Though definitely hampered by questionable controls and sometimes obscure puzzles and movement… the overall satisfaction of solving a puzzle and seeing what new contraption was revealed kept me going. If you enjoy puzzle games, certainly give it a look.

At the end of the day, GTA IV: The Lost and the Damned is a great addon for the series and is not just a quick money making addition to the series but rather something substantial to this franchise.

If you’re looking for something fun to play without too many headaches, Paper Mario Color Splash is that game and so far, it’s my favourite game on the Wii U this year.

Arguably one of the best value DLCs for the series yet opening new locations to drive through, new companies to work for and many new sites to see.

Ratchet and Clank packs a sentiment and graphically stunning punch, but remains imperfect beneath the surface.

The Following is an immensely enjoyable and well-crafted survival horror experience that I implore any fan of the genre to at least check out.

If you have some younger gamers who want a bit of a puzzle game with a magical touch then this could be a good choice, especially if you don’t mind playing the game with them.

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.

The deduction mechanic reminds me a little bit of L.A. Noire but perhaps a bit more forgiving here. I found it to be a fun world to jump into and I can only imagine what it would be like as a real VR game. For the variety of game worlds you get to play in (to an extent)… it’s pretty good value for money and if you enjoy a good detective story and the chance to solve problems via deductions, this should be right up your dark alley.

Birds of Steel is easily one of the best flight simulators for the PlayStation 3 that really takes the simulator genre to a whole new level on this console. It's easily one of the best looking flight sims around at the moment with the realistic planes and exceptional gameplay. With over 100 planes available in the game, a campaign mode, online player and even a mission creator, there's plenty of longevity to be found in this game.

If you’re a console-only gamer interested in JA3, now is the best time to jump into the game. If you’re a console gamer that also has a PC, I still recommend the PC version as you can enjoy the gamepad support that version has offered since launch, in addition to the PC version’s perks (mods and better graphics options). With a post-launch patch roadmap still currently underway (introducing several new quality-of-life features and new gameplay options), however, both PC and console owners will enjoy the best version of the game together, moving forward. If you’re a lover of turn-based tactical games with RPG elements, try and suppress the noise of all the triple-AAA titles and make some room in your gaming schedule for one of the best games released this year.

The fourth addition of this open-world action packed game is the most zombie filled yet but don’t feel like you need to have played its predecessors to enjoy this one. With optional tutorials getting you through the basics you will quickly find yourself becoming distracted finding new and better ways to kill zombies before you realise that you have forgotten about the main storyline. So please excuse me, I have to return to humming Christmas tunes while I kill some more zombies!

If you are looking for a VR rhythm game but with a focus on fitness then I would certainly suggest Blast Beat as it checks basically all the boxes. If you want more flexibility over the musical content then you may be less impressed here (unless a future update allows personal music additions, though I don’t believe this is a planned addition at the moment). Ultimately it’s a bit of fun VR exercise… if that’s what you are after then grab a copy and don’t forget a sweat towel too!

Certainly not one of the general gaming public… but if you like your smutty games less explicit and more tongue in cheek(s)… then this might just tickle your fancy. For those who are old enough to remember the originals, there are a few small moments of nostalgia but then much like Larry (and Austin Powers) you have to remind yourself that this is a more modern and considerate world we live in and you can still have your smutty jokes… you just might have to work a bit harder to get them. Perhaps wait till it’s on special though unless you are a die hard fan.

The greatest homage to the 90's the 2090's ever saw, a wonderfully different first person shooter experience a bit high on the difficulty.

The developers have done a great job in making this universe quite epic as you attempt to colourise this dull and dark universe. Sent there by a bad scientist, it's once again up to Mickey to save the universe and the game gives the player some power in how this will be done.

In conclusion, Rise of the Argonauts is a strong RPG title that contains a different perspective on this genre with a classic story, realistic graphics and a truly majestic sound track with a Hollywood style of voice acting.

If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings mythology, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Middle-earth games don’t compliment the lore of the books. Spawned from a series of epic fantasy novels, this loud, insane, adrenaline-filled open-world adventure certainly isn’t true to the works of author J.R.R. Tolkien. Perhaps you might slap your forehead in dismay by the goofy plot or looseness to the source material but what’s undeniable is, that Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a lot of fun.

