Machinicide isn’t far away from being a genuinely good game, it’s just let down by a few, albeit large problems. If the performance issues can be fixed and an option to change the field of view is added, then there’s hope for Machinicide yet.

Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival is Mario Party but lacking true content!

Adventure Awaits does not live up to it's name. Adding small nudges to lots of areas of the game, it doesn't quite know what it wants to be and doesn't manage to succeed at any of it. This is unfortunately not an Adventure you'd miss out on.

Possibly good for a bit of a giggle… but be careful who you play it with or purchase it for… oh and please don’t run around an museum and tip over exhibits.

Overall The Last Blade: Beyond Destiny is a solid title for a retro handheld fighting game, I do not believe this release will be very popular with the general public but for the Retro Gaming community and Neo Geo fans this will be exactly what you are looking for. Also with plenty to unlock there will be plenty of replayability to this game which makes it a slightly more interesting prospect than your standard fighting game fair.

Bound by Flame is a little overpriced considering its gaming flaws.

It isn’t the greatest music app but it’s great for beginners.

Saints Row consist of both good and bad parts, but the bad parts leave more of an impression on the player. It's a shame that while there is some genuine fun to be had with the game, it still doesn't live up to even the worst of what the original series had to offer.

John Wick Hex is a game that lacks the flair and identity of the franchise it's trying to represent. A decent enough attempt, but a few key issues and lack of replay value diminishes its otherwise earnest effort.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is last years game at a cut price with mostly up to date rosters. It's a beautiful game to play, marred by significant presentation issues and the lack of any killer game modes.

A brief but fairly enjoyable platformer that doesn't mind poking fun at the current state of gaming.

Ultimately I can’t recommend The Architect: Paris. It does not feature the ability to perform the tasks of an architect and the missions are very vague about what is and isn’t acceptable to complete a task. If you are after a city planning sandbox game then you probably will get a bit of fun out of this and you should consider it… but if you had visions of being the next Frank Lloyd Wright this isn’t going to bring those into digital reality.

If you were hoping for more of the first games dynamics and fun… you may well be disappointed here, but if you simply want to know a bit more about some of the characters from before the events in Road 96… then it could be worth grabbing a copy. At the very least I’d suggest waiting for a sale because even at the low price… there are just too many elements of the game that are disappointing. A halfhearted recommendation at best I’m afraid.

A fun, relaxing game that lacks a lot of polish due to hardware restrictions on the Switch. The PS5 and PC versions do a fantastic job!

While we are still in the infancy of Virtual Reality Gaming, Archangel brings something to the table worth checking out. Giant Robot seated game play making you feel like you are at the controls of the Archangel. Awesome mindless on rails entertainment… that is Archangel, the kind of game you can sit back and just enjoy.

The game may not hold many peoples interest for too long. Something keeps me coming back for more though. While not perfect, it is a nice addition to the Jurassic park franchise…and you get to be the one that calls the shots, and make all the mistakes this time. It is something of a blast to be part of this world. Have fun because, even with a few flaws, the game will find a way.

The Order of the Snake Scale drops players into the eerie mining town of Happy Rock, where a routine investigation quickly spirals into a surreal mystery. As detective Seth Vidius, you navigate puzzles, explore the town, and confront occasional enemies while uncovering cult secrets and corporate oppression. With its retro-inspired visuals, unique camera system, and Lovecraftian atmosphere, it’s a compact, but memorable psychological horror adventure.

History comes to life and you are there. Apollo 11 VR Experience sprinkles very small/short game elements in this educational experience.

Like a sitcom with the occasional bad episode, instead of keenly anticipating what I'll uncover next in the story, I began to just long for the finale.

For me, J-Stars Victory VS + started out strong but petered out in the end as its shallow fighting mechanics became apparent, but even with these limitations, the varied (At least visually) roster and breakneck online multiplayer makes the game worth a look for fighting fans in the market for something a little different.

