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.

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.

Exo One is a notably well-crafted audiovisual journey that is quite enjoyable to simply play through. While the story is lackluster and can even sometimes get in the way of the real joy of actually playing the game, it still adds some degree of depth and direction. Still, the game could do with an option to skip the story all-together and a level selection option after beating it to go back to your favorite planets. Leaving the story aside, flying through the different planets alongside your alien craft is quite an experience on Exo One. Headphones recommended.

Monster Sanctuary doesn’t tread much new ground when it comes to either platforming or monster training. At the same time, it perfectly combines both concepts together to create an experience that is not only fun, but creative. Players can create monster teams however they like without worrying that they are making a terrible mistake, and can come up with their own strategies. While everything else is normal, it’s a good sign that the game sticks to the fundamentals of what makes a game enjoyable.

Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land combines exploration, crafting, and combat to deliver a fantastic experience. Journeying through the world of Aladiss is a remarkable experience backed by a decent story and good characters. There is a steeper learning curve than expected and the visual flaws are hard to ignore. But despite its flaws, Atelier Yumia delivers a solid exploration experience that's tough to beat.

Persona 5 Strikers manages to blend the warriors' gameplay and its brilliant source material into something new and exciting. While some of the great systems and quirks of Persona 5/Royal aren't around for this entry, this more streamlined and linear entry into the series has plenty of the Persona goodness still intact. With a great story, characters, and depth to combat, it's a definite must for fans of the source material. It may not have been the game we expected, but it's well worth your time.

Tin Hearts is a fun and touching narrative puzzle game. The puzzles are creative and challenging (and a little long), while the story is engrossing without getting in the way of the puzzles. The steampunk art direction and Victorian setting draw you in to the world, story, and the gameplay even more. A lack of graphical polish and performance issues keep this otherwise great game from being amazing.

Genesis Noir is a shooting star – an engrossing, mind-blowing marvel in the moment, but its glitter does fade away, and its story does not necessarily stir the soul. The interactive sections of the game gave slices of ingenuity in the storytelling of its world but ultimately lets down its fantastic visual presentation. Still, the ambitious and creative forces that banded together to create such a rich experience are worthy of admiration. If you enjoy artsy games with a whole lot of flair, the game is worth checking out for its style alone.

Stellar Blade is nowhere near perfect, however, some of its imperfections help us, the players, to understand and admire the game's strengths while also acknowledging its drawbacks. The combat is awesome, albeit there is a slight discomfort with how the Dodge mechanic works. Another strong point of Stellar Blade is how it incorporates the musical tracks throughout the game, thus giving us a sneak peek of what the developers are capable of when it comes to producing brilliant soundtrack design in their video games. Overall, Stellar Blade is not a game for everyone, however, it largely manages to capture the hearts of souls-like players and newcomers to begin their journey in this genre by mowing down the enemies with grace through the lenses of Eve.

Planet Coaster: Console Edition brings this already phenomenal game to a new audience on console. Controls are very well translated over to the controller, and the game runs smoothly on PS5 with really fast load times. It is presented in a very accessible way, but there is also an insane amount of depth for the hardcore players.

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.

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes stands strong as a dynamic take on the world of Three Houses however the repetitive gameplay and padded stories leave a challenge to even complete the game without using broken characters. The visuals can be very pleasing but the environments always feel the exact same. This also goes for the character interactions, which are dry as they will often repeat dialogue or say things unrelated to the story. Overall a fun interesting time is still to be had but only in short bursts. Fans of Three Houses will love this game but others will be left confused and bored.

Fire Emblem Engage is a entertaining fun entry in the long running FE series. It will keep you hooked with its silly atmosphere and addicting gameplay. If you have ever wanted to play the video game version of an Saturday morning anime cartoon then pick it up right away! It is one of the most "Engaging" Strategy RPGs out there with a beautiful style. A great celebration of the series and a love letter to fans of any FE era.

Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose is a worth story expansion to the game. Though it is rough around a few edges and brushes over some interesting points the DLC is a horrifying and emotional ride. Though short, it is a fitting end to the Winters' family story.

Alan Wake Remastered is the definitive version of Alan's story in Bright Falls. It is the exact same game that acquired quiet respect amongst fans and critics following its 2010 release. Only now it boasts 4K visuals and 60FPS gameplay. Along with some welcome bonus features, and packaged-in DLC, the remaster is a must for superfans, and a fantastic starting point for curious newcomers, with only a few small annoyances that stop it just short of reaching perfection.

