Absolutely highly recommend. If you were a fan of the originals… jump in without fear of being disappointed. If you are new to CRPGs, grab a copy and start here… it’s layered but you can explore at your own pace and learn as you go… easy to start, not too tricky to “master”… or at least manage.

Dave The Diver is a true indie gem. The story acts as the glue that holds things together while most of the weight of the game is on the shoulders of gameplay mechanics that are gradually added, new areas that are unlocked in each chapter of the story, and new weapons and equipment that can be found in boxes scattered in the Blue Hole. This game is a simple delight like a cup of coffee in the morning or an ice cream in the summer heat; its true value is felt only when you taste it yourself.

Exceptional stealth-based strategy gameplay with fun characters, colourful visuals and an emphasis on playing your way in your own time.

In the end Dust & Neon feels like a bunch of great ideas and mechanics that don’t quite push the roguelike genre in any innovating direction. That’s not to say it isn’t fun though as its fast-paced run and gun gameplay always entertains. I just wish there was more variety in the weapons and missions, and a richer story wouldn’t hurt either. The potential for an even more impressive sequel feels very likely if the interest is there and I, for one, am interested enough to see one.

If you like the general style of first person shooters but feel they need a bit of a fresh change… this will likely be just what you are looking for. A lot of fun and a beautiful spectacle to take in. Highly recommended!

Sprawl is a fun shooter but don't expect a good story or replayability value in it.

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

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood is an amazing visual novel that will leave you with some existential questions to ponder.

After all these years, Red Dead Redemption is still a great game that offers players a highly engaging gameplay experience. However, the PS4 port isn't something that can easily be recommended to those who've already played the game.

If you are into shooters and want to see how it is done perfectly, then you really can’t go past the Quake 2 Remaster. It is just so good.

Ghost Song is a decent Metroidvania that avoids feeling derivative thanks to some great world-building and engaging risk Vs reward combat systems. While its Soulslike elements can make the game feel punishing for the sake of it at times, this is somewhat alleviated by the explorer mode that makes it play more like a challenging but traditional Metroidvania.

Tiny Thor is a well put together game and those looking for something with a challenge will of course enjoy this title. The challenge is hard but fair and the difficulty curve does not spike too rapidly. There are also accessibility options available for those that require this, which is always a positive in my book. Finally to answer my statement from the start after playing this title I can say this game was left in the oven for the perfect amount of time.

I enjoyed my time with Atlas Fallen and developers Deck13 Interactive positively created their own interpretation of a unique RPG. Sure it has parallels to what makes an RPG an RPG but its overall gameplay and combat is like an alternate Marvel Universe timeline that feels familiar yet different as well.

Double Dragon Gaiden is another solid addition to a year of excellent brawlers.

In the end, Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm channels its inner Legend of Zelda (quite well) and if you don’t own a Nintendo Switch, this game is a satisfying clone on the Xbox Series X for next-gen gamers looking for a similar experience. All in all, a decent game from start to finish with a running time of 20 hours, unless you become more engaged in side quests and of course Arcadian Tarock. Recommended.

Disney illusion Island is an absolute success and a worthy addition to your gaming library.

Rift Apart is a gorgeous game with great gameplay and fantastic story that suffers from unpolished PC port that results to constant frame drops throughout the game.

Mr. Run and Jump is a fantastic 2D platformer whose level design makes the most out of the two actions in its title. The challenges the game presents will be most enjoyable to veterans of the genre, but the solid aesthetics, music and assistance options do enough to also entertain newcomers.

A must-play turn-based tactics combat simulator elevated by memorable characters, over-the-top action and deep RPG elements.

Ultimately it is an impressive achievement from what seems to be essentially a one person developer (I say seems to be as I assume there were at least some other people helping with the voices). Is it fun… yes it certainly can be. Is it inconsistent in art style… absolutely. Is it worth buying… I’m honestly not sure. I completed the game in a bit over 6 hours… there might be some other choices I could make on the way… but it didn’t feel like they would make that much of a difference. If you can find it on a decent discount then perhaps grab a copy… otherwise keep track of the progress as there may be some updates to tackle some of the issues otherwise… maybe give it a miss.

Overall, it’s a visually striking game and I was quite mesmerized by the world you get to play in. Because the story really didn’t grab me I wasn’t super fussed about the disparity in the music options and instead took it as a chance to enjoy some tracks I am familiar with along with possibly finding some new artists to do a deep dive into later (which may be somewhat the intent of the variety on offer). If you like rhythm games and don’t mind a broad range of songs then you may just enjoy jumping in your ship and boosting your way around the neon tracks of Invector: Rhythm Galaxy.