The tension and atmosphere were really good, the gameplay and acting were relatively sub par. The story shone in these games, directing you ahead with a seemingly single minded goal. Then suddenly you realise there was more to the game and the subtle choices you make along the way can change the ending. After playing these games I really want to read the books as the story is really what kept me playing. If anything, my curiosity is satisfied and I honestly recommend checking it out of the story interests you. And with an enticing price of $69.95, the value isn’t too bad considering remasters these days are being sold at full price. Yet here is two games for less than the price of one. If you’re looking at metro as an action game, I’d recommend against it.

Layers of Fear 2023 delivers an immersive and atmospheric horror experience across five different perspectives and 12+ hours thanks to its stunning visuals and haunting sound design, but its blend of jump scares, basic puzzle-solving and slow exploration probably won’t provide frights that will satisfy most gamers looking for a more interactive, combat-heavy game.

Shadwen could have been something truly special but unfortunately it fails to reach the lofty expectations built up around its ambitious central premise.

R-Type Final 2 is sadly the classic example of form over substance. On paper, it provides fans of the beloved R-Type series what they would want in a modern sequel. In reality, it is simply an unenjoyable, below average title with little allure to wade through it.

Trials of the Blood Dragon is an interesting experiment that ultimately fails to completely succeed.

Compared to animal crossing and other farming sims it is relatively basic. There isn’t that much to do and I found myself spending a lot of time waiting… I love the graphics and soundtrack and I really did enjoy playing Deiland. But felt it was more appropriate as a pick up and put down type of game rather than one that involves longer gaming sessions.

It's worth a short distraction, there may not be enough here to keep an adult occupied and wanting to get to the games finish.

Space Invaders Invincible Collection’s price tag is perhaps its greatest downfall. The franchise didn’t age gracefully, and its best recent title in a more affordable package on the same Switch store. Only purists will appreciate what this limited collection has to offer.

In conclusion, Fist of the North Star Ken's Rage 2 is a game that would have been better if it was released several years ago. It suffers from dated graphics and gameplay that is not only repetitive but hampered by the fiddle some camera.

It's definitely be created for the fans of the series, however for someone wanting a truly memorable and fun gaming experience, this is not the game.

It seems like a collection of mini-games with exploring used to link it all together and unfortunately the two genres just don't mesh that well. For me however, it was a little too generic and a tad boring. Let's hope fans of this series will think otherwise.

Extremely Powerful Capybaras doesn’t take itself too seriously and is a fun entry into the genre. While it doesn’t quite have the addictive ‘just one more run’ quality to it that other similar games have, possibly down to the unremarkable audio, it’s far from a bad game, and will continue to live on my Steam Deck for a while yet.

I’ve tried my hardest to avoid saying that Stranded Sails: Explorer’s of the Cursed Islands is a survival game for kids, but I think it’s probably true. The lack of motivation to stray from the immediate quest objective and the narrow scope of the gameplay is likely to be too simple for anyone reading this review. Yet the colourful, fun graphics, simplified control scheme and guided progression structure seems perfect for players that aren’t quite ready for the quests in Minecraft or the vast, open world of Stardew Valley. Pick this one up for someone that is just getting into games or someone that finds other survival/crafting games to be too overwhelming.

Despite its limited appeal, there's plenty packed into Nintendo's speedrunning challenger - if you've got the patience for it.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience for fans of the original Still Wakes the Deep. Although I can’t see myself coming back anytime soon, I can say that I will recommend it to others who are looking for a good horror story. A good narrative and atmosphere, but if you’re looking for deeper mechanics or an absolutely terrifying monster, I would look elsewhere.

Rivenaar’s Grove is a compact sliding puzzle game where you play as a magician’s apprentice harvesting crops across 50 levels. Its clean visuals and clever mechanics, like portals and hazards, create engaging, but short-lived challenges. While enjoyable in bursts, the limited content and scope leave it feeling modest overall.

