Steamworld Build’s lack of range of choice in playable options is about the only thing getting in the way of this new entry being on the level of the greats in Steamworld Dig and its sequel.

The DLC’s shorter length does make the juxtaposition between heated, Gears action, and deeper, more heartfelt moments, feel a bit like the flicking of a switch, but the campaign itself is a must-play for fans of Gears. It makes some interesting steps forward for the IP, introduces a fascinating new cast, while the moment to moment is as thrilling as ever.

The impact of some excellent new additions is dampened somewhat by some other lacklustre ones. All said though, Super Mario Party Jamboree is an excellent title and the ultimate Switch party game.

Individual skill gets kills; squad play wins the war. Battlefield 6 is revived, resupplied and ready to roll.

Mortal Kombat 1 is finally here and it’s every bit as entertaining as we’ve come to expect from Netherealm Studios. It looks good, plays great and has more content than you can poke a metal dart attached to a rope at. Some minor balancing issues aside, this is a much-welcomed addition to the franchise

Platinum and Team Ninja have joined forces to not only capture the spirit of the Ninja Gaiden franchise, but to bring it into the modern day with rare skill and style. An absolute action master piece that will have fans hooked for its entire blood-soaked runtime.

The world of the Chicken Police does not disappoint, even if the detective noir story at its heart is predictable. Fantastic character and voice work make for a compelling ride nonetheless.

Digital Eclipse's Gold Master series of interactive documentaries have gone a long way in giving an in-depth view of many a classic game, and Tetris Forever joins them in covering the thrilling story about one of the most iconic puzzle games released.

There’s something that draws you to a good game, be it board, card or pencil and paper. 51 Worldwide Games presents high quality, faithful renditions of both classics and lesser known games, providing challenge and enjoyment in equal measure.

Viewfinder is a success like few others in its genre. It’s a challenge that all of us should be taking on.

Tales Of Graces isn’t the franchise’s finest entry, but this once overlooked entry gets a definitive version that must be experienced by any genre fan.

The perfect next chapter in Aloy’s story, Burning Shores embodies what DLC should be. Featuring epic battles, new foes, and a whole lot of heart, it expands the world of Horizon in every way.

Fantasian feels at home on console, Sakaguchi and Uematsu are completely at home with Square-Enix, and players will feel like they’re going on a journey home to their nostalgic 90s era as they delve into the game. Fantasian is an inspired mobile effort that is now better than ever in the form of Neo Dimension.

Harmonix has always been a studio whose love for music infuses every title they’ve had a hand in. Fuser feels like the first time they’ve finally found a way to guide players towards engaging with said music on a deeper level than other rhythm titles, but in the process may turn away anybody who solely desires to recreate songs on plastic instruments or is hell-bent on chasing high scores while notes drop at blistering speeds.

I have a lot of feelings about this game, and I’m not even sure that I’m finished processing them yet. I’m going to need to play it again. But for now, I do know that this game is powerful, and it’s going to hold its own special place in my heart for a long time.

While it won’t win any new fans, Borderlands 4 is a return to form for the original looter-shooter and a must-buy for fans of its particular brand of madness.

While the story is confusing, the moment-to-moment gameplay made Dredge a game that kept me wanting more.

Everhood has a similar story to many you’ll hear – a passion project, brought to fruition after years of hard work. Its inspiration in Undertale is clear, but this never holds it back from standing on its own merits. What a visually intense, aurally stunning, philosophically charged experience – and possibly one of the best games of the year.

The FPS action is top-notch, the combat loop satisfying and the roguelike elements are all balanced to perfection. The game is let down a little by a lack of variety in locations and enemies and the writing is hardly anything to set the world on fire, but these are small issues that are easily overlooked because the core loop is just too much fun.

A great core gameplay loop, great enemy design and art, and a more run-based approach sets this game apart as one of the greats in the roguelike genre. The Stress and relationship system might not be for everyone, but it reinforces the strong focus on the choices you make in a run.

If you are a fan of Dragon Ball games, then Sparking Zero is a no-brainer. It looks great, plays well and contains plenty of characters to unlock and experiment with while only using the money you earn within the game to pay for character and customisation unlocks.

While Sifu is a challenge that will test your skills and the durability of your controllers, fans of Soulslike game and kung fu will have a lot of fun beating down thugs in a variety of environments.

The Birdman is back with another example as to why he was, is and always will be the king of the extreme sports game.

