Even without the original’s VR elements, Chronos: Before the Ashes’ compelling and somewhat challenging combat is still its main draw, in which you have to attack, dodge and parry your way, with refined precision, towards victory. Its aging system also adds an interesting twist to combat, imbuing your battles with a sense of prudence. That said, it doesn’t offer anything new to the genre. Just watch out for its clumsy camera angles and you’ll do fine.

Despite rocky presentation and a ho-hum story, Warriors Orochi 4 has been some of the dumbest fun I’ve had with a video game all year.

Piyotama is slickly produced, hugely addictive, and the perfect alternative to Warhawk.

Jump King is an excellent experience in soul-crushing difficulty and nightmarishly precise platforming. It's the type of game that won't be for many people, but for the small percent that craves this kind of experience, they won't be disappointed. The somewhat imprecise nature of your jumping often frustrated me and diluted the pure player skill needed to clear the game, but it still ends up being a solid test of your patience and platforming skills.

Iron Harvest’s incredible presentation and scrappy, dynamic battles can’t always save it from uneven mechanical depth and arbitrary-feeling limitations. A celebration of the some classic RTS, but not an evolution of it.

Despite its issues, All-Star racing is an original take on the kid-friendly kart racer which offers a wonderful selection of fruit themed content to keep both children and adults entertained. It might not get everything right, but it’s a beautifully juicy start.

Heave Ho is the life of the party: wild and magnetic with a few surprises up its sleeve. Play it on your own, however, and it’s not quite as much fun to hang with.

Overall Amplitude’s return is an enjoyable one, though the game’s campaign set-list has just as many tracks that would clear the dancefloor as fill it.

TRON: Catalyst is a safe spin-off of the iconic TRON: Legacy world - it presents big ideas but only ever dips it's toes into those waters, wrapping things up as a mostly okay game that existing fans will likely find a lot of joy in nonetheless.

A Juggler’s Tale is a good, if short, puzzle platformer with an enjoyable narrated story. Bugs do need ironing out even as rare as they are, but if you’re a looking for something to occupy you for a couple of hours, A Juggler’s Tale is worth giving a go for fans of the genre.

Dragon's Dogma feels like the start of something big. It thrills and frustrates in equal measure, and whilst it's not up to the level of those at the top of this genre, one can't help but wonder what a Dragon's Dogma 2 could be like if Capcom act on all the lessons learned from this game. An exciting thought indeed.

Its commitment to manic, arcade shooting is one of its biggest strengths, but this unfortunately highlights the game’s weaker elements, namely the platforming. The narrative is ultimately the stand out feature here, as the nuanced character writing highlights the surprisingly profound overarching narrative in a way that keeps players engaged.

Tiny Lands offers an eminently charming game of virtual spot the difference. The fact that there's no time limit, no pressure and no stress result in a delightfully relaxing video game. A chilled, tranquil experience that stands out on an island of calm in a sea of action-packed video game stress-fests.

Biped is a unique co-op physics puzzler that has some wonderfully original ideas. A fascinating control scheme equally frustrates and delights, though it's absolutely essential in providing puzzle mechanics that you won't find anywhere else. It's just a shame that those ideas haven't been pushed, refined and developed a little more.

The best way to sum up L.A. Noire is that it suffers from Assassin's Creed syndrome. You'll certainly get a lot of enjoyment out of it. There's something new and refreshing about a witty, intelligent game that requires a little bit more thinking than the norm. However, it's a bit repetitive and kind of loses its way after the halfway point.

Grit and Valor 1949 is an enjoyable roguelite experience, offering compelling mech tactics with punchy gameplay and a cool aesthetic, though repetition does eventually set in.

The Smurfs – Dreams is a welcome throwback to classic 3D platformers and makes for a good snackable game if you’ve already played the likes of Astro Bot or the Mario games (or don’t have the relevant consoles for them). It’ll keep you well entertained for the 7 or 8 hours it lasts and there are plenty of hidden secret collectables to hunt out. Whether you have any nostalgia for the Smurfs or are new to them you could do a lot worse than to have a snooze with the blues.

Stronghold: Warlords is a refreshing new look for the long-running siege warfare series, rekindling much of what made the series great in the early 2000s. However, there's a number of deep-seated flaws that Firefly need to make the focus of game updates and redefine for the series going forward.

