JETT reaches for the stars, and it is tantalising to watch it do so. It’s a shame that the camera cuts away just as it looks like it’s going to get there.

It’s upbeat puzzle-platforming fun at its most deceptively chaotic, and while some aspects of it still feel stuck in the past, there’s also lots here to remind people of what made it so great in the first place.

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.

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.

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.

I went into Death Strand Directors Cut, ready to embrace the weird and enjoy the experience. The story, visuals and world are all quite good and up to a great standard. But before too long the monotonous nature of its core gameplay had me feeling I was doing a job that I had little interest in.

Tales Of Arise is a treat for fans of the franchise, but also an excellent jumping-on point for franchise newcomers.

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

It isn’t terrible but there is no denying that the NBA 2K franchise is on a downward trend. The focus on everything but the Basketball is this game’s biggest sin, one that almost ruins the entire experience.

While billed as a tribute to Grand Theft Auto, the implementation of one of the main mechanics is severely lacking. Despite this, if you go into Rustler as a game in its own right it can provide some entertainment if you can get past some of the over the top writing.

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.

The storytelling, art and music masterfully connect to create a real sense of the world that the Eastward characters inhabit.

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.

Deathloop is both unique and familiar, subverting time, gameplay and expectations in equal measure. A mystery worth solving and experience worth having, there is nothing on this planet quite like Deathloop.

There are many steps forward, and some small half-steps back, and while Axiom Verge 2 is certainly worth your time, it was on the verge of being something even greater, and just couldn’t quite get there.

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.

It is a case of close, but no cigar for King’s Bounty II. It makes a valiant attempt at creating an grand RPG but constantly trips over frustrating design choices.

Big Rumble Boxing is a love letter to Rocky and Creed that should make for great party gaming fodder. There isn’t much for solo boxers but for punching on with friends there is a lot of fun to be had.

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.

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

It's an improvement on its already beloved predecessor, hilarious, heart-filled and left me wanting more.

Road 96 is an emotional and politically heavy story with incredible character work and fiercely held beliefs.

As a Roguelike, Jupiter Hell stumbles with the randomness that shakes up each run instead, allowing the player a lot of control over how they want to build their character. Despite this, there is fun to be had with the tactical shooter.

Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s cut is the definitive way to play one of 202’s greatest titles.

I really don’t know if the time Cris Tales has taken from my life was fully worth it. There were definite ups throughout my adventure, but the frustrations mitigated my excitement somewhat.

If you have ever enjoyed Civilization, I can confidently say that Humankind is going to be right up your alley, bringing enough differences to step out of the shadow of its inspiration and stand on its own as a must buy strategy title.

Lawn Mowing Simulator does no more or less than its title. You will mow lawns on lawn mowers. Although there is a career mode, there’s little urging you to progress, making this a perfect mind-clearing title for those times when you just feel like cruising and bruising the buffalo.

The Forgotten City offers a story which has much to reflect on, in an environment filled with compelling characters, and intriguing mysteries to solve. It makes for a fresh experience, being accessible for both veterans of adventuring and role playing.

The Ascent opens impressively and displays a solid core, which regrettably starts to sour early, especially if you play on your own. Load times, illegible text and repetitive structure mean that the console experience is lacking.

The Falconeer: Warrior Edition, fails to inspire. It’s a game that says its piece in the first hour but then meanders on for another dozen hours without saying anything more.

Samurai Warriors 5 is a perfect slice of junk food gaming. It knows it isn’t an award winner, breaking new ground or pushing gaming forward, it simply aims to provide an entertaining ride, nothing more, nothing less. In that light, it is impossible to see Samurai Warriors 5 as anything but a success.

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.

I cannot recommend this game enough, it is a technical benchmark, a deep and detailed sim, a wonderful way to escape the world and a pure joy to experience. Even if flight sims aren’t your thing, I am willing to bet that Microsoft Flight Simulator is.

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.

A darkly charming adventure that poses a challenge and encourages persistence. Both whimsical and reverent, this tale of one brave crow draws inspiration from some greats to carve out its own niche.

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.

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 hauntingly beautiful-in-motion Metroidvania seeped in death.

In the end, it is just more Watch Dogs, but it is also equal to the best Watch Dogs has ever been and that is something no one expects from a piece of DLC.

