Life is Strange: True Colors is a must-play for anyone with even the vaguest interest in the series. It takes everything that has made the franchise good and elevates it to new heights. This is Life is Strange at its most confident, its most sentimental, and its most engrossing.

The Adventure Awaits Expansion Pack is a great addition to The Sims 4 collection - but ironically, it's not the Getaways that were the biggest draw, despite the heavy focus in promotions. It's actually everything else that's packed into this Expansion: Formative Moments, Imaginary Friends, Archery and Papercrafting, butterfly and moth collecting, and Gibbi Point and its side quests. With all these combined, despite the main draw not being a personal favorite, Adventure Awaits still feels worth getting.

Lake is an impressive cosy experience that condenses the best of rural life into a small package of contentment and melancholy. Fantastic voice acting, writing, and an overall positive message help elevate it past just another title available on the market. Graphical and performance issues are present, but they aren't bad enough to stop me recommending this indie adventure to anybody feeling a little lost, or searching for a peaceful and relaxing game to unwind with.

Party Animals is a chaotic but hilariously fun experience. Seamless and polished, you'll rarely find a flaw in the gameplay. The devs generously gave us multiple modes and litany of characters to pay as. Punch and kick your opponents as you brawl your way to victory. You're sure to have a ton of laughs whether it's as a single player or with a group of up to 8 friends.

Terror of Hemasaurus is easily one of the best games I have played in 2022. Lovingly crafted, thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining - an overall well-realized title, I would recommend it to anyone as a must-play.

Unto the End is an amazing game. It does miss a few marks when communicating information to the player, and some integrated systems can come off as more tedious than fun. Nonetheless its rich combat, gorgeous visuals, and well-implemented sound effects nail all of the most important aspects. In the end, an individual's experience with the game will most likely come to their view on its extreme difficulty.

As a whole Sky: Children of the Light is an extremely wonderful experience. Without having to pour any money into it, it is a very enjoyable game and is cleverly executed by thatgamecompany. It's charming in all the right ways and there are few faults on it. If you're searching for a new open world adventure for you and your friends to go on, then I highly recommend Sky: Children of the Light.

Penny's Big Breakaway is a masterful 3D platformer. The team at Evening Star manages to make the transition from 2D to 3D platforming mostly flawlessly, far different from the blue hedgehog that started their game development journey. Evening Star has proven that they're the studio that should handle 2D Sonic, and with Penny's Big Breakaway, they've proven that they could handle 3D Sonic as well. They can do it, but they want to continue pursuing their own independent IP, which is just as good. Penny's Big Breakaway is something that no platformer fan should miss.

It’s tricky trying to recapture the magic of a specific world but Night School Studio have pulled it off. It’s excellently written, I enjoyed the dynamic between Riley & Jacob with the subplot of trying to chart your course through life the beating heart to a familiar but still exciting paranormal adventure. It’s an enjoyable world to explore but I would have preferred more to do and it has very long loading times. However, it looks great, it sounds great and when you start to tune your radio, the sparks will fly. Fans of the original won't want to miss this one.

Wheel World is a great time for people wanting a short, easy-going experience. It’s also addictive for a completionist. The small story is just fine, filled with quirky dialogue. The open world is the star, with a chill vibe clashing against the thrill of completing the races. Later races are unnecessarily frustrating but don’t stop this from being a definite recommend. Complete the Great Shift ASAP!

Reus 2 is a carefully crafted god game that delivers genuine strategic depth wrapped in an approachable, charming package. Whether you're new to god games or a veteran looking for something fresh, there's plenty here to reward your attention and creativity.

I've never stuck with a game on it's hardest settings, yet with Session: Skate Sim it is simply the best way to play. The game as it is, from where it has come, to where it is going has set a very high bar for future skateboarding titles. There is realism in every turn, stunningly recreated environments, an awe-inspiring sound design and text-book trick techniques. With an accurate system of try, adapt, try again, this review would've made it to publication a lot sooner if Crea-ture studios didn't perfectly replicate the "one more go" attitude towards skateboarding.

Batbarian was a delightful trip through the deep dark abyss. A huge effort that could have had a lot more problems, it stuck the landing beautifully. With obvious influence from classics of the genre, it does more than just copy what made them great, it continues on their spirit of exploration and puzzle-solving to bring us a unique adventure.

