A polished anime quality remake of a ten year old Xbox 360 game you should consider checking out.

Statik offers an immersive experience with some very tricky puzzles. It’s not particularly long but its lack of hand holding makes it all the more rewarding when you make progress.

Thumper has some great rhythm action to offer but the start setting and oppressive tone often makes it feel like what Rez might have been like if the Germans had won World War 2.

I’m fully prepared to accept that this may well be another gamer’s classic. Sure, I’m underwhelmed and would much rather Atari stopped being pricks and would just let Minter unleash TxK onto PSVR but Polybius is currently doing very well in the reviews. So, maybe it’s just me and this game might end up being the classic you’re hoping it is. But from where I’m sitting this is a bit of a mess and just too simplistic compared to my favourite Llamasoft games.

F1 2019 had the potential to finally bolster a career mode showing its age. Unfortunately, they make only a fleeting appearance with the real meat coming in their own standalone season. Driver transfers at least give the grid a sense of fluency and the on-track action remains solid. It looks great and polished but there's some missteps that make the new additions feel somewhat undercut.

DOOM: The Dark Ages doesn't hit the same heights as its predecessors. It lacks a vibrant colour palette and verticality but it does deliver on compelling combat. The shield is a versatile tool that can really pin enemies down and defend you against an onslaught. That core is exciting and tricky to master but it can also feel familiar. It's a shame the Atlan and Dragon interludes don't provide much substance. They offer the occasional spectacle and scale but most of your battles are on the ground level. I've enjoyed it and it does provide something markedly different but I recognise this as the weakest of the modern trilogy.

Battle Chef Brigade is a beautiful game with an interesting premise which requires skill, planning and time management to succeed. The cookery can get a little repetitive but there is plenty to get your teeth into.

Kombinera is a lovely looking game but it doesn't hesitate to put the boot in. Some puzzles are so oblique you'll simply not see a way out, not to mention the collectibles that'll lead to your inevitable demise. It's good but the difficulty may prove to be too much for many.

This War of Mine: Final Cut offers more content than previous versions and creates some powerful narratives. Runs tend to play out in a similar fashion despite the variables on offer but it's certainly worth experiencing.

The story of Tetris might actually be more engaging than the game itself but this interactive documentary gives you plenty of both.

Mega Man 11 updates the old formula ever so slightly and is a decent addition to the series. The Double Gear System is incredibly useful and the more modern graphics look great but the levels feel overly long. The music merely being okay is the biggest sin however.

WWE 2K23 doesn't move the needle much from last year but it does at least stay the course. With a massive roster of talent and a wealth of modes, fans should be happy enough. The presentation remains top notch with Showcase and MyRise being enjoyable modes to plough through. Problems do persist with pacing and multi-person scraps can descend into chaos. Compared to other fighting games, it's a clunky experience but, within the realm of wrestling games, this is an acceptable step forward.

Against some odds, Marathon is a compelling extraction shooter that offers some really satisfying combat. I do think having only one contract at a time slows progression down but there's plenty of other meters to work towards. Solo play has a tension to it which I really enjoy, although the game seems to be built more around squads. With just a few maps available at launch, I only hope that the game evolves and grows over time. I love the aesthetic and, generally speaking, it's doing quite a few things right.

Pixel Ripped 1995 is a great idea with you playing a game within a game. It's a little over reliant on gimmicks and references and the games themselves are a little on the weak side but there are some excellent set pieces and the three hour story is worth a look.

Mr. Run and Jump is a lot of fun in the right circumstances but if you’re longer in the tooth like us you might struggle. Though if you’re a veteran of VVVVVV and other challenge gauntlet type games, this is right in your wheelhouse. We liked it but our kid did more as he has the patience to replay a level over and again.

For those wanting an Everest to climb, Slime-san delivers plenty of challenge and complexity to master. It lacks some charm, character and the format of the levels seems to stifle any fluency. There's enough here to differentiate itself from the obvious influences but it hosts an aesthetic which I just don't find appealing.

Heroes of Hammerwatch is a clever and compelling rogue-lite with a steep learning curve and crack-like addictiveness but it is one of the least beginner-friendly games we've ever seen. As ever, basic playtesting should pick up things like that but, if you can stick with it, prepare to lose days, weeks and probably months.

