Yoshi's Crafted World is a terrifically simple platformer with a gorgeous art style and a focus on exploration over challenging gameplay.

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is a delightfully cosy life sim that balances charm, exploration, and friendship.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron presents gamers with one of the best single-player campaigns to date with more Transformer lore and love than you can poke a stick at.

Pokken Tournament is a very entertaining game on the Nintendo Switch that successfully gives players an almost Tekken-light experience on this console that is more fun than controller rage. Furthermore, there’s quite a bit of depth hidden in this game and hours upon hours of replay value to keep you engaged as you fight the various Pokémon.

It may not be your traditional racer but if you want to try something different in the world of racing games, than Wipeout 2048 is definitely a game you should investigate. It contains some brilliant gameplay, great graphics and lots of replay value, especially with the inclusion of online.

All in all, PlicPlic is a jolly fun game. Addictive to a degree, simple, cheerful, chirpy, it really did appeal to my sensibilities. Longevity though, as with a lot of endless runners is questionable. Still, for less that a buck, worth a try.

Star Wars Pinball: Rogue One is easily addictive but at the same time (for me) easily frustrating as I lacked the patience and precision to make it all the way to the end. Progressing in difficulty as you go through the story mode, this would be a good game for anyone up for a challenge and has a love for casual pinball games.

Project Warlock is a respectable and enjoyable Doom clone. While it has some balancing issues to work out, it's still a must-have for fans of the retro FPS genre.

The story is gripping, the combat is exhilarating, the horror elements are genuinely horrifying and the fear that comes with furtively entering a room and checking inanimate objects for signs of life is a sensation that’s hard to replicate and even harder to maintain throughout a game’s length. Do yourself a favour and take a chance on Prey if mind bending FPS horror is your bag… Lord knows it needs the support and I for one would love to see the franchise move from strength to strength with a follow up installment.

Payday 2 is a Co Op game. While it might have benefitted with a cool story arc for a single player mode the game offers a great outing with 3 other friends for an experience that will keep having you come back for more. Payday is simply put the improved, polished and closest experience you’ll find to robbing an actual bank. It’s just legal.

Until Dawn succeeds on so many levels of story telling and creates this amazing interactive survival horror experience.

At the end of the day, Tekken 6 is definitely a fun fighter, however it is plagued by some gameplay issues, more specifically the horrendous campaign mode and programming issues such as lengthy loading times.

Overall Sniper Elite 4 for the Nintendo Switch is a very competent port, it is great seeing these bigger games ported to this console and I hope we see more of it in the future. Whilst the game is better in the docked mode, the handheld mode is still playable and is good for people who want that fix on the go.

Although not as tightly refined as some other 2D platformers, like Puppeteer, for instance, Little Big Planet 3 offers up tons of fun for those willing to seek it and, with the promised patches on their way and a creative community that’s growing by the day, hopefully it won’t be long before this is the ultimate Little Big Planet experience.

In the end it's a solid game that Ghost Recon fans can sink into the game and enjoy, the multiplayer action is well worth the price of admission. The single player experience juggles so many different elements; one's opinion may conclude that the designers tried too hard to include several different types of gamers.

Needless to say, Prototype has some strong controls, decent graphics and some innovative use of surround sound, hopefully we’ll see more Prototypes!

Discounty turns the grind of running a supermarket into a unexpectedly addictive life sim.

As someone who was probably a bit too old to have caught the original fandom of SpongeBob but then was introduced to it via fatherhood… I appreciate the love that has been put into this game. It is very easy for franchises to simply churn out pulp slop (anyone from the 90’s remember all those side scrolling/platform games based on things from The Blues Brothers to Home Alone and basically everything in between?). Fortunately, SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide has been made with fans in mind and really does feel like you are in the middle of an episode of the show (the moment SpongeBob and Patrick first learn they can swap who is in ghost form had me chuckling quite a bit). It’s a lot of fun with very minimal stress whilst still not being so easy that you can play it with your eyes closed. It’s the right level of challenge with a lot of fun throughout… highly recommended for SpongeBob fans or even just fans of fun platformers!

Overall Hitman Blood Money Reprisal is a very strong port and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library whilst not without its flaws it still manages to offer up plenty of replay-ability and addiction to satiate the blood lust of all us budding Hitmen and Women, without overstaying its welcome. Also with the Quality of life improvements it has brought the game closer to how the more modern titles are played without totally removing itself from the source material.