As a whole, I was very impressed with Icebound Secrets: The Frostwood Bane. Once I got started, I was quickly hooked into the story and the addictive gameplay. Everything about this game is very engaging; the point-and-click style, going back-and-forth between locations looking for items or solving quests, and working through a multitude of challenging mini-games. The hints feature was extremely useful for when I got stuck, and I was glad they allowed you to skip puzzles you simply could not solve (at least at the time). I had a lot of fun spending time in the town of Frostwood and solving its mystery, and would definitely recommend this to puzzle enthusiasts.

If Dwerve is what a tower defense dungeon-crawling hybrid looks like, sign me up for the genre. With its fun and dynamic gameplay, the game managed to quickly dispel any reservations I had about this type of game prior to playing it. Although sometimes a bit too straightforward for my tastes lore-wise, the game is a fun journey through a fascinating world. And the feeling of winning a 1 v infinite, eventually triumphing against seemingly impossible odds, is one beyond compare.

Not For Broadcast is a great experience of a game. While some may be bored by the lack of action and the fact that you're mostly watching TV, the engaging story and characters are more than enough to boost the game into being a true hidden gem in the large sea of indie games.

Yoku’s Island is worth exploring. There is the odd critique (dying at pinball?) - but the charming atmosphere and a well implemented mix of gameplay styles provide a very good time. The island of Mokumana has plenty of exploration, coupled with a few cool upgrades for Yoku to make it easier. Taking into consideration the right amount of collectibles and a story mode which doesn’t overstay its welcome and you’ve got a breezy, enjoyable adventure on your hands.

Amnesia: The Bunker is a strong addition to the legendary franchise. The gameplay is at it's best, and the audio and visuals bring the claustrophobic setting to life. The adaptations to the formula make it stand out in the series, with well-tuned and executed abilities added to the player without undermining the scares. However story-wise the game falls short of the highs of it's predeccessors, but not by much. Whilst it has it's flaws, The Bunker shines as a potential new dawn for the series with it's creative changes.

Rhythm Fighter is a rock-solid rogue-like that offers a surprisingly massive amount of variables for each of your runs. From characters, to weapons, to abilities, to enemy variations, there's something for everybody to enjoy. Everything culminates in a really enjoyable title that is worth your time.

Enchanted by Nature is an excellent and welcome addition to the ever-growing collection of Expansion Packs for The Sims 4. It offers an abundance of activities and gameplay that will make obtaining this pack worthwhile. Those who enjoy nature-based gameplay and are looking for a new Occult and active career to play with will especially embrace it. It's hard to fault this Expansion Pack. As Fairies have been long-awaited and demanded by fans, they will hopefully not be disappointed by what Enchanted by Nature provides.

Back to the Dawn is a smart, content-rich RPG that encourages creative problem-solving and experimentation. With two distinct protagonists, an open structure, and a wide cast of characters, it’s a great fit for players who love choice-driven gameplay and tactical planning. While some areas (like the combat system or portrayal of female characters) could use further depth, the overall experience is thoughtful, challenging, and highly rewarding. It’s easy to get hooked on the game’s daily rhythm of planning, reacting, and discovering new paths.

The star of Lost Eidolons is the combat system, bringing together a lot of things and managing to make them enjoyable and complex at the same time. While there are minor issues such as the stiff facial animations and the choking Turn Limit, Lost Eidolons is still a great title to sink our gaming hours into. Even if you're not a fan of tactical turn-based RPG games, you should try this game out.

Colt Canyon is a refreshing experience for the start of 2021's gaming calendar. Rather than focusing on a deep story, the game gives you a hectic but rewarding gameplay loop, with a combat system that has enough variety to keep you hooked for hours on end. This game going for so cheap feels like a highway robbery.

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.

It's been a while since a game captured me like this, not only engaging me, but making me want more. I'm sad that New Game + doesn't do any more than skip tutorials, because despite how substantial the game was, I wanted more. The characters. The intriguing and irreverent lore. The feeling of accomplishment when you nail a run. It certainly has some rough spots here and there, but they are vastly outnumbered by the game's virtues. It's humorous, it's fun to play, it actually made me enjoy a Metroid-vania! I think it's definitely worth a look.

