Exit The Gungeon may not hit the same high notes as its predecessor, but it's still a worthwhile trip to take from the bottom all the way to the top.

People are going to play this game and have a lot of fun. That’s all a lot of people want from a game, and Forbidding West delivers. Through a certain lens, it deserves the perfect scores I’m expecting to see. But much like Ghost of Tsushima, a lot of you are going to come away disappointed by the lack of substance and new ideas. In many ways, Horizon Forbidden West is like it’s own machines. It’s grand, it’s gorgeous, but it has no soul.

Mexico 1921. A Deep Slumber is a picture-perfect snapshot of Mexican political turmoil in the early 20th century. With mechanics as satisfying as the world is beautiful, it's a joy to watch this political thriller through Juan's viewfinder. If you have any interest in history, Mexican culture, photography, or good video games, this isn't one to be missed.

However, aside from some general random glitchiness - such as the choppy stuttering that sometimes occurs when camera angles switch - UFC 4 drew me in and really hasn’t let me go. I love the type of experience that the game’s career mode has to offer, and with so many detailed gameplay mechanics, I feel like I’m learning something new every time I jump into the game. For those who love MMA and understand all of its intricacies, you’ll likely come into UFC 4 ahead of the curve. However, UFC 4 also has plenty to offer to newer fans who are just starting to cut their teeth on the sport. Simply put, UFC 4 is the best MMA game out there right now, and is a must-own for lovers of The Octagon.

Those minor issues don’t stop Marvel Cosmic Invasion from being yet another stellar beat ‘em, but they were enough to just keep it from matching the heights Shredder’s Revenge reached, which might also be down to how much more I prefer Turtles to Marvel. Whether you’re stuck comparing every brawler to TMNT for the rest of time like me or not, Cosmic Invasion is still a great experience that proves once again that Tribute is the best there is at what it does - and what it does best is very nice.

Gears Tactics transitions the series into a new genre admirably well. Although there is much to be desired regarding mission variety and replayability, the developers did a great job interweaving classic Gears combat and weaponry into a tactical format, making for a positive experience overall.

The only gripe anyone could possibly have about this game is that they personally prefer the narrative driven THUG and THAW games. I probably do too, but in terms of the raw THPS experience, this game has everything you need and more. Warehouse is the best opening level of all time, and you can spend hours in each park figuring out new lines. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remake is a magnificent game, and while the Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer the definitive version of the game, but it almost does, and that’s good enough for Jamie Thomas.

Just like the first game, Shiro and the Coal Town highlights the joy in ordinary tasks like collecting bugs and getting to know your neighbours, but with its stronger cast of characters, array of side quests to complete, and well-developed trolley racing minigame, it has a lot more to offer and is a significant improvement on Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation.

Those looking for an easygoing yet surprisingly deep JRPG will be taken with Monster Hunter Stories 2, even if some of its more notable flaws are harder to forgive. But once you look past those, you’re left with a wondrous little adventure with an engaging battle system, lovable characters, and an emotionally resonant narrative that sunk its claws in far deeper than I ever expected it to. If you’ve never been able to vibe with the mainline games, give this one a punt.

None of Ninjala's issues are beyond fixing. A more informative tutorial can be added in a future update, as can better maps and skins. What counts is that Ninjala's core gameplay is extremely unique and fun. Players that join now just have to be willing to put in the hours to learn what the game doesn't tell them. I sincerely hope this game pops off, because I'll be sticking around for a while.

I’m hopeful for My Time at Sandrock. While it does have its hiccups left over from the beta that impacted my gameplay from time to time, they were my only real problems with the game itself. My Time at Sandrock is an enjoyable, well-paced game that eschews genre expectations. I enjoyed tangibly seeing how my own, personal progress was helping to rejuvenate the flatlining spirit of the town.

Phoenix Point stands out in the tactical-RPG genre, even from obvious comparisons to XCOM, because it so fearlessly explodes the management systems on the battlefield. Even among tactics fans, it's clear this isn't a game for everyone, but if you're looking for something to really sink your teeth into, Phoenix Point is it.

