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.

Brotato is a twin-stick shooter roguelite game where the player controls a potato character surviving on an alien planet. With simple but enjoyable gameplay, the focus is on movement, dodging bullets, and choosing the right power-ups. The game offers various characters, power-up combinations, and enemy types to unlock, providing a challenging and fun experience. Visually pleasing with clear graphics and adequate sound, Brotato delivers a satisfying and balanced gameplay loop.

Rollerdrome is a ton of fun and is undoubtably worth the asking price at launch. To see Roll7 go from developing the more simplistic OlliOlli games to producing something on this level is amazing. The engaging mechanics and stunning visuals come together to create something truly special. It is just a real shame that there is no multiplayer functionality currently present in the game.

A Juggler's Tale might not be a long game, but that by any means doesn't make it a bad one. It's a game with a beautiful story and strong cast of characters that is well worth delving into, and you'll love Abby, routing for her right from the beginning until the very end. The role of the narrator is also powerful and innovative. Puzzles that the game presents are challenging but not impossible to solve, as well as very creative, although some are harder to work out than others. Gameplay is good fun, although some mechanics take time to get the hang of, such as throwing, but you get plenty of opportunities to practice and work on it. Graphics and music help bring the story to life, showcasing the best and worst of the world and any situations you're put in. If you're looking for a game that features a short yet powerful story, A Juggler's Tale is one you should check out, while also pushing your puzzle-solving skills.

The Sims 4 Growing Together Expansion brings exactly what you expect to the game. It's perfect for players who love family gameplay, and it's also great if you enjoy your Sims growing and developing at any age. San Sequoia is another amazing world to play in, ideal for families but great for anyone. I especially love the new Recreation Center. I wish there were more Lots though. Regardless of the few flaws, this is a great new Expansion Pack and one you should definitely consider getting.

Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a superb first impression from Metamorphosis Games. It doesn't revolutionize the 2D Metroidvania genre, but it creates an interesting world and offers action-packed gameplay with good challenge. However, there are a few issues with combat that need tweaking, and the presentation falls short in certain aspects when it comes to getting players invested. As well as a shop system that can be entirely ignored relatively easily.

Video Game Fables does a fantastic job telling a light-hearted story that deconstructs the RPG genre. You can’t help but laugh when something ridiculous is pointed out or a character tries something unexpected. Gameplay is solid for an RPG, while the visuals and audio work well to contribute to the light-hearted atmosphere. Camera angles can be a problem, and combat can feel repetitive without large character differences. Despite those minor shortcomings, you will still have lots of fun reversing roles and poking fun at the RPG genre.

Overall Strategic Mind: Spirit of Liberty provides a fresh outlook on World War II by utilizing Finland's ultimate struggle and hardships against the Soviets. While there are some lacking aspects within the game, such as the sub-par cutscenes and outdated UI, Strategic Mind: Spirit of Liberty still retains some great things like the turn systems, and with the addition of Heroes like Simo Hayha, the game fits the criteria for those who want to enjoy a new turn-based game that depicts the harshness of World War II.

Fights in Tight Spaces places itself in a unique position in the roguelike-deckbuilder genre. While the influence of games like Slay The Spire is apparent, the combat resolves in a very different way thanks to the introduction of a grid system and other turn-based tactics elements. The presentation is phenomenal and makes for an overall great game that is going to please fans of deckbuilders, tactic games and action movies buffs alike.

Whilst very brief and slightly obsolete in its gameplay, Sunlight provides an ambitious and rich narrative experiment, offering keen insight into concepts of impermanence, sensation and mortality.

SEASON: A Letter to the Future is a beautiful game. If you enjoy an action-free adventure and intricate stories, then you'll thoroughly enjoy exploring the colourful world on offer. The innovative use of the DualSense controller creates a fun sense of immersion as you pedal through the landscapes. Although the interactions with other characters are few and far between, they all come with their own personalities and backstories, which I enjoyed more than the main storyline. Overall, SEASON: A Letter to the Future is a relaxing narrative experience with wonderful art and sound design.

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.

Loddlenaut excels at its main gameplay loop. I excitedly spent a full three and a half hours exploring ocean zones, gathering trash and materials, and building up my home cove. As for the titular loddles, I had little cause to care for them. Raising them, feeding them, and giving them a home were accessory parts of your quest. Ultimately, I wish the loddles could have played a more significant role in your mission to clean the ocean.