Alien: Isolation will make you scream in both frustration and euphoria but succeeds where many games of this franchise have failed.

The worlds of puzzle-wizard Professor Layton and ace attorney Phoenix Wright combine for the ultimate brain teaser.

Overall, if you are a metalhead like me then this is absolutely the fps you need to try. It’s free on Xbox Gamepass currently, so no excuse not to try it! The game’s negatives are quite minor, and I could not stop headbanging to the beat all the way through the campaign. There is nothing quite like getting into the zone and chaining together a string of shoot, jump, dash, reload on the beat in Metal Hellsinger. Here’s hoping for some DLC or a fully fledged sequel so we can do it all over again.

This is definitely a title for lovers of puzzles… and more specifically, difficult puzzles!

F1 2022 retains most of what made the previous game had, adding just enough to to satisfy most fans. With more time in the oven, it could have been nearly perfect. Still, the fear of EA control lingers.

While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, Dying Light: The Beast is a return to form while it makes up for anything it may lack with the glorious return of Kyle Crane.

Driver focuses on what any game called Driver should, and that is driving, and it does this well and anyone use to arcade racers will feel right at home.

An inventive and engaging platforming experience that especially shines in co-op multiplayer - enjoyable for all ages.

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is a fantastic spin-off and a great Epilogue to Infinite Wealth. The decision to put Majima in the captain’s chair is inspired and has allowed the team at Ryu Ga Gotoku to create one of the most unique and off-the-will games in the long-running series. Much like its beloved lead, Pirate Yakuxa in Hawaii is a little crazy, a little random, but incredibly charming.

At times, Final Fantasy XIII-2 does become a little convoluted but somehow it successfully creates a modern fairytale of good versus evil.

Finally, a Harry Potter game that really gives J.K. Rowling fan service! The game may not have changed much since other LEGO games and the AI is at times buggy but when it comes to a creative world, this game has it all.

If you only really play Nier Automata in a casual manner… then perhaps sit this out… though the chance to fight a real “boss” battle may be worth even grinding that bit to get to the required level… maybe wait for a special before putting your cash down.

The Outer Worlds: Peril on Gorgon DLC is a truly enjoyable return to this franchise and given the cost, it’s good value for your money. So if you have a hankering of returning to the universe of Halycon, this DLC is your panacea and is probably a nice distraction in this COVID-19 world. All in all, a well-written and carefully crafted DLC that works from the get go!

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.

In conclusion, Mirror's Edge is a thoroughly enjoyable title that is one of the most unique games of the year as you run and fight your way through a futuristic utopia that contains good gameplay, amazing graphics and a storyline to match.

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is another solid game in this series!

In conclusion, Runaway 3: A Twist of Fate is fun adventure game of a dying genre. It may not feature all the action of some titles today but if you're looking for something witty and challenging to boot, than there's far worse than this game.

A strangely, but ultimately fun and interesting spin-off from Elden Ring that works surprisingly well despite its odd choice of mechanics and lingering issues.

Sound in the game is superbly done, the music sound track fits the look and feel of the game. With sweeping grand music and drumming beats fit for the grand epic adventure that the game is. So too is the voice acting, with flair and conviction and an earnest truth ringing in the words.

Once again, this is easily my favourite RPG title of the year and if you're looking for good old fashioned action and adventuring than this game is for you.

Gameplay is a bit on the short side but it is still a great game to pick up and play while you are travelling or on holiday. It will really make you sit and think because the majority of the puzzles are not easy but you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you finally solve them.

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.

A charming concept marred by a lack of replayability, Shooty Fruity is definitely worth a look for discerning VR shooter enthusiasts but it may be worth waiting for a sale, particularly with so many lengthier titles making their way to the format.

If you love strategy games, especially tactical strategy games than King's Bounty the Legend is for you.

Compared to some of the other DLC's for the Call of Duty series, I think Call of the Dead is far my favourite because of the intricacies of the map that pay homage to all things Romero. With new weapons, enemies and some great team action to be found, Call of the dead is a must have download from XBox Live and really goes above and beyond the current DLC maps.

My advice to gamers who find Rusty Hearts intriguing is to go ahead and play - after all, it's free - but I would suggest that you not give your money to Perfect World for the little extras until they offer some sort of technical support in return.