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

Ghostwire: Tokyo is a shooter unlike anything I’ve ever played before. Its depiction of Japan is frighteningly lifelike in its execution, begging for us to explore its abandoned streets and dimly lit alleyways in search of wayward spirits that all have stories to tell. Whether you’re bounding across rooftops or doing battle in construction sites, it is constantly surprising in ways that few games in recent memory have managed to. It is fresh, exciting, and a demonstration of what a major studio is capable of when they’re given the freedom to tackle a new universe without compromise. It isn’t perfect, but it’s so different, and that should be more than enough for people to take notice.

Though Genesis doesn’t exactly introduce anything totally new to the franchise, it’s an entertaining experience that stays true to the feel and tone of the series despite making a few budgetary concessions.

Ultimately, Neon Abyss is a game that caters to any kind of player. Hardened veterans of the roguelike genre can put a ton of time and effort into making their way through each level, while casual players can pick up and play Neon Abyss whenever they have a few spare minutes to kill.

Celeste is the superior platforming experience, but that shouldn't deter you from playing Ageless. Yes, the game could use more polish and the aiming mechanic could be tighter, but Ageless offers a challenging puzzle-platforming time.

Mechanically, this is the Call of Duty game I’ve enjoyed the most since Modern Warfare 2, and the only game in the series where I’ve ever felt the need to finish the campaign more than once. It’s just a shame it’s a bit light on multiplayer maps, even if there’s no denying that, between the three modes, it’s still one of the best value video games you can buy. Enjoy, Bell.

Halo: Reach is probably better played on a console considering the issues encountered on PC, but they aren't enough to wreck the release. The campaign is excellent, showing why Halo is one of the most acclaimed first-person shooters. There might be some drops in the frame rate, but the gameplay is still excellent. The story is engaging, showing what it means to be a soldier in a time of peril, with the final level being incredibly memorable.

Assassin’s Creed: The Rebel Collection gives you plenty of bang for your swashbuckling buck.

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.

There are rough parts to Summer Memories, to be sure. Its visuals aren't the prettiest, its translation is awkward in places, and that crouching mechanic really does suck. Yet the experience of this game, the raw, primal thrill of being swept up in a whirlwind of danger and given the choice to either work with people or piss them off is unlike anything else on the market. It's a game that lives and dies on its interactions with the world and its inhabitants alone, and those interactions alone are worth the price of admission.

Planet of Lana 2: Children of the Leaf builds on the delightful world that the first game whisked us away to and delivers yet another beautiful and touching tale. It raises the bar when it comes to puzzles and challenges, while giving us some much-anticipated answers as to where Mui came from and the more technologically advanced society that existed in the ancient past. Lana is more grown-up here, and so the darker story feels right at home as we continue this journey with her, and I’m now left in anticipation of her next chapter.

Though flawed in areas and certainly a victim of the limitations endemic to virtual reality, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is an admirable attempt at maturing the medium and modernizing an all-too-stagnant gaming space. It’s a warts-and-all sort of experience which, at the moment, can only really be appreciated by VR veterans, but, even for casual players, Saints & Sinners is a worthwhile undertaking which stands head-and-shoulders above the complacent competition.

It’s highly ambitious and one of the most intriguing triple-A games I’ve played in years, but I wish so many parts of the whole weren’t inherently flawed. Now my journey in Pywel has come to an end, I’ll be leaving this one on the shelf for a while.

Sumire mostly accomplishes what it sets out to do through its remarkable visuals and emotion-evoking narrative. It somehow manages to be both thought-provoking and soothing, despite some shortcomings with the dialogue options.

Beyond its unique art style, Need for Speed Unbound doesn’t do anything to reinvent the steering wheel, but it doesn’t need to. This is Need for Speed, so you know what you’re here for - fast races, cop chases, and more cars than you know what to do with. Unbound is all of that packaged in the series’ most stylish entry to date.

