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.

Spellbound Survivor is a great idea rolled into a new form, presenting the player with five maps, and multiple characters to choose from. As a stand alone title, it'll have you coming back for the entertaining gameplay, and constant upgrading. that being said, if you're a gamer who enjoys story and substance, then this may not be the title for you. It is a perfect down the middle of the road title that could be your next favorite, or something you blow through in under an hour! No matter how you choose to play, the road to the overlord awaits.

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

Tacoma is a really good story wrapped up in a simple walking simulator. Engaging with the AR segments and exploring the station was enjoyable; the information presented was mostly interesting, while the voice acting was excellent. In terms of actual gameplay, it's sadly lacking and the investigation feature is its' saving grace. There are some minigames thrown in, but very little else. Coupled with (this reviewer) several game crashes, this definitely dampened the experience. I would say it is worth making the trip once. Make sure to play this in one sitting.

Risk of Rain Returns is a faithful and well-made remake of the original game, retaining the original's fun and challenging gameplay as well as adding new content to keep things fresh. The new characters and alternate skills are particularly welcome additions. Whether you've played the original, started with the sequel, or are getting into this series for the first time, Risk of Rain Returns will provide plenty of enjoyment.

Overall, Astral Ascent hits the mark in basically every single category that matters. Truly dynamic combat that requires you to strategically plan your attacks and dodges is very well-implemented. As a result, the importance of movement in this game is further elevated by just how smooth the game feels to play. This is all without mentioning the incredible boss fights, engaging upgrade systems, amazing ambience and atmosphere, and magical art-style and soundtrack. You can tell that the developers were not only passionate, but also dedicated in delivering a polished finished product - which they successfully achieved.

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

Laika: Aged Through Blood is a experience that every gamer should try. The hand drawn visuals and classical guitar bring the wasteland to life, while the unique controls and progressive difficulty keep the pace of the game from stalling out. The motorbike combat and exploration is fun and approachable, but takes time to master as you explore what's left of the world. While there are a few minor annoyances with the bosses and systems, Laika: Aged Through Blood is a stand-out title and I highly recommend it.

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

Insomniac once again delivers an authentic Spider-Man experience with Spider-Man 2. With improvements across the board from previous installments and an expanded New York City to explore, any Spidey fan will enjoy this game. Even if you are not a fan or haven't played the previous games, Spider-Man 2 brings an amazing open-world experience that can make anyone a fan of Peter and Miles.

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.

Afterdream tells a poignant story which explores the dark aspects of grief. Feelings of blame, depression and loss of identity in the face of deep personal loss are emphasised using various visual effects. Afterdream is a psychological horror which may not strike fear into your heart, but will leaving you thinking about life, death and the in-between. The story is a little on the short side and left me with a longing for another hour or so. However, Afterdream is well written, and the gameplay is simple enough to allow you to soak in the melancholic atmosphere and ponder the narrative at your own pace.

Overall, Slay The Princess is a groundbreaking indie horror game. Choose-your-adventures often share the flaw of pointless choices and straight storylines, but Slay The Princess offers a unique story in a way that a choice-driven narrative should be played. With great characters and stunning visuals, it's important to detail how Black Tabby Games ensures a captivating narrative as well. This is a game you could play for hours and still discovers new scenes. A game that deserves to be played.

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!

I must say that Black Skylands is a rather fantastic indie-game. Whilst I do have some issues with aspects of the gameplay I do feel that the core of it is a ton of fun. The ground sections are great and offer a decent challenge. And when the ship combat works it can be a really unique experience. And with a memorable and well written story there is much to enjoy. Even I do feel the ship controls could be better.

Jusant is a welcome and new experience: an action/adventure game without combat and a platformer without death-inducing falls. Still, Jusant captures the intensity of high-elevation rock climbing and the wonder of exploring a strange world. The gameplay, sound design, and aesthetic will capture you for the brisk 6 hour runtime and will leave you wanting more.