Atelier Sophie 2 is a lighthearted yet engaging experience that is well balanced. Sporting first-class character design, music, visuals and combat. There is potential to get lost in this dreamworld, with most of the grind being trimmed allowing the player to simply engage. It does have it's rough edges, but depending on your interpretation and expectations of the story. Not for the hard of heart, it's plain to see that the team behind Atelier has a deep love for their craft.

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.

Rayman Mini gets a solid pat on the back for living up to the vibe and aura of what a Rayman game should be. You can't help but smile when you play a game like this. Very chill and calm type of video game experience. Highly recommend it for those that want to escape, and enjoy a world filled with wonder and colorful imagery. This game is fun for a seasoned veteran of the series, or one just discovering the game.

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.

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.

I get it. You don't go into Lovecraft expecting to giggle. It's a deep spiral of depression and ennui that lets you explore human nature. With boats. What I want to get through is that despite that, despite my anxiety and hesitation to play this, I actually enjoyed myself. I liked dredging wrecks for supplies. I liked pulling up exotic catches while dodging aberrant anglerfish. Heck, I even loved a few of the characters like the Researcher. Despite my hatred for stress inducing games, I found myself unable to pull away from this game. It's good! Depressing, but good. And maybe that's all it needs to be for an Eldritch fishing simulator.

Frictional Games titles are as rare as precious and Amnesia: Rebirth is not an exception. It’s a journey filled with mystery and sensational revelations that the Swedish studio offers us, determined to torment our souls one more time. The game manages to combine genres (adventure in Indiana Jones way, pure horror) while covering extremely human and intimate thematics. Far from just being an enjoyable experience, Amnesia: Rebirth leaves a particular taste of sadness and admiration for a team that decided to reach the end of its desires.

Slender Threads does a fantastic job of mixing gameplay with an immersive setting. You go around town solving puzzles with a good hint system in case you get lost. The game's story does stumble towards the end and there's little replay value. This game's psychological horror isn't scary either. But if you want a good point-and-click game that sucks you in while it lasts, this is the game to get.

Assassins Creed Valhalla is a wonderful addition to the AC franchise. It manages to avoid the tropes that became overplayed and focuses on a small well structured story. The fighting mechanics are enjoyable and offer many choices to fit different playing styles. There are a significant amount of bugs and the AI is underwhelming at times. But it's still another step in the right direction for Ubisoft.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 forgets all about the past to create a new path for itself, which was risky, but it paid off. Kirin is the best protagonist the series ever had, with a playstyle that encourages proactively setting up defenses while attacking relentlessly. Even if the story left a bit to be desired, Gunvolt 3 is a step up from an already strong franchise.

Overall, Monster Camp is a great dating sim to play with friends. It doesn't do a lot to separate itself for the previous game and those who aren't fans of the humour will have a hard time enjoying it. That being said, it's a solid game that's made better by its style, writing and great characters. Those looking for something a bit different in the genre, take a chance with Monster Camp.

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.

Just like farming itself, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin can feel like a laborious game of highs and lows, but the rewards are there for those willing to put in the time and work. It’s unique blending of different gameplay styles results in a memorable balance between thoughtful farming and mindless action, but I wish some more effort was made to have the two meet in the middle. With that said, Sakuna delighted with its entertaining characters, stylistic flair, and ambition to experiment with creative ideas.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most fun games this year. Its linear storytelling provides the right story that goes all on in the cosmic enjoyment. Add in the fantastic spectacles with a kicking soundtrack, and this game will make you yell flark yes!

Diplomacy is Not an Option delivers on the ambitious promise of a streamlined RTS city builder that forgoes on the minutia of the more grindy aspects of the city building aspect, while retaining the surface gameplay of planning your city's layout, and letting you focus more heavily on the strategy side, which you'll have to to keep up with the actually really challenging waves of attacks you'll have to defend against. It also remains silly and entertaining despite being so hard and punishing when making mistakes.