I think Sorry We're Closed has a great sense of style. It's not for everyone and I do think the ubiquitous androgyny is overdone. The survival horror comparisons quickly subside due to combat and the narrative lacking in substance. I do enjoy the quick and snappy gun play but, atmospherically, there's no dread. Narratively, I find the cast to be lacking in nuance. They're all loud, just like the visuals. I think there's some ideas here and it's certainly a memorable game, it just seems more style over substance.

Final Fantasy XV is a great open world game. The combat has its flaws and the final few chapters are upsettingly poor but that didn’t stop me having tens of hours of fun exploring and ticking off side quests.

Sword and Soldiers 2: Shawarmageddon is an enjoyable, strategic effort. The campaign can provide the occasional spike in difficulty but the array of options at your disposal give players plenty to consider. Presentation is simple, if a little forgettable. The campaign offers a handful of hours but the multiplayer might provide some longevity for what is a decent effort.

As a visual novel game this lacks any kind of real interaction other than the X button. You’re coming here for the story and Steins;Gate 0 tells a great one, with multiple endings and loads to get your teeth into.

As an utterly original take on both the Dungeon Crawler and Pinball genre’s, Creature in the Well is a fascinating adventure with stark visuals and soundtrack to match. A few minor details such as the sparse story and repetition do not take away from what is a unique experience, but these aspects may leave you wanting more than what is on offer.

As a budget Diablo III clone, Torchlight II delivers a solid chunk of hacky, slashy, looty gameplay and gets better as the game gets harder. However, it doesn't offer any real innovations and seems creatively unambitious even by the standards of a sub-genre that already struggles to break away from its conventions.

Ready or Not isn’t a Fugees tie-in, it’s a SWAT-em-up in a similar vein to Rainbox Six Vegas. Just with rougher edges and glitches a plenty. It purports to put your squad members mental wellbeing front and centre but it only really relates to whether they’re able to join you on your next mission. It’s alright though and we’ll keep dipping in and out for a while.

Gravity Rush 2 is a tonne of fun to play, and falling through the air upside down is an image that is unique and memorable. However poor camera controls and bad stealth sections really spoil the fun.

As remakes go, Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy refines the visuals and operates at a steady pace whilst maintaining the old point-and-click ethos. The puzzles follow a sensible logic and there's enough hints on offer to prevent getting stuck. At times, it can look unpolished and player movement can feel antiquated, but I enjoyed playing through this. I really like how the narrative slowly unravels as you uncover more clues. That methodical approach really shines.

Untitled Goose Game is a fun enough game but maybe a little on the slight side. Being a nihilistic goose is alright but that’s all there is to this really. Any representation of teletext in games is a good thing though.

There are a lot of twin-stick shooters out there but Laser Disco Defenders manages to stand out thanks to a clever game mechanic where your bullets start to add to your problems. Add in the funky '70s vibe and this ends up being an enjoyable, if averagely-produced, way to fling a few bullets around.

Granblue Fantasy: Relink delivers a very polished experience with a main story that packs plenty of momentum. Combat is very kinetic but simple to handle. Perhaps that's detrimental when boss fights stretch into long encounters but the chaotic spectacle is thankfully easy to read. It's a shame the side content retreads old haunts and the post-game becomes a repetitive grind. What's here is a decent package but I wish the combat had a few more options to explore.

As with most roguelikes, BPM: Bullets Per Minute is one of those games that you will either love over time or hate immediately and shelve for other things. The variable is within the random generation and contending with whether the game wants to throw you a bone or not. Aside from this, BPM is a solid meld of the rhythm action and FPS genres, combining an excellent metal soundtrack with solid gunplay that has a lot to offer, if you can break the stubbornly difficult surface.

Everything really isn’t for everyone. If it clicks with you, you’ll love experiencing it even if you don’t actually love playing it. As quirky, nerdy and pretentious as it gets but charming too, we’re really glad we gave Everything a chance.

The Banner Saga 3 concludes the story whilst changing little gameplay-wise. Fans will tactically battle their way through to the ending but newcomers should go back to the beginning to experience the entire tale, rather than skipping to the end.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War still has a great mechanic in the Nemesis System but struggles to find the perfect game to fit around it. The missions are straightforward and repetitive and the fortress attacking and defending is stretched to breaking point. It just about manages to keep you entertained, but if every element was up to the quality of the Nemesis System then it would be amazing. Instead it's just good.

