This year in Madden they really stepped up their game, ‘Long Shot’ is one of the best things Madden players have seen in a while, and many players wanted it. ‘Long Shot’ had its many faults but going forward in the next few Madden’s the Career Mode will get better and it will be more interesting. Lovers of Madden should get this game because it has many new additions. If you haven’t got a Madden in a while it’s a good idea to get this one. But all together, Madden 18 is a good game with many new perks, and it’s headed in the right direction.

Kaiju Wars is a slick satirical strategy game that fans of a good monster movie marathon are bound to enjoy.

While doing nothing to fix the base game’s performance issues, The Indigo Disk’s expertly designed Double Battles, fun exploration and charming storyline make for a solid conclusion to this DLC expansion.

If you’re not particularly physically active or dislike playing one on one matches against real life opponents, then it’s probably wise to give SPARC a miss, as the single player options are admittedly lacking. For everybody else though, I’d recommend strapping on a shield and diving into the fray, as the community, mechanics and gameplay are all top tier and have the potential to suck in even those who are notoriously adverse to organised sports… I’m living proof of that.

Even though Shadows of the Damned is relatively short game (10+ hours), it's actually quite satisfying and even when you died more than a dozen times, you just want to continue playing because every chapter that you play offers something uniquely different, whether through its demon fights, puzzles or power-ups.

The Night Springs DLC is a decent but flawed expansion. Among the three different episodes, only Time Breaker was truly a Remedy experience and others lacked the quality in terms of gameplay and world-building. It was a fresh experience but wasn’t appealing enough for me to go back to it again.

Sony’s more esoteric puzzle and rhythm-based games are a bit of an acquired taste, with the pervading cheeriness and garish graphics serving as a turn off for some, but if you dig on these kind of games then LocoRoco 2 offers up a nice evolution upon the formula of the first title.

Voidwrought is a simple but fun Metroidvania with rich and amazing lore. Even though the game lacks a certain thread of story to follow and becomes unbalanced halfway through the game, its magical soundtracks and strangely beautiful art style are effective enough to give it a try.

No Man’s Sky Next on the Xbox One/X is still an ambitious experience and although it has been improved in terms of gameplay, control mechanics and visuals, the game is unfortunately still repetitive, however strangely it is quite compelling as you explore your very own universe. It’s also a game that still needs more content, especially when it comes to story and the AI of the aliens that you encounter. Nonetheless, revisiting this game 2 years later is still an interesting and entertaining yet flawed experience.

It may not be the most original RPG game on the market or attempt to add a curve ball into the future of the RPG market but at the end of the day, it's competent on most levels.

RAGER blends rhythm gameplay with fast paced melee combat to create a VR experience that feels energetic and physically engaging. While the campaign is surprisingly short, the combat mechanics, weapon variety, and freestyle options make it easy to keep coming back for more sessions. It may still have room to grow, but its style, music, and satisfying gameplay make it a strong addition to the VR rhythm genre.

Controls are quite responsive, graphics are cute and all in all, New Little King Story is probably the most fun I've had on the VITA in months!

As the difficulty level ramps up, so does the frustration level and then Kung Fu Rabbit unfortunately becomes easier to put down. Despite this gripe, Kung Fu Rabbit is a delight to look at and so simple to play that it still is a much welcomed revisit of the platforming genre.

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.

Restore Your Island may be a relatively short experience, but it succeeds in delivering a relaxing and rewarding gameplay loop supported by light humour and a strong sense of progression. While its mechanics can become repetitive over time, the steady visual transformation of the island provides enough motivation to keep going. The game’s laid-back pacing, combined with its Walkman-controlled soundtrack, makes it an ideal escape from the noise of everyday life. It’s a game that doesn’t demand much from the player, instead offering a calm and satisfying experience that can be enjoyed at your own pace. With additional content updates and expanded systems, Restore Your Island has the potential to grow into something truly special. As it stands, it’s a charming and enjoyable experience—perfect for players looking to unwind, recharge, and enjoy a small but meaningful sense of accomplishment.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr does a great job of offering a compelling new culture, quest-lines and high-quality content for new and lapsed players to get back into the game with minimal confusion, particularly thanks to solid tutorials and a well-written narrative. The game’s strengths will, of course, mostly appeal to long-time players, and while the dragon aspect of the expansion is a little on the conservative side in terms of execution, anything involving the Khajiit hits all the right notes. If you’re searching for a great MMO to play on console or want to get lost in the extensive and fantastical lore of Elder Scrolls, ESO: Elsweyr makes a compelling new case.

