Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective has long deserved a second chance at life, and in this form, it’s easily at its most definitive. Making new friends while saving their lives as a friendly ghost never gets old and only makes you feel deeper and deeper in love with everything the game has to offer as you progress. Embrace death, make friends with dogs, and delight in a brand of chaos you won’t find anywhere else in the medium.

It perfectly marries gameplay and story in a way that isn't seen often. By the end, I had come to love Spiritfarer and am happy I stuck with it. Still, I can't readily recommend this to everyone. If you fancy story more than gameplay, then, by all means, go for it. If you're more of the type that likes being constantly engaged with challenging systems, Spiritfarer probably won’t get its hooks in you. Either way, Thunder Lotus has created a beautiful, thoughtful, and emotional journey that won't soon be forgotten.

Jusant is a lovely surprise. A short and sweet narrative adventure with a spellbinding tone of natural melancholy that kept me climbing upward in search of new discoveries. Even with its lack of dialogue amidst a world I’d never seen before, it still pulled me in, weaving together a hopeful story of perseverance and forgiveness that grew more and more pertinent the higher I ascended. This is the best game Don't Nod has made since Life is Strange, but also unlike anything the developer has ever produced before.

It’s a must-play for fans of survival horror, whether you’re put off by the ‘90s games or itching for that old-school experience all these years later.

To the Moon is well-worth experiencing, so long as the player knows what to expect going in.

The Shovel Knight legend has come to a close, and Shovel Knight: King Of Cards makes for an entertaining final chapter.

Even if I grumbled a bit every time I had to race Yoshis or catch beetles, that didn’t stop Super Mario RPG from becoming one of my favourite Mario games of all time. Its wonderfully charming world, great sense of humour, and engaging combat are all somehow just as good as everyone’s been saying for the past two decades, and I can’t believe it took me this long to finally give it a shot.

Doom: The Dark Ages is the weakest entry in a fantastic trilogy of games, and despite how I feel about its additions to combat and exploration, I’d rather an experience that took risks and sought to reinvent what it means to play a Doom game rather than build upon the familiar.

Cozy Game Pals delivered a sweet experience perfect for those who want an effective short Halloween story and have a place in their hearts for how games used to look a couple of decades ago.

Some people will be okay with that and will even enjoy the open-world trappings Ghost of Tsushima offers. For me, I'm not sure if I can tolerate more riding around looking for boring filler while wishing triple-A gaming could finally deliver a truly compelling story.

Outside of several standout missions, however, I wasn’t impressed with the campaign, but I’ve begrudgingly come to accept that campaigns just don’t matter to the wider community at this point. The real value is in the multiplayer and Zombies; in that regard, Black Ops 6 is a strong return to form.

