At the end of the day, One Piece: Burning Blood is another fun instalment of this series that features a decent collection of playable characters that is cemented with a sturdy gaming engine.

At the end of the day, Dragonball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi is an interesting game that provides plenty of fan service. If you have never played the series before, you might be confused by the over the top battles that for me is reminiscent of the excellent TV series Monkey Magic. Unfortunately like most Dragonball Z games, Ultimate Tenkaichi is a little like rock paper scissors when it comes to combat that focuses more on luck opposed to skill. Nonetheless, it's a fun romp through the Dragonball Z universe!

More of a rehashed Madden 23, Madden 24’s new additions do little to move the chains. Old hiccups return, new ones introduced, and it remains a title best suited for hardcore players.

It appears to be aimed more at newcomers to the genre rather than hardcore RTS fans, but it is sure to please both camps. With its simple controls and game play, it is a fun game to play in short bursts.

If you have those touches of nostalgia this will see you scratching that itch with a modern visual flair and some new gameplay mechanics to avoid you feeling like it’s simply a fresh coat of paint.

Cakey’s Twisted Bakery is a compact stealth survival horror game where baking pies is the only way to fight back against roaming mascot monsters. Trapped inside a twisted bakery, you sneak through dark rooms, gather disturbing ingredients, and use the right pies to exploit each enemy’s weakness. It’s a short, clever experience that mixes lighthearted presentation with genuinely unsettling ideas.

The lack of online features and a few quality of life issues make the value proposition somewhat bitter, but everything else about the game is undeniably enjoyable. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a platforming challenge, or something lighthearted to casually pick up and play as the mood strikes.

The Sinking City on Nintendo Switch is an excellent port with an intriguing narrative hook and Lovecraftian visual style let down by clunky combat and an empty open-world.

Werewolves Within is a very clever game that successfully turns a real-world party game into the virtual sphere that works on all levels. It’s quite clever and one really enjoyable VR experience on the PlayStation VR but its premise may get a little repetitive!

The Falconer succeeds in its exploration which is wonderful, however its repetition and frustrating combat mechanics creates a whole new challenge for the gamer. Lastly, this new world will take most gamers around 10 to 12 hours to successfully complete and its creator Tomasa Sala should be commended on creating a brand new and engaging world with its own rich culture and dynamics. Interestingly to say the least!

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.

Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection may be just another sim at its core, however the developers give the player some good gaming mechanics and spectacular 4K graphics. The control system is a little so-so but overall it still works well on this new console. So if you’re looking for your next sim fix, Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection ticks the right boxes.

MXGP 2020 The Official Motocross Videogame is not a next-gen experience on the PlayStation 5 but more a port but if you’re a fan of motocross, then you’ve come to the right place. Sure, it does need a bit more of a shine here and there but it does create the illusion of riding an off road motorbike, particularly with its streamlined controls and clever use of hapctics.

Taken together, Winter Burrow succeeds as a survival game that is polished, accessible, and quietly affecting. It may not satisfy players looking for fast paced action, but for those drawn to slower, reflective experiences it offers a distinctive blend of challenge and comfort. By merging its cozy aesthetic with meaningful gameplay, it delivers a survival tale that resonates beyond its mechanics. On Xbox Series X, it stands out as a thoughtful and memorable addition to the genre.

Overall, this game is good, the game play is a nice step up for the genre, all the components are there that could have made this a great game, and it's just that it is not presented ideally.

At the end of the day, Spectrobes: Beyond the Portals is an interesting third-party Nintendo DS game that we would definitely recommend to lovers of Japanese RPG fans, due to the extensive dialogue and reminiscent gameplay to titles such as Final Fantasy and Pokémon.

Even though I was considerably older than the targeted audience for Rango, I actually enjoyed this quirky action platformer as I explored the Wild West with my smart alek yet at times cowardly and heroic chameleon.