In the end, Crush 3D is probably the best puzzle game on the Nintendo 3DS that creates an interesting 2D platformer but with the 3D capabilities of the console. Confusing... a little but does it work? It sure does! With a plethora of interesting and challenging levels plus some wonderful designed gaming environments, although at times a little bland, Crush 3D is an addictive puzzle experience that plays very well on the 3DS, especially with its control system.

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.

Crimson Alliance is a great game to pick up. Grab some extra remotes because it's teamwork time.

Compared to the other games in the series, Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice is a step in the right direction with the mini-games and disguises that are available.

Overall Real Bout Fatal Fury 2: The Newcomers is a solid re-release offering more than enough gameplay and netcode refinement to keep a Fighting game enthusiast sated. With the practice and Player vs CPU mode, this should offer an entry point for “Newcomers” as well. The only real gripe is the price at £16.75. This is on the higher end for a re-release but hopefully this does not discourage people from buying and trying out this game.

With a terrific new fever racket system and wonderful couch coop mechanic, Mario Tennis Fever is a highlight of the longstanding series.

I say this is a great game to have in your collection and I’d even recommend it for party game night or to just invite an online friend to so friendly competition. Create your own play by play and enjoy your time at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo 2020.

I quite enjoyed Terminator 2D: No Fate. Having been a big fan of the ’90s Terminator 2 game, this was a touch of nostalgia mixed with a modern twist (almost like someone went back in time and altered the original game). I’m not entirely sure it’s worth the price tag… even with the different difficulty settings and the occasional points where you can choose how to proceed… it’s still mostly the same basic game. That’s not to say it isn’t worth getting… just maybe wait for a sale, unless you are a super fan and just want all the T2 goodness you can get… in which case, go for it.

Victoria II is a Grand Strategy game, feel the heady power of running a country.

All up it’ll take you roughly 6-10 hours (11 if you are me) to finish the game. It is a sobering experience to play through but does not weigh too heavily which it certainly could have considering the subject matter. There are moments of humour and action in its own very unique and special way. This title was a delight to play and to experience a very uniquely told story. I do recommend it.

Unravel isn’t a bad game on any level but it can be frustrating and the margin of error is not very forgiving for some of the puzzles. Nonetheless, it does have its moments of glory which did keep me interested and motivated to finish the game.

Overall Trials of Mana 3-D Remake is essentially that a remake, for fans of Secret of Mana I would suggest playing the original version of Trials of Mana which can be found in the Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch. For anyone who has not played a Mana game before then you really can not go wrong with this version, Square Enix have really done a good job at breathing new life into a 25 year old game whilst keeping to its roots as a 16 bit Classic.

Mechanically solid and getting better with each month, The Elder Scrolls Online is one of the better MMORPG options available on current gen consoles.

Bendy and the Ink Machine is an easy recommend to anyone looking for a clever and visually unique little puzzler with some pretty dang fun chase sequences and combat scenarios liberally sprinkled throughout.

If in doubt… wait for a sale, but if you are a fan of the series you will have a pretty good idea of what to expect here… but now you can enjoy it in the far more personal VR perspective. I’d recommend it.

For the price it’s great value, especially for anyone familiar with Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone’s work.

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

Ryza’s third adventure heartily welcomes even newcomers to the series with its cozy characters and story, but its combat and crafting systems leave a lot up to the player to figure out and/or decide without giving sufficient guidance – for better and for worse.

PowerWash Simulator 2 takes everything good about its predecessor and makes it shinier. New gameplay, equipment, environments, coop play and a home base dynamic will delight fans of the original.

Overall Röki is a thoroughly modern take on the Point and Click genre, adding the ability to highlight intractable objects really gives anyone the ability to play and enjoy this game.

It’s a fully packed game that deserves to see some DLC or maybe an Ember 2. It’s a good jaunt for those old school gaming funs that love their sword and sorcery with combat, crafting and cool items and skills. Ember is worth a go. Have fun, play games.

