Deck of Haunts provides a solid deckbuilding roguelite experience combined with horror you inflict. It's fun to come up with ways to prevent intruders from reaching the heart of your haunted house. There are some balance issues and that does make the experience feel repetitive quickly. But for a solid roguelite deckbuilder, Deck of Haunts delivers a successful twist on a familiar formula.

The Eternal Castle [REMASTERED] obviously comes from a place of great passion and love for the games and era that inspires it. Its art style masterfully uses the CGA colour pallet and its animations are smooth and characterful. However the core gameplay whilst solid on its own is often defeated by its art style. Often obscuring key details and progression paths making it overly hard to see where you are supposed to be going or what is hidden in the dark. Plus the game's fonts whilst great to look at can be difficult to read and can rob the play of vital information and backstory the game needs.

Long-time Pokemon fans that don't mind the repetitive nature of these games will have a lot to look forward to here. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is by no means a bad Pokemon game. It's competently developed, but some of the decisions made prevent this entry in the franchise from standing out. The lack of changes from the original titles further bogs down this otherwise solid addition.

Ultimately, They Always Run has a lot going on for it. Its combat mechanics are delightfully complex enough to provide satisfying gameplay, and its gorgeous aesthetics make every second screenshot-worthy. However, the numerous bugs, uninspired platforming and lacklustre story make for a frustrating experience. The combat and art may make these worth it, but a couple of major patches would make the game much more enjoyable.

Little Hope is a step forward in Supermassive's anthology series, but the bar is still set high from their big hit Until Dawn. It doesn't quite reach that same level but excels in its twisting narrative and interactivity. For a horror game, its scares are few and far between, but it still holds up with its heart-racing monster encounters. Its unique cast of characters is intriguing on the surface, but they're very vaguely explored in the actual story. Little Hope is a quick experience that's still enjoyable with friends, and worth playing for the ending.

Haven is a delightful character-driven action-RPG that absolutely deserves your attention. From the graphical style to the soundtrack, to the excellent writing and voice acting and the myriad interconnected systems at play, the game is polished, charming and just the right amount of challenge. If you habitually mash the ‘skip cutscene’ button then this perhaps isn’t for you, but if you want to lose yourself in a great story with wonderfully realised characters, don’t hesitate to pick this up.

I loved my time with the collection, getting to know Ryu and the world of Ninja Gaiden. Reviewing the games at face value is impossible knowing that the game is simply a port to modern consoles and whilst the varied ways to now play these three fantastic games should be celebrated, their age shows dramatically at times and the collection is a missed opportunity to revitalise the series, it appears as a cash-grab rather than a celebration of what made these games fantastic. Newcomers, I recommend playing these games, but if you have a PS3 lying around, I'd play these games on that and save yourself £30.

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.

Garden Story is a very charming game to look at but, unfortunately, is not very fun to play. It often feels too slow for an action game and doesn't reward the player enough for their time. I did enjoy how it portrays its themes of communities coming together and the story of a rising hero, as well as its music and art style. If there is ever another chapter to this garden story, I will be interested in seeing how the gameplay improves.

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.

It seems absurd to complain about a lack of content in a game that has an endless amount of player-created levels. But for Meet Your Maker, it fits very well. This could be an amazing game, but the limited set of tools available at launch restricts the amount of fun that can be had by both raiders and builders. I'm sure it will be awesome in a year from now, however. With more content and tools, only then will Meet Your Maker truly shine.

Outer Terror is a fantastic homage to pulp horror with some strong points in review. The gameplay is largely enjoyable and there some great quality levels and synergy between the game, missions, and side quests. However with a little more to do on each level the game could be great, but at the moment, it often feels like you’re just running back and forth.