While it isn’t the gigantic leap forward that the previous game was, it does solidify the WWE 2K franchise as something people should be looking forward to, not something that should be avoided.

SnowRunner is a compelling combination of truck simulation gameplay within the structure of a western triple-A open-world game. It’s an odd mix, but it works, in spite of some minor annoyances.

Mouse P.I. is a game dripping with style. Excellent quality animation, sound design and voice work makes this a game that stands on its own, and I hope we see more from this detective in the future.

The moment-to-moment combat is satisfying, the meta of mercenary management engaging and the structure of the world a pleasure to take part in. Haemimont Games has taken their years of experience in strategy gaming and moulded a fantastic experience that is very nearly a must buy and while it falls short in a few areas, I am positive that past JA players as well as strategy gamers in general, will find a lot to like here.

Dungeons of Hinterberg is a striking, self-aware adventure game that both excels and suffers for its impressive variety of puzzling and action mechanics. If you like adventure games, you're likely to have a great time on this “slaycation”.

The controls irk, it is full of breadcrumb busywork and almost everything is done better in Breath of the Wild. But for all its faults, it still offers some satisfying environmental traversal, unique gadgets and complex puzzles.

An adventure that doesn’t stand out in anyway. Embracelet isn’t buggy, broken or busted, but it is decidedly average.

With charm to spare, Sackboy makes his way to the PC with a great port. A couple of odd choices at the system level are the only issues with an otherwise cracking platform adventure.

While derivative, Stories 2 executes everything it strives to accomplish, to an exceptional standard, and becomes yet another success story from the recent upswing in quality from Capcom’s releases.

The Outer Worlds 2 is by no means a perfect game, but it is a memorable one. Its commitment to the concept of choice and consequence, along with the sharp and satirical writing, makes it a unique, unforgettable RPG that is easy to recommend, despite its flaws.

I’ll remember Resident Evil Village as a polished, terrifying horror game that kept tension levels high while also giving me the necessary room I needed to breathe.

Perhaps the biggest criticism of this title is that the content overall feels a little low. Yes, they’ve focused on many of the right areas and it’s fun to play, but it can feel a little thin, perhaps DLC or a sequel could rectify this, but going into this game, don’t expect a ton of variation here.

A bittersweet story about navigating life, uncertainty, and new beginnings, Goodbye Volcano High is one that will resonate with many, and bends the genre in all the right ways.

Necrobarista, is a stellar debut from Melbourne’s Route 59 Games, one that succeeds in pushing the artistic boundaries of the medium and has me eagerly anticipating what’s next for the studio. Brew your favourite cuppa and have a go, mate.

Immortals: Fenyx Rising is a wonderfully crafted epic in which Ubisoft Quebec celebrate rather than shay away from their influences to deliver humour and action in equal doses.

Showing age through design rather than visuals, Ishin’s period setting and historical elements help elevate it above being ‘yet another remastered Yakuza game.'

While discussion is sure to be dominated by the sexualisation of lead character Eve, looking past that, Stellar Blade provides a solid action experience for fans of the Souls-like genre.

A unique combination of genre elements and ideas, Creature in the Well is a brief but thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a weekend.

What’s left, when you strip back all the improvements and baggage (both positive and negative) of an established title is still amazing. There’s a reason these games used to go for a lot of money on the second-hand market. Suikoden, even after all these years, is still an amazing set of RPGs.

Where Ninja Theory has placed the majority of its resources, the game delivers in spades. You may find yourself disappointed, wishing for what could have been, but despite that, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is still not a game to be missed. It’s a technical and artistic marvel for the Xbox platform and a narrative experience that must be explored.

Kena: Bridge Of Spirits might draw upon some aged influences, but the way it assembles the various pieces of the puzzle together makes it feel very modern indeed.

Gears Tactics won’t be for every Gears fan, simply because of the genre switch, but for those looking to embrace something new, they’re going to have the pleasure of experiencing yet another wonderful take on the franchise, only from a totally new perspective.

One or two unnecessary chapters and some half-hearted multiplayer can’t get in the way of what is a sensational Fire Emblem experience.

There is a lot to like here, but expectations can be a double-edged sword. If you’re expecting fluid combat and myriad enemies, this is not that game. If you want to see how Bayonetta came about, and to learn some more lore about the games then this is the right game for you.

A nostalgia kick that doesn’t simply copy its inspiration, it improves on it. Tempest Rising is the RTS return that genre fans have been waiting for.