I enjoyed Asdivine Cross more than expected. Against other recent titles from this publisher, this title shows that we’re getting steadily closer to a true home run from KEMCO. There are still some things to work on, and some rough edges to sand down, but this is a great option for a lower-cost RPG that honors your time and still provides you with a good experience.

Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic on the whole is an impressive game, not just as a hidden objects game, but a great game in general. There are a few issues, but these are rather minor. All in all, I had a lot of fun playing this. I loved going through the four eras, and challenged myself to find every object. The clues made it more fun to work out where everything was. If you like being creative, the Architect mode won't disappoint, as it's staggeringly detailed but not overcomplicated. Whether you're familiar with hidden objects games or new to them, Hidden Through Time 2 is a good choice.

This highly immersive game surpasses most horror titles with its uniquely designed environments and chilling narrative. Powered by Unreal Engine, the game boasts stunning character models and environments that draw players deeper into its hellish world. With a strong emphasis on group participation and replayability, each playthrough offers new challenges making it great game for horror enthusiasts and cooperative gaming fans.

As a whole, I found DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power extremely enjoyable. I’d argue it to be fun for anyone who picks it up as it’s definitely something I haven’t got around to putting down yet. If you’re looking for something bursting with personality and something to enjoy for hours, this is definitely a game for you.

I didn't expect to like Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! before I played, or during my initial time with it. But the unique level design, likable main character, and excellent soundtrack turned me around. Delivering Abe through harrowing situations felt like an accomplishment, and the design restraints forced me to face each level with its own particular approach. Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty! is definitely 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.

Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is everything you'd want in a cozy summer game. Its story is enjoyable for any animal lover; the gameplay is satisfying, the graphics are smooth and the audio design is uplifting. The culture and message behind the game are represented beautifully. If only the story could've been a longer experience for the price of the game. Overall, if you're looking for a wholesome experience, you don't want to miss this.

Umurangi Generation is fantastic gamification of photography and a unique narrative experience. Tauranga Aotearoa is like a palpable memory after sweeping through its points of interest and history. It feels like a game made for the Switch - but while the port successfully emulates photography action, issues with image quality and controls would leave certain players to prefer the PC version.

One Line Coloring is a very accessible puzzle game with stunning visuals that would make it appealing to gamers of all ages. Some players may find that the overly simplistic concept for this game makes things feel like a very shallow experience. However, I personally find that the game provides a great deal of escapism from day to day life while keeping my mind occupied on a simple yet satisfying task.

Hearts of Iron IV: Götterdämmerung is a damned solid expansion pack. Bringing in a whole collection of new features and some much needed refreshes for nations that have long been needing them. Of the basis of the new focus trees alone I'd say this was a worth while buy. The new gameplay features are neat, but I don't think they feel as essential or interesting as they should be.

Pine Hearts is a good choice if you want to play a cozy game that incorporates a little adventure, exploring, and storytelling. The storytelling side is surprisingly heart-tugging and told very well. Adventuring isn't too frustrating or difficult; there's enough to be action-packed while at the same time relaxing and easy-going. Exploring the Pine Hearts Caravan Park is also good fun, thanks to how beautifully crafted the world is and how alive it feels. The cutesy graphics and perfectly complementing music complete this charming cozy game.

Monster Hunter Rise was a fast, frenetic entry into the long-standing series, and Sunbreak improved even further on it. This title update is the first of many, according to Capcom. If you want to enjoy Monster Hunter at its flashiest, speediest, and by far its most crazy, Rise and its update Sunbreak are more than perfect for you.

Broken Lines is a solid squad tactics game with an intriguing narrative and fair, yet punishing permanent consequences for your actions. While the soundscape is unimpressive and the animation doesn’t hold up under closer scrutiny, the varied, colorful locations add an enjoyable visual flair to the experience. The Dead and the Drunk is an engaging spin-off that goes well beyond being a throwaway mode, and offers an additional challenge for veterans. The fully customizable difficulty settings allow players of all skill levels and preferences to find a way to play that’s a perfect fit for them.