Virtua Tennis 2009 is not a bad game, not at all really. It’s just incredibly familiar if you’ve played Virtua Tennis 3, and seeing as that came out three years ago it’s not particularly a good thing.

In the end, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a fun game, especially for those who have never played the franchise before but just be warned that the game is very slow and if you're looking for action, you'll be sorely mistaken. That's not to say there is no action in the game because the combat is actually fun but it's just a very slow moving game from start to finish.

At the core of AEW Fight Forever is the No Mercy Successor wrestling fans have been waiting for. The question is whether you want that. I know I do.

If you have a younger gamer in your family that loves SpongeBob, they will definitely get a blast playing his goofy sidekick Patrick – sure, the game does lack any real direction but so does the TV show as you explore this whacky underworld city and its surrounding, get up to mischief and also helping (equally causing mayhem as well) the underwater denizens of Bikini Bottom.

After spending some intimate time with Necromunda: Hired Gun, I can only describe the game as incredibly average. Its really flawed and fun parts cancel each other out in a near-perfect way leading to one of the most middling experiences I’ve had this year. However, if you’re a Doom loyalist and enjoy the FPS genre, there is some fun to be had with this mixed bag of a game regardless.

In conclusion, New Play Control - Mario Power Tennis is an interesting game that I unfortunately found a tad boring and no way as near as fun as Wii Sports.

Well, Mole Control is what it is, a fun romp in a old school style with a fresh quirky twist.

Big Helmet Heroes is an action adventure beat ‘em up that sees you taking on the role of a little cast with big problems. The loony ways you can go on the offensive easily piles up hours of entertainment. Gratifying sounds and visually pleasing graphics adds even more value to the adventure. Troubling bugs and design choices throws a kink in the system, but doesn’t decrease the charm these huge noggins bring to the table.

If you love Asterix and Obelix, then Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia is definitely a game for you … or if you’re after a family friendly title, then The Ram From Hibernia will definitely keep everyone invested. All in all, an enjoyable title on the Xbox Series X that is also quite short that will keep the attention of younger gamers.

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy - Enhanced Edition modernizes the classic series with upgraded lighting, textures, 3D models, and expanded modding support. Console optimization brings the trilogy to a new audience with multiple performance modes and improved visuals. However, uneven frame pacing, jarring audio levels, and dated mechanics like manual saving and stiff controls remind players this is still a product of its time; polished, but not fully modernized.

Not quite as original or inspired as previous games, but a solid life simulator nevertheless.

Asphalt Injection is an interesting and fun racer on this console, yet ultimately forgettable as it doesn't really stray too much from the safe zone.

There’s a gamemode for everyone and while the gameplay is super sturdy and works a treat on both the smartphone app and microphones, the true star of Let’s Sing 2022 is the amazing playlist and kudos to the developers for bringing together a varied and thoroughly entertaining list. Complementing this are the graphics which help motivate the player with the music videos, easy to read words and special effects that makes it feel like you’re part of your very own music video.

State of Decay 2 is an immersive and mechanically interesting zombie-survival gameplay experience - whenever the bugs aren’t plaguing player progress.

Whilst the generic plot and outdated graphics bring down the game somewhat, overall the game has proven itself to be worth the wait, a highly enjoyable experience with a great co-operative mode and one which will keep you hooked for hours. Coupled with the generous bonus of the original game on top of that, Namco Bandai have provided great value for money in this package and one that comes highly recommended.

Classic RTS elements with a few new features, improvements for some, distractions for others.

Yoshi’s New Island while harkening back to the previous titles does not bring much new to the series though it’s an excellent start for someone new to the series.

Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water may start out slow-paced with about a dozen tutorials before the real action begins, but if you stick with the game for long enough to get settled in this is a fun adventure into the unknown. If you’re a fan of horror games but aren’t a fan of cheap jump scares then this is the perfect game for you. Just make sure to leave the lights on.

Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition is a surprisingly enjoyable game with satisfying combat mechanics and intriguing puzzles. With all enhancements released so far, the title looks and works well – even by today’s standards. If you haven’t played it before, the free current-gen upgrade gives you a good chance to do so. At the same time, if you’ve already played Darksiders II, I wonder if 4K and improved shadows are enough to make you revisit the game. It’s up to you, of course; but if you ask me, in this case I’d try something more recent.

Ultimately, it’s a bit of fun and has some interesting ideas… just don’t expect to need to put a lot of time into it or to be scared. Maybe worth a look if it’s on special (it is reasonably cheap… but as mentioned, very short).

An Impressive looking port with disappointing performance on the Switch 2 and an always online requirement, which takes away from what otherwise would have been a must recommend.

If you're a fan of this series, you'll probably be picking this up but for newcomers, it may be a difficult choice!

The Journey Down series is a classic point-and-click adventure which fans of the genre simply must experience. If you haven’t played Chapters One and Two, make sure to do so before you play Chapter Three. While shorter and easier than Chapters One and Two, Chapter Three’s focus on adventure story-telling is fantastic. With improved graphics, voice acting and cinematic scenes the final chapter of The Journey Down brings an enjoyable and very satisfying gaming experience to close the series.

Although not as polished as Nintendo's recent Professor Layton game for the 3DS, Sherlock Holmes and Mystery of the Frozen City is still a good game for gamers looking for a plethora of puzzling brain teasers.

Hellsweeper VR is an intense, action packed deliriously violent romp that will push your reflexes to their limit.

Despite its shortcomings, I enjoyed my time with Agents of Mayhem. The gameplay is extremely solid and, combat-wise at least, deviates enough from what was on offer in the Saints Row games to hopefully entice players to at least check the game out.

Emio – The Smiling Man tells a thrilling and engaging story. It’s a visual novel, so don’t expect complex gameplay there – and I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.

PowerWash Simulator is a relaxing game that combines gaming with mindfulness. I didn’t expect to enjoy this game as much as I did, but it is a very soothing experience that can be played for short or long bursts, especially if you just want to chill.

As with previous iterations in the series, 'Just Dance 4' is a fun romp in which anyone can participate and is as accessible as ever to the casual gamer.

An ambitious game that punches above its weight with unique RPG systems, survival mechanics and co-op support - and a lot of heart.

Over the course of its roughly five hour playtime, Wonder Boy: Asha In Monster World made me smile and laugh on countless occasions because of its humor, radiant graphics, and endearing world and characters. Though I wish certain aspects of gameplay were modified along with the visuals, I understand the motivation to honor the original game, and applaud the developers for leaning into its shortcomings. Wonder Boy is a lovely adventure for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

The game does have strengths. The visuals are quite pleasing. The historical elements are interesting and the overall setting is quite refreshing. There’s a lot of depth here for people willing to put in the work to understand the controls and the dynamics. Hero units can help inspire your troops and if they die their heir can take up their cause (at a slight cost to status quo). For the casual gamer I would probably give it a miss though as it’s not interested in holding your hand while you find your feet.

Smurfs Kart is a fun game for younger players that will keep them engaged, particularly when playing with their friends and family. The race mechanics (while basic) mirrors Mario Kart which isn’t bad and although it doesn’t offer anything new in terms of karting, it is a sturdy yet fun race through the world of The Smurfs which is never a bad thing.

While Forspoken has its fair share of glaring issues, I have to admit that I still enjoyed my time with its warts and all, as it managed to entertain and engage me with its combat system alone.

For those of you undecided on whether or not to give Mudrunner: A Spintires Game a try, you need to ask yourself what you’re looking to get from this game. If you’re looking to simply relax and sling mud around a track in a speeding ute, then this isn’t the game for you (I suggest going back to the Motorstorm games for that). If you’re looking for a technical 4WD simulation experience that replicates the act of off-road driving remarkably well, then Mudrunner is definitely what you’re looking for. It runs well enough on consoles, the controls make sense and it has plenty of replayability with bonus objectives plus a fun multiplayer experience. Just like real off-road driving, Mudrunner can be frustrating and difficult, but for the most part it’s fun, satisfying and gloriously messy.

