Gears Tactics is a fantastic strategy game and an excellent addition to the Gears of War series, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is either a fan of Gears of War, or to the XCOM series style of game. Also, Cole Train, as always, is a goddamn delight.

Despite some minor gripes, Three Hopes is still a great Fire Emblem game with plenty of value for fans of the series. I really look forward to future updates and DLC to this game and to explore a lot of what New Game Plus and higher difficulties offer.

Buzz! Quiz World is a very fun game, provided you have other people with you as it makes for a great party game experience.

Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare 2 on Xbox One has evolved into a truly enjoyable third person shooter set in this silly universe.

Madden NFL 25 tweaks the hell out of the franchise and brings a few new things to the table to make any football gaming fan happy.

Great entry point to a rich RTS...if you can master it.

But… if you are looking for a reasonably easy going, not overly violent (hey there are chickens that fire rockets at you… it’s not totally peaceful), life/building sim, then My Time At Sandrock is a decent option… you can certainly sink a number of hours into it if you get into it.

So should you part with $50 for this little addition? Frankly, no. Wait for discounting, because it's currently much too overpriced for what's on offer. Neither the religion or espionage change the game that much, and Civ 5 is still suffering from the same malaise it did before Gods & Kings hit.

The tension and atmosphere were really good, the gameplay and acting were relatively sub par. The story shone in these games, directing you ahead with a seemingly single minded goal. Then suddenly you realise there was more to the game and the subtle choices you make along the way can change the ending. After playing these games I really want to read the books as the story is really what kept me playing. If anything, my curiosity is satisfied and I honestly recommend checking it out of the story interests you. And with an enticing price of $69.95, the value isn’t too bad considering remasters these days are being sold at full price. Yet here is two games for less than the price of one. If you’re looking at metro as an action game, I’d recommend against it.

With streamlined social elements, Fire Emblem Engage is a back to basics sequel that does everything it can to get you back to fighting in epic battles as fast as it can.

If you have some younger gamers who want a bit of a puzzle game with a magical touch then this could be a good choice, especially if you don’t mind playing the game with them.

The appeal of this game is hard to narrow down; for the young or non-gamer, it is a very straightforward and extremely easy to play game, in fact you have one button to press and one joystick to move the cursor around for selection. The game can perhaps offer some challenges as it progresses. For experienced detective style gamers, intellectuals and those who want fast paced action, this is not the game for you. With that being said, this game is very different to many games out there and that can be a very welcomed change indeed.

A fun title for puzzle fans or for those who just want a chance to walk around in a somewhat surreal environment and twist their perspective.

A beautiful, deep and fun experience that will take hours from your life… but you won’t regret it.

If you are an avid Pokémon fan, what you get with Black & White Version 2 is a true Pokémon experience.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena is a well made action title.

We’ve truly been spoiled this year for JRPGs. In the last few months alone we’ve had the award-winning Metaphor and Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. Fantasian Neo Dimension casting off its Apple Arcade shackles and coming to consoles is a brilliant capstone to a strong year for RPGs, and the Asian game industry in general.

Compared to the previous chapters, I found this current instalment a little on the easier side but thankfully the narrative held me quite captivated from start to finish and I’m really eager to see how this modern incarnation of King’s Quest plays out.

The developers have actually created a very sturdy game that have definitely added to the franchise and the fleshing out of the series. I enjoyed the story, even though there were a few clichés but overall when added to the gameplay, it created a game that as a fan of the series, I was pleasantly surprised.

Assassin's Creed Shadows on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers the same strong core experience seen on other platforms enhanced with portable features and touchscreen support.

NBA 2K18 is an amazing game with many new fun aspects to it, the new MyCAREER is fresh and fun and while having flaws the MyCAREER’s of the future are bound to be better but I just hope they continue with the neighborhood. Whether you a fan of the NBA or are just starting to get into it and want to play a video game of it, this game is perfect for you. And for die hard NBA fans, this is a must buy.

Dredge is the first indie game of 2023 that will surprise you. The overall simplicity of this game will at first deceive you and afterward, you will appreciate this decision and how everything is synchronized with each other. Maybe the quest designs were too simplistic, but the other aspects of the game, especially the music is so good, that you would eventually forget about it.

Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together! is simple but very fun and it's a game that can be played by everyone and anyone!

Once again THQ have done something that we were not expecting and have shaken up the franchise with a variety of twists and turns.

Despite the relative simplicity of Trine 4’s early puzzles, I really enjoyed my time with the 7-hour adventure. The game looks absolutely gorgeous with a fantastic variety of interesting environments to explore that are absolutely bursting with life. The story won’t be remembered this time next year, but it’s a fun, light-hearted tale that really brings the whole adventure together. The physics-based puzzle-platforming is better than ever and it still feels fun to shoot, swing and levitate your way through lengthy levels filled with puzzles. Trine 4 is worth your time and if you’ve never played a game in the series before, this is the perfect point to jump in.

Even though it is a beautifully told story, gorgeously rendered, some may say harshly it is just a glorified mini-game.

Disney Infinity 3.0 evolves into a much sturdier gaming experience and is easily one of the best Star Wars games in quite some time.

Stray is an adventure puzzle game where humans are long gone and the world is governed by robots. Trot around as a cat to find out what happend and if that means getting your claws dirty...then so be it! A rich narrative and creative soundtrack set the pawfect atmosphere to roam in. The Switch's inability to run laborious tasks efficiently are still noticeable, but the lazing strive of a cute feline overshadows all!

With flawless gaming mechanics, a thoroughly interesting story and more action than you can poke a stick at, Uncharted: Golden Abyss not only showcases the PS Vita but is easily one of the best adventure games on the portable platform and is a must have title.

Yakuza Kiwami is a worthy remake for the twisty, well-acted story alone and the fact that it is being sold at a cheaper price than current new release games is extra incentive to check it out. Combat is fun, the city feels live and there is so much stuff to do, from the mundane stuff like darts or shooting pool, to the very weird stuff like MesuKing, which is essentially rock paper scissors featuring sexy ladies in skimpy bug costumes. Long time franchise fans and newcomers will find plenty to like with Yakuza Kiwami, even if it falls slightly short of its later entries.

Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon is easily one of the best parody games to date with its retro graphics linked to 21st century gaming.

Bringing the best of past Sonic games into the modern gaming world with familiar yet fresh and striking levels.

Quality-of-life changes is the name of MLB The Show 24. It’s a great addition to the series, without any major flaws– the biggest might be that it hasn’t committed fully to the current gen, but it’s still the best looking baseball game out there. The perfect swings are just as satisfying, the baseball card collecting isn’t stingy, and the career mode still gives you that feeling of an underdog rising to the top against all odds. So if you love baseball sims, you’ll love MLB The Show 24.

Overall, I would recommend Going Under to those who are open to playing a lighter, yet challenging roguelite with an enthralling critique on neoliberalism.

With 12 sporting games included in Wii Resort, there's definitely something for everyone and although the game will eventually get quite boring in single-player, where this game does shine besides it's party-game atmosphere is through the new Wii MotionPlus attachment that takes Wii gaming to its next evolution.

If you're already a fan of the original Grandia II, give this newer, sparkly version a go! If you're a newcomer, give it a shot as it doesn't disappoint.

Shows traditional challenges found common in retro shoot ‘em up side scrolling games are still a blast to play.

Ultimately, it’s a bit of fun, it’s pretty low stress… the crime scenes aren’t particularly gruesome and the art style is a bit like a more realistic version of Job Simulator… which is kind of fitting given the main characters. This setting with these protagonists/antagonists works well with the AI chat format… I’m not sure it would work quite so well with human suspects without starting to sound a bit artificial… but here it works.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena is a well made action title.

Give it a chance and let the world of gaming open up to something uniquely different.

Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy aims high and hits the target perfectly by delivering a thoroughly enjoyable single-player action RPG as you control Star Lord and his his motley alien crew while kicking ass along the way. It’s immaculately presented on the PlayStation 5 with graphics that pop and a soundtrack that will even make director James Gunn envious! So if you’re looking for the perfect alien superhero getaway, Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy hits that bullseye perfectly.