All in all I think the game is a fun experience and full of action. The amount of heists leaves some to be desired but hopefully more will be added as updates come along. The launch weekend was pretty rough with some bad server issues but are gone as of now. The competitive price as well as fantastic gameplay, customization and graphics make this a worthwhile title for those into shooter like games. The several approaches of each heist really make for a pleasant experience as well. It helps to keep from being linear and boring as many different outcomes can occur.

Fire Tonight is a superb expression of being young, being in love, and being confused. Maya and Devin are great characters that I would love to see return again in another capacity, but our time with them here is far too short. Hopefully, if given the chance, they'll come back and be treated with a bit more world-building puzzles. Either way, I'm sure the music will be killer.

Appropriately, this adventure of rebirth was the product of the glory from the past. Metroidvania fans will feel right at home with Phoenotopia: Awakening, a modern answer to the 2D action-adventure born from the passion provided by the genre. Some may seem surprised at the volume of content available in a seemingly simple indie game. Yet passionate indie developers around the world have shown that with enough work, anything is possible, even triumphantly fun games such as this one. It's all that an adventure should be: you look back at all that you've done after so long and realize that none of it was wasted.

As a narrative adventure game, Mixtape manages to establish its own identity compared to other games in the same genre, avoiding it being a simple copycat. It succeeds in clearly laying out what interactions end a scene, while allowing for freedom in exploration. With the rest of the game made up of mini games, these are at least varied from each other and fun to do. At its core, the three main characters are likeable, even if they are a group of misfits, and you get to know them so well, you almost feel like you've known them forever. The writing throughout Mixtape is also pretty solid. Plus, there's no forgetting the amazing soundtrack, designed to fit each scene and scenario perfectly. By the end of it, Mixtape will take you on a crazy-yet-joyous ride that you won't forget too easily.

If you love a good story or you’re curious about the criminally under-explored world of Slavic mythology and folklore, definitely give Black Book a look. The card-battling elements aren’t the most enthralling, but compelling writing and an engaging, choice-driven narrative will keep you hooked for its surprisingly substantial duration.

You might think The M/S Cornelia II Incident is just another point-and-click mystery adventure game, but it feels a bit more than that, thanks to some additional gameplay features. The mystery surrounding the game leaves you not only wanting to play out the whole demo, but eager to see where the full game will go. The pixel graphics do well to add to the game's atmosphere. There is some room for improvement, such as the controls being displayed before the game starts, as well as making the inventory more obvious, but these can be addressed in the final game. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product of The M/S Cornelia II Incident.

Very Very Valet hits its mark as a family-friendly co-op game in the style of Overcooked, but doesn't quite deliver when it comes to the variety and amount of levels on offer. It's still fun to play whether solo or with friiends, but it only takes a couple of hours to complete. However, upping the difficulty with the Expert Rulebook, and playing the minigames adds a bit more longevity to the impressive indie.

Headbangers: Rhythm Royale is a refreshing addition to the battle royale genre. Bringing bright and goofy vibes, Headbangers is ideal for someone with a taste for rhythm games and is looking to embrace multiplayer chaos. Although the core mechanics of each mini-game are essentially the same, they have been implemented in a variety of creative and silly ways. That being said, hopefully future updates to the in-game season pass will bring additions to the level roster to avoid gameplay becoming too repetitive.

Inhuman Resources is a short but intense descent into corporate horror, where reading replaces action and choices carry real weight. Its minimal visuals and limited interaction won’t appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy morally complex stories and psychological tension, it’s a haunting experience worth your time.

After Us succeeds in delivering a unique and stylish platform experience. While the mechanics are simple, you are challenged to use them in different ways throughout the 12 hour(ish) experience, although sometimes depth perception may cause an aggravating amount of falls. Personally, the story was interesting but lacked the depth needed to feel the emotions which were conveyed on screen. This being said, After Us is a visually stunning game, containing a variety of interesting art designs being followed by the soothing, sometimes eerie soundtrack.

Mafia: The Old Country is easily the best game in the Mafia series. A welcome revival to a truly underrated franchise. With a deeply engaging story and memorable characters that will carry players through the average gameplay. Returning players may find a few too many similarities to previous games, but there's still plenty of fun to be had.

Burnhouse Lane offers a gripping and disturbing plot in which I was emotionally invested from the beginning. Charming characters, a creepy artstyle with some dashes of gore and distressing scenes accumulate for a unique horror story. Despite some clunkiness in controls along the way, the mechanics are simple, as are puzzle solutions. The moral complexities throughout create various outcomes for the game, making it tempting for a second playthrough. Also I don't think I mentioned, there are cats.