My take is that neither Portable nor FES should have gotten a re-release. Instead, Atlus should have, using FES as a base, made one final, definitive, ultimate version of Persona 3 combining FES's presentation with Portable's balance changes and Kotone's route. It would have been more work, but everyone would be happy. But they didn't do that, and that's a massive disappointment. Persona 3 Portable is forced to carry forward onto modern platforms a compromised design made for a console that's nearly two decades old instead of blossoming into the masterpiece it has the potential to be.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is an awesome game that Yu-Gi-Oh! fans, both new and old would love. I honestly would've probably given this a lower score, but they just added the option decks from YGOProDeck directly to the game. This just fixes one of the major issues of the game and warrants it a better rating. All in all, fantastic looking graphics, and it plays well. What else can you really ask from a card game?

There are times when a bundle of titles is a quick cash-in or the mark of an anniversary. In this instance, Saviors of Sapphire Wings / Stranger of Sword City Revisited is a masterfully crafted offering of two incredible dungeon-crawling adventures. This is a series that feels right at home on Nintendo Switch and hopefully is an indication that more titles from the NIS catalog are on the way.

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.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is, on the whole, a brilliant game. Anyone who comes in expecting the next mainstream Witcher title is going to be disappointed, but perhaps less so than you might imagine. Despite being a different genre to the main action-RPG series, Thronebreaker perfectly captures the spirit and tone of the series and acts as a thrilling return to the Northern Realms. With deviously clever puzzles and challenging card games, backed with an interesting new story, Thronebreaker is well worth your time.

The follow-up to ATOM RPG has the same quality writing and polish, alongside improvements to the graphics and mechanics. Despite suffering from some of the same issues, this makes ATOM RPG: Trudograd a strict upgrade to its predecessor and a must play for lovers of cRPGs.

Hunt the Night is a challenging but rewarding game that rewards players with new gear, timing, and skill. It takes place in a world where humans and monsters live in a cycle, where humans come together to stop the cycle. Dialogue in the game is intentionally vague and just enough to set the tone of the world. The story and gameplay of Hunt the Night are well-done, with a mix of melee and ranged combat with dodging.

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.

Promenade is a great wee indie title. With its simple premise and relaxing atmosphere, going around each world collecting cogs became addictive. There is enough challenge for the experts here and it’s chill enough for newcomers. With great music, colourful art style and a variety of content to complete, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

Overall, Valorant is a great game to play if you're a fan of first-person shooter strategy games. But it is also something that someone without experience with games like CS:GO can enjoy and pick up quickly. The Agents are, for the most part, balanced, and the planned addition of more should keep the game fresh. The overall style doesn't really land and the sound design needs to be fixed.

The Artful Escape is a hypnotic journey about legacy and self-discovery. The developers have managed to tell an inspiring story about being yourself no matter what. The journey is the perfect length and often surprised me with its tenderness and soul. Stunning visuals and a catchy soundtrack helped elevate the experience into something I don't think I will forget anytime soon.

Developer Gunfire Games returns with the more polished sequel Remnant II. Players itching for an open world of brutality can take on a randomized campaign for hours of entertainment. Like its predecessor, the plot steps away from the forefront while the gameplay does all the talking. Defend yourself and your teammates against swarms of deadwood, and other massive entities until you conquer The Root. The immersive atmosphere and quick thinking mechanics will be your best distraction this year. In all, this sequel displays Gunfire Games' efforts in listening to their fandom and polishing that feedback. Any gamer can find enjoyment and satisfaction when they tune in unaccompanied, but the real fun begins once your friends join the fight.

WWE 2K25 is far from a perfect game. 2K and Visual Concepts continue to get more ambitious with each passing year. And while that's certainly commendable, WWE 2K25 is a great showcase for the flaws in that mindset. The core of the game they're building on needs serious work, and several modes need a lot more TLC than a few updates a year. However, there is plenty of fun to be had here, and players can definitely make the game last until next March.

Jetpack Joyride 2 is a great and wonderful addition to any gamer's collection. The concept is solid, and the gameplay is a blast to enjoy by those that decide to give this video game a try. Once the player initially gets the hang of it, Jetpack Joyride 2 will fly on by with complete addiction. If you haven't tried this game, then you should.

This Game Pack introduces werewolves to The Sims 4, and they've honestly done a really good job with this supernatural occult. Werewolves are fun to play as and bring a new challenge to the game. The new world Moonwood Mill is a great place to live if you want to play as a werewolf, and there's plenty of great new clothing and objects as well. Some things could be better, with rampage mode not being as impactful as it could have been, plus you can only really make the most of being a werewolf in Moonwood Mill, but otherwise The Sims 4 Werewolves doesn't disappoint.

