A different, more approachable form of rhythm game with a 70s back-drop and a style to behold. An interpretive experience suited for the rhythm-curious and the niche enthusiast alike.

Bears in Space is a Saturday Morning Cartoon experience in the guise of a twitch FPS. Its absurdity, tight shooting and charm easily paper over the game's weaker elements making it a solid game to play in between bigger and deeper releases

While I hesitate to use the phrase ‘hidden gem’ before a game has even launched, I will say that Steelrising is a pleasant surprise, an engaging riff on a genre that increasingly feels to have run its course even as it gets reinvented by its originator. While this may seem a trite statement when compared to the bombastic praise which often accompanies a game's launch (and wouldn’t see me quoted on a box), Steelrising is a game I have thoroughly enjoyed playing and hope to see more of from Spiders in the future.

Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded is by no means a transformative game, but it is exactly the sort of game that the launch of PS VR2 needs.

My feelings about Master Detective Archives: Rain Code are complex. There’s some incredible gameplay at its core, mixed with some tired and unnecessary sexist and immature tropes that feel out of place in the current media landscape. If nothing else, it’s definitely a game I’ll remember, for reasons good and bad, which in itself is an achievement.

There’s an undeniable thrill in exploring your house from a lowered viewpoint and while the racing itself is nothing new, the versatility of the experience means you don’t even have to pull out the gates to have a bit of fun or to give the kids a novel distraction.

Aliens: Dark Descent is, simply put, a wonderful addition to the franchise as a whole. It feels authentic to the movies in a way that surprised me given the type of game it is and it captures that trademark tension and fear.

Resident Evil 3 always had a tough journey ahead of it, having been forever considered the lesser game to the two that sit either side of it, but what Capcom has achieved in changing up the game, whilst still in many respects remaining true to the initial concept, must be applauded.

It’s not going to change your view of VR, but the view from Cosmonious High is pretty great.

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

The more you dive into the metaphors and abstractions that are brought to bare, the more affecting this experience will be. Developers Punk Notion succeed in what they have built here, weaving a vivid tale more than worth the few hours of your time.

An outstanding reinvention of Samurai Cinema and a stunning adventure in its own right, Trek to Yomi is a rare joy and one that shouldn't be missed.

If you are fan of the retro, slower, turn-based JRPG systems of yesteryear, then you’re going to love Dragon Quest III HD-2D, but if not, then this game is probably going to test your patience pretty quickly and probably won’t be the game to change your feelings towards the classic way to play.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership was on the verge of greatness, and it was largely due to some content balancing flaws that prevented the game from firing on all cylinders.

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.

Endlessly creative and never one to outstay its welcome, What the Golf? will have you grinning as you move from putt to putt on an exploration of just how many different variations of thing-meets-objective can be put before you.

Tri Breaker builds upon a solid foundation to deliver a brick breaking experience that is a must-play for long standing genre lovers.

Fresh yet familiar, deep yet welcoming, Civilization VII offers turn-based strategy that is hard to resist. A good game already, expect it to only get better with time as Firaxis adjusts to community discoveries.

While there is a lot of craziness in the world of Bayonetta 3, at its core the game provides solid combat that I’m sure will keep fans entertained for hours.

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.

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.

A great tag fighter that is easy to pick up and play, but offers the depth that should position the title as a potential esports hit. Fans of the franchise or fighters in general shouldn’t hesitate to add Invincible Vs to their collection.

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.

Some dated game design cannot be painted over, however all other aspects from visuals, to lighting and controls have been improved significantly, making this remaster a must-play.

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

The PC version of FF VII Rebirth is certainly a solid one, especially for those with lower-spec systems or handhelds, but it is a little on the disappointing side for those looking for something special on their higher-end rigs.

At the end of the day, the entire concept of this game still feels incredibly strange and deeply unhinged. But maybe in a good way? It certainly brings a unique angle and some fresh mechanics to both Mario games and now to strategy games with the inclusion of these open world mechanics. I think it’ll struggle to find an audience with die hard fans from either side, but it will go down well with those looking to dip their toe into the strategy genre, or who are introducing their kids to those games for the first time. While at times it was frustrating, I had a lot of fun with it, and plan to spend some more time wandering around the overworlds finishing up those side quests even though the main story is done. To me, that’s the ultimate sign of a good game – even if it is a game that has me constantly questioning whether or not it’s trying to reference that cursed time we all used words like ‘smexy’ on the internet.

Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, Company Of Heroes 3 offers a captivating gameplay experience that will keep you strategizing, adapting, and immersed in the chaos of war.

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

When you break it down, there is nothing in Atlas Fallen we haven’t seen before. Everything it does, someone else has done in another game. That being said, what Deck 13 have done is bring these elements together into a rollicking adventure that hits all the right notes for action fans, tells an engaging (if cliched) story and never outstays its welcome.

Tekken 8 finally opens the doors to new players and welcomes them with open arms. The steps this game takes to help those new to the franchise should be applauded. Couple that with the always solid fighting system and Tekken 8 is a winner.

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.

