It’s one of those tycoon games I’d play often, as it really is a great way to occupy one’s time and allow one to become a creative capitalist.

This type of game usually makes me sigh. Many of the ideas have been done to death, and the action is tiresome. Yet, The Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story is different. Its combination of jump scares, puzzles, and lore is refreshing and interesting.

Rogue Legacy 2 is phenomenal. It’s as amusing as its predecessor, but it evolves past those fantastic foundations. If you love the original or the genre, you’ll adore this.

Itorah misses the mark in a couple of places, but was crafted so well in terms of its platforming and artwork. It may be a little too easy and straightforward for hardcore platforming fans. However, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a casual adventure in a beautiful world.

I must say that RogueBook is one of those strategic action-packed games, with an adventurous journey and plenty of detailed graphics and entertaining scenes when moves are being made that I just love.

The Serpent Rogue is a tough, no-nonsense action-adventure title. You must explore, experiment, and battle whatever blocks your path. You'll die repeatedly as you fumble your way to victory. It's hard work, but oh so rewarding.

Tunche is a beat ’em up that goes in a little too strong on its rogue-lite elements, unnecessarily forcing standard features behind a grind of unlockables and making the action overly repetitive. With its formula relying so heavily on upgrades, instead of more enjoyable arcade action, it takes too long for the stunted gameplay to reveal its potential – unless you have someone else to play with.

As a whole, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is an incredibly engaging game. It is equal parts entertaining and compelling whilst remaining fun and light. It’s super easy to pick up and pass the time, and is something that I constantly find myself thinking about. The story is thick enough to really sink your teeth into. There’s enough depth to keep you coming back to it time and time again. If you’re a fan of previously published titles from Atlus and Vanillaware, then I cannot recommend this enough.

The entire game is quite fun with plenty of tasks to accomplish, and many locations to visit! Plus, being able to make one’s own routes and the freedom to roam a little is quite nice. I feel the only two problems are that I wish some parts could be a bit clearer and more realistic, with some more customizing choices. Also, driving up hills or sloped locations can be very horrible. When you have no speed it is like slowly crawling to get to the leveled road to be able to move with speed again. Otherwise, the game isn’t too bad. Especially, if you loved the classic PS1 style graphics and don’t mind a limited amount of originality to the background visuals, the appearance of passengers, and the bus or objects around.

Quite an excellent game to play.

Anuchard had such potential to be fantastic. Sadly, however, it falls short because of its repetition and lack of difficulty.

The platform genre is saturated. Therefore, you need something special if you want to stand out. I think Ayo the Clown does just that, as it’s an excellent title. Its story is fun, the environments are interesting and vivid; the gameplay is challenging but fair, and it has plenty of collectables. It ticks all the boxes.

It’s challenging when you continue to move forward and have to serve so many more customers. Just like a regular tycoon or sim-style game, it’s very demanding and in a way neverending. However, I don’t think this is the type of game for myself. Even if it’s well done on covering the horror aspects and business running routine, it’s just too dark and strange for me.

There is so much to achieve and learn as days go on in this game. Much to be done and very easy to do. The game is filled with unique characters to meet and befriend, as well as cats that you will get to pet, feed, and befriend also. It’s a game that any cat lover or gamer who enjoys an easy and simpler tycoon, simulated, and the sandbox-style game would love to play.

Despite Before We Leave removing almost all threat of failure and most gameplay variety, its wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and highly accessible gameplay is still a cut above the rest, making this colony-sim a worthwhile spin for those who want to play god from their armchair, but without any of the stress.

I was desperate for Submerged: Hidden Depths to jump to the next level. Sadly, though, it rigidly sticks to its guns, and that was frustrating. Yes, it’s relaxing and rewarding when you collect every seed. However, I wanted more.

Winter Ember is a bleak and dank isometric stealth game. You must search a vile Victorian world while crafting arrows, killing your enemies, and finding secret paths. Steal everything you find and uncover the truth behind the crimes of the past.