If you've played the first Life Is Strange, or its prequel, then you'll already be aware that developers Don't Nod are fans of making onion chopping ninjas appear while you're gaming. You'll happily be making (what you thought were) smart choices, when suddenly, that smart choice doesn't look so hot anymore. I knew going in that this was going to be a rough journey. What I didn't know was how incredibly sensitively handled and well-told this traumatizing tale would be. Life Is Strange 2 tackles a number of issues, with racism being the most prominent, and Episode Five continues in the same vein as the earlier ones. It skillfully weaves choices that really matter into a heartbreaking, but incredibly moving finale for two brothers who have finally come to the end of the road. Continue scrolling to keep reading Click the button below to start this article in quick view. Start now The Story So Far While this review won't include spoilers for Episode Five, it's assumed that you've played the first four chapters. If you haven't, why are you reading this review instead of catching up? After the traumatic aftermath of their father's death, Sean and Daniel went on the run. Right from the start, the choices you made mattered, and Episode Five really shows this. You can even choose if you saved Arcadia Bay in the first game, which is reflected in the later narrative of Episode 5, especially in this final part. RELATED: Arise: A Simple Story Review: Here Come The Waterworks After numerous nasty incidents, mostly involving racists taking against the boys for being Mexican, and a close call with the police, we left the boys in the aftermath of a dramatic escape. After Daniel was brainwashed by a cult while Sean was in the hospital, Sean and the boys' mother, Karen, mounted a rescue. As Episode Four concluded, the brothers finally looked at peace as they drove off with Karen. The Wolf Brothers The episode begins with some bonding between the brothers. Enjoy this peace, as things are about to get very rough. Predictably, the calm doesn't last and the brothers are on the road once more, still hoping to reach the Mexican border and finally, Puerto Lobos. In some ways, this episode is less traumatic than others. Episode Four was a rollercoaster from start to finish, but this finale slows the pace, at least in the beginning. It's a welcome relief and gives players a chance to catch their breath a little as they meet some interesting characters, including someone who will be very familiar to fans of the first game. RELATED: Choose Your Own Adventure: 10 Games Where Your Decisions Really Matter We also find out more about the brothers' history, their mother, and some other interesting details that fill in their background. There are also some intriguing interactions that will vary, depending on if Arcadia Bay is still around. While we enjoyed the lighter story, it only made us love the boys even more, which, in turn, makes the ending even more difficult to cope with. When things predictably begin to fall apart, the boys flee and, as we saw in the trailer, finally reach that border. What happens next depends on you. Every Choice Counts In the first game, the player was offered a choice which led to two different endings, both equally traumatic. This follow-up is not quite so clear cut. While players only have a choice of two alternatives for the final decision, the outcomes for each depend on previous choices. There are actually four distinctly different endings, each with a mix of happiness and tragedy. There is also a slight variant to one ending and three slightly different alternatives to another. As you can imagine, with this many endings, every single choice counts, even down to the little things that slowly impacted your relationships. Tackling Important Issues All throughout the episodes, the issue of racism has been tackled, while homophobia was touched upon. This final episode continues in that vein, with both issues once again explored. These are sensitive topics that have been handled incredibly well. The narrative in this last episode is just as engaging, sensitive, and well-written as those which came before it. There's no jarring difference and no huge letdown. RELATED: Pine Switch Review: Beauty That Is Only Skin Deep This time around, while the drama is not on a "destroying an entire town" scale, it's actually more traumatizing, as so much of it is rooted in the consequences of racism. I've never felt my white privilege more than I did playing this. So many of these incidents sadly do happen, and that realism is what makes this harder to stomach. Watching Sean explain racism to Daniel still breaks my heart, almost as much as the loss of Mushroom did. A Satisfying Finale As expected, the graphics, narrative, and soundtrack are absolutely stunning throughout. This series is known for its attention to detail, and this is never more apparent than in some of the tiny details you'll notice in Wolves. The pace can feel slightly slow at times, and there are a couple of moments that made me want to scream at the boys to hurry up, but it's all part of the story. Ultimately, they are very minor annoyances due to my impatience, and the pace is generally well thought out, building up the finale well. While not all the endings are happy, with one, in particular, being especially traumatizing, they all feel realistic and in line with the choices you need to make to get to each one. Each has elements of joy and sadness, and this feels right for the script. After all, they left a large amount of chaos behind them which can't fail to have an effect on them, or anyone playing this beautiful game.

Astro’s Playroom asks you over and over to fondly remember the memories that you and Grandpa PlayStation made together. But, more importantly, it’s a promise of new and treasured memories to come.

If Persona 5 was about forming bonds with new people and recruiting them for a common cause, Persona 5 Strikers is about taking the Phantom Thieves and proving that the friendship they share is lasting, that it can and will endure any hardship. I think, right now, that message is immeasurably important, and hits harder than a bullet formed from the Seven Deadly Sins.

At its core, One Finger Death Punch 2 has the appearance of one of those flash games from the 2000s. It doesn’t look visually impressive and the game mechanics are so basic that it’s hard to fathom how this game could provide more than a few minutes of entertainment. But that’s the big, magical mystery of this game. It takes the idea of being a Bruce Lee-esque destroyer of worlds, strips it down to people made out of lines and circles, and creates an addictive gameplay loop that becomes impossible to put down.

Sequels are often expected to be bigger and better, but sometimes a good sequel is just more of what made the original geat. I suppose I would have liked to see Schell Games push the mechanics and missions further, but ultimately I’m satisfied to play another round of cleverly designed spy puzzles. It’s not particularly ambitious, but it’s consistently good from beginning to end. If you liked the original, there’s absolutely no way you won’t like I Expect You To Die 2.

Age of Wonders 4 is a very strong entry in the overwhelming miasma that is the turn-based 4X market. It implements fantasy elements naturally rather than giving traditional mechanics a mystical lick of paint, and the sheer depth of customisation options, even without unlocking anything, is to be applauded. With the Pantheon system for unlocking things, it’s an ever-growing and changing experience with a heavy emphasis on player agency.