Blood West is a perfectly standard take on the western horror genre, offering new monsters, takes on firearms, and the aspect of being part of the undead. Will you be able to free the land from the evil curses brought on by the settlers? or will you become just another vengeful spirit roaming these hardened lands, a ghost of the past. Either way its up to you to decide with your knife, bow, and plenty of fire power to settle the wild west!

Should you be looking for a "Best of" collection of Mario Party goodness, Superstars should be your go-to. Though its flaws are pretty apparent, those keen on rose-tinted perceptions will find a lot to like with the newest iteration. Even those simply in need of some fun with a group of friends will have a good time with what's on offer, so long as it's local multiplayer and not online. It's a nice callback to the brighter days of the franchise, complete with a lot of trinkets from the past. May not be kind to solo players, however.

Dry Drowning delivers the right mood in an atmospheric detective visual novel. It highlights nail-biting player choices that brilliantly impact the story and gameplay. Dry Drowning wraps up an interesting story with various elements, pushing art and sound to elevate the mood of the narrative. All these features work hard to deliver, but despite its strong character, a clunky UI and difficult text throw a wrench in this visual novel experience.

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.

A game based on a fairy tale like Pinocchio always had room to fail and yet, somehow, Lies of P manages to easily cross that bar. With a focus on relentless aggression in combat that goes toe-to-toe with some of the genre's best entries and a grim narrative and world that successfully engages and enraptures you, Lies of P is a triumph in most ways where it counts. While the second act really drags the game down and introduces a lot of pain points that it never truly recovers from, Lies of P endures to become one of the strongest Souls-like experiences in recent years and a worthy pick for any player looking to step into a bleak yet fascinating fairy tale world.

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.

Ghostrunner is one of the most polished, gameplay-focused experiences in the cyberpunk genre. It is more than an enjoyable and decent challenge, especially if you're an avid gamer. If you die, it is 100% your fault, so you must try every single strategy that comes to your mind to break the loop. But once you master all the elements of the game's combat, it becomes very satisfying. And I think that's the peak, priceless moment of this amazing game.

This game is fun. Honestly? I think I had too much fun and that meant I wasn't paying attention to all the little things that built up and kept drowning me. But if you're careful, pay attention, and keep up with the game's demands, it's well worth it. The characters are amazing, the plot is fun, and the gameplay is addictive. It's a little tough if you're not good at multitasking, but if you're a fan of the shopkeeper genre, this is one you can't miss.

UFC 5 officially marks the UFC franchise joining the ranks of every other sports game in 2023. Like a dog that is repeatedly fed the same meal everyday, this game's player base is forced to settle for a play experience that is virtually similar to UFC 4. Using a new graphical engine to release the same game from 3 years ago but with the number 5 on the cover this time feels a lot like putting a hat on a hat. This is a lateral movement for the series, which to be fair, is better than a step back.

Intelligent Systems have come close to perfecting the look and tone of Paper Mario with The Origami King, but at the cost of landing on a gameplay identity that encapsulates the series' legacy while providing fun innovations to the formula. As such, this game falls below the plethora of first-party Switch games that have taken their series to new heights, but that doesn't mean it's a soggy, crumbled piece of paper either. Paper Mario: The Origami King is a hilarious, dazzling joy ride, that frustratingly doesn't solve all of the issues from recent entries.

Oblivion Remastered successfully breathes new life into The Elders Scrolls IV, which is going to be great for the mature gamers that already knew about this title from the original release in 2006. Whether you beat the game back then or not, this remaster is, as of today, the best way to experience Oblivion. We still have Skyblivion to look out for, even if this remaster may have stolen some potential players from that project. However, no amount of make up and re-texturization can mask the classic Bethesda jank, which makes the game just as endearing and frustrating as the original.

Signs of the Sojourner is a unique deck-building experience that is inviting to begin, but depending on your style, is finicky to finish. The overall tight production value is a joy to immerse yourself in, and the heartrending story and gameplay balance to present this reality even further. Perfectionists beware, as this game will have you endure as many failures as there are triumphs – but isn’t that the beauty of traveling and connecting with strangers?

Wandering Sword is a phenomenal 2.5D game that provides tons of unique mechanics to its gameplay. Paired with the equally beautiful soundtracks, Wandering Sword's tile-based combat and exploration feel incredible and mesmerizing. Though lacking a bit in several areas, particularly its stiff combat animations, this game is a great package for those who enjoy ancient Chinese-based martial arts experience.