Tour de France 2023 is polished enough to stand out in the sports simulation category, and it comes with some much-needed improvements over last year. However, the game is a bit too pricey for the changes alone, and it feels almost like its predecessor. Overall, it's a fun experience, but you'll be disappointed if you're looking for some major overhauls.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes is the perfect game to curl up with this Halloween if you are looking for a scary game to play alone or with friends. However, there are too many stretches where you can put the controller down and forget it is a game at all. For anyone who enjoyed previous titles from Supermassive Games, House of Ashes is more of the same.

It's an inspired folk horror experience. Whilst it's a bit clunky in its mechanics surrounding combat, it’s still brimming with the surreal and the mythological and, above all, is presented with impeccable style and heart.

9 Monkeys of Shaolin should be on every GOTY list for the excellent package the team has put together. The combat feels great, the art style and graphics look fantastic, and the voice acting and storyline were executed wonderfully. If beat 'em ups are your jam, or if you just want to have fun with a game, this should be a must-buy. Do yourself a favor and get into this incredible title.

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.

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

Backbone seduces you into its world with its incredible style and characters. I was shocked by the game's first major twist and didn't want to stop playing. The writing is a highlight, and the music is dazzling. I was a bit let down to discover that my choices had little impact on the game's narrative, and the conclusion left me with more questions than answers. I don't know if a sequel is on the horizon, but Backbone is an overall interesting game worth checking out.

Gamedec should be an essential play for fans of isometric, story-driven titles. The detective work is paced and executed in a way that makes you feel like you're actually solving crimes, rather than following scripted conversations. The environments are varied and interesting, and the music absolutely slaps. This is a title that deserves your time and attention.

The Forest Quartet is a musical narrative game which bends its puzzles with its great atmosphere. The game is a visual and atmospheric treat, while it may lack in terms of its gameplay with its simple puzzles. The game, on the whole, themes itself really well across the various stages to have a breezy and fun experience through its short run time.

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.

Sunday Gold has a fantastic blend of turn-based combat and point-and-click adventuring. The story is set up well, puzzles are fun to go through, and you really feel the pressures of criminal activity. The game does end by the time you get a grasp on the gameplay, and you are often left feeling like there could have been more. There are also enough bugs and crashes that stand out when the immersion is disrupted too many times. But for the time you are playing Sunday Gold, you are a criminal expert running against the clock, and it’s a fun thrill to experience.

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is the best way to experience your adventure on Halcyon. For new players who haven’t touched the game, there’s a good time to be had. A solid storyline, fun combat, and freely building your character's proficiencies. For veterans, the only real draws are increased character customisation and a better looking Halcyon. Even then, it's unlikely that there would be much to do after completing the game. It’s not the strong draw to bring you back that it could have been.

The Last Faith does not pretend to overcome its prior inspirations but impeccably attains a satisfying length and experience. It carefully adopts classic sensations, covering players in some of the genre's finest moments. Thus, in a gaming landscape inundated with overly ambitious Metroidvanias featuring ambitious maps, this game's convincing approach makes it an exciting challenge to complete at least once and a fair experience with increased difficulty for those who seek tougher battles after the initial completion.

Brigandine: The Legend of Runersia does a great job at combining empire management with turn-based combat, making you feel like you are responsible for your nation’s performance during the war. Smooth gameplay makes the game feel seamless, providing a comfortable experience. While the story feels like a missed opportunity and the game’s mechanics aren’t the best for aggressive players, it is still a solid turn-based strategy experience that will put your tactical skills to the test.

Rune Factory 3: Special is far from one of the best games of 2023, or even within the farming game genre. Many of the core mechanics are there, but the proper execution is lacking. However, there are certain highlights to it that prevent it from being completely written off, mainly the unique characters you'll meet. Farming fans will get more out of this than anyone else, but they've no doubt played much better.

With a little extra attention, Before We Leave could probably turn into a much larger, more sophisticated game. The foundation is strong enough for that to happen with minimal effort, but I don't think that's what the developers had in mind, and truthfully, I don't have a problem with that.

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

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.