I enjoyed my time with Blasphemous 2. I’ve unlocked both endings, scoured and pillaged the entire map, and completed every quest I could find, and, where I found the first game severely wanting in the fun factor, the sequel delivered in spades. Despite this, it’s held back by simplistic quests and bosses so unfair as to taint the whole experience. At certain points, thematic suffering bleeds through the cracks in the fourth wall and becomes part of the gameplay.

Thanks to its fantastic multiplayer, quality of life changes, and great single-player, Splatoon 3 is undoubtedly the best game in the series. It won’t be changing anyone’s mind if they don’t already love the series and is essentially just more Splatoon, but I’ll be damned if that’s a bad thing.

I had a great time with Cassette Beasts, but it was undeniably frustrating in places. It iterates on the Pokemon formula in nearly every possible way, and exploring the world via companion quests rather than just doing a big circle on your Gym challenge creates a wonderful sense of adventure. Cassette Beasts tries a lot of new things and most of them are successful. The story is compelling, the characters are engaging, and the battle system is one of the best I’ve ever used. It doesn’t pull everything off, but I’d much rather play a game that takes risks, rather than one that rehashes the same old formula time and time again.

When I wrapped up my experience with Nier Replicant, I realized it was the most satisfied I’d ever felt after working so hard for a particular ending. Yoko Taro asking me to relive the same experiences again and again wasn’t a repetitive journey, but a more meaningful reflection on a cycle of hate, pain, and trauma. Nier Replicant is Yoko Taro’s best work, brought up to modern standards, and finally delivered in the presentation its tale always deserved.

Two Point Campus is a school experience unlike any other. From weird and wonderful courses to quirky clubs, and student stereotypes you’ll find everything you want on a campus and so much more. As you flex your management muscles just make sure to keep your eyes open, these students all have their own style and personalities. Look after them well, and you’ll be rewarded with a lot of hidden puns, animations, and laughs along the way. Education has never been so much fun.

Sorry We’re Closed struck me deep. Every confession of love, every bullet through the heart, every day that Michelle woke up just to prove love is worth living for. Any kind of love, as long as you try. That’s the kind of game this is. Past the combat and puzzles, after the decisions and conversations. No matter what, it wants you to wake up each day and choose love.

If you haven’t played Kirby and the Forgotten Land before, the Nintendo Switch 2 edition is the best way to play an already excellent 3D platformer that finally gives the pink protagonist the level of respect he deserves in the genre. If you’re a returning player, there is enough fresh content here to justify the asking price and then some. I can see Nintendo making these lush revivals a common occurrence on its new platform, and after Forgotten Land, that would be no bad thing.

Little Nightmares 2 is an enthralling, nerve-racking journey into madness. And it's all thanks to the terrifying imaginations of the people over at Tarsier Studios: a group of developers who seem dead set on giving us all childhood trauma even as grown-ass adults.

Age of Mythology: Retold is a far better update to the classic than Extended Edition ever was, and this is self-evident through even a few hours with it. The effort put into making this the best Age of Mythology that has ever been oozes throughout, and it’s a resounding success. This remake easily becomes the platonic ideal for Age of Mythology and makes it the true successor to the original.

More than anything, it’s a joy to see a game that means so much to me have the time and love it deserves poured into it by developers who clearly care about it just as much as I do. There was a chance that Dead Rising was going to be stuck in a grave forever, but Deluxe Remaster proves that the dead can, and should, rise again.

As always, Zen Studios has done a fantastic job in blending the physics of real pinball tables with the fantasy that is created through mechanics that would be impossible anywhere outside of a video game. It may be hard for them to top this volume with their next release, but that simply means that players have a broad range of great tables to experience.

All six waves of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass are now available. The pass brings 48 additional tracks to the game, new and old- doubling the number of courses available. It also adds new characters, including Birdo, Diddy Kong, and Wiggler.

There are contemplative moments of compassionate beauty throughout that will stick with me for a long time to come, purely because they made me question my own relationships and how I want so badly to love and help my family in spite of their many flaws. Nice Dream has crafted a truly original narrative adventure here that will likely have a nuanced impact on everyone who plays it, and that alone makes it a triumph worth celebrating.

Triangle Strategy is an excellent game that expertly combines satisfying combat and a layered narrative to create something I didn’t know I needed. Serenoa Wollfort’s journey is punctuated with intrigue, betrayal, and triumph that are all driven by player decisions that actually feel like they matter. It isn’t smoke and mirrors on a moral railroad presenting the illusion of choice, it's a ride or die political rollercoaster where failing to convince a single ally will result in the untimely deaths of thousands.