Rat Cliff Games has knocked Among Ashes out of the park with their unique premise and cleverly placed scares. The switch between both games is fantastic and would love to see other games take a similar approach. Among Ashes may have a few loose pieces to its structure but luckily it never fell too deep in the pit of bugs. For anyone wanting a new horror experience, look no further than Among Ashes.... Did I mention it's set around the Christmas season?

With my disappointment in Half-Genie Hero in the foreground, it's a bit easier to enjoy Shantae and the Seven Sirens's good points in relation to its abundantly minor issues. Controls are fantastic, the pacing is solid, and it harkens back (somewhat) to what made Pirate's Curse so beloved. Some may decry its simple difficulty, but for me, so long as the journey is immersive, other aspects can be excused. Neither a perfect game or a perfect Shantae game, Seven Sirens has enough magic to make it a welcome addition to a franchise with a bountiful future ahead of it.

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.

While the original Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons had a charming artstyle, the graphical update is a vast improvement, the attention to detail adding depth to the already mysterious world. The narrative and innovative control system remain in place, making this the perfect on-boarding for new and returning players. The addition of local co-op allows you to team up and play the game together, although I strongly recommend playing the game single player in order to achieve the full impact of the experience. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake sticks close to its roots and remains the pinnacle of game mechanics being used to convey a story.

Ultimately, Time Loader is a beautiful-looking, wonderful-sounding game, with some fun gameplay. It's let down by a story that focuses on a character without making them engaging, the lack of challenge that comes with the puzzles, and everything being in service of the game's least engaging aspect. It is unfortunately quite a short game as well. My initial run-through clocked in at about 2.6 hours. So a recommendation here is really based on what you want for your money. If you're fine with slightly un-challenging, hand-holdy at times gameplay and a story that looks pretty but doesn't go anywhere, pick it up! If you want a little more bang for your buck, maybe wait it out to see if Flazm adds anything interesting. Honestly, this game has a lot of potential to be good, if they just rework the story and maybe add some challenge levels.

Cuisineer doesn't bring anything new to the table, but it blends restaurant management and dungeon exploration well. Balancing both gameplay aspects and seeing your efforts pay off is rewarding. The visuals look great and the food images make your mouth water. There are some gameplay aspects that could use better explanation, but that doesn't detract from the game's strengths too much. You can spend hours making your restaurant better and you wouldn't notice the time go by.

V Rising successfully blends vampire tropes with survival crafting elements and action combat to create an immersive and oddly relaxing experience. Dodging the inconvenience of the sun as you expand your castle places you in the mindset of a young vampire, the atmospheric soundtrack adding to the soothing sense of solitude as you're harvesting resources. While there's a lack of narrative hooks, there is plenty of exploring, crafting and hunting to occupy your nights, and the choice is yours as to whether you traverse the expansive open world as part of a clan or enjoy spooky decorating in peace.

Hadr is a brilliant title that beats most puzzler genre games fair and square. I would definitely love the addition of new levels if possible, maybe as post-launch additions or even a DLC. Overall, Hadr is a masterpiece and an intelligent game which guarantees a really great time for an hour and a few minutes of the storyline it offers. It had a strong impact on me which I normally don't feel with short and/or one-dimensional games. Maybe it is the concept, maybe the execution. Or maybe, it's a bit of both. Regardless, it offers something no other game can offer and I highly recommend everyone to play and finish this game. You will not be disappointed. Now please excuse me while I go recharge my brain cells.

Wreckfest is a promising title from Bugbear, which fills the gap left by dormant vehicular combat franchises such as Burnout. PS5 upgrades mainly come in the form of beautiful visual improvements, including a sharp 4K resolution and creative implementation of the DualSense's features. The game will be a blast for PS5 players who are jumping into it for the first time, but owners of the last-gen version might find the upgrade a little wanting.

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.

Overall, Immortals is an enjoyable game. Its visual elegance, witty dialogue, engaging puzzles, grand exploration and the sheer amount of love for the source material demonstrated by the devs leads to a game that, though it fails to be as singularly unique or innovative as the games it takes influence from, is still a game that's about as good as the sum of its parts. The combat, exploration and world-building all lead to a great relaxing weekend game. Sit back, relax and take a break from the gritty dregs of modern AAA games. It may not be the main Thanksgiving-day course, but it's still a fantastic post-dinner turkey salad.