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!

Look, let’s be straight here – The Ezio Collection is a fairly lazy port. Minimal effort has been made to improve the games either graphically or mechanically and there’s absolutely no reason to pick this up if you already own the previous gen versions of the games.

The Detail Episode 2: From The Ashes is not as strong or expertly crafted as the first episode, and its rough edges certainly show, but it provides a stable foundation for the next episode.

For those of us who played Outlaws when it first came out, it’s a great treat to jump back into that world (especially without having to dust off the old CD and fiddle with compatibility modes). For those new to the game, the retro charm of the gameplay and the subject matter may be a fresh change from the standard sci-fi or World War shooter fare that tends to dominate the FPS category. Yes, there are some frustrating issues with the game… but those are simply elements we had to put up with back in the day, and the extra content provided here helps give you something to explore while your emotions cool from falling off a ledge or getting stuck figuring out where you need to go next. Worth a look for fans of the original release or for those who love a bit of retro gaming… maybe wait for a sale, but even at full price, there’s a lot here to enjoy or reminisce about.

In conclusion, Midnight Mysteries Salem Witch Trials works on most levels and contains some exceptional graphics and a haunting soundtrack. Puzzles are not as difficult as some other hidden object games but unfortunately the replay value is quite limited to either one or two attempts.

In the end, Asphalt 3D is a decent successor to this series on the DS and the 3D graphics look great on Nintendo's new 3DS console. There's plenty of fun and variety to be had in this game, however the sometimes touchy control system does become a thorn in your side because generally a crash means you've lost the race, especially in the last lap.

Final Fantasy IX is a fantastic game with an average port. The price is steep for a 20 year old game with no major upgrades. But once you start playing you won't be able to put it down.

Please, Touch The Artwork 2 is a playful and poignant journey through the surreal world of James Ensor, inviting players to explore and interact with iconic paintings in surprising, meaningful ways. With its charming skeleton protagonist and clever object-finding mechanics, the game transforms fine art into an accessible, emotionally resonant experience.

Carmen Sandiego, is a good educational adventure game that targets a younger audience (especially those that have watched the animated tv series on Netflix) but still pays homage to the original version. Especially in regard to the cold case files that have a retro feel in terms of the graphics. The mini puzzles are not hard, but they are repetitive, so it would be nice to see more layers of difficulty and variety. The same goes with the options of cities to travel to. I found myself revisiting the same ones over and over and would have liked more options available to provide more exploration. Having to replay capers or solving the cold cases (just to gain more XP) took some fun out of the game because it felt limiting (and more like a chore), but I liked how it was easy to just pick up and play, then put down when I wanted a break.

Now featuring an enhanced X-Factor system and NHL EDGE integration, NHL 26 improves over NHL 25 in emphasis on individual player tendencies and statistical capture.

Disney Speedstorm is a unique take on the Kart racing genre. Attempting to be free to play in the hopes to gain favour. Riddled with microtransactions and lacking in spirit, the game unfortunately falls a bit flat.

MOUSE: P.I. for Hire is absolutely gorgeous eye and ear candy, but falls short in execution.

With that being said, the game is good, it is very good and would be a perfect start to a player's introduction into a cards battle game, and the world of Magic the Gathering. It has plenty of challenges to throw at experienced players and enough here to teach newbies to defend themselves in deck combat.

Space Adventure Cobra: The Awakening brings Buichi Terasawa’s iconic space rogue to life with a mix of faithful adaptation and sharp 2D action. While a few technical hiccups and repetitive bosses keep it from perfection, the game’s style, charm, and variety shine through. It’s a bold, entertaining adventure that delivers for longtime fans while remaining welcoming to newcomers.

An excellent gaming experience full of nostalgia and some giggles too (read the movie posters before you think about changing them to your own… there are some nice “alternate versions” of movies).

If it weren't for unlocking more things and seeing what the different characters have to say, it can get a little boring and uninteresting.

Full House Poker is well worth the time or in this case the past time. Full House Poker is a fun game for its single player mode or its multiplayer mode and beautiful whimsical graphics and use of our avatars.

The game is a good jaunt into an incredible realm of sword and sorcery, any fan of the genre would be happy to have this one in their gaming collection.

For all of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed incredible game play, there is not a huge amount of replay value here.