There’s a very real chance that 10-15 years from now, interviews will feature many up and coming devs attributing their first step and successes to Game Builder Garage.

If you’re after a game where the challenge is turned up to 11, then Ghosts ’n Goblins Resurrection is more than ready to take you on. For everyone else? Unless you’re ready for the frustration, then you might want to stay away.

While not a game to strictly advise against, Asha in Monster World has plentiful irks and, as easily the weakest of the recent Wonderboy releases, is difficult to recommend.

There are some reviews that are hard to write because the game is just fine, and then there are some that just pour out of you because you can’t help but think of all the things it does well. Lacuna is well and truly the latter, with every small piece pulling together to create a really great detective game ripe for the picking.

Mario Golf: Super Rush offers enjoyable mechanics for multiplayer matches but does nothing but disappoint those who want to go it alone.

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.

While not necessarily blowing any expectations out of the water, Beasts of Maravilla Island sits steadily among its peers as a charming experience made by a small team.

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.

Combining the operatic aspects into a video game means that the viewer becomes an actor and divides the attention of the player between trying to figure out what they have to do and what is going on in the rest of the scene. It is a balancing act that the team at Capricia Productions have not quite managed to overcome, and yet I want to see what they can do with the format in the future.

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.

In all, Guilty Gear Strive is an incredible game, one that I strongly recommend fighter fans get as soon as possible, there really is no reason at all not to.

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is every bit the shining gem in the PS5 launch crown. There are a couple of extremely minor drawbacks in the form of a sometimes-cluttered screen, the sense of humour taking more of a backseat, and some very rare crashes, but Rift Apart delivers one of the strongest entries in the franchise to date.

While lacking the polish of its well-funded cousins, Biomutant brings a whole world of heart to the open-world RPG genre that can’t be found anywhere else.

For the most part, you’re in for a few solid crime-solving sessions in the shoes of an absolutely unqualified amateur detective – a role most of us are pretty familiar with playing (in life, and in games). There are mysteries to be found in these solid remakes of the old Famicom Detective Club series, and they are well worth solving.

For the most part, you’re in for a few solid crime-solving sessions in the shoes of an absolutely unqualified amateur detective – a role most of us are pretty familiar with playing (in life, and in games). There are mysteries to be found in these solid remakes of the old Famicom Detective Club series, and they are well worth solving.

They say that some things never change, and in the case of SMT3: Nocturne, that statement applies 100%. For the most part, this is perfectly okay, the game is a product of its time, and for those looking to crack open the time capsule, either for the first time, or as a returning fan, they’re sure to find something that speaks to them, but given what we’ve seen in the remaster space lately, it’s also hard to not wonder what else might have been possible.

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.

Though a much harder game to pitch than many other exclusive titles that come from PlayStation Studios, Returnal has every right to belong in the same conversation that titles from the likes of Insomniac, Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch, Guerilla, and Santa Monica do. It’s a wonderful point of difference within the PS5 portfolio of titles, but in its own right, it shines too. It might feel like you’re beating your head against a very smart wall, but persist, because as you learn to play by the game’s very specific set of rules, mastery will reward you with one of the finest titles you’re likely to play in 2021.

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.

It can oscillate a little wildly at times, almost leaving you in the dust as it rushes to its next beat. But it’s a story that wants to talk about something, with a neat mechanical twist on the old branching narrative game to boot. For a freshman effort by a budding French team, it’s a neat experience worth paying attention to.

Judgment is still a fantastic title on the next-gen systems and while existing owners may not see a reason to upgrade to the newer version, there is no reason anyone else should hesitate in diving into this addictive crime soap-opera.

A pretty world is a great draw – but when the substance comes up lacking, beauty will only ever be skin deep.

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.

A niche product for a niche audience, Clea 2 feels honest in its design, especially in a genre which can occasionally feel engineered to entice and then exploit influential streamers in service of a sales explosion. Lasting around five to six hours, Clea 2 teeters on the edge of outstaying its welcome, a minor issue in the face of a marketplace awash with bloated titles.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 on the next-gen systems is the ultimate way to play this fantastic revival. Smoother, faster and more fluid, it will have you reliving your youth with a big smile on your face.

It might not be a game that lands for everyone, but if you’ve been emotionally stung by a painful relationship or are going through a breakup, Maquette might just be the salve to ease the pain.