At the core, Resident Evil 3 remake is a good game. It plays smoothly and is immensely entertaining. Aside from the fact that the game is sorely lacking in content compared to the original or even the previous Resident Evil 2 remake, I still advise fans of the games, especially Resident Evil 3, to try it out as its quite a refreshing take on the original and feels close enough to home. If you aren’t a Resident Evil fan, however, I advise you to stay away and save the 60 dollars. If you’d like a more modern introduction to the series, I’d recommend the objectively better Resident Evil 2 remake. All in all, I had fun with my playthrough of the game, which is what matters.

Long time fans of the off-the-wall action puzzler and newcomers alike are bound to have a ball.

Persona 5 Tactica beautifully translates the mechanics of the game it spun off from into the strategy genre – wrapped up in an art style that doesn’t support the interesting story it’s trying to tell, but does capture the charm of its characters better than ever.

In conclusion, The Sims Medieval is definitely one for the fans but even those who have never played this franchise before will get a kick out of it. It may not be the same as the PC version but its developers have managed to squash as much of the gameplay and graphics into the iPhone/iPod touch.

11 Bit Studios sent us over the code to check out the Xbox Live Arcade version of this interesting game. Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a bit of a twist on tower defense gaming. Rather than being the one defending against incoming forces, the player is the one defending their column of military vehicles going in to take down the defenses.

In the end, Doom is a worthy successor to the original and although there was mixed reviews of Doom 3 way back in 2004, id Software should be praised on not only paying homage to the original but successfully rebooting the franchise on high-end consoles, the PC and now the Nintendo Switch. Sure, it’s a little old school at times but that was also the beauty of the original and if you’re looking for a fast paced first person shooter then Doom is the game for you. Yes, the game is quite linear but there’s plenty of secrets to be found which definitely gives you incentive to either explore all the levels totally or play the game again, so Knights of Hell beware!

Kirby’s latest airborne adventure succeeds at standing out simply by embracing its own weird, charming identity.

King of Fighters' long awaited return has resulted in arguably SNK's best looking and performing title in their long and storied career.

Tales of Berseria is a return to form for the JRPG franchise, with a captivating main story of betrayal and vengeance, satisfying real-time combat and an amazing cast of characters.

Star Wars Squadrons is great value for money at just $49AUD or $39USD (October 2020) and provides a superb distraction to COVID-19 Earth by transporting you to the stars of Star Wars. While the single-player is good as it introduces you to the mechanics of the game, it’s the multiplayer aspect where you’ll be spending your space flight time and that’s where the Star Wars Squadrons succeeds.

It is a fun, rewarding game, perfect for the train or bus and at just a handful of dollars, is worthy of your consideration.

At the end of the day, MotorStorm Arctic Edge is definitely a fun off-road game set in a winter wastelands of Alaska that will keep most gamers appeased.

Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is an excellent remake of an already fantastic JRPG. Despite some drawbacks, the game sports several well-crafted features that hardcore fans will appreciate.

Pac-Man 256 on the PlayStation 4 is not only nostalgic but provides some quick fun!

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment if a fun yet more importantly relatable twist on the Warriors genre with our favourite princess leading the charge!

With graphics that mirror the TV series and some of the voice actors reprising their role, there is definitely plenty to love in PAW Patrol World for the younger gamer and gamers. I actually enjoyed it far more than the latest film!

Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse Remastered is a masterful remaster of a highly entertaining game. The game has a unique narrative structure, inventive gameplay, and engaging new elements.

Tiny Terry’s Turbo Trip is a casual adventure game about an insouciant boy trying to find his place in the world. The game flourishingly creates an interesting environment filled with colorful characters and engaging concepts all while having a droll sense of humor. In a roundabout way, the game’s shortcomings, while not excused, are long lost in Terry’s smoke trail as he floors his car accelerator to the next hilarious quest.

An ambitious open world crafting game that ends up feeling grindy and awkward.

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is not only brutally challenging but also very satisfying that is made for people who enjoy this genre and it plays remarkably well on the Steam Deck with responsive controls and only occasional performance hiccups. It’s not without frustrations as the difficulty spikes, reliance on RNG and late‑game grind can make the experience uneven once the early novelty wears off. But if you enjoy survivor‑style games and want something with a darker, more atmospheric twist, this is absolutely worth your time, so expect a mix of triumphant runs and the occasional boss that ends your hopes before you can blink.