DNF Duel is the one. It's the game that the hardcore fighting game community has been waiting for years to come and successfully merges casual appeal with hardcore potential. It may be more skewed to beginners than Guilty Gear Strive, but that only makes it more attractive for the new audience. The only apparent downsides reside in the lack of depth in the single-player content and some balancing quirks that can get fixed as time goes on. Looking at its reduced price point in comparison to other AAA fighters, it also offers a lot of bang for your buck if you're willing to play the online ladder.

Trails Into Reverie is a fantastic game. It might be a tough nut to crack for newcomers to the series, and probably isn't the ideal place to start, but as someone who has had no prior exposure to the series I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game and became more and more invested as I played. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for an epic and well-crafted RPG that will keep them entertained for a long time.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins revitalizes the Musou franchise with a fresh story centered on an amnesiac Protagonist, innovative gameplay mechanics like Bravery and Squad Tactics, and breathtaking visuals. Combining classic 1 vs. 1000 battles with new systems and perspectives, it offers an engaging experience for both fans and newcomers. Omega Force and Koei Tecmo has delivered a promising and polished entry that redefines the series' potential.

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.

Some may ask if New Pokémon Snap lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor. If some were to ask me, I'd say it well exceeds them. Gorgeous environments, a reason to keep playing, and tons of content—this new addition to a once-thought abandoned series is everything a sequel should be. Some personal gripes about how it handles its story and characters prevent me from praising it any further, but my adoration should not be understated. This is the best Pokémon game in some time, including mainline games. If the world of Pokémon is as exciting and wonderful as it ever has been, there is absolutely no reason this shouldn't be in your hands immediately.

Neo Geo Pocket Color Selection Volume 1 is a mixed bag of nostalgia. As a groundbreaking piece of hardware at the time of release, I’d highly recommend SNK fans to check this out. As games, time has taken its toll on most of them. Ranging from solid to nearly unplayable, these games hit the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Fighting fans or those who want to carry a fun golf title around will be satisfied with their purchase. Retro RPG players will find something to love here too. If you want that Metal Slug fix, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Overall, the selection is a strong start. With some key titles missing, a second go-around with included improvements will be a welcomed addition when it eventually releases.

Overall, Metal: Hellsinger is a game with tons of potential which never really manages to fully capitalise on it. What is there is phenomenal but there just simply isn’t enough of it. Some more variety would have made this a truly great experience. With that said, there is still a fantastic game to be enjoyed here. The music is great, the gameplay is satisfying and the aesthetic is cool even if it isn’t the most original. I hope that this game either gets a sequel or some sort of DLC down the line as I really want to experience more of the high energy, musically charged demon killing that Metal: Hellsinger provides.

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.

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.

Life is Strange: True Colors has received DLC in the form of Wavelengths which, as this review reveals, is a calm yet enjoyable slice-of-life experience that focuses on Steph Gringrich. If pretending to be a DJ and finding out more about the folks of Haven intrigues you, Wavelengths is the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Cult of The Lamb works so well because of how quickly the game feels. The roguelike elements never feel dragged out and too repetitive. The cult management elements never makes you feel as though you have to grind for that next upgrade. Players start the game running and never let up. There is always something in Cult of The Lamb making it an addictive title.

Overall, I was very impressed with Collector's Cove and had a great time spending several hours with it. For those who enjoy collecting in video games, this is definitely one to consider. Even if you're not a big farming or fishing gamer, you'll find yourself absorbed in the addictive gameplay that Collector's Cove has to offer. Each of the four regions are wonderful to explore and totally unique, and ultimately discovering a new species of plant or fish makes everything completely worthwhile. It does have that grindy-type gameplay, but if you enjoy all the activities available in Collector's Cove, you'll find it difficult to complain, plus the rewards you get for all your efforts make everything worth it.

As an example of integration between story and gameplay, The Last Show of Mr. Chardish shines. A beautiful title in its own right, fans of this type of story-driven experience will find plenty to love. Don't let a few bugs scare you away, this is a title that's absolutely worth your time.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is another solid entry from Team Ninja and is a good option for you that wants to try the Soulslike genre for the first time. Deflection/Parry and the Morale System are the two main mechanics in this game, and Team Ninja manages to implement them incredibly well while making them seamless with other aspects in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.