Dead Space is a triumphant remake that draws strength from familiarity instead of allowing its archaic origins to become a vice. This is now the definitive version of Isaac Clarke’s first chapter, one that doesn’t aim to reinvent his character, but to outfit him with a more relatable and nuanced arc that will likely set the stage for other games to come. Improved performance, a greater incentive to explore, and a crux of combat and scares combine to turn what was once a horror classic into a modern gem. Shame it’s a bit too easy, though.

At its core, The Solitaire Conspiracy isn't much more than a gussied up version of Solitaire. Still, the work done in creating an intriguing narrative and piecing it together with an amazing style makes this little venture worth picking up. With the team not opposed to doing some DLC down the line, it could also become a much more substantial game in the future.

FIFA 21 is not FIFA 20: Part 2. It isn't a complete reboot of the franchise either, and nor does it need to be. EA has also done more than "just enough" to set itself apart from last year's game. This is something developers of games that release annually can be guilty of. It feels different, and for anyone who doesn't agree with that, Volta feels like a whole new game within the main game for a completely fresh experience this year. Yes, it might be a stepping stone, but it's just the stepping stone FIFA needs to bridge the gap between this generation and the next.

That's why I mostly love Fast & Furious Crossroads. I do think there's something questionable about it being a full-price release, and I do think the engaging multiplayer content (which I'll detail in a separate feature) will likely die on the vine thanks to that. But what's here is a sumptuous feast for franchise fans and adrenaline junkies alike - more than enough to whet your appetite for next year's F9.

Even if these minor issues prevent Rakugaki from fully filling the hole in my heart that the equally colourful Hi-Fi Rush left, its incredible style and fast-paced platforming make it one of the year’s best hidden gems and a strong entry into the genre that shows that its heart is still beating strong.

There’s a lot to take in and comprehend when you first start Treasures of the Aegean. It’s never frustrating or off putting, though. In fact, with every new run (whether it was successful or not), I found myself just wanting to know more about the lore of this mysterious ancient city and what exactly the time loop was all about. For lore buffs, puzzle solvers, and platforming fans, Treasures of the Aegean is right up your alley.

Miniatures is a game I’m going to ruminate over for a long time. It’s beautiful, melancholy, and purposefully weird, and I really appreciate that. In an industry that so often plays it safe, it’s invigorating to play something so creative and so intent on doing its own thing. Miniatures is beyond comparison, a game to be experienced for yourself above all else.

These are solid remasters of excellent games, and fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy the experience. It’s part nostalgia, part respect for its legacy, and part truth when I say Tomb Raider 2 is a perfect game for its era, and the titles either side of it aren’t bad either. I hope newcomers give it a chance, but it does feel like the remaster could do more to help that happen.

Nintendo was never going to remake Super Mario Galaxy 1+2, nor do I think it ever should unless it wants to risk diluting two undeniable classics. Despite that, this sadly doesn’t feel like the remastered effort you’d expect for such a steep asking price, with myriad flaws from a bygone era holding it back from true greatness. This is now the definitive means to experience two of the best platformers ever made, it’s just unfortunate that the package is prohibitively expensive and borderline insulting to those who want to enjoy it most.

Without spoiling things, Star Ocean eventually devolves into schlocky cliché territory, but by that point, you’re firmly on board, ticket purchased and ready to see its journey through to the end. Star Ocean: The Second Story got the remake treatment for a reason - it’s a classic of the genre with compelling characters, wonderful storytelling, and oodles of satisfying mechanics. R goes to great lengths to streamline the Star Ocean experience and make it more beautiful (the new arranged soundtrack is glorious), and while it might have sustained a bit of the difficulty that made the original a triumph to overcome, it still squarely sticks the landing.

AWE's greatest strength is in how cleverly it merges Alan Wake and Control into a singular experience. I wouldn't begrudge Remedy for divulging in a bit of low-brow fanservice for the second expansion of a critically acclaimed game, but they really went the extra mile in delivering a cohesive experience that fits cleanly into both worlds.

