With further updates that introduce more maps and equipment, The Finals has the potential to be a juggernaut in the FPS scene, influencing other companies to follow. Because of maps you can almost completely destroy, builds that introduce new ways of strategizing, and an engaging gameplay loop, The Finals absolutely soars.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the original formula of a tournament between realms and enriches every step. As a hard reset to the universe, the game goes back to the beginning and re-establishes the beloved story and pieces of lore in exciting new ways. With only a few flaws, the gameplay is intuitive and enjoyable. All of this is further heightened with masterful graphics and audio design.

Anuchard, a 2D retro-inspired RPG, immerses players in a high-resolution world filled with charm and whimsy. The game's pixel art aesthetic beautifully merges nostalgia with modern visuals, creating a unique immersive experience. Featuring an engaging story, clever dialogue, and perfect blend of old-school charm and modern gameplay mechanics, Anuchard offers a captivating single player journey.

As the fourth game in a series, We Were Here Forever is a title that knows what it’s about. The gameplay isn’t particularly flashy, and the story doesn’t feature a series of dramatic set pieces to get your adrenaline up. Instead, the developers have stuck to what they know: building unique and interesting puzzles that demand a kind of teamwork very rarely seen in other games. The game improves on its predecessors in every way, without losing the magic that made the series unique in the first place. If you’re not interested in puzzle solving, then this game is going to be an extremely dull experience; alternatively, if you are, then I cannot recommend it highly enough.

V Rising is an incredibly solid RPG that is set within a gothic world where we must battle through against mankind and the sunlight through the lenses of a vampire, trying to restore the glory that once was theirs. The combat and environment within V Rising are highly addicting and satisfying that roaming around the map will always yield positive results. V Rising has almost everything that I want within an RPG game, and those who seek a game to spend their summer this year might want to take a look at V Rising.

Jusant is a welcome and new experience: an action/adventure game without combat and a platformer without death-inducing falls. Still, Jusant captures the intensity of high-elevation rock climbing and the wonder of exploring a strange world. The gameplay, sound design, and aesthetic will capture you for the brisk 6 hour runtime and will leave you wanting more.

Sail Forth is a game that knows what it wants to do and does it incredibly well. Its world is charming, its mechanics are well thought out and most importantly its gameplay is fun. From battling pirates to delivering packages, Sail Forth can be as relaxing or intense as you want it to be thanks to the free sailing mode. There's not much else like it on the Switch and even on other platforms where you have more options, it's one of the best.

I must say that Black Skylands is a rather fantastic indie-game. Whilst I do have some issues with aspects of the gameplay I do feel that the core of it is a ton of fun. The ground sections are great and offer a decent challenge. And when the ship combat works it can be a really unique experience. And with a memorable and well written story there is much to enjoy. Even I do feel the ship controls could be better.

Thank you for your cooperation Teyon, in delivering an awesome game. RoboCop: Rogue City is basically as good as it gets when it comes to licensed games. The bar for licensed games is normally set low, particularly by stuff like the recent King Kong and Lord of the Rings games, but RoboCop effortlessly shoots towards the stars like an OCP spacecraft. It's a shooter that delivers great, mindless fun, but, much like the first movie itself, has tons of hidden depth. In the immortal words of Bixby Snyder, "I'd buy that for a dollar"! And you should too!

The game is in its infancy, so there's still a lot of room for growth. Even with that said, I found the game incredibly enjoyable. Gameplay is fast, easy to get into, and there's a lot of options for customizing your racer and kart. I see so much potential for this as it goes forward. It's the perfect kart game for when you have ten minute break and want to get in your dailies. Though, good luck stopping at just one race.

I had a great time with Cocoon. The world was interesting, showcasing beautiful art design with their environmental storytelling. The journey was engaging throughout, focusing on exploration and orb centric puzzles. Figuring out these conundrums was enjoyable, ramping up the difficulty to be very challenging but satisfying to complete. The game's story culminated in seeing off monstrous foes in simple but entertaining combat. A really good experience all round.

This game blew me away. I have never played a visual novel, but now I want more. Every single choice is meaningful, often having rippling effects that you could not anticipate. I was constantly kept on my toes, having to truly think about my choices. Very few video games achieve this, but The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante absolutely knock it out of the park in this regard.

To summarize, Trepang2 is a brilliant fast-paced game filled with non-stop action and allows the players to be creative on how to kill the enemies that stand in their way. However, the story holds back the game's potential, and unfortunately, if you're looking for the horror aspect that reminds you of F.E.A.R, then Trepang2 won't quench that thirst. Still, the game is overall a solid experience for those who seek some quick thrill during their free time.