Overall this game was good fun and quite light-hearted to play whenever you need to get away from the stresses of life.

The gameplay is perfectly balanced, to the point where I couldn’t stop playing as I scrounged for one more wire to add that light bulb, and one more rope to build the snare trap. While I never became particularly attached to my family (as they are relatively bland and faceless), I certainly felt the drama and reality of the scarcity of food and water and the weight of my decisions. Sheltered is a fun and challenging game, especially if you’re willing to put a lot of time into the game crafting the best shelter possible. And because of its randomness world generation, there is plenty of replay-ability with a chance to do it always do it better next time.

A lack of flair and features drag down this otherwise satisfying sports title.

The latest Kirby spinoff takes more than a few pages from Smash Bros.’ book- but it’s an alternative nevertheless.

Despite a number of intensely frustrating elements, I enjoyed my time with Rad Rodgers. The challenging platforming sections coupled with the run-and-gun gameplay and exploration for hidden collectibles immediately reminded me of the dozens of hours that I put into Jazz Jackrabbit 1 and 2 on the PC, and I think this sense of nostalgia helped me push through the multiple frustrating sections that made me want to walk away from the game. If you also have a sense of nostalgia for the bygone era of 90’s run-and-gun platformers, or if you’re just a fan of tough, exploration-based platformers, Rad Rodgers is worth a look.

Some sections of Kinect Star Wars seem so much more polished than others, making this a game that while a bit hobbled, can still be a fun jaunt.

While the lack of new story missions is undeniably disappointing for me personally, the South America Pack is still an excellent addition to Planet Zoo with its huge array of new scenery pieces and fun new animals. It’s encouraging to see Frontier maintain such a high-degree of quality in their DLC releases and frequent gameplay updates to support this ever-expanding universe. I’ve still got my fingers crossed for a massive aquatic animal expansion to be announced any day now, but until then, you can find me working on my Colombian-themed Big Cat Rescue park.

Sakura Wars is a visually appealing and fun game to play overall. While the gameplay leaves much to be desired, it's still a great entry for newcomers to the franchise.

Hotel Barcelona is a blood-soaked, 2.5D slasher action game where you play as Justine, a federal marshal unwillingly sharing a mind with the murderous Dr. Carnival, navigating a hotel full of America’s most dangerous killers. The game mixes intense combat, roguelite mechanics, and branching exploration with quirky NPCs, phantoms from past runs, and risk-reward systems, but many of these ideas feel more like flashes of promise than fully realized features. Its punk-inspired aesthetic, grim humor, and aggressive style give it a distinct personality, yet the short runtime and underused mechanics make the overall experience feel lighter than it should be.

A fun new game, three middling ones, and a fan favourite returns. It's not the life of the party, but we're glad to have it all the same.

Overall I would recommend this game if you have a few hours to kill and don’t want to play anything overly complex. It’s a fun game with solid controls and intense boss fights. Whether or not it is worth the price tag is really hard to make a call on; perhaps buying the game when it’s on sale through steam is the best bet.

Sancticide feels like it has potential that has yet to be fully realised. If you enjoyed Morrowind or Skyrim style combat, and have the same nostalgia for Diablo 2 that I do, you'll probably still have a good time (once the bugs are ironed out).

There are some genuinely standout moments, but I can't help but look back at the likes of Left 4 Dead and just wish Toxic Commando had that same level of charm. It's just missing something—a little personality—a hook, the kind that made Left 4 Dead endlessly replayable.

It’s hard to recommend a game that’s as obviously broken as this. Sure, there’s some fun to be had but all too often this is hindered by a bug that’ll remind you of just how disappointing a porting effort this really is.

Tharsis is an immensely difficult solo tabletop game set in space that will have you spinning more plates than any other game you’re likely to play this year.

There’s not much to Light Fall beyond the unique platforming mechanics, and you won’t find a Super Meat Boy level of challenge, but it’s a neat little game that’s worth picking up if you’re looking for something of a gaming palate cleanser.