In the end this game truly did stand up to its predecessors standards. It is fun and entertaining with plenty of replay value. It keeps your attention the whole time you are playing. Whether it uses comedy, drama, adventure or battle you just can't get enough.

Too many role-playing games are let down by average or mediocre combat – Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen isn’t one of them. Unfortunately, role-playing games also demand great stories, and if you’re looking for a stronger main storyline, Dragon Dogma’s might not be up to your standards. Despite this, the hundreds of hours of content on offer, immense replayability and party customisation is amazing and PC owners can finally enjoy Capcom’s RPG gem with all the added visual bells-and-whistles options.

The PC classic and remake successfully transitions to the Xbox One console as players are given the commander's chair in a brilliant space epic.

In conclusion, Monopoly: Here and Now the World Edition for iPad is great with friends and even solo if you want to be captivated by one of the world's classic board games.

Madden NFL 16 definitely streamlines the American football experience on the PlayStation 4 with its enhanced gaming mechanics, especially with the new catches and accessible in-game goals.

Altogether, Onrush is like a breath of fresh air. It’s fast, frenzied and above all else, fun. If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your game library, then you could do a lot worse than this.

Strong artistic direction, simple, yet compelling gameplay, and another transcendental Berlinist score make Neva easy to recommend. As beautiful as it is touching, Nomada has once again proved that they are the masters of creating experiences that you point at feverishly whenever anyone tells you games can’t also be art. However, Neva backs up its impressive artistry with solid gameplay by blending easy-to-pick-up, tough-to-master platforming with some simple yet deep combat and brilliant boss battles. But best of all though, it has a puppy you can pet.

Nikoderiko: The Magical World is an impressive platformer that blends the logistics and inner workings of classics into a new style that respectfully represents the genre in a fun-loving way. The mellow approach and splendid animation create a welcoming and heartwarming adventure about plundering and bravery that you will want to see through to the end.

Nostalgic to a point, yet inviting and accommodating to those new to the genre, Bravely Default remains one of the best RPGs ever created. Though the transition to Switch 2 isn’t perfect, it is still a welcome one, and as one of the cheapest launch titles for Nintendo’s new console, an absolute bargain to boot.

Delivers high on adventure and gaming. Middle Earth comes to life.

I’ve been playing versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator since the early days and the detail and complexity has come along leaps and bounds. Piloting requires a lot more attention to details and precision in controls now compared to early versions but being able to see a fully fleshed out airport rather than a few squares and lines on the screen is a real treat. It is a truly visually stunning game (my son actually looked across at one point and thought I was watching a video)… but it can be quite detailed in controls as well. If you like your sims with a decent dose of realism then this might be up your alley. If you prefer very simple flight mechanics then you might want to give it a miss. Either way I’d recommend checking patch notes for whether you are comfortable grabbing a copy, or at least wait for a sale if you are concerned about game crashes.

LEGO Horizon Adventures is an almost perfect translation of the Horizon setting and characters into the world of LEGO. Effort has been made to translate the mechanics and locales into brick form, with great effect.

While not a new game, The Nioh Collection provides excellent value for money and literally hundreds of hours of gameplay. If you like a challenging RPG in the same vein of Demon Souls, then The Nioh Collection is a must play experience that works a treat on the PlayStation 5, including its next-gen use of Dualsense.

FIFA 14 on iOS is a very fun game! Although it's free, you do need to dish out a one-off purchase to open the full game modes. However it's definitely worth the price, especially with over 600 licensed teams, 33 leagues and real players. If you don't believe me, download the game to check it out and I bet before long, you'll be making that one-off purchase!

It is no San Andreas, but an enjoyable romp nonetheless - it is also one rather gigantic download though but one well worth it if you can make the space.

If you love the LEGO games in the console world or more recently, LEGO City Undercover than LEGO Batman 2 DC Super Heroes is a must have game for your Wii U.

It’s pretty pricey so you may want to wait for a sale… but there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had here and the credit for using certain methods to get through obstacles will give completionists a reason to go back and replay levels.

Finally a game that not only pays homage to the original concept of arcade games but transcends it to a 21st century level.