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

While the story is best left unexplained and experienced first-hand, Amanda the Adventurer utilises a clever blend of real-life found footage and basic animation to create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Pairing this with the twisting of children's TV tropes and the positive way they are presented, I was genuinely left unnerved and awkwardly laughing in places. Amanda the Adventurer's broken-up storytelling leaves blanks to be filled, which encourages you to play through again to try things differently and find new information. Most importantly to note is that this is not a children's game.

Ghostrunner 2 is an upgraded sequel with several gameplay elements that make it deserve that number on the title. It has been increased in difficulty and the new narrative elements are also highly appreciated. For the most part, it has been expanded and improved compared to the first game. Even with the few tweaks the game still needs to stand out from other titles, it is as great and epic than its predecessor.

Although Land of the Vikings provides a relatively fresh setting in the city-building simulation genre, the lack of content after you pass through the first winter might prove to be unsettling, as with the frustrating Tree of Life system where some basic mechanics are locked behind, particularly the Auto Assign mechanic. Still, if you're looking to relax and throw down some hours into a city/village-building simulation game, Land of the Vikings is adequate to fulfill your spare time.

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.

Humanity is a very complex thing to define. Everyone has their own take on what it means to be human, but my personal take is that it involves living as your own individual being, striving to be your true, best self, not merely wanting to be a parasite or a carbon copy of someone else. Under this definition that I've pulled out of my ass, CRYMACHINA isn't very human, or very good. I wanted to like CRYMACHINA, I really did, but like some busted DIY project, none of it's various parts come together to form a cohesive whole.

Forgive Me Father 2 is an amazing experience for anyone looking to get into the horror first person shooter genre. Being a take on world war one's traumas, you'll be thrown into the depths of asylums, trenches, and strange manors uncovering the horrors of yourself. As a sequel title it improves greatly on the graphics and gunplay of the previous game while offering new and unique weapons for your person enjoyment! Make sure to keep your audio on, as the killer soundtrack will have you coming back time and time again!

Pixel Ripped 1995 is on of those VR titles that actually feel like a game instead of something you play in an arcade fashion or a workout game. It does rely heavily on the nostalgia but it does it in a superb way, and it can be a great, immersive experience. If you are looking at a sitting-down, not-too-challenging, not-too-easy experience with some great humor and funny characters, give this one a try. But just like the original scored with us, this is a superb VR experience.

Touhou New World is a chill gaming adventure through the mystical realm of Gensokyo. It's got a pretty good soundtrack that aids you on your adventures and battles throughout the game. The game is laid-back and includes loads of missions and side quest. There's a lot of unique ways to customize your character and build stats. Just keep your cool when you hit a rough patch with some levels due to some of them being a bit challenging. If you're all about that haptic feedback, this game might not hit the spot. Hardcore gamers might find it a bit mellow compared to the grand RPGs or high-intensity action games.

Hearts Of Iron IV: Arms Against Tyranny is a solid DLC. Adding a great slice of new content that more than just adds in a couple new focus trees and a crowbarred in mechanic like the previous one. The new focus trees are by and large great even if some feel a tad under cooked. However the arms trade system isn't as powerful as it should be. But the other additions almost make up for that.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - The Dragon's Gambit is an alright DLC. It's easy to hop into and takes place in a unique period of Battletech lore. It also provides a challenge to MechWarrior veterans. But it is just more of the same game. There is very little that makes this DLC feel different from the base game, and I do not believe it is worth the current asking price.

This recent iteration of Lords of the Fallen has finally achieved what the original couldn't do back in 2014: it has carved itself a unique place in the Soulslike genre where it can belong, allowing it stand confidently beside its inspirations. By refining the traditional Dark Souls style to a finely honed edge and combining it with some compelling lore, a fascinating world and the absolute marvel that is the Umbral realm system, Lords of the Fallen adds another notch to 2023's superb line-up of games. If you're okay with a somewhat obtuse narrative structure and the fact that it is certainly one of the easier Souslikes, Lords of the Fallen is a must-play title for anybody interested in a great Souslike set in a beautifully grim fantasy land.