Beautifully blending two realms, Sherlock Holmes The Awakened presents a great investigative game, asking you to do your own research without going too far. For your own good, grab this game if you have even the slightest bit of curiosity. You won't regret it.

Disgaea 5 is an excellent title for any gamer, but the interesting mechanics, impressive visuals, and expansive universe make it a must-play for tactical RPG enthusiasts.

Relive the joys of discovering nature as a child with this beautiful but brief story of conservation and exploration set on an enticingly warm Mediterranean island. Highly recommended for kids with a nature conservationist bent, but also for adults who want to relax in the warmth of the sun in the company of an adorable cast of characters.

NBA 2K22 does many things well, most of which has already been done well in the past. Exceptional, challenging gameplay keeps the strength of the game close to its chest, and NBA 2K22 offers an impressive spread of modes to complement that gameplay. Apart from a few misguided choices, the biggest crippling factor this year comes from how The City takes a good idea and stretches it way too thin. NBA 2K22 is great for hardcore fans of the franchise, but it doesn't leave the door open for many others.

While I had some issues with the soundtrack – as the music can get overly repetitive at the best of times - the graphics are pretty good for a handheld, with the plastic models and environments looking quite impressive during the replays.

Madden 16 has now begun to reflect on how the NFL has evolved, and despite its growing pains, the positives outweigh the negatives in this strong outing. Madden NFL 16 is a necessity for returning fans.

A top-down survival horror that feels as fresh as it does familiar. Every failure is lined with a lesson made of silver, and the sense of impending doom is kept tantalisingly close to hand at all times. Subterrain is a fine example of using tired genre tropes effectively.

Yonder Chronicles brings to the industry a game focused more on exploring, developing, and interactions over violence and leveling, and the end product is refreshing. A few things hold it back, but the heart and soul of the entire package is not to be denied on its way to success.

A delectable morsel of saccharine sweetness that everybody can enjoy, Cake Bash is that rare kind of party game that is instantly accessible and can fit into just about any gap in your schedule. An easy recommendation for players of all ages who just want to feel their faces crease again.

Effie is good 3D Platformer that left me with a big smile on face. The Red Plains are a beautiful location to explore, especially given that you have an awesome hoverboard to do it with. The combat does hold it back a bit but the overall package is one that fans of 3D Platformers should definitely experience.

A uniquely innovative shooter with imagination to spare, there is nothing quite like Superhot.

Defense Grid 2 has some issues, but ultimately pushes the tower defense genre forward by delivering loads of fun with a quirky co-op story mode campaign and solid online competitive multiplayer modes for a great price.

While the CG flick is a bit hit and miss in places, the HD revamp of Tekken Tag and the playable teaser of its sequel should keep hardcore fans more than satisfied until the full version of Tekken Tag 2 shows up.

A deliciously compulsive simulation of a busy restaurant which tests your mental agility and finger dexterity to the full. Humourous presentation and the couch co-op are the icing on the cake.

Sons of Winter maintains the good form of the previous episode by unloading plenty of tension, drama and action along the way. Roll on episode five.

As it stands now, Battlefield 2042 is a formidable and enjoyable shooter that once again delivers on the series promise of peerless open world combat theatre in a way that no other series or franchise has managed to match. It's just a shame that while Battlefield 2042 looks to the future for its setting, so too must players for the short-term as EA and DICE scramble to fix what could potentially be the best Battlefield in years.

The most ambitious LEGO game to date is an open-world delight that excels in its depth and the satisfaction that each new collectible brings. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes is well worth your time, even if it sometimes shows the developer's inexperience with the genre.

Continuing the great work of previous episodes, What Ails You sets up the season finale of Batman: The Enemy Within wonderfully.

Narita Boy feels like a completely unique experience and the first step for a new collection of games based around this digital aesthetic. The soundtrack here is flawless and the way everything plays into its setting and narrative is just as good. The gameplay might slog at times and not quite hit the mark, but Narita Boy is something you shouldn't miss.

For many like me, seeing Ninja Gaiden emboss a game basically guarantees a purchase. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is no exception. On top of its stapled blisteringly challenging combat, the entire game receives a visual level of polish that makes it feel new again. That said, the problems still exist, like enemy projectiles flying through objects and still hitting you. Above all else, though, the camera issues remain the most frustrating element of the game. Still, there's enough fun, gore, and challenge that will outweigh the outdated traits, even for newcomers.

Saints Row is a necessary reboot for a series that was getting out of hand (pleasingly so, but still), and Volition has made smart decisions in retooling the origins of the purple-clad gang without losing that silly, violent, and crude spirit. It leaves room for future improvement and escalation, and that’s an exciting place to put the Saints in.

EA Sports takes a positive corner on the MMA market with UFC 2 as it focuses on what makes the sport great: strong mechanics and a lot of training. With strong servers and gameplay mechanics, UFC 2 has what it takes to represent the UFC both offline and online.

Luftrausers is a fast-paced and enjoyable shooter, though doesn't have the lasting appeal to keep you coming back for more.

If you are a fan of Attack on Titan, you will want this game and if you’re not, you should probably knock a point off the score below and try it anyway.

As whimsical and relaxing lo-res indie adventure games go, A Short Hike is up there with the best. It draws you in with its freewheeling 'go where you like' vibe, charms you with some beautiful artwork and music and offers up great pleasures in exploration as you stroll, climb and glide around the small mountainous island. You'll only be there for a few hours, but every moment is a chilled out pleasure.

Kingdom Hearts 3 is a lot to take in, from the intricate narrative to all the nods to Disney. As a whole, the game has some shortcomings, but its charms and heart have something immersive enough for everyone.

A gorgeous, stirring, mechanically solid, feature-rich expansion to what is the best MMO in years.

A definitive take on some of the best cooperative games to ever grace PlayStation, whatever Overcooked! All You Can Eat might lack in terms of bespoke content and PlayStation 5 focused features, it more than makes up with a delectable banquet of face-stuffing goodness. Need a good party game for your PlayStation 5 to get you through the holidays? Look no further.