Frank and Drake is a unique narrative tale which is heavily influenced by the Gothic genre. The hand-drawn art style is mesmerizing and keeps your eyes glued to the intertwining tales of the two men. Cramming a bundle of interactivity into a relatively small game, each path you take will have you asking questions that are begging for answers. It isn't often I take the plunge to discover all endings to a branching narrative, but the excellent writing, eye-catching art and array of puzzles as well as a short run time feeds the urge to replay. This urge is then turned into a necessity upon seeing the endings play out, needing to unveil the mysteries plaguing Frank and Drake.

If you liked the base game for Escape Simulator, there's no reason not to get this. It carries over all the good and adds in even more fun. Each room is unique and asks you to alter your way of thinking. The solutions are satisfying and the rooms are so gorgeous. There's a clear (but legally distinct!) influence from Harry Potter, one that enhances the setting and makes the puzzles that much more fun.

A lot of love and care was put into the development of Bonfire Peaks, and it shows. It’s an extremely tight puzzler with a classic ‘easy to learn, hard to master’ difficulty curve. The puzzles do get pretty darn hard, and the lack of a hint system won’t sit well with everyone, but it’s definitely worth a look if you have a hankering for well-thought-out puzzle games.

In an era filled with walking sims, animatronics and remakes, Crow Country is a humble and unique entry into the world of survival horror. Paying respects to its inspirations with pride, the art style and soundtrack fabricate the feeling of a PS1 classic, evoking nostalgia from a first time experience. Crow Country's story is well-paced, and despite a slightly anti-climatic ending the writing is thoughtful and humourous. A short run time with new game modes/weapons unlocked upon completion encourages another playthrough. SFB Games have also found a good balance between retro and modern controls, which makes Crow Country perfect for both genre veterans and beginners.

DOOM 64 does have its shortcomings - most notably, unskippable logos, a few less-than-fair traps, and tanky enemies dragging things on in higher skill levels. However, despite standing out, those flaws are undermined by everything else. The creepy atmosphere provides strong immersion, the level designs are well-structured and rewarding, and the action remains satisfying. This is a unique take on DOOM, and it works astonishingly well.

I have to say, I don't often play games like ToI. I don't mean souls-likes, or RPGs or Indie Games. I mean games that I excitedly yell at people about. Tails of Iron wasn't a transcended experience, it won't revolutionize the gaming industry or anything. It is, however, a well-designed, fun and charming game. It's something I simply need you to experience, and if it can make me feel that way, it deserves some praise.

The Darkest Files is a courtroom game where you take on the role of a prosecutor seeking justice for Nazi-era crimes. Its well-designed mechanics include interactive interrogations, strategic case-building, and multiple difficulty settings. Though occasional bugs and lip-sync issues slightly detract from the experience, the stunning cel-shaded visuals, immersive storytelling, and well-crafted gameplay make it a must-play.

WrestleQuest has a nice blend of Professional Wrestling, and RPG, that keeps the player invested in the storyline that is being told. Both Santos and Logan have a reason to want to succeed just like everyone has in the real world. The humor is nicely sprinkled throughout the game, and the match battles are, though intense at times, fun and enjoyable. WrestleQuest is a bold wrestling game that placed elements from the RPG genre of gaming and made it work. I'd give this game a go!

While not suitable for those sensitive to flashing lights and jump scares, Alan Wake 2 is a unique must-play for fans of weird horror and creative flair. The additions and improvements to gameplay are a welcome change, with less focus on the action and more attention paid to narrative. That being said, Alan Wake 2 still excels in all departments, and the slightly frustrating sections can be forgiven when receiving the rewards of more story. I have avoided describing the convoluted story in too much detail - due to the high cinematic standard, Alan Wake 2 is best experienced first-hand.

Deliver Us The Moon is an incredible experience which I would recommend to anyone in its current form. Its story is short and sweet, delivering all the punches it needs to while rarely over-indulging in itself and wasting its players' time. While it suffers from a few minor drawbacks, they don't come anywhere close to bringing this rocket ship back down to Earth.

Olija is an exceptional game with style and substance in heaps. While certain aspects of the combat aren’t necessary, they can make everything you do feel a lot cooler. The story itself is a quiet romance and a dramatic supernatural tale at the same time, even if the ending is a bit flat. The soundtrack is brilliantly weird, nimbly flicking between disparate genres while consistently enhancing every interaction. All these things come together to make a game that is playful, heartfelt, and satisfying. It is a generous game in more ways than one, and I can’t wait to play it again.

ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights is a gorgeous looking game that delivers on all fronts. Not only does it look and sound phenomenal, but the gameplay is smooth and varied, and it contains a moving story that develops the more you play. The game employs unique mechanics that captivate your attention, and it's really fun learning all your new skills. Aside from a few issues with the combat balancing, this game does not disappoint.

Exo One, be it on the PC, Xbox, or now PS4/5, is a must for gamers that appreciate a quiet, meditative experience with finely crafted audio and graphics, as long as you can forego of a detailed story, since you won't find any here. The game is essentially the same awesome experience I had in 2021, with the amazing addition of the DualSense capabilities for immersion. Based on that alone, this entry would have received a higher score than my original 9, but the occasional stutter right when you hit the highest velocities or impacts forces me to dock some points off.

Counter-Strike 2 brings many new things to the franchise that both veterans and newcomers alike can enjoy, especially the updated graphics on the Maps and guns. Moreover, numerous systems are straight-up an upgrade from CS: GO, such as the Loadout and Smoke Grenade, which makes Counter-Strike 2 more enjoyable and fair. However, many things are still not in the game, which might deter many players from trying the game just yet, though the ones that are now available are more than enough to enjoy a good Counter-Strike match.

Wartales provides many great things and mechanics to differentiate it from other games within the genre. From its wonderful battles, the vibrant world, and the fantastic Camping system, Wartales manages to shine as a strong contender. Although there are some negatives, like resource problems and confusing battle mechanics, Wartales is a solid entry for those who seek to scratch their RPG itch.

Sam & Max The Devil's Playhouse is an almost perfect last adventure for the comedic duo that combines a thrilling narrative with hilarious and smart dialogue. The puzzles feel more accessible, the new cast are entertaining, and the psychic abilities are fun to play with. Though there's definitely some absence in different forms of gameplay, it doesn't take away too much for The Devil's Playhouse to become boring. Overall, my journey through this trilogy is something I'll never forget and will cherish the memories I made with Sam & Max. Now that Skunkape Games are done with the remasters, I think its time for the duo to make a comeback.

Total War: Warhammer III is a fantastic game, with some great factions, brilliant production value, and some much welcome quality of life improvements. However, the game at launch is rather buggy and the main campaign might be too narrative heavy for some.

Strangeland is both a satisfying mystery and an atmospheric horror journey through a dark nightmare. Humor and tragedy collide to bring a literary experience for its players. Great puzzles, character writing, and multiple possible solutions give credit to its players while personalizing the path to one of the endings. Overall, Strangeland is a complete experience that masterfully balances grotesquerie and relatability.

Echoes of the Fallen is short but sweet, offering a final exciting dungeon with an increased, satisfying difficulty spike. For everyone who absolutely loved the regular combats of Final Fantasy XVI, this DLC is a must-have and just a little taste of what to expect from the next piece of additional content.

Overall, Crown Trick is a thoroughly pleasant entry to the ever-increasing vaults of roguelike games. The tactical element of its turn-based gameplay really makes it stand out as offering something a little different, and the abundant variety in its systems and mechanics makes for an enjoyably replayable little game.

Roots of Pacha expertly builds upon foundations from other farming and life sim games while adding its own creative ideas in the process. The fun minigames and quality of life improvements make it a joy to play, and the relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding. Along with the beautiful artwork and music, it's easy to spend hours building out your farm, exploring the caves, or improving your clan relationships.

Going Rogue is an incredible experience for those willing to invest in it. Playing the game well requires taking the time to digest the lengthy rules, understand the token economy and getting used to group GMing. However, your efforts are more than rewarded as you are guided through a meaningful collaborative storytelling and get to vicariously fight tyranny in a very cathartic way!

Cyberpunk 2077, within the grand scope of its interesting setting and lore surrounding Night City, is breathtaking. The plethora of missions, side activities, and characters are worth exploring. The vast openness of the game world offers choices and freedoms that have an impact on the story its self as well as personal levels of consciousness. When the game doesn't suffer from its various technical setbacks, it's addictive and fun. More often than not, Night City tells an interesting story that's worth reading to the very end and coming back to. Even with the base game, the amount of content, deep storytelling, and the engrossing environment is well worth the admission price as long as it's on PC or next-gen consoles.