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

This is a fun, punchy title that scratches that 4X itch. It may not bring much new to the table, but it clearly designed by veteran developers with a good eye for what makes the genre work. As a simple exercise in strategy, it provides just enough complexity to be worth learning, but never takes things too far. It's bright and cheery aesthetic makes for some easy, casual play that you can come back to time and time again.

GYLT offers an emotional insight into the impact bullying can have on a child using thought provoking art to convey concepts of loneliness, anger and paranoia. This well crafted story links well with the simple gameplay mechanics, with an artstyle that fits the creepy atmosphere created through the soundtrack. All of this and an environment which urges you to explore in spite of the sparse selection of meaningful items to be found, GYLT is perfect for a horror fan looking for a more mellow game, and would work well as a first-time spooky experience.

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.

Ultimately, Spellbreak is clearly still going through its paces; think about the drastic changes we've seen in games like Fornite since its release in 2017. Thus, I do believe this title will age nicely and continue to develop and evolve as time passes. This does seem to be the case, especially as the game has also adopted Fortnite’s successful formula of being free-to-play, as well as containing an in-game cosmetic store. Nowadays, this a tried and tested format for Battle Royale titles, and it works well for Spellbreak, making it accessible and playful, as well as offering dedicated players something to spend their money on.

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy has not only succeeded in being an excellent Expansion Pack, but it also proved me wrong in thinking that it was going to be needlessly complicated and a grind to play. For me, it was the opposite: a joy to play. I had a lot of fun throwing myself into the new features and activities on offer, such as setting up my own Dynasty, getting established in the Noble Career, and engaging in Swordsmanship and Grand Balls. Plus, I was thoroughly impressed with the new world Ondarion. It's simply beautiful. There's not very much to fault with this pack. I honestly don't know if Royalty & Legacy is going to be the last Expansion for The Sims 4, as this could be a false rumor or a simple misunderstanding. I sincerely hope that it isn't the last, but if this is the case, the long run of The Sims 4 Expansion Packs will end on a high note with Royalty & Legacy.

On the whole, I'm very impressed with the re-releases of MySims and MySims Kingdom. They came rather unexpectedly, but they were a welcome surprise. It's great to play both these games again, and with the promised improvements to the graphics and performance. These two key focuses made this re-release superior to the original Wii releases. The controls on the Switch can be a bit awkward at times, but nothing that I found especially annoying or distracting. There's also the odd hiccup regarding sound playing correctly, but I seem to remember the Wii versions having this issue as well. It's nothing that a patch or two can't fix, or if not, it won't me from enjoying these remasters of two of my childhood games. Now if we get MySims Agents re-released for Nintendo Switch as well, I'll be over the moon.

Rogue Lords is a well-built roguelike that can get anyone in an evil Halloween party mood. The game has the style and addictive hook to keep devilish map-crawlers progressing through suspicious sanctuaries and nasty taverns. Lovers of the genre will find a familiar but engaging gameplay loop and new strategies to learn. However, its reliance on punishing difficulty, probably meant to encourage more risk-taking, can take a toll on the player's overall enjoyment of what is a really fun game.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the perfect experience for you and your friends if you're looking for a more grounded version of Dead by Daylight. Taking strides into the horror genre since their last major title, Friday the Thirteenth, Gun Interactive brings the fun back in chasing your friends with deadly weapons. Beware that there are several technical issues with the game, along with a limited player base which makes finding games difficult. Otherwise, it's a great representation to the popular Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise!

Dread Templar does a solid job of providing a game that feels like it belongs in the 90's. The shooting is great and there are plenty of guns and enemies. There are a lot of levels filled to the brim with secrets to hunt down. There are plenty of upgrades to find and augment your playstyle with. The aesthetic is dark and grim. Everything gels together nicely. But by trying too hard to replicate a 90's shooter, Dread Templar misses out on a few modern mechanics that would've really helped the gameplay.

