Labyrinth City: Pierre the Maze Detective presents players with a world worth exploring. The whimsy and charm of the children's books translates from page to screen almost effortlessly. While the mazes are easy to navigate for adults, the target demographic of children will feel at home in this puzzling adventure.

Dying Light Platinum Edition carries its plentiful DLC and flawed base game into an overly expensive package. The amount of content might justify the cost, but its problems and age make it hard to justify spending the money on a six-year-old game. Regardless, zombie fans will be delighted to check it out as they prepare for the sequel releasing later in the year, but you might want to wait for a sale.

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

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

I can't say that I'd recommend Naheulbeuk. For fans, it's great that this world is being released in English for the first time. But the overall execution is poorly affected due to technical issues. Beyond the bugs, the humor can be way too much, with the characters constantly cracking crude jokes throughout the experience. If you want something a little less polished than South Park, this might be a good fit. Otherwise, wait to see if it gets patched.

Despite some issues, Spellcaster University is a fun, casual and unique experience that is worth trying for fans of its many genres. However, I could not help but feel that the small studio spread itself thin by mashing together different mechanics. As Sneaky Yak Studio will continue the active development of Spellcaster University for the foreseeable future, they will hopefully solve some of the issues that bring down an otherwise good debut game.

Every aspect of the game is fairly simple. Nothing really drags the game down or carries the game alone, though the character stories are a particular strength. What really makes the game shine is that every aspect of the game complements the others. The developers aimed to create a “myth-making tactical RPG”. I'm not sure I knew what that meant going in, but I do now.

Hell Architect: Prologue is a sales pitch for the full version of the game. And while that is not a bad thing by any measure, the experience playing just the prologue falls short. The fact that you can let the game run by itself says a lot and does not bode well for the full version. The current state of the game feels incomplete and buggy, as I ran into what seemed to be 2 random encounters while playing the prologue scenario, although they always happened at the same time on every playthrough and immediately resolved themselves, so it's like they never happened. I'm hoping to see some more of that on the final version of the game, maybe that's the missing piece. My curiosity is still piqued and I'm hoping the addition of more sinners to the game will make for a more complicated playthrough, and, no point in denying it, I also wanna see the rest of the tortures Woodland Games has prepared for us.

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.

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.

Insomniac hits another homerun with Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Another epic adventure with the Lombax and his trusty robot as they go to save the universe. Full of beautiful colors, incredible designs, and tremendously fun gameplay, it is something that cannot be ignored for both newcomers and longtime fans.

The multiplayer action of Chivalry 2 has depth, replayability and, most importantly, it's fun. Torn Banner Studios have built upon the success of the original to create a game that could have a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. However, there is a distinct lack of variety in other modes and many key features are missing in regards to quality of life and accessibility. Modern multiplayer games are an everchanging experience, regular support and updates is a promise that the developers need to keep. Perhaps in a few months, the game will be in a better state with the inclusion of new modes, added customization and a greater parity between platforms.

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.

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.

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

This was one of the most completely average titles I've played in quite some time. Nothing about Alphadia Genesis 2 was memorable, or very enjoyable. Your mileage may vary, especially if you're a fan of the work that EXE Create Inc. has done in the past, or if you like the Alphadia series. But if you're looking for a solid JRPG to spend some time in, you're better off looking elsewhere.

REKT! High Octane Stunts is a simplistic but enjoyable experience that offers up a nostalgic homage to retro games gone by. The fun neon colours and upbeat sounds immerse you in the gameplay, and you'll find yourself really invested in the action. Whilst certainly not perfect, this is a charming game that is ideal for killing a bit of time. This won't be your new favourite game, but it would certainly make a great addition to any gamer's collection.

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.

I can highly recommend Not Another Weekend to anyone who A) enjoys retro-style Point and Click Adventures, B) has fond memories of the 1980s and C) wants to play something genuinely funny. It would be harder to recommend it to anyone who would answer ‘no’ to any of those questions.

World's End Club has a solid start thanks to its interesting premise and characters. However, while I thought the game had the potential to be great, it was eventually weighed down by its clunky platforming sections and overuse of twists during its final hours. I personally loved being an unofficial member of The Go-Getters Club and learning about their group dynamic. Nevertheless, it's a story worth checking out, as long as you can overlook the issues that arise while playing it.