Starfield is all about the stories it tells, and it tells them well. The central narrative and the characters inhabiting it are some of the best that Bethesda has ever produced, but they’re unfortunately let down by the banality that so often surrounds them. I came into Starfield wanting to explore the stars, and I got a brilliant sci-fi story instead. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little disappointed.

Moss: Book 2 builds on the original in every way to create an unforgettable experience. The world is bigger, more beautiful, and areas can be re-visited and explored with new tools and an even greater purpose. New enemies, weapons, and abilities make combat and puzzles more varied and interesting, but most importantly, it delivers yet another stunning tale with the loveable Quill at your side. It’s undoubtedly one of the best PSVR games available and the perfect choice for anyone who loves platformer puzzle games.

Despite its ambitious scope, Hardspace never bites off more than it can chew. It is unapologetically pro-union and anti-corporate, and it shows a remarkable deftness in handling the social complexities of those positions. It distinguishes the personal value of labor from the material value - two products our corporate overlords are eager to conflate - and offers a perspective of hope in an otherwise hopeless world. I consider Hardspace: Shipbreaker essential media for anyone that is employed - blue-collar or otherwise. If nothing else it will provoke you to think about your relationship with work in a new way. Considering we spend one-third of our lives doing it, it’s a worthwhile experience.

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar takes an older title that is far from being a series favourite and refines it into something that fans are sure to enjoy. Unrestrained from the restrictions of the Nintendo DS and with a new lease of life thanks to new features, refinements, and an overhauled presentation, Grand Bazaar finally manages to live up to its full potential.

Aside from those infrequent technical issues, this is a smooth, comforting, and narratively rich experience. Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth's balance of warmth and depth is everything I want from a cozy game in the modern era. I can already anticipate that I’ll be returning to the charm of Moominvalley in a few months, when the Lady of the Cold visits me as well.

There's still a long way to go of course. I'm about halfway through the campaign, I've only unlocked three dungeons. I don't know what the end-game grind will be like and the rogue-like activity Torghast is still unknown to me. But I'm enjoying the process more than I ever have before, and more than anything, I just want to rescue the heroes of Azeroth and stop Sylvanas and the Jailer from doing... whatever it is they're doing.

Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp marks the return of two classic strategy games, and WayForward has done a stellar job bringing them back to life while never sacrificing the formidable challenge and anime-esque charm of fictional warfare the series has always nailed. While some of the new features are lightweight and the addition of flourishes like voice acting and level creation will prove meaningless to certain folks, this remaster still supplies a solid foundation I pray Nintendo isn’t afraid to build on. Few in the genre can compete with the immediate simplicity and approachability of Advance Wars, but Nintendo needs to take it further.

Space Marine 2 doesn’t seek to reinvent the third-person shooter or hack-n-slash genres, but it’s a competent addition to both. That said, it’s a great game for Warhammer fans, and nails the feeling of being a Space Marine better than any other game. The combat is crunchy and satisfying, executions are beautifully brutal, and the thunder hammer is one of the best weapons in gaming. But issues with linear levels, ally AI, and the unknown future of multiplayer mar the experience a little. Warhammer fans will pick this up, everyone else is probably better off waiting for a sale.

This port is an enjoyable way to experience the game, but it is much more limited than the name ‘Neo Dimension’ might imply, especially with Square Enix branding it as an enhanced release. The inventive combat and gorgeous dioramas Fantasian always excelled at are still incredible here, while its inconsistent pacing and poor character development remain untouched. It has had some bells and whistles added, including an easier difficulty mode over the at-times grueling challenge of the original game, but nothing that substantially improves the experience. Fantasian is still a mobile game, you can just play it on a bigger screen now.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is exactly what I’ve been looking for in terms of a video game version of a traditional D&D campaign. I haven’t been able to play D&D with my group in over a year and a half, but Wrath of the Righteous scratches that itch, and then some. This is easy for me to say as a more casual tabletop RPG player. However, I’m confident in saying that Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is rich and robust enough that even the most battle-hardened tabletop RPG veterans can have a blast while saving Golarion.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is proof that Pokemon can evolve. It's taken 25 years but this feels like the first true evolution of the series; a far bigger change than moving from 2D to 3D. It feels like the awkward middle evolution though, as graphics, voice acting, and boss fights all need serious work. If this is the path that the series is headed down, then I can’t wait for it to evolve again because let’s face it, nobody remembers Quilava.

