In conclusion, Spectrobes: Origins is a good attempt at moving the franchise to the console world and works on most levels. The unfortunate aspect of the game is that the RPG aspect seems too contrived and does not add to the genre anything new.

While the psychological and supernatural horror elements aren’t as well conveyed in the writing or voice-acting as bigger budget games, the effort and detail put into the shifting setting, sound design and visual presentation offer up an enjoyable and immersive horror game experience.

Despite the kinks and knitpicks, Legend of the Gobbos will endear players with its accommodating easiness, making it a lovely, gentle and ideal welcoming to retro gaming for children, while giving adult retro lovers a pleasing blast from the past to indulge in. It's not perfect obviously and it lacks the inspiration and magic of its contemporaries, but all the same it was a good game for its time that deserves to be experienced. The remastering effort on display here is lovely and should certainly entertain and please gamers young and old. A legendary platformer it may not be, but Legend of the Gobbos is certainly a worthwhile adventure that's returned with a solid remastering effort.

What The Pillar: Puzzle Escape lacks in length, it makes up for in creativity and easily a fun experience for younger gamers. Players will get to explore a unique open world map as they search for clues and complete simple puzzles to progress to the next level. Older players won’t find any real value in this game and are better off investing their time in something a bit more challenging. However, parents who want to help their children’s creative problem solving and memory skills should look into this game as an educational and development tool to stimulate young minds.

Rogue Continuum on PC serves as a nice distraction for gamers that harkens back to those classic shooters of the 80's with a modern twist thrown in for fun.

Lovely combination of base builder and tactics, have fun getting lost in a corrupted national park as you scavenge and rebuild.

Grounded is a fantastic survival game with a compelling core gameplay loop and a marvelous retro aesthetic that is bound to scratch the nostalgic itch of gamers of a certain vintage. On Switch, it’s another one of those seemingly impossible ports that feel magical just by its very existence. However, thanks to its technical issues and stripped-back presentation and performance, it’s hard to recommend to anyone with another system they could play it on.

Fitness Fables is a fitness and sports game that keeps you engaged with the workouts by having a magical story attached to your actions. The game successfully makes working out more exciting and takes the stress off the demanding pressure your body goes through by giving you a different purpose to complete your grueling labors. Some exercises feel a bit awkward and unfair, but nothing beats doing squats in the comfort of your own home to shield yourself from the magical blasts of a giant tree beast.

SouthEnd Interactive have put some effort into this "remake" and it supports both purists and newcomers who wish to check out a classic arcade game. The visuals are good, considering the age of this game and the gameplay still works.

In conclusion, Dragon Quest VI is pure Japanese RPG and harkens back to a simpler time of exploration, turn-based combat and characters that sometimes never stop talking... err... texting. The problem with Dragon Quest VI is that it doesn't offer the player anything new in terms of new gameplay which is like playing a similar game of this genre 5 or 10 years ago. However there is something endearing about this title that offers both relaxation and excitement. Even though I've seen it all before, there was something inside me that wanted me to keep playing due to the combat, class customisation, discoveries and to an extent the story.

Master Lemon: The Quest for Iceland turns a deeply personal tribute into a meaningful adventure, where every new word shapes how you see and interact with the world.

All in all, the game is fun and addictive, if you’re into racing but are looking for a difference then WRC is definitely one to try. It’s all the fun of racing, with a little less pressure compared to being thrown onto a track with 10+ other guys to beat, dodging cars and racing for immediate on-track position, instead it’s you more or less racing the clock with the challenge of doing the best time. It’s probably not worth the price tag, the cheapest being around the $89 mark, so best to wait it out for it to come down a bit but if you’re a racing fan looking for a bit of difference and challenge it’s definitely worth looking into.

LEGO The Hobbit is a fun game with a sturdy gaming engine but it definitely doesn't give this genre anything new.

Payday 2 Crimewave Edition boasts countless new features such as the Crime.Net feature that allows for seamless and riveting gameplay sequences.

Inayah: Life after Gods has all the makings of a great Metroidvania game, there are definitely areas where the game could be improved and frightened up. The UI could be a lot less clunky to use and Inayah could do with an off switch for her quips; But overall the artstyle and controls make this game well worth playing and I would be keen to try any other games that this studio produces.