Shadow Labyrinth is a sold Metrovania experience but fails a little on its execution.

LEGO Battles is reminiscent of those late 80's and early 90's real-time strategy games in terms of gameplay but the most annoying aspect of the title is that the developers could not master the path finding skills of the characters which forces the gamer to monitor all their units.

All in all, both Legacy collections are an eye-opening reminder that we once got far more bang for our buck with older Sims titles. While the two re-releases aren’t perfect in terms of bugs, missing content and a few technical quirks, both games remain as fun as they ever were and the benefit of having new, legal ways to purchase them on modern digital game store-fronts cannot be understated. I really hope EA pays attention to fan feedback to these re-releases and learns some lessons from the past to improve the value of future patches, content and technical enhancements.

Overall I enjoyed my time with Chasmal Fear, and whilst I probably won’t return to it in the near future I think it’s good ol’ fashioned video game in how it leans into what it does well without trying to be precious about where it is influenced.

All in all, both Legacy collections are an eye-opening reminder that we once got far more bang for our buck with older Sims titles. While the two re-releases aren’t perfect in terms of bugs, missing content and a few technical quirks, both games remain as fun as they ever were and the benefit of having new, legal ways to purchase them on modern digital game store-fronts cannot be understated. I really hope EA pays attention to fan feedback to these re-releases and learns some lessons from the past to improve the value of future patches, content and technical enhancements.

Endless Ocean Luminous is one of those niche Nintendo titles that isn’t for everyone. However, for those with a fascination for the natural world who can find the right flow state, there’s a world of discovery waiting for you in the forever blue waters of the Veiled Sea.

At the end of the day, Puzzle Chronicles did try to be different, however it failed to successfully make this an exciting puzzle game.

If you're a fan of Blood Bowl, than you've come to the right place but just be warned that online play is a must.

Overall Burnout Paradise Remastered, does exactly what it set out to do and accomplished it very well especially on a lower tier hardware like the Nintendo Switch. Most people will enjoy this romp around and new players will enjoy the open level design. The biggest downfall is the price I would really recommend waiting for it to go on sale because at its normal price it is too steep to recommend.

The Necromancer’s Tale is a dark, narrative experience that leans into atmosphere and story over instant gratification. Its slow pace and layered systems won’t appeal to everyone, but for those willing to be patient, it offers a world that feels menacing, tense, and strangely intimate. It stumbles now and then, yet it in its best moments, it evokes a sense of power that becomes dangerously addicting.

FIFA is still a fun game to play and at times can still be addictive as anything. You just can’t help but wish for those two or three major signings that would take it to the next level.

If this is your first foray into the world of Zumba you may want to start with the less punishing Zumba Fitness Rush, as some of the routines here are brutal. For what it is - Basically an interactive exercise video - Zumba Fitness Core is a great addition to the exercise genre, featuring some sublime examples of motion tracking and a strenuous but rewarding workout.

While seasoned veterans of the Ace Combat series may have a much different perspective on its seventh iteration, I was unfortunately left disappointed by lots of glitz and limited glamour. The game never became, well, fun to play, and the allure of watching and listening to beautiful aircraft fly over and through jaw dropping environments can only go so far. Even with an abundance of camera angles to choose from, none offered the immersion factor I was longing to experience: the thrill of actual air combat.

