MechWarrior 5: Clans takes the classic Mech-Sim formula the series is known for and adds in new controls, mechanics and a great narrative-driven story to appeal to a wider audience. This entry is more console-friendly and pushes the series in a direction likely to garner a new audience and please long-time fans simultaneously.

There's a real confidence to the new step in Metal Slug Tactics that had me smiling as I saw this arcade classic being transformed into something new. The tactics genre is a natural fit for Metal Slug and this version of the classic genre embraces the roots of the franchise while taking a bold new step. While I have some issues with how clunky the UI can be when trying to pull off the perfect strategy, there's an incredibly solid foundation here and a good basis for them to continue the series on into the future.

El Paso Elsewhere serves up an incredibly balanced gameplay experience with an addictive loop on top of a compelling story. This is one not to be missed.

Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 gets the legendary FPS franchise back to doing what it does best. With a solid multiplayer foundation, a refocused zombies mode that understands what fans enjoy that game mode, and an absolutely stellar campaign, this is Call of Duty at its best.

As an overall package, Slitterhead does not disappoint. Though a touch heavy-handed in some spots, it adopts a ‘swing for the fences'-type approach that you can't help but respect. Marry that with a design philosophy that oozes confidence and a soundtrack and story that manage to hit their mark and it's easy to recommend a trip to Kowlong. Just stay out of the alleyways.

For a brand new IP that lagrely distances itself from its siblings, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a triumphant showcase of what the RPG genre can do and the way that stories can interact with our world. Every moving part is acutely designed to mesh together into a game that feels truly one-of-a-kind. Every line of dialogue feels perfectly attuend to its audience and deals with issues in a way that honestly floored me. The Archetype system is bold and inventive, building brilliantly on the foundations set by Persona, and it offers a completely unique style that far and away establishes itself as a worthy player in ATLUS' auspicious wheelhouse. An utterly phenomenal RPG that fearlessly exists as a story of inclusion, and of the power of fiction on the real world - such as itself. Outstanding.

Even with its shortcomings, which are few and far between, I loved my experience with Max Mustard. Moss and Astrobot have the advantage of experience and age in the space, but for a first attempt, Max Mustard really shines. From level design and visual presentation, Mustard oozes style. However even with a name like Max Mustard it's missing that special sauce to separate it from what has come before. Although Astrobot and Moss are VR games I enjoyed more, Max Mustard has an incredible base to grow on and I'm so excited to see what Toast Interactive can do next.

It's incredibly tough to critique Potionomics: Masterwork Edition in any major way; an already fantastic management game has made the jump to console and has done so with an enviable landing that solidly puts its best foot forward as a console management game. Stunning visuals, slick animation and intricately woven gameplay mechanics all come together in a delightful combination that has well and truly sunk its hooks into me. While the game doesn't hold your hand with tutorials, you're encouraged to learn and play around with what you're given, which is a refreshing feeling. Masterwork Edition is absolutely a definitive update that addresses major criticisms while keeping what was so strong.

A technically accomplished and satisfyingly challenging, if content light take on competitive kayaking, Whitewater VR: Extreme Kayaking Adventure is an entertainingly frenetic counterpart to the more chilled kayaking since elsewhere in the PSVR 2's portfolio.

If by dumb luck or some other unique set of circumstances you have yet to play Horizon Zero Dawn, then this is arguably by far the best way to experience one of the best open world efforts out there that still holds up extremely well even today. Perhaps most encouragingly, Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster also heralds the fact that Nixxes is a force to be reckoned in the console porting space too, representing an added feather in the cap for Sony and its burgeoning PlayStation Studios portfolio as we barrel towards the fourth anniversary of PlayStation 5.

At its best, RetroRealms: Double Feature makes me reminiscent of 2D platforming greats like Shovel Knight - and at its worst, it's a frustrating and less-interesting platformer than what is available to 2D fans today. The difference lies in whether or not you pick the right games to buy, with only two out of four really standing out. And even then, it all works a lot better if you're a horror fan. If you're just looking for a good platforming time, your time might be better spent at a different haunt.

At its best, RetroRealms: Double Feature makes me reminiscent of 2D platforming greats like Shovel Knight - and at its worst, it's a frustrating and less-interesting platformer than what is available to 2D fans today. The difference lies in whether or not you pick the right games to buy, with only two out of four really standing out. And even then, it all works a lot better if you're a horror fan. If you're just looking for a good platforming time, your time might be better spent at a different haunt.