The Magnificent Trufflepigs is a short and sweet experience. The game successfully fleshes out an entire character and their development within the narrative and allows for players to find themselves in the story. While graphics, sound design, and excellent voice performances were polished, the gameplay and storytelling have more potential to hold player's interests.

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.

When you break it down, the arguments against playing Asha in Monster World are plentiful and loud. While the final product may be a bit better than the sum of its parts, it's still a middling platformer that seems devoid of the care that the rest of the remakes in the series have been infused with. In the end, it's an average title that you'll enjoy if you're already a fan, and won't be missing if you're not.

Sumire is a beautiful and emotional roller coaster ride that is a balance of beauty and darkness like no other. The entire package - art, story, writing, sound design, and gameplay - reveals a lovingly crafted experience. Sumire is a game that could convince you that the first step to a whole new life is one perfect, courageous day.

Of Bird and Cage is an interesting idea fatally flawed in almost every aspect of its execution. It ultimately fails to reach even “so bad it’s good” status due to poorly thought out and implemented mechanics wrapped in a visual and narrative tedium. Too clunky to appeal to gamers and too incoherent to impress newcomers, it lands nowhere and looks sloppy while doing so. The few moments where everything clicks into place are few and far between.

The World After gives us a captivating story concept for our present time. The potential for a great story made it all the more disappointing that the execution wasn’t what it should have been. A few poor design choices stop the game from matching the expectations of its intended genres. This game was an ambitious experiment, but I’m sad to say that it falls just short of meeting its goals.

An Airport for Aliens Currently Run by Dogs is a very comfy game, welcoming any weary traveler with open arms. The highlights of this experience are its sweet love story and the funny little conversations with the airport dogs. The sprawling stages will delight any explorer, but the actual transit and questing could potentially be tedious for some players. Still, its fantastic writing and its ambiance of pure fun make it a worthy experience for restless gamers - especially the dog-lovers.

Aerial_Knight's Never Yield is a towering accomplishment in a genre that is often relegated to micro-transaction filled phone applications. "Never Yield" combines stunning artistic direction, fluid controls and a killer soundtrack to create an incredible project of passion that encapsulates solo developer 'Aerial_Knight's' immense talent. Boost that difficulty up for some of the best gameplay the genre has to offer.

All in all, Flowing Lights is a pretty novel mash-up of a vertical shoot-em-up and a precision puzzler. It has a ton of style, but the Switch port is let down by some imperfect controls and performance issues. It’s worth a look if you’re into shmups or slightly more fast-paced puzzle games, but you’re probably better off checking it out on PC rather than Switch.

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

Maneater, for all its flaws, is still unbelievably fun. Just having a game that lets you munch your way through the water as a rugged, vicious shark is wonderful. That being said, the monotonous gameplay can sometimes grate (although less so on a handheld console), and the visual downgrade is noticeable, though not egregious. All in all, it is still great fun, even if the issues of the original still persist.

This triple pack of Atelier games will offer any fans of the series exactly what they're looking for, though they aren't the best starting point for a newcomer. In the time since their original release, the games have only gotten older, and poor load times and occasional framerate issues are something they really shouldn't suffer from. Still, these are cosy, quiet, heartfelt, and imaginative games, and it is nice to see them back.

It's easy to say "Dark Souls with cute girls." It's hard to commit to it. What will likely forever be the point of contention with Lost Ruins is the implementation of its extreme difficulty. How much suspension of disbelief can players afford when it comes to teenage girls with heavy weaponry, and will it be enough to justify the slow combat? Despite great fidelity in pixel artistry/animation and concrete battle conditions, it will always be the difficulty at center stage. That will likely be the deciding factor on whether or not it's worth playing.

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.

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

A great example of a game that is slightly hampered by the fact that it's a game. The amount of charm to Retro Machina is undeniable—nostalgic, beautifully crafted visuals; a sense of ambition, and a dedication to classic sci-fi. Frustratingly, it also falls victim to a trap of sticking to one or two gameplay formulas that sound better on paper than otherwise. I predict the game may end up slightly divisive, with those more keen on the superb visuals and subtle storytelling being kinder than the alternative. Should you take the chance, take heed of your desire for excessive combat and puzzles. You'll certainly find it here.