While I had a blast embarking on this journey to Persephone with Ariane and Thomas, I do wish it were on the longer side. Even at seven hours long, there seemed to be room for the narrative to venture to deeper, more interesting places. Who knows, perhaps we’ll see that in the future. For now, though, this is a sci-fi epic well worth your time.

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a fantastic game for those who appreciate short story collections that encompass all things weird and creepy. I played it on my Steam Deck, curled up in bed with it much like I would with one of my folklore books. Just don’t forget to check under your bed before you get into it.

Although I prefer more responsiveness, quicker movement, and greater control than the new RTS has to offer – Iron Harvest strongly delivers in its own way. It’s an absolute must-buy for fans of Company of Heroes or steam-punk aesthetic lovers. Even if you’re just a moderate fan of RTS games, Iron Harvest is a tough experience to pass up.

When you fail a Trial of Fire, you learn and you move on. The thing about this game is that every single run is better than the last one, even if it’s decidedly more short-lived. In fact, that’s actually a blessing in disguise - more time for another go before bed, eh?

Bear and Breakfast is an in-depth management sim that is all too easy to enjoy for hours on end. There’s plenty of quirky humour alongside an unfolding story filled with mysterious undertones, gorgeous 2D graphics, and classic genre goodness.

Despite its uninteresting story and occasional jankiness, Ghostrunner 2 still manages to be a great successor by understanding why the first game was such a success, sharpening nearly every mechanic, and building upon them with the addition of the bike and wingsuit. It might not be the most innovative sequel in the world, but considering how great the original Ghostrunner already was, that’s no bad thing.

With a welcoming difficulty curve and paced introduction of mechanics, various modes to practice and play with friends, and an extensive world of interesting characters and factions, Songs of Conquest is a golden example of turn-based strategy games done right, with everything you could want included.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a surreal experience, simply put. I think that it has the ability to make its players try and find the deeper meaning of the game, even if there’s not necessarily one to be found. One other nice thing about the game is that you don’t have to have played the first Anodyne to know what’s going on in Anodyne 2, this note coming directly from the developer. The game certainly doesn’t appeal to everyone, especially with its grandiose nature. But if you’re looking for a unique gaming experience this weekend, look no further than Anodyne 2: Return to Dust.

By the end, it felt like Resident Evil Requiem had marked the end of a new era that began almost a decade ago. It’s reached a point where anxiety-inducing horror and over the top explosive action can exist in tandem rather than cannibalising one another into tragic irrelevance. Leon Kennedy and Grace Ashcroft engage in a delicate dance where all of their complicated steps work together in relative harmony despite some minor missteps.

Steamworld Build is a great addition to the series, providing a unique but refined take on the city builder genre. Anyone looking for a more complicated, hardcore experience might find it a touch underwhelming, at least until the game really starts to find its feet. Even so, its forgiving nature and slow but consistent feed of gameplay mechanics make it especially appealing to more casual players or folks new to the genre.

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 is a game for racing genre fans who enjoy more realistic gameplay. The game is easy enough to pick up and play, but it's far more difficult - though rewarding - to become a skilled racer. Although online multiplayer falls a bit flat due to the current player base, the game’s Career mode certainly makes up for it and is well-worth your time. TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 2 is fast, fun, and the best racing title so far in 2020.

Paranormasight: The Mermaid's Curse is a strong follow-up to the first title, continuing the gorgeous art style and unique gameplay system, and cementing the series as the peak when it comes to supernatural puzzle visual novels. While the puzzles could have been more balanced throughout, the narrative and characters outshine those of the previous game and make for a deliciously moreish game that kept me captivated from beginning to end.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a very good game that feels like it’s already been left behind by modern genre conventions. There’s nothing all that frustrating in that - we shouldn’t expect games, especially those made by studios the size of Ember Labs, to be constantly groundbreaking, but so much of Kena feels borrowed from elsewhere that it’s difficult to call it great. It’s a solid, enjoyable experience, and charming enough that you won’t care that you’ve played versions of it before. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a pretty nice wheel nonetheless.

