others if you don’t want to simply be in the way. If you are looking for something more realistic than Call of Duty or Battlefield, but faster than Arma, look no further than Rising Storm 2. I will see you in my sights.

If you don’t mind aging a couple of years from playing a game, then be sure to check this one out. You’ll fall in love, and then develop that love-hate kind of relationship with a game that has you talking about it for years to come.

It’s just Starcraft, with some new additions here and there, but that’s all we were expecting, and it’s great.

Streets of Rage 4 has taken a bold step into a new age of gaming and it’s landed well. As a sequel, it carries on the legacy well with a stylish lick of paint to please even the most scrupulous of fans. Its pleasing to know that titles, no matter how old, can be adapted with such care and attention to recreate all of those stirrings it invoked long ago, but for a different audience in a different time. And times most assuredly are different.

Tragically, The Outbound Ghost is not a flawless game. There are notable load times throughout, and frames can drop pretty heavily when entering or exiting areas and battles. Along with the load times, there are occasional difficulty spikes as you explore Outbound where a wandering MOB will do a devastating amount of damage or fight with surprising intellect, causing players to need awareness of their strategies even in field battles that aren't bosses. However, The Outbound Ghost is a game that does its best to capture the charming artistic style of Paper Mario, telling a surprisingly compelling tale of regrets and having very fun combat along the way that lends itself to a lot of replayability to try out new strategies or challenge yourself as a player! This reviewer certainly plans on spending a lot of time in Outbound, and recommends that any RPG lovers give this one a look!

The fun, humorous storyline, some great dialogue and theatrical accents of the diverse characters, beautifully varied locations and the same great gunplay that Borderlands is renowned for, means that Borderlands 3 becomes another must have title in the series.

Even for an experienced Civ player, Civilization VII brings a range of new mechanics that are fun to experience. The introduction of Ages results in Civilization VII basically being three separate games, with the first two causing a hive of activity as the Ages come to a close. The Army Commanders bring troop stacks back into the series, reducing the dreaded micromanagement through the latter stages of each Age. If you're contemplating world domination for the first time, then Civilization VII does have a learning curve, but has enough helpful hints along the way to guide newbies through the game. It won’t be too long they too will be playing just ‘one more turn’ well into the night.