Super Mario Party is, without doubt, the best entry in the series since the days of the GameCube. It’s stellar presentation, kooky sense of humour and fantastic mini-games make it for an exceptionally fun party game. Also in the game’s favour is that there is variation in the game mode’s hitherto unseen in a Mario Party. The game is plagued by a lacking amount of boards and a sometimes painfully slow pace but on the whole, there’s a fantastic multiplayer experience in there.

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is a solid game of this series that heralds back to a simpler time but also adds new modern mechanics.

Having a System Shock remake was more of a necessity to experience the lore and story of this game rather than a simple cash grab. Nightdive Studios did a good job of recreating most of the game the same it was with modern standards, especially the combat and UI of the game.

Homeseek is a punishingly bleak post-apocalyptic city builder where every action feels consequential.

Dragon Ball Fusions is a fun adventure in this popular franchise that gives players a new adventure to embark on with lots of cameos, fun storytelling and good (although repetitive) combat mechanics. Sure, there’s a bit of grinding when it comes to leveling up and collecting energy to access new areas but the gameplay works well on the 3DS with that enjoyable Dragon Ball humour. Best of all, the game gives something to both newcomers and fans!

Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is now the best of the series thus far, plus an added bonus of beginning the storyline from the very beginning (to subsequently tackle Darksiders II and III, if desired, and on other platforms). Conversely – and if you’ve played later versions and not the originals, give Darksiders: Warmastered Edition a go. You’ll appreciate the forward steps the series took by stepping backward.

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.

Company of Heroes 3 may not always hit the right notes, but as far as RTS console ports go, it doesn't get much better than this.

Modern Warfare 2 Remastered is a solid return to a genre classic that proves that it still has what it takes to stand up to the big boys, although the lack of multiplayer may be a stinging point for some.

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.

Here’s the Skinny Microids adaptation of Death of the Nile: is a stone-cold groove. Microids has taken the nifty mechanics laid in their previous Poirot joint, Murder on the Orient Express, and refined them til they’re super fine. More than just putting Poirot in some funky threads, the developers have taken the basic plot of Agatha Christie’s classic crime novella and made it their own by expanding on the text by fleshing out minor and tinkering with minor plot points in clever ways, as well as creating a whole far out b plot that takes the already rad tale to some far out places. Ya dig.

I’ve played many deck-building card-battlers in my time, but Signs of the Sojourner is truly unlike anything I’ve played before. The way the developers have managed to distil the concept of a conversation between two people into an engaging card game, while also delivering a heartfelt, open-ended narrative is nothing short of astounding. Couple this with the fantastic visuals and soundtrack, and Signs of the Sojourner becomes a must-play in my books.

R.U.S.E. works as a console RTS game, thanks to its simplified control system and entertaining gameplay.

I would happily recommend the game though, it really is a great mix of XCOM and HOMM and with that touch of humour thrown in it makes for quite the fun play experience. You can either play it as a pick up and go game or thrown in some serious hours just advancing through the game. It’s a decent price point too, not too high for something that has a decent amount of play time available.

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.

Nioh 2 is an fast, frantic and fluid action-RPG experience that will appeal to fans of Code Vein, Dark Souls and Sekiro for its intricate combat and role-playing systems, extensive character customisation and striking historic fantasy Japanese setting. While the storytelling for the main narrative mostly falls flat and is confusing to follow, the rest of the package more than holds up against its predecessor. The game presents a great challenge for those willing to put in the time to master its numerous playstyles it caters, so it might not be a great fit for those seeking a more casual adventure – but it’s definitely recommended for fans of the first game looking for greater refinement and newbies looking for their next great RPG.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a good action game, a great one even. There are just some minor things that stop a whole hearted recommendation.

If you want a fun little challenge, levels that are different each time you play and the ability to use your environment to your advantage more than you might expect… this might be for you. It’s a pretty decent price and whilst it can be quite grueling at times… the chance experiences of intentionally or accidentally beating situations means there’s a lot of value in replaying. A nice little game to have in your collection.

The 60+ hours worth of new and refreshed content is definitely a step in the right direction after the base game’s troubled launch and enhances the existing shoot and loop formula well. While some technical problems persist, the way the team has handled the expansion has given much needed life into the wasteland that can only be further improved upon with subsequent updates. The bulk of Wastelanders’ new story-centric quests are definitely better played solo, but the new events, daily quests and discoverables that come with the update are equally as fun to experience with friends old and new, and signify a brave new direction for the online title going forward.

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.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 promised a revamp and it delivered in spades.

If you loved Bananza, this DLC is a no‑brainer. It’s a banana‑blast of nostalgia and new thrills that keeps the jungle party going—and proves that Donkey Kong still knows how to surprise us.