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.

A little light on content and a touch on the pricey side, Samurai Showdown on the Series could have perhaps been packaged better. But there is no denying the joy offered by its blood soaked and engaging one on one battles.

While not the gigantic leap that World was a couple of years prior, Monster Hunter Rise, is a refined, sleek title that is suitable for new and old fans alike.

It’s extremely charming, and completely captures the Iyashikei ‘slice-of-life genre, particularly in the personality of the town’s characters and how they interact with one another, yet also beckon you into that same world.

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.

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.

No Reload Heroes: Enhanced Edition offers a different take on the arena shooter, but ultimately doesn’t offer much for those after a strong single player experience. For those who want something to throw on for younger or less-experienced players, you might get something out of it… at least in the short term.

Rummaging through boxes full of files sounds like the most boring thing you could do in an interactive setting, but it turns out it can be more rewarding than pulling off a quadruple no scope 360 headshot kill. Colestia’s Cold War thriller packages up the mundanity of decades past into an incredibly rewarding few hours, perfect for those who love uncovering truths hidden and long forgotten.

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.

Summerland is a fascinating little game from a budding young creator wanting to make games about something. Living ethically in a world where ethics can never be set in stone is something we have to do every day. Combine those two things into a short game with a thoughtful story, which you can play for free right now? Why not?

A no-brainer delightful JRPG to start the year with beautiful aesthetics, endearing characters, and an easy-to-engage storyline. I implore you to not miss this call to our classic JRPG foundations.

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.

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.

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.

Those who are fortunate to have a next-gen console will be able to experience Control at its best, but even those who are playing on the last generation still have the benefit of an awesome game that has had the annoying issues fixed from the original release. If you haven’t yet experienced Control, now is a perfect time.

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.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a sensational package. It reintroduces the world to an often forgotten (or straight-up missed) classic Mario platformer, while lays the groundwork for a new type of Mario experience, one that, with some further refinement, could be one day looked back upon as yet another defining moment in perhaps the most decorated franchise in the industry.

Little Nightmares II is a masterclass in suspense and audio design that feeds on your childhood fears. This unsettling mix of whimsy and the macabre will urge you to push past your fears and a few frustrating mechanics in order to discover the secrets hidden in its grotesque world.

Persona 5 Strikers is one of the best spin-off titles I’ve ever played and gave me everything I wanted from a Persona 5 follow-up; a chance to revisit these characters in a much less bloated fashion and further modernising its combat system to complement the shift from randomised dungeon layouts to bespoke creations that P5 was praised for.

A big bowl of comfort food gaming, Werewolf is a game that feels like a throwback to simpler times. It is a welcome blast from start to finish and while ultimately forgettable, it is undeniably fun while it lasts.

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.

If one could sit back and honestly be happy with a six-hour experience with beautiful voice acting and music, non-frustrating gameplay, and most importantly, is fun from start to finish, then Olija definitely a game you want to check out and one we can easily recommend.

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?

An incredibly thought provoking archaeological game of big questions with even bigger philosophical implications. Though hampered somewhat by clunky physical mechanics, translating an ancient language has never been so enticing or exciting.

The Medium is an atmospherically creepy psychological thriller that puts a new spin on the genre while evoking feelings that fans of Silent Hill will find familiar. If you’ve been looking for a tense horror game that’s largely without jump scares but will still leave you with chills, this one’s for you.

While making the giant robots the focus of the sequel is a good start, it doesn’t make up for the shortfalls in the gameplay loop and certain design choices carried over from the first game.

There is so much to like in this open-world tactics RPG. The battles are some of the best in the business. The world, while feeling somewhat empty, for the right kind of person is a wilderness ripe for spending hours upon hours getting into fights. With 45 hours on the clock by the time my goblins completed their quest, this juicy tale has become a favourite that I know I’ll return to time and time again.

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.

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.

A franchise like no other comes to an epic and satisfying conclusion. Hitman III is the culmination of both story and development skill that will leave fans everywhere smiling with joy.

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.

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.

Empire of Sin successfully captures the atmosphere of the roaring 1920’s, but some solid narrative elements and an innovative character relationship system are tarred by slow game progression and an unbalanced tactical battle system. If you’re specifically craving some gangster goodness, give it a go, but be prepared for some hiccups and frustrations along the way.