Burnout Paradise Remastered is the same Burnout Paradise you know and love, brought back to life for modern consoles. A few outdated mechanics doesn't stop this from being one of the best arcade racers around.

By the end of the game, I felt like I knew these crew members quite intimately which I’m guessing is part of the charm of Tacoma. Like us, these people are flawed individuals and given your involvement as an observer, it almost feels like a psychological experiment. On that note, Tacoma developer Fullbright should be commended on creating a very original game and given they were responsible for Gone Home, it’s great to see them using this premise and adding another layer of complexity with some very clever story telling.

The performance issues from launch seem to be largely gone, making Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Complete Edition a much more attractive proposition than perhaps it previously was.

Halo Wars 2 fills the niche for a console-accessible real-time strategy game admirably. With a simultaneous Windows 10 release, PC gamers who loath console controls can also enjoy 343 Industries and Creative Assembly’s tactical take on Halo with keyboard and mouse, catering to both types of Microsoft’s RTS fanbase. With an interesting main narrative, fun competitive multiplayer modes and the general Halo spirit intact, Halo Wars 2 is an unexpected but very welcome sequel to Halo Wars worth a try for fans of the franchise and RTS games in general.

It could be argued it’s a little pricey for a game that can be quite short… so maybe wait for a sale, but if you like storytelling then you will likely enjoy this title.

Jackbox 11 is a return to form, with the excellent Legends of Trivia and some of the best interpretations of a creative drawing game or funny prompt game, this Party Pack would be an excellent addition to your party nights. If it's a long-standing addition remains to be seen, but I'll be spending a lot of time in Pack 11 in the near future.

Overall it’s a fresh change from the standard jump scare, or shooter mechanic that we have so much of today. It’s a compelling story and one worth putting some time into puzzle solving to uncover. The game is pretty forgiving and not too taxing so if you like a bit of problem solving in a sci-fi setting, this might be just up your alley.

Angry Foot is the most fun game you can play this year. It is fast, funny, punishing, and rewarding all at the same time. It has a great level design, with simple mechanics and a high value of repeatability. There are a few minor technical issues, but it shouldn’t stop you from playing this gem of an action game.

If you're at all curious and don't mind plunging into a unique adventure game from 2003 updated for modern audiences, Beyond Good And Evil-20th Anniversary is a worthwhile way to experience this classic.

If you played this game on another console, there’s probably no real reason to revisit the title again, unless you’re a die-hard fan. However if you’re looking for a well-made first person shooter with plenty of action and soul, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus ticks all the right boxes on the Nintendo Switch as developers Panic Button have successfully ported this game onto a far less powerful console that works like a treat, even with the slight graphical hit!

The new Volta mode is loads of fun, especially with some mates. But the overall FIFA experience is starting to creak, despite an impressive array of bells and whistles.

What other game can make clubbing baby seals so much wicked fun? Even with a maddening camera that jumps around a bit, the game is a blast and a half to play.

Even though Dark Meadow had some combat issues, I still enjoyed this game because it's easily one of the most visually impressive titles on the iOS.

The Darkness II is a total bloodbath that delights in its own malevolence. Highly enjoyable and of course highly recommended.

If you’re a console-only gamer interested in JA3, now is the best time to jump into the game. If you’re a console gamer that also has a PC, I still recommend the PC version as you can enjoy the gamepad support that version has offered since launch, in addition to the PC version’s perks (mods and better graphics options). With a post-launch patch roadmap still currently underway (introducing several new quality-of-life features and new gameplay options), however, both PC and console owners will enjoy the best version of the game together, moving forward. If you’re a lover of turn-based tactical games with RPG elements, try and suppress the noise of all the triple-AAA titles and make some room in your gaming schedule for one of the best games released this year.

If you ever want to create a horror game for a console gaming machine, than Silent Hill Shattered Memories should be used as your template. Not only it is an extremely well written game but the gameplay is quite sturdy on the Wii and is easily one of the better titles available at present.

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

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.

A love-letter to older JRPGS, pushed through a modern filter that manages to hit the sweet spot between nostalgic and new.