Tape: Unveil the Memories is a game with an interesting idea, but unfortunately just falls a bit short. While the narrative and drip-fed creative puzzles kept me going, it became somewhat of a chore by the end. With some more variety in gameplay, and additional complex puzzles, this could definitely have been a big winner for me. While I wanted to love it, I just couldn’t quite get there.

This is a wonderful game, with plenty of puzzles and beautiful background scenes and objects to marvel at while playing.

Games don’t always require a complex and in-depth story to be great. This is proven in Hidden Shapes: Animals + Lovely Cats as it’s simple but wonderful at the same time. I adored its minimalist approach, basic controls, and calming audio. What’s more, it’s brilliant for all the family and that’s a massive positive.

I always suspected that Sally Face was creepy, but I couldn’t have imagined how horrific it would be. Its gory images, strange story, and cruel twists are captivating. I loved its odd ways, weird characters, and difficult puzzles that are fascinating from the off. I adored it.

I found that this game will bring nothing but hours of entertainment, with 40 uniquely different characters to play and a story that unravels as you play and defeat enemies along the way. It’s definitely a game to have in one’s collection.

MLB The Show 22 is a fantastic sports simulation title. However, it doesn't reinvent the wheel and fans of the series may have hoped for more evolution. Its fundamentals are well-explained and it is great for newcomers and veterans alike.

Vengeful Heart is a futuristic cyberpunk visual novel about betrayal and revenge. With a female protagonist at the helm, I expected an Otome approach, but this wasn't to be. Sadly, it evolves too quickly and this undermines the story while reducing its depth. Consequently, it doesn't reach its potential and that was disappointing.

I feel this game is much more entertaining than many others with some similar features. All because of the enormous amounts of quests and adventures that one will enjoy throughout the game.

As a whole, Gal*Gun Double Peace is certainly fun. It is easy to pick up and definitely engaging in terms of gameplay. Even the simple story and sour outcomes will leave you wanting to try again. Be prepared to feel a little frustrated from time to time though, because the repetitive nature of this title will be the thing stopping you from a handful of attempts in one sitting.

Kombinera is a fantastic minimalist puzzle title. Its bizarre story could have been better explained, but you'll love the action that unfolds, nonetheless. The problems are challenging, the graphics simple, and the audio surreal, and this makes it a basic but enjoyable experience.

PowerSlave Exhumed is an old-school FPS with a bizarre theme. Enjoy venturing into Ancient Egypt as you fight aliens, find treasures, and save the world. Sadly, it won't test veteran gamers but its great for everyone else.

Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril is an old-school platform title with hints of Metroidvania chucked in. Consequently, it is brutal, frustrating, but oh so moreish. You'll scream and want to quit as you die repeatedly. However, a hero is needed to save the day and you must step forward. This is a must-play for fans of retro gaming, but it may be underwhelming if you are on the fence.

Phantom Breaker: Omnia is a user-friendly but challenging 2D fighting game.

I may have had my issues with repetitive gameplay, and lacklustre art style. However, the high points of the fast-paced and intense boss fights, as well as the variety in each star’s moveset and build helped balance things out considerably. It’s a flawed, but enjoyable bullet-hell title, that can provide some fun for those with a love for the genre. However, I couldn’t necessarily say it hit home with me.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is a wonderful addition to the LEGO games and the Star Wars franchise. It is hilarious, challenging, and in-depth. Furthermore, it's a treat for fans of the series, but equally as great for others. On top of this, it is accessible to players of all ages.

It’s undeniably enjoyable, and playing with friends is excellent. However, it lacks depth and won’t challenge you.

An amusing, slightly hilarious, and extremely imaginative game.

Thanks to its simple approach, challenging gameplay, and garish aesthetics, this is as retro as it comes.