Teyon hit it out the park again with Unfinished Business. While the game can feel extremely linear, they alleviate this with open spaces for downtime or small asides for story perspectives. The story won’t win awards, but it’s propelled forward by a journey which has momentum through excellent combat encounters and enjoyable investigation sections. Fans of immersive sims or Robocop, this is a no-brainer.

The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication is a good Taiwanese horror game with multiple storylines and great horror. You are on your toes escaping from pursuers and solving puzzles at the same time. The game's ambition sometimes gets in its own way as the storylines don't feel fully developed. If you want a good horror game that creates a great atmosphere, you can't go wrong with The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication.

As it stands right now, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a quirky and fun game with some interesting ideas and an adorable mascot. The gameplay didn't leave a huge impression on me, but I wish I could have committed more crimes with Turnip Boy before the credits rolled. While I currently have a hard time recommending a game this short with its current price tag, it is encouraging to see that the developers plan on expanding the game's mythos with free updates in the future. I can't wait to see what responsibilities Turnip Boy avoids next.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is a visually breathtaking game with the DNA of standard Ubisoft games. The open-world activities get repetitive at times, the villain is uninteresting, and you need to continue to upgrading for gear that stops the momentum of the game. But, to experience this beautiful world outweighs the gameplay that can get tiring. You'll be left in awe of Pandora and be delighted to sink your teeth into this world.

Where Winds Meet is a massive triumph, mixing genres and embracing the complex world of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. It's a fun game filled with all sorts of interesting things to do, people to meet, and mini games to play. The world is massive and feels real and full, and the combat is varied, flowy, and fun. Unfortunately, it does have a lot of issues with bugs and translations. It is a gacha game, but basically only for cosmetics and a season pass.

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

It may say Wicked, but it's not always wicked. Devespresso Games' attempt in bringing fairy tales to life in their own way is an admirable, if not entirely original effort. With a solid array of puzzles and poppy visuals, there's enough to like throughout that will eagerly please those fond of Point & Click-likes of yesteryear. Though the choice to forego Early Access may come across in the game's technical details, with some rough patches performance-wise being noticeable. With other features feeling underwhelming and perhaps a lack of solid identity, this modern tale is best served for those fresh to the genre.

The Longest Road on Earth offers a series of micro-narratives that embrace and celebrate all that is mundane in life. Despite its straightforward mechanics and short runtime, it’s a heartfelt experience that deserves the attention of those who favour a sharper and more casual focus on emotional cohesion.

Part rhythm game, part platformer, part boss rush, No Straight Roads takes the best parts of these genres and forms a fun, groovy whole that'll have your ears tingling, heart pumping, fingers twitching, and feet tapping. For Metronomik’s first game, you wouldn’t think it given how much of a blast No Straight Roads is. In fact, in this author’s opinion, the only major downside to it is that it feels too short. But even if that’s the case, the game doesn’t drag on to the point of fatigue, each little collectible or side mission or story beat sitting comfortably where it needs to be. I picked this game up for the premise alone, but the bosses and music definitely helped me stay.

Asterigos: Curse Of The Stars is a fun ride for all players and is friendly towards those who prefer a lighter or more challenging playing experience. It may not be as big of an open world as its counterparts, but still offers exploration that can leave you lost wandering into new and engaging encounters. The title does not overstay its welcome and leaves enough room for replayability with its side missions and new game plus.

OMNO is a relaxing experience for anyone looking to escape for a little while. There's enough to keep players involved without feeling overwhelmed, and there's enough charm to its design to keep it from being repetitive. As a whole, it's a good game to pass the time, but not something you'd come back to time and time again.

The title rings true, as this might be the coziest game I'll play all year. The lovable characters make for great friends, and the island's scenery is the perfect backdrop. The story of the Spirit Scouts shines through particularly well, despite how slowly it's told. Unfortunately, these high points are held back by confusing design choices. The gameplay isn't poor but gets a bit dull over time.

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.