So bring a box of tissues and brace yourself for emotional impact, because Arise: A Simple Story is perhaps the most tearjerking game you'll play this year.

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.

The price point for entry feels quite reasonable. There is a one-time promotion for new players that provides ten packs for $4.95. From there, bundles of packs, a pre-order for an expansion, and an “Equipment” tab which offers cosmetics like card backs also become available. Compared to all the other online card games out there, this feels perfectly average in asking price, but growing a collection as a free-to-play player feels somewhat slow by comparison.

By having a healthier roster, slightly tweaked combat, and two of the best arcs in the whole series, The Hinokami Chronicles 2 still stands as a worthy sequel, and one that I hope is surpassed even more by the inevitable third game that has a hell of a lot of heavy lifting to do by finishing off the whole series.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is a triumph - an absolute must-play for anyone who appreciates timeless design, stunning visuals, and the type of game that rewards both patience and strategy. It is joy distilled for those of us who grew up in a certain era and a wonderful glimpse into the past for those lucky youngsters who did not. It delivers on its promise to take stewardship of the classics and makes me thrilled that this is the pedigree we can expect from Square Enix going forward.

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.

In a year already filled with sleeper hits, I truly believe The Knightling can be another one on this growing list. Not only does it pack everything you’d want from an RPG into a condensed package, but it borrows from other genres to make a game that will appeal to a massive audience if they’re willing to give it a chance. Action adventure, 3D platforming, puzzles, there’s something for everyone without the looming threat of setting aside 80 hours to play it.

Overall, Brain vs Brain is exactly what you’d expect of Big Brain Academy on the Nintendo Switch. It doesn’t feel like it has changed all that much in 14 years, but maybe it didn’t need to. It’s the most gamified title in this genre, and to mess with it too much might have diminished the appeal, but it’s a little disappointing that a decade and a half of studying leads to the same B+ grade.

EarthNight is a little gem. Auto-runners and endless runners do not have the greatest reputation, but this title paints an exciting future for them. It's not perfect, in part due to the (at times) tedious arcade system and technically short length for the price. Still, the outstanding painted visuals, wonderful chiptune soundtrack, and altogether great use of automatic running makes EarthNight worth checking out.

Super Rush is an excellent golf game, but the fact that only one of the advertised modes can be played with three-to-four players simultaneously on a single console is a little bit disappointing. Still, this manages to be the best Mario sports title on Nintendo Switch, and a great multiplayer gem for low-energy gatherings with pals.

Although I’m sure completionists will find a lot to love here, I had the most fun with Demon Turf when I forgot about its myriad side quests, collectibles, and second visits to a level, and just ran through stages with my mastery of Beebz’s moves letting me fly through levels like I was Sonic and I’d finally learnt how to work in 3D. When Demon Turf is fast, it’s glorious, it’s just a shame it has some extra baggage stopping it from peeling out.

If you want a charming, easy-to-follow game about managing a supermarket, and don’t mind if the story isn’t the most engaging, then this is a fantastic pick and I definitely recommend this. If you want super complex storefront mechanics or need a deep, well-developed plot, then you might find this one underwhelming.

It's an expensive toy that has specific flooring and space requirements. But if you have the right place for it, I can't recommend Rift Rally enough. It's the first full-fledged AR experience that doesn't feel like an experimental tech-demo, and it inspires so many more possibilities for the future. Velan Studios understands the appeal and nostalgia of Hot Wheels, and has filled this game with so much variety and so many great ideas. I haven't been this impressed by a game in a long time, and it fills my jaded gamer heart with hope.

Prison Princess, just like any meaningful hookup, is a quick and good time. It probably won't be something you'll remember for years to come. But for a few hours, it'll be a lot of fun.

Even with the balancing issues and a clear rough start to its first season, MultiVersus’ incredibly solid and unique core mechanics, along with its clear love and respect for every character and series that it represents, let it stand close to the top of the genre. It still needs some fine-tuning, but I’m confident that in a year’s time, MultiVersus will be standing strong next to Smash.