SouthPAW have done a great job of making a really solid roguelike with interesting mechanics, a surprising amount of depth and a ton of visual charm. The balance still needs a little work and the text could use a little more proof-reading, but with plenty more updates planned well into 2021, this is certainly a game to keep an eye on.

Corn Kidz 64 is a charming tribute to early 2000s N64 gaming and Saturday Morning Cartoons of that era. With a sold and easy to learn core gameplay loop, memorable characters, and a fun writing there is a lot to enjoy here. With everything looking and feeling like a lost N64 game in the best way possible. However the game is rather short and feels more like a proof of concept than a fully realised title.

WRC 9 is a step up from its prequels and it does exactly as advertised. The game has tons of content that you can immerse yourself in. There are tens of cars, dozens of tracks, different countries and championships, giving a huge replayability value. While there are ample positives, there are also some major negatives. The main issue is with the control scheme which seems to favour wheel users over gamepad/keyboard. It's not a deal-breaker but it was definitely a frustrating experience for me to master the mechanics using a controller. But once I was comfortable with WRC 9 on a controller, there was no looking back.

Crusader Kings III is a near perfect sequel that expands upon the elements and gameplay of the previous instalment in a way that offers a challenge for veterans and is more user friendly to newcomers. However the game's A.I. is prone to moments of stupidity which can make or break your conquests and the U.I. can be over cumbersome.

Trine 5 is sure to be a nice surprise for newcomers and a delight for veterans of the franchise. The stunning world and atmosphere never disappoints and the franchise still has its charming humor nailed down. If you don't mind combat being a bit of a drag and If you are looking for a constant brain tease with solid platforming and a relaxing atmosphere, look no further than Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy.

Raji: An Ancient Epic is a beautiful game, set in a world and culture that is wildly under-represented in the medium. From the first minute you can immerse yourself in Raji’s adventure, and for all the urgency of stopping the designs of the nefarious demons, it’s very hard not to just stop and admire the scenery along the way. Do yourself a favour, pick this one up, and broaden your horizons a little bit.

Art of rally is an excellent homage to the golden era of rallying. With a huge number of cutely recreated cars and expansive stages to use them in, the main career mode is an absolute treat. The driving itself is very well-tuned, helping the player get this feeling of flow when everything's going right. There may be slender options outside of the main career and a few issues with pop-in, but they barely affect this magical driving experience.

POOLS for a lack of a better term could be called a cozy horror game. Instead of being creepy-cute like other darker games within that category, this game is creepy-cool. Each level flows into a floaty, dream-like experience. The "horror" lies in how the player perceives the environment in spite of the beautiful and sleek visuals. POOLS is a reserve of an almost constant air of unease. Instead of the classic horror elements, POOLS is a nervy, slow-burn that dives deep into your own personal anxieties.

Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, while a direct inspiration from the Paper Mario franchise, definitely has something to offer all on its own. The gameplay may become clunky or tedious at times, but more than makes up for it with its very cute environments to explore or charming characters to interact with. Players that loved Paper Mario and similar styled games will absolutely find something to love about this game.

In this thoughtful exploration into the minds of a damaged group of powerful psychics, you may actually learn a little about yourself. Through all the goofy humor and endless puns there is something special here. Psychonauts 2 is visually stunning at times, and a little repetitive at others, but the soul in this game stands out. The developers at Double Fine Productions took good care to make something special and refreshing.

As a whole, Bonito Days is a great game for anyone looking to ignore reality for a moment or two. It's fun and easy going, and easy for anyone of any age to pick up and enjoy. I definitely plan on playing this both on my own and with some friends whilst the winter rolls in. Who knows, maybe summer will come back before we know it.

Little Alchemy 2 is worth playing because it adds to your gaming experience and science knowledge. Although lack of progress after exhausting all the elements makes the game a bit unfair, you'll never go wrong by trying it. Little Alchemy is compatible with PCs, tablets, and mobile devices, so you can even play it in the comfort of your couch. Salute to Recloak Games.

Eternal Threads does a great job at combining narratives together to tell an engaging and interesting story. Being able to affect different events and change outcomes also provides another level of story enjoyment, especially when changing the past doesn’t always have an optimal outcome. While the graphical issues and voice acting could have been better, Eternal Threads is still a great narrative game that will have you thinking about it long after you finish playing.

Moving Out 2 succeeds in all the ways a sequel should. Keeping the best elements from the first game and interspersing them among a truckful of imaginative levels, Moving Out 2 is bigger, better and whackier than before. The different dimensions offer their own challenges and are aesthetically pleasing even in moments of frustration. The DualSense's subtle use is effective and makes pulling out electrical wires more fun than hazardous. To package all of this together, the writers have put together amusing dialogues which match the lively mechanics, visuals and audio.

