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.

This modern installment of the classic Cotton series of shoot 'em ups treats the series with respect and does a great job of bringing it up to date whilst also adding some welcome variation.

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.

Lies of P is a charming take on the Soulsborne template. Scarcely an original bone in its body but none the worse for it. We liked it despite not being particularly skilled. The title is probably among the worst we've ever encountered, but thankfully the game transcends it.

Lumines Remastered doesn't take many chances with the classic Lumines formula but elevates it with some lovely presentation. If you've still got unfinished business with the Vita version, this doesn't do much to make it an essential purchase but if you're a fan of the genre, and the series in particular, this won't disappoint.

Whilst the cutesy aesthetic might prove too saccharin for some, Rabi-Ribi delivers excellent exploration and combat over a lengthy first run. It will lend itself beautifully to speed runners whilst the plot and interplay between the main duo offer a surprising amount of charm. This is a pleasant, impressive Metroid homage with some nice quirks.

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.

Natsuki Chronicles takes the high quality shoot 'em up gameplay of Ginga Force, flips it ninety degrees and delivers a great shoot 'em up with a rewarding upgrade system. Newbies might struggle a little but genre fans will have a blast.

There's an intelligent execution to Darkwood. The gloomy aesthetics and effective sound design heighten your senses and place you precariously on edge. The unflinching challenge adds weight to encounters and each trip to new pastures carries great risk. There is a fantastic confidence with how Darkwood lets you dictate the pace of exploration and it's enticing me to keep coming back.

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.

A bolt out of the blue, Avicii Invector is both a brilliant rhythm action experience and a fitting tribute to the late Tim Bergling. For the price of a greatest-hits album, Avicii Invector is a brilliant way to experience a deep cut of the discography, while also offering plenty of replay value in the form of further difficulty modes and an immensely playable experience in single or multiplayer.

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.

Judgment offers more of the same for Yakuza fans, with a slight hint of detective gameplay. Those looking for a deviation from the formula may be disappointed but it has the same strengths as Yakuza, with a new set of enjoyable characters and a strong, gripping crime drama narrative.

We are very used to seeing old arcade games used as a basis for lazy indie rehashes but Okinawa Rush is one of the few that elevates the source material to new levels.

Telling Lies manages to deliver an intricate and intriguing tale within a format that still manages to engage. Digging through the files and uncovering new information can be enjoyable and insightful. It could do with a few conveniences and the interface still likes to withhold information, but there's a provocative tale here. It's backed up with some incredible writing and stellar performances across the board.

There are a lot of horror games on PSN but this one deserves to stand out from the rest. It may feel dated, clunky and unfriendly to play at times but it transcends that in a way that is so clever, so skilfully written that we can't help but love it.

Fallen Order is the best Star Wars game for a long time, mixing sophisticated combat with some great presentation. If it was more linear and focused it'd be an undeniable classic but some tedious puzzle-solving and fiddly navigation take some of the shine off of the overall package.

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.

A wonderful Cornish themed adventure and a journey into the fertile imagination of a loony kid.

Wreckfest looks, plays and feels better than ever on PS5 and its mix of arcade chaos and realistic physics still holds up very well indeed.

Jazzpunk is an absurd, quick-fire joke machine that holds its end of the bargain for the two-hour duration. Its sense of style remains strong and consistent throughout. There’s a lack of replay value beyond finding any gags you’ve overlooked but I can’t help but admire how different and funny this is. It’s brilliantly executed and carries a jaunty, playful tone that keeps things moving. If you’ve already ventured into the robot universe then the underwhelming multiplayer doesn’t feel like an enticing addition but we would definitely recommend newcomers checking this out. You will probably not play anything else like it.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole is strictly for fans of the show but the turn-based combat is even better than before and the game tells a good story. It might not be the best turned-based RPG but it is definitely the most entertaining one.

Vagante is a fine roguelike that’ll kick your arse over and over. Yet you’ll want to keep on playing over and again. We sure did. The difficulty is perhaps a little harsh for a strictly singleplayer experience, this is definitely balanced to be played with friends.

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.

Inkulinati is an entertaining strategy puzzle game with an interesting medieval graphical style. Only in this game could a snail prove to be the most powerful unit on the battlefield. The campaign lends itself well to multiple replays. Plus there’s local hotseat multiplayer. Get to it.

With the cheerful overtones of a colourful world and characters, PHOGS! Is as sweet as a game about a stretchy two headed dog can be. The surreal concept provides plenty of chances for a mild and accessible challenge, enjoyable in both single and cooperative play. This is a great option if you are looking for a game with little stakes or something to play with a younger sibling.