Red Dead Redemption is an unbelievably good game, even in 2023, however the lack of effort put into elevating the game to the current day’s technical benchmarks damages its modern legacy.

An oddball shooter from the 90s that turns everything up to 11 making for a frenetic ball of chaos, with a distinct sense of tone that stands out in the crowd of the boomer shooter revival.

In many ways Nightreign will probably live or die for players based on how well the matchmaking works, or if they have two other friends willing to invest the money and time into buying and playing together.

Chock full of nostalgia and featuring a track creator that is second-to-none, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a must buy for anyone with a family that wants to race with or against each other.

Monster Hunter Rise is at its best on the PC. The extra power brings a smoother, prettier experience to an already cracking game.

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.

What Justice Sucks does, it does brilliantly, it’s just a shame that there was a little more the game could have done, and there was some unused charge in the battery.

Fun but forgettable as a single-player title, Dark Alliance comes alive in the presence of friends. A must play for those that like the idea of fantastical adventuring in the company of others.

A classically styled CRPG that is welcoming to newcomers without dumbing things down, Disciples: Domination has both the gameplay and the story to keep fantasy fans enthralled for the entirety of its 40+ hour runtime.

It’s a light meal compared to the later games in the series, but Marie retains much of the same charm with nowhere near the same time investment.

Like a jam filled donut, Super Perils of Baking oozes with excellence when you bite into it.

In the end, Destroy All Humans! seems like the perfect palate cleanser in between games like The Last of Us: Part 2 and the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077. It isn't going to win any game of the year awards, but then again, it isn't trying too. It is simply here to make jokes, give players a power fantasy that involves invading wise-cracking aliens and allow people to live in their favourite b-grade invasion flick. By those goals, Destroy All Humans! is a resounding success and people looking for a light-hearted bit of fun should look no further.

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.

This is the best version of a great game. It’s got its flaws for sure, but that doesn’t stop it from being an action-packed rollicking good time.

The good and the bad of Freedom Wars returns with this Remaster, but its a shame that more wasn’t done to modernise the game even further.

If Ghostwire: Tokyo appeared bewildering in promotional coverage it’s not because it’s unlike any other game so much as because it’s like so many all at once. Mechanically unfocused though it may be, it still earns stripes through sheer dint of atmosphere.

Possessor(s) combines an engaging narrative that will hit you in the feels with solid combat and a huge map for you to explore. Yet another solid entry in the Metroidvania genre.

An interactive art piece using the language of video games to tell a deeply affecting story about life and memory. This hour long “hardcore walking sim” might mechanically push some away, but if you can move passed that, Promesa is unforgettable.

Some sports hit harder than others, but the core of Nintendo Switch Sports is solid, and begs to be played endlessly.

As it is now, it is like a dish or song that is missing that little something to bring it to the next level but its still perfectly enjoyable as it is. At least, for a short time.

All of these options can seem overwhelming, but somehow feel less daunting than a Fire Emblem entry or even the recent Tactics Ogre, and that may be because I did not feel the same pressure to be invested in the individuals and their narrative. As much as Vanillaware and Atlus may not want to hear it, Unicorn Overlord allowed me to step back from the emotional responsibility of the characters in its narrative.

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

Despite some rough edges, Projection: First Light casts a bright light with both its mechanics and presentation. For those who love their puzzle platforming, it offers a something unique amongst a wide field.

Lithium City is the antidote to the massively mundane – an experience that cuts everything to the bone, producing a game in its purest form with a number one focus on having you feel like a badass. What’s not to love?

Mirage is a good-but-not-great entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It is wonderful that the series went back to its roots but it is just a shame Ubisoft didn’t use this opportunity to fix the problems that these foundation games always had.

Two top-tier, nostalgic adventure games that will delight both old and new Tomb Raider fans…and a third game that won’t do any of that.

There’s a game in here that is easy to wholeheartedly recommend, but it’s caked in so much garbage that you really have to ask a lot of questions about what you want from it, about what you’re willing to put in.

It is sad that Obsidian didn’t take the chance to shake things up but at the same time, anyone that enjoyed The Outer Worlds is going to get a kick out of this 5ish hour adventure that is chock full of great characters and snappy writing.

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.

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.

It may not push what VR delivery to the max, but Doom 3: VR Edition certainly provides a unique way to re-experience a fondly regarded game. Just be sure to tune the experience properly, or you’ll be heading for discomfort city.

If you love your management games then you will enjoy the different take on the genre in Honey I joined A Cult. Whether you want to get into the nitty-gritty and micro-manage everything, or just do the basics and let your cultists do what they do best, you will be able to spend many hours building a cult that just might one day take over the world.

Technical flaws and a lack of variety prevents Marvel’s Avengers from reaching the heights achieved by the comics or the MCU, but powerful writing, heartfelt dialogue and loose but fun combat make the game something to be experienced by all.