Wartile is a great example of variety within the strategy genre. The different cooldown mechanics, level design, and beautiful art style come together in a really satisfying way. While the end result is hampered a bit by the execution of the user interface, I really enjoyed my time with my tiny barbarian figurines.

To be honest, I wasn't really sure what I was going to get with Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town. However, at the conclusion of my playthrough and this review, I can truthfully say that I had a wonderful time playing this game. All the boxes were ticked: story, characters, setting, gameplay, play time, beautiful scenery, soundtrack, and sound effects. There are a few minor gripes, such as the day and night cycle affecting how much time you have each day to get stuff done, but to be honest, this just added to the challenge of the game and made me plan my in-game day, rather than be a huge pain to deal with. When all is said and done, this was a very well put-together game. I look forward to seeing more adventures with Shin chan and co!

I had a really good time playing Wilmot Works It Out. As someone who likes doing puzzles, I admired this new take on puzzle solving. I also liked the little touches that made the game feel even more significant, like chatting with Sam the post deliverer, as well as unlocking new rooms and decorating them. It's easy to get addicted to a game like this. I would love to see more of Wilmot Works It Out, maybe with future DLC or seasonal additions such as Christmas? This is definitely a game to get if you want to play something easy-going and chilled out, yet with opportunities to challenge yourself.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a stellar mystery game full of loud and endearing characters that you'll come to either love or hate, and the type of absurd out-of-the-box mystery solving that only Spike Chunsoft (and Too Kyo Games) can create. However, the mysteries of Kanai Ward never quite reach the levels of the killing games or the nonary games, though the gameplay far surpasses its predecessors.

Pokemon UNITE brought in some unique elements to the MOBA genre with its game-changing objectives, memorable roster, and simplified progressive system. And with the Pokemon brand being a very popular IP that people around the world know and love, Pokemon UNITE deserves a heartwarming welcome to the MOBA genre. Younger audiences and Pokemon fans at heart will sure have a blast playing this game.

This is a must play for any fan of retro FPS titles. Every inch of this game is dripping with action and gore, blowing monsters apart has never felt better. And with a heavy metal OST to top things off, Nightmare Reaper is a high watermark for the retro FPS genre. If the story was as good as the gameplay, this would have been nearly perfect, but if you're the sort of person that doesn't care about story, than Nightmare Reaper is a wonderful time.

30XX is far from the first Mega Man game with user-made content. Mega Man Powered Up had it as a feature (preserved by fans despite the closure of online servers), the fanmade Mega Man Maker is incredibly ambitious and feature rich, and user-made levels were the central concept for the cancelled Mega Man Unvierse. But of all these games, 30XX is the one I want to play the most. It masterfully plays tribute to the Mega Man series while managing to stray away from it and have its own style. If you're patiently waiting a thousand years for Megaman X9 like I am, then 30XX is a must buy.

Ghostrunner 2 is an upgraded sequel with several gameplay elements that make it deserve that number on the title. It has been increased in difficulty and the new narrative elements are also highly appreciated. For the most part, it has been expanded and improved compared to the first game. Even with the few tweaks the game still needs to stand out from other titles, it is as great and epic than its predecessor.

Toodee and Topdee is well worth a look. With an innovative and interesting idea at its centre and dozens of puzzles to work through, this creative little game will have you scratching your head even as you resolve to play ‘just one more level’. It's clever, it's colourful and above all - it's fun!

Viewfinder is an enjoyable time. The story is unobtrusive and is there if you want to find it. The hub areas and levels are gorgeous to look at. The game generally has a good learning curve, bringing in new elements to stay fresh. The levels aren’t long, providing a playthrough which doesn’t overstay its welcome. There is one world which restricts your creativity which I didn’t care for, but there is plenty here to enjoy. This is apparent within specific photographs, but the use of perspective and your own ingenuity always amazed me when creating pathways within an environment. Good music and voice acting complete an enjoyable experience for anyone interested in puzzle games. One not to be missed.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a dense experience that feels - thanks to its fantastic execution of story and gameplay - lightweight, making it easy to pick up and play. A beautiful and touching experience all throughout, the game introduces elements and a cast of characters that opens up an interesting world worth exploring and coloring in.