Despite some of the complaints I have, Ion Fury is still a fantastic game that can hopefully kick-start a resurgence in classic, FPS games.

Overall, Solium Infernum is a great option for groups of friends who enjoy strategy and/or board games. The satisfaction of success is immense. The artwork is fantastic but more unique army character models would be nice. The gameplay is enjoyable with options for different approaches. The lack of actions per turn is a bit disappointing, especially when play asynchronously.

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.

Skate City is a relaxed arcade-styled skateboarding game, with beautiful aesthetics and soothing soundtrack. The controls are easy to pick up, yet difficult to master, with it being friendly to skaters and gamers. There are nice elements of detail which could've been forgotten but really add to the game, such as the filming option. With an option to kickback and relax or to grind out a few challenges, Skate City is an underrated entry into the skate genre.

I've waited for what seems like ages for The Star Named EOS to be released, and was it worth the wait? I think so. It might not be the longest game, but this isn't a bad thing. The story will keep you going, and the puzzles will sharpen your brain, all set in a dreamlike environment. For almost $15, I feel that this game was worth the price. For a short narrative puzzle game, there's plenty to be getting on with, and plenty to take away. If puzzle games with a story are your thing, The Star Named EOS should be added to your collection.

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.

The exquisite gameplay, graphics and sound design are let-down by some very iffy narrative devices and the game definitely suffers from some bloated sections that feel like complete filler - although your first playthrough will definitely keep you going for a while. All in all, part one is a success; let's hope the second installment doesn't take as long.

Boneraiser Minions pushes the bullet hell survival genre in new directions with fresh ideas, and an addictive gameplay loop. The clean, retro visuals are fantastic and the improved accessibility options make Boneraiser Minions easy to enjoy. The fun classes and interesting minions create a deep layer of strategy and potential builds as you take your revenge on King Gigald. At just $4.99, Boneraiser Minions is a great value and can provide dozens of hours of entertainment.

Agatha Christie - Hercule Poirot: The First Cases is light on the "game" but successfully unravels a story like a page-turning mystery. It doesn't play out like a typical detective adventure, but instead uses a narrative that feels in line with the Mind Map mechanic. I appreciated the simple tale that allows the player to experience Poirot's process - no magic, no tricks, not even godlike intelligence - just the power of good old logical thinking. This detective game accomplishes what it set out to do: turn a mystery story into a compelling audio-visual experience.

Erica is a competent interactive movie game that would serve as a gripping B-rated thriller even without the additional interactivity. It strikes the correct balance of requiring sufficient user input to make you feel like you are in control while not stuffing the game with gimmicky interactions for the sake of it. Its short length allows for a tight story that does not overstay its welcome, although some may wish it continued for longer. While it probably will not be converting anyone who is not already a fan of these types of games, Erica is certainly in the running to be considered one of the best interactive movie games on the market.

Sloclap's newest football simulator is everything we've always wanted from an online football game. It lacks every annoying aspect that's been holding back the sports genre and its heavily skill-based gameplay focus strives to be the new standard, and we're all in for it. Even if it requires some more polishing here and there, with the corresponding updates REMATCH can easily become the greatest online football game of modern times.

The Universim is a beautiful real time strategy game mixing city building with divine intervention. As a brand new take on the empire building gameplay of your stereotypical 4x gameplay, you'll focus less on military, and more on evolution and adaptability. Fight not only other civilizations, but also the environment itself; all the while trying to maintain a clean planet free of disease and pollution. As a stand alone title, The Universim has a lot to offer; and undoubtedly more to be expected from this beautiful bombshell of a game!

Cloudpunk is a fantastic game that is a lot of fun to play. When I began playing, I assumed that it was going to be a simple pick-up-and-deliver game, but what we get it so much more. While there were a few minor issues like the length of the dialogue and a lack of save options, the good heavily outweighs the bad: the story was intriguing and kept me hooked, the controls weren’t overly complicated, and I enjoyed the range of graphics on show.

If you're looking for a more casual and story-driven experience, Heaven's Vault will scratch that itch and then some with it's nebulous, well-written narrative and memorable characters. This game fits well on the Nintendo Switch platform and looks great, too, so if you've wanted to slow things down and enjoy an epic story, then what are you waiting for?

Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is a genuinely fun roguelike deckbuilder that encourages strategic thinking with its combat. You must carefully plan how you play your cards and what cards you add to your deck. Four characters provides variety but flaws keep the game from truly shining. If you want a roguelike deckbuilder that can take hours of your time, you can't go wrong with this game.

The bottom line is, I definitely think Lake: Season's Greetings is worth getting, especially if you loved the original game and want more. This is also an ideal game to get for Christmas, if you're looking to get into the spirit of the holiday. There isn't any new gameplay, but the fact that you get more of what made Lake so great in the first place is all you can really want. Playing as Thomas Weiss instead of Meredith didn't feel weird at all, and he quickly became a well-liked character. The new characters are great to watch as well, and the originals. There are a few teething technical problems, but nothing game-breaking and nothing that will stop you enjoying this extra festive slice of Lake.

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!

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.

It's not the same in a large variety of ways, but it doesn't have to be. Axiom Verge 2 manages to cement itself as both a worthy sequel and a standalone title, embodying the love of the metroidvania genre almost without rival. Those keen on a more open, explorative design will find substantial worth here, though the story and combat may not entirely satisfy. While the appreciation I have for the original game still has me favor it ever-so-slightly, applause should be designated to the solo developer that managed to make two splendid experiences that complement each other as much as differentiate.

What more could you ask for? Minoria is a beautifully realized title that is entertaining throughout. Aside from some minor nitpicks, this game is a masterfully crafted Metroidvania complete with an interesting story, gorgeous level design and a phenomenal soundtrack to tie it all together.

Caravan SandWitch is a pretty good game. It does have a few flaws and technical hitches here and there, but nothing that ruined the experience for me. The story, characters and setting are more-or-less solid, sucking me into a whole new futuristic world and their lives. I myself felt as if I had lived in Cigalo! The gameplay is good too, especially the driving around, exploring, and fetch quests. I liked that they chose not to include any enemy encounters in any form. The only threats are the TARAASK storm and Witch, which only adds to the intrigue and makes the game more gripping. If you like narrative-driven open-world games with no combat, give Caravan SandWitch a go.

Silent Hope is a dungeon crawler where you take your time as you learn how to utilise seven heroes. With a variety of playstyles and skills available to you, you will slowly fight your way through the dungeon. Patience is the name of the game because it will get repetitive even with the variety to stave it off. You must grind your way towards stronger characters and equipment. But if you give the game a chance, there's a solid dungeon crawler that can keep you entertained for hours.

Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate is a lot of fun. It combines a host of different gameplay styles and traits into a single title in a way that doesn't feel like it clashes with itself. This creates a game that is great to pick up and play for a short break or something longer. But be warned, this game can be hard as nails at the best of times.

Deck Nine have done a wonderful job in bringing Arcadia Bay back to life in this re-telling of a beloved story. Max, Chloe and Rachel's bonds feel stronger than ever with the brand new animations, lip-synching and model overhauls. Unfortunately, the prequel isn't quite as hard-hitting as the first story and the countless bugs currently across both games can potentially ruin the immersive experience unless you manage to avoid them. The lack of 60 FPS on next-gen consoles upon launch is a little disappointing, too.

Redout: Space Assault filled the void that I was missing when it came to 3D space shooters. It's simple enough to scratch the itch, but not so small that I plowed through it in one sitting. I wish there had been more responsibility over my ship when it came to ammo or fuel supply, but considering the title originated on Apple Arcade, the lack of this mechanic is hardly surprising. The story beats were predictable but well-written, and I will always be happy with a spaceship skin that reminds me of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Blade Runner: Enhanced Edition, for the most part, is an excellent remaster of the fantastic original 1997 game. The story, writing, and voice acting still hold up today, and you will be hooked from start to finish. The gameplay, while basic, is exactly what it needs to be. The only core issues are the gameplay and audio bugs and some of the default options not being ideal. For only $9.99, it is an absolute steal considering the game's high replay value.

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.

How We Know We’re Alive is a dark and moving tale of self-discovery with an incredible art style, a pitch perfect story, and a story that feels deeply personal. The title however isn’t terribly interactive for an Adventure Game and it may be a little too short for some gamers.