The Outlast Trials is by far the best co-op horror experience on console right now. The intensity and the well-crafted design of each trial make you want to dive back in every single time you manage to escape alive. And being able to get jumpscared and disturbed with up to three friends just makes it much better. A must-play for any survival horror enthusiast!

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.

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.

Astro’s Playroom may be the most consequential proof of concept launch title since Wii Sports. It masterfully highlights everything that’s unique and special about the PS5 by looking great, running even better, and proving why the DualSense controller is the next evolution in games immersion. However, none of that would matter if the core game was poorly designed, and thankfully Astro’s Playroom ensures that PS5 owners have a highly entertaining gameplay experience waiting for them when they turn on their shiny new console.

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.

9 Years of Shadows will draw you in with masterful pixel art and irresistible music, then keep you hooked with its glorious halberdy action and overall strength of character. Despite some overly forgiving map design and limited replay value, this is a Metroidvania you might just fall in love with. An ideal entry point for newcomers to the genre, a must-play for long-time fans.

I'm very glad I got to play Blue Wednesday. It makes me want to play the piano again! Seriously, I enjoyed listening to the excellent soundtrack, playing through the well-told story, learning about all the interesting characters, and playing on the keys and all the other mini-games. To be honest, I'm having a bit of hard time finding anything bad to say about this game! If you like narrative games and also musical rhythm games, you should really give Blue Wednesday a go.

At the end of the day, NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition pretty much satisfies the itch of what a basketball fan wants in a video game. The flow between the different elements of the game is consistent with one another, and the game tries not to lose anyone along the way. If you are a sports fan, a basketball fan, or especially an NBA fan...I'd give this one at least a single run-through.

Killer Frequency is a cheesy homage to the 80s slasher genre. You will feel the tension rise with the stakes as it is down to you to solve puzzles and save lives. While there are a few instances of flawed solutions, problem solving is genuinely rewarding as each success results in a thwarted murder. Encompassing the 80's vibe through its story, stylised graphics and electronic audio design, Killer Frequency will leave you laughing with the canned laughter on your soundboard, then feeling guilty for it straight after.

Assassin's Creed Mirage isn't just a throwback to the classic entries, but a celebration of what made this franchise stand out in the first place. The stealth gameplay is fully embraced as a lot of the classic moves are back in action. There’s still some minor quibbles with the map and the repetition of some of the collectibles. Still, if you’re a fan of any of the past games, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a must buy.

Arcaxer is an awesome VR journey with unified aesthetics and a fully fleshed out campaign. The aforementioned story content and post game, along with mechanics that shine and are unique in VR, makes this title worth adding to VR libraries, especially those who are fans of flat screen JRPGS. Additionally, updates are still rolling out for the title, offering new areas, spells, and enemies to conquer. The downsides include an overly linear story that teases dialogue options, but offer no branching paths.

The Callisto Protocol is a gripping science fiction horror game and a worthy spiritual successor to the Dead Space franchise. Some of the gameplay and mechanics choices may be off-putting but do not detract enough to ruin the terrifying experience. In the same vein as cult classic horror movies, The Callisto Protocol prioritizes doing things well enough to be fun and approachable.

The remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong breathes new life into the classic title, enriching what was achieved nearly 20 years ago. This format aligns seamlessly with the franchise's essence, where platforms and puzzles merge effortlessly to create an environment where Mario truly belongs. The enhancements in this new version serve as a welcoming invitation for newcomers and a compelling reason for veterans to revisit the world they once cherished. With gameplay and visuals elevated to new heights, it's evident that the experience has been refined for modern audiences. Of course, while some mechanics may show signs of age, they underscore the notion that a renewed, unreleased installment would seamlessly complement Nintendo's renowned catalog.

Before I Forget is not just a thoughtful narrative experience, but an educational one as well. As video games are an ever-evolving medium, their capacity for building empathy and understanding shines bright in titles like this one. Simple and straightforward, the title effectively communicates the harrowing and beautiful moments of real life.

