Live A Live is a truly unique product of its time that still stands out in the competitive field of role-playing games today. After playing, it makes sense that it would be lauded to this day for its subversive takes on JRPG gameplay elements and its multiple narratives. What’s most charming about how experimental the game is, is that it is not a subversion due to cynicism over the genre, but a love for its potential.

For me personally I find it to be a fantastic relaxing experience, I love the idea of Kayaking but fear the idea of tipping upside down and not being able to right myself (you can simulate this in Kayak VR: Mirage), so a virtual option is great. I don’t know I’d recommend grabbing it at full price as four courses can seem a bit restrictive for the price… but if it goes on sale I’d say grab it… even if just for the fantastic visuals and great kayaking physics!

Despite some of its flaws, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a highly unique, incredibly entertaining JRPG that provides players with hours of enjoyable content, from its engaging story and endearing characters to its fun, in-depth gameplay mechanics.

As Dusk Falls exceeds all expectations and is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining experience for single and multiplayer alike.

Overall Spidersaurs is a very good example of a modern take on the run and gun, whilst it doesn’t quite have the depth that some people may be looking for it certainly fills a gap in the quick play genre and is good for a travel journey or a quick game during lunch break. If you like the vibe of games like Contra, Metal Slug and TMNT then I would suggest giving this game a try.

A really grappling and interesting experience for any cyberpunk or Disco Elysium fan. In many ways, Gamedec is a love letter to this genre of games and stories, while keeping some of its less than stellar qualities both narratively and gameplay-wise. While the Switch port could be frustrating to deal with, the convenience of being able to pick up the game like a book and read through it was a really unique experience that I kind of wish more visual novels adopted.

Starship Troopers - Terran Command Terran Command is impressively faithful to its classic '90s sci-fi source material and a solid space adventure in its own right.

Overall, Stray surprised me in how well it wears its features and themes on its sleeve and how well crafted said features are. It’s a game created for cat lovers by cat lovers, but with features and mechanics everyone can enjoy irrespective of age or pet preference. It’s just too bad that the journey you’ll go on, while memorable, is incredibly short, at only about eight hours long.

A great entry into the survival horror genre, Fobia - St. Dinfna Hotel serves up the frights good and proper.

If you’re looking for an hour or two of simple, easy to win tennis, grab Matchpoint Tennis Championships when it goes on sale. Otherwise, give this one a miss.

The Tale of Bistun is not perfect, but it is original. The romantic story with masterfully incorporated symbolism and plot twists along with the exotic art style makes the game a sensational experience; it is short and does not overstay its welcome as well.

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.

A complete and utter physics and gameplay mess, not even diehards of MX, ATV and/or UTV racing should start this race.

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative is a superior game compared to its predecessor in almost every aspect. While some of the puzzle segments are a bit long-winded and can be quite complicated, the experiences they provide alone are incredibly worth it, and the characters make the game so fun to play.

An homage to Darkstalkers more than anything, Capcom Fighter Collection is well packaged, presented and executed. There’s not a lot of title diversity, but a few make their first overdue appearance outside of Japan and arcades.

Fundamentally, this story is not really about Lazarus, the characters of his family or even the events, but rather just a mystery to solve, steeped in the struggle of good versus evil. The Last Days of Lazarus is a very professional entry by a small developer and the story is worth checking out if this genre is of interest.

The Wonder Boy Collection is a solid retro collection that finally puts some respect on old Tom-Tom’s name.

Overall Cotton Fantasy may be a short game with average playthroughs lasting about 30-40 minutes. But with 7 characters to play as and added difficulty it definitely adds a lot of replayability and if this a taste of what the Cotton franchise will continue as then fans of this series have every right to be excited to see what comes next.

Hardspace Shipbreaker is not just a game, it is a call to action to put an end to the tyranny of mega-corporations and every gamer who is interested in such an idea will enjoy it.

Even as a shorter game and with limited character leveling, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is arguably the best beat-em-up and TMNT experience ages. If you have a buddy or several to tackle the forces of foot clan evil with, jump on this one.

Sniper Elite 5 does everything the previous installations did, except it does them better, in new and updated graphics. What are you waiting for? Get sniping!

I really enjoyed Out There: Oceans Of Time and would recommend it, it’s not overly challenging (it’s pretty easy to maintain the ship once you get the hang of it) and planetary threats are fairly easily managed… so if you prefer a tougher challenge it might not be your thing, but if you enjoy a good cosmic adventure this could be worth a look.