Total Chaos is a survival horror game that drops you into a decaying island filled with danger and mystery. You scavenge, craft, and fight to stay alive while uncovering what went wrong in this isolated place. It blends tense exploration with layered survival mechanics to create a dark and unsettling journey.

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.

In conclusion, Operation Flashpoint: Red River is an interesting game that fits somewhere between Call of Duty: Black Ops and ArmA II. The game has been consoled down which is not a bad thing because the control system works quite well on the XBox 360. The single-player game is a little lacklustre but the developers should be commended on the realism incorporated into the game. However where it does shine is by playing online and with more DLC coming soon, this game might keep quite a few busy in the coming months.

I would say wait for a special as I think it’s a little steep in the price department for only one hour of play… but if they do indeed add more to it in the future then that price is going to start seeming more and more reasonable. If nothing else this shows what the future of VR education can be, it’s done in a compelling and fun way that is sure to add a bit of knowledge to the average user… even if only osmotically. A great experience and I look forward to what they bring out next!

A challenging 3D first-person platformer that will put both your skills and sanity to the test. Are you ready to come back.... Again.

Potion Permit may not be the best life simulation or harvesting game you would play, but experiencing it shouldn’t be empty of pleasure.

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.

A solid update to the F1 Manager franchise that adds some much needed mechanical depth with the mentality system and new Create A Team mode.

It’s not a complicated game, it’s not overly big (though there is a level editor and steamworks integration) but it’s a good bit of fun and easy to just pick up and play for a few moments between other things. The price is about right for what you get too, not too expensive but not so cheap that the creative team is selling themselves short (I hope).

Saros, while not without some notable flaws, is still an engaging, intricately crafted, and intriguing roguelike action game that sets a new bar for Housemarque as an upgrade to Returnal in many ways.

When an indie title comes along that dares to deliver a sensationally speedy effort coupled with a tool that spotlights its exhilarating gameplay, you know you’ll be in for one heck of a treat. Pepper Grinder really is that kind of treat, and while it is short and carries a few bugbears with it, you won’t soon forget Pepper Grinder. The fantastically drill-tastic gameplay will keep you coming back again and again, but not for long, as you’ll just wish there was more to go around. Pepper Grinder is too brief to fully satisfy, but on the other hand, you’ll want to lap it all up regardless. Ultimately Pepper Grinder is seasoned beautifully, but this dish could’ve used some more fiber to encourage peristalsis.

If you enjoy exploring rich, unsettling worlds while uncovering a story one step at a time, I highly recommend checking out Incantation.

Overall, this is an excellent port; things have definitely come along way since this was first seen in arcades, some of the fundamentals of the game certainly still hold up to modern races, particularly the driving. For those that spent their youth racing around these three tracks this is definitely worth a download, for those who love racing games and have little or no experiences playing this game, it is also worth a look just to see what was popular years ago.

If you want a great modern update to a side-scrolling classic… this is a good choice. It has just the right amount of visual enhancement to not look stale whilst not losing its retro charm. The levels are quite brutal but repeated attempts help you get the hang of how to tackle the enemies. If side-scrolling gaming is your thing… give it a go.

Worth a look if you enjoy the idea of racing but find it can be a bit boring… throw in some explosions and falling buildings and it may just keep you going.

I really enjoyed this game but its repetition and lack of communication with the player ultimately frustrated me personally. That said, it is so gorgeous to look at and control I would play it again. Crazy huh?

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.

Killer is Dead Nightmare Edition is definitely up there with one of the weirdest but fun games that I have played on the PC.

The story is quite interesting and by the end of chapter one you will probably find yourself having a fare idea of what’s going on, what went on and who you are… but there are some more questions left to answer and that is obviously the hook to keep you going. Visually it’s quite a treat (other than the previously mentioned lighting issue) and the puzzles aren’t too taxing so you can progress without feeling to laboured. I am curious as to where this leads and what the end may bring… a decent bit of mystery adventure gaming. Maybe wait to get it all in one package or perhaps skip chapter 2 because it doesn’t really add that much more to the story… but certainly an interesting story.

Like a Dragon: Ishin is an excellent remake of an older unappreciated RPG with an impeccable historical story to tell. While the remake isn't in the best condition it could've been, especially on PS5, it is still a game that will provide players, especially Yakuza fans, lots to enjoy.