Solo: Islands of the Heart is one of the most unique games I’ve played to date. A hybrid between a box puzzle game and a love/relationship personality test, developer Merge Games has done an amazing job to make the collaboration feel very natural. Everything about this game seems to just fit, even though some elements are purely cosmetic or explained in great detail. Two small issues I do have with the game is the controls for the camera and the user interface. Neither is a deal-breaker, but a little bit of tweaking from the developer and a patch could quite easily improve these minor issues.

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.

It isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re looking for instant action or a linear playing experience. That said, with a little patience, and a bit of imagination, Elite Dangerous is an extremely rewarding game that is worth experiencing.

All in all, Lost Winds is a very enjoyable game and something that allows you to escape the chaos of the real word.

If you are looking for a fun racing style game with some team management to it, then really give this game a look. If you are a fan of monster trucks then I highly suggest you check out this game. It has something to offer to the racing fan and the monster truck fans alike. I would like to see them add a little more to this game with some updates and maybe some DLC’s to give it just a little bit more longevity and less repetitiveness. All in all Monster Truck Championship is a solid game and will offer you hours of fun.

With support from Bohemia Interactive already in full swing, ARMA II Operation Arrow Head even with some of the minor flaws that go along with such a massive undertaking is one of those games that we will be playing years from now and still enjoying it.

Lone Echo is an incredible leap forward for VR via its ability to capture both zero gravity and space environments. It does have its fair share of interaction and progression bugs, but not enough to significantly detract from something truly special. Those prone to motion sickness, ease into it.

A very satisfying, Uruk Hai quality Tolkien experience.

A tough nut to crack, but this game has great potential and some serious rewards for persistence. Play with a keyboard at hand for a more enjoyable experience.

Resident Evil 7 stands at the forefront of immersive first person horror, proving itself to be far more than the P.T knock-off that the demo initially suggested.

Each play through is going to be different and it’s simple enough that it makes for a good pick up and play title. It also has one of the nicest notes I’ve seen on a game recently, when you go to quite it tells you “your game will be saved”… to often these days (especially with console ports etc) you can’t be too sure if you’re at a point that will be saved or if when you return you will find yourself some way back in your journey… so it’s a small but nice element.

While you can play in single player, the game just screams for multiplayer co-op. So do yourselves a favor grab some of your Dungeon delving friends and have a go at Dungeon Defenders, you will smile and you will have some fun.

Disgaea 5 Complete on Nintendo Switch is definitely a complete and old-school RPG experience that is filled with endless hours of amusement and challenges!

Project Cars offers gamers of all different capabilities a true racing simulation with some stunning next-gen graphics and gameplay.

It’s the Crysis you know, but with a few new strings to its bow. Not just a high water mark for graphics anymore.

In conclusion, Battlefield Bad Company is a breath of fresh for 2008 that takes the genre to the next stage and gives the gamer a truly entertaining first person shooter experience with that touch of squad based mechanics.

DiRT 4 succeeds at taking the series to another new level which almost makes this one of the favourite ones I’ve played in the series. The gameplay mechanics work extremely well and I had no issues with the DualShock controller while I controlled these powerful off-road vehicles. Furthermore, there’s a plethora of modes to play, heaps of cars and lots of different areas that make this title some excellent value for money. Lastly, it’s not just as a rally game as the developers have added lots of fun modes and vehicles to help expand the gameplay. Then you have the daily and weekly challenges which just expand the scope of the game, including the ability of playing it in either two modes, gamer or simulation!

In Conclusion, ArmA II definitely delivers in terms of realism, graphics and gameplay. It adds a few new features to this genre and if you're looking for a truly realistic military experience, than this is definitely the game for you. A gripping single-player campaign and engaging and addictive multiplayer, ArmA II shoots and scores!

If you haven't played a soccer game for a few years, I would recommend that you check out PES 2012 because it offers both a sturdy single-player and multiplayer engine that has a considerably amount of longevity and replay value.

UFC 2010 Undisputed is easily one of the world's most realistic fighting games that offers great replay value, sturdy combat engine and an overall entertaining experience that is oozing with UFC references from start to finish!