Button City at its core is a cute, charming story about the trials of life (and how cool arcades are). With a memorable roster of identifiable characters and a unique style of presentation, it's easy to buy into its initial hype. Digging deeper in, various aspects aren't quite as polished as the surface allows witness to, especially those looking for a more varied gaming experience. Those willing to bear the brunt of passing time leisurely won't mind, though players craving a little more may be left disappointed.

Circus Electrique is a perfect balance of circus management, dungeon exploration, and story. Each aspect works perfectly with the other, and the result is a fun and satisfying experience. Unfortunately, the slow pacing and large amount of information show the limitations of the perfect balance. While everything works well together, it never goes beyond a good experience. It’s like a middling circus performance; it’s fun to watch, but it isn’t remarkable.

I was honestly surprised by The Sims 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack. I was admittedly sceptical about whether it was worth making a whole Expansion out of the concept of romance, but I'm very glad I was proven wrong. Lovestruck has continued the line of well put-together Expansion Packs in The Sims 4, and every box for a Sims 4 Expansion Pack has been ticked: CAS content, objects, world, and new gameplay. I highly recommend that you get Lovestruck, as I think you will be pleasantly surprised at everything it has to offer.

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.

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.

Ultra Age is the sort of game that could have benefited from more polish and a stronger narrative. The performance on Nintendo Switch is disappointing, but the largest problems with the title are with the narrative structure and presentation. If there is ever a future for this franchise, the focus needs to be on building the existing combat into a cohesive storyline, because right now, it just doesn't cut it.

Trek to Yomi is a game with great promise that, unfortunately, fails to live up to expectations. Despite this, it also succeeds in areas where most games fail. Few games can lay claim to this level of stylistic fidelity. However, its shortcomings are too vast and all-encompassing to ignore. It feels like a game that tries desperately to be more than it is, to have more nuance, more to say. Unfortunately, it's not just the color scheme that's black and white.

While it may not be served with intuitive cooking controls, Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator delivers an engaging and unique game. Cooking dishes is a challenge to begin with but with some practice you can make them perfect, Having total control over your restaurant ensures there are plenty of ways to pass the hours as you customise the interior design and plating layouts, and the ability to lower the difficulty down to a simmer means you are able to enjoy a leisurely cooking sim, or keep the heat on high for a more realistic restaurant experience.

Syberia Remastered is not a bad remaster—but it is a timid one, and that is what hurts most. This world, this story, this legacy, deserved a revival that honored Benoît Sokal’s vision with boldness and confidence. Instead, we are left with something in between: a remaster that flickers with brilliance but too often fades back into mediocrity. For newcomers, it offers a glimpse of why Syberia became a classic. For longtime fans, it feels like a missed opportunity—a reminder of just how powerful this story could be if given the chance to truly shine again. Syberia Remastered is heartfelt but incomplete—a nostalgic return that touches the heart, but never fully captures the magic it tries to revive.

Super Meat Boy 3D successfully preserves the fast-paced, challenging gameplay fans expect, offering plenty of content for those who enjoy mastering difficult platforming. However, its shift to 3D reduces precision and introduces camera and control issues. While some will enjoy the added freedom, others may find it frustrating, making it a solid but imperfect evolution.

King Of The Castle is probably one of, if not my all-time favorite party games. It's easy to learn and play with so many friends. The story is fun and engaging while ever-changing and unique for each playthrough. It plays like a visual novel that meets with the political intrigue of a game like Secret Hitler. I believe the game is best played by having all the players read their character's lines out loud to each other and roleplay it. For the low price, I would put it as a must-have for any party game and a brainer if it goes on sale.

Breathedge has a lot of potential, both in its gameplay and its writing, but ultimately it falls short in its current form. 'Subnautica…in SPACE!' feels like it should have been a slam-dunk, but frustrating gameplay loops, tired jokes and some questionable design decisions in the late game result in a distinctly average experience at best. Hopefully the team will be able to address some of the issues in future updates, but some of it may be beyond help.