A clever twin-stick shooter with a smart aesthetic and some nice risk versus reward gameplay. The online modes are dead on arrival though which is a shame as the single player game won’t keep you going for long.

Prey is another win for Arkane Studios and Bethesda. It may not have much to do with the original or the promising cancelled sequel, but it is a fine attempt at keeping the name alive. Sadly, the difficulty can be a barrier to enjoyment and often places you in situations where you are ill equipped to survive. Some may adore the challenge, others may find themselves too frustrated to continue. Otherwise Prey is a worthy followup, even if it isn’t what could have been.

Rise of the Third Power attempts to replicate a SNES era JRPG and does a very good job of it too. The combat is interesting and characters likeable which makes for an enjoyable adventure.

Despite being a game with consistent quality and performance, Sackboy: A Big Adventure can’t quite escape being run-of-the-mill when compared to its contemporaries. There is still plenty of that LittleBigPlanet charm to be found throughout this lengthy, platforming campaign though. It’s gorgeous to look at, it’s well-designed and the game feel is just right. However, if you are looking for some of that next-gen innovation on par with Astro’s latest, then you may struggle to find it here.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is certainly not straying far from the sharp puzzle design the series is known for. It is a very familiar experience that might wear thin. There's some clever ingenuity on display and I managed to be kept interested by it. Combat still remains an afterthought and it almost feels like an intrusion on the puzzle solving. Cooperative play offers the most fun is but the solo experience is still engaging. At times, pacing can waver but the overall package remains good.

It's not big and it's not clever but if VR is going to be mainly used for this type of shooting gallery game, we're glad to see it being used for games like Shooty Fruity that put the fun first and have one or two good ideas that we've not seen before.

Dirt 5's condensed career feels light on variation but the carnival presentation and slick pacing helps stave off some of the tedium. Whilst there's plenty of vehicles, they don't all feel like winners. The course creation does give you something else to pursue after career is over. I've had fun racing around the well-designed courses but I can't help feel this is compromised and a little narrow in scope. If an arcade racer is what you're after, this works nicely.

Cookie Cutter is far from perfect but it's a slick and interesting example of a genre that is often presented in a lazy, retro style. There are issues but the game's strengths just about outweigh the negatives.

Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition is certainly the best way to currently play a slice of Ubisoft's past. The remastering is faithful and it has made me realise some aspects that don't quite hold up. The cinematic camera can really land you in trouble and the late game pearl hunt saps the pacing to a crawl. Despite this, there's a lot to like about it. The levels are well designed and intricate and the stealth is competent. The cast of characters have a great charm to them and I'll be interested to see if the sequel follows this blueprint.

Jagged Alliance 3 is a game long since thought lost to development hell, but thanks to Haemimont Games and THQ Nordic, it’s here. Very much a game out of time but none the worse for it for fans of the genre. It can be damned tough but when you get into a groove it’s fun. Not having the ability to toggle chance to hit is something we could do without though.

Crimson Desert is the very definition of a cult classic. It shows lofty ambitions whilst Pearl Abyss are effectively going with what they know. There's some exemplary exploration and world design on display but the quest design feels incredibly basic. It's always bringing some new mechanic or system into view but that dilutes the game's focus. I've had some fun with it but it's been heavily clouded by an incredibly slow start, awkward controls and some truly awful bosses.

Spacejacked's mix of shooting and tower defence leads to some gloriously hectic gameplay but the game's difficulty needs ironing out a tad.

G-Darius remains a true late '90s classic and old school, or just old, shoot 'em up fans will enjoy revisiting it but newer players might not enjoy brute-forcing their way through the game's excessively difficult later levels.

Sonic origins is a solid retro remaster collection stacked with some of the best platformers from gaming’s history. The return of Sonic 3 and Knuckles is amazing and the versions of Sonic 1, 2 and CD are as good as they were on mobile. However, some areas of the games have been altered in ways that are not as welcome, especially when considering audio and level structures which have seen changes that are questionable to say the least. To someone coming fresh off the movies, wanting to see where the series started, this collection will be essential. For the fans that have stuck with the franchise, there are some modes and improvements that are worth experiencing. Overall though, these are not quite the definitive experiences that you may be expecting.

Under Defeat returns yet again and while it's starting to get a bit creaky, it still shows more class than a lot of newer shoot 'em ups. The visuals can get a bit messy though and it's not the most exciting shoot 'em up ever.