If you have an interest in paleontology yourself or perhaps some young family members with an interest, I would certainly recommend grabbing a copy. Once you have your specimens you can even learn more about them with some quick factoids, adding that extra bit of fun and learning.

A nostalgic trip down memory lane marred with aiming issues and a very short play time.

More a fighting game than sport experience, a solid presentation somewhat compensates for its limited modes and roster.

I believe Supermassive Games did a great job with The Quarry. While it doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay, the story and characters are by far the best it's been in some of the developer's recent titles and provide an experience that can even rival the spiritual predecessor, Until Dawn.

An ambitious game that punches above its weight with unique RPG systems, survival mechanics and co-op support - and a lot of heart.

A wonderfully difficult beat-'em-up that puts the player at the forefront of their very own martial arts epic.

Kao the Kangaroo is a fun jump through memory lane that delivers an enjoyable (albeit slightly repetitive) experience in classic arcade 3D platforming fashion. However the character, graphics and worlds lends itself well on the Xbox Series X with a very smooth control system.

Arise: A Simple Story is a fantastic indie game from Piccolo Studio’s, demonstrating incredible talent. The platforming is fun and engaging, allowing anyone to dive right in without too high of a skill gap. Each world is wonderful and vibrant, with each offering a unique and interesting platforming puzzle to make every level stand out in its own way. If you’re a fan of games like Journey or Last Day of June, this game will definitely scratch that itch.

Eternal Threads fails to deliver anything worth the player’s time, money, or efforts. The main vague plot is surrounded by dull subplots and lacks a decent closure. The story-driven gameplay is repetitive and devoid of any mental or physical challenge except for exhaustion. The characters are badly written and their actions add little to no emotional content to the game. The only good thing about this game was the idea behind it but the lack of a good execution has turned the Eternal Threads into a “nightmare of a world” just like the future it portrays.

So despite starting this whole experience thinking I was finally getting my hands on Bloodlines 2, I am not disappointed with what I in fact do have. Swansong is an intriguing addition to the Vampire mythology and the new characters are interesting enough to make playing with them and learning their stories an engaging experience. There are a few little quirks (again, most notably the lip syncing, occasionally the movement looks a little stilted too)… but overall it’s an impressive package and should sate your hunger till you can dig your teeth into Bloodlines 2.

Overall though, it’s been a lot of fun diving back into the Arthurian legend and this darker take on it. It’s a fun game with a decent amount of polish to it. Grab it if you love Arthurian mythology or just decent turn based RPGs.

Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is a game that everyone in the family can enjoy, that’s a pretty big bonus for those of us with young ones in the family and certainly make a difference from all the more mature themed games that we have to wait till the little ones are asleep or at school to enjoy. The controls are simple enough to pick up and use without much thought… ie they are quite intuitive. It’s a pretty decent price and considering I could just sit and watch the beautiful colours dance across the screen whether I’m trying to complete the level or just chill for a while, you can get a decent bit of play time out of it. Grab a copy if you like a bit of puzzle gaming or if you just like some pretty visuals, either way Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is likely to put a grin on your face.

Nintendo Switch Sports is a silly and lighthearted option for game night, but with a limited roster of sports, its appeal and longevity is restricted. Rather than games such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Party Superstars, and Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, which game nights are usually built around, Nintendo Switch Sports feels more like an intermittent game to play with friends while transitioning to the stronger multiplayer experiences the Switch has to offer.

A unique and engaging story-based roguelike with a multitude of memorable characters and moments.

Paradise Killer offers a highly unique experience with interesting characters and a heavily detailed mystery to follow. However, its needlessly convoluted story and writing may deter some players from diving in.

Trek to Yomi is Flying Wild Hog’s best game. Unlike Shadow Warrior 3, the studio’s first title in 2022 that was a huge step backward, Trek to Yomi is aimed at a niche audience. It’s short, violent, and poetic. The one-hit kill Kensei mode that’s unlocked after finishing the game for the first time also adds more replay value for the game while creating the potential for attracting hardcore gamers and speedrunners. The game can be enjoyed by many, but a very small group of people will hold on to it for a very long time. That’s why Trek to Yomi has the chance to become a cult title.

Chrono Cross is a strange, wonderful game that was not afraid to take big risks. The port doesn’t exactly cover it in glory but considering the game has been languishing in purgatory for so long it’s nice that it sees the light of day at all. There is little here for people who aren’t already fans of the genre to recommend. But for JRPG fans this is a fascinating time capsule, especially for PAL gamers who didn’t get to experience it first time round.