On the PlayStation 4, Injustice: Gods Among Us is truly a thoroughly entertaining fighter that not only looks amazing but plays extremely well.

A melodic and stylish JRPG catering to those who love anime, Japanese culture and J-Pop, but might not entirely appeal to Shin Megami Tensei or Fire Emblem fans.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a solid recreation of the original game, offering improved visuals and additional features. While it stays true to the challenge and feel of the original, some minor graphical issues and the high difficulty level may deter some players. Overall, it’s a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The Banner Saga is a highly worthwhile addition to any Switch library. It is incredibly well suited to the portability of the console. Combat is addictive, at times brutal (There are 3 difficulty levels for people struggling or masochists) but always highly playable. Couple this with a well told story with proper choices that can reward and punish you in equal measure and you have a game that is completely absorbing and hard to put down. I eagerly anticipate the following two volumes.

For the price ($20AUD), Renegade Ops is a fun and mindless game of violence that contains a tight control system, great environments to explore and good old fashioned twin stick shooter fun.

The simplest way to put this is: if you enjoyed Portal and would like more logic puzzles — and don’t mind swapping your portal gun for a paint gun — then this is likely to be right up your alley. Some elements are a bit more threatening than Portal (i.e., foes that will pursue you), but they can be stopped reasonably easily (at least for a moment). The narration also provides an amusing overarching story, which is a nice little addition. Certainly worth a play if you enjoy puzzle games and like the vibe of Portal.

For all the grumbling about Nintendo’s strategy of releasing last-gen ports to their new console, it’s hard to argue when the games are as high quality as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. Nintendo has also added their typically high gloss coat of paint, with new features, new characters and even an entire bonus game. Add in a frantic and fun multiplayer mode and the diabolical Challenge Mode and you have a game that can proudly stand with the best platforming games the Switch can offer.

Although not quite the return to greatness that many fans were hoping for, this reboot of the Modern Warfare series manages to hold its own against the glut of online shooters currently available and offers enough tweaks and revisions to the core gameplay to justify dipping into yet another annual instalment.

Elite Dangerous successfully takes the original game and turns it into a true 21st century revolution as you explore the furthermost reaches of the universe.

It is no San Andreas, but an enjoyable romp nonetheless - it is also one rather gigantic download though but one well worth it if you can make the space.

IL2 has held its own from the PC title, adapted to console beautifully, and is a rich and action packed simulator that gives a great realistic experience while giving enough entertainment to keep you enthralled.

The game is tightly designed and the boss battles and combat are up there with Team Ninja's very best; what relatively few minor gripes I have with the game are somewhat alleviated by the precison with which the game has been designed and the developer's willingness to experiment with the formula and create their own unique spin on the soulslike genre.

God of War Ascension contains all the bigger than Ben Hur gameplay from the series and is another enjoyable Kratos experience. However as this game happens before many key elements of Kratos story, it does feel a little smaller in terms of scope. This is not to say that God of War Ascension is a bad game but it does feel a little limited opposed to Kratos with all his godlike powers.

There is so much to admire with Final Fantasy VIII. It was a game completely unafraid to take chances and that turned more than a few people off. But those who stick with it are rewarded with a wonderfully quirky game. It has a whole card game that will take up hours of your time. For those that already love it, this will be an easy sell. For those that wrote it off initially, or felt like it was a betrayal of the series roots, give it another go. The new features may help introduce a classic game to a whole new audience.

The worlds of Portal and Tenet combine to bring a puzzling game about turning back time.

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier is starting to climb my list of favourites from Telltale games, and for fans of this genre I would definitely recommend it. There are a few fantastic “oh crap did that just happen?” moments which I wasn’t expecting and I am eager to find out what happens next. Although it is a little frustrating not knowing the release date of the next episode.

Need for Speed Rivals is a fun game, however the open-world racing genre still needs to be refined, especially with the limit of 6-players. Nonetheless, the gameplay is sturdy, graphics detailed but the multiplayer definitely needs some work.

