The Developers definitely succeed at creating a fun game for younger gamers, especially if they are fans of PJ Masks because everything is there. Additionally the control mechanics are well mapped on the Xbox Series controller that immediately had our younger player picking up the controller and start playing. In the end, PJ Masks Power Heroes Mighty Alliance is a sturdy platformer with a few different gaming genres thrown into the 2D platformer mix that offers gameplay targetted for kids, unlike some crash grabs out there.

A fantastic combination of horror, combat and puzzle solving elements, Withering Rooms is one nightmare that you may not wish to wake from!

I have really been enjoying Headquarters: World War II. The difficulty options are perfect because I tend to find these days that I enjoy the storytelling of games more than the tough grind to success. If on the other hand you are all about the thrill of a hard won victory… you can certainly choose a punishing difficulty level. The unity variety and importance of using those differences to your advantage makes this far more engaging than many of the other “generic” World War II RTS games. Certainly consider grabbing a copy for some historically inspired RTS action.

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.

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!

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

Alan Wake II is the kind of cinematic, musical, meta-narrative experience that you cannot find anywhere else. Everything in this game is a narrative tool for this monstrous story. We have waited more than a decade to get this game, and the wait was worth it.

Minishoot' Adventures is a standout that combines the best elements of two beloved genres into a cohesive and engaging experience.

Horizon Forbidden West is a great sequel. It improves upon the very gameplay mechanics that made the first game so unique while addressing some of its shortcomings such as the lackluster melee combat.

An innovative take on the sniping genre that never fails to offer up a unique challenge and engages throughout.

A gorgeous and unique take on the stealth-action genre. Ereban: Shadow Legacy's unique traversal makes it stand out from the crowd.

An accessible, calm little simulator that finds joy in the quotidian, with plenty of scope for creativity.

Ultimately, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an odd combination between Skyrim, Elden Ring, and Tears of the Kingdom that scratches a very unique itch. It might not be for everyone, but it’s certainly for someone, and it’ll be exciting to see what kind of DLC Capcom have planned for it.

Planet Zoo isn’t for casual sim fans. It’s big, it’s complicated and it’s demanding, but it’s also an impressively intricate creativity tool for anyone who grew up wishing Zoo Tycoon had a bit more going for it. With so much content, even more to come, and a fanbase and developer who constantly share their ideas and love for the genre throughout the wonderful Workshop, it’s hard to imagine a simulation doing it better than this.

Princess Peach Showtime is a nice break away from our favourite plumber and his brother and while I enjoyed this as an older gamer, it definitely does have a more younger gamer appeal. Even so, it’s quite a clever premise and if you’re looking for something a little different, check out the demo via the Nintendo store and if you like it, Princess Peach Showtime might be the fun you’re looking for.

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

Clean the Sea! is a game filled with potential to tell an interesting story that conveys an important message that unfortunately fails to do anything with it beyond the bare minimum.

Though not without its flaws, Unicorn Overlord is a fantastic tactical RPG that has a highly rewarding and satisfying gameplay loop.

A highly recommended interactive adventure game with compelling characters, impactful branching decisions and unique visuals.

Pacific Drive is a strange and unique survival experience that should receive plaudits for pushing the boat out creatively, and inserting you into an unnerving climate with a battered old whale of a hooptie to tour about in.

Quality-of-life changes is the name of MLB The Show 24. It’s a great addition to the series, without any major flaws– the biggest might be that it hasn’t committed fully to the current gen, but it’s still the best looking baseball game out there. The perfect swings are just as satisfying, the baseball card collecting isn’t stingy, and the career mode still gives you that feeling of an underdog rising to the top against all odds. So if you love baseball sims, you’ll love MLB The Show 24.

Summary: For fans of Rogue-likes Shiren the Wanderer is a perfect game to play for people who have not played this genre before. I would still suggest giving this game a go. The overall gameplay loop is easy to grasp, but it takes time and patience to Master. Some may be put off by the repetitiveness and overall difficulty level which is understandable but I would implore people to keep going.

A mindless busy-clicker that would be perfect for those needing to mentally detach from reality for a while.

A fun, light-hearted entry into the now packed Boomer Shooter genre that does enough different to stand out from the pack. Its addition of bullet-hell style mechanics and use of comedy make this one worth a look.

An ambitious open-world action-RPG with fast-paced combat, choice-based storytelling and a variety of gameplay systems that keep the experience fresh.