I have fallen head over heels, or rather bumper over wheels, for the world of Promise Mascot Agency. Though some elements might get a little repetitive, the narrative, gameplay, and unique charm have made it one of my favourite games so far this year. I have been left wanting more, but not because it didn’t deliver enough. The whole adventure was so moreishly enjoyable and the world so intriguing that I just want even more of such a good thing.

I suspect that most fans of the Soulslike genre will have a great time with The First Berserker: Khazan - especially if their primary focus is on the gameplay. It has some thoughtful approaches to easing frustration while maintaining that rewarding, Soulsian challenge. The First Berserker: Khazan may not be on the level of a Bloodborne or a Sekiro, but in the midst of combat, it can feel shockingly close.

Under all the dinosaurs, the bug hunting, and the match-3 boards, it is at its core a love letter to game development and an indictment of the industry as it exists now. It seems impossible for one short game to juggle all this, to feel so unique in a gameplay sense and so prescient in a thematic one, and yet, it does. If only I wasn’t fighting against all these real-life bugs in an attempt to find the fictional ones.

Mecha Break is kind of like a beautiful 8oz filet mignon from the fanciest restaurant in town, with a thick layer of Heinz ketchup splattered on top. Sure, you can scrape off the ketchup and still enjoy the steak, but it would be a lot better if the ketchup just wasn’t there at all.

Utilizing virtual reality to help get gamers up off the couch is a great use of the technology, and BoxVR is about as good as it gets when it comes to fitness games. It's a fast, challenging, and entertaining way to try to lose some extra pounds with your VR helmet.

Although the story mode lets itself down a bit and the offline offerings are slim, I still had a great time with Invincible VS and expect to lose even more hours to it when the servers go up. The excellent and welcoming mechanics, well-developed roster, and tons of fan service not only make Invincible VS a stand-out tag fighter, but also the game that the series has deserving for a long time.

Compared to other puzzle games, Superliminal doesn’t necessarily feel like it stands out. However, its use of perspective is incredibly well-executed, and provides a nice mental exercise for those willing to give it a try.

As far as racing games go on the Switch, WRC 9 takes top honors. The realistic racing sim has been ported to the mobile device near-flawlessly, falling short only due to the hardware capabilities of the Switch. The definitive way to experience WRC 9 is on the PS5 or Xbox Series X. However, the Nintendo Switch version of the game is a solid option for players who are looking to take their races on-the-go.

Although Nostalgaia does have some shortcomings that put it below the games it’s trying to ape, the fact that it manages to get even a little bit close is a feat of its own. Whether you’re an IP freak like me who's happy seeing a ton of love for gaming, someone looking to get into the Soulsborne genre, or a FromSoft veteran that’s looking for something new, there’s something in Nostalgaia for everyone.

Dying Light: The Beast might repeat some of the mistakes of previous games, but it also brings back everything that worked and focuses on them while delivering a more interesting story set in the series’ most unique location yet. The Beast might have started as DLC for the more ambitious Dying Light 2, but its contained success ends up being closer to the sequel we all asked for than that game ever was.

Nintendo hasn't made a true Paper Mario game since 2004's Thousand Year Door, and if you've always wished for another game like those first two in the series then you should probably check this out. It doesn't revolutionize the RPG formula, but Bug Fables shows that you don't need an Italian plumber to have fun playing with paper.

The only major downside is the lack of online play. There could have been a lot of fun comparing how one uses their shovel or shield around the world. Because of that, Shovel Knight Showdown will probably only be enjoyed by core fans of the original game.

It feels like one big adventure, and you’re only privy to one piece at a time. Delving into the depths of a foreign planet would usually be off-putting to me as a cozy gamer, but the world of Carcosa drew me in. Who is the mysterious voice lingering in Arjun’s head, what happened to the colony and the crew, and how in the world am I supposed to beat the tutorial boss on my next run?

Despite its flaws, though, Millennia’s gameplay is compelling enough to keep me coming back. It’s better than Humankind (which I say as an unapologetic Amplitude fanboy), and on par with Old World, but it doesn’t quite dethrone Civilization. However, its introduction and implementation of new takes on genre staples puts the ball in Firaxis’ court.