While the boss fights can be frustrating, F.I.S.T. is a solid entry in the Metroidvania genre. Anyone that enjoys these types of games should definitely experience what it has to offer.

Cheating the rich out of their coin never felt so satisfying.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve enjoyed playing a Sonic title this much, with both halves of Sonic X Shadow Generations combining to make a great package.

What Demeo delivers, it does so superbly, it only labours under the weight of what is missing and through the ways that it embraces new players.

While MLB The Show 24 isn’t going to win you over with any revolutionary changes to the formula, the level of representation on show, and the refinements to systems that were already great, makes the 2024 entry another must for baseball fans.

Guardians Of The Galaxy is exactly what you want from a game in this franchise. Full of laughs, engaging action, and an epic, galaxy-spanning plot that hooks you from moment one.

Wanderstop truly is beautiful. The illustrations are stunning, the music is transportive, and the 3D art and animation are full of life. Walking through this game is like walking through a beautiful forest; you can’t stay there forever, but the experience stays with you and you return home a little changed, hopefully for the better.

Worryingly repetitious early missions are quickly left in the rear-view mirror as the best of Space Marine 2 takes hold. You may be experienced with the IP, or brand new to it, but either way, you’re in for a great time.

After last year's disappointing entry, NBA 2K23 is certainly a step in the right direction. The basketball is as good as it has ever been and the Jordan Challenge is truly wonderful, you just have to ignore a bit of jank to find the fun.

With gorgeous settings and a beautiful rousing score that fit the epicness of the battles I faced and a satisfying combat style, I highly recommend it if you are a fan of the genre or just a fan of traditional martial arts.

The next-gen version of NBA 2K is a true step forward in both graphical prowess and inclusivity. An improved attitude towards micro-transactions also makes this the friendliest NBA 2K has been in a long time.

Avowed is a solid RPG offering from a studio that clearly knows how to flex its narrative muscles, and who have leaned into their strengths hard to produce a game that might not be groundbreaking, but that will certainly make you think.

The Switch version of Doom Eternal is ultimately a complex beast to recommend. If you’re someone wanting to take on some demons on the go? The lack of an adaptable UI makes it tough to recommend based on the amount of text which is unreadable when in handheld mode. For those players who primarily play Docked, especially if the Switch is one’s primary system? It makes for a far better prospect.

Moving Out 2 improves on its predecessor in every single way. The addition of online multiplayer, more level variety and a host of accessibility options make Moving Out 2 one of the best same screen coop multiplayer experiences.

Supremely satisfying and undeniably addictive, Remnant II takes the solid foundations of the first game and elevates them in every single way creating one of the best games of the year.

Visions has some amazing highs, and challenges players in way they might not have felt for a long time. It’s more of Origins, and I mean that in the best possible way.

The Rogue Prince of Persia is an absolute success in both doing justice to the well-loved property and in taking the foundation of Dead Cells and moulding it into something new and just as exciting.

Nikoderiko is the perfect amalgamation of everything that makes Platformers great. It does nothing new, but that doesn’t matter because it nails the best elements from the best examples of the genre and puts them together in one satisfying package.

Puyo Puyo tetris 2 is an enjoyable yet simple puzzler that combines two classic titles into one fantastic game that is sure to leave a smile on your face.

A fantastic return for the venerable fighter, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves manages to play with the big boys of the genre without ever looking out of place.

The engaging story, wonderfully unique style and pitch-perfect adventuring make this a game that everyone should play at one point in their lives and this 20th Anniversary edition is the best way to do it. If it is your first time, you are in for a treat and if you are returning to old friends…well you know what you are getting.

There’s nothing groundbreaking about Reanimal, but what it does, it does very well. There are still some nagging frustrations in Tarsier’s design that have again reared their heads, but don’t let them interfere with your enjoyment of this moody world.

If you have an itch for a new and solid roguelike, Dreamscaper is more than happy to help you scratch it.

Mario Party Superstars is a safe but true love-letter to the franchises greatest moments. It doesn’t reinvent itself in any way, but it’s absolutely a good time for all

Scarlet Nexus combines intense combat with a twisting, turning storyline that comes in two parts, providing players two different perspectives to experience the weird and wonderful world of New Himuka.

Everyone experiences grief at some point, but I did not think a game would help me come to terms with it and the emotions it causes.