Overall, Tell Me Why is a wonderful and thoughtful game that values both its characters and story. Every little detail that is scattered across the game works in harmony to create a believable and engaging world. It is a game that is constantly teaching us more about its interesting side characters and rarely gives the player a chance to want to put the controller down. Despite not having a wild and climactic ending, Tell Me Why is one of the best stories to come out of Dontnod studios and a must-play for any fans of the adventure genre.

Star Trek Resurgence feels like an episode of Star Trek, for better or worse. I feel like the character models should move more fluidly, react more naturally if I'm going to be staring at them so much. The game somehow has a way of railroading me while still leaving me uncertain of what it wants me to do. In the end, however, I found it fun. It's slow and deliberate, but that's what works for this franchise. I'm a Star Trek fan and this made me feel like I was part of the story. If you're not fan, this might not be the game for you, but if you wear pointy ears, know what the Picard Maneuver is, and speak conversational Klingon, give it a shot.

With its strong pedigree and personality, Jagged Alliance 3 is a difficult yet entertaining strategy experience. It presents players with seemingly unlimited choices, and offers a huge amount of agency in how to approach each situation. While it does suffer from a handful of annoyances, a clunky user interface, and mechanics that aren't quite explained, it is a fun and challenging addition that is sure to be a hit or fans of strategy RPGs.

Something old, something new. Although small frustrations abound – time challenges beget repetition and fast traversal is curtailed with precision jumping – movement is exhilarating within a gorgeous looking game. Remnants are familiar but enjoyable to scale and topple. The mysteries of the Ultravoid are there to be explained if you wish to find it, albeit you’ll need to know where you’re going. Seeing civilisations mashed together, the story shows how determination can overcome anything. And Solar Ash is worth the trip to see how it ends.

Deflector takes the idea of deflecting attacks and weaves it into the roguelite genre. While it doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it does offer additional strategy that makes you think about blocking. There’s nothing fundamentally different as you play, and it’s still a regular roguelite. But it’s a roguelite that encourages different playstyles, deflecting, and has a great soundtrack to listen to.

Businesses & Hobbies does an excellent job of merging businesses with hobbies in The Sims 4. Your Sims can now easily turn their best skills and favorite pastimes into profit-making businesses and share what they love to do and what they're good at with others. Nordhaven serves as a good backdrop for the theme of this pack, although I can't help thinking it could be better. I was impressed with many of the new features introduced in Businesses & Hobbies, such as being able to organize classes. At the end of the day, if you want to run a business in The Sims 4, either at home or on a separate property, Businesses & Hobbies is what you want, and it will not let you down.

Door Kickers 2 brings a tactical experience like no other game and challenges you to consider many factors. Keeping everyone alive while you achieve your objectives is no easy feat but it is rewarding. The difficulty is high though and trial-and-error can be tiring since you often repeat the same tactical exercises. But if you stick with the game and enjoy the challenge, it's a tactical experience like nothing you've ever experienced.

Sonic Frontiers has definitely brought back hope for the franchise with this new format. Between the smooth experience in the Open-Zone, cool combat (especially titan bosses) and an enjoyable quality of story writing. There are however still some polish to be done around the display of obstacles and platforms. And by far the least appreciable aspect is Cyber Space, both in its lack of originality and control which robs the game of a much higher rating.

Total War: Warhammer III: Forge of the Chaos Dwarfs is a great expansion on the base game. Adding a long-requested faction to the title in a near-perfect way. With many new and brilliantly designed units, a fine selection of lords, and some cool new features there is a lot to enjoy with this new content. However, the extra levels of economic micro-management that the DLC adds may be too much for some.

Galactic Glitch is a cleverly crafted roguelike that blends classic twin-stick shooter mechanics with smart, physics-driven gameplay and a touch of narrative intrigue. With bite-sized runs, meaningful upgrades, and room for experimentation, it’s a must-play for fans of action roguelikes looking for something both nostalgic and fresh.

As far as visual novels go, Iwakura Aria is very impressive. It's immersive, addictive, and mystifying. Each character stands out on their own without overshadowing anyone, not even the titular Aria, and Ichiko serves as an excellent protagonist and storyteller. At 10-15 hours, the length of Iwakura Aria sits comfortably without feeling as if it's cut anything important out, while also not dragging its feet and feeling unnecessarily padded out. Although the story can get dark at times, it doesn't dip too far into being too uncomfortable, while still being grippingly suspenseful. Iwakura Aria feels like one of those stories that clings onto you, and you onto it, not wanting it to end and desperate to find out how it all plays out.