Resident Evil Village never reaches the highs set by its older sibling, but it is far more consistent throughout while also delivering far more content. It does not overstay its welcome and delivers a quality experience that values its time. It is both a beautiful and thrilling game that is a must-play for any fan or newcomer.

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

The Invisible Hand is a valiant effort to uncover the world of big finance for the uninitiated. While the gameplay is fun and delivers a good progression of challenge for the players, the campaign runs its course and doesn't offer much replay value. Still, the experience is a great satirical slice of a larger-than-life industry, and the highs and lows in between.

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

Buildings Have Feelings Too! is a unique concept for a management sim game, but unfortunately falls rather flat when it comes to delivery. Whilst the initial tutorial stage is very helpful, it feels like we never progress past the tutorial stage because the whole game is just too linear. The amount of back and forth to fulfil quest requirements is pretty exhausting, and so unfortunately the gameplay just doesn't live up to the fun you'd want a game to deliver. All in all, it's an okay game, but it quickly devolves into boredom.

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.

Chroma Quaternion effectively stands as the new high-water mark for KEMCO games. If the developers could take the gameplay and enhancements that make this title shine and just elevate the storyline and writing, their next releases could be truly next-level. For anyone who enjoys these types of JRPGs, there's room to grow, but at this time, it's a fantastic way to spend your time.

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

If it's darkness you want, it's darkness you get. Angsty and emotionally turbulent, MAMIYA is a layered story of dealing with the complexity of the mind. While not entirely free of the stereotypes people attribute to these "edgy" narratives, there is a notable intellect to the way it progresses and alters the direction. If it were a little cleaner on the technical side and more level in its portrayal of sympathetic circumstances, this would be a game well worth remembering. In its current state, it's still a very entertaining, and impactful, tale of people.

The usual Early Access caveats still apply to Orbital Bullet, but all things considered it’s a remarkably robust and enjoyable game experience despite still technically being in development. It’s not going to reinvent the genre, but it does what it does cleanly and impressively, and delivers a genuinely fun romp across its procedurally-generated worlds. With more content and updates likely to come as it nears its official release, you’ll certainly want to get in on the ground floor with this one (and then fight your way to the top). [Early Access Provisional Score = 80]

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

Enhanced with fantastic and fresh content, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut is a game that dances through the vulgar and the sublime in an experience that excels in delivering superb storytelling with compelling gameplay mechanics; it’s a hallmark of the genre that deserves every ounce of credit attributed to it.

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

Shadow Man Remastered is a great improvement to the game. Nightdive Studios crammed in a bunch of cut content from the original. This includes three huge new levels, enemies, some voice dialog and more. The soundtrack is remastered for better sound quality, and all textures were redone in higher definition. You can also play using the original low-res textures if you want. Nightdive Studios is listening to the community as it fix things for the first major update, including a few things that weren't ready for launch day, like the Seraph Queen boss. Overall, this is a great remaster for a cheap price.

Narita Boy is the perfect game for anyone craving the look and sound of the 80s. It tells a surprisingly deep and emotional story, but you must overcome some gameplay issues to experience the whole thing. I loved meeting the characters and listening to the music of The Digital Kingdom and can't wait to see what Studio Koba does next.

In a market where games are defined by either an intense combat system, a deep narrative, or both, there’s a place for relaxing experiences like TASOMACHI. The story and gameplay keep it simple and manages to achieve its desired pace and style. The surprising depth and detail of the game’s gorgeous landscapes are strained by the lack of variety and meaningful characters – leaving the areas full of exploration potential but devoid of life. Despite this, the game succeeds in building a chilled-out, unique world for players to immerse themselves in.

Ruinverse is a charming RPG that's great for those who enjoy story-driven games. It's full of compelling characters and fun storylines, but the gameplay can feel quite slow. The audio and graphics do a decent job of making the game enjoyable, but overall the experience still feels a little lacklustre. If you prefer more intense gameplay, maybe give this game a miss, but otherwise it's worth checking out.

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

Outriders fails in many areas as its story is useless, lines are delivered terribly and cutscenes are awful. Despite this, PeopleCanFly has created an amazingly fun gameplay loop that will entice any loot junky out there. It may feel like a 15-year-old game at some points but once you get into the combat all of these woes will be forgotten.