As a whole, I struggle to say that Rune Factory 5 was worth the 10 year wait. You’d expect such a sought after title would show some development since it’s previous title in 2012, but I can’t say this game delivers. There are definitely elements which are thoroughly enjoyable. The more time you put into the title, the more fun you’ll have. If you’re bored of every other farming sim and release from Rising Star, maybe this game could suit what you’re looking for. But if you’re searching for something a little more groundbreaking then you may want to keep looking.

I honestly feel that Princess Farmer is a cute and fast game to complete, with a few different challenging puzzles and episodes to visit.

Cookie Clicker is the perfect introduction to the incremental game genre. It probably was most people’s first clicker game, and also the one that popularized the genre and spawned countless other small games. It’s a classic. Whether you like it or not, that’s a whole different story.

Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures is a fun and simple puzzle platform title. Subsequently, it is perfect for younger players. It won't challenge experienced players but parents will enjoy the lighthearted action that has no gore and minimal violence.

Elex II attempts to create a vast and beautiful game that juxtaposes the horrendous nature of the plot. Sadly, its delivery of key mechanics slows the action to a crawl. Furthermore, the terrible controls and archaic combat lack fluidity while stalling your progress. It should have been excellent, but it falls well short of its goals.

Is Expedition Zero good? It’s better than you think. Reasonably priced, offers some unique features and very creepy. Definitely a worthy entry into the survival horror genre and with frequent patching the bugs are being ironed out.

Marsupilami: Hoobadventure is a colourful, fun, yet well-trodden platform adventure title. You must leap obstacles, swing through the air, defeat foes, and gather the collectables. Sadly, it doesn't write a new chapter for the genre, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

Unreal Life is an absolute triumph when it comes to atmosphere and non-linear storytelling. The game’s impressive pixel design, loveable cast of characters and simple gameplay loop all work in conjunction to provide a thoroughly satisfying experience. Yes, sometimes the game’s puzzles felt a tad obtuse and the gameplay isn’t anything special, but these minor gripes didn’t take away from the absolute joy I had on this emotional journey with Hal and my new favourite talking traffic light.

On one hand, the fact that Kowloon High-School Chronicle has made it out to the west is quite the result, but with nearly every feature either outdated or improved upon in genre games since, this cult-classic has not aged gracefully and might just prove a little too ‘retro’ for those bar the niche audience it’s aimed at.

From the opening gambit, I knew this would be an in-depth experience. It combines many great elements and has plenty of potential. Sadly, though, Mr Prepper was imbalanced and frustrating.

What you do get with this game is so many exciting features, action-filled battles, plenty of items to collect, and a story that is way more entertaining than many other adventure games I’ve played this year so far.

With OTT action, interesting characters, hectic missions, and plenty of side quests, this will keep you busy. However, this isn’t a game for serious gamers! Agent Intercept is silly, but moreish while being oddly competitive. Subsequently, I enjoyed it.

It’s a flawed game that doesn’t always stick the landing. Yet still, there’s something endearing about the experience. Ellen’s core journey may be to find her grandpa. But as things progress the cleaning and healing of the world around her really becomes the star. It’s simple, but quite effective.

WWE 2K22 is a wonderful addition to the franchise. With a vast array of gameplay options, excellent graphics, and an in-depth customisation section, there is something for everyone. Sadly, there are still issues but most will amuse you.

Beholder 3 takes the best bits of the first two games in this series and blends them together to make a fun, dark, morally challenging point-and-click adventure. While slow in pace is still thoroughly enjoyable. If you like dystopian fiction, if you like puzzle-based point-and-click adventures, if you like strong narrative then Beholder 3 might just be the game for you. It’s one I will be playing again and again.

MeteoHeroes Saving Planet Earth! has no right being a decent game, but manages to pull off a visually appealing and relaxing environment for kids and adults alike. A lack of overall content is immediately apparent, but for what it’s aiming to achieve – a pretty platformer with casual environmental messages as accompanied media for the TV show – it’s mission accomplished.

