Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 is a good action game, a great one even. There are just some minor things that stop a whole hearted recommendation.

s a complete package, the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a must-buy for anyone with even the slightest interest in the fighting genre; from shaky beginnings to the behemoth it’s become now, this look back into the series’ storied 2D past treats the franchise with the reverence that it deserves.

Although the game is reminiscent of WarioWare in terms of playability and content, Rhythm Heaven’s simplicity is the key to success and without trying to be too clever, Nintendo have once again redefined enjoyable gaming for the masses.

Overall I found Two Point Museum an absorbing delight, and it was only improved for the areas in which it differed from my halcyon days of school with Theme Hospital.

As with pretty much all DLC it’s really more of the same but in this case that is a very good thing. There are some interesting additions to an already extremely playable game and for the amount of hours you will spend feverishly playing, it represents extremely good value for money. Grab a partner and enjoy more of one of the Switch’s best multiplayer games.

Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a solid Switch 2 port of arguably one of the best entries in the storied series. With the best antagonist in the entire Yakuza saga, memorable set pieces and a whole raft of interconnected side missions, superb games within the game, and a couple of stone-cold Saturn classics to play in the arcade, Kiwami 2 cements the series as one of the best times you can have on Nintendo’s newest hardware.

If you’ve been yearning for a good RPG to dig your teeth into and have fond memories of the classic isometric games from the late 1990’s then Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is probably something you will enjoy.

It’s easier to follow the notion of “gotta catch ’em all” in regards to the games when they release such engaging content and that’s just what we have here. A great fun way to step back in game time and contribute to the study of Pokemon that will be both familiar and new to players. A great addition to your Pokemon gaming collection.

So the game is all in all darn fun. Longtime fans may be disappointed though with the short campaign and long in the tooth engine. I feel it does the job well and soldiers on…. Final run down is there has been some touch ups done on graphics, though not enough to be noticeable to any huge degree; whatever it lacks in overall graphic pizzazz, it more than makes up for in the fun factor. Touch ups have been done on the Prestige system and perks as well.

In conclusion, Alan Wake delivers with an interesting and sturdy gaming experience, however for me, the whole experience seemed a little dated from the combat engine to certain gaming moments that we've seen it all before.

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.

Donut County is a strange, unique game, and I think it’s great. The gameplay is simple yet undeniably enjoyable. The visuals are cool, colourful and fun. Yet most impressive is the rather captivating story and characters that tie this whole thing together. Sure, the game might be a little too easy and really only takes a few hours to beat without much incentive for replayability (unless you’re interested in chasing achievements). But Donut County is easily one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played this year and I think everyone should check it out.

Unmatched cinematic story mode and core fighting gameplay mechanics marred by baffling content and feature exclusions.

DICE have another winner on their hands with this DLC and if you're looking to spice up your Battlefield 3 experience and need something different, than Battlefield 3: Back to Karkand is a fast and affordable way to get your fix.

The Plucky Squire is a delightful action platformer with a brilliant hook that feels like witchcraft the first time you see it and continues to be absolutely magical throughout. It tells a heartfelt tale about the power of art and creativity, set within a bright and beautiful world packed with wit and whimsy that the whole family will enjoy.

Lies of P is the best Soulsborne game that wasn’t made by FromSoftware. The gameplay and design of the game are great and have a little signature of their own but the density of inspiration is a bit too much. The steampunk design of the game truly fits with its story and the music helps to convey the mood but I wish the story had more depth.

The sim itself is quite solid… it’s ridiculous how pleasant it can be to get out on the open road with your cargo behind you and just drive. But what really makes it great fun is the radio stations. As with previous iterations you can chose to put your own music in the game and have that as your radio mix… or (and really why do anything else?) you can switch between the preinstalled streaming radio stations.

Deep Rock Galactic creates a fun team-based first person shooter with lots of interesting puzzles and clever gaming mechanics.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns has some really great tactical combat that is dragged down by an insistence that you want to care about the heroes beside you.