While it may not reach the Olympic heights of its contemporaries, Have a Nice Death gets remarkably close. Despite a few hurdles in level design and lacking the replayability of others in the genre, it has incredibly tight gameplay with plenty of potential alongside an immensely charming story and cast of characters. If you like roguelikes then Have a Nice Death is simply to die for.

The Thomson Brothers had a hit with this one. Its story is pleasantly engaging, rewarding you with a fun world to explore. The combat always felt fun with new abilities and upgrades adding to how well your character Iko controlled. The bosses were a highlight, always fun to take on. The areas were big enough to hold secrets and not overwhelm you. Islets also had a great soundtrack to add to a very enjoyable experience.

Mighty Goose is a love letter to run and guns of yesteryear, yet in the modern era, remains fresh and full of new ideas to reinvent the genre in an incredibly fun way. It is a triumph that once again proves that Patreon is a fantastic resource to support developers that you believe in. Whether you play through it once, or drill down into its core to gain those high scores, Mighty Goose is an experience to remember.

I was initially worried that Spring Tales wouldn't live up to my expectations after a promising demo. However, that quickly went away after I started playing the full version. Although it's not a long game, I thoroughly enjoyed playing it and adored the whole concept of a community coming together to organize a spring festival, as well as following different characters going through their day. The mini-games were varied and fun to complete, getting that balance of simplicity just right. The art style is also gorgeous to look at. The game as a whole is just so wonderfully uplifting, leaving you feeling good afterwards. If you want to play something short and sweet, Spring Tales is the one for you.

Took me a while to finally play it but Sam & Max Save The World is the gold standard of comedic storytelling. With engaging gameplay, wacky puzzle design, and highly memorable characters. This game itches my brain in all the right spots, delivering a mostly joyful experience. Apart from some frustrations with certain puzzles, the adventures of Sam & Max are something no gamer should miss.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a well-needed breath of fresh air into the Pokémon franchise. It's exciting and entirely brand new, and has introduced several elements players will want to see in future releases. There's enough content to see you through until the next big title, and a large enough world to find yourself not getting bored easily. It's a stunning game and stays true to everything gamers love about Pokémon.

Risk of Rain 2 is an amazingly entertaining, atmospheric roguelike with tons of replayability. Although it has some sour spots for solo players, such as its quests, it's definitely worth your time! With over 110 items to theory craft with, it'll have you playing for hours on end, slaying intergalactic foes with a simple strum of an electric ukelele.

Ryukishi07 has crafted the best narrative and storyline possible for a purely Japanese Silent Hill game. And even if the combat design pulls this game back from being one of the very best of the series, Silent Hill f has a lot of personality, boldness, and an unwavering passion for the daring story it wants to tell. Get lost in the absolutely stunning town of Ebisugaoka and discover the meaning of "Find the Beauty in Terror". It will be worth every step of the way.

Continuing in its triumph of comedic storytelling, Sam & Max Beyond Time and Space succeeds in almost every way. The writing is still on point with the majority of characters and the tales that Beyond Time and Space tell are quite enjoyable. However, most of the new additions to the cast don't hit the mark compared to the returning cast members. Other than that we still have head scratching puzzles, fun minigames, and the game looks and sounds brilliant thanks to the enhanced features.

All in all, Röki is one of the most surprising indie experiences I've had on the Nintendo Switch in quite a while. It has all the usual trappings of an indie darling — mainly its consistently wholesome nature — but manages to do more than I ever would have expected. A very special story, imaginative use of folklore, simple but effective game mechanics, and a gorgeous art-style and soundtrack mean that Röki goes far beyond what indie adventure games usually do in terms of polish, but also just never stops being lovely.

Despite some glaring issues with its 100% quest and some unnecessary characters, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is so good that it's almost hard to believe. A true sequel to the 90's classics seemed too hard of a task at first, but Toys for Bob has passed the test and proven that Crash deserves new life in the modern gaming landscape. With fluid animation, excellent level design and eye-popping graphics, Crash 4 is the best Crash game of all time, and perfect for any new or returning fans alike.

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon provides players with a robust RPG that provides ample freedom and combat capabilities, ensuring each playthrough is filled with unique emotions that will satisfy your craving for more Skyrim-like games. Whether you're drawn by its morally grey storytelling, sandbox gameplay, or the eerie Wyrdness that warps reality for worse, this is a dark fantasy RPG every fan of games like Skyrim or The Witcher should have on their radar.