For devoted RPG fans looking for a traditional RPG, this could be worth a look, but for myself, I will keep waiting unfortunately.

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

To summarize it all. Pac-Man 99 is my favorite of the Nintendo battle royals (Goodbye to Mario 35). It is fast paced; it is fun, and it is addictive. You will catch yourself turning a 10-minute quickplay into a 2-hour power run to be the champion. It may get repetitive as these types of games tend to do, but if you enjoy Pac-Man and miss arcades and high score competitions then please try it. Remember its free… sort of.

In conclusion, Madballs in Babo is an interesting game that throws a new spin on classic third person shooters and this game would not look out of place on a Nintendo Wii, however thankfully it’s on the XBox. An interesting game that unfortunately becomes a tad too repetitive, however it’s definitely worth the entry price.

At the end of the day, Cursed Mountain is actually a step in the right direction on the Wii and attempts to create something unique and strangely original on a console that is unfortunately dominated by high-end console ports or casual games.

All in all, I think the game has not aged particularly well. As such, it's a reasonably well-executed conversion let down by some frustrating controls and difficult-as-ever gameplay.

In conclusion, Ghost Harvest will definitely waste your time but that's the goal of these addictive games. So if you're looking for something different and a combination of social game meets tower defense, than you really check out this and best of all, it's "free"... sort of.

For now, a solid party game and is well worth a go at your next get together.

The story is deep and for those Brothers In Arms fans that have followed and played the other games in the series franchise, many things are answered.

In conclusion, Wolfenstein is a sturdy game with some very impressive graphics, however in terms of offering the gaming community something new, it's unfortunately lacking in this department.

With Limbo's gorgeous presentation and challenging puzzles its one of the best games on Xbox Live.

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster brings a classic 90s shooter back with smoother performance, updated visuals, and modern controls while staying true to its original design. You play as Kyle Katarn, tackling mission-based levels filled with exploration, combat, and light puzzle solving against the Empire. While some older mechanics can feel dated, the core gameplay and Star Wars atmosphere still make it an enjoyable experience.

A small yet valiant leap forward, PS5 Madden remains a snazzy if still somewhat flawed gridiron offering.

A cozy gaming, niche snapshot into the life of a Hobbit, and done well. Presentation and execution can use a little work, but overall a solid encapsulation of a day in the Shire.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos is a throwback, different, and quirky title that looks, sounds and plays just like its original 21 years ago. It’s a more obscure entry into both series, thus not a must have, with some unique translation, characters, and art style.

NFS Heat is a great attempt to return to ye old form of previous titles. A strong foundation to build upon.

Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek translates R.L. Stine’s spooky charm into an interactive adventure that’s more fun than frightening. With its kid-oriented scares, campy atmosphere, and simple mechanics, it feels designed to let younger players dip their toes into horror without going too far. Parents will likely appreciate how the game balances lighthearted chills with safe, nostalgic entertainment the whole family can share.

Dead Rising 3 Apocalypse Edition is a confused but enjoyable zombie-killing sim.

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

This is a freemium game but still a game, so I just have to ask the question - where is the fun? Forgotten, it seems.

An addictive, top down rogue-like survival thriller that will have you looking around every corner for each new threat, desperate to find that next tank of oxygen or ammo, to survive another day!

Minecraft Dungeons is the perfect distraction and while it doesn’t offer much in terms of originality, it’s an enjoyable block… err… hack ‘n slash game set the wonderful backdrop of Minecraft in this family friendly version of Diablo with good gameplay, graphics and audio to help get you lost in pure entertainment. It’s also a game that is played better with friends so if you need some mindless entertainment, check out Minecraft Dungeons!

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.

Ultimately your enjoyment of the Switch port comes down to whether you value accessibility over performance. XCOM 2 is a fantastic game and is a great title to play on the go If you are looking for the definitive XCOM experience it may be best to stick to the PC version. If you can handle the performance issues and you’ve already burned through the Switches excellent library of similar titles then this game is absolutely worth recommending.

One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition is a decent addition to the stable of Nintendo Switch games and of course from a Once Piece perspective. It’s a fun experience on the Nintendo Switch with lots of quests to embark on and is a relatively sturdy gaming system. The multiplayer component of the game could have been fleshed out more but nonetheless, it creates a fun game for fans of the One Piece series.