Skylanders Swap Force definitely takes this franchise to the next level up that we had a ball playing. It may not be as refined as Disney Infinity (I guess it does help when you have the Disney vault of characters available) but in terms of local and online play, there's something quite enjoyable about seeing your action figures come alive in the virtual world.

A fantastic pick-up-and-play 3DS game a diverse and funky soundtrack, tons of unlockable content and perfect for party play with friends.

In conclusion Pokémon: Platinum doesn't add anything new to the single-player gameplay which is a shame, however the multiplayer options are quite interesting and really centers on trading, battles and the like.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a huge leap forward for the series towards a deeper action role-playing experience. The sheer ambition and amount of content available in Ubisoft’s latest historical sandbox – quests, NPCs, side-activities, collectibles, historical landmarks, locations and secrets – is staggering, and it’s easy to get immersed in what is a truly spectacular open-world rendition of Ancient Greece, the Aegean Sea and its many different islands and warring states. This latest entry will especially resonate best if you enjoyed the different direction last year’s Origins took.

A truly fantastic arcade game that not only plays well (with a few 21st century tweaks) but looks amazing on this next-gen console.

I would heartily recommend The Wizards: Dark Times to anyone who wants a bit of magic VR gaming or who just wants to experience what a VR world can be. It’s a lot of fun and you get to feel like a truly powerful mage!

I was taken in by the game from the get go… the visuals are lovely an playful and the gameplay is challenging but not frustrating (no doubt some will find it “too easy”, but for me it was a good balance). It’s a great title to be able to pick up and have a play through to pass time and thanks to the random levels and loot it seems fresh each time. If you like this style of game I am quite happy to recommend it!

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

Paper Trail is an endearing and unique puzzle adventure where you MUST fold under pressure.

Trombone Champ: Unflattened! is a rhythm game that hilariously allows you to play the trombone as erratically as you want. Quick decisions and fatiguing movements can be challenging in VR, but can also add to the delightful ridiculousness. Admirable new features like new environments and trombones as well as amusing glimpses of a narrative with a baboon adds to the inventiveness. It’s all the fun of playing an actual trombone without the spit valve.

Though it's a slow burn in revealing its true colours, and sometimes a bit of a pacing drag, Ever17 is a beautifully depressing story about the ups and downs of finding and losing hope in claustrophobia.

Gears of War: Ultimate Edition provides XBox One owners a great third person shooter experience as you attempt to save humanity from the locust hoard.

Death Howl seems to have taken the heart of turn-based grid-based strategy games (think Into the Breach), and the deck building of modern indie classics (think Inscryption) and paired their gameplay strengths with a unique story. Strong recommend.

Yoku's Island Express combines pinball with exploration in an irresistibly charming and gorgeous adventure game.

Ghostwire: Tokyo on the Xbox Series X successfully creates an interactive Japanese horror movie on this next-gen console that is filled with scares and enjoyable gaming moments. Best of all, this version has all the latest updates and improvements that really fine-tunes this gaming experience.

The story is a little blasé and the game is a little slow to start but once you get drawn in, it's very hard to put this game down.

Would I recommend Killer Frequency? Yep… even if you aren’t really a horror fan (like me)… this isn’t really the adrenaline pumping stuff… it’s far more the “horror comedy” style and those semi cartoon style visuals do help take some of the edge off the tension. It’s not a bad price but replay value isn’t super high (unless you want to mess with the callers and find out what their fate is like if you choose different options). A fun game with an interesting style, grab it if you like your puzzle solving with some retro radio vibes.

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

In the end, Dance Central is definitely the best dance game on the Kinect and really showcases the Kinect quite well.

Overall FIFA 16 is a very good game, and an improvement on last year’s offering

Exo One is solid fun once you have mastered the controls and mechanics.