The Wanderer: Frankenstein's Creature is a strikingly beautiful twist on a much-loved story. Experience the world through the eyes of the creature and feel what it is like to be alone and desperate for love.

No matter who plays this game, it will always provide the player with so much more entertaining and hard to put down levels that continue one after another. Wunderling DX is just an awesome adventurous puzzle game with so many items to collect, and challenging fun levels to play through.

The Cruel King and the Great Hero‘s storybook narrative and great designs are a classic that arguably never should have left the page. With too many shallow gameplay and world elements, it’s hard to feel invested in anything but the main story cutscenes, but that said, as the game is aimed at a far younger age group, if you are in the market for an RPG for kids, you could do far worse.

Monster Energy Supercross 5 is a fantastic sports simulation title. With a vast array of bikes on offer, many tracks to tackle, and loads of game modes to try, this will keep you busy for hours. It is aesthetically pleasing, fantastic for newcomers and veterans, and is ultra-realistic.

Thunder Kid: Hunt for the Robot Emperor is a low-poly retro adventure title. The developers have focused on a low-key affair, but sadly this undermines the end product.

The Last Cube is a clean-cut but challenging puzzle platformer. You must tackle many problems and avoid obstacles as you overcome each puzzle. Deceptively easy at first, however, you'll soon be screaming at its brutality.

How much you enjoy the Ghostrunner’s ‘Project_Hel’ will likely depend on how much you are craving extra content, as the DLC is not only shorter – taking me 5 hours to complete – but is also inferior to the main game in all aspects. While I did appreciate the ability to experience a world-expanding chapter with good characters and decent bosses, I also found Hel’s abilities less fulfilling to wield, to the point where I wouldn’t even be able to recommend this over the free extra content released prior to this DLC (modes ‘Wave Mode’ and ‘Kill Run’).

Royal Frontier is a tough rogue-like RPG adventure title. It sadly fails to evolve past its base elements and this impacts its replay value and longevity. Its potential is there for all to see, but it fails to capitalise on its excellent foundations.

Synergia is a futuristic Cyberpunk thriller that fails to fulfil its potential. With heavy information dumps, and too many loose ends, this tells a confusing story. Furthermore, the romance element should have been brilliant, but its introduced too far into the story to make a positive impact.

Overall, Chocobo GP has a lot to offer for an alternative to such kart-based staples like Mario Kart. It’s vibrant, offers a good experience with slight variations on the genre’s norms. What lets it down, however, is the price point and reliance on microtransactions/season passes to experience the full game. If you’re a die-hard Final Fantasy fan then I recommend it, for everyone else there’s Mario Kart.

Roguebook is a fantastic fantasy deck-building title. Its gameplay is easy to understand while still being complex enough to challenge you. Unfortunately, the rogue-lite elements are harsh but they make it oh so moreish.

If you’re into Strategy games this can be a fun take on things. Plus I’d wager it’s also a great entry point into the genre. Its learning curve isn’t steep enough to scare off newbies, and it’s got more than enough content to keep you going for a long time.

Monster Hunter Rise’s combat is excellent, and the PC version is virtually a perfect port of the Switch version. As someone who had never played a Monster Hunter game before, I’m hooked.

Who Pressed Mute on Uncle Marcus is a clever and interesting FMV title. It has many twists and turns and it'll take a lot of skill and luck to find the murderer in this crazy family.

Wife Quest is a colourful retro and humorous platform title. It flirts with borderline inappropriate moments and therefore won't be suitable for younger players. Older gamers, however, will find it amusing, challenging, and addictive.

Shredders is a beautiful snowboarding simulation title. Take to the mountain, wow the crowd, and get an invite to the kick-ass event. Fantastic solo, but better with friends! Pull off some gnarly tricks and be one with the snowy wilderness.

Not only is MalnaZidos an awful and poorly performing title, but it’s also incomplete and should never have been released in its current state.