I really do not get too excited over tycoon style games, and this fishing simulator is a lot like a tycoon fishing game which is fine and well because it is presented surprisingly well. I love going out on the ship and hunting for a good fishing grounds.

The story is quite interesting and by the end of chapter one you will probably find yourself having a fare idea of what’s going on, what went on and who you are… but there are some more questions left to answer and that is obviously the hook to keep you going. Visually it’s quite a treat (other than the previously mentioned lighting issue) and the puzzles aren’t too taxing so you can progress without feeling to laboured. I am curious as to where this leads and what the end may bring… a decent bit of mystery adventure gaming. Maybe wait to get it all in one package or perhaps skip chapter 2 because it doesn’t really add that much more to the story… but certainly an interesting story.

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

Lunar Lander Beyond is a good example of how to modernize a classic game. Many great things can be found in the gameplay mechanisms of the game, especially the simplicity of its complexity. Wished there were at least some mechanisms that would surprise me.

Aerial_Knight’s DropShot is a fast, stylish shooter built around constant motion and quick decision making. I found it easy to get hooked thanks to its clean mechanics, confident presentation, and short, replayable levels. While it left me wanting a bit more depth and variety, the core experience was consistently fun and memorable.

Tales of Xillia is not perfect but it remains a deeply enjoyable and emotionally resonant JRPG. Its heartfelt storytelling, strong character development, and exciting combat continue to define what fans cherish about the Tales of series.

If you can break up the repetitive gameplay against spongy mini-bosses making up most of the game, there's fun action to be had with a great concept.

Virginia shows what can happen when people with a passion for games, story telling and perhaps a touch of avant garde get together and let their collective subconscious flow. It is not too out of place to say this is an art house game… perhaps the more populist thing to call it would be an intellectual game… the important thing to know is that it has the capacity to make you think and feel and any game that can do that is certainly a worthy title to add to your collection. Virginia helps solidify the notion that games can be art.

Hitman HD Enhanced Collection is a cool collection. Of course there are some downsides to the title (Blood Money), but all things said and done they make for some really good gaming experiences. I would say I think the price is a bit excessive at this time of writing with the PlayStation Store selling it for $90.95. I would wait till it comes down as I’ve not seen a remaster where they ask for more than a new game. Just my opinion. And yes I am more than aware there are two games here. It’s just a bit much.

In the end and as mention, Steel Diver is a game you'll either love or hate. As opposed to running out and purchasing it, you might want to test it out first unless you're a fan of simulators and then I would recommend that you run out and buy this title. It's great that Nintendo are supporting other genres than their core games and hopefully Steel Diver will lead to other ventures into uncharted waters as opposed to arcade endeavours. For me, Steel Diver was an addictive experience and was just what I needed in all these 3DS remakes!

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is an amusing adventure game where you run around all summer and nothing is as important than what you want to do. Bounce on plants, explore caves, and kick a tree in this open world game where your freedom is the only thing that matters.

Screamer is a great game and while not without flaws, has several engaging elements that make it stand out from other racing games of this era.

Idiosyncratic, compelling and creative, Whateverland is a one trip this stranger in strange land would heartily recommend.

Little Nightmares is a great adventure horror game that had me jumping me from start to finish. Although gameplay is not as long, it was the puzzles and challenges combined with the amazing illustrations that made this game worth playing (once you got over the long loading times and the fact that you may die very few minutes).

EA and DICE seem to have lost sight of what made this series a true contender for the FPS crown, and both the gameplay and the content are suffering as a result.

Sure, Puyo Puyo Tetris is... well Tetris... but by the gaming gods, it's a very enjoyable experience with more twists than a Game of Thrones episode and also supports some intense multiplayer!

Not for the faint of heart, mind or body, HYPER DEMON builds on the Devil Daggers formula, for whatever that means.

Solo is the rare game that is an actual experience, one capable of eliciting a complex emotional response.

Well… if you are quick to feel sick in VR then I’d just say stay well clear of Detached… you won’t get much use before you swap your headset for a bucket. If you have a hardier stomach and want some time to yourself in space… this might just be the thing for you. Keep an eye on sales and if there are any expansions for the best option.

FIFA 19 in a nutshell is a very good, sometimes great game that looks the part but suffers from a couple of maddening decisions that completely take you out of it.