It’s a shame that Invasions and the snail’s pace progression drag Mortal Kombat 1 down a little because, if it wasn’t for them, this would easily be the best Mortal Kombat to date. Even with those problems, MK1’s excellent gameplay and story mode make it a much-needed breath of fresh air for the series and a great first step into an exciting new timeline.

I was still, however, absolutely blown away by the tabletop RPG experience that Demeo offers. Not once did I experience any sort of motion sickness, meaning I can play Demeo for extended periods of time – far more than any other VR title can boast with me. I can’t wait to play Demeo with my regular D&D group as we ease our way back into in-person sessions. As a solo adventurer, though, Demeo is perfect for when I’m in need of a quick-play session with other players from around the globe.

While it could serve to offer more of a challenge and some quests feel a little rote, the times when The Plucky Squire twists genre convention and blends 2D and 3D puzzles are a sparkle of imagination in the genre. Every level feels fresh, the puzzles are satisfying, and it’s all wrapped up in that gorgeous art style that put the game on so many people’s radars.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns won’t be for everyone. A 60-hour campaign that’s at least half made up of talking to Spider-Man about his feelings is going to turn off even some of the biggest Marvel (or at least MCU) fans, and the combat, despite its cinematic qualities, isn’t exactly God of War. But its limited appeal is also its greatest strength. In a sea of blockbuster open-world and third-person action games, it was a delight to play something so clearly driven by passion for these characters and this kind of gameplay.

Though it finished with a thud, Grounded still stands with the greats of the genre, like Subnautica or The Forest. It just oozes confidence in its theme, and successfully pulls off the feeling of wonder Honey I Shrunk The Kids gave me when I first saw it almost 30 years ago.

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a demanding, luminous journey through decay and empathy, one that asks a lot of its players and gives back just enough to make the struggle worthwhile.

What it mostly comes down to is whether or not you need this game on-the-go. The Talos Principle is great and absolutely worth it for puzzle fans, but the Switch port doesn't present it in the best light. If you can set aside performance issues, however, this is a wonderful game to play portably.

As the first expansion of what I’ll assume will be many, Royal Court has impressed me. This expansion has had some serious effort put into it for a company that has put out a lot of DLC in the past that simply adds more buttons to press and counters to track. For what it adds, it’s an expensive purchase, but improving the experience of a game you’re meant to play for hundreds of hours might just make it worthwhile. It’s the sort of expansion that you’d feel the exclusion of, and that in itself is an accomplishment.

You’ll end up learning a huge amount about both animals and management without even realising it as you sink deeper into one of the most engaging simulation games I’ve ever played.

I got what I was expecting from the game: a damn fun time. What I didn’t expect, however, is to be thinking about it so much after each game, wanting to dive right back into hell with others alongside me. I can’t wait to get better at the game, face bigger threats, to see what planets this galaxy holds, and just what each planet will throw my way.

Vampire Crawlers is a tremendous achievement. Everything here works almost flawlessly, with a gameplay loop that is quick, sharp, and smart. Genre transitions within the same game series rarely work so wonderfully, but Luca Galante and Poncle have created an incredible experience that will make you crave more, even if it overstays its welcome a tad for completionists.

Hatsune Miku Project Diva Megamix+ is the perfect introduction to the series for PC. It’s easily accessible to newcomers and more experienced players alike and offers an extensive catalog of songs and customisation items that will keep you busy for hours. The joy of arcade games like this is that they’re easy to pick up and play whenever the feeling takes you.

PowerWash Simulator 2 proves itself a worthy successor, following a strong first game and a wide range of DLC, and offers a whole host of relaxing and enjoyable gameplay. With a few new quirks thrown in to make it more exciting, and a couple of much-needed changes, it’s easy to say that - even with a couple of niggles, some of which are returning frustrations - if you loved the first one, you’ll love the sequel as well.

One Step From Eden could be my go-to wind down roguelike at the end of the night. The progression isn't quite as rewarding as I would like, but experimenting with spells and trying out new things isn't going to get old anytime soon. Even if you aren't a Battle Network fan, give One Step From Eden a try. You've got nothing to lose except dozens of hours of your life.

Tales of Arise presents a refreshing sense of nostalgia in a shiny new package. At times it can misfire between its lovable but inconsistent cast of characters and political narrative, but there’s still a band of loveable heroes brandishing the classic Tales archetypes I’ve always adored. Perhaps it wields subtlety like a cudgel—placing Shionne, the woman who causes pain, and Alphen, the man who can’t feel pain, together—yet it’s that same ungraceful melodrama I remember being so fond of a decade ago. Arise elevates Tales back into the RPG spotlight, but it doesn’t leave the pieces of the past you loved behind.