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.

Pikmin 4 is, to put it simply, Pikmin at its best.

Synapse is a superb shooter that uses the PSVR2s capabilities to the fullest extent possible.

Little Friends: Puppy Island certainly has lots of adorable dogs to care for, but sadly spends way too much of its playtime having the player repetitively walk them through boring and visually unappealing areas.

While not without its faults, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is still a highly enjoyable and ambitious game. It isn't a game I’d recommend to everyone, but it at least provides an engaging experience for mystery and Danganronpa fans alike.

Is it worth the purchase? Well if you don’t have any Sonic games and either want to see what it’s all about, or relive past glories… then certainly grab a copy. If you bought last years Sonic Origins then just have a look at what the differences are and determine if Plus really adds enough for you to fork out for it. But it’s nice to be able to share some of my childhood with my children in a pretty decent modern remastered collection such as this.

A missed opportunity given a second chance or something that should have stayed dead? American Hero is FMV choose your own adventure with bad acting and horrible writing. It's either so bad it's good or it's just bad.

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.

While some of the elements of the game don't carry over well for modern players, Atelier Marie Remake: The Alchemist of Salburg is an excellent remake of a great game.

Homeseek is a punishingly bleak post-apocalyptic city builder where every action feels consequential.

Ghost Trick Phantom detective was one of the best games on the DS and is now one of the best games on modern hardware.

Two fun and action filled games! The first Tomb Raider game released for Switch should delight both new and old fans of the series.

A surprise I never thought would work so well. Kinda like the Wumpa Bazooka, it doesn't make sense, but somehow, it just works!

We Love Katamari Reroll+ Royal Reverie is a lovingly created remaster of an often overlooked sequel that is a stone-cold classic in its own right. By dialling the melodrama and outlandishness the series is known for up to 11, adding more variety to the gameplay, and with it looking and sounding better than ever. it’s easy to say We Love Katamari. Because we do. A lot.

As a complete package Sonic Origins Plus is a decent collection for series fans and newcomers alike. But as a DLC its merely a collection of curios you can probably do without.

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

Pixel Ripped 1978 is a fun look back to a special time in the world of gaming that is as irreverent as it is entertaining.

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

The Knight Witch is a super fun game an original take on a few different genres. While the game isn't perfect, I do think people should go out of their way to try it out.

Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow was one of the best experiences I had this year. The story and gameplay seem simple at first but leave you with some deep thoughts once you finish the game. Everything in the game is amazing, except for the fact that there are a few technical issues that might cause a disturbance to the immersive experience of the game.

I believe the best way to describe this game would be a survival horror isometric tactical shooter in the Alien universe. Aliens Dark Descent perfectly establishes its own rules and stays true to the Alien franchise and what made it one of the greatest modern sci-fi works: the heart-wrenching fear of the unknown and the thrill of fighting against all odds.

Final Fantasy XVI is without a doubt one of the best RPGs I have played in years, and could possibly have knocked my beloved Final Fantasy VI off its perch as the favourite game in the series. Though it may feel different to previous, entries what Square has accomplished in almost every department is nothing short of phenomenal. The RPG elements may be a lot lighter, but what they’ve been replaced with is top-tier action and the kind of epic spectacle and story-telling that has made Final Fantasy the genre-defining series we know and love. Even if the main cast has names that make them sound more like workmates at an accountancy firm than a band of magical outlaws.

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.

A seaworthy addition to the roguelike deckbuilder genre with a treasure trove of content.

Even if you already have a fitness game or two in your collection, I’d recommend Fitness Circuit be added as it does a great job filling the position of your own personal trainer without any of the “tough love” you might otherwise be subjected to. Fun and fitness in one package… grab your sweat pants and grab a copy!

Arguably the best Street Fighter ever, Street Fighter 6 is a gorgeous presentation and playing masterpiece not to be missed.

If you’re a fan who’s been waiting to get the Etrian Odyssey games on a modern console, it’s worth grabbing one– the one with your favourite classes, or simply the third one for its added sea exploration. But unless you’re well-acquainted with the grinding and mapping, or have just forgotten how stagnant the gameplay can be, you’ll likely be disappointed by how sparse the excitement is.