No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: The Somnium Files is a charming and often chucklesome mystery, with a cast of endearing characters and some truly devious puzzles. Though narratively it may not be the best place for newcomers of the Somnium Files to start their journey into the mind-melding world of Kane Date and co. Puzzle and adventure fans will find a lot to love unravelling Dates’ devilish escape room, regardless.

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.

In summary this is a very addictive game. It is really well thought out and accessible to all skill levels. Controls on the Dual Shock are easy to master and general navigation makes sure you keep up with the action. This is a delight to play and I am sure that it is going to pleasantly surprise a lot of people as it did for me.

Project Songbird is a psychological horror experience that blends exploration with tense dreamlike encounters in the Appalachian wilderness. As a struggling musician retreats to a remote cabin to rediscover their creativity, strange visions and hostile manifestations begin to blur the line between reality and memory. While a few experimental storytelling choices and pacing issues hold it back at times, the strong atmosphere, voice acting, and unique setting make it a memorable entry in narrative driven horror.

Turn-based role-playing mixed with real-time combos and complex battle systems from a variety of inspirations equals one unique SRPG.

The VR market is still in it’s early days and much of what’s available is so called on rail shooters so it’s nice to have something a bit different. Something that uses the space extremely well and gives us a bit of humour with not a zombie in site. I should also note that the development team really are passionate about this project and made some adjustments while I was doing my review playthrough… they have some big plans for the game in the future as well so it’s a good game to support, it’s pretty reasonably priced and for the sake of something a bit different I’d certainly recommend it.

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.

Alien: Rogue Incursion – Part One: Evolved Edition is fun while it lasts. Over the course of its 5-7 hour campaign, The Xenomorphs are clearly the stars of the show in this lovingly crafted horror shooter that makes Colonial Marines look like utter garbage. Though I have a feeling it may be better experienced in VR, this new 2D version is still a great way to play one of the best Alien games since Isolation.

Outside of some subtle AI and graphical tweaks, NHL 25 seemingly took a year off in advancing the series. It looks and plays slightly better, but struggles to cope with its new much slower speed identity. There’s just nothing here screaming ‘first day purchase,’ but – while very similar to NHL 24 – remains a solid offering.

This is not Ridge Racer as we know it; it is a complete re-imagining of the series. For the better or worse Ridge Racer has changed, it is no longer a circuit racer but it still features similar drift centric handling.

A surprisingly bare bones take on the tactical RPG genre, kept interesting largely by its great writing and presentation.

An enjoyable horror experience, A.I.L.A surprises with fantastic voice acting and an interesting concept, while still missing the mark on total immersion.

Broken Sword - Shadows of the Templar: Reforged is a great introduction to a classic point and adventure, or a lovingly recreated remaster for hardcore fans

Team Ninja have done an admirable job of transplanting the core Nioh game design into an open-world. Rich and engaging combat let down by average visuals and a heavy performance cost.

The best of the series but with little improvements over its predecessors, NHL 21 is a respectable hockey send-off for modern consoles. Per prior, NHL still looks and sounds great, but remains hampered by AI and identity shortcomings.

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.

With gleefully chaotic viscera-soaked combat and an arsenal at hand that’d make Rambo weep, Butcher is a bombastic throwback to the games of old that perfectly nails its core objective.

New developer Supermassive mostly plays it safe adding some subtle yet effective twists to the spinetingling platforming series.

Overall, it’s a pick up and play game, with great user friendly controls, fun, addictive gameplay, witty one liners and carnage, it’s easy for any kind of player to pick up the controller and have some good fun, it won’t last forever as repetition is the game’s biggest shortcoming but it’s definitely fun and replayable, a great time killer or stress relief. The game’s value is great too, at $49.95 it’s priced well for the level of content and fun I found and had playing this game.

The Luigi's Mansion series lives on with this HD reconstruction of the second game that successfully coats on a new paint that assures the games will never give up the ghost.

With the exclusive content from Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls and all new content, Yokai Watch 2: Psychic Specters is the definitive release and best jumping point into the wacky JRPG series.

A no-brainer for dedicated fans, for those on the fence your mileage may vary depending on how much value you place on modes aside from your usual deathmatch or domination matches.