Dungeon of the Endless provides a nice mixture of tower defense, RPG and dungeon crawler strategy with a great gameplay experience. The game is challenging, unforgiving, and requires a player who is ready to fail in order to eventually succeed. Every choice can make or break your campaign, and the random dungeon generation provides variability in every attempt you make. It’s 8-bit graphic style provides a nice element to the game while keeping your attention on managing your resources and upgrading your heroes and equipment, which is where the game it at its strongest. The game’s creepy atmosphere and multiple play styles available make it an enjoyable experience worth experiencing on the Switch.

Overall Tears to Tiara II: Heir of the Overlord is a solid entry in the JRPG genre and worth a visit if you’re a fan of games of this type of ilk.

Yooka-Laylee seems more targeted towards nostalgic adults than the next generation of young gamers. This makes sense, considering who was responsible for helping Yooka-Laylee become a reality, but it’s also a shame. The 3D platformer seems to have all-but-disappeared and I miss the playful, exploratory joy of these children’s games; I think the current generation is losing something due to their absence. Overall, I enjoyed my time with Yooka-Laylee, but I’m disappointed it chose to be a window into the past rather than a peek into the future.

Brilliant and completely infuriating in equal measures. Citizens of Earth is worth a punt, but perhaps only after some careful deliberation.

The gameplay is unfortunately un-inspirational as are the graphics which is a shame because the premise was there.

Overall, Sker Ritual is a half-decent online shooter hamstrung by matchmaking issues and a player base on par with the number of dog walkers you’ll bump into when going for a stroll along the blustery stretch of Welsh coastline the game is based on.

However with the inclusion of a new level cap, legendary weapons, it’s really easy to be drawn back into the Destiny universe as you commence that grind “again” for the ultimate power. It’s just a shame that Bungie have thrown the baby out with the bathwater so hopefully Bungie will take note of the feedback from this DLC!

Weedcraft Inc. is a good looking, multi-layered and detailed management simulation game. Given the length of time required to be successful, and relatively monotonous ‘mini-games’ I think you would need to be a fan of either the ‘theme’, or tycoon style games to get the most out of the experience.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a light-hearted and casual action-adventure game with the most basic of RPG elements thrown in that will appeal most to younger Switch owners and newer Paper Mario fans. It’s a visual feast, easy to jump in and great for kids. The combat is far from challenging, and there’s far more of an emphasis on light puzzle-solving and breezy exploration that hooks you in with constant paper puns and a fully realised, papercraft world to explore instead of a compelling epic narrative worthy of a storybook.

The bottom line is that My Time at Portia balances out to be an enjoyable farming/life sim game as the dull writing and storyline is propped up by fun crafting and exploration mechanics. If you’re a fan of the genre for the interpersonal relationships and storylines, look elsewhere. However if the idea of exploring an adorable, colourful world and crafting an impressive array of neat stuff sounds appealing, then Portia is just a short boat ride away.

The Definitive Edition mainly includes quality of life features that are likely to go unnoticed if you played through the original release, but the added features make this the obvious version to pick up if you’re looking for some light-hearted platforming to immerse yourself in.

Sadly Urban Futbol only features one game mode which is Balcony Shot, however the developers will add "Street Style" in a future upgrade. Add in online leader boards and 18 unlockable achievements and this is a fun little game to kill a few minutes while you wait.

The Escapists is a game that welcomes and rewards creativity, however the patience required may limit its audience.

The concept is there and it is a nicely crafted challenge for the puzzle-platformer fans, but I would wait for Gamesoft to fix the bugs before purchasing the game. But if this is done, the story, the artwork, and the challenge will make for a great gaming experience.