Company of Heroes 3 may not always hit the right notes, but as far as RTS console ports go, it doesn't get much better than this.

If you are after a game that requires you micromanage a train empire then this might be for you. If you want a game that lets you run a train empire without having to hold the hand of each of your engineers… maybe give it a miss.

Having a System Shock remake was more of a necessity to experience the lore and story of this game rather than a simple cash grab. Nightdive Studios did a good job of recreating most of the game the same it was with modern standards, especially the combat and UI of the game.

Once again, EA and Metalhead Software have produced a seriously well-crafted baseball game without taking itself too seriously.

The Last Clockwinder may not have the most original concept, but it is still a well executed and charming puzzler.

Playing Before Your Eyes on PSVR2 is by far the best way to experience one of the most unique and heart-wrenching games I have ever played. In VR you are literally placed as close to the action as you can possibly be and with that it makes an already beautiful story feel all the more personal and moving as a result. If you have taken the PSVR2 plunge Before Your Eyes needs to be in your library.

With streamlined social elements, Fire Emblem Engage is a back to basics sequel that does everything it can to get you back to fighting in epic battles as fast as it can.

The Case of the Golden Idol is a game every Holmes fan and would-be detective should check out. Its narrative is winding and captivating, the mechanics are tight and the presentation will make long-time adventure game fans smile in delight. It’s elementary, The Case of the Golden Idol is one line of inquiry well worth following to the end.

Trinity Trigger is a graphically bland but thoroughly enjoyable blend of action, exploration and RPG elements – the only thing holding it back is a story that doesn’t seem interested enough in the potential of its own fascinating worldbuilding.

If you are a fan of the previous games then absolutely grab a copy. If you haven’t played a Diablo game before but like the idea of hack and slash with a healthy (or perhaps unhealthy) dose of loot clicking then grab a copy… basically… just grab a copy!!! Lot’s of fun and a great example of how to bring an old game back to life like a necromancer summoning a Lich.

After Us a mesmerizing narrative on the PlayStation 5 of hopes, dreams and clever gameplay that also serves as a challenge.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is an absolute treat for fans of the grim, dark future of the 41st Millennium and a superb shooter in its own right.

Lego 2K Drive has everything a family should have. You can play it co-op with friends, families, especially little kids, and have a blast time. The creation part of the game is rich and just wait to see some of the most amazing cars build by the community of Lego in this game. The overall design of race tracks and side missions could have been better, but the part that is weak compared to all other things in the game.

Tears of the Kingdom captures and improves upon everything it's predecessor was. The sky was they limit and they certainly reached it.

PGA Tour drives one straight down the fairway with a game that will please golf fans and gamers alike.

Despite the lack of an active online community and use of written dialogue, Omen Sorrow Omen of Sorrow is a fascinating game worth trying for lore lovers, as well as for casual gamers and beginners into fighting games. The characters’ movements and combos have a unique feel to them compared to mainstream titles such as the Street Fighters and MK franchises. The background music is varied across environments, adding some excitement and variation to the fights.

dvance Wars 1+2 Re-Boot Camp confidently brings two extremely solid strategy games to a modern audience.

Stranded: Alien Dawn makes one small step for man and one giant leap for survivor sims-kind.

Tin Hearts is the adorable, and poignant spiritual successor to Lemmings you never knew you needed.

Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is a lovingly crafted release of the first six Final Fantasy games in one collection. Upgraded graphics, a gorgeous new soundtrack, and several must play games make this an essential item in any RPG fans collection.

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores delivers a fantastic post-game content expansion for those wanting more adventures with Aloy.

Dead Island 2 is a fun filled games soaking up the rays in a zombie infested Hell-A.

Teslagrad 2 is a shockingly beautiful sequel with solid mechanics and some excellent boss battles.

Overall, I honestly believe that Stray Blade could’ve been something a lot greater than what it ended up being. Having said that there is room for the developers to fix these little niggling issues and make this into a game worthy of your money. At the moment this title is a souls like for beginners, but even then would not prepare you to put on your big boy pants and play a game that is harder. There are too many technical issues regarding input delay and general timing to ever make you better than what this game will allow you to be right here and now.

Front Mission 1st may have had a fresh coat of paint but the mechanisms inside this lumbering mech are starting to show their age.