UFC 5 really succeeds in giving players the visceral feel and impact of MMA fighting while providing a solid set of modes that will keep players engaged for a good amount of time. Sadly there are a few missed opportunities and I feel like more casual fans will drop off quickly as a result.

Origami King is entirely pleasant, well written, charming and enjoyable without being essential or ground breaking. While the battles are confusing and far too frequent, the exploration, constant unveiling of secrets, colourful environments and quirky characters will keep you hooked.

As Dusk Falls wears its influences on its sleeve, from Telltale Games to those from Quantic Dream, and those that inspired its many awesome accessibility features. It shines brightest in its storytelling and how your choices reverberate throughout the remainder of the game, and no level of quirky animation can diminish that.

She’s janky and a little bit broken, but she’s the Oblivion we all know and love.

Ultimately, Keeper is a relatively short experience (depending how long you spend wandering off the beaten track), but a memorable one. It has strange, surreal and thoroughly emotive characters, stunning art direction, and it tells a powerful wordless tale in ways that feel simple, but that are only possible in the hands of truly talented artists. Though hampered by some gripes with controls and pacing gameplay-wise, artistically, Double Fine have done it again.

Far Cry 6 is both exceptional and surprising. It gave me more than I ever could have expected from the franchise and has redefined what a Far Cry game can be going forward.

Squadrons is the sort of game that EA needs to make more of. Tight, focused experiences that meet a need perfectly. Any fan of space combat should be diving into this the first chance they get.

I find it hard to believe that any fan of the FPS genre wouldn’t have a good time with Trepang2. The gameplay is tight and satisfying and the level design is first-class, making a wonderful playground in which to decimate those capitalist soldiers. There is no doubt that this is a fantastic effort by such a small team and I can’t wait to see what they have coming next.

Terra Nil may initially seem like a city builder in reverse, but it’s more than that, it’s a challenging title that is, at its core, built on puzzle elements. Challenging and intrinsically rewarding, Terra Nil is the kind of game that ticks all the right boxes for having a fun time.

Pepper Grinder is a fun concept, that will, unfortunately, even after a mere 3-4 hour playthrough, still outlast it’s welcome by an hour or so.

Tony Hawk meets Max Payne in this glorious sci/fi sports title that is sure to get its hooks into you and never let go. Wholly unique and utterly engaging, Rollerdome is a blast.

Kirby’s Return To Dream Land Deluxe is much more than just a remake, offering plenty of new content to fresh and returning players alike. It’s impossible not to smile while playing this game, especially alongside friends.

Different audiences will appreciate Gears of War: Reloaded to differing degrees, but nonetheless, this is the best way to enjoy the franchise’s opening chapter yet.

It is perfectly made for on-the-go gaming, playing on the bus or in the car, when you have 20 mins before a meeting or just to help you wind down before bed.

New Pokémon Snap isn’t going to blow your mind in any way, but what it is, is a really fun, very pure title that is perfect for those with a penchant for photography, wonderful for the established Pokémon fan, and a zen, relaxed experience for everyone else.

Shadows is a stunning return to form for both the franchise and Ubisoft as a whole. Beautiful locations, engaging combat and an unrelenting attention to small details make this one of the best Creed games ever.

Hell Let Loose can be frustrating and impenetrable. But it rewards perseverance, commitment and trust with a compelling experience not replicated anywhere else.

KoF XV doesn’t make any radical changes to the past 14 titles, instead opting to refine and improve, making it easily the best title in the franchise but one that plays it safe just a little too much.

High Isle is a living, breathing world with a company of characters, side quests and gameplay that is as charming as it is entertaining. This is definitely one of my favourite expansions in the series, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapters have in store.

The best game in the franchise, The Beast brings all the best parts of the previous two Dying Light games together into one irresistible, blood-soaked package.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure, is a big step in a fresh direction for the overall franchise. Leaving the tried and true ‘Play, Create, Share’ model behind is a gutsy move from Sumo Digital, but is one that greatly benefits the final product, with each level clearly benefiting from the extra TLC that comes from not dedicating time to an all-consuming creation mode.

Despite a few shortcomings in traversal and some repetitious elements, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an enjoyable way to ‘tide’ oneself over until RGG can put together the next main series entry.

There are so many ideas in Nobody Saves The World that the game trips and falls over itself on occasions. Some balancing will make it far more palatable.

A true love letter to classic teen slasher flicks, The Quarry is a memorable mix of polish and tension let down by a few frustrating mechanics. A real treat and must-play for fans of the horror genre.