The Super Mario RPG remake goes beyond nostalgia and captivates the player from the first playthrough. Overflowing with humor yet masterful in every aspect, the game reaffirms its status as a cult classic among the best SNES JRPGs, showcasing the genuine Mario spirit beyond platforming. Its triumph is not solely in updating the original's visuals and gameplay but in unequivocally bringing these features to Nintendo Switch players. Nintendo not just remade the game for aesthetics; it made it accessible to everyone: new Mario fans, long-time players, and even those wary about the "RPG" label could find an exciting gaming piece this time.

Sam & Max Save The World is a fantastically realised remaster with a razor sharp script, brilliant soundtrack, and decent graphics. Some puzzles can be a little too convoluted and absurd for their own good, and being presented in this package does make the game feel more repetitious than it otherwise would have. But at its heart it is a must by for fans of Adventure games.

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?

I Am Your President: Prologue is a short and sweet story-driven political game that leaves you wanting more. It is brilliantly conceptualised and I definitely expect I Am Your President to take it up a notch once it releases. The game offers a fresh take on the very generic political genre of other titles and manages to make politics fun and everything else other than politics. I do wish the Prologue was a little longer as the cravings I now have won't let me rest until I play the main game. But all in all, a very good package.

A smattering of small niggles ultimately prevents Ghost of Tsushima from reaching the upper echelons of PS4 folklore, but it's still an absolute must for your game collection, and a fitting end to the PS4's line of exclusives. Ghost of Tsushima is a fantastic journey through the trouble and strife of 13th Century Japan and is complimented perfectly by a set of great characters, a likable main character, and a loathsome villain. Some repetition in the game's side-missions and a lack of polish in some areas just bring the score down a tad, but these issues can be overlooked in favor of the jaw-dropping visual dessert that will keep you coming back for more.

Despite its rocky road of development, Dead Island 2 succeeds in bringing more of the same mindless, mind-bashing fun as its predecessor. While not flawless, Dead Island 2 leans into its gory silliness by bringing dark and well-timed humour into its cut scenes. Intricate details in the environment make exploring engaging and all aspects of the infected have been lovingly designed, including the weapons you use to destroy them with. If you are looking for some zombie-bashing goofiness, then Dead Island 2's gruesome tour of LA is worth a visit.

The story in Digimon Survive is an example of why fans of Digimon flock to the series. Fans enjoy the themes of the series presents to fans about the pressures of growing up. While the gameplay in this outing is limited and lacking in complexities when compared to its predecessors. As a visual novel, it more than holds up as a Digimon anime entry and is a great game that any Digimon fan could enjoy.

If there is only a game that's worth playing in this year, it would be Diablo IV. There's a lot to do, a lot to explore whether its the game's world or its skill and Paragon tree combinations, lots of monsters to slay and loot their items, and so much more. It might be priced steeply, but once you understand the core fundamentals of the game, it's without a doubt worth the investment.

While the original stories remain intact, they have been reworked and new ideas have been interspersed among them. Layers of Fear doesn't shy away from the dark side of the human mind, representing emotions and thoughts in sinister art forms. The visual enhancements are impressive, and a perfect excuse for fans wishing to visit the game again. The all-in-one package style of the reimagined Layers of Fear is also an effective way of introducing newcomers to the unsettling series.

The first half of Maquette is close to flawless, with its puzzles and narrative sharing a symbiotic relationship that whilst brilliant, makes the flaws of the second half glaringly obvious. Full of character, ambition and love, Maquette is a unique experience. If you enjoy story-driven games, Maquette is a must. Maquette is a wondrous exploration of human relationships and packs an emotional weight that will leave a lasting impression on its players and it'll be interesting to see what Graceful Decay does next.

Gaming is at its best when players are met with experiences unique to the medium. With intelligent writing and a thought-provoking handling of themes around death and regret, Before Your Eyes comes through as a concise and rich first-person experience, evoking something in anyone who plays it. Once you accept that its unique selling point is far more optional than originally intended, appreciating the love that undoubtedly went into this story becomes far easier. Put the webcam away, and you'll definitely cherish this short yet unforgettable tale, enough to even revisit in the years to come.