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

As a Star Wars game, Survivor has some very big boots to fill and given the lore contained in this universe and fan expectations, I can safely report that it successfully expands on the first game and on the PlayStation 5 delivers a true next-gen experience. Sure there are a few slight gameplay glitches here and there, however as a whole it is a very polished game from its fine-tuned gaming mechanics, Star Wars inspired graphics, wonderful narrative and characters, including the music, sound effects and voice acting, In the end, Respawn Entertainment efficaciously draw you into the character of Cal Kestis as you fight the good fight to keep the “dark side” at bay. As a long-time Star Wars fan, this is the droid game you’re looking for… and yes Jedi mind tricks are totally part of the game!

Strayed Lights is a decent game with some good ideas but can’t use them to their full potential. The gameplay and enemy design will become repetitive after a while, but the narrative design of it is bold and something we don’t see often. Strayed Lights isn’t the best indie game of this year but it is worth a play if you are looking for something new.

Minecraft Legends is an RTS-lite Minecraft experience that feels like Pikmin at times. While not the most difficult strategy game on the market, it will suit those gamers who love the Minecraft universe and will give you enough incentive and enjoyment to keep playing in the end. Once it’s all done and as the maps are procedurally created, you can start again for a slightly different experience.

If you are fan of mysteries, puzzling solving and immersive story-lines, this is a good one for the collection.

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.

Dredge is the first indie game of 2023 that will surprise you. The overall simplicity of this game will at first deceive you and afterward, you will appreciate this decision and how everything is synchronized with each other. Maybe the quest designs were too simplistic, but the other aspects of the game, especially the music is so good, that you would eventually forget about it.

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.

Overall though I continue to find the Shadow Warrior games a lot of fun… it’s nice to have a different main character to the muscle bound blond balls of brawn we are usually provided. Lo Wang is the hero we don’t deserve… but he’s all we’ve got… and it’s a lot of fun playing as him.

I’m really enjoying Crime Boss Rockay City and highly recommend it! If you have a soft spot for the cast then that’s a good draw card… but if you have a big ol’ spot of nostalgia for music of the 90’s… it will be hard to suppress the smile as you enter a shopping mall only to hear Freestyler playing. If you want a great heist game that involves a bit more thinking and planning than GTA or even Payday… grab a copy!

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.

For the price it’s a great option if you have an interest in the process of building a house… if you want a game that will allow you to build a house to your own specs… maybe keen an eye on future updates… but if you are happy building a house “to plan” in VR then grab a copy and get your hands dirty.

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.

A well presented game that despite its charm presents a decent challenge.

This isn’t rocket science… it’s not a deep thinking game or even strictly all that imaginative… but it is a lot of stupid fun! The thumping beat that has been added to modernize it certainly helps there and does it’s part in building the excitement.

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

Lunark is a carefully crafted flashback to the narrative platformers of the early-90s. With beautiful rotoscoped animation and a plot straight out of a Philip K Dick novel, it's one trip to another world well worth taking.

Resident Evil Village VR is a must-have title for anyone taking the plunge on PSVR2. It's still the same RE8 we know, and love but with the tension turned up to 11. In short, it's the best way to play one of 2021's best games.

Be ready to have a horror filled thrill ride.

A nice step-up from WWE 2K22 and with oodles of gameplay options, WWE 2K23 is the best modern console wrestling title to date.

In the end Gigantosaurus Dino Kart ticks all the right boxes for a game aimed at younger players. Not only is it well presented but it plays quite well on the Xbox Series X and more importantly is a great local multiplayer experience.

DC’s Justice League Cosmic Chaos is a game that younger gamers will enjoy, even geeky pop culture fans like myself. You can tell that the developers have an affinity of DC Comics, particularly with all the Easter Eggs and weird subtle references that are littered through Happy Harbor. All in all, a sturdy gaming engine with strong controls and well-crafted story featuring the amusing Mxyzptlk and three of the Justice League’s most powerful heroes, Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman. It’s just a shame that there is no campaign co-op but nonetheless, it works well as a single-player game.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a faithful reimagining that brings the beloved survival-horror classic into the modern era with a host of new features, content tweaks and graphical updates.

Kaiju Wars is a slick satirical strategy game that fans of a good monster movie marathon are bound to enjoy.

I really enjoyed Scars Above on the XSX and it was an enjoyable experience from start to finish, without the grind that are sometimes associated with third person games. Overall Scars Above delivers a strong narrative with playable gaming mechanics that is visually presented well, particularly with its alien world and its diverse denizens. So if you’re looking for a healthy distraction that provides the right amount of challenges, then look to the skies with Scars Above.