FAR: Changing Tides’ gameplay loop of keeping your ramshackle vehicle running is simple but enjoyable. When you get into a good rhythm, you feel at one with your craft, everything goes smoothly for a minute, and you can enjoy the ride until the next mast snaps or abandoned wreckage blocks your way. It takes patience, but when every quick task is rewarded by a hum, whir, or click, and every obstacle inspires as much awe as it does terror, it’s all worth it.

It's a cute little runner that has the aesthetic and feel of a children's TV show, which could make it ideal for younger audiences or people looking for a game that won't stress them out. Aside from that, Tadpole Treble Encore is a tad too shallow of a title to fully recommend.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is a Godsend for AA fans, finally compiling and localising two games that the fanbase have been begging for. While the Ace Attorney formula hasn't actually been changed much, what is here is what the fans adore. Interactions with Herlock Sholmes manage to be a highlight, and uncovering mysteries through twisted testimonies is as satisfying as ever.

What I really love about Stray is the way the world treats you. None of the robots know what a cat is—they’ve never seen one before. You trip them up in the street, ruin their board games, and rub up against their legs, but for the most part, they forget you’re even there at all. Yours is a largely thankless task. But what do you care? You’re a cat. As the characters embrace and cheer, or break down and cry, and when the game comes to its ultimate conclusion, you are just a cat, who saunters off into the night, indifferent to it all.

All of that said, denouncing Eastward’s strengths and successes for any of the above would be disingenuous. It is a remarkable game that, while retro in ambition, will paradoxically go on to inspire the drive and uniqueness of future projects. It is clever, vibrant, and unapologetically original, and unless some magnificent twist of fate occurs over the next three months, it will undoubtedly go down as one of the best games of the year.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was a risk. Not really because it took Vikings as its subject matter — people love Vikings, to the extent that loads of folks are a bit sick of Norse stuff at this point. It was a risk because it compounded the ideals of Assassin’s Creed’s origins and Assassin’s Creed Origins. Fortunately, it turns out that the best game in this series is the one that’s drawn from pretty much everything that came before it, in order to carve out its own unique identity based on the absolute best bits of its many, many predecessors.

I can easily see Cult of the Lamb becoming one of the next indie darlings, and it would be utterly deserving of the epithet. It’s a blend of elements that, by rights, shouldn’t really work, but Massive Monster executed it with aplomb. The game lures you in with a lush and lurid art style and the promise of action-packing combat, and then indoctrinates you with a gameplay loop that keeps you coming back for more. I, for one, would follow the Lamb to the ends of the earth.

A Plague Tale: Requiem is relentless in its depiction of misery. It imparts the troubling message that no matter how hard we try, we can’t change the future, and trying to do so only invites more pain and suffering than willingly submitting to our eventual demise. A series about two children losing their innocence and being corrupted by the evils of the world is one I welcome, but not when it teaches us to give up instead of fighting for a future all our own. The world may seem hopeless right now, but if we give in to the despair we’re choosing doom, and I’d rather go down slinging.

If Death Stranding were a movie, it undoubtedly would have been a hit, which is a good sign for Kojima Productions’ move into the cinematic space. Though the video game has enough spectacular moments to earn a passing grade, the amount of downtime keeps it from receiving a glowing recommendation.

Those small flaws don't detract from what is a great little puzzle game, though. Amanita basically has a perfect track record when it comes to its different releases and Creaks does not break that trend. It certainly is something new for the studio that longtime fans may not immediately gel with, but those that have a love of the weird and creepy will find a lot to admire in Creaks.

Gloomhaven is a solid version of the classic tabletop experience that offers turn-based combat, unique classes and abilities, and detailed quests.

So much of what The Vale does feels like a reinvention of the video game wheel, and not always out of simple necessity. I think the developers at Falling Squirrel are visionaries, and I can’t wait to see what they do next with everything they’ve learned about game design while making The Vale. This is a fully blind accessible game, but that doesn’t at all mean it's an experience only the visually impaired would enjoy. There’s nothing lesser or limited about The Vale. It’s a fully realized experience that could only work in an audio space, and I sincerely believe it's going to inspire a lot of people to reexamine their beliefs about what a game has to do or be. If this is the beginning of indie audio games, I can’t wait to see where the genre goes from here.