This game reached its peak (for me) about half way through when it started to become a little too repetitive and tedious. The decisions you make do shape the story (initially) but only to an extent as you are basically forced into becoming a corrupted cop anyway. Instead of it being ‘choice driven’, I found this game to be more about skills management and balancing resources (no matter how corrupted you are) to make sure all parties you interact with are happy. The controversial content (racism, sexism etc.) may be a bit hard to swallow but it certainly adds to the story of police corruption and gives the game a different edge. I would say it is good value for money for the crime buffs among us, but not a must play title.

I Fell From Grace has one of the most unique and interesting narratives I’ve seen in any game this year. The unsettling story tells a compelling and mysterious tale with flawed characters navigating some truly strange events. The traditional adventure game mechanics are serviceable and keeps the narrative flowing, yet the lack of a quest log or general sense of objective means you’ll get more enjoyment out of this one playing with a guide until you become familiar with the various set pieces. Definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of weird stories or traditional adventure games.

Sea of Thieves is a multiplayer pirate adventure game, rich with unrealised potential that isn't worth your time in its current state.

It’s harder to recommend Irem Collection Volume 3 to all but the most ardent and slightly masochistic shooter fans.

This game is sure to delight some old-school gamers out there.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse Earthblood. Satisfying but not filling. Have a go at it, you will enjoy wolfing out, and each level…you know what to expect.

To those who’ve never played a SimCity before, it’s definitely worth your time. However keep in mind in 2003, Maxis made SimCity 4. It is still a great game, it’s much cheaper, it runs on any old PC, and it’s all about YOU.

Hidden items and passages encourage you to explore every corner. But what you find is never worth the effort. Often, I found myself just wanting to be done with the game and not because it is a poorly made game or even a long game. It is just boring. The stages, the movement, the music just does not make for an enjoyable experience. I would give this try only if you are a super fan of basic, retro, action-adventure platformers. Even then I would try something else out first.

A lack of an upgrade path for Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 players puts a downer on this otherwise feature packed puzzler.

Anthem offers a solid multiplayer PvE action-shooter experience and exo suit power fantasy dampened by fundamental design problems and loot system inconsistencies.

Just like the pandemic, you may want to create as much distance from it as possible - But it wouldn't hurt to play it if the story is of interest.

Although there is a lot of repetitiveness, My Lovely Daughter is a different and unique game that will pull on your heartstrings. Just keep in mind though, that this game is designed to upset and to disturb you.

A nostalgia grab that's meant for kids at best, even as a budget title it's hard to recommend this clearly outdated platformer.

Much like its new cover star, Rory McIlroy PGA Tour is a ultimately a much more dull and less flamboyantly showy effort than the previous Tiger Woods affairs.

A middle of the road game, out of fashion, and twenty years late. Nevertheless, Shenmue 3 will please players that enjoyed its prequels.

I understand that this is a popular franchise overseas but it translates really poorly to something I’d want to play. There is simply is not enough love to make this game worthwhile. I’d be buying this when it is very very cheap.

It is cute and unique (with a very quirky script) but it still needs more tweaking from the developers. I personally would wait for further updates before I jump back into this game (and die multiple times over again), but if you are willing to keep in mind that it is still a ‘work in progress’, then give it a go because overall it is still a fun game to play.

God of War Sons of Sparta takes Kratos back to his early Spartan years in a side scrolling adventure that blends exploration with heavy combat. While it adds background to his relationship with Deimos and experiments with a retro style format, it rarely feels as powerful or focused as the mainline entries. It is a decent, occasionally engaging detour that struggles to live up to the legacy attached to its name.

On the whole, Omerta offers an engrossing(if not deep) strategy experience with a mediocre-yet-sufficient combat system thrown in. It's a shame that Omerta was released so soon after XCOM: Enemy Unknown, as the comparisons are unavoidable and Omerta simple doesn't offer the same quality. Omerta can still be a lot of fun, but the price is not right for most gamers.