Overall, Mafia II: Definitive Edition tells a story that is gripping and while it may not be largely unique in the span of Mafia lore, it’s one of the best available in video game form. I genuinely cared about Vito and the terrifying criminals that surrounded him. I grew to love their antics and laugh at their quirks, and feel sorry for the situations that they found themselves in. I think it’s a little unfair to class Mafia 2 as an open-world game, because the city does nothing but offer the setting for the story to g from point a to point b. If you’re looking for a city that is brimming with side quests and random activities, you won’t find them here. What you will find is a bittersweet, interesting period piece that looks at time that is not often explored in video games, and it’s a pretty damn memorable one at that.

Time Crisis: Razing Storm is like a Hollywood block muster movie, it's great while you're there but ultimately forgettable the next day.

Overall, while Wuchang: Fallen Feathers has some notable flaws and may require some balancing, the game offers fresh and innovative elements that make it enjoyable and memorable.

I hope there will be an improvement with the interactive features of the game for the next instalment as I am really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds. However, if not, then I may lose interest in completing the entire game and just read the original book instead.

Even though this game was quite short to play, I still enjoyed getting another chance to revisit the wonderful world of Dragon Age II, even though it doesn't offer much in terms of value for money or replayability. However, the price of this game is probably better than most movies released at the moment (Transformers Dark Side of the Moon anyone?) and it does give gamers another taste of this extraordinary RPG universe.

Star Ocean: The Last Hope is an ambitious but flawed game. Exploring planets can be thrilling, but spending time with some of the characters will wear on the nerves. The combat can at times be deep and strategic, but it happens so frequently that the pleasurable aspects of it are often dulled. The graphical remaster looks great, but the presentation of cut scenes and the voice acting are bargain basement, especially compared to something like Persona 5. For those interested in Star Ocean as a franchise, the discount on this remaster could make it worth your while. For people looking for a great JRPG though, 2017 has seen a slew of great current and remastered games to make Star Ocean: The Last Hope essential.

If you are a fan of those real-world card games that are so popular now, than you might want to give Bakugan: Battle Brawlers a chance.

Fishing in VR is actually pretty damn fun, even more so when you add magic crossbows and fish borne straight from the bowels of hell into the equation.

Forgive Me Father is a frantic and fun horror FPS packed full of twisted enemies, inventive weapons and just enough mystery to keep you hooked.

Over all, Rage 2 is a good game, but not worth buying if you’re already an established fan of open world games.

If you've the time and patience for a game that's almost two and a half decades old in remastered form, then you can do a lot worse than Legacy of Kain: Defiance. Defiance is a throwback to the simpler days of action adventure games that some may struggle to tolerate in this day and age, but if you grew up playing it and want to schedule a revisit all these years later, then go right ahead. If you demand more from your action adventures, you certainly won't find anything here that rivals the modern bigwigs of the genre, but ultimately you will still find this remaster to be worth several hours of your time.

With the content it almost feels like old hat, even with a celebrity name attached to a special edition. The Sims 3: Showtime is a solid add on that brings a small twist to the game and some optional social networking fun on the side for those that really live the Sim Life. Good for the hard core fans, and a nice intro for those just getting into the Sims, grab up The Sims 3, and the add on The Sims 3: Showtime.

A great idea...but one hampered by a poor camera and formulaic gameplay.

Project Zero: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is bound to delight series fans, though newcomers not used to traditional survival horror tropes and controls may find it a tougher sell.

A relatively accessible rail simulator that pays homage to Thomas and his friends. I would strongly recommend IF you are already familiar with Dovetail's previous rail simulators - but only cautiously recommend if you are a Thomas & Friends fan looking for a more traditional gameplay mechanics.

The developers did successfully use the innovative controls of the PS Vita but unfortunately sometimes less is more and this is the case with Little Deviants. The games itself are fun initially but unfortunately as you progress, things become to get harder and it becomes quite a frustrating experience. Now if only the game was more Pikman than Little Deviants, we would have probably have a winner on our hands but for the price, it's still a great way to showcase this console but just be warned... it comes at a cost to your gaming sanity!