Attack on Titan 2 is a surprisingly solid Action RPG with unique combat mechanics and a traversal system that’s probably the closest thing we’re going to get to feeling like we’re Spider-Man until Insomniac’s take on the character drops later in the year. Engaging a Titan in battle is always an exhilarating experience and the controls are easy to pick up but require patience and timing in order to fully master, although a little more depth would have been welcomed.

An iterative entry in the long running series that doesn’t bring much new to the table over the previous game, but is still an enjoyable romp, nonetheless.

Lost Records: Tape 1 Bloom is an engaging and compelling first act that rewards the patience of its players with a relatable cast, tough choices, and a story with more than enough mysteries and pull to have you counting down the days until Tape 2 Rage arrives on April 15.

A perfect introduction to the stealth horror genre for younger gamers and a great time for those who already love it.

So is it worth it… well clearly I don’t think so. I mean don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty, it sounds good and there is a charm to the characters… but the DLC really doesn’t add much to the main game and what it does add is kind of just punishment in one form or another. Maybe if you are a hard core fan and just want as much of this IP as you can get… otherwise, there are better things to spend your money on.

Tides of Tomorrow set out to overhaul the choice-based games genre with it's Story-Link feature and, while promising, it is a relatively shallow mechanic. Still, the original wrinkle it adds on top of a solid, albeit flawed single-player choice-based game is a welcome addition to the genre.

Starship Troopers: Extermination finally brings an official game in the universe to modern platforms. An enjoyable shooter marred by a host of small issues that detract from the experience.

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.

A hit or miss racing sim. Great at what it needs to be, but takes a few hits in some areas. Deal breakers for some but not others.

In the end if you’ve got a hankering for some point and click adventuring, you could do worse… I’d suggest waiting till it’s on special as I don’t think it’s quite refined enough to make it worth paying full price… but it has a degree of charm.

A simple and fun farming game that puts you in charge of restoring the unique town of Zephyr!

All-in-all, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a beautiful and wholly pleasant adventure with a gentle spirit, a meaningful story and delightful little Rot creatures. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more pleasing-looking game on Xbox hardware, and that's a wonderful attribute to have.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games is an interesting game that is reminiscent of those classic 80's Olympic games like Summer Games but with 21st century graphics and the innovative Wii gaming mechanics. Like all mini-game collections, some of the games work and others are just a little embarrassing.

A fantastically arcade styled single and multi-player tennis experience offering fun for those who are fans of the sport or not.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on PlayStation 5 is more than a crossover release. It stands as a statement of unification that allows console players to experience the same depth of simulation once reserved for PC while benefiting from the tactile feedback of the DualSense controller and the introduction of new modes that give purpose to every flight. Whether you are chasing realism, competition or exploration this is a visually spectacular and deeply immersive aviation adventure that feels perfectly at home on PS5 and sets a new benchmark for what simulation can achieve on consoles.

While the story could have been fleshed out more, and the interactivity needs a lot of improvement, it doesn't change the fact that Anonymous Code is one of the few visual novels that display a significant amount of effort.

If you like the idea of a somewhat structured building game in a primitive setting, this might be worth having a look at. It sounds nice, it looks pretty enough and it’s enjoyable enough to play… but it’s not quite as “open world” or free form as you might hope.

Sunset Overdrive is a fun romp through a unique world that mostly succeeds in despite of it’s overbearing attitude.

Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is a fantastic follow-up to a bona fide classic, that handily also doesn’t require you to have played the original to enjoy. The fixed perspective may have felt antiquated even in 2002, but its flamboyant cast, penchant for melodrama, and fantastic combat and boss battles more than make up for Onmiusha 2’s shortcomings. Though a Remaster, in many ways it’s closer to a solid port as it’s been touched up with a deft hand that understands that sometimes it’s the quirks of a game that make it so engaging in the first place.

Whether you've come for a good yarn, intense drama or intriguing puzzles, American Arcadia has you covered nicely without ever overstaying its welcome. Experiencing Trevor's story and the interplay between Trevor and Angela is engaging and high-quality entertainment. It's brief and the characters aren't particularly interesting, but American Arcadia is a game with plenty to say and it's inspired and a brief but pleasurable title that deserves attention.

Worth a look for fans of adventure games, with the caveat that the first few hours are a tad slow but, if you persevere, there’s a more than rewarding payoff waiting for you at the end.