A Tale of Paper: Refolded, is a beautifully illustrated game with a unique storyline. Although it is a little on the short side (game time wise), it is still really engaging, quirky, and not too difficult to solve. If you enjoy games like Limbo and Little Nightmares, then this game is definitely one for you to check out!

This is definitely the sequel of the year!

With truly fun gameplay, colourful graphics and dancers that draw you in plus one of the best sound scores of any game in 2021, Just Dance 2022 is another fun game from Ubisoft that successfully draws in your entire family and social network. So if you’re looking for a truly fun party game that is super interactive, Just Dance 2022 nicely fits that criteria!

Assassins Creed: Brotherhood is another power house in the game series.

Splatoon 2 may not reach the same heights of the previous game in terms of originality, however it’s still a worthy sequel that does enhance the overall experience of this franchise. The single-player is a treat, however where Splatoon 2 shines is via its multiplayer mode that is pure chaos from the get go. With both ranked and unranked matches, Splatoon 2’s multiplayer is thoroughly entertaining and gives players from around the world the chance to engage in some competitive fun as you level up your Avatar while shooting your coloured ink in a variety of ways which is pure ingenious fun.

Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy aims high and hits the target perfectly by delivering a thoroughly enjoyable single-player action RPG as you control Star Lord and his his motley alien crew while kicking ass along the way. It’s immaculately presented on the PlayStation 5 with graphics that pop and a soundtrack that will even make director James Gunn envious! So if you’re looking for the perfect alien superhero getaway, Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy hits that bullseye perfectly.

I’ve missed having a good golf sim and PGA Tour 2K23 is indeed a good golf sim, part of me would have like a skip button as well/instead of the speed up button so that you could get straight to your next shot rather than having to watch your shot from start to finish… but that’s nit picking and not essential. Once you get over the initial hurdle of getting used to the controls it starts to become a more relaxing experience… but not so calm that you won’t find yourself occasionally shanking your shot into the water or slicing into a bunker. Ultimately though it’s a fun way to spend some time in virtual nature.

The bottom line here is that if you like games like Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia then you will most likely enjoy Romance of the Three Kingdoms, if you are a fan of the previous versions then this may well tickle your fancy. Even if you just enjoy tactical strategy games, this is a great chance to have a different nationality to the standard US, or sometimes UK ones we are used to. A hefty price tag, so maybe wait for a sale but there’s a decent bit of replayability here too.

The game looks impeccable on the RE engine too, crisp, clean, bloody and gorified to the maximum.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is the single-player of the franchise that while sorely needed just missed out on being spectacular. Nonetheless it was still a very enjoyable immersive experience in the amazing universe of Star Wars!

Roguebook is a solid game with strong Card battle elements with a twist of RPG, and a slice of tabletop mixed in. Who would have thought it would be so addictive? I should have known, with company names Abrakam and Nacon, which already sound like prescription drugs. Yea, I am now thoroughly addicted to Rougebook.

The Legend of Tianding is a short game, but it provides such a memorable experience that makes it difficult to wait for the next title from the team behind it.

For anyone who wants to be a marine biologist... this is a good casual immersion into the wonderous depths.

A good little distraction and a fun romp, I’d probably wait for a sale before dropping cash on it… but it is worth a play if you like a bit of tongue in cheek fun.

Really for the price it’s a good amount of game. The developers are tackling the bugs and recently released a patch to tackle many of them. It’s an impressive and at times awe inspiring achievement and well worth a look.

In the end it's a solid game that Ghost Recon fans can sink into the game and enjoy, the multiplayer action is well worth the price of admission. The single player experience juggles so many different elements; one's opinion may conclude that the designers tried too hard to include several different types of gamers.

But… if you are looking for a reasonably easy going, not overly violent (hey there are chickens that fire rockets at you… it’s not totally peaceful), life/building sim, then My Time At Sandrock is a decent option… you can certainly sink a number of hours into it if you get into it.

Battlefield 1 will change the way you look at first person shooters. Utterly amazing.

In conclusion, PES 2009 is an improvement over its 2008 version that still contains sturdy gameplay and lush graphics to match. The control system of the PS3 is almost perfect and the only complaint of the title is the lackluster Be A Legend mode, however I'm sure Konami will address in this upcoming versions.