Under Night In-Birth:Exe Late[st] is a game showing its age but the complexity of its systems continue to shine. A diverse roster should hopefully be complimented by a burgeoning online community. As it is, there's plenty of single-player content, even if the AI is a touch predictable. There's a likeable game at the heart of this with enjoyable combat. I just wish more was put into the presentation.

John Wick Hex is an unexpected take on an action franchise but it mostly works. With a bigger budget you can imagine the possiblities, but what we have got really does put you in the headspace of Baba Yaga.

Xenotilt is cool and impressive but it doesn't explain itself very well and the visuals can sometimes overwhelm the gameplay.

Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea changes the formula for the better but still hasn’t got the ingredients quite right. With the time limit gone the other elements have space to breathe but the story and characters are weak meaning the driving force is reliant on the gameplay which thankfully is varied and enjoyable.

Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition forgoes some of the bells and whistles of the Playstation 5 platform for a port that's more straight forward. It's a sharper looking version but not an upgrade that really puts the old consoles to shame. For anyone new, this is a solid opportunity to discover a game with clever dungeon design, solid enough platforming and engaging combat. There is a surprising amount of craft n display for something that derives so much from other games.

If you liked Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift but thought it had 16 million too many colours then this slick, arcadey drift ’em up is for you. While it has style for days and is easy to get into, the game’s mayfly-like lifespan is a real shame. If you like shaving lap times, and games that look like technical drawings, then Absolute Drift: Zen Edition is one to check out.

My Brother Rabbit is sure to warm your cockles with nostalgia for classic point and click adventures as the nights draw in. The gameplay is something of a relic but what this game does, it does very well.

Irony Curtain: From Matryoshka with Love is a well produced point and click adventure that wears its influences in plain sight, but somehow comes up short of its lofty predecessors. Perhaps nostalgia simply ain't what it used to be.

Crown Trick is a Rogue-lite, turn based, grid based RPG with a heavy emphasis on luck. The permanent upgrades you can unlock along with your own experience do tip the scales in your favour the more you play and turn it from a harsh game into an enjoyable title.

Gunborg: Dark Matters takes all the stuff we like from a good metroidvania game (shooting and platforming) and takes out all the unnecessary sprawl which makes this game a tight, focused affair with good mechanics and generous checkpointing. It's a little let down by some rogue difficulty spikes but other than that, this is an impressive debut effort from an indie studio we'll be watching with interest.

Inertial Drift benefits from a port over to the PS5 and this DLC offers more of the twin-stick, drifty madness of the main game. However, some of the original issues we had in 2020 with the difficulty curve and lack of variation haven't been fixed and, worse, have been continued in this DLC. However, if you're a fan of the original then this will be a welcome addition.

This port of Age of Empires II has lots of content and plays nicely on the PS5 but it's quite repetitive and frustrating too.

While this is the shoot 'em up port we most wanted to see (alongside Gradius V at least), it's also such a straight, unambitious port that it doesn't really do justice to such a beloved game. Sure, the original magic is still there but they've done very little to enhance or modernise it, beyond a quick and dirty upscale.

Yomawari: Midnight Shadows is a terrifying game with a claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere. Whilst the moment to moment gameplay may be repetitive the overall style of the game does more than enough to drag you in. If you're looking for a real fright then this could be the game for you.

Little has changed between the previous generation and now. UMVC3 returns in a warts and all package that provides all of the characters, special moves and matchups that keep the series being as chaotic and fun as ever. Fans of the series will be right at home of course, particularly those that circumvent the drama of long distance by duking it out on the sofa. However if you weren’t interested in the series before then this release will do little to change that, Newcomers may want to wait for the fresh unplundered Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite.

If Pac-Man Championship Edition and DX were enjoyable sugar rushes of arcade pleasure, this is the inevitable sugar headache. Lacking the perfect gameplay of its prequels, and also the charm, Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 is good but it was supposed to be great.

Othercide brings some great ideas to the table to differentiate it from similar titles. Unfortunately what content is here gets repetetive quite quickly. It does have its moments, such as the boss battles, so fans of the genre should give it a try.

There is no doubt Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is a fantastic game, unfortunately the PS4 version is not the best way to play it. The load times along with other technical issues make it difficult to get into at times. It's not broken so you will get enjoyment out of the masses of content, but you'll have to have plenty of patience.