The Phoenix Gene is a bold and stylish VR rail shooter that blends fast-paced gameplay, multidimensional mechanics, and an ambitious sci-fi narrative. It’s an ambitious VR experiment full of potential, hampered by occasional design friction but buoyed by rich ideas and immersive storytelling. While its execution can feel a bit uneven, the game's creativity, replayability, and visual flair make it a compelling experience for fans of action-heavy VR titles.

Ultimately this is a collection for those who enjoy a bit of retro gaming. If you are looking for deep strategy and high fidelity graphics and sound… well any disappointment is on you for looking at a collection of classic arcade games to find that. But for those of us who grew up with arcades as a large part of our world of entertainment… this might just cause the odd pang of sentimentality. How many of the games you like will likely determine how good the value is… as I said, I’m a big fan of The New Zealand Story so it’s a pretty good collection just for that one (though liking a few more of the games does help to justify the pricetag).

The controls are fairly simple, and the experience is a good challenge, which will require you to engage. You never lose your progress (as there is no absolute death), and when you lose (or flee) combat, you can return to your latest home point. It is challenging but not punishing, which provides a balance which suits the overall style of mystery. I like the unique experience that Tenderfoot Tactics offers the player. The dreamy, eerie, and etheric world is well formed and encourages a dream like meander through the space. The enchanting visuals are the hero of the game which makes the world well worth the exploration.

So the big question… is it a good game? Well it depends on what you want. If you enjoy extreme micromanagement and like the idea of persistent troops then you might love this game. If you come from the early days of RTS, from games like Dune 2 and Command and Conquer then this might be too much fiddling about. Consider your playing preferences before buying and if this is likely to be for you (and maybe wait for a sale).

A thoughtful Indie puzzler that's worth lurking in the shadows for.

While it has a few gameplay issues and isn't too long to beat at about 8 hours, the game still provides a great experience beat 'em up fans will especially enjoy.

Trials of Mana is a visually impressive game with fun combat and engaging characters. It’s a game I would definitely recommend to fans of the series or any JRPG fans out there as it’s a solid remake that offers players a better way to play the original game.

Overall Hitman Absolution is a solid addition to the Nintendo Switch library and whilst it may not be for all the die hard Hitman fans there is enough there for portable fans to enjoy. With the announcement as said above Switch 2 owners may want to holdout on purchasing until the free update comes out next year.

With big improvements, yet still some solid flaws, F1 2023 comes up pretty strong but still with a lot of room to grow.

Worms 4 is a competent entry that makes for an enjoyable handheld experience and one that fans both old and new will find more than enough to hold their interest.

The story is less important than stomping around in a giant ‘mech and that’s okay. It’s fun and engaging, though after awhile can get repetitive.

I Am Setsuna is a little too shallow at times to truly stand out as a worthy successor to its precursors but, if you have a hankering for a throwback to Square’s golden age of RPGs but with a current generation sheen applied, it’s worth giving the game a look even if it doesn’t quite manage to reinvent the wheel.

A fun and lighthearted couch co-op multiplayer game with a simple, but appealing home renovation gameplay formula fine-tuned for party chaos!

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is the third iteration of the 2D platformer and the game continues to be another brilliant Kong quest. A ton of diverse levels, an ample amount of replayability, exceptional controls, noteworthy audio design, and rambunctious gameplay effortlessly fills your heart up with joy. The difficulty may still be a bit harsh for some and lack of updates is extremely underwhelming, but Donkey Kong Country Returns HD proves that Donkey Kong is still going strong! Okay!

At the end of the day, The Game of Life from EA Games makes the transition from the physical to the virtual perfectly and this is one title that should be taken away with the whole family during vacations.

Go Mecha Ball’s splash of creativity, colorful world, and addicting gameplay will make you pull the plunger over and over to obtain that perfect run. Help Cat Rascal and her crew escape by flipping triggers, bouncing off of enemies, and boosting to victory.

Samurai Showdown for the Switch is a brilliant reboot of a terrific classic fighter. Its unique fighting mechanics persist, backed by a beautiful presentation upgrade. Still, its online community is lacking, and its uniqueness may be off-putting to many.