What it boils down to is, we have seen this game before. Be it as WW2 soldiers or Orc stomping space marines, this is an experience that has been around for quite some time now. That being said, The Valiant is still a welcome addition to a genre that is currently underserviced. It has been put together by a talented team that knows exactly what they are doing and as a result, have created a game that fans of the genre will undoubtedly enjoy. The Valiant won’t change the world, but it will entertain its target player base for some time to come.

In the end, PGA 2K23 isn’t a revolution. It is however a wonderfully thought-out and considered upgrade from the previous title. Every aspect of the career mode has been tweaked and improved, the gameplay, while much the same, has been tightened where it needs to be and the presentation aspects have come forward in leaps and bounds.

Fledgling Heroes will deliver fun to gamers of all levels of experience, whilst also give gamers of different tastes something they too can enjoy. There might be an element of bloat to the number of levels present, but when they’re as fun to play as they are, it’s hard to complain too much.

If you’re expecting Ara: History Untold to be a new Civilization competitor, I think you’re looking at it all wrong. There’s aspects, sure, but this leans a lot more into economy, production, and politics. This feels like a game that’s made with passion, so I have every faith this will get better with time. Right now it’s still a bit clumsy in places, but if you take the time to learn it I believe you’ll find that this is a very fun title that stands on its own.

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 staggering reimagining of a genre touchstone, FFVIIR makes improvements upon the original in many areas but is similarly harmed by some uneven additions

An engaging story that gives players a satisfying sense that they control their own destiny, As Dusk Falls is "choose your own adventure" at its best.

Plenty of players will likely bounce off, but for those who find the right time to stop and smell the flowers, The Good Life is a more than worthwhile diversion.

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.

The most interesting and inventive campaign in the franchise makes this well worth the price of entry. Sadly the multiplayer modes don’t live up to the high bar set by the single player mode.

Surrealist art is so often overlooked for the superficial layer we may bounce off of. Don’t let the very human tales at the core of Off-Peak City be ones you ignore.

Kingdom Rush Frontiers isn’t breaking any new ground, but it really nails the staples of the tower defense genre. It's simple to learn but tricky to master, has cute graphics, and gives enough variation to sustain you through the whole campaign.

Iris and the Giant is unassuming, but quietly brilliant. A positively beautiful turn- and card- based roguelike that won’t gobble up hundreds of hours of your life.

This year’s edition of NBA 2K has been polished, refined and improved in both subtle and important ways, making it the best edition of the franchise in recent memory.

With a fantastic foundation, but a ceiling that wasn’t quite reached, Saint Slayer is an excellent playing experience that will leave you wanting just a little bit more from it.

There’s no big bad to cross, no huge conflict to overcome – just a small adventure with joy and happiness aplenty. TOEM elicited more than a few genuine chuckles from me as I played, barely able to put it down from start to finish. For anyone looking to vibe out and play something with a genuine sincerity to its giant heart, TOEM is an easy recommendation.

Star Wars Outlaws is a great way to live the outlaw fantasy and become the most likeable criminal you can possibly be. Kay Vess is the perfect Star Wars protagonist, and though there are some gameplay and graphical frustrations, there’s a strong heart to this game that is hard to deny.

Star Overdrive may take inspiration from Zelda, but it is by no means a clone. A cracking sense of style, awesome hoverboard and some genuinely entertaining puzzles make this an adventure worth having.

What all of this boils down to is that Command and Conquer and Red Alert were both great games upon their original release and that holds true to this day. Sure there could have been a few quality of life improvements made but there is no denying that EA has done a great job of breathing life into the classic property and reminding old fans why they fell in love with the franchise in the first place.

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.

A tight and memorable tale chock full of high-quality writing, charismatic characters and exciting story twists. Mafia: The Old Country may not break new ground on the gameplay front, but it succeeds in being one of the best interactive movies I have ever played.

Endless Dungeon may not be a tech powerhouse or groundbreaking experience, but then not every game has to be. What it does do is take the core of three different genres and mash them into an enjoyable and fresh experience that can be enjoyed solo or with a friend on just about any PC out there.

The upgrades are all very welcome and the fact that all of the Outer Worlds content has been bundled into one package is also appealing. Once the performance issues have been sorted (hopefully soon) I have no doubt that this will be the best version of a game that is the best version of a particular game style. Until then though I have to say, buyer beware.

The Story is world-class, the weight of consequence second-to-none and the interactive systems a chaotic sight to behold. The camera and control issues hold the game back from true greatness, but not by much. Weird West is something that you just can't find anywhere else and is an adventure that is more than worth your time and money, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits have rolled.

NFS Unbound is another step in the right direction for the veteran racing franchise. Always challenging, always intense and always fun, Unbound is a big return to form.

I can absolutely tell that there are kids who will fall in love with it, and adults who are going to enjoy the nostalgic trip back to the occasionally surrealist world of Bikini Bottom.

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.

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.

The perfect slice of Kiryu for returning fans, Like A Dragon Gaiden is a piece of fantastic filler to keep players entertained while they wait for the bigger games to follow. Those new to the franchise need not apply.