Kaze and the Wild Masks is a cleverly executed effort that leans perhaps a little too heavily on time-pressured challenges. The controls are responsive and precise which leads to a very tricky game across some diverse stages. With a colourful aesthetic and some charming character designs, it's a shame the ramp up in difficulty comes so soon but it is satisfying to overcome.

Super Cane Magic Zero is an utterly daft game with a surprising amount of depth. Some minor technical issues and oversights get in the way of the fun, but overall this is an enjoyable adventure to play when you have a few friends over.

Observer: System Redux creates a miserable vision of the future that will appeal to sci-fi and horror fans. The game is essentially just an evolved point and clicker but it sucks you in and at the very least does a good job of showing off some clever PS5 tech.

Pacer delivers a fairly accomplished attempt at a futuristic racer. Whilst I do wish the campaign had some difficulty options, the racing has a good aesthetic and handles responsively. The ease at which you can switch load-outs is a lovely touch and the presentation manages to realise a very corporate super-future. I do wonder if the online options are enough to keep veterans interested but what R8 studios have achieved here is admirable.

20XX offers a rogue-lite twist on Mega Man X gameplay. It suffers from the randomly generated levels and doesn't quite hit the heights of its inspiration but there is plenty of content and challenge to sink your teeth into, either solo or with a friend.

Platypus Reclayed is an unexpected remaster that has worked wonders with the original game's visual style and, following a patch, now offers up some enjoyable shooting too.

Empire of the Ants is a luscious looking game but, as much as it pains us to admit it, it's not always all that much fun to play.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate is a prime example of why there’s never been a roguelike based on the Turtles IP. Repetition breeds familiarity and ultimately contempt. Don’t play this unless you’re a massive TMNT fan. Everyone else, play a decent roguelike instead of this. Like Hades for example.

Koira is a cute exploratory puzzler with a wordless story in which you find a dog and tackle some lightly ecologically themed encounters. It’s not massively long, but it is fun. Plus that dog is so damn cute.

I always worry if time is going to be kind to old games. Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered have delivered a faithful recreation. The upgraded visuals help bring a more cohesive look across both games and I simply adore the way the story is told. At it's heart, it's a fairly forgiving platformer with a lenient approach to death. Despite that, things like the save system in Soul Reaver show an industry still trying to figure things out. Set against modernity, it feels more like a historical artifact but I can't deny that it still manages to work.

Remnant: From the Ashes is an addictive loot shooter, especially in multiplayer. The bosses are a let down and exploring for the sake of exploring is dull but when you're blasting enemies with your range of weaponry and are rewarded with new gear or upgrade materials you just want to keep playing.

Gori: Cuddly Carnage has the air of an Insomniac game in some ways, but its lack of refinement and rough edges make for a frustrating journey. He’s cute at least, but the incessant chatter from his talking skateboard gets older quicker than Walter Donovan choosing the wrong Grail. The ugly character design and the mean-spirited upgrades make this a tough game to recommend, let alone play for an extended period. The combat is a bit generic but is fun enough. We just don’t see ourselves replaying this lots to unlock everything.

Hue is a unique puzzle platformer that will keep you entertained to its conclusion. There’s no real replay value but the design and the steady introduction of new obstacles make it worth a look if you’re a fan of the genre.

GNOG is an incredibly well presented VR experience with the audio and visuals combining perfectly. It’s easy to get into and enjoyable for the entirety of its short length, though it’s lacking a little in the gameplay department.

Darksiders Genesis changes the camera angle but brings a lot of what fans enjoy about the main series. It does get a little repetitive but the road to 100% is addictive and everything's better in co-op.

Electronauts is a fun musical and visual tool that might be a bit much for beginners and not enough for experienced musicians.

UNO Ultimate Edition is a great value proposition for new players, though existing players should be aware that it’s the same game as came out in 2016 with all the DLC included. It’s UNO at the end of the day so you can’t really go too far wrong.

What MotoGP 22 lacks in excitement, it makes up in nostalgia. The Nine campaign really helps comprehensively tell the tale of the 2009 season and the remainder of the package is solidly done. It's not inspiring or ground-breaking but it does take small forward steps. There's a sense that these games are trundling along but the core remains decent, if not particularly inspiring.