Arizona Sunshine Remake is a perfectly fine and fun game. On the killing zombies front, it's a great experience with head-popping gore, and a few weapons that feel really fun to run around with. That's about all there is though, and there's a real question as to whether or not its really the best use of your cash to pick it up, especially when there's an already strong sequel out, or if you've already played Arizona Sunshine on PSVR.

Not much of the original game changed in the Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered. Instead, this re-release opted to sharpen existing graphics, add motion controller support to aiming, and include a New Game+. Either way, Shadows of the Damned has aged surprisingly well, all things considered. This makes for a great deal at $25, no matter how you slice it.

Visual issues aside, Phasmophobia is a fun, heart-pounding fear-fest that is hitting consoles at just the right time of year. With some deep mechanics and a plethora of modes and content to terrify yourself and your online ghost hunting pals.... the only question is... Are you brave enough?

A familiar but defining moment for Deck Nine, Life Is Strange and Max Caulfield alike; Life is Strange: Double Exposure is a high point for the series, and given the chance, will surely resonate with fans.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a must-have RPG this holiday season. There is so much that Veilguard brings to the table that it's hard to find something to dislike. Veilguard is a complete package that gives you everything you could ever wish for in an action-RPG, and is without a doubt a return to form for BioWare.

If you are new to MMOs then New World Aeternum may be the perfect jumping off point for you into a New World. An approachable, satisfying experience that could well give you the bug for this beloved game genre.

A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead throws several unique variables at you, making you balance progression through built-in limitations and staying alive. The gameplay loop can get repetitive, and enemy routes prove quite predictable. At the same time, the concept of staying alive resonates through both gameplay and narrative, making this very human story a worthwhile purchase through and through.

Every aspect of Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is impressive and left me feeling satisfied that this game was given the lucky treatment to be put on a new platform. This remake meaningfully builds on the foundations of the original while bringing it in line with the rest of Square Enix's pantheon, while never losing sight of what made it shine in the first place. While it might not resonate with everybody, those who want to adventure beyond the standard turn-based fare will certainly not make a mistake with this game. There's an undeniable ambition here that is totally uncompromised and laid bare for all to see, and that's wonderful.

There is a lot to enjoy about The Bridge Curse 2 The Extrication from its well written story and characters to the unique monster designs. Its just a shame those monster designs lead to a lot of boring run and hide sequences. Those who enjoyed the first game or even the movies of the same titles will surly find a lot of love here.

Blumhouse Games is off to a great start with Fear the Spotlight. A creepy PS1-era horror game with a great story, incredible atmosphere, and puzzles that will make you remember those fun times back in the day.

Sonic X Shadow Generations is a high-speed thrills package that combines the best of 2D and 3D Sonic, with superb level design and great boss battles. The addition of Shadow's campaign is a great bonus, and despite some issues with stages proving a little unforgiving and delivering cheap deaths, the overall package is a must-have for Sonic fans.

Drastic improvements made to the core gameplay of Predator: Hunting Grounds vastly enhances the overall experience, making for a much more polished and better game than the one I played back in 2020. Predator: Hunting Grounds deserves a second chance.

Though Killing Time: Resurrected can't really hang with other boomer shooters in 2024, let alone more contemporary fare from a fundamentals perspective, I'm still happy that Nightdive Studios has cemented its heroic status by remastering it to an extremely high standard anyway and its love for the source material is abundantly clear. In spite of its clunky and flawed fundamentals, Killing Time is indicative of a shooter that wasn't afraid to try new things in 1995 and if there's one thing that remains true even now, it's that more FPS efforts could certainly learn to take a risk or two.

An exceedingly well crafted title that wears its influences proudly on its sleeve, Abathor delivers in all departments. Clever thoughtful design, beautifully detailed pixelart and a killer retro soundtrack that is the cherry on top.

While Ys X: Nordics might not light the world on fire by itself - and certainly has some core issues that could do with refining - I found that most of these issues slid into the back of my mind as I kept on playing. The story of Adol, Karja and the Griegr is enough to keep the game moving forward and the character moments that flesh it out were good. Ys X manages to demosntrate the key strengths of the franchise but unfortunate balance and shaky new mechanics hold it back from being a homerun.

Neva is a stunning game with incredible art and visuals that showcase a Nomada Studio team that's much more refined since it's last game, "Gris." The much-improved gameplay experience on offer in Neva paired with a deeply emotional story that's expressed in the art, the score, and the wonderfully detailed animations hit deep within you, charging you towards the credits until you're weeping while watching them roll. It's more simplistic puzzle-platforming and combat design do leave something to be desired, and a pacing deficiency dampens the mood, but those issues don't stop it from being a must-play game and one of the best indie's in 2024.