In conclusion, Fuser is more a musical toolbox than it is an actual game. While Harmonix's previous games were about playing songs that already existed, this title actually lets you create something unique. It almost feels like magic when you combine two songs that you know shouldn't work together, but Fuser somehow makes them sound incredible. While I am still enjoying booting it up and thinking about songs I would like to have added to the library, I worry that if new music is not released frequently, then interest in the title may wane.

A cartoon in the best way possible. Despite some hyperactive side games that take away from the full experience, The Wonderful 101 is an exciting romp that brings the laughs and serves the audience a unique and fun combat system. If you want something to lift the spirits this game gives you that times 101.

Luciform is a great and maddeningly tough platformer. It manages to balance the difficulty of its levels with some well-chosen anti-frustration features which generally helps to keep it challenging rather than infuriating. It’s not going to be for everyone, though, and even the ‘easy’ mode has plenty of hard moments. The only thing missing, really, is a bit of extra polish for the Switch port to really make it shine.

Darkest Dungeon II is a game that no one needed. The impact of the original Darkest Dungeon is still palpable and still holds to this day, but Red Hook set out to take the soul and essence of the original game, and polish it and polish it until they came up with this beauty of a game. The changes in gameplay mechanics are enough to make it feel more like a different game with the same core, rather than an actual sequel, and it's unfortunately fighting against its bigger brother, but Darkest Dungeon II brings enough to the fight to make it a compelling and well-worth experience for grim, Lovecraftian Roguelite fans.

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.

Total War: Warhammer III: Thrones of Decay is a meaty update that easily eclipses its predecessor at launch. With a host of new units and features for each of the updated factions it makes each of them feel decently feature complete. And whilst I still feel that the Maggot Host faction is the lesser of the updated factions there is still a lot to enjoy regardless of which of the packs you decide to buy.

Animal Rescuer has a lot to offer and it mostly ticks all the correct boxes, barring a few. The world is incredibly well-detailed. Animals have been given digital lives that makes you wish they were real. A basic storyline does set the premise but I would love for the story to expand in the future. The music is a masterpiece but the text-to-speech dialogues reduce the game's overall appeal. The soon-to-launch Prologue on Steam should definitely help players get an idea of the game and see the game for what it truly is. Animal Rescuer is a truly unique concept and has been wonderfully executed by Turquoise Revival Games.

Star Overdrive is a thrill of a game that was a joy to play almost from start to finish. Yes, there are issues here and there with the grinding and some questionable control decisions. But over looking that we are treated to a fun adventure title with a unique twist on the genera. I do wish the world (and our lead) had a little more personality. But if you're looking for a game in the tradition of the most recent Zelda titles this might be for you.

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.

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.

The Mortuary Assistant manages to capture the power of true horror with unpredictable jump scares at every turn. Constantly changing item locations and demon characteristics force you to pay attention and not get complacent. With well-timed audio and unexpected surprises, the fear factor never leaves and you have to adapt to the horrors. While controls aren’t perfect and visual graphics aren’t at their best, it’s still a horror experience worth diving into.

Massacre at the Mirage focuses on its strengths and delivers a fantastic if predictable horror experience. By throwing jump scares in with everyday situations, the horror is amplified and remains with you even after the game ends. Lighting could be better and the voice acting isn't always spot on, but this is one horror experience you don't want to miss.

Imperfections are just part of something's charm, aren't they? Despite the struggle of consuming a varyingly complete game on multiple occasions, the potential and intent beneath shine through beautifully. Effectively immersive and hits on most parts "fun" and "nostalgic," Prodigal is a feast for those craving a substitute for the long wait created by bigger, more expansive adventure titles. Even with its size, it juggles the question of whether bigger is better by making a relatively short journey one that resonates more deeply. And it has cute girls, if that's more your thing.

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.

Fear & Hunger is a great survival horror RPG. It is disturbing, filled with twisted lore that makes one want to plunge further into its depths to learn more. The game allows you to make many choices, no matter how heinous, to survive or gain power to achieve your goals. The atmosphere is dark and horrifying, with gameplay that complements it to make you feel like you are exploring a dangerous place with very little safety to rest. I've tried it on my computer and Steam deck with little to no issues.

Despite having could have benefitted from a longer playtime, and its fading puzzle elements, Superliminal boasts a truly innovative and deeply entertaining experience. Its wonderfully crafted message of hope against adversity, along with its stellar soundtrack and voice acting, ultimately makes it a very worthy title.