Iron Danger feels like a breath of fresh air for CRPGs. While not a perfect game, its unique, time-based combat system is a pure joy to play with and worth the price of admission alone.

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.

Take on alien creatures big and small as you try to find your way home in this sequel that improves on the original in almost every way.

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.

It may not be the horror story I was hoping for, but if the worst thing I have to say about this is that I’m not going to have nightmares tonight, then I’d say we’re doing pretty good.

Anodyne 2 is a surreal 3D Zelda-like with 2D Zelda-like dungeons, but it’s also much, much more than that. Analgesic Productions output is singularly distinct, and the Anodyne games stand as their greatest works to date.

As a re-release, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is pretty lacklustre, but as a video game, it’s still from the very top shelf, and cannot be missed.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles are a slight departure from the regular groove, but will give fans of the series something to flex those muscles of deduction. If you're looking to solve some crimes with a little bit of flair, and are ready to see yourself reflected in a protagonist whose eyes definitely convey a panic we've all felt, then this collection might be for you.

Yooka-Re-Playee takes the solid, if flawed foundation of Playtonic’s original game and enhances it in just about every way imaginable. A good game in 2017, Yooka-Laylee has become a great one in 2025.

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.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream reintroduces Nintendo’s zany life-sim to modern gamers. Though it feels a little too similar to the 3DS version at times, there’s plenty of entertainment waiting for both seasoned and new fans to sink their teeth into. Its new customisation tools also ensure it has a long and healthy life ahead as it will no doubt prove to be popular with creative gamers.

Playing one of these games will always be an individual experience, and it’s always about what you personally find scary. I found Directive 8020 to be one of the stronger entries in the series, because space is terrifying to me. The game is well-paced, has interesting (if archetypal) characters, and includes some new mechanics that make for a less frustrating experience than previous entries. Was the plot groundbreaking? No. It was derivative, but I feel like that’s what these games are supposed to be – and it does try to make some interesting points with the themes it’s exploring, and that’s all I really ask for.

A truly innovative murder mystery that really makes you consider the consequences of not only your actions, but the actions of those that came before you. The narrative is at times a little too bogged down in complex lore, but it's a story to be remembered.

The best round of virtual golf you can play, PGA 2K25 is a wonderful improvement over the previous entry and is sure to keep players walking the course for months and months to come.

Not a perfect comeback by any means, but still the best game of virtual tennis for years. TopSpin 2K25 represents an excellent foundation that 2K can build from in entries to come.

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.

Not much in the way of additions or quality-of-life updates, but when the original release is so good, who cares? Yakuza 0 is still a fantastic experience 10 years after its release and the perfect launch title for the Switch 2.

Somerville is a tight experience that tells its tale, doesn’t leave you hanging too long, and gives you plenty to ruminate on. Some rough edges hold it back from hitting the heights of those that inspired it.

The best way to play Aloy’s most recent adventures... if you have the PC that can do it justice that is.

This is a very special experience that will stay with me for a long while. I said it before and I’ll say it again; there are so few games that scratch the same itch that Suikoden did, and this is one that fans will really enjoy.

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

Spooky vibes and believable characters make Oxenfree II an atmospheric and immersive mystery from start to finish.

Awakening changes a lot and not always for the better. If you can handle a very management-heavy game and want something to really sink your teeth into, Nobunaga’s got you covered.

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.

Yes, it is just more “Outriders” but it is also a more refined, more balanced, more polished Outriders that really shows the potential this franchise has.

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.

An enthralling and multi-layered narrative, excellently realised with incredible acting is only held back by lacklustre UI which breaks the immersion

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.

There is a reason the Trails series is held in such high regard by a large portion of the JRPG audience – their worldbuilding is second to none, the scope admirable for such a small development team. Trails of Cold Steel III is no different, continuing the legacy of the prior games despite being a little too similar to Cold Steel I in some regards. The battle system stands out as one of the more engaging and flexible I’ve ever experienced in the genre, and I simply cannot wait to get my hands on Cold Steel IV later this year. That said, I do feel for Switch owners keen to dip their toe into the world of Trails, as this is not the most ideal place to start.

Despite a few notable missing features and courses, PGA 2K21 is as good as virtual golf gets at this very moment. Drive for show, putt for dough in this cracking sports title.

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.

Not a perfect PC port, but not a bad one either, the Uncharted Legacy Of Thieves Collection is the perfect way for those who have experienced these epic adventures to dive in. However, it is worth noting that there is nothing new here for returning players.

If you are a fan of either roguelike’s and deck-builders or just a fan of martial arts in general then I recommend giving this a try. There is nothing sweeter than a flawless victory over multiple opponents.

Where Habroxia tried and failed previously, Habroxia 2 excels. The game has made just the right decisions to turn itself into the top-tier retro-styled SHMUP that it’s predecessor had aimed to be.

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.

A delightfully gory surprise, Dead Island 2 rises above its hellish development to deliver the sort of horror comedy romp that is rarely seen in the industry. It doesn't break the mould, but it does deliver pure blood-soaked campy joy from start to finish.

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.