Stronghold Warlords takes the winning formula of the series and returns to the original's near-perfect form while improving on almost all aspects of the game. The newly added warlords mechanic didn't strike my fancy in the way I suppose the developers would have wanted, but that's not because it's a bad addition, just that it needs some tweaking to make it a more integral part of the game.

Catto's Post Office is a great game if you like cats, delivering mail, cute themes, and doing side stuff. It has an Animal Crossing feel mixed with Lake gameplay, but still with its own style. It's not a long game but it works in this case. It's just something sweet and simple to play for a short time, perhaps when you just want to chill out for a bit and play something quick and easy, yet fun at the same time.

Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society is a game that demands a large time investment in learning the systems and experimenting in dungeons. It’s not an easy game to master, and you will need large amounts of patience to wade through the failures. But if you stick it out, there’s an enjoyable story to experience, and the thrill of discovering new paths on your own. You can also build your puppet team any way you want, and have the flexibility to choose your own combat style.

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.

While Sengoku Dynasty offers a promising experience with a compelling theme and enjoyable core mechanics, it remains a work in progress. It excels in providing a single-player, feudal Japan sandbox but stumbles with unfinished features, lackluster immersion, and optimization issues. Despite its flaws, it has potential, especially if future updates address its shortcomings.

Everdream Valley is not just a great farming game, but just a great game in general. It's not perfect, due to the issues with lagging and bugs that I've had, but otherwise I've had a genuinely good time playing this game. I feel this game is suitable for all ages, whether you're a child or an adult. It's not babyish to put older players off, yet it's easy enough for a child to play and enjoy. Even if farming games aren't really your thing, you should really consider giving Everdream Valley a go. You really will feel like you've escaped to the farm of your dreams.

Sucker for Love: First Date is a perfect experience for anyone unfamiliar with dating simulators who want something with a bit more substance. This title is amusing for anyone who plays it and doesn't focus on the dating element to the point where it's uncomfortable. It's got a good few hours of gameplay and despite it's lack of story it's still got several mechanics which will no doubt keep you coming back until you've seen every possible ending.

Is this the best Outbuddies has ever been? All scales are pointing to "Yes." While still carrying along some nagging inconveniences and some less-than-presentable pixel people, the DX version is deserving of its nifty moniker. The journey has been an enjoyable one to watch for this developer, and their efforts have given modern consoles an indie face that is more than its cartoon mustache. Not only is it among the best metroidvania games I've played, but it reasonably contends with some of the higher-profile games available for current-gen systems. Personal preferences for its accessibility measures aside, it was well worth the time it took to make (and update).

Cosmic Top Secret is a fun exploration of ordinary lives hiding away incredible secrets. Cosmic Top Secret succeeds as a documentary and as a video game, effectively using the gameplay to encourage players to push forward with the narrative and discover more things within its surreal world. Despite the finicky controls, the puzzles and presentation of this surprisingly personal and vulnerable interactive experience make it a mystery well worth diving into.

Killing Floor 3 is a worthy sequel that upgrades everything they did well for the better. It may have a few audio bugs, lackluster story missions and some drops in frame rate when playing online with a full lobby but its addictive gameplay loop, fun arsenal of weapons and gadgets and the high replayability courtesy of the revamped perk system will keep Killing Floor 3 trucking along. Bring on the Halloween update!

All in all, this episode is definitely a step in the right direction. Although, there is still much to be desired in terms of improving the main exploration gameplay loop, so far the game has proven to maintain the standards of previous Telltale entries. The plot seems to be advancing well and the dialogue is, as always, well-written. It is too early to judge the season as a whole, but we hope that we get to see the consequences of our actions in future episodes to really signify that our choices matter. Great episode, the future is looking bright!

All in all, Death and Taxes is a very enjoyable game, and fans of point-and-click games like Papers, Please will absolutely love it. The story offers us interesting routes which we can explore to get alternate endings, the emporium allows us to add some interesting features, and the quirky graphics and audio adds to the overall atmosphere. I will point out that while the game is fun to play, it does get quite repetitive after a while, as with most games of its kind. We can mix things up a little with the choices we make, but ultimately, the gameplay remains the same. Death and Taxes is probably best played in short bursts.