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.

Necrobarista: Final Pour has as much humor to give as it does heart. Witty dialogue and meaningful character interactions combine with unique cinematography and 3D visuals to create a memorable visual novel experience. Additional content like side stories and Studio Mode are welcome in this updated version, but text issues and performance bugs are still present. There is little-to-no gameplay, but if it's a witty emotional story you're craving, this tale of coffee and the afterlife will satisfy your thirst.

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.

A great port of an even better game. No More Heroes is an extremely unique character action game with an amazing cast of characters whose dialogue is as entertaining as it is cheesy. While the combat system lacks the depth of its peers in the genre I enjoyed every second of it. This combined with a rock-solid port to the Nintendo Switch, with a new button control scheme and great motion controls, makes this a must-play before the release of No More Heroes 3.

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.

Returnal is a game that sucked me in through its design, and achieves the eerie atmosphere promised from its promotional material. It then kept me hooked by having some of the best feeling combat and boss fights I have ever experienced, which is helped by its on-point audio implementation. It’s a shame then that poor pacing and lack of save structure tainted my experience with Housemarque’s unique third person roguelite experiment. Despite this disappointing downside, I still can’t help but recommend it to anybody who enjoys satisfying combat with a horror-tinged mystery to explore.

No One Lives Under the Lighthouse is a short but sweet experience dripping with atmosphere and dread. The sound design and graphics work well together to help you experience something unnerving as you play as a wicker. There are some moments that throw off the game as the controls become misfire. But if you're looking for a game that reminds you of the PlayStation 1 days, then think of picking this No One Lives Under the Lighthouse up.

High on Life 2 successfully ups the ante for a sequel with bigger threats and tons of new content. It may have some rough edges that does hold the game back, it never stopped me from enjoying this wild adventure that delivered joke after joke that kept me smiling throughout. I look forward to replaying the game and discover all the jokes I missed on my first run alongside anything else Squanch Games has in store for us.

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.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon is different, but is one of the better Yakuza titles out there. Despite the new combat system, it still maintains that Yakuza style flare that made the series a cult success. There are a few expected missteps, but Ryu Ga Gotoku just about manages to stick the landing to deliver an experience you don't want to miss.

While some may have passed on this game whether for console or preconceived reasons, this re-release package deal provides a great opportunity to jump back in. All the variety and creativity of 3D World returns on a portable console, featuring an Odyssey-like bonus mode that takes all the fun from the base game and experiments even more. It's not the definitive Mario experience that other consoles have featured, but there's no denying the amount of flexibility this game provides with its seemingly endless design spectacle, now complete with a chance to live out everyone's fantasy of Nintendo-esque Kaiju battles.

Trail Out succeeds at creating an over the top, arcade style racer. It's tongue in cheek and not very serious, but is a lot of fun to play. Whether you like racing or crashing there's enjoyment to be had. It looks and sounds great, except for the cutscenes. It could use more options for customisation and perhaps a few more tracks, but overall, it's a great time.

This game was a great example of adjusting a classic formula to be more palatable to a modern audience. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, and it definitely doesn't try to be for purists, but if you find yourself wanting to scratch that JRPG itch but don't have time for long play sessions, then Crystal Ortha should definitely be on your list.

Cyanide & Happiness - Freakpocalypse embodies all the series has to offer. The M rating is well earned, but if you’re of an appropriate age, the humor is excellent. Despite the short main story, this is a game I’d recommend if you’re in the mood for a laugh. It saw great support from its early days on kickstarter, and is likely to see more support in the future.

There is a good reason that Darkest Dungeon won a ton of awards and sold over 2 million copies - in portraying the dark underbelly of fantasy adventuring it touched on subjects rarely addressed in games before it. Its amazing sound, comic-like graphics, and intense, perpetual Ironman difficulty create a title that was addictive to those wanting Lovecraftian horror with a side of near Dark Souls difficulty. If you have never experienced it before, now is a great time to make its acquaintance, to be prepared for the release of Darkest Dungeon 2. And, if you were a previous visitor, make sure you take another look to experience the new DLC that has been added since your departure. Hours of broken peripherals and rage quits await.