City Tales embraces a slower, cosier approach to city building. The district system rewards strategic placement rather than constant micromanagement, and the companions add depth to the story and gameplay mechanics. Combined with a soundtrack that quietly adapts to your progress, the game creates a cohesive medieval atmosphere that is easy to settle into. For players looking for a city builder with a rewarding gameplay loop that doesn’t require constant micromanagement, City Tales offers a satisfying alternative.

F1 2021 is a continuation of simple, consistent and well oiled machine that it has done best. Falling short in the same areas it has always done, but scoring perfect points where it matters.

While Code Vein II's narrative leaves a lot to be desired, and the lack of multiplayer is disappointing, the gameplay is incredibly engaging and satisfying. With a few gameplay and performance adjustments, the game stands to be among the best Soulslikes this year.

Many Nights a Whisper is a unique and emotionally resonant game that explores themes of pressure, expectation and destiny. With its meditative gameplay, philosophical storytelling, and stunning atmosphere, it promises to be a memorable experience for players who appreciate thoughtful, narrative-driven games. If you’re looking for something different, reflective and beautifully crafted, this is one to keep an eye on but just be warned, it does become intense, particularly with that final shot.

Taking major inspiration from other indie games in both gameplay and graphical design, Crabmeat is a fun, decently paced horror fishing game with incredible attention-to-detail and lackluster visuals.

For every flaw encountered there are multiple charming moments that are just so winning that you tend to forget about any shortcomings the game has. The world is a joy to explore, the score is absolutely magical and it’s just plain fun. If the flaws were fixed it could be a contender for game of the year, instead it’s just a very good game and one that is very much worth your time.

A remaster can only make a 20-year old game so modern without becoming a remake. Oblivion Remastered makes the old game beautiful, far less clunky, but it's still the old game at its core.

Feels like a long DLC at times but fun enough to be The Batman.

My relationship with Ubisoft in the past couple of years has been sort of a love-hate situation but Avatar Frontiers of Pandora has broken the cycle and feels like a breath of fresh air.

The new games delight, but the split between Jamboree and TV dulls the fun.

Sure, Elder Scrolls Online Tamriel Unlimited has been on the PC for awhile now and although the graphics may not match the PC version, it’s definitely a far smoother experience in terms of gameplay and ZeniMax Online Studios should be commended on creating a great control system that really makes this a sturdy MMORPG experience on the XBox One.

If you loved the original, Windstorm Start of a Great Friendship Remastered almost feels like a different game and best of all its an affordably priced title. In the end, it is tailored at the younger gamer who loves horse riding of the Windstorm franchise that has been nicely recreated on the XSX.

Yes, the characters aren’t remarkable, and it treads the same tarmac as The Last of Us, but Days Gone Remastered feels like a complete game that irons out many of the aesthetic kinks, while adding more meat in the process. Nobody should feel dissatisfied with the remastering job done here, especially seeing as you now get more for your money.

Exo One is solid fun once you have mastered the controls and mechanics.

Wildlands is a fun sandbox open-world shooter from Ubisoft Paris with a massive amount of content that is best experienced with other players in its seamless drop-in, drop-out four-player co-operative multiplayer mode.

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.

Those with a mind for psychology might have questioned why I mentioned Jung in regard to the Ego when the (in)famous Freud introduced the concept… well Jung expanded on it and developed the notion of the collective unconscious and in a way Ctrl Alt Ego is a space station of “minds” just waiting to be connected. If you like puzzle games, a bit of humour with your gaming or just something that is a bit different then grab a copy. It’s quirky and gives you flexibility to play many different ways… for the price there’s a decent bit of replay value. Focus your attention on the game and inhabit it now.

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

Life Goes On - Done to Death is an accomplished little indie that offers up a tangible challenge.

A large, gorgeous world filled with interesting things to find and defeat, that is well worth the time investment, despite the frustrating start.

So, does Final Fantasy VII Remake live up to the standards set all those years ago? Overall, yes. The world is lively, the script is well written and the combat feels natural. There is still a long way to go in the saga yet, but with these bones it feels like Square Enix has the potential to build something great. The first instalment strikes a great balance of catering to long-time fans while opening up the tale to a newer generation. If you don’t like it, there’s always the original. This trip to Midgar is well worth taking, even if it feels like the best may be yet to come.

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.

Overall it’s a fun game and a great way to pass the time. It’s not overly violent (well I mean you are killing creatures, robots etc… but it’s all in comic book style art so it doesn’t come across as gory) so you can play it with younger eyes about (something far more likely to be the case with the current pandemic). It’s pretty decent value too when you consider the replayability of different character types with different strengths and weaknesses and different play options outside the main storyline. If you like RPG’s, roguelikes, tactical card battle games there’s a good chance you will enjoy this.