Should you buy it? Well if you like the idea of challenging your ethics with hypothetical scenarios then absolutely. If you are or were a philosophy student you may well get a sense of nostalgia and for me that is arguably enough of a reason to grab it. It’s a decent price for what it is, if you aren’t sure, maybe wait for a sale… but really for a chance to play something a bit more intellectual for a change I think it’s a great buy!

Martha is Dead, despite struggling to hold my attention at times, is a well crafted game, with incredibly detailed visuals and models, an interesting cast of characters, and an unsettling but highly intriguing story to tell. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers and horrors, then Martha is Dead will undoubtedly be your cup of tea.

If the bugs are patched, Weird West has the potential to be a truly excellent game, as there is a lot of fun to be had in the West, you just sometimes have to make it yourself.

Overall if you were to judge the collection on the games alone, it is a fine package of some well known Taito games and some lesser known, whether you would call them milestones is up for debate.

Shredders snowboards its way onto the Xbox Series X that while it limits the replay value with some control inconsistencies and graphically errors, it still delivers an enjoyable time.

Ultimately, if you like the Lego series of games then there’s a high probability that you will like this… if you also like the Star Wars films (even just some of them) then this should be high on your list of items to purchase. It’s certainly a cheaper way to enjoy a bunch of Lego sets with the ability to play through your favourite parts of the Star Wars films.

Another strong outing, but only a small upgrade from MLB The Show 21.

A great game filled with the cutest adventurer in the Nintendo Universe for the first time in 3D.

Syberia: The World Before, is one of those rare masterpieces where the story is just so freaking well written, the soundtrack is perfect, the graphics are stunning and the puzzles inspired.

So there’s a lot going on here and considering you get three impressive games with some very engaging story telling, it’s a pretty compelling collection. Visually it is showing it’s age a bit but the switch has it’s limitations and there’s only so much you can do bringing a game up to modern standards before you basically end up remaking the whole thing. Having said that, it’s not bad for what it is and it does do a decent job of putting the Switch through it’s paces.

If you want to have fun making music but don’t want to invest in a “real” setup… this is a great cheap(er) option that gives you a lot of variety to play with. Definitely a great option at a pretty decent price for what you get.

It’s a decent price for what it is too so if you loved the classics, give this a try. If you are too young to remember the classics… but like the idea of being a bit of a rogue amongst some pretty painterly scenery… grab a copy.

Honestly, I would say yes if you have not played GTA V for a while or not at all, as this is the definitive version to play. Those of you who are currently playing on the Xbox One version I find it harder to recommend unless you are really into 4K fidelity. There are really not enough additions in the story mode to make it a worthwhile purchase. This is compounded even more so by the fact that GTA online can now be bought separately and that is really where all of the new additions are added and is probably the greater value for money.

Triangle Strategy is unique in its sprawling story, and its success is only solidified by an excellent combat system that makes battles as intense as they are intimidating. With deep lore and an overall mature approach to a genre too often dumbed down, Triangle Strategy is an RPG fans dream.

If you didn’t like FFXIV before now, Endwalker will do nothing to change your mind. But if you’re in, this emotional rollercoaster will be rolling towards a satisfying conclusion, that absolutely will not disappoint.

While Babylon's Fall had several good ideas and had a lot of potential, it shot itself in the foot with its intrusive live service model and its painfully obvious lack of polish, making it that much harder to recommend to anyone, especially at the ludicrous price of $60.

Overall I really liked No Place Like Home… it’s a lovely change of pace from many of the mainstream games being released and it has an ever more important reminder that we really need to take better care of this planet we are on. Great for young family members but also for those of us who have been gaming for a while and just want a change of pace. Pretty decent price for what you get too so if it sounds like your kind of thing… grab a copy and relax.

For those looking for a fast paced, chaotic (CHAOS) cheesy b-movie style action game, Stranger of Paradise has a lot to offer. For Final Fantasy fans, it may miss the mark of what they love most about the series.

It’s pinball… it’s Indiana Jones and not only does it look great but plays well with some exceptional sounds and music. While it may become repetitive for some gamers, purists will enjoy the journey down memory lane that on a large screen TV almost recreates that authentic experience.

What could’ve been a solid addition to the Game Pass family, ends up a disappointing mix of interesting ideas and bad execution.

A surprisingly strong return to the squared circle, stellar presentation, a new gameplay engine, and robust modes make WWE 2K22 the best 2K in a long time.