Haiku, the robot might just be one of the best options for first-time Metroidvania players. It is intuitive, has a decent story that will leave you asking for more, and has great, simple but entertaining gameplay. You will definitely feel like a random robot trying to save their homeland from a random virus, and Arcadia will probably care enough to search in every damn corner for every last collectible. Yet, it probably won't be in your best game ever ranking.

There is no denying that Tunche is one of the best Indie titles to be released this year. With a gorgeous art style, great character designs, a rock solid gameplay loop and some sweet action it is a joy to play and easy to learn. However it might prove a little too repetitive for some.

Fall Guys balances frustration and enjoyment perfectly, handing you victory at the expense of someone else whilst snatching it away from you just as much. Despite some irritating, luck-based team games, Fall Guys is a one of a kind experience that will only get better season to season. It's the most fun I've had with a game in years.

All in all, Littlewood is certainly worth picking up if you’re in the market for a peaceful, relaxing and charming game that doesn’t demand too much of you, especially now that it’s available on the ever-portable Switch. You can certainly get out the spreadsheets and graph paper to try and optimise every aspect of your playthrough, but it’s arguably more enjoyable to just take each day as it comes, do a bit here and there, and see how things go. A bit like life, really.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix shows that the developers cared enough about their work to listen to fans. By increasing the character count, expanding the gameplay mechanics with pit crews, and overall increasing the game quality, this game is a secret favorite that is worthy of your time.

When working, Hitman 3 hits new heights for the franchise. Every map is perfectly designed and is fodder for photo modes. Gameplay remains tight and stealth focused, benefiting from the impressive new hardware of the current-generation consoles and high-end PCs. With this said, my enjoyment was constantly staled by persistent server disconnections. As an individual game, Hitman 3 is the best in the franchise. Played as a trilogy, this is one of the best deals in gaming if you can sustain a server connection.

After the Fall performs well in the gameplay department. The guns feel great, enemies are terrifying and diverse, and the 80s Apocalyptic setting of a frozen Los Angeles feels amazing to play around in. Vertigo Games has innovated on their already successful mechanics from Arizona Sunshine, taking a page from Left 4 Dead, while raising all aspects of production quality. Grinding in After the Fall is fun and worthwhile, and the multiplayer aspect works well in VR.

MULLET MADJACK is the perfect culmination of artistic vision, a fantastic soundtrack, a tight gameplay loop, and a surprisingly sharp story. Everything in this game points in the same direction. I got my dopamine. I came back for more. And I am still chasing the leaderboard. That is exactly what this game was built for, and it nails it.

In conclusion, Faerie Afterlight is a great deal if you want to play a Metroidvania game set in a magical fairy world. Although it’s not a perfect game, it will give you a great time exploring all the areas and fighting challenging bosses. Accompanied by a visually stunning art style and soothing music score, Faerie Afterlight is the game that you’re looking for.

This recent iteration of Lords of the Fallen has finally achieved what the original couldn't do back in 2014: it has carved itself a unique place in the Soulslike genre where it can belong, allowing it stand confidently beside its inspirations. By refining the traditional Dark Souls style to a finely honed edge and combining it with some compelling lore, a fascinating world and the absolute marvel that is the Umbral realm system, Lords of the Fallen adds another notch to 2023's superb line-up of games. If you're okay with a somewhat obtuse narrative structure and the fact that it is certainly one of the easier Souslikes, Lords of the Fallen is a must-play title for anybody interested in a great Souslike set in a beautifully grim fantasy land.

F1 23 is a remarkable racing experience that surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect. The improved physics and AI, along with new features such as the red flag and 35% race distance, Breaking Point narrative mode akin to Drive To Survive, and the Precision Drive Technology, which takes the driveability to a whole new level, all contribute to making F1 23 the greatest Formula 1 simulation game in the franchise's history. If you're into racing games, race culture, and the excitement of Drive to Survive, then you absolutely can't miss out on F1 23 - it's a must-have for any racing game fans!

Planet of Lana is a great experience, only let down by a few late game puzzles. The set up was great, making Lana confront her fears and the alien invasion. The areas you visit look amazing and Furukawa’s music is sublime. Music was woven into the story, and it did well displaying the world’s backstory to proceedings. A thoroughly enjoyable game with some cool set pieces.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure doesn't offer too much challenge but what it does offer is great level design, fantastic music, and a plethora of objectives for the completionists out there. This all adds up to a level of charm that can rival even the best of Nintendo platformers.