If you like Starship Troopers and enjoy RTS games then you will have a lot of fun with Starship Troopers: Terran Command. The development team at The Artistocrats have taken the time to craft a game that is a wonderful blend of the film and novel universe that makes for a fun journey through the world of Kwalasha.

While Trigger Witch is not a game that will have you enthralled for hours, it is a highly enjoyable experience, especially if you have someone to join you as you cut a murderous swathe through the creatures of Evertonia.

While there’s a lot to enjoy about Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny, it feels like you’re just playing the game via backwards compatibility, and nothing more. This is the second consecutive time I’ve had to say this about the Onimusha franchise, but it deserves better than Capcom has given it via these remasters.

A unique and charming strategy title that won’t change the world, but will give players an entertaining spin on game concepts and tropes they have enjoyed before.

Just like the glamping experience, which is a dipped toe into the camping experience, Camped Out is a toe being dipped into the co-op chaos of the genre, and an endearing one at that.

With just enough tweaks to stand out as its own distinct entity, RKT hits all the notes you want from this type of game without falling into the pitfalls so many world changing, convoluted stories do.

Despite some rough edges and a forgettabole single player component, Starship Troopers: Extermination perfectly captures the big battles of the movie in a way that will have fans coming back for a long time to come.

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.

I do agree that visual novel is the best label for it. And if we’re judging it as a visual novel, I think it’s got a lot to offer – far more than it does as a ‘roleplaying musical’. But as interesting and unique as it is, I also think it’s fair to say that the game’s development went in a different direction to what we originally expected when Chorus: An Adventure Musical was announced back in 2019.

Despite the lack of content overall, Pistol Whip is still a game that will give players plenty of fun as you blast your way through hundreds of henchmen leaving you feeling like a total badass.

Despite some minor design flaws and an excess of information and systems thrown at the player, Code Vein II is a respectable entry in the Soulslike genre that will keep fans happy and perhaps even bring some new ones in.

Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade allows you to relive your youth in this collection of fantastic arcade games that works as it should and looks great to boot.

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.

Wild Bastards aims to mash up frantic first person skirmishes with board game exploration and a roguelike structure. Though it works, it might be a bit bloated and unnecessarily complicated for some.

Entertaining, yet joyless. Beautiful, yet dire. After Us builds itself upon contrary subversions of videogame norms, and in many ways it succeeds. It’s just a shame that in its desperation to convey the importance of the planet's soul, it sacrificed a little of its own.

Despite playing it safe too often and the game time running a little short, Shadow Warrior 3 is sure to satisfy those looking for a gory piece of ‘80s inspired action.

For fans, these throwbacks aren’t to be missed, but if you’re looking for a reason to see what Pokefuss is all about, you’ll find better avenues into the franchise than these remakes.

For fans, these throwbacks aren’t to be missed, but if you’re looking for a reason to see what Pokefuss is all about, you’ll find better avenues into the franchise than these remakes.

Wreckreation not only gives you a thrilling open-world arcade racer with a varied world to explore along with an expansive multiplayer mode that allows you to build challenges for your friends. Though the final experience has a few too many rough edges in parts, it's still worth it for arcade racing fiends craving something to get their motors running.

Outriders confidently swaggers into your life with sense of bravado and bombast that goes a long way to making up for a host of little niggles and rough edges. A blast of a game that will only get better with time and support.

I can’t say I enjoyed my time with Fatal Frame: Maiden of Blackwater, because I spent most of my time with the game paused, my hands over my eyes and the television on mute to drown out the creepy ambiance and the anguished cries of spirits trying to kill me.

I loved Dungeon Defenders Awakened. Chromatic Games have got the core gameplay down pat. Maps are short and sweet, and there are extra modes for when I feel like I am ready to play for longer or try a different strategy.

Blanc is a prime example of innovation leading to a memorable gaming experience, and shows that even when a game’s mechanics aren’t perfect, the story can still stick in your heart and make an impact.

Warriors games come in all shapes and sizes, but Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is one of the best. Great fun for green players and veterans alike, this alt-history rollercoaster delivers what you expect plus more.

Tentacular does a lot of things right. It has a tonne of heart, it supports players in the puzzling aspects, is a great laugh, and is empowering in all the best ways, but for all of that, its own enormous size can get in the way and times, making for an at times infuriating experience.

Eternal Strands has some excellent ideas that are only in need of a few layers of polish, that would make the game a must-play. This is a fantastic starting point and I’m eager to see what Yellow Brick Games does next.

Another Crab’s Treasure is an example of a game having its cake and eating it too. The combat is fun and varied enough that you won’t get bored, and the narrative, especially the dialogue is a blast.

Mind Control Delete expands on the Superhot universe in every conceivable way. While there’s a lot of fun within its bigger time-manipulating shooter playground, the lofty ambitions result in a unique concept extended beyond its limits.

Eriksholm is a puzzle game first, stealth game second, and the sooner a player cottons on to this, the more enjoyment they are likely to eek from its rigid sneaking puzzles and character swapping system.