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.

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

Sanity of Morris is an unfortunate case of an idea with promise that suffers due to the developers' lack of expertise with horror titles. It's clear that this game wants to be both scary and intriguing to players; however, throughout its 4-hour playtime, it fails to consistently scare or entertain with either gameplay or story.

Bladed Fury is finally here on PS4, and it’s a game of two halves. Whilst the gameplay and artistic design are stunning throughout; the game is sorely let down by a frustrating narrative, poor sound design and a distinct lack of polish. Whichever way you look at Bladed Fury, like a blade without a handle - you're left holding the pointy end.

My time within this universe was enjoyable, eventually. It was gratifying to see that there was more of the game to experience beyond the initial limitations I had to work through, but the general lack of a tutorial and plodding pacing at the beginning almost turned me off for good. But if you get past that and into the meat of the title, you’ll sink your teeth into something truly satisfying.

Wildfire Swap is a fantastic little puzzle game, with an undeniably charming style to it and a really solid core idea. Whether or not you want to engage with its broader message of the seriousness of wildfires, you’re pretty much guaranteed a challenging and satisfying experience with this red-hot puzzler.

Godstrike can be a rewarding puzzle-shooter experience, but its inconsistent difficulty hinders enjoyment, leading to frustrating early battles that marr the game's positives. There is little to no story to pull players through its more challenging moments, but the time/health system is a tough, unique puzzle that can elevate Godstrike from a repetitive slogfest, into an experience worth your many deaths.

To forget or not to forget? That is the question. With a more personal venture to its name, Frostwood Interactive attempts to denote itself as a company that inspires people's emotional core. Forgotten Fields isn't the most riveting piece of gaming available—actually playing the game comes with its hurdles. Where its success lies is in the way it communicates and molds its characters, how it attempts to bring them to life and have them identifiable. From this, the game is a modest and simple triumph of earnest self-reflection. As it came to an end, I found myself wanting to try just a little harder in my own life.

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.

GolfTopia surprised me with how well it blended sports and management games. It's a game I see myself returning to often to touch up on my course and build new holes. But the frequent moments of waiting make me wonder how long I'll stay interested each time. Overall, if you're a golf fan, this is a game for you. If you're not, it's still worth a look.

I had really high hopes for Poison Control, but it's definitely a weird experience for your opinion of a game to plummet as you play. The game mechanics are really fun and interesting, and in most dialogue cases, the writing is really entertaining. But the mishandling of assault put a really bad taste in my mouth, and on top of that, combat became really repetitive. The limited scope of enemy types and recycled weapons led to a less than stellar overall experience.

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.

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

Shelter 3 delivers the wildlife walking simulator experience, with a dash of danger on the side. The lush forests with hidden hazards promise a narrative that's teeming with life and death. Despite its strong premise and beautiful art direction, the slow pace of the game and the middling character of the animals in the journey weigh the piece down.

DARQ: The Complete Edition is the perfect way to play this 2019 hit. With upgraded load times, an improved frame rate and the two packaged DLC levels, if you haven’t yet tried this melancholic puzzler, now is the time. Where the game falters in narrative building and sound design, it makes up for in snappy, addictive gameplay and an art style to both adore and be disturbed by.

Nanotale - Typing Chronicles raises the bar for typing games across the board. This is a title that proves teaching tools can make entertaining games as well. The version of the game I played will need some patches before release, but after the bug fixes, I have no qualms recommending it to anyone looking to brush up on their keyboard skills.

Is Samantha worth finding? Or was it really the friends we made along the way? (It wasn't.) Where's Samantha? may whet the appetite of hardcore platformer fanatics with its lovely aesthetic and intriguing manner of puzzle-solving. Though what it gains in intrigue, it loses in untapped potential. Best served as passable entertainment for a pleasant day of gaming, it doesn't quite hit the highs it wishes to through its star cameo and distinct visual style. In-between the extremes of either objective direction, it maintains a feeling of pleasant monotony—never moving, never ending.