When you look at it as a whole, Need For Speed: Payback is a fairly decent package. The driving is fun and with over 15 hours of single-player racing plus a rather standard but competent multiplayer mode, there’s plenty of driving to do. The narrative itself is one of the most bizarre and uninteresting I’ve seen in recent memory, but tricking out your whip and boosting it around a track is fun enough to stand on it’s own – so don’t hesitate to skip through the cutscenes. If you’re looking for a simple racing game to turn on and tune out, Need For Speed: Payback isn’t a bad road to go down.

Super Meat Boy 3D is a game where the old Jurassic Park adage rings true: the devs were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should. It’s enjoyable enough at times, but it lacks the level of reinvention necessary for Meat Boy to make a meaningful leap to 3D. Instead, playing it constantly feels slightly off, thanks to the 3D, which, rather than building on the experience, comes across as more of a gimmick that diminishes the otherwise tough but fair principles that made its predecessor a classic.

As a huge DC Comics fan, I had high hopes in this game but unfortunately it missed a shot that Deadshot would not – in that, Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League feels underwhelmed, even though the world’s greatest heroes and anti-heroes are present. Mediocre best sums up this game and thankfully the main campaign can be completed in around 10-hours.

I was excited to play Yo-kai Watch 2, hoping it would expand on the enjoyment of the first title. Unfortunately, even a narrative of travelling back in time to witness the creation of the first Yo-kai watch was not enough to help me look past the repetitive nature of the game’s mechanics. Rather than persevering with ‘collecting them all’ in Yo-kai Watch 2, I think I’d prefer to travel back in time and revisit my dream team of Yo-kai from the original game.

The appeal of this game is hard to narrow down; for the young or non-gamer, it is a very straightforward and extremely easy to play game, in fact you have one button to press and one joystick to move the cursor around for selection. The game can perhaps offer some challenges as it progresses. For experienced detective style gamers, intellectuals and those who want fast paced action, this is not the game for you. With that being said, this game is very different to many games out there and that can be a very welcomed change indeed.

Masters of Light is a creative and fun box-to-the-beat, shooting gallery, with a unique aesthetic and a decent attempt at world-building, despite its somewhat barebones design.

All in all, Devil’s Third is a mixed bag on the Wii U that even with its graphical issues and at times flunky controls, there is some sort of decent game to be found, more so in multiplayer.

Despite a limited presentation, it introduces a clever way of using the PSVR helmet within a cockpit, one housed within an interesting sci-fi tale. Still, be prepared for an array of interaction quirks, likewise stale voiceovers. If there are subsequent Space Rift episodes, hopefully they’ll iron out Episode 1 issues.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal World Duel Carnival is an interesting duelling card game on the 3DS but lacks any real replay value, especially with no 2-player support

I’m not done with Starbase Spacetopia (or whatever it’s called, I give up), I still want to nail the perfect base, especially now I’ve fully understood all the games systems, and for the most part, I’m having fun. On top of the campaign and free play mode there’s a perfectly serviceable multiplayer mode too, albeit the current small player base means it takes a while to locate a game. Is it the pinnacle of base management strategy games? No, far from it in fact, but it’s a more than serviceable space station sim that satisfies the itch for galactic domination.

In conclusion, Ape Escape provides a relatively short game for the gamer and doesn't add anything new to the franchise nor makes good use of the Move capabilities. It's unfortunately one of those stock standard Move games that seems to be the go at the moment.

Syberia – Remastered is a faithful modernization of a cult classic that will likely appeal most to returning fans or players who enjoy slow, meditative adventure games. While the updated visuals and performance enhancements are welcome, the core gameplay and puzzle design still feel trapped in the early 2000s, often prioritizing nostalgia over modernization. There’s an undeniable beauty in its melancholy story and atmosphere, but the journey itself can feel more mechanical than magical. If you’re willing to overlook its clunky moments and old-fashioned design, Syberia – Remastered offers a heartfelt adventure through a world where clockwork dreams still tick—just a little slower than they used to.

Have A Nice Death takes the best bits of other roguelikes to create a slick adventure spoiled by an unrewarding difficulty curve.