Whether or not you're a horse lover, The Sims 4 Horse Ranch is an Expansion Pack worth checking out. Horses lived up to expectations, being beautifully modelled and animated, not being overwhelmingly challenging to manage, and providing plenty of fun new gameplay. The mini goats and sheep add a little extra fun and cuteness as well. The world of Chestnut Ridge is perfect for the new gameplay in Horse Ranch and is one of the most scenic and tranquil worlds in The Sims 4. There was some great new stuff added in Create-A-Sim and Build Mode as well, although I feel some extra stuff could have been included. All-in-all, The Sims 4 Horse Ranch will give you a smooth ride in a classically rustic and tranquil setting.

All in all, I really enjoyed playing Venba. I just wish it was a bit longer. Saying this, I was pleased with what I was offered. Venba isn't like other cooking games I have played. If you make a mistake, you have to start again, but you don't feel frustrated or embarrassed. I also liked the puzzle element thrown into the cooking gameplay. The story of Venba and her family helped me to be further engaged in the game. I also enjoyed learning about Indian culture and cuisine, and loved how the story explored keeping hold of the cultures of your homeland while in a new country.

F1 2020 continues to be one of the best racing simulator franchises out there at the moment. Whilst the game is visually lacking in places, that doesn't take away from the game's overall consistent quality. With tonnes of new additions, and some I didn't even mention like the new split-screen mode and two new tracks, F1 2020 is terrific value for money. It has a couple of flaws, but is overall a great racer that is welcoming to new players and challenging for grizzled veterans.

Journey of the Broken Circle succeeds in creating a beautiful and heartfelt narrative that will touch players struggling with loneliness. Though there are some heavy-handed moments, the effective use of gameplay and storytelling made it clear how the game won a narrative award. While the gameplay is simple, the game is a well-produced and thoughtful package - perfect for any gamers looking for a calm and cozy experience.

Deliver Us Mars is breathtaking in terms of presentation and the underrated but extremely talented cast helps to bring the characters to life. While some of the puzzle mechanics can become repetitive, the detailed and layered story keeps you pressing forward. The sound design also plays a key part in the thick atmosphere delivered by KoekN Interactive, and wearing a headset will fully immerse you in the universe of Deliver Us Mars. A charming and unique game with a compact and deep narrative.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II isn't trying to do anything especially new or different and I think that's okay. With Call of Duty taking a break from yearly releases next year, Modern Warfare II feels like comfort food - reliable, predictable but still filling. Aside from a few bugs and technical issues, you have solid campaign experience, a great set of missions, and a tight entertaining multiplayer affair. Modern Warfare II is an impressive entry into the iconic shooter series.

UnderMine provides a very enjoyable, familiar experience for anyone who enjoys roguelite games, with slow progression and methodical unlocks that feels classically inspired. The combat is simple, but it is extremely well-executed. The difficulty curve has some serious jumps, but it's never so tough that a few extra runs can't balance the scales in the player's favor. While tedious at times, each run always feels productive, and it's not easy to put the controller down. Even after the credits roll, there is a ton left to do, from exploring the Othermine to conquering increasingly difficult bosses in the main campaign. No matter how many times I played, "just one more run" kept me delving over and over into UnderMine.

Revenge of the Savage Planet is a beautiful, bizarre, and bitingly satirical romp through corporate space colonization gone horribly wrong. Its gameplay loop is fun and rewarding, especially with a friend, and its world design is undeniably striking. But its relentless satire sometimes trips over itself, burying useful info under waves of chaotic, screechy FMV nonsense or worse, a screen blocking contract. If you can tolerate a bit of style-over-substance and like your sci-fi with a side of snark, this one’s worth jumping into—just don’t expect to always know what’s going on, and definitely don’t trust your boss.

Ten Dates does a great job of conveying the realities of going on a speed dating event and trying to make something of it. The stories aren’t long, but tell a wonderful story regardless of who you interact with. There can be confusion about what the optimal choices are, and it does take time before you can replay a scene. Despite those shortcomings, there are ten great stories to see, and ten great dates that can become something more.