If you’re spoilt by modern-day graphics and the feature-full world of 21st-century gaming, Shadow Warrior 3 probably isn’t for you. It’s a simple game, not afraid to rely solely on its strong shooting mechanics, but it’s one that any FPS fan should add to their collection if they want to switch off and tear up some bad guys. Short, silly and gory, Shadow Warrior 3 is a fine example of great gaming dialled back.

While there are some elements of KOFXV I wish were given more attention to, it's great characters, eye-catching visuals, and intricate yet engaging gameplay make it appealing to both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Gran Turismo 7 is a gorgeous celebration of all things driving. It’s splendid presentation and 400 + car homage to the world’s favorite vehicles is a car lover’s dream. What it isn’t, however, is a true ‘real driving simulator.’ While easily a step up from GT Sport in offerings and presentation, those looking for an exhilarating gameplay experience will likely be disappointed.

Elex II is an almost overwhelmingly ambitious and content-packed sequel that serves up more lands to explore, more people to interact with, and more choice and consequence to carefully consider. It has unavoidable rough edges in the technical and graphical departments that, for many raised on highly polished triple-AAA titles, won’t be easy to overlook, but in terms of providing freedom and reactivity that makes for truly engaging role-playing opportunities, it is a fun, satisfying package that few titles can measure up to, proving budget isn’t the be-all, end-all for a great RPG experience.

A must play for action-RPG fans looking for deep combat systems and an expansive open-world that truly rewards exploration.

Stranger’s Wrath, for many, remains not only a series high but a technical marvel of the mid-2000s. Boasting exciting gameplay and a charming, wonderfully bizarre world, Stranger’s Wrath is an unparalleled experience. A masterclass in action-adventure gaming, Oddworld’s most outlandish moment has never looked better.

Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires, while sporting enjoyable combat and lots of content, is unfortunately bogged down by a myriad of horrible technical issues and repetitive level designs.

Horizon: Forbidden West is an enjoyable game from start to finish which easily allows you to become lost in its virtual mythology. The gameplay, sound and graphics work hand-in-hand to create an engaging PS5 title. It’s also well-written and directed by the developers with fantastic voice acting and a soundtrack that sounds it has been taken from a Hollywood blockbuster which makes this game a masterpiece on the PlayStation 5 and a must play game… no, masterpiece of 2022.

It’s easier to follow the notion of “gotta catch ’em all” in regards to the games when they release such engaging content and that’s just what we have here. A great fun way to step back in game time and contribute to the study of Pokemon that will be both familiar and new to players. A great addition to your Pokemon gaming collection.

If you are looking for a VR rhythm game but with a focus on fitness then I would certainly suggest Blast Beat as it checks basically all the boxes. If you want more flexibility over the musical content then you may be less impressed here (unless a future update allows personal music additions, though I don’t believe this is a planned addition at the moment). Ultimately it’s a bit of fun VR exercise… if that’s what you are after then grab a copy and don’t forget a sweat towel too!

A masterclass in design, style, and connection, OlliOlli World perfects the formula and delivers a heartfelt world at the same time.

If you are a fan of classic point-and-click adventure games (like I am) then you will love playing Unforeseen Incidents. It does a great job of balancing the storyline and the puzzles, has a great sense of light-hearted humor and fully immerses you into the game.

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

The gaming gods of Naughty Dog have spoken in Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection and wow, what a ride on the PS5!

While it has its fair share of issues, Aspire: Ina's Tale was a delight to play through. The developers did an excellent job of crafting a beautiful and immersive world. The puzzles are challenging, and the brief narrative is engaging.

Rainbow Six Extraction is a spin-off that earns its place with tactical, co-operative PvE gunplay, and a level of detail and narrative unseen in other PvE shooters. [Provisional Score = 80]

Most unique game I've played in a long time. The overall presentation of the game is really good. The game would have been perfect if matchmaking wasn't so broken.

The game runs better than on any other platform and is decked out with all the settings imaginable with bonus content to boot. Replaying through the grand adventure that is Kratos and Atreus’ story was also a delight. So if you’re a hardcore fan of God of War like I am or have never played the game, then I implore you to do so on PC if possible as its so far the most optimal way to play it.

Shin Megami Tensei V is undoubtedly a well crafted game. Despite the story taking quite a while to intrigue me, the gameplay mechanics and the challenging combat more than make up for it.

Monster Hunter Rise is a great game with an even better PC port that I believe is the best way to enjoy the game especially if you're a hardcore fan of the series that prefers to hunt monsters in the most optimal way possible.

Vertigo offers a thrilling and captivating playable story that touches on some very serious themes. Not for the feint hearted or weak in temperament.