LEGO Voyagers is a compact but powerful experience. Its heartfelt story, accessible gameplay, and stunning presentation make it one of the most touching LEGO titles ever released. While it’s short and occasionally clumsy in its controls, the emotional impact and sheer charm more than make up for it.

Just like a solid road trip, Road 96 is filled with ups and downs. As you strive to survive Petria’s worst roadblocks, you’ll find yourself making defining decisions. Even if the world of Petria isn’t as defined, the characters more than make up for the long, empty stretches of road. Road 96 is game that makes you think long and hard about both the journey and the destination.

A Musical Story is honestly a fantastic entry in the rhythm game genre. Combining storytelling and rhythm gameplay makes it very original. What's special is that it almost teaches you how to listen to music because of the way that you have to play the game, challenging you without making it impossible, creating a rewarding experience that you can take away from. The songs themselves are so good to listen to and play that you'll probably find yourself wanting to play them again. The story itself certainly makes the game worth playing from start to finish, with great characters and settings. The 70s backdrop gives it that extra edge. The central character Gabriel, while with his own flaws and personal battles, is very endearing. The love interest Amelia also makes a great addition to the cast, her presence and the romance not feeling too forced. All in all, A Musical Story takes you on a special journey, and it would be great to see more games like this.

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.

The archery combat mechanics are excellent, among the best available in virtual reality games today. The story was well introduced and well built up, but lacked a satisfying conclusion. On the other hand, Fast Travel Games did a great job on the art design, soundtrack, and sound effects of the game. These three elements helped create a very immersive action game that makes you feel like a sci-fi version of Robin Hood.

Despite a few shortcomings, this game is fantastic. With several mysteries to uncover, it lends itself to multiple playthroughs. The artwork is beautiful, the characters are engaging, and the drip-feed of lore about this familiar, yet distinctly different world keeps my wanting to try another playthrough.

The Knight Witch is an absolutely stunning adventure. It is lacking in neither gameplay, nor performance. The combat provides a healthy serving of challenge with exactly the right amount of fun. The combat is absolutely hectic and fully encapsulates the essence of adventure. The Knight Witch will grasp you from the very beginning, and it wont let go.

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.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is Mafia at its best. As the series moved forward with open-worlds, it got less engaging with its gameplay. Going back to the first one is a reminder of the core of the series and what makes it great. The flaws show how out of date some elements are, but none of them are too offensive. This remaster is a shining example of what Hangar 13 can do with the IP moving forward.

This is absolutely a quality game, you won't miss your $20, but is it high art to be revered among the greats? Probably not. It's a fun, stylized roguelike with just enough variety to get by, but lacks the substance it needs to make a lasting impression. Most will probably get about 25 hours out of it and move on to something else. Great value for the price, but likely not something you'll come back to time and again.

The Rising Tide is, objectively speaking, the best piece of DLC content a single-player Final Fantasy game has ever received. It adds a few more hours to an epic experience that already felt complete and expands it slightly but beautifully, being carefully and naturally integrated into the main game. Another must-have for the enjoyers of the most genre-defying entry of the franchise.

Adios is a quietly emotional little game that will draw you in with a narrative that’s compelling and heartbreaking in equal measure. If walking sims aren’t your usual cup of tea then you might not immediately click with it, but if you’re willing to give the excellent writing and award-worthy voice acting the scant couple of hours it demands of you, it might just surprise you. And even if not, you’ll learn some cool things about American chestnut trees, so there’s that!

Unbound: Worlds Apart is a fantastic addition to the metroidvania timeline. It remains unique whilst encouraging what people love about classic puzzle platformers. A super exciting concept is perfectly executed by Alien Pixel Studios, and takes the form of a captivating, melancholic adventure for all.

Overwatch 2 is a sequel like no other. Built up from a game with a really solid foundation, it couldn't really go wrong. With such amazing attention to detail in upgrading every aspect of the game, it was definitely worth the wait. Its new free-to-play model and Battle Pass system, however, make me worry about the FPS' future, as the execution of this is questionable in certain areas.

Cuddly Forest Friends is a delightfully cozy experience with many adorable moments to be had. The animals are quite charming, the minigames are pretty enjoyable, and combined with the darling cutscenes all make for a snug time. Although, because of the high pricing, lack of difficulty, and repetitive gameplay, I can't recommend it to anyone but younger audiences or casual players.