Overall, the game offers a great experience that even though I got tired of after a few hours, I came back to multiple times. The game modes give a solid bit of excitement, but the real fun to me came from the online experience and special vehicles you can use to cause real destruction. I would give the game an overall 4 out of 5. I give it this based on its overall gameplay falling a little short in variety to me, but keep in mind that leaves plenty of room for them to eventually improve on the game.

Black Ops 6 returns the series to a revitalized and empowered state after several years of ho-hum entries. The campaign is pleasingly varied, the multiplayer contains a slew of fantastic modes and is very moreish, and Zombies is as furiously challenging as ever, making Black Ops 6 a winner on all fronts.

While Lost Judgement isn't a perfect sequel, it still lives up to its predecessor as it offers new refreshing gameplay mechanics alongside an engaging story.

Graphically, Minecraft may not look like anything special on the XBox 360 and sort of looks like a strange hybrid LEGO world. However when these blocks and ideas are combined together, Minecraft becomes an amazing experience that is only limited by your imagination. The ambient sound also takes a backseat in the game as does the music but together with the graphics, controls and almost flawless gameplay on the 360, it creates one of the most original games in years.

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

All in all, it is a fun, fast-paced frenetic game.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a great example of how to do a sequel with an amazing story, great protagonist and gameplay mechanics that just work.

Overall, Football Manager 2018 is as addictive as ever; packed with a plethora of options and tactics to choose from, it immerses you into the world of football management like never before. Quite simply, unless you’re up to date with your coaching badges, Sports Interactives’ latest effort is the closest you’ll get to becoming a managerial messiah. So, if you’re passionate about football and you fancy yourself as a bit of a José Mourinho, then Football Manager 2018 is an essential purchase.

Resident Evil Revelations is a must have game for the 3DS that should be used in conjunction with the Nintendo 3DS Circle Pad Pro accessory. The gameplay is almost flawless and the environments are quite detailed and engaging. The story is a little clichéd as are the characters which may become annoying for some but if you're a fan of this franchise than you really need to check it out.

Outer Worlds 2 is a smartly written, sophisticated RPG with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek. It’s hard not to see the parallels to real-world events played out thousands of light-years away, against a backdrop that is both at turns ludicrous but weirdly grounded, presided over by a cast of likable characters and a bevy of ingenious systems and branching paths that make for wildly different adventures Let me put it this way, I’m already planning my next trip to Arcadia.

In the end, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask is a fun game that both adults and children alike will enjoy, provided you like to be challenged. For younger gamers, the title does contain a hint system but fortunately this can be ignored, although I must admit we may have used it once or twice. If you're a fan of puzzles than look no further because this game will keep your mind well trained and best of all, have a blast!

One of the best glow ups on Switch 2 brings the magic of the wizarding world to Nintendo's new handheld with aplomb.

In conclusion, Saints Row the Third is a fun and extremely ridiculous game. It's definitely the most fun I've had on the PS3 for quite some time and it's great that Volition have taken the piss out of the gaming world with this release.

Borderlands: The Handsome Collection on PlayStation 4 is a flawless first person shooter that successfully takes this franchise to next-gen.

Forza Horizon 2 Storm Island is easily the best DLC of the year because of the amount of content jam packed into this release.

Apart from some minor repetitive issues throughout the game including endgame content, of which I haven’t managed to explore it all. It seems that Ubisoft has learned a number of important lessens from the first game, I can’t say enough how pleased I am that ALL year one content is free for all players, this is the kind of stuff more developers should be implementing for the longevity of their games.

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

For those perhaps new to the genre, or if you aren’t interested in park management that gets too involved, then Jurassic World Evolution 3 is a fantastic starting point to test your dinosaur-handling skills.

If you love NFL this will be a great addition to your collection with the depth available and the control given.

Whether you're a lover of all things formula one or just a fan of racing games in general, F1 2016 deserves a place in your collection.