Overall Asterix and Obelix Slap them all is at its core a 90’s beat 'em up and with that comes the usual trappings of the genre for better or worse. Though not as difficult as some of its fellow games in the genre the 50 levels of the game certainly make it a slog to get through. This can very much be someone's first game of the genre as it is easy and intuitive enough for players of all skill levels.

Very small issues aside, there’s just such a genuine charm oozing out of Brain vs Brain, thanks to a charming exterior, fun solo play and addictive multiplayer mode, making Big Brain Academy: Brain vs Brain one of the best puzzle experiences available on Switch. Regardless of any issues the mismatched control levelling causes, for casual gamers and those who want a pick-up-and-play puzzler are a fine example of how to breathe life back into an aged and forgotten game series.

Scarf certainly is an enjoyable experience; its combination of engaging story and strong environments are enough to keep the player absorbed for its four hour campaign. But due to its commonplace gameplay, it doesn’t do enough to make it a true standout in the genre. But regardless of its issues, Scarf is for those wanting a leisurely and fantastical escape from the troubles of the world; something we could all use from time to time.

The basic game play is nothing overly fancy… it is after all a basic platformer, but the execution is spot on and Lucky is quite the charmer. It’s clearly aimed at the younger audience but I found it all quite a nice change from the darker, bloodier world of more “mature” games. Great fun little game and not a bad price either.

Sam & Max: Beyond Time and Space Remastered was a treat to play through. The game's characters will entertain you from start to end, and all its mechanics have been expertly remade. As such, it is a no-brainer for fans of the series, especially at the reasonable price of $20, and a great suggestion in general to gamers who enjoy a good laugh.

In the end, Chorus provided a great experience overall. While a few kinks need working out, the amount of entertainment I got from it greatly surpassed my expectations and will surely satisfy fans of the genre.

There’s a gamemode for everyone and while the gameplay is super sturdy and works a treat on both the smartphone app and microphones, the true star of Let’s Sing 2022 is the amazing playlist and kudos to the developers for bringing together a varied and thoroughly entertaining list. Complementing this are the graphics which help motivate the player with the music videos, easy to read words and special effects that makes it feel like you’re part of your very own music video.

Pokemon fun for younger and older fans. A remake that gives the old game a fresh feel for veterans and a great way to jump into the world for younger fans.

Halo Infinite on the Xbox Series X is classic Halo fun that has received a true next-gen makeover that really upgrades our favourite Spartan, the Master Chief himself!

This is a great game if you are interested in learning about the deep sea and the creatures that inhabit it. There isn’t much of a ‘story’ happening here but that’s not really needed when the main task of the game is the learn and explore. It is a perfect way to pass some time but it is not for those who want more of an action/thrill element of a game that features dangerous underwater creatures.

Battlefield 2042 is a huge disappointment for gamers and the Battlefield franchise. Had this been the product of an indie developer, then this might be a different story as it would be understandable how a game like this could be the product of an independent studio that doesn’t have enormous corporate backing. Instead, EA pumped more resources into creating a CGI film that acts as the only real source of storyline context than ensuring the game was going to live up to the enormous amount of hype they were trying to create. I hate saying such negative things in my reviews, but when a game developer can’t be bothered to even try and live up to it’s own legacy, then I have to call it as I see it and for that very reason, I don’t recommend this game. Not even the nostalgia or temptation of ‘Battlefield Portal’ is enough to save this game from itself.

The Smurfs Mission Vileaf is a good time, even if it can be a bit long winded at times, a lot of love went into this game, and I think it’s a good time had by gamers of all ages.

Clever, original, and beautifully presented, Death's Door is a solid Zelda-like indy title...but not without its faults.

A disappointing remaster of some of the most influential games of all times leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

With the variety on offer here in a generally familiar feeling setting, Ekstase has a lot going for it. It’s a pretty decent price for a game that works well as a pick up and play title… any time you have a few spare minutes you can just jump in and have a quick go (and potentially find hours have slipped by). I’d be happy to recommend fans of Tetris or other “falling block puzzle genre” games pick up a copy.

Ultimately it’s a party game. If you like minigames, multiplayer with friends or family then this could be a good option for you. If you prefer something with a more familiar character set or simply more content then I’d be inclined to say opt for Mario Party Superstars.

Overall They always run is an intriguing example on modern 2-D platformers. Whilst it has minor problems with some of the platforming it does not take away from the atmosphere and aesthetic this game exudes. Whilst not having the most compelling story being very formulaic and told through long text breaks the combat and graphics more than make up for it.