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.

While not perfect, Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One provided an incredibly entertaining and challenging experience that detective fans, especially Sherlock Holmes fans, will be happy to experience.

There's still some way to go to make the JWE franchise a viable management sim, but this sequel goes a long way to right a lot of its predecessor's wrongs.

The Nintendo Switch version of World War Z is still a fun time slaying some zeke with your friends, but it just isn’t as pretty while doing it.

Aside from the visual upgrade, Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is far from a suitable remaster as it fails to change many of the original issues. However, while it's also far from the best Fatal Frame game, it does still offer players the signature enjoyable camera combat and some surprisingly spooky aesthetic.

Although a solid offering overall, one can’t help but feel that the series has taken a step backwards in terms of the content available as well as the era depicted.

With truly fun gameplay, colourful graphics and dancers that draw you in plus one of the best sound scores of any game in 2021, Just Dance 2022 is another fun game from Ubisoft that successfully draws in your entire family and social network. So if you’re looking for a truly fun party game that is super interactive, Just Dance 2022 nicely fits that criteria!

Röki is an easy recommend and goes some way towards exemplifying why indie games still hold an important place in the industry amongst the big-budget blockbusters.

If you’ve ever had an interest in Mario and his friends or you love board games or mini games… this is really a simple choice… grab a copy and have fun!

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan is a near perfect game and a great introduction as someone's first RPG. It may be a little long winded at times, but overall Rainbow Billy is a must own.

Forza Horizon 5 is indeed the FAST & FURIOUSLY good and if you’re looking for a true next-gen racer, it’s finally arrived! And like Dom Toretto, Forza Horizon 5 lets you live your virtual life at a quarter mile at a time.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits should take most gamers around 10 to 12 hours to complete, depending on the amount of exploring and the level of difficulty. While the blockbusters games of 2021 continue to deliver the same ho-hum experience of 2021, Kena is a much needed ray of sunshine to the current choices of titles available and more importantly, looks fantastic on the PlayStation 5.

The Lightbringer misses many opportunities. Despite having great core gameplay, it fails to immerse the player in its lore and aura due to its rough, and at times, incomplete edges. If players are willing to look past these shortcomings, the gameplay will keep fans of 2.5D platformers satisfied. That is, if they don’t skip a level every time they are met with the slightest of challenges.

No Longer Home is a few hours long, and moves at a brisk enough pace, but all in all, your enjoyment of this game will heavily rest on your ability to relate to the personal storytelling, its exploration of sensitive subjects, such as depression, suicide ideation and gender identity (of which there is a content warning in the main menu to let audiences know) and its upfront premise of a dialogue-heavy, point-and-click narrative over conventional gameplay systems.

Ultimately I can’t recommend The Architect: Paris. It does not feature the ability to perform the tasks of an architect and the missions are very vague about what is and isn’t acceptable to complete a task. If you are after a city planning sandbox game then you probably will get a bit of fun out of this and you should consider it… but if you had visions of being the next Frank Lloyd Wright this isn’t going to bring those into digital reality.

Overall this collection does add some value and for a very niche system it makes it accessible to more people who may have missed out on the original release.

I would not hesitate to recommend any RTS fan purchase this ASAP… the price is high… but this is unquestionably a title that earns the triple A moniker… you can really see the money invested in the production values and the polish. Even if you are just a history fan with a passing interest in gaming, I’d still say this is a must buy for the exceptional documentary videos throughout. I’d keep raving about it… but I have to mount my horse and fend off another attack on my castle!

House of Ashes, while not perfect, (or even scary truth be told) is a good installment in the series as it provides gorgeous graphics along with its interesting premise.

There are plenty of golf games and mini golf games on the market... A Little Golf Journey more or less combines both normal and mini golf and also adds some other quirks to stand out in the best possible way from a very large crowd.

Ultimately I came for the matching game and stayed for the stories as there are some really lovely ones here… I think my favourite (so far) was with the cheerleader and her difficult life with her famous mother and sick brother. A big recommendation if you like either visual novels or matching games.

Essentially if you like the LEGO series of games then you know what you are in for here and it’s an easy choice to buy if that’s what you like. I’m getting to the point where the core mechanic is feeling a bit tired (and I hate falling off ledges… is it not possible to put a bit of code in to stop you falling off the edges of things?)… but, multiplayer with my son was quite fun… so even if you aren’t a huge fan of the series, if you have young ones who might want to have some gaming sessions with you… this is a good option.

The first truly next-gen sport title, the completely overhauled NHL 22 is a near-perfect marriage with the PS5.

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.

In summary, Tandem – A Tale Of Shadows is a lavishly-presented adventure with genuinely innovative gameplay. Fans of puzzle-platformers are sure to love it. Even for those not particularly drawn to the genre, there’s much to admire here, and a lot of fun to be had.

The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is not just for purists but is a series that can now be played perfectly on the PlayStation 5 for anyone. Unlike some of the more recent “remastered” games, The Crysis Remastered Trilogy is a true remastered experience that delivers an almost next-gen experience with some stunning graphical improvements. Sure, the gameplay is a little dated at times but when matched with the over the top game mechanics, it delivers an enjoyable experience as you take on aliens and private military organisations from Asia to the United States in true first person shooter blockbuster action!

As the sum of its parts, FIFA 22 is the best FIFA in years…and plays a strong game of football on the PS5. The decision to go more sim-heavy is long overdue, with finally a befitting pace and defensive posture to the beautiful game. Online contests – even with exploits via microtransaction supercharged players – are much more balanced. There’s so much to do both online and offline, it’s an easy recommendation for both casual and committed football fanatics.

Another must-have Switch exclusive, and a modern reminder why the mother of the Metroidvania sub-genre still demands attention.

Back 4 Blood is not just a new coat of paint. It tries new ideas to shake up its legendary formula, mashing together their learning to create a cohesive, insanely fun co-op experience.

While Lost Judgement isn't a perfect sequel, it still lives up to its predecessor as it offers new refreshing gameplay mechanics alongside an engaging story.

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.

The story grabs you immediately and maintains a steady drip-feeding of excitement throughout its playtime and the game is just overall a refined, lovingly crafted adventure that will appeal to even those who are generally turned off by “card battle” games, as the content and gameplay here goes much deeper than that.