Hi-Fi Rush remains an absolute feast for the senses, a heady mix of unique and addictive brawling, beautiful presentation, an incredible soundtrack, and a cast of well-drawn characters in every sense of the word that demands to be in any action fan’s collection.

Alone in the Dark is the best game in the series in decades. After several failed attempts at a reboot and one awful cash grab, Pieces Interactive’s take on the venerable survival horror successfully fuses old and new design philosophies, respecting Frédérick Raynal’s original vision while adding plenty of fresh ideas of its own. It’s not without its issues, but if you’re looking for a game that actually knows the definition of Lovecraftian, a slow burn that is more chilling, the more you think about it. You might want to spend some time Alone in the Dark.

Outcast: A New Beginning is an entertaining open-world romp that reveals in its campy charm with fun traversal mechanics, fun customisation options, and plenty to see and do. It may be a little rough around the edges, but if you can overlook its foibles, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

An acceptable but ultimately underbaked re-release which doesn't justify its own existence, or its hefty price tag.

A unique, story-driven take on the post-apocalypse with an emphasis on its story, characters, and exploration.

The Outlast Trials is a tense and rewarding multiplayer horror game. Though it’s not quite as nerve-shredding as previous Outlast games, especially when playing with others, its primary loop is an addictive one, and it drip-feeds rewards and challenges at just the right place to keep you hooked until you feel you can renter society again.

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

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).

Warhammer 40,000: Dakka Squadron: Fly Boy Edition on Switch is a lot like the Dakka Jets that the Orks pilot; a shabby contraption comprised mostly of scrap and spare parts that should be avoided in case it spontaneously combusts.

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.

Penny’s Big Breakaway is a challenging, yep, approachable 3d platformer with bags of old-school charm, slick level design, and top-tier platforming that both fans of a certain blue hedgehog and 3d platformers in general should certainly check out.

Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a delightful adaptation and an absolutely mesmerizing adventure that, like a good book, I couldn’t put down until it was finished. With fun stealth and platforming sections, fantastic storytelling, incredible visuals, and a keen eye for what made Jansson’s work so captivating in the first place. Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a game that every Moomin fan, scratch that, every cosy game fan needs in their collection.

A remaster of the all-time classic game Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Brothers Remake is perfectly passable, but its many flaws mean it misses the point by a few metres.

Spiritfall tried something different in an action platformer roguelike, but unfortunately falls a bit short in actual execution. Presentation is solid, but experience is certainly not the kind to keep you wanting one more run.

An accessible ARPG that has huge potential for player customisation that does a few unique things to keep it feeling fresh.

Overall… it’s a solid game that is a lot of fun either solo or in two player. It’s got enough of a challenge to make you work for it (certainly some levels more than others… I hate iceworlds!) but it shouldn’t keep you held back too long. If you aren’t sure, you can grab a demo and give it a go… but I suspect you’ll want to grab the full game and save your mini Marios!

WWE 2K24 is a fine game and it is showing Rhodes towards the wrestling videogames promise land, but right now it's nowhere near the Head of the Table.

A unique and beguiling historical murder mystery that this scribe can't recommended enough.

Slave Zero X is a terrific beat ”em-up game with fast-paced combats and loads of enemies to butcher and slay. The simple but challenging gameplay of the game works perfectly, however, there could have been more platforming in the game as well. Lastly, the story is good enough and well-written for such a title but a few good ambient tracks would have been wonderful as well.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth improves on Remake in every conceivable way. The sense of wonder the game instils is immense. This is the definitive way to experience Final Fantasy VII.

Yes, I miss the swashbuckling and sword-clashing action found in the likes of Black Flag more than I care to admit – but honestly, Skull & Bones’ seafaring sections can be pretty special. There’s a beautiful simplicity to it all – sailing around the seas, watching the stars twinkle above as the sea gently rocks my boat, all while I prepare to turn the night sky red with the burning remains of an unsuspecting merchant fleet. Skull & Bones is far from the perfect pirate adventure, but this is a tale of two halves; at its best, it’s a fantastic sea-sim, but at its worst? I was almost pushed to mutiny.

Balatro is a brilliant take on the rogue lite genre. Video poker fans will be grinning ear to ear playing this truly terrific card game that is hard to put down.

The performance issues from launch seem to be largely gone, making Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Complete Edition a much more attractive proposition than perhaps it previously was.

Whether you're a fan of 40k or not. Daemonhunters is a fantastic romp and a fine example of how to do strategy right on consoles.