The Gardens Between is a real treat. Once its gorgeously creative and visually striking aesthetic design lures you in, you’ll be captivated by the inventive, satisfying gameplay. Then it won’t take long for you to begin building a connection with the characters thanks to the expressive, detailed animations and fantastic music score. If you’re looking for a short, relaxing, simplistic puzzle game that is nonetheless wholly satisfying, then The Gardens Between should not be missed.

I cannot recommend this game highly enough to anyone who loves a good fun game. There are elements for both the kids and adults, and the expansion factor of the additional packs would indicate that this is a title that will be entertaining for quite some time.

Gathering Storm is an easy recommendation for all Civilization fans that are looking to breathe new life into the Civ VI experience, and a great entry point to the series for newcomers looking to get in on the action.

The game is very much the middle chapter of a trilogy, so huge revolutions with gameplay are not to be expected but when the core experience is so worthwhile that isn’t really a knock. The Banner Saga 2 is well worth your time.

GB4 is truly a builder's delight. With more models than ever, a diorama mode and intense focus on building. It's perfect. Where it falls flat, it the repetitive nature of gameplay. A one trick pony, but it aces that one trick!

Expeditions: Rome balances thoughtful historical story-telling, ambitious RPG elements and tactical warfare to serve up a Roman triumph.

For players craving a slower-paced, tactical squad-based shooter, Ready or Not is a must-play.

If you are an avid Pokémon fan, what you get with Black & White Version 2 is a true Pokémon experience.

Compared to the previous game, Skate 3 is an improvement and if you're a Tony Hawk fanatic, I still suggest you check out this game because the attention to detail in this game is quite good, from sweet skating manoeuvres to graphics that look quite realistic.

Impeccably designed and guided with a deft hand, this whimsical foray into a darkly humorous fairytale word is a joy to play and is an experience that can be shared by young and old alike.

A wonderfully unique experience housed in an average game, The Eternal Cylinder tells a strong tale but executes it in a pedestrian way. Play it for the story, not the gameplay.

Skate Story is not simply another skating game but a myth told through motion, a battle fought through balance, and a journey measured in realms that culminate in swallowing the Moon. With its bold visuals, haunting soundtrack, finely tuned physics, combat woven into skating, and a difficulty that balances punishment with accessibility, it transforms skateboarding into something cosmic and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression as one of the most original and striking indie releases of 2025.

An early contender for RPG of the year.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure may be one for the fans, however it is also quite welcoming to newbies or those seeking a fun life simulator in building this engaging experience from start to finish.

Neon Inferno is a short but valuable experience. The game has enough action and variety in its settings and enemies to keep the players entertained while not overstaying its welcome. It’s a good game for a short weekend with friends and family, especially if you are not a hardcore gamer and don’t mind its shallow economy and progression system.

Delivers a heavy dose of truth through beautiful narrative.

Doom Eternal is decent on the Switch and is a great game overall even with its issues. If you must play this game on the Switch, then be aware of what you are getting. If you can get it on another platform, I suggest you do that.

Trine is just one of those games that a casual gamer can pick up and play a little or a lot, also a heavy Impulse Gamer can feel good at having this hidden gem in their gaming collection.

With no visual upgrades, additional areas or missions, the main purpose behind this release seems to be keeping the franchise in the public eye until the announced sequel drops, but if you’ve never played Dishonored before then definitely try to pick this up.

Sleeping Dogs is a tough adventure into the dark side of life.

While seasoned veterans of the Ace Combat series may have a much different perspective on its seventh iteration, I was unfortunately left disappointed by lots of glitz and limited glamour. The game never became, well, fun to play, and the allure of watching and listening to beautiful aircraft fly over and through jaw dropping environments can only go so far. Even with an abundance of camera angles to choose from, none offered the immersion factor I was longing to experience: the thrill of actual air combat.

If you’re not into real time strategy, this game won’t change your mind. There isn’t a huge difference between COH2 and its 2009 original, just prettier graphics, and a new campaign. However if snow and shooting Germans is your thing, snap this up immediately.

Rime is a unique and whimsical journey that puts the awe back into the videogaming experience. The pensive mood belies the quick paced structure of the puzzle design and the framing narrative is at once affecting and abstruse. An almost meditative odyssey of discovery, Rime is one of the standout games of the year so far and should be on the top of every puzzle and adventure game fan’s list of purchases.