Forsaken was just the pick me up Destiny 2 needed as it was falling quite sour of many loyal fans. I myself had taken a long break before Forsaken dragged me back. The story is great, the triumph system to track challenges is fun and paired with the lore system give players something to lookout and work towards completing even when there’s little else to do, having added so many more bounties, both daily and weekly to complete for that sweet sweet loot opens up the game for so many players who might only like to play certain modes or are more of a PVE player than PVP.

The second episode of The Walking Dead: Michonne is faster-paced and more about the action, but things are more than a little rushed - though still immensely violent and satisfying.

I know that the year isn’t done yet, and it might be a little early to start naming games the best of the year, but for me, I’m hooked beyond belief to Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair. I adore this game, and can’t shake the feeling that it was made for people just like me: those who grew up with platformers, and want to revisit that joyous nostalgia of running and jumping on perfect level designs. I love this game completely and cannot see anything topping it.

Sonic Cd may not look pretty, game wise though it is a solid fun romp in the retro gaming realm.

A rotation option, but not a primary starter.

I do believe that new players will not only enjoy Borderlands 3 but will want to go back and play previous titles in the series. Borderlands 3 has only pushed the bar higher and I can only commend the entire development team on creating yet another fantastic game.

Gears Tactics makes an odd choice turning away from the main genre that the Gears of War series is well known for but still captures that vital essence that fans have come to love. Playing this game on the Xbox Series X in 4k resolution is an amazing experience for any Gears fans or lovers of strategy games. The gameplay feels incredibly natural running on console and offers a really immersive experience for anyone. I’m especially fond of how much of the lore and content from the Gears series has been used in this game, especially the cinematic aspects that occur when executing a downed enemy. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who has ever played a Gears of War game or is looking for a challenging strategy game.

As you fight your way to victory, whether online or offline, developers Iron Galaxy should be commended on a flawless conversion to the XBox 360.

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

If you’re a souls fanatic, then getting this is a no-brainer and, in terms of amount of content, by all reports it’s almost double that of Ashes of Ariandel, making The Ringed City even better value for money.

The PlayStation Move aspect is definitely the way to go with a second person and it does give you a relative slight workout as you move around your living room, slogging that virtual ball. Add in a decent career mode and great online connectivity and Top Spin 4 is a winner on many levels.

A solid remake that doesn't quite stick the landing thanks to some bewildering soundtrack choices.

Overall, Stray surprised me in how well it wears its features and themes on its sleeve and how well crafted said features are. It’s a game created for cat lovers by cat lovers, but with features and mechanics everyone can enjoy irrespective of age or pet preference. It’s just too bad that the journey you’ll go on, while memorable, is incredibly short, at only about eight hours long.

Arguably the best NBA 2K26 of all time, with a new gameplay engine that sends the series into the stratosphere. There's so much to love, in exception to continued emphasis on Virtual Currency.

A intriguing change of pace that gives the Assassin's Creed series the breathing room it has so desperately needed for eons, without making any compromises on content. Well worth your time to enter the gates of Valhalla.

In conclusion, don't let Blur whizz past you because it truly challenges the current market and proves that kart games can also be made for adults. With elements of Mario Kart, Project Gotham Racing and even Carmageddon, Blur is the racing game that keeps on giving, whether single-player or multiplayer.

The best part of Rebellion or any RT4X title is the replay value. This title can be played again and again as all your decisions ultimately effect the long-term gameplay.

THQ's Darksiders may not be the most original game, however it works by giving the player a fun gaming experience that attempts to be clever at certain times and actually succeeds.

The Talos Principle: Road to Gehenna is more of the same variety of puzzles to pleasingly tax your brain.