With the ability to style switch freely and a cooperative Bloody Palace, Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition is undeniably the new definitive edition of the game and it's a must-buy for any diehard Dante fan.

Super Mario Party Jamboree is a return to form for a series that stumbled as it arrived on the Switch and barely steadied itself with Mario Party Superstars' greatest hits runout. Jamboree brings creative boards and a range of enjoyable minigames to the table, but overcooks the single-player stuff.

All of my little issues aside, this is the most excited I’ve been for a blockbuster shooter in a long, long time. I’ve had such a good time learning the maps, mastering weapons, and discovering quirks of Battlefield 6, and I can’t wait to see how the live-service model rolls out over the next few months.

Filament is a game with an amazing story and challenging puzzles. While the main puzzles can be somewhat frustrating at times, they provide a good challenge for players looking for some harder puzzles, and solving the hidden puzzles is one of the most satisfying gameplay experiences available. If Beard Envy were to make a walking simulator, it would be one of the best games in the genre. As it stands, Filament is a very good puzzle game.

Botany Manor doesn’t expect much from you – grow some weird little plants in your own time, no rush. But through this, it delivered one of the most relaxing afternoons I’ve enjoyed in a while, wandering the halls of this gorgeous Victorian manor solving puzzles, growing flowers, and helping a woman succeed in STEM.

While I may have been left a little wanting when it comes to what CrossWorlds doesn’t do, everything itdoesdo is tweaked to perfection. This latest generation proves that the Blue Blur is back in the big leagues, finally giving him the fantastic racing game he’s always deserved. With Sonic’s resurgence going strong, CrossWorlds is a well-earned victory lap.

I would highly recommend checking this out if you're looking for an original indie experience. I tend to criticize games when they make me run around in circles, but I'm more than willing to make an exception for Loop Hero.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a Dragon Age game like no other, and that alone will put some people off. But it brings with it the traditions of excellent character writing, strong world building through narrative quests, and offers the most exciting combat the series has ever seen. There is a stronger version of The Veilguard in here, one with more Solas and companion quests that find a more natural ending, but the one we’ve got is still a worthy successor to Dragon Age: Inquisition, and is a much needed return to form for BioWare.

With the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, we’ve reached a landmark point. Every Ace Attorney game is now A) available to play in English and B) playable on modern hardware. This is an exciting time to be a fan of silly yet complex, dramatic but comedic visual novels filled with anachronisms, legal ridiculousness, and cravats. That we reach this point thanks to Miles Edgeworth and the two fantastic games that bear his name is only fitting, as he’s always been a fan favourite. This duology makes a wonderful case for the life, longevity, and continuation of the series, and it’s not to be missed.

You can dig deeper and appreciate mechanics and ratings all you like, but for the first time in years I can boot this baby up with my friends and feel like a kid again. John Cena is all over this thing too, subverting his once polarising fan reputation to cement himself as the wrestling icon he is and always will be. The Champ is Here.

There aren’t many games I’ve been bursting to play. Skywalker Saga was a rare case, but that came with an added risk - not living up to the hype. It’s the first Lego Star Wars to bundle the films together since the Complete Saga and that’s a tall order, especially since it’s now nine films. Not just three trilogies, either, but all their worlds, their cities, and their landmarks. The old games had small hubs with Dexter’s Diner and Mos Eisley’s Cantina, but Skywalker Saga goes above and beyond to bring Star Wars’ galaxy to life. It lived up to the hype and shattered my expectations. Somehow, Lego Star Wars returned, and it returned with style.

If quality-of-life tweaks, shinier graphics, and modern access to the game is all that you were looking for, you should be pleased. It’s certainly good enough for me.

Burning Shores first seemed lackluster in comparison to previous expansions in the series. Frozen Wilds was a refreshing addition to Zero Dawn, and Forbidden West was an even bigger step up, so the slow start in treading familiar territory made me feel like Horizon had potentially lost its flame. I’m so glad to be proven wrong, as it still burns as bright as ever, and with a dauntless new character taking part in one of the most momentous fights we’ve ever seen Aloy face. After this, I’m even more excited to see where the story goes next.

Victoria 3 is a grand strategy game with perhaps too much depth and complexity for genre newbies, and genre veterans might find the simplified warfare a turn-off. That said, I am wholly invested. It’s the most sandboxy of the Paradox lineup so far and I’ve been enjoying my time with it immensely. It is gorgeous, impressive, and absolutely worth the time it takes to learn. Now onto my fourth playthrough. The World Welsh Order will rise, mark my words.