At the end of the day, despite all of its flaws, B.I.O.T.A. is a game about vibes. It's about that feeling of playing games as a kid, those cozy times when everything was so simple. Sure, it's not the most complicated game ever, but I don't think it's trying to be. Above all, this game has heart. It's far from perfect, but what game is? In spite of a multitude of issues, there's a certain charm to the whole project that I can't help but feel enamored by. I look forward to seeing what Small Bros works on in the future.

Ultimately, I feel the biggest issue with Fashion Police Squad, aside from the premise, is the playability. While it's pleasing to look at and listen to, the aesthetics don't altogether save it. If you're especially familiar with first-person shooters, and looking for something a little different, this has potential to be a very fun purchase; especially if it's on sale.

Blades of Fire provides an unmissable experience with a fantastic crafting gimmick alongside brutal combat. A Story that's simple to get into with easily digestible lore to dive into. Some fantastic enemy designs, fun bosses, and some great no hand holding exploration. I implore everyone to not miss this game during these busy months in the world of video games.

After waiting for the chance to play it on PlayStation 5, The Last Case of Benedict Fox doesn't give me everything I wanted, but gives enough for a decent trip into the world of Lovecraft. Though its story and parts of the combat do let the game down, the art style, puzzle solving and the exploration that Metroidvania's provide really did save it from me putting it down and never playing again.

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.

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.

Martha Is Dead intrigued me throughout its short seven hour runtime. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this title despite the constant amount of stability issues I encountered. This game plays more like a mystery with a couple of disturbing revelations. Martha Is Dead is certainly not for the faint of heart but those that embark on this journey will have an engrossing narrative that is bolstered by its gameplay and audio elements.

Ed-0: Zombie Uprising blends together the Souls-like and mystery dungeon genres to create a fun experience. You get access to different characters, skills, and items to help you conquer your enemies. While the game is very grind-heavy, there's a lot to see and do. It would be nice to have more customisation with equipment and upgrades, but the experience is still solid enough if you give it a chance.

Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles is a pair of games in an interesting situation. Both are crippled by the exact opposite problems. Rhapsody II is a game that is simplistic and way too easy, but Rhapsody III is a game that is too bloated and slowly paced. Rhapsody II I can at least recommend it as a chill, beginner RPG for kids, but Rhapsody III I cannot really recommend under any circumstance.

Overall, The Executive has a lot working in its favor. Cinephiles will appreciate the impressive attention to detail and the meticulous recreation of the movie business. That said, a few frustrating design choices hold it back from greatness. Minor bugs need patching, the premium production options desperately need better explanations, and an endless mode would do wonders to extend its replayability. If you're willing to embrace trial and error, have a passion for cinema, and can happily lose yourself in spreadsheets for hours, this game might just be your blockbuster hit.

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.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is everything that you would expect from an epic fantasy game. There is an intriguing story full of magic and mystery, combat styles for all types of players, and an environment so enchanting it’s impossible not to want to live in it. While the remaster isn’t very different from the original in most aspects, it still makes for an enjoyable game and is a nice throwback to Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

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.

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

Destroy All Humans is a fun game, there’s no doubt about it. A slick coat of paint and a control reconfiguration helps make the game feel fresh, but the bones of a fifteen-year-old game are everywhere, especially in mission design. In this sense, Destroy All Humans feels like an aberration in terms of gameplay and content. Franchise fans will find an enjoyable chaotic stroll down memory lane, but it might be a hard sell for anyone who hasn’t played the original.

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

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.

As it stands, Mario Golf: Super Rush is an overall disappointment, especially for those already fond of the series and prefer solo play. Nintendo has stated that free updates will come to the game post-launch, though I don't suspect anything less than substantial new game modes will suffice in making this worth full retail cost. With some lacking graphical polish, an underwhelming single-player mode, and not much else to do, only those truly obsessed with the sport of golf will find immediate gratification. It's more like Mario Golf: Super Rushed.