Civilization VII brings some massive changes to the formula that may alienate some players, but the core Civilization experience is as good as its ever been.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from Wild Hearts is that I didn’t once find myself lamenting for Monster Hunter. Wild Hearts was perhaps a risky endeavour, but it’s one that’s paid off with impressive results. While genre newcomers can treat the land of Azuma as a gateway to monster hunting, long-standing genre fans will find plenty here to keep them happy until the next Monster Hunter adventure arrives.

Simple enough to pick up, but tricky to really master, UFC2 has a lot going for it and if you are a fan of the sport it’s certainly worth the purchase.

Rise and Fall is a great addition to the Civilization VI foundation, not only because it adds a number of unique and interesting mechanics to the classic Civilization gameplay, but also because it adds a much needed layer of depth to the Civilization VI base game after the franchise’s transition from the content-rich peak of Civilization V. Fans of the series that were reluctant to move from V to VI due to the discrepancy of strategic depth between the two games may find Rise and Fall to fill that complexity void in the Civilization VI base game. I’d also recommend newcomers to the Civilization series pick up Rise and Fall along with the base game for their first foray into the series, as it’s a great showcase for the addictive, strategic depth that the series is renowned for.

It’s a point and click adventure / puzzle game, which is going to immediately turn off the hard-core gamer, but for puzzle game aficionados this one is sure to give you your money's worth.

Takes gaming back to its roots and makes it enjoyable, entertaining and amusing. It may not have the world's greatest graphics or even gameplay but when it comes to story, South Park style comedy and showing a big fat mirror to the world, this is where the game succeeds.

Rift has always been an immersive contender in a market that is tough to compete in. Yet not only has Rift survived, it has flourished - well enough to support an expansion, and Trion Worlds shows love for their game's community with this monster of an update. Many players swear by Rift, and with such a strong and lovingly-crafted expansion, it seems likely that the number will grow. If you already play Rift, then by now you know what an awesome addition Storm Legion is to the game. If not, consider this deep and complex MMORPG a worthy contender for your time.

Call of Duty: WWII is precisely what fans have been clamouring for over the last few years – A return to traditional boots-on-the-ground gameplay with an increased focus on skill and I have no doubt that it will resonate with fans in a way that the last few games have failed to manage.

A nice upgrade from WRC 7, there’s finally a legitimate competitor for the Dirt series. Still, WRC 8 is best suited for those with a wheel setup and/or already fans of the rally race concept.

Overall Nexomon on Switch is much better served in the sequel Nexomon:Extinction, than in this version. Whilst having its moments of fun and slightly addictive gameplay, it is still at its core a mobile game that’s really best enjoyed in smaller 5-10 increments rather than a proper hour or two of normal playtime. It was disappointing to see that no effort was made to update the game from the mobile with the exception of the removal of micro transactions. At £9.99 it is not the most expensive game and would be good for those of you who want to scratch that monster catching itch before the new Pokemon games come out.

A fun, light-hearted entry into the now packed Boomer Shooter genre that does enough different to stand out from the pack. Its addition of bullet-hell style mechanics and use of comedy make this one worth a look.

I’m really not big on all the extra “content” jammed on top of the actual golf but it’s pretty easy to quickly skip through. The graphics of the courses are stunning and it’s a pleasure to go from hole to hole just enjoying the recreation of some of the best golf courses in the world. The swing mechanics are easy to pick up and perhaps a bit more of a challenge to master but as you play you certainly do learn the tricks to improve your game. Highly recommended, more so if you don’t mind turning off the commentary and maybe the music.

Luto is a masterful psychological horror experience that transforms grief into a living, breathing environment. Developed by Broken Bird Games, it delivers a deeply emotional and atmospheric journey that challenges players to confront loss through surreal landscapes, intricate puzzles, and haunting environmental storytelling. While it shares DNA with titles like P.T. and Visage, Luto carves out its own identity through bold narrative choices, exceptional audio-visual design, and a powerful sense of introspection. It is not only one of the most memorable horror games in recent years, but a standout achievement in how video games can explore emotional depth with intelligence and originality.

ChainStaff is a fast-paced action platformer built around a single, highly flexible weapon that blends combat and movement into one system. You explore alien-infested environments while making choices that affect your abilities, progression, and how the story unfolds. It’s a game focused on experimentation, replayability, and learning how to master its unique traversal and combat flow.