While the sheer amount of information thrown at you can be daunting, once you get the hang of it you will find a deep and complex management sim that can keep you engaged for many hours as you create your own empire.

If spatial puzzles with colour-mixing seem like something you would enjoy, then Shroomtopia is an easy win.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Neverwinter Nights 2 is the game you loved from nearly 20 years ago, almost as you remember it, with multiplayer restored, and bugs for good measure. As a remaster, it’s a pretty by-the-numbers effort, but it gets the job done.

While it can be very challenging for solo players at first, when playing with others Conan Chop Chop is a great party game that will have you coming back for more.

The Sniper Elite franchise itself is a whole lot of fun and a very different take on the World War era than most first-person shooter games. With the freedom to tackle each mission in whichever way you want, not to mention that it is already on Game Pass for Xbox and PC players, you have no reason not to jump in, have some fun, and shoot some Nazis in the testicles.

Best Friend Forever combines dog ownership with dating, and while it manages to mechanically implement one element far more successfully than the other, it’s so full of heart that many of the flaws can be forgiven.

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.

Ganryu 2 is a fantastic blend of elements from all manner of ninja side-scrollers. Now that a lot of bugs have been ironed out, it’s a retro must-play.

Cricket 22 is without any hint of doubt, the best representation of one of the oldest, and best, sports around, but if Big Ant want to take the next step, to reach the summit and join the sporting sim elite, there is still more to be done.

Every game has its flaws upon release, but not many games are able to offer the unique coupling of entertainment, laughter and critical thinking that Evil Genius 2 delivers.

It needs some time to find its place in the world and refine the solid foundations, but FBC Firebreak is a fun way to return to The Old House with mates without having to commit thousands of hours in the process.

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.

With lots to love for new fans, and a tonne of respect shown to existing diehards, Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered is the first strong step towards what will hopefully be a full franchise revival in the future.

Excessive F2P systems hold Multiversus back from greatness. As it is, there is a lot of fun to be had, but it is hard not to imagine something greater had the game received a more traditional release.

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.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC is a story drive adventure that is backed by a satisfying land to explore buy continues to be held back by its technical shortcomings.

Story Of Seasons: A Wonderful Life brings some welcome modernisation to an old classic, while at times sticking a little too closely to its roots.

After the 8th pack, one might be wondering if these games are losing steam or continuing to improve whilst offering new and fun experiences. Having played countless hours of these with friends, I couldn’t be happier to report that the latter seems to be the case.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a must play for souls fans. Come for the combat, stay for the lore and the environments. It’s hell, but you’ll relish it.

Though I have issues with its visuals and the controls not being as tight as I’d prefer, I still had fun with it, and providing you’re not expecting a 1:1 replication of the original, then I believe you’re likely to as well.

Perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay Trials of Mana is how much it impresses me retrospectively. While I’ve had a great time blasting through it in 2020, I can only imagine how forward-thinking and impressive many of its systems and mechanics would have been in 1995. For fans of more modern entries in the genre like Kingdom Hearts or recent titles in the Ys or Tales series, Trials of Mana is a chance to discover a missing link which stays true to its 16-bit roots while improving the experience in numerous ways.