Overall, for a DLC pack that has been requested for a long time, The Sims 4: Cottage Living met a lot of expectations. The animals are fun to care for and not too troublesome. Befriending wild animals such as birds and rabbits prove rewarding and worth the effort. Henford-on-Bagley beautifully captures the rural British lifestyle, completing the immersive living-in-the-countryside feel. The errands system is also good fun and rewarding, but is sadly only limited to Henford-on-Bagley and to certain residents. The competitions felt a little lackluster, as well as the collection of new objects for furnishing homes. Apart from this, Cottage Living is a great new addition to The Sims 4. If you want an authentic farming experience, you won't be let down.

Pumpkin Jack is a comedic and innocently evil game that is perfect for fans of the spooky season. The linear story, the variety of puzzles and the charmingly spooky graphics create a wonderful game that most players will find a lot of enjoyment in. So, what are you waiting for? Halloween fun awaits!

Red Hook Studios have done it again and provided another great experience in a dark and punishing world. Darkest Dungeon II feel new but familiar, providing a fantastic remixed gameplay loop alongside updated visuals. It may provide a different experience from its highly rated predecessor, but it stands on its own as an alternative way of playing a Darkest Dungeon title. I only wish that they'd ventured towards newer content than playing it safe by keeping mostly familiar faces. Hopefully Red Hook have more in store for this Darkest Dungeon adventure.

Overboard! is a bite-sized puzzle adventure at sea. The compelling story and schedule-solving action are tied up into a neat and stylish package. The impeccable puzzle logic will make you feel like you are battling Holmes or Poirot, doing your best to be one step ahead in each playthrough. Overall, Overboard! is a worthy puzzle game, especially if you've ever wanted to play a murder mystery game as the villain!

Streets of Rage 4 is a terrific return to form for one of the best beat-em' up franchises of all-time. It's beautifully managed to transition the features that made it so desirable back in the 90's. Whilst its mechanics haven't aged too well, and the difficulty hands you a caveat late-game; it's still a very accessible title to play that can be enjoyed by multiple people for a long time to come.

Song of Nunu takes players on an exciting and magical adventure through Frelijord. Its heartfelt story and genuine characters are bolstered by an vibrant world and an effective soundtrack that heard in every inch of Frelijord. Combat and traversal never goes beyond a very rudimentary approach however. That being said, although simplistic in certain areas and tedious in others, Song of Nunu's music never stops.

The Legend of Tian Ding has its imperfections, especially in some story aspects and its difficulty. But overall, it provides a perfect insight into the history of Taiwan during the colonial period, while also providing incredible combat and platforming to make you feel like a true kung fu master. The legend of this game will surely be told in the generations to come.

I'm glad I decided to check out Where the Music Dies, and I very much doubt this will be the only time I play through it. I'm sure I'll want to experience this story again to see what other options there are, where the story could take me next time, how it would be different. Where the Music Dies may only require your attention for no more than 2 hours, but it's by no means an unmemorable one. It is dark and deep, but it will stay with you. In summary, the story is well written, the dialogue feels natural and fluid, you have freedom with the choices, and the art style and music brings the entire story to life. As this is free and doesn't take long to get through, there's no reason why you shouldn't check Where the Music Dies out.

Silicon Dreams is a game that gives and takes. As you poke and prod at your hapless subjects, the game also intrigues and motivates you to move forward and make choices that matter. Even with its familiar storyline, the game provides fresh perspective with a genuinely challenging game of interrogation and deduction that slowly unravels an engrossing narrative. Silicon Dreams is a compelling experience that fans of the cyberpunk genre will definitely enjoy.

MADiSON is an excellent psychological horror title bolstered by clever puzzles and a constant atmosphere of dread. It's well-paced giving players just enough of a breath to then take on the next challenge. Some quality of life updates, such as increasing the number of options in the settings and removing the safe could benefit the game. Ultimately however, those are only small issues in an otherwise fantastic game.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is one of the best examples of a video game remake. Not only has Vicarious Visions retained what made the games so well-crafted to begin with, but it has reminded us why a series with such refined gameplay should not just be left in the past. Though its character creation and multiplayer could do with some more attention, the addictive gameplay, stunning graphics and pitch-perfect sound ensure that the series has been given a new life. I cannot wait to see where it will be taken next, be it a remake of Pro Skater 3 and 4, or an entirely new entry – either way, I’ll be there. Welcome back, Birdman.

Inmost is a very short puzzle platformer type game and does an absolutely incredible job at story telling through the atmosphere, Players can spend a little time going through a story that while only lasts about 3-5 hours, packs an abstract emotional punch that is going to stick around for so much longer... even if it is simply to figure out just what they just played.