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.

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.

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.

Manafinder pits itself as a classic JRPG-style game but it ends up being something different. While managing to riff off classic JRPGs Manafinder finds its footing in its interesting world, Streamlined combat. But it is not all perfect as it also loses some of the fun complexity of JRPGs.

If you enjoy simple gameplay with mechanics that give you the freedom to get creative, there’s a lot to love here. If you like slow-burn storytelling that’s not afraid to be both uplifting and deeply poignant, there’s definitely a lot to love here. And if you find nostalgic references about the cruel, uncaring march of time weirdly comforting… well, you might want to talk to someone. But also—you’re going to love this game. Projected Dreams caught me off guard. For such a simple game, it moved me more than I expected. And I think if you give it even half a chance, it’ll quietly touch your heart, too.

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?

Undying is an emotional survival game that tugs at your heartstrings while you play. You must take care of your young son while you make your way through the zombie apocalypse. It’s not the easiest survival game and your efforts will require multiple tries. But if you are willing to learn, the game offers a post-apocalypse narrative that is rarely touched upon.

Zool Redimensioned is a great reinvention of a forgotten cult classic of the Amiga era. With fast paced gameplay and plenty of secrets to discover, it can give you a lot to do. However whilst the art style might be nostalgic, enemies and obstacles can be easily obscured and the levels can be hard to navigate at times.

WWE 2K23 took everything that filled 2K22 with promise and expanded on it, making them better than before. The time and effort put into things like MyGM and WarGames are evident. And the quality of MyRise can not be understated. Interesting stories filled with self-aware jokes and storylines directed toward 2K and WWE in a refreshing manner that hasn't been seen before. Though there are still issues and kinks to be worked out that prevent the game from being as great as its potential.

Serious Sam: Siberian Mayhem is an excellent addition to the series. It's short and sweet and half the price of Serious Sam 4 at only $19.99. It won't win over non-fans, but if you like the classic Serious Sam games but were turned off by the further sequels, Siberian Mayhem will be up your alley. Just try not to go too deep into the time travel stuff, and if you're an achievement or trophy hunter, wait until completion is possible.

Overall, Strike Force Heroes is a great game for anyone whose interested in a class flash game experience in the current year. With most of the old flash library removed from the internet after the browser based services stopped supporting them, these are the few titles we get left. As a member of the survivors, its nice to see Strike Force Heroes riding so high on its throne!

Overall, Sniper Elite 5 hits its mark. It doesn't reinvent the wheel for this niche genre, nor does it have to. All that Sniper Elite 5 had to do was recapture the formula of Sniper Elite 4 along with some refinements and that is precisely what it does. Sure, the AI could be better and the repetition does slow things down somewhat. However, who really cares about any of that when you can blow off a Nazi's testicles in a glorious high definition x-ray kill-cam? If nothing else, playing Sniper Elite 5 for review only proved to me that it is impossible to get bored of watching digital Nazis die in slow motion.

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.

Park Beyond is one of the best theme park simulators I have played. It does miss some features I would have liked to see, such as theme park minigames and a more on-ground experience, but what it does is done well. The coaster-building systems are great, and the business management systems have a lot of depth. The price is a little steep, but I definitely recommend getting the game whenever it is on sale. It might even be a great game on the Steam Deck if compatible.

Post Void is an acid trip disguised as a boomer shooter. When the trippy visuals aren't messing with your mind, the twitch-based gameplay kicks your butt six ways from Sunday. Post Void's roguelike mechanics provide depth and variety to each playthrough. It's an adrenaline rush like no other, one where its surrealism hides a challenging but rewarding old-school FPS.

Bionic Bay is inspired by old puzzle platformers with it's art style and level design but brings a modern touch with innovative physic mechanics and more active movement. They've essentially merged Mario-type movement with Limbo-stle level design. No point in Bionic Bay is dull but it still somehow drags on a little too long.

Overall, WWE 2K24 is a step-up from the previous year, taking everything that made WWE 2K23 great and further adding to it. However, there is still much to be desired as it feels as though they could have pushed the boundaries of creativity even further and took a few risks. Ultimately, playing it safe worked out in their favor because the game is polished for the most part and simply improves on last year's already good title.