With fun gameplay, albeit slightly repetitive, Zombie Apocalypse perfectly sums up this genre as you send them back to the hell verse they crawled out from.

Goat Simulator 3 is a truly amusing an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Paper Trail is an endearing and unique puzzle adventure where you MUST fold under pressure.

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III (aka Rainbow Islands 2) is a fantastic action platformer, with a unique hook, bright visuals, bonkers character design, and catchy tunes that will leave you twirling your umbrella and singing in the rain.

Cairn stands out as a gripping grounded climbing experience. It is demanding without feeling unfair striking without softening its edges and honest in its portrayal of a woman trying to outrun the life she left behind. Whether on PC or Steam Deck this is a climb that stays with you long after you return to base, particularly the metaphysical ending.

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.

Easily one of the best DLC's for this game at the moment.

If you're looking for true control and almost an unlimited war-game scope, than Hearts of Iron III is your game, however it would have been nice if some of the bugs were fixed before the release.

Nat Geo Quiz! Wild Life is another fun quiz game to this genre on the PlayStation 3 and although it doesn't use the Buzz! controllers which is a shame, the PS3 controllers work almost as well.

In conclusion, Batman the Brave and the Bold the Videogame is a slick arcade beat 'em up that pays homage well to the cartoon series and is a fun game to play from start to finish.

While the gameplay relies on being grindy and some of the narrative elements fall short, Rollerdrome still offers a highly enjoyable experience, especially for fans of action games.

As you fight your way to victory, whether online or offline, developers Iron Galaxy should be commended on a flawless conversion to the XBox 360.

Whether you play the Story mode or the Arcade Mode Contra: Operation Galuga is a fun time and definite return to form for the series even with its few teething problems the gameplay alone does enough to make playing this one worth it in my opinion.

At the end of the day, Worms 2: Armageddon is an entertaining game and is a breath of fresh air from stock standard sports and shooters.

All’s Justice delivers fast, explosive 3v3 battles where every character feels distinct and full of personality. The game mixes intense combat with exploration, missions, and collectibles, giving fans a lot to dive into. Despite a few rough spots, it stands as a polished, content-rich experience that celebrates everything My Hero Academia has to offer.

Any keen puzzle gamer will undoubtedly relish the amount of challenge and sense of achievement to be found in The Room. Although the game does tend to become slightly monotonous at times, the overall game design and the level of challenge is enough to keep the average player intrigued.

At the end of the day, The Godfather II is an apt game that manages to successfully recreate the world of the movies with some good gameplay, interesting stories and an almost sandbox like approach.

A Mash up game with surprising fun game play!

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

If you need some escapism from COVID-19 Earth, then Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is your elixir to freedom and is truly a fun and immersive experience on the PSVR, albeit a little repetitive at times but it’s the only place to feel like a Jedi Boss!

The Banner Saga 3 is a fitting and triumphant conclusion to the franchise. It’s not without its small problems, but the overall experience is polished and deeply rewarding. It may be completely inaccessible to newer players, but people who have stuck with it will not be disappointed.

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.

So far, Hitman has shown that it can produce on the grandest stage. The transition from the last generation to this generation has allowed Hitman to showcase that it can produce expansive environments as seen in Paris and stylish atmospherics like in Sapienza.

This unexpected drop of Lara’s first reboot adventure onto Switch 2 was a pleasant surprise, both from its general existence and from the inclusion of its multiplayer mode, solid performance, and low price. While it may not necessarily be the best way of playing it these days, thanks to the visual sacrifices made, it’s still a perfectly decent port, and I had a lot of fun revisiting Yamatai Island.

Disney Magical World 2 on the 3DS is truly a magical and fun experience on this portable console and offers some fun replay value and one of the best supporting casts in a game!

Sprinkle in the fact that it's a polished older game that is packed full of fun and there will be little reason why gamers won't be fighting their way through a hellishly altered version of Mars for quite some time to come.

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.

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.

High on Life is an enjoyable yet silly first person shooter that works on most levels. While the humour sometimes misses he target, for the most part it is quite a witty and humouress story with interesting protagonists and antagonists to be found along the way as you explore this immersive alien shooter. Definitely a game for those looking for something unique yet different in the first person shooter genre.

World of Warcraft: Shadowlands breathes new life into an aging MMORPG with some fun new features and an excellent story.

An original and compelling experience. No other game gives you so much excitement when opening the door.

THQ's Darksiders may not be the most original game, however it works by giving the player a fun gaming experience that attempts to be clever at certain times and actually succeeds.

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

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.

A marvellous mind bending murder mystery that puts your deductive reasoning skills to the test.