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).

Although Minute of Islands is a game about someone who must save the world from toxic spores, it felt genuine and relatable. The way it handles themes such as anxiety and trauma is incredibly well done and thought-provoking. Though the gameplay can be a bit slow at times, it was worth getting through it just to experience Mo's journey.

The first difficult decision players must make is whether or not to purchase Until Dawn Remaster. I'd argue that those that never experienced the original should certainly pick up this game. This is a remaster that successfully breathes new life into the 2015 original. Apart from some shaky frames, Until Dawn Remaster excels in just about everything it set out to do, and I believe justifies its existence. I'd also argue that those that have already experienced this adventure will be able to find new enjoyment here, albeit at a lower price point.

While the gameplay is intact, the visual downgrade to Tropico 6 is so damaging to the game. Juggling different tasks is still fun, but now it all just looks worse. Due to the poor visuals, there are inevitable diminishing returns as your settlement gets bigger, which is the opposite of how it should be. The grander your achievement, the harder it is to actually see it.

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.

The Book Walker: Thief of Tales plays with the tantalising premise of being able to physical engulf in a fictional world, however I found it to slightly under deliver in its execution. While the story is well-written and there are some intriguing plot points along the way, the gameplay slightly impedes on the enjoyment of the novels. That being said, each of the world's have their own fleshed out environments, characters and lore, and Etienne's story kept me hooked until the final pages.

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.

Forgone is definitely a good game, with every inch of the combat feeling just as good as it looks. I just feel like this game could have done a lot more with what it had. There is a tight, Souls-like loop, great locomotion, and satisfying combat. But the forgettable narrative and somewhat generic aesthetic made me not too interested in what was going on outside of the core gameplay loop. That's definitely okay, but stops this game from being much more than a competent Souls-like experience.

The music will aggrandize, the steps will become louder, the phone will start to ring, and the story, or what you thought of the story up until that point, will begin to warp. Every aspect of Ad Infinitum works beautifully with one another. It's a game that grabs you right away in the Prologue and doesn't let go until credits roll, only after leaving a lasting impression.

The Devil In Me is one of Supermassive Games' most interesting title to date. It's an entry that expands on their classic horror formula while never straying far from the decisions that made these games so fun. Unfortunately the plethora of bugs made getting through this title a nightmare. While there is still fun to have in the story and gameplay, it's a title that's recommended to play through in a few months when these issues are fixed.

Overall, The Red Lantern was a fascinating and unique experience. It feels like a modern version of The Oregon Trail but instead of traveling across a map and dying of dysentery, you ride behind a dog sled and die in a much colder climate. Creating a team of dogs and then sticking with them for every run until credits rolled was both rewarding and allowed me to connect emotionally. The Red Lantern does not provide the most complex inventory management but will almost always have you considering when to use which item. The loop of the game did begin to become predictable near the end, but The Red Lantern always brought me back for one more chance to find the path home.

Scars Above tells an excellent story and provides several mechanics that fans of the genre will enjoy. The landscapes and monsters are designed beautifully, with audio that completes each setting. While character design could use some work, and customization would have been nice, the good heavily outweighs the bad with this one. The combat difficulty will provide plenty of frustration and enjoyment for days on end.

In terms of a DLC, High on Knife delivers exactly what it should. It gives you more of what made the main game good with some new things to keep it fresh. Any praise it deserves is earned more from the fundamentals of the main game rather than its own thing. It brings the same level of humor as the base game which is impressive considering they lacked the team head. With around five hours of gameplay, High on Knife is a great little chunk of High on Life goofiness.

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.

Batora: Lost Haven's biggest strength is that it is full of passion. Some of it's ideas, particularly with the story, fizzle out and are lost in the dark. Others, like the inventive combat and fleshed out worlds, are a joy to see and are beacons of light. It isn't for everyone but if it's for you and you meet the game with the right expectations, there is no doubt that you will have a good time.