All in all, Forgive me Father 2 was a welcome surprise that tested my very rusty skills with fast-paced action sequences and a very cool Lovecraftian vibe. Even after finishing it once, I’m very keen to check out the other story paths, and to try and 100% all the levels. If you like fast FPS games then put this on your radar, because much like Cthulu, you should not sleep when there’s mayhem to be had.

To be clear, this game is super weird. Just… so very, very weird. It asks you to do things you’d never expect, and uses the joy-cons in ways that frighteningly creative minds must have dreamed into existence – but it’s also a true showcase of what they can do. It’s so simple that it’s genius, and it flaunts a particular kind of weirdness that few games manage to successfully achieve. It’s one of those games that makes me want to invite everyone I know over to my house to play it with me so that I can show them just how weird it is, and have them experience it for themselves – and it also gets me moving in ways that a game hasn’t done in ages. It’s a true feat of creativity and chaos, and it’s definitely going to be one that I go back to for laughs and a pretty serious workout.

It’s rare that a story this nuanced can be experienced co-operatively in a game, particularly in a way that feels equal between the participants. But we were truly partners in this game. We did this together, as Mio and Zoe did, and it added a layer to the time spent playing this game that makes it all the more unforgettable.

I must admit that I was of the mind that this Switch 2 version of the original release was simply going to be a bit of lip service. A title with a small sprinkling of new content to justify the decision to re-release the game and sell another few million units. Thankfully, I can report that Super Mario Bros. Wonder + Meetup in Bellabel Park is even better than it was before. It is loaded with fantastic additions to both the core game as well as to its previously quite limited multiplayer suite, and for players both experienced and inexperienced, there is an abundance of additional content to chew on.

Ghost Of Yotei is a triumph of all artistic disciplines in the video game medium. A devastating narrative hook will quickly lead to 50+ hours of riveting adventure.

One of the generation's finest games manages to get more life injected into it with a sensational rogue-like mode. It’s well worth your time again.

Inscryption is full of charm, humour, and a healthy dose of mystery. Forget what you think you know about this game, it’s so much more.

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

Forza Motorsport is not only a world class racing sim, but it is a welcoming, encouraging experience for racers of all abilities. Its desire to help and improve racers is perhaps only surpassed by the technology the game is built on. Pure racing at its best.

This won’t be one for the action-platformer fans, but if you’re after something a little more cruisy to get that puzzle brain ticking, this will likely do the job. It’s safe to say I had a great time chasing after that big gorilla, and getting far too attached to my mechanical children in the process.

Diablo IV is everything fans could want and more. An amazing world, engaging story and mountains of captivating content make this the best game in a franchise filled with amazing experiences. Diablo IV, simply put, is amazing.

Be curious about the new looks, be reassured by the care taken to bring Advance Wars to a new generation, and look forward to precious minutes or expansive hours honing your tactical mind within a morning cartoon aesthetic.

If you haven’t player either Bayonetta or Vanquish, now’s the best time. Despite the visuals showing their age at times, both games play brilliantly on an Xbox One X. Most importantly, the action is just as thrilling now as it was back in 2010.

Two Point Hospital on the Switch is an absolute delight. The Humour is spot on and will keep you smiling, while the mounting challenge of each new hospital will keep you glued to this enjoyable simulator for hours on end.

It’s hard not to be awestruck by what Monolith Soft has achieved in revitalising this classic Wii title, bringing it to a new generation and giving it the tender love and care that it so obviously deserves.

Firaxis, in its first new IP since taking on Xcom 10 years ago, have only further cemented its position as perhaps the best strategy game developer on the planet. Midnight Suns, simply put is a must-play, even for those not used to turn-based tactics.

The Switch release of Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath has proven that this game is truly timeless. There is no doubt in my mind that it is cool to be odd.

Feeling both familiar and fresh, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is exactly what was needed for the 2D Mario sub-genre.

It’s goofy, and earnest, and consciously inclusive in a way that makes me, a queer person, scared to talk about it on the internet (even after all these years). It’s bold, and comfortable in itself, and even in its weaker moments, It does feel different to the past games, but for me, it’s a good kind of different.

Disc Room might look like a simple game, but there’s some serious depth with its mechanics and old-school style challenge. The addition of accessibility options goes a long way to making it playable everyone, not just those that revel in the challenge.

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

A wonderful continuation of a classic that takes us back to an improbable story in an impossible place and leaves no buckle unwashed.

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.

A game that wears its inspirations on its sleeve but then still has something unique to say with a flavour all of its own. Sea Of Stars is a truly unique, and brilliant title that must be experienced.

With a focus on freedom of choice that is second-to-none, Wasteland 3 has set the benchmark for CRPG narratives, all the while being supported by wonderfully engaging gameplay and roleplaying mechanics.

Shadows of the Erdtree does everything that Elden Ring does, but does it better. This is an amazing expansion to an already amazing game. Prepare to die, but also be prepared to be amazed and awestruck.

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.

I didn’t necessarily believe it at first, but after spending some time with it, I feel like maybe Mario Kart World was the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2. It reminds us of the pure joy that can come from just sitting around, talking smack, and playing video games with your friends, whether together or apart.