It’s a brilliant game, one that gets deeper the more you engage with it, both on a gameplay and a thematic level. It had all the ingredients to be one of 2020’s indie breakouts, and it baffles me that it passed so many people by. I hope the Switch release brings it to a wider audience.

Intermission is an excellent expansion for the world of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, introducing Yuffie Kisaragi and expanding upon her character and history in ways that simply weren’t possible in the 1997 original. She absolutely steals the show here, bolstered up by a selection of compelling newcomers and a continuation of the main narrative that teases a tantalisingly exciting future for this ambitious project. I’m unsure when we will next see something from Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but if it’s anything like this - we’re in for a treat.

Jurassic World Evolution 3 doesn’t reinvent the park-building formula, nor does it step leaps and bounds beyond the prior games, but it refines it in meaningful ways. It’s smarter, more visually polished, and management systems are both deep and flexible. Small rough edges, repetitive moments, and occasional AI frustrations keep it from perfection, but there’s a lot here to love, especially for management fans who enjoy tinkering with every system at their disposal.

Live A Live feels like it shouldn’t exist, or was destined to remain hidden away with only a few fortunate fans stumbling upon it in the midst of online forums hosting fan translations of forgotten classics. I’m not sure what inspired Nintendo and Square Enix to bring this game back from the dead for a whole generation, but the fact they went through with it is a miracle. Whether you’re a JRPG fan or simply keen to play something completely different, Live A Live manages to surprise and delight in equal measure while refusing to show its full hand until the last possible moment. I’d argue it was almost worth the decades we spent waiting.

In the end, though, Vampire Therapist is every bit as compelling as the name would lead you to expect. Sam is a wonderful protagonist, the writing is well-balanced between humour and pathos, and it does a great job telling disparate stories that have full arcs. The commitment to depicting CBT faithfully could go further, but it remains an impressive effort. Overall, this is bloody good stuff.

Despite some repetition and bloat that makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ final stretch drag more than the rest of the game excites, its brave approach to exploration in a gorgeous world, heartfelt personal stories, and satisfying tweaks to the formula still make it stand as one of my favourite entries yet.

Fuser may not garner the attention of the masses like some of Harmonix’s previous titles, but it has plenty to offer for those in need of a party - whether it be by yourself, with your COVID-19-approved circle of friends, or with the game’s potentially bustling online community.

If you've been eagerly awaiting the chance to go to university, you won't be disappointed. This pack combines the very best of previous packs with some new and unique ideas that give a fully-formed and enjoyable gameplay experience - something The Sims 4 desperately needed.

If you were looking for a super kawaii J-Pop fueled adventure to play on the go, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore was tailor-made for you.

By the time I had located and freed Moomintroll, though, I had fallen in love with this version of Moominvalley, and only wished for a little more to explore, especially now that Moomintroll was free and by Snufkin’s side. Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a short but sweet glimpse into the world of the Moomins, and it plays out just like one of its classic stories or TV episodes.

With survival mode, my enthusiasm for the game has been renewed and I'm so excited to keep playing it long term, even if it's just jumping in for a run or two a few times a week. It definitely has some tuning issues, and the new bosses need to be brought down by a significant margin (especially on normal difficulty), but even the regular bad beats haven't turned me off from the allure of "just one more run before bed." I'm loving Remnant again, and Swamps of Corsus was just what it needed.

Paradise Killer is a game that looks and sounds great, but ultimately, feels devoid of any discernable raison d'etre and actively holds itself back with baffling design choices. The developers are clear talents, and I'm truly looking forward to what they make next. Next time, though, I hope that there's a bit more there to unpack.

WWE 2K24 comes closer than ever to bucking this trend, which alone is a cause for celebration. It’s a good time, and now, for the first time in years, I can pull out a few controllers and step into the squared circle with friends without fear they’ll be lost amidst a sea of impenetrable nonsense.

Frog Detective 2: The Case Of The Invisible Wizard may not be a mystery worthy of Hercule Poirot, but it's definitely worth an hour of your time.

Jet Lancer offers some fine shmup gameplay that offers a good amount of challenge without being too oppressive. It's unfortunate that some missions are simply not all that fun to play and seem to inflate the difficulty. Some of these really should have been optional missions, as requiring them to be finished before moving on gates the rest of the game behind levels that simply don't work as well as others. However, if you do happen to get past those obstacles, Jet Lancer features fast-paced action, old-school graphics and music, and a talking cat-focused story that could make it a swell game for shmup fans looking for something new.