If you can get over the lack of analogue acceleration (although a GC controller will fix this), GRID Legends: Deluxe Edition offers a robust and rewarding simcade racing package, with one of the most entertaining story modes I’ve seen in a racing game in donkeys, and it stars Dr Who! Whether you choose to take to the track in handheld or docked mode, there are plenty of options to get GRID looking and playing exactly how you want. Toss in a truckload of DLC and core racing that looks and feels fantastic to play, and you’ve got yourself one of the best racing games on the Switch 2 to date.

Cult of the Lamb is a real indie title. It has a unique visual style; it combines popular elements from successful games into a new title while adding dark humor to it. It also has a message worth thinking about. All this makes it a title to love and remember.

For any longtime fan returning to the series, or even those newer players curious about Mario’s roots, picking up Super Mario 3D All Stars is a no-brainer, with three top tier games packed to the brim with content providing some of the best platforming you’ll experience anywhere.

If you're a fan of RPG, than this game should definitely be on your pick list.

In conclusion, Mystery Case Files - Dire Grove is a very fun casual game that contains a brilliant story, fun interactivity and some very impressive full-motion videos.

A slow-paced point and click adventure which pulls you in with its original setting and loveable characters and keeps you there with its level of challenge.

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.

Truthfully, I found this DLC to be a strong fit for ‘Borderlands 3’ and the Borderlands universe. It offers a strong and intriguing story line full of unexpected laughs while filling in some of the blanks left behind from previous games. This DLC offers a massive amount of replay value, especially for those needing to make some extra cash to buy high end SDU upgrades. I managed to make $1,000,000 in just half an hour of starting this DLC from pickups alone, not including the money made from selling unwanted equipment.

Mega City Police is a fun, addictive, and beautiful shooter with an isometric camera and 80s sci-fi aesthetics. Everything designed in this game is a love letter to the 80s and it was done beautifully as well. I really wished the game was longer and there was some narrative motivation, but apart from that, this game was a blast.

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III (aka Rainbow Islands 2) is a fantastic action platformer, with a unique hook, bright visuals, bonkers character design, and catchy tunes that will leave you twirling your umbrella and singing in the rain.

Build, survive, repeat. Against the Storm is a dark fantasy city-builder that blends roguelike structure with deep strategy and addictive resource management. Every settlement you build is temporary, but the knowledge and upgrades you carry forward make each run feel meaningful. With dynamic weather, unique factions, and smart progression, it’s a game that constantly evolves and it’s finally on Nintendo Switch, where its pick-up-and-play loop shines.

Overall, Death Stranding is a good game but not quite something that I’d really recommend. Yet, at the same time, Death Stranding is still an incredibly unique game and worth having a go at if you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

In conclusion, this game rocked and was a great walk or drive down memory lane with all the great bands who have lent their music to this game. The voice acting is pure class and the gameplay actually works quite well in a bizarre way that makes this quite an original game.

There are a few glitches but even so, these do not hamper the gaming experience and if you're looking for value for money, than you have come to the right place my apocalyptic brothers and sister.

The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault On Dark Athena is a well made action title.

Must-play for fans and newcomers looking for an in-depth fighting game with shamelessly over-the-top violence, time-travelling shenanigans, and creative ways to beat foes to a bloody pulp.

Whether you into soccer all year round or dust off your Australian jersey every 4 years for the world cup, PES 13 is a must have title for any fan.

I felt like this game was just setting things up for trolling because I couldn’t help but spend most of my first few hours in this expansion looking for ways to wreak havoc, but once I buckled down and focused on the expansion I found it to be a lot of fun. My only real problem I see is the price tag as it sits at a whopping 39.99 U.S. and 49.95 AUD in Australia. You do get a lot in this expansion but that price is hard to swallow. If you love the Sims then you will love this expansion.

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a seriously good remaster. It’s a relaxing and comforting jaunt back into the world of the classic 3D platformer and it was a joy to re-experience all of these worlds with Sparx by my side. If you played Spyro growing up—or always wondered what the fuss was about—there’s something in this for everyone, and I hope that we see some new young Spyro fans as a result.