In deciding that ambition is the dragon that needs toppling, Shadow Warrior 3 is aggressively average, restricting its own potential with poor level design and underwhelming weapons and enemies. Quite how it manages to fluff its lines, despite having all the ingredients for success – humour, great visuals and Doom-lite gunplay – is frustrating, but if you are able to look past this, it does still provide an opportunity for you to switch off with some mindless entertainment in short spurts.

Conan Chop Chop is a fantastic solo and multiplayer rogue-lite adventure title. Take on the quest to defeat 4 massive bosses and then tackle the evil Xaltotun. You'll scream, die, cry, and scream again as you tame this fun but challenging game.

It’s my pleasure to say that this game is incredible! The music, graphics, and the nonstop shooting when obtaining a special weapon style object to get you blasting objects, as well as challenges in every level or stage, are like a thrill that won’t have you stopping anytime soon! It’s one of the best games, for those who love continuous action throughout the game, where there is no time for stopping or taking a break.

Young Souls is an excellent adventure title with both hack' n' slash and RPG elements. Can you work together to save the professor, stop the goblins, and save the town? Scour each dungeon, grab as much loot, and use magic and brute force to be victorious.

Dr Oil is an infuriating and tough 2D hardcore platform title. You'll attempt every small level and die repeatedly! It'll make you scream but it's also extremely rewarding when everything clicks.

Gunborg: Dark Matters is a fantastic arcade twin stick shooter. You'll have to tackle many hard-hitting levels while destroying every alien you face. Nearly every element is spot on and this makes it worthy of both your time and money.

Moto Roader MC is an old-school racing game that hasn't aged well. With limited game modes and repetitive action, this shouldn't have been remade.

The game is as remarkable as it appears. Especially, when you turn it on for the first time and many times after! The graphics will brighten up your eyes and the game’s adventure and options will keep your brain in tip-top shape. It’s something that won’t leave you fully bored or regret not trying it out, as it’s got plenty to offer.

I often bemoan barebone re-releases as quick cash-ins from publishers trying to revitalize their IP with minimal effort, and while Persona 4 Arena Ultimax does fit that criteria (as the DLC and Japanese audio were already technically available), in all honesty, it was already an excellent 2D fighting package that didn’t need improving. And with rollback netcode on the horizon to give the game more of a modern relevancy, there’s never been a better opportunity to jump in.

Prose & Codes is more than worth its asking price. Still, I’d like to point out the fact that the developers mention that “a portion of every sale goes to Project Gutenberg”, but I was unable to find any concrete information regarding how much a “portion” actually is. Nonetheless, the fact that sales of the game support the Gutenberg Project is just the icing on the cake. If you’re an avid reader and enjoy solving puzzles, this will most surely be a great addition to your digital library.

Drill Deal - Oil Tycoon is a wonderful Voxel simulation title. Manage an oil rig in an array of colourful and dangerous locations. Strike up deals, battle pirates, and overcome every QTE. It's fast-paced, demanding, but oh so moreish.

Aztech Forgotten Gods is an impressive achievement for the small studio, doing a great deal right in all areas making for a very enjoyable experience. Undoubtedly, there’s room for improvement, but for an action-adventure game that just about reaches double-digits in playtime, there’s very little of any significance that either affects the experience of that I can complain about – which for me is unusual. I for one hope this isn’t the last we see of our witty heroine and the Aztec gods.

Splash Cars is a hectic arcade title that'll keep you playing for hours. With solo and cooperative options, plenty of cars to unlock, and many levels to complete, this is a great value title.

There is so much you can do in this game. It’s very well designed and the graphics are outstanding as well as the disasters and reality of how things move, and the workers work. I love when a game is so realistic in appearance and feels like the real thing, verse ones that are too easy or feel a bit like it’s in a beta stage of completion.