In conclusion, EyePet PSP is a mini version of the PS3 version and for the most part, it actually works, however some of the augmented reality games are a little lacklustre and does require some additional space.

The game is a little on the easy side but Activision have definitely hit their target audience right in the bull eyes with this title. It just needed some more refining to make this a better game.

A no nonsense survival game about finding a new home for Humanity. It's a daunting task, with life threatening twists and turns around every corner. But the fate of humanity rests on your shoulders!

Slightly unpolished, but a strange and enjoyable blast from Japan's (fictional) past.

London 2012 - The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games is easily the best inspired Olympic Games to have ever graced the console world which features a collection of well made gaming events. As mentioned, the game does suffer from some repetition and it would have been great if the game featured an RPG aspect that allowed you to level-up and further your sports men and women.

Putting aside the uninteresting platforming, Lost Words: Beyond the Page is a lovely coming of age story, and a beautiful recreation of what its like to feel lost, and ultimately find yourself again.

It does showcase the potential of this control system for the PlayStation Move and for those people who are too busy to get to the gym regularly, this might be the perfect addition to keep them active until the weekend.

I would recommend the title for fans of the movies and old school fans also. Hardcore gamers might not get enough out of the title to make it worth the purchase, but I would still heartily recommend renting it to those people.

In the end, Dungeon Siege III is an interesting game and works on most of its basic levels. It may not change the genre dramatically but it still provides a sturdy gaming engine with a relatively interesting story. It's a shame that the multiplayer aspect of the game is severely hampered by its limitations but as a single-player, Dungeon Siege III thankfully works.

Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny is a colorful action RPG that unites nine Nickelodeon heroes in a light, fantasy adventure. Best enjoyed in local co-op, it offers simple combat, loot, and humor kids will love, though repetition and shallow depth hold it back. For families and Nicktoons fans, it’s a fun and breezy romp.

Overall I really enjoyed my experience with Leila, particularly the hand-drawn animations and how they drive the story. I’m hesitant to emphasis the ‘arty’ elements of this game as an ‘experience’ because I can remember so many times how hard it was for me to engage in a game that only ‘smart people’ play (or how hard it is to admit enjoying a game that only ‘dumb people’ play). On the other hand the more I reflect on my experience of Leila, rather than my playing of Leila, the more I realise I enjoyed it. Despite some friction from voice acting and annoying puzzle bits, I think this is a solid experience worth enjoying on PS5.

Whisper of the House is a cosy decorating sim where unpacking rooms slowly reveals hidden secrets and unsettling anomalies.

Clock Tower: Rewind is not going to set the world alight but for those who have been longing for an official Western release for decades, are interested in game preservation and history, or are wondering what all the fuss is about this is one mansion in the woods you’ll want to visit.

In the end, I was a little underwhelmed with Ultra Street Fighter II The Final Challengers on the Nintendo Switch and given the technological advancements in fighters since this game was released, it did feel like it was stuck back in the day. Sure there are some new modes and new control systems for the Nintendo Switch but it just felt dated at times. Overall, this game is definitely one for the purists and although not a bad game per se, it doesn’t offer anything new either which is a shame. However, if you’re looking for that classic fighting experience, then Ultra Street Fighter II The Final Challengers delivers in that area!

It’s certainly not as ‘awesome’ as its movie counterpart but there’s some genuine fun to be had with this.

Personally, as mentioned, my interest in this game came to a screeching halt but I still appreciate what it is and I have no doubt that those who don’t mind platform hopping will enjoy it. If that’s your thing then certainly consider giving it a go. If like me the term parkour causes an instant eye roll and sigh then I’d suggest giving this a miss.

BANG! offers an addictive online gaming experience that could very well satisfy not only casual card players, but hardcore Mafia and Werewolf addicts who are tired of waiting for their turn. Priced at a great value, there's really no reason not to pick this title up. If this sounds like the game for you, head over to bangvideogame.com to check it out.