Is Planet Coaster 2 going to replace the original as my go-to park builder just yet? No, but it almost definitely will in the future. It’s early days, and to discredit the work that Frontier has put into Planet Coaster 2 would do them a huge disservice – there simply aren’t any other studios out there that push out such quality games. It’s still a way off becoming the ultimate theme park builder, but if other Frontier titles are to go by, give it a little time (and a little polish) and Planet Coaster 2 will undoubtedly be the sandbox my dreams.

Mr.Driller DrillLand is a colourful and bubbly experience filled with addicting and rewarding gameplay as well as an amazing soundtrack. The story and characters are simple, leaving a lot to be desired but is suited for its target audience. While the main campaign is short, there are still plenty of levels remaining afterwards with high replayability.

Overall it’s a very solid packaged. Both games are fantastic in their own way and still hold up. The feature upgrades available in Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy IX are nowhere to be found when they would have been most welcome. Considering the upcoming Final Fantasy XII remaster also contains these features makes this package stand out all the more. It is also a steep price point. Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster may include two full games, but charging $80 seems a little ridiculous. Despite this it still comes highly recommended. Maybe just wait for a sale first.

In the end, Glee Karaoke Revolution Volume 2 on the Nintendo Wii is easily a must have game for Glee fans or "Gleeks" because some thought did go into making this title. Best of all, it is a game that can be played by people of all ages, whether you're 5 or 50 and with a few twists and turns thrown there and there, it's not your average Karaoke game. Add in 20 songs and you'll soon be a certified member of New Directions, whether solo or through multiplayer. Given these facts, Glee Karaoke Revolution Volume 2 is definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of Glee and Karaoke games.

Tokyo Xtreme Racer is a focused arcade-style racing game that puts you on Tokyo’s highways to challenge rivals and climb the street racing scene. You customize your cars, tune performance, and unlock abilities while battling drivers using the unique Spirit Point system. The game combines high-speed duels, strategic upgrades, and a gritty nighttime atmosphere for a tense and addictive racing experience.

Somerville is a true “short and sweet” gaming experience that really throws a spanner into traditional storytelling and gaming.

Tales of Berseria Remastered is a great game despite some disappointing aspects. The new improvements make gameplay noticeably better but the drawbacks make the experience a little worse than it could have been.

Another Code: Recollection brings together a pair of stone cold cult classics Switch owners wont want to miss.

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom Prince's Edition still provides an engaging story with endearing characters and simplistic, fun combat despite including a few bugs.

If you like horror, the macabre or the notion of taking a personal voyage through Dante’s Inferno with a touch of Gigeresque visuals… this may be up your alley (or down your abyssal chasm).

It's pure fighting from the get go that gives the gamer a ton of variety.

In the end, EA have created another fun game on the iPad and iPad 2 and have successfully ported their Need for Speed universe onto this format. The gameplay works well on the iPad and the controls are almost perfect, although a little simplistic at times.

One Piece Pirate Warriors 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable game that works best in medium doses. The game is oozing with One Piece references that I'm sure fans will get a huge kick out. Even if you are not familiar with the series, the game is still extremely accessible. In terms of combat, it's probably one of the most enjoyable games I've played all year as I play pirate superhero and knock my enemies into the air.

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is a heartfelt love letter to the early days of Disney and the delightfully weird shorts that built the house of Mouse brick by brick. More than that it’s the kind of lovingly crafted platformer, with a unique hook, a gorgeous world to explore, and new adventures around every corner. There’s a word to describe it, its just on the tip of my tongue – monumentous?

The final episode of Life is Strange: Before the Storm solidifies its well-deserved place as one of the best prequel entries to a popular gaming franchise ever. It captures the original series aesthetic and narrative tone while successfully introducing its own new and unique story elements that enhance rather than subtract from the original game’s established setting. Its shorter episode count did feel like the reason for many storylines falling by the wayside in favour of Chloe, but its great writing throughout and emotional ending brings a satisfying conclusion to the overall LiS saga – though there is still one more bonus episode coming in 2018 for owners of the Deluxe Edition to look forward to.

Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is definitely a story-heavy game. My favorite parts were the eeriness of the storyline, the dialogue (and acting) of all the characters (especially the narrator), and the twist at the end. I would have preferred more jump scares and the ability to skip through some dialogue (that was a bit slow), but overall it was an enjoyable game to play.

Without the review copy, I might not have taken the leap to jump into what is essentially a great quality of life improvement on an already pretty strong base experience. My advice would be to wait for a sale to come around, it’s definitely worth your time, but maybe not quite your money.

If you love RTS games (and can stand a few movement/AI issues) then this is a great looking, interesting take on the genre. I still love the paintings that inspired the game and the idea of being able to “live in their world” for a while is pretty appealing in and of itself.