Professor Lupo: Ocean is a distinctive puzzle game that builds on the uniqueness of the original. As you walk through the Aurora Space Station’s flooded corridors, you find yourself adapting to the logical way of thinking needed to finally come face-to-face with the Professor himself. The visuals are charming, the soundtrack is minimal but effective, and you feel immensely satisfied after clearing each level. However, while there’s much to praise about this title, the shortness of its content, coupled with its awkward controls, does remove you from the gameplay every now and again.

Disgaea 6 is full of fun characters and addictive grinding, but as a package it feels like a stepping stone entry in the series - a not-quite-complete game that will hopefully pave the way for bigger and better things in the next sequel.

It may not be the longest game, but if the supernatural intrigues you even a little, then this one case worth taking.

Code Vein is addictive, yet frustrating. It's promising, yet unpolished. There are a lot of interesting ideas here that come together to craft a unique and engaging experience. I just wish that the flaws here weren't so glaring, because they keep Code Vein from being a great game instead of just a good one.

The weapons are still awesome and it's a very big adventure; it's easy to overlook some of the missing features when it's this much fun and it'll keep you coming back again and again for more.

Half Past Fate's laid-back storyline and cute artwork leave you feeling relaxed and fulfilled. If you’re looking for a challenge though, you aren’t going to find it here. If you're new to the genre, it’s a nice way to get a feel for the style without getting overwhelmed by dozens of buttons, options and paths to follow.

Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning is a good solid remaster, just don't expect much to have changed compared to the original. The world is as magical fantasy as you could get, and it really does draw you in, but some technical issues and a number of repetitive quests can dull the otherwise colourful experience.

Partisans 1941 is an enjoyable take on the real time tactics genre, but too often your perfect ambush is then undone moments later by hyper-alert enemies spotting your squad. There's some balance issues (which will hopefully be improved with patches), but there's a solid tactical game here with an enjoyable story and some gameplay mechanics that we’ve not previously seen in the genre.

Spintires: MudRunner is utterly unique, and as a driving simulator of a niche field it is basically unparalleled. However, the difficulty level and lack of pace are likely going to make it a very niche game, while the camera is an extra challenge in itself. Still, there’s grit, determination, freedom and reward to be found here for those ready to wade in.

Despite not winning the Playstation Plus monthly vote, Action Henk’s speedy little adventure is well worth taking a shot at. The challenge of attaining those platinum medals, and in shaving a few tenths off your best times, is a hook that never fails to grab you, and for those with a competitive streak its fun, physics-based gameplay should be a perfect fit.

Scars Above is a great addition to the library of single player adventures and it tells an engaging sci-fi story that interrogates ideas of genetic manipulation, free will, and sacrifice. While it loses momentum a little towards the end, it serves as a fantastic advertisement for smaller budget games and is well worth picking up.

BlazeRush is a fun time-sink that really comes into its own when you have human competition.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a short and sweet addition to the Monkey Ball canon. There’s plenty of Monkey shenanigans to indulge in, and fans will no doubt love the new online modes, with the only true caveat being that this is still, unequivocally, more of the same Monkey Ball.

Arc Raiders reminds me of Destiny at launch; the core gameplay is excellent, and there's a heartwarming sense of community, but there are many aspects that need refining and expanding. Managing your stash on consoles is a chore and there are not enough in-game events to spice up each run.

If you're new to the series, Transport Fever 2 is a great place to start. The campaign offers a gentle introduction to transportation logistics, while the late game guides you through managing modern cities. The new demand and production mechanics may annoy some more experienced players, who will also notice that this game isn't as much of a step forwards as Transport Fever 1 was over Train Fever, but fans will definitely find endless hours of replayabilty as they grow and master their transport empire.

Dragon Quest Heroes II is an enjoyable hack and slash sequel with a great array of characters and enemies. It continues on the good work of the first title in conjuring the feel of the Dragon Quest series, but it’s still just a Musou title underneath it all with all the repetitive combat that entails. While the RPG elements add a nice level of customisation, it can all feel a little too prescribed to be truly enthralling.

If Gust had made the narrative more relevant to the gaming masses and upped the bar in terms of visual presentation, this could easily have been one of the best entries the JRPG genre has witnessed in quite some time.

Rocks n' Rockets would be the perfect fit in a retro gamers life. The downfalls aren't entirely its fault but there is a noticeable difference between the consoles.