The Apollo Justice Trilogy is a worthy successor to the original Phoenix Wright trilogy, and it’s fantastic to have a way once again to play this trio of superb adventures on modern hardware. With some great extras, all the DLC, and subtle but impactful quality-of-life improvements for fans and newcomers alike, The Apollo Justice Trilogy is one court date you can’t afford to miss.

Bulletstorm is a fantastic game, but unfortunately, it just doesn’t translate all that well to VR. The fast-paced, combo-chasing gameplay is still as frantic as ever, but the more laboured controls make racking up combos a lot harder, and the speed of the action can be uncomfortable at times. That being said, it’s great to be immersed in the world, and seeing some of Bulletstom’s grander set pieces up close is an absolute treat and Steve Blum’s turn as Grayson Hunt remains incredibly entertaining; it’s just difficult to recommend it over the recent remaster.

Tomb Raider Remastered I-III is more of an updated version of the main games rather than a fully remastered one. Apart from the new modern control which still struggles to keep up with today’s standards, there isn’t anything new to the game. While that may be good for the old fans of the series, it will create a struggle for new players and therefore not be able to enjoy some of the best exploration games out there.

Helldivers 2 is a lot of fun, assuming you can get into a match to actually play it with other people. If you’re not interested in the co-op aspect of the game, then it might be a tough sell. You can technically play solo, while still being online, but there are no bots to assist, and the difficulty curve is largely designed to be tackled by multiple people. I can’t guarantee the game would be anywhere near as enjoyable played like this. If you can put up with the current issues and don’t mind another live service game, there’s a lot of fun to be had with Helldivers 2 and it’s very easy to recommend.

Persona 3 Reload hits the remake sweet spot, honoring its roots with a stunning visual upgrade and fun new content, making it a must-play for veterans and newcomers alike.

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.

A fantastically written and acted, dark love story sadly tarnished by a host of small issues that ruin the experience somewhat.

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.

Disney could have easily created a cash-in with half the attention to detail and called it quits, but Dreamlight Valley is absolutely jam-packed with cosy, heartwarming interactions, a great gameplay loop and a ton of character. The best thing about it all? The only thing holding you back is your imagine (and maybe one or two fetch quests).

For all the faults that I’ve outlined above, the gameplay itself is adequate, unrefined, and needing polish, but adequate, nonetheless. Where it fell down most for me was in the story. The Stargate universe is full of potential, an almost limitless number of worlds all full of storytelling possibilities, so for that potential to not be realised, is disappointing.

Ultimately Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is a fun twist on a familiar theme. Sure we have some hyper realistic games that allow you to be part of a criminal gang performing heists… but why play those when you can be a cute little Turnip working for some pickles firing your cactus and shaking down customers at Mr Stinky’s bank. We may not have Commander Keen or Jazz Jackrabbit anymore… but when we can still have games like Turnip Boy Robs a Bank… I’d say variety in gaming is still alive and well. If you like your life of crime with a touch of humour and edibles… grab a copy of Turnip Boy Robs a Bank!

Overall Hitman Blood Money Reprisal is a very strong port and a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch library whilst not without its flaws it still manages to offer up plenty of replay-ability and addiction to satiate the blood lust of all us budding Hitmen and Women, without overstaying its welcome. Also with the Quality of life improvements it has brought the game closer to how the more modern titles are played without totally removing itself from the source material.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return to the Tekken series and more importantly, it will become a fighter that I can revisit again and again. The developers aimed high with Tekken 8 and succeeded in delivering a fighter that can be played by all and yes, the King of Iron Fist Tournament is back! Sure, the story can become convoluted at times (what Tekken game isn’t) but for the most part, it’s a rollercoaster ride from start to finish with perfect fighting mechanics thrown into the fray. At its core, it’s a next-gen fighter with a wonderful cast of fighters that I’m eager to unlock more about their stories and play it more online with friends and enemies. Brilliant!

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

An interesting take on the hospital sim. Difficult decisions and resource management are the order of the day.

Baffling business decisions aside, Infinite Wealth is another stellar entry in the Like a Dragon series.

One of the best games in PlayStation’s library has been made even better. A graphical update and a whole host of new content make The Last of Us Part II Remastered easy to recommend for fans and newcomers alike.

Fun 2.5D platforming, combo-based combat and clever puzzles wrapped in a highly polished, content-filled package. A must-play adventure.

If you’re a fan of the original or simply looking for your next VR fix, 7th Guest VR is a creepy and challenging puzzler that doesn’t outstay its welcome.