I say this each time but it deserves repeating… I both hate and love Telltale games. I really don’t like episodic gaming… I’m four chapters in now and still find it frustrating to get so invested in a story only to have it stop and then I have to wait for a month or so to pick it up again. But on the other hand… they really know how to tell a story (the solution to this problem is arguably to wait until the whole experience is released and then simply purchase it as one complete package).

The best tennis game to date and frontrunner for top sport game of 2024, Top Spin 2K25 is a magnificent tennis simulation.

If you played this game on another console, there’s probably no real reason to revisit the title again, unless you’re a die-hard fan. However if you’re looking for a well-made first person shooter with plenty of action and soul, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus ticks all the right boxes on the Nintendo Switch as developers Panic Button have successfully ported this game onto a far less powerful console that works like a treat, even with the slight graphical hit!

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is the Jet Set Radio successor we have all been waiting far too long for.

Whether you’re a fan or an old hand at Mortal Kombat, the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is unmissable. There is a vigorously faithful and feature rich adherence to preserving the core aspects of the original arcade versions of the Mortal Kombat games, as well as bringing along intriguing PS1 spin-offs and early 00s Gameboy Advance titles. If you’re looking for more modern entries you will be disappointed, but if you appreciate the legacy and the history of the Mortal Kombat franchise, this is an impressive and essential collection that ought to be a precedent for other retro videogame collections developed in the future.

Come for the puzzles stay for the philosophy.

Pokken Tournament is a very entertaining game on the Nintendo Switch that successfully gives players an almost Tekken-light experience on this console that is more fun than controller rage. Furthermore, there’s quite a bit of depth hidden in this game and hours upon hours of replay value to keep you engaged as you fight the various Pokémon.

Combining the tight stealth gameplay of the classic games in the series with the more expansive open world RPG elements of the more recent games, Assassin's Creed Shadows has plenty to love for both past and present fans.

Dark Souls Remastered on the Switch is yet another fantastic way to enjoy what is possibly of the best and most rewarding experiences in gaming.

If you enjoy Zumba and want to exercise in the comfort of your own home or you're too embarrassed to join a class, than Zumba Fitness World Party ticks all the right boxes.

Epoch 2 is a very well made game on the iOS that is easily one of the most impressive out there. Best of all, the controls are very sturdy.

Ultra Street Fighter IV is probably one of the best Street Fighter games to date, especially with the new gaming mechanics, characters and game modes.

Civilization VII brings some massive changes to the formula that may alienate some players, but the core Civilization experience is as good as its ever been.

Konami once again take their franchise to a whole new level that easily makes PES 2016 one of their best attempts at virtual soccer on any console.

It’s good to see that EA have created something quite decent, without resting on their laurels.

At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoyed Metro 2033 which was quite a unique first person shooter and proves that this genre can have a very good storyline, just like BioShock.

The best aspect of Lumines: Electronic Symphony is that you can play it for 10 minutes or an hour as you become mesmerised by the puzzle and music in front of you. It does help if you're into electronic music, especially with its thumping track listing. However if you're one of those people that become easily frustrated at puzzle games, you might want to look elsewhere for your enjoyment but this is definitely the Tetris of the 21st Century!

With great graphics, an immersive soundtrack, Galactrix is a brilliant puzzle game that suits the DS perfectly which we could happily recommend to a variety of different gamers as they attempt to explore the galaxy through this wondrous puzzle universe.

In conclusion, Ultimate Ninja Storm is a super fast fighting game that can be played by gamers of all ages, whether novice or professional.

Compared to the previous game, Skate 3 is an improvement and if you're a Tony Hawk fanatic, I still suggest you check out this game because the attention to detail in this game is quite good, from sweet skating manoeuvres to graphics that look quite realistic.

Here’s the thing: it’s not for everybody. Every major game design decision is a double-edged sword – cleaving a path for novelty and free-form fun on one side, and slashing down potential subscribers with the other.

Even though there are a few frustrating moments in the game, the pros easily outweigh the cons and Wet succeeds being a decent third person action adventure game.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist a good single player game with a spectacular co-op and multi-player component.