Blasters of the Universe asks you to weave your head through a barrage of bullets. It works great on a technical level and the gun customisation is a strong point, but at only four levels it's over too quickly and despite being 'bullet hell' it doesn't feel too different to what you've probably played already.

Bonkies is a solid cooperative effort. Story and presentation is kept light-hearted and the building doesn't feel hectic enough to ruin friendships. Some of the stages are kept fairly straight forward but the increasing complexity of the campaign does give a crew enough to consider. It's a shame the levels roll out in such a linear fashion and I do feel the time limits are an unnecessary addition. Solo players will feel short-changed but Bonkies feels good with friends.

Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle is a fun yet ultimately flawed fighting game. It manages to make more complex anime fighters into something more accessible, However the DLC-locked character roster and story mode sour the overall experience.

MotoGP 20's promise of smarter AI hasn't really materialised but the handling model feels tough and rewarding to master. It's a little too tail happy and understanding braking requires plenty of practice. On the whole, it rides well which leads to some compelling time on track. I would've loved to have seen more imagination taken with the historical content and online modes. It's a package that, whilst good, can feel a little stale.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a nice reminder of what this series can do well. Movement through the densely populated cities can feel kinetic and slick whilst stealth is straight-forward and easy to plan. Combat is serviceable, if a little clumsy when multiple enemies arrive. There's a sense of nostalgia I get from what is ostensibly a more complete and considered take on the series' first steps. I wish the story had more weight to it but the actors do a good job of delivering what they're given. It's not a stellar example of the genre but a rather solid one.

The extra year has done WWE 2K22 a world of good as the game appears more stable and enjoyable. The time in the ring has been simplified although might still appear more complex than some would like. Countering windows seem tricky to get a hold of and there are times when you feel the game is playing for you. Despite this, the wealth of content and gameplay should keep people interested. Not quite a return to form but definitely a step in the right direction.

2064: Read Only Memories is a difficult game to recommend. Whilst the story being told is decent, the sheer quantity of text and somewhat overdone approach to sexuality distracts from the actual limited gameplay present. The art style and presentation of the game is also spectacularly retro, and whilst it stands out from the crowd its not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

The changes have certainly made Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed a more fluid experience. It doesn't bring a lot of challenge but the new visuals have given plenty of life to the environments, even if they're mostly grim and dark. The control changes feel natural. The backtracking in the middle can slightly dampen the pace but, on the whole, I found the experience to be straight-forward. The presentation shines as a wander through some of Disney's vintage heyday but behind the nostalgia is a competent platformer.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 could be great but ups the ante with an overly aggressive AI implementation that makes the campaign mode a joyless experience in the second half. Coupled with zero use of the Dualsense functions, you’d just as well be playing the original against pro-level players online. It's still a great game but the absurd AI kills it for all but the most hardcore players.

Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials wears it's influences proudly and, at times, it pays an effective homage whilst building a blueprint of its own. The visuals look deliciously detailed and animated with plenty of life. It's accompanied with a wonderful soundtrack but I just don't quite enjoy playing it. There some clever puzzle-platforming involved but the large map is packed with screens of tricky jumps. It leads to a game lacking in momentum and frustrates me. It'll appeal to those wanting more of a challenge but it's not clicking for me.

Melon Journey: Bittersweet Memories presents and interesting plot that is accompanied by some smart and clever visuals. Whilst it does pay homages to old RPGs of the past, the strictly narrative experience helps keep focus on the charming characters and themes. It's a lovely, well-paced effort that manages to feel cohesive and complete. The writing can be pun-heavy and the aesthetic might be tough to adjust to but I warmed to the tale.

Golf Club: Wasteland has a nicely executed narrative that is let down a little by withholding too much. The background radio calls do a lot to flesh out a barren, broken Earth and it helps that the golf on offer is decent, if a little simple. When the holes get more complex, frustration can creep in but I feel the penalty for failure is minor enough for people to persevere.

Blazing Chrome does a really good impression of a Contra game but 32 years later, Contra is still king and that probably says as much about the granddaddy of run and gun games as it does about this very capable, but not quite as good, upstart. It will definitely have its fans though.

Mutazione is an intriguing adventure with a soap opera plot and may well end up being your game of the year but if you need your games to offer more than a bit of wandering around and a lot of pressing X to advance conversations then this might not be for you.