Tunic, like all good Zeldalikes, is really about the hero’s journey, from a shaky start to the savior of a mystical island in tiny increments. With every stumble and fall, a lesson is learned; each new page of the manual, every new piece of equipment, and every little victory slowly amounts to something much greater. It in some ways a meditative game, but it’s also one packed full of satisfying challenges and hard-fought battles. If you have fond memories of adventuring in a green tunic, I couldn’t recommend slipping on this particular garment enough.

Paleo Pines is a simple farming sim with a decent hook that, though not as sprawling or intense as something like Stardew Valley, is still a great way to while away a few hours and a great entry point to the genre for younger gamers that may get overwhelmed by it’s more complex cousins. Also, you can ride dinosaurs. When is that ever not fun?

Persona 5 Tactica beautifully translates the mechanics of the game it spun off from into the strategy genre – wrapped up in an art style that doesn’t support the interesting story it’s trying to tell, but does capture the charm of its characters better than ever.

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

Turok 3 is a blast for both shooter fans and anyone interested in games history.

Overall DQM: The Dark Prince is a fine and serviceable game that would be a perfect pick up for any Dragon Quest fan.

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

Echoes of the Fallen is a tasty little expansion that adds more of the game I love. My only wish is that they'd give us more!

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.

With the lack of originality or innovation both in gameplay and storytelling, in a year packed with great indies such as Dredge and Cocoon, I’m afraid Undying leaves the table empty-handed.

Zen Pinball takes us away from the bright lights of the standard pinball venue and sends us to the dark basement to play the grizzly horror themed tables of our nightmares.

Overall, Arizona Sunshine 2 VR is a decent game… you don’t have to be a fan of Zombie movies, games etc to enjoy it… you can just think of it as a first person shooter set in a scorching hot location with some very unhealthy looking enemies. Good controls and nice graphics make it a fun game to play… the price tag might be a bit high, so perhaps wait for a sale… but you should find a decent bit of fun here.

A cute platformer that aims to mimic collectathon games of the nineties, unfortunately let down by some frustrating level design.

An epic, twisted CRPG that scratches that Baldur’s Gate 3 itch, but is held back by a few bugs.

Waltz of the Wizard is a fun VR experience for anyone whose ever daydreamed of spending their time tinkering away at the Unseen University.

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.

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

Not just a full AAA game in VR... but an impressively implemented one at that.

WarioWare: Move It! captures all the fun quirkiness that fans of the franchise have come to know and love while boasting some surprisingly engaging motion controls.

A polished and pleasingly accessible remake, Super Mario RPG is a lovely refurbishment of a nearly 30 year-old game managing to balance classic gameplay with new refinements that do nothing but improve the core Mario RPG experience.

The Pale Reach combines the fear of cold and unknown to create a unique horror but it lacks in story and innovation.

Despite all my grumblings about Rhythm Castle's gameplay loop, after a while, I found myself thoroughly invested in seeing it through to the end. Maybe it was Stockholm Syndrome, or maybe I was simply enamored by Rhythm Castle's rich universe, but even at its most baffling, I still wanted to play on.

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

The Traveler’s Path is a must-buy for 3D casual-puzzle solving lovers. The price, mixed with the amount of content, is essentially one of the best bargains in the puzzle genre right now!

Station to Station has come a long way since the demo and it’s clear to see that the team at Galaxy Grove have big plans for the game. I’m quite impressed by just how challenging Station to Station is, and highly recommend any gamer looking for a good (but not impossible) challenge to give this game a red-hot crack. Even if the puzzles stump you, the graphics alone will make the headache worth it, especially when you watch a spider-train crawl its way around the map!

Universe for Sale is truly a gem of an indie game that I would suggest to anyone interested in a unique and non-linear narrative. It has a few issues regarding the pace and hiding clues of the story, but the correct density makes up for it. Also for a point-and-click game, there are good mini-games although the placement of a few could have been better.

Flashback 2 is a slapdash sequel that trades heavily on nostalgia, while misunderstanding everything that made its predecessor a classic.

The Invincible is a beautiful, mesmerising and contemplative adventure that fans of retrofuturism and hard sci fi wont want to miss.

The greatest compliment I can give a videogame is that it moved its genre forward. To me, Astral Ascent did just that. Where it lacked in storytelling, Astral Ascent’s robust combat system and uniquely deep character progression created an addicting gaming experience that can be played with endless enjoyment. While I fought so hard to eventually escape the Astral prison, I will gladly be back to do it all over again soon.

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.