The Mooseman paints a beautiful and surreal image of mythology. Thanks to its striking monochromatic colour palette, atmospheric audio, and simple mechanics, you'll fall for its charms. Stunning to look at, endearing to experience, but painfully short.

Tormented Souls is a solid play… but maybe leave the lights on!

While this latest entry in the Atelier Series may not excel in every mechanic it employs, it has clearly mastered one. Its complete realisation of the alchemy gameplay is a consistent pleasure to play. Its shortcomings minor and major in its visuals, story, or combat are routinely overshadowed by the satisfaction of improving your alchemical skills. Provided you know what you’re getting into, you’re sure to enjoy your time stirring the pot.

From the opening, you could see Clouzy’s potential. The developers pushed for a cute and laidback adventure and that’s what you get. Sadly, however, it never really develops, and this impacts its appeal and depth. Despite its shortcomings, I enjoyed it casually.

I feel the game has its good qualities and its bad ones. Maybe it just needs a little of these things fixed to be a brilliant game. However, it just can come off a bit less realistic. Even with a simple thing that acts as a meter to locate your next location. It tells you how close you are getting towards an object, well this blue marker does count down, but it never gets to 0 to tell you that you’ve arrived. it just gets to about 2 something, and that is the location. At first, I was thinking it would have to be further, then just right there, but it isn’t.

Total War: Warhammer III is the perfect finale.

The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante is a dark, sombre, and melancholy adventure RPG with a visual novel twist. You must pick your path, stand by your choices, and make your own fate. Will you be happy with your lot, or will you fight the establishment? With dated stereotypes and religious undertones, this is occasionally a tough title to experience. Who will Sir Brante grow up to be? The choice is yours, and yours alone.

As an indie game Tormented Souls is never going to reach Bloodborne or Resident Evil level of polish but that’s ok. Despite its lower end graphics (compared to the latest titles on current generation, and even last generation consoles) it holds up. It holds up because it plays on that nostalgia for the survival horror games of old.

Even as a newcomer to the series, I think SNK VS. CAPCOM: CARD FIGHTERS’ CLASH is a pretty solid game. Other than a few annoyances here and there, I can say I enjoyed this classic title. If you’re an SNK or Capcom fan, or a card trading game fanatic, I’d say this retro goodie is worth adding to your collection.

Though I found much of the action to be repetitive, I enjoyed playing it in short bursts.

It’s not such a bad game. Simple, quick, and easy with its challenging features, trying to hit each beat on time. Though with full honesty, I’m not a big fan of music genres when it comes to gaming, but this wasn’t too bad. It’s all about perfect timing, with each little activity and it gets a little challenging, but can be a bit boring for me. However if music games are things you love that is fine too, don’t let me push you away from this game.

I expected What Lies in the Multiverse to be challenging. However, what I experienced was well-thought-out and user-friendly. It has some simple mechanics that evolve thanks to the multidimensional gameplay. Its cheeky story, loveable characters and silly ways will make you smile. Subsequently, you’ll experience an interesting title that is great fun to play. I adored it.

Monster Crown is an old-school RPG that demands you tame an array of beasts. Can you pick your team, win every fight, and fulfil your potential? Talking of potential, sadly this never gets off the ground.

Rugby 22’s solid gameplay struggles to carry an otherwise mediocre offering and the result is a game that feels like a missed opportunity. Whilst the initial engagement of the deep, well realised incarnation of the sport of Rugby had me excited, the game’s lack of polish in other areas severely hampers the overall experience.

Breakout: Recharged wonderfully blends classic gameplay with a modern edge. Complete the challenges, play the arcade mode, or tackle the classic option. It's brilliantly authentic but lacks the challenge of other games in the series.

My favourite bit though? Just how fun the game looks. With its bright colours and cartoon style graphics (that still remind me of a Matt Groening creation) Ancient Islands is a joy to play and zoom in to see the fun details. It also has some wonderful mechanics that work really well. It might frustrate you at times, but it will be a visually fun game and I recommend checking it out.