In a world where fighting games are associated with intricate combos and complex systems, Samurai Shodown thrives in its simplicity. With its focus on defense, a seemingly simple change makes it stand out in a way that makes it feel like a cut above other fighters on the market. Its biggest shortcomings lie in the lack of modes, some characters that feel too much alike and dead online. But with some brilliant gameplay mechanics and approachable combat, this showdown belongs in your fighting game rotation, especially if you can play with a couple of friends.

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.

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

Magic Twins is a cute puzzle game that’s fun for all ages. It uses basic controls, but your skills improve as you gain confidence in how to cast your attacks. The art style is adorable and cheerful, and the music really fits well and makes the game stand out. Although it starts out enjoyable, it does become increasingly frustrating in single-player mode, as the CPU’s skill level is well below what it should be. However, Magic Twins is a great option for when you want to play a fun two-player game that requires plenty of communication.

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.

All in all, WRC 9 is the best rally experience you can have on the Switch, and up there with the best racing games. With a generous career mode, countless rallies, and great driving, it’s pretty hard to fault its core. But every visual concession made to get it onto the Switch means that every race is much harder. Trees flickering and shadows dropping right out of nowhere make it hard to actually see what’s going on. And that’s pretty important when you’re travelling at speed.

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

Remnant: From the Ashes is a brilliant game that will undoubtedly satisfy the masochistic urges of all those Souls-Like (really can't apologise enough) fanatics out there that need their next fix of brutal punishment in the form of a video game. The game is let down by a few minor faults and won't provide the same amount of gameplay that the majority of Souls games deliver to players, but the positives of this game far outweigh its negatives and the ability to replay it and take it on with friends negate the admittedly short standard campaign time.

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

Gnosia will be a confusing, frustrating, enlightening, but overall rewarding experience. The unique approach to storytelling, as well as the charming cast of characters, engross players in the futuristic horror of the game's universe. A single round provides addicting entertainment; however, the gameplay can become tiring, and the story, long-drawn-out. Overall, Gnosia is an ideal game for people who love flexing their deduction skills and those who enjoy immersing themselves in interesting game worlds.

Sir Lovelot is a great 2D platformer. While it does nothing new, what it offers is some tight platforming, a decent challenge, and some gorgeous visuals. Since the game is short, its lack of innovation doesn't stand out, and at a cheap price, it's worth a buy for any fans of Celeste or Super Meat Boy.

You know, I still don’t get how Lovecraft is included in this. The only connection I’ve spotted was the shape of a man’s nose on the loading screen. If the developers didn’t claim such credit, everything would be so much better. One cannot help but view this as a means to draw attention to a mediocre game. Such a pity, since it’s got great flow. A nice parody could be made, as I stated before. But alas, the developers are as serious as ever. I never thought that I would complain about that.

From a storytelling standpoint, there are few games that have affected me as much as this did. The themes explored are heavy but the game has a nice balance of optimism and dread. Music is used perfectly to elevate the emotional impact of the game. Where it falls short however is its gameplay. It's basic, but slightly sluggish controls and frame drops make it a bit of a mixed bag from a gameplay perspective.

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.

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

Blind Drive is a masterpiece. I haven't come across many games which can take your breath away in the first few minutes as this one did. I had a single session of almost 2 hours playing this bad boy before I even realised how much time had passed. Blind is very addicting and it's almost impossible to find any flaws with it. I played it on the Easy mode and I'm definitely going all the way to Blindfold mode to claim moral victory over the game. I highly recommend you to go show some love to Blind Drive and the devs behind this beauty.

Mortal Shell is a bold reinterpretation of what a Soulslike can be and a wonderful debut from Cold Symmetry. It contains lip-biting combat and interesting characters that bring the world to life. While enemy and environmental diversity is lacking, there are still many great bosses and challenges for players to face and conquer.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Room to Grow is a game with a simple concept but an astonishing amount of depth. With over 100 levels, many of which really are wonderfully challenging, and a well-rounded collection of anti-frustration features, this is a puzzle game you can keep coming back to whenever you need to lose yourself in the moment for a little while.

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

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

Pumpkin Jack succeeds in capturing the essence of older action-platformers while adding its own new innovations in a way that keeps the overall experience fresh. With excellent cartoon visual style and a well-put-together soundtrack, my biggest gripe with the game is that it is not a few hours longer.