Chronos: Before The Ashes brings to the Souls formula some interesting ideas that, if further explored, could expand on a beloved formula quite nicely. However, in its present form, these ideas contradict themselves, creating more of a red herring than a legitimate risk-reward system. Regardless, the game is fun to play, but the narrative and initially appealing age mechanic don't reach the end of the game with the same intensity.

No Son of Mine does a lot right, combining a fantastic setting with vivid graphical fidelity and stellar low lighting. Some ideas don't meet in the middle, such as combining combat limitations with far-too-frequent encounters. Either way, horror fans need to check this out. Those of you new to the genre can also get a solid experience here without being massively overwhelmed.

In the end, though Turrican Anthology Vol. 2 doesn't feel quite as essential as its predecessor, the inclusion of both Turrican 3 and Mega Turrican, not to mention Super Turrican 2, still makes this ensemble of side-scrolling, platforming shooter retro goodness a worthwhile venture for fans of the genre.

Madden 25 is what Madden fans want: updated rosters, controls, and schemes, but it's not a game changer. Consider this more of a preview for what's coming in the next generation rather than an equated version.

Vlad Circus Descend Into Madness makes the puzzle genre worth playing through. It may not streamline anything the genre offers, but it does keep you motivated to move forward, thanks to its simplistic visual style and thoughtful writing.

Murdered: Soul Suspect is a title with many great ideas, but not great execution.

Though simplistic and lacking in some variety, Bee Simulator is a great introduction to open-world games that everybody can enjoy and is also a towering celebration of Mother Nature's most vital workforce.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is what SNK is best at. A pure fighter with great mechanics that are easy to understand and only the best will master. It's just a shame that so many of its modes and unlocks are shallow and don't add much to the overall experience.

No, it is not a good Metal Gear game. Yes it is somewhat difficult to love thanks to a laborious and shonky opening act. Yet Metal Gear Survive is a good survival game underneath the grime of its controversial existence. Whether people will give it the chance to show that is a whole other issue.

Visually arresting and audibly moody, Rain is a little damp in terms of depth.

A maddening eschewing of basic exposition makes Below feel like something of an arrogant work - but ultimately it wields a tremendous audiovisual aesthetic and weaves an interesting, if not an always thrilling, take on the roguelike adventure template.

Inventive and disturbing puzzler with beautiful environments, Little Nightmares is well worth a look for fans of the genre looking for something a little different.

Wet Dreams Don't Dry brings Leisure Suit Larry into the modern era in a suitably awkward and entertaining fashion. It's a good point n' click adventure, and is funny on a fairly regular basis. Just don't expect too much to have changed with its horndog hero.

Lifeless Planet's stark simplicity belies its heartfelt message. Its environmental blandness countered by a compelling story.

If you're willing to let go of preconceived notions and have fun with a game, then snag this title and give it a go.

Manic Mechanics is great for an afternoon of fun with a friend or someone new to this style of game, but with its limited content I struggle to see it making any meaningful waves. I would love to see the content expanded on in the future with DLC or a sequel. The game is unique and inventive within the structure that it was created. Given further iteration, I could see myself enjoying the Manic Mechanics world just as much as I enjoy Overcooked.

Erring on just the right side of trashy, Raging Justice doesn't break any significant new ground for the side-scrolling brawler but it succeeds as an entertaining effort all the same.

Pretty much the same, boringly dependable Just Dance experience at heart, but the addition of a kid friendly mode makes this far more worthy a purchase for front room dance fans than the last few iterations.

In the end, Bright Memory: Infinite feels like an advert for a much larger, much more ambitious game and the price tag (around $15 or so), reflects that. Bright Memory: Infinite both absolutely looks and plays the part of a furiously assured shooter with resoundingly empowering combat, it's just a shame that the relatively emaciated amount of content that surrounds its otherwise excellent core makes Bright Memory: Infinite feel much more like a taster for something more ambitious to come rather than anything else.

Solid core gameplay let down by the lack of arena evolution and weak story mode.

A unambitious and streamlined remaster of one of the better games in the Far Cry franchise, Far Cry 3 Classic Edition nonetheless provides value and satisfying open-world shenanigans in spades.

The indie horror scene does it again, showing the big studios what the horror genre needs. Not all the ideas work as well as they should, but the game delivers a unified vision that still gets under your skin.

Paleo Pines takes a unique approach to the ranching genre, asking you to learn a new way of developing your home. Pacing suffers along the way, and much of the side content feels more like filler. It may not have revolutionized the genre and may not be for everyone, but fans of the genre will find something surprisingly engaging, even with its flaws.

Despite its flaws, Ninja Gaiden Sigma II Plus is a solid hack-'n-slash title and worth a place in anyone's PS Vita collection.

Tomb Raider Trilogy is a great value for fans and a decent introduction to those new to the series. However, both Legend and Anniversary still feel a little dated despite the HD overhaul.

Plenty of players feared Black Ops 7 might fall into the same expansion-like pattern that Modern Warfare 3 did after Modern Warfare 2, and for some that concern may feel justified once the campaign’s uneven execution becomes clear. The story has flashes of ambition, but its pacing and structure stop it from reaching the impact it aims for, leaving it feeling more serviceable than essential. Multiplayer steadies the ship with the sharpest and most rewarding action in the package, delivering the consistency and momentum the rest of the game struggles to match. Zombies offers a decent run with enjoyable pockets of tension, yet it also settles into familiar rhythms, creating an overall experience that lands solidly but never pushes the series forward in the way fans hoped.

Aqua TV is simple and fun to use, meaning that kids can enjoy themselves too building their own virtual aquarium and then watching the little fishes and sea creatures come to life. It's quite relaxing too.

Hood: Outlaws and Legends is a genuinely refreshing multiplayer idea that’s well-executed for the most part. It’s a little light on variety and doesn’t offer all that much in terms of reward beyond winning matches, but there’s a consistent joy to be found in its often intense back and forth tug of war for gold and glory.