It’s not the best LEGO game, nor is it the best Horizon game, but there’s definitely a charm to the combination of the two. Even when they’re not at their best, these are two IPs that shine, and I’d happily jump into some co-op for this game any day.

The gameplay is superb and the action a joy, but there is just not enough to do to keep players coming back for more, especially if your friends and family aren’t willing to join you for a match.

If there’s something appealing about the rougher, more ambitious project that calls to you, Shattered may well be worth taking the punt on. I can’t help but look at my time spent with Shattered fondly. It may not be a masterpiece, but its zeal is undeniable.

Nerve takes a simple concept in the tube racer and manages to build upon it in many distinctive ways. The core structure makes it incredibly easy to dive in, have a quick session and move on.

The mystery at the core of this tale is an emotional and intriguing rollercoaster that will have you guessing right up until the very end. Even with such fantastical ideas and unending twists, the game still remains grounded and coherent all the way through.

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.

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.

Crown Trick is a melting pot full of great ideas and is a solid performer, but never quite rises above the sea to fully shine.

While not perfect, it is hard not to be excited about the first genuinely enjoyable WWE title in what seems like an age.

Whilst it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the greats, this is still a compelling experience that’s more than worth your time. Come for the visuals, stay for the gripping combat.

A wildly uneven entry in the COD franchise, Black Ops 7 offers a lot for a certain type of player, but as a result of certain changes, it may have left its traditional fans out in the cold.

The Callisto Protocol reaches for what Dead Space once achieved, and falls dishearteningly short. It re-creates all of the brutality and tension that drained the blood from our faces whilst playing Dead Space, but once you then find yourself actively fighting for your life, leaves you quickly frustrated and let down. 

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.

You can’t help but think that A Memoir Blue is on the wrong platform, being best suited for mobile devices, but I’m glad it’s here - it’s a story worth engaging with.

Despite the decades-old formula Garden Story pulls from, it still manages to feel novel. Can’t ask much more than that.

For fans of the series though, it’s a no-brainer, you know what to expect here and you’re going to love it, for everyone else it might be hit or miss.

If you want to start a new life in industrial agriculture but can't afford to move to the country, this game is the next best thing.

The big factor that will make or break Contra: Operation Galuga is how you feel about the game structure. Eight stages might not sound like much, but this is a game all about replaying – something which is no doubt a tradition for the series.

Look Outside is truly exceptional in places, is full of creepy character and mostly juggles multiple plates with success. It’s wild just how much missing some basic features slowly drags it underwater.

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.

While FFXVI is a fully functioning PC Port without any glaring technical issues, it is a very basic one that misses a lot of the features that PC gamers have come to expect. It is hard not to be disappointed with what could have been a technical showpiece but is instead just acceptable.

Exoprimal has some indefinable quality that makes me believe it will be around for a good long while and I couldn’t be happier. The combination of inventive exosuits, tight combat and a bonkers concept does more than enough to paper over a myriad of issues that would normally put me off.

Greak: Memories of Azur doesn’t necessarily set out to cut new ground when it comes to puzzling platformer adventures, but what it does, it does pretty well.

It’s hard to imagine moving house being this enjoyable. It’s equally hard to tell if Moving Out will serve as a cathartic release from cabin fever, or act as a depressing reminder of a more carefree reality.

A noble attempt at doing something more with the boomer shooter genre, Phantom Fury misses the mark a little when it comes to execution but still offers a good time for players that have a soft spot for late-90s shooters.

There’s no denying that they’ve nailed the atmospheric feel of this game, and every second I spent playing it was appropriately spooky, but it also didn’t give me much of a reason to get to the end beyond the challenge itself. If you’re someone who can revel in the challenge, who can savor it and use it to fuel you towards the conclusion, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. If you can’t find that, then I think you’ll struggle.

Wizard with a Gun is a solid little game that you can play in small bite-sized chunks where you only do one expedition at a time, or in larger more in-depth sessions. While it does have some flaws, you cannot go wrong if you are a fan of crafting and survival games and want that nervousness that comes with the risk of losing everything if you manage to die.

NBA 2K21 is the best that basketball simulations have ever been, yet the game buckles under the weight of intense microtransactions designed to bleed you dry.

While Minecraft Dungeons may not satisfy everyone, those who enjoy all things Minecraft will enjoy hacking and slashing their way across the different biomes on the journey to save the world.

Rooftop Renegade is an accessible arcade runner with more depth than first appears, but won’t have a huge amount of longevity for those uninterested in challenging themselves.

An inferior version for sure, but not a bad one. Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 makes some necessary sacrifices, but still retains everything that makes this a great game.

It’s the Valiant Hearts storytelling that you’ve been looking for, but without the gameplay to match it.

The Magnificent Trufflepigs may leave you a little dissatisfied mechanically, but delve deep into the layer of it’s story and you may find something more valuable than a mere trinket will ever be.

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

In general, Two Point Campus is a fun game. It’s quite relaxing on the whole for a management game, but there is a good bit of challenge to be found later in career levels and three starring levels if you’re itching to really flex your management muscles.

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.