You don’t have to play the games in order (though the story may work a little better that way)… so if you get stuck in one you can always jump out and have a go at another and then come back later. The challenge starts low but increases at a decent pace as you go so you will feel like you are on top of things one moment only to find the urge to rage quit building as you are a few levels deep. But as tends to be the case with these games… perseverance pays off and that sense of victory is all the sweeter for having to really work for it. You really can’t go past the value, three full games for the price of one and a really top notch high def update. A great addition for the new initiate or for the nostalgic buff.

Big Rigging through a small town with a big reputation. So pull your air horn and ease on down the road, though maybe wait for a sale because it’s a little pricey for what it is.

Overall Falconeer has plenty to offer the player whilst lacking in mission variety the overall beauty of the world should be enough to offer the player plenty of incentive to carry on. The story is engaging without over staying its welcome and adds lore that can easily be expanded in a further game and like I said above this game is prime for a sequel.

Saturnalia is one of the best and most unique horror games of 2022 that not a single horror fan should miss.

Blue Wednesday is a beautiful game that anyone struggling with their lives in their 20s should play.

Universe for Sale is truly a gem of an indie game that I would suggest to anyone interested in a unique and non-linear narrative. It has a few issues regarding the pace and hiding clues of the story, but the correct density makes up for it. Also for a point-and-click game, there are good mini-games although the placement of a few could have been better.

The Developers definitely succeed at creating a fun game for younger gamers, especially if they are fans of PJ Masks because everything is there. Additionally the control mechanics are well mapped on the Xbox Series controller that immediately had our younger player picking up the controller and start playing. In the end, PJ Masks Power Heroes Mighty Alliance is a sturdy platformer with a few different gaming genres thrown into the 2D platformer mix that offers gameplay targetted for kids, unlike some crash grabs out there.

A simple and enjoyable RPG that works great on Steam Deck. The game hides within an enchanted forest so deep that almost no one has heard of it. It's a pity – hopefully the title's console release will change anything about this.

The documentary footage is very interesting and if you think of the game as being kind of an interactive documentary/museum display that might be the best way to look at it. If you are looking at the collection as a way to collect all the variations of Tetris that have been released then you will be disappointed. It is a pretty hefty price for the somewhat limited number of Tetris games available (I mean there are a few here… but the difference between them is not huge and there are some stand out titles missing)… so perhaps wait for a sale? Good to grab for the history of Tetris and if you are happy to have a playable documentary then you should be happy.

While it may not offer the intricate detailing of some other clean-up simulators, Spilled compensates with its heart-warming charm and accessible gameplay plus endearing graphics that is complemented by its subtle soundtrack. It’s a testament to the creativity and passion of indie developers, and a must-try for anyone seeking a relaxing yet meaningful gaming experience.

Endzone 2 is an evolution of the formula set in the previous game. Not all the changes land, but overall it's an improvement over the original game.

A delightfully quirky and heart-warming adventure that will keep you smiling long after the credits roll.

For a casual fan, NHL 14 offers a good time in its main game modes and hours of additional fun with the NHL 94 anniversary modes. However fans of a realistic hockey experience might be a little let down by the big slide into arcade action and the main game modes offering little upgrade over last years version.

If you enjoyed the original games, you will enjoy the latest title in the trilogy and fortunately newcomers can jump straight into it.

Ultimately The Rogue Prince of Persia is an exceptional roguelite that honors the legacy of its franchise while forging a new identity that boasts stylised graphics, decent audio and strong gameplay that works perfectly on both the Steam Deck and a PC that will make you come back for more, provided you don’t get too frustrated from the roguelite nature – kudos to Evil Empire!

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is an impressive platformer that blends the logistics and inner workings of classics into a new style that respectfully represents the genre in a fun-loving way. The mellow approach and splendid animation create a welcoming and heartwarming adventure about plundering and bravery that you will want to see through to the end.

Fall Guys is addictively chaotic multiplayer mayhem, and the mid-season update delivers some great new features that add to its replayability.