Disgaea 7 is a course correction from some of the mistakes made in Disgaea 6. Gone is the slimmed-down character roster that saw many series staples disappear - instead, Disgaea 7 has more class options than any previous game, with entirely new classes and monsters to boot. Gone are the overinflated stat values and the game-breaking unrestricted auto-battle mechanics. The result is a game that feels more ‘Disgaea’ and less experimental, making it a more fitting modern follow-up to the crowning glory that was Disgaea 5 as a result.

While a divisive entry to some, Yakuza 3 remains a highlight of the franchise for me, and it feels good to see this much love given to its restoration.

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.

Rocket Arena is a lot more than it may seem on the surface. As a 3v3 connoisseur (i.e. someone with only 2 friends) Rocket Arena is the one I'll be sticking with.

Dragon Quest 7 has always been the series' most ambitious entry - a sprawling anthology of tragedy and hope that attempted things no other Dragon Quest has matched. It was also, frankly, too long. Reimagined solves that problem without sacrificing what made the original special. For series veterans, it's a chance to revisit a flawed classic in its best possible form. For newcomers, it's finally a reasonable entry point into one of the franchise's most rewarding narratives.

A stealth game above all else, Disjunction is a fun journey through a dystopian world. Its head-to-head combat woes can be generally overlooked because stealth is such a major component. It’s clear that Ape Tribe Games put a lot of effort into building up the game’s cyberpunk setting, successfully making Disjunction a game that needs to be played by fans of the genre, or even OG Metal Gear Solid fans.

InKonbini: One Store. Many Stories offers a short but very sweet slice-of-life game that makes you value the quiet moments and fleeting conversations you have with strangers. Much like our favourite convenience store snacks, it offers plenty of flavour in a bite-sized chunk that keeps our appetite satiated until the next eye-catching game comes along. I went into InKonbini expecting something a little different, but finished my final shift pleasantly surprised with just how attached I had become to the game. It’s impressive how it takes small moments and elevates them to such heartfelt heights.

Anno 117 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but the addition of land combat and the ability to further customize your cities with diagonal roads and decorations brings even more satisfaction to the successful formula of a strategy series with a gameplay formula like no other.

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.

With its retro-future, animated aesthetic and soundtrack that fits the vibe perfectly, Inertial Drift is a treat for both senses. The twin-stick drift mechanics certainly won’t be for everyone, but if you’re willing to put in a little time, it’s ultimately a pretty enjoyable experience. Inertial Drift isn’t likely to take the top spot as my go-to racing title, but the light-hearted game is a nice break from the more realistic racing sims.

Anyone looking to play a quality platformer hearkening back to the older era should give this a download right away. It's certainly worth the price of $3.99.

Age of Wonders: Planetfall Revelations is an expansion that, for the most part, knows why the original game was good and does more of that. While the Anomalous Site mechanic sacrifices playability for theme, the main story lets the player dive into the mysteries of the past while getting interesting new battle mechanics.

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.

It has some real navigation issues, but once you get past those, this is a title that anyone with a PSVR helmet should be checking out. After all, there's no better use for virtual reality than to peer through the eyes of a giant Golem and smash things to smithereens.

With a clear design meant to accommodate players of all ages, Tilt Pack feels like a great addition to any player’s library and is a great choice for playing with friends. Although the objective of each round is the same - to be the last rectangular block standing - the dangers faced in each different arena and the power ups that can be obtained keep the game exciting. There may not be much to do after a while, but Tilt Pack feels fresh every time a group dives in, making it a perfect choice for short, frequent games.

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 advised that people play this gem of a game on PC in order to experience the best version of Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, but the drawbacks of the console version can be overlooked by people who are really patient or don't mind messing around on their phone every couple of minutes when going back to a town to restock on times.

Even with current bugs and shortcomings, it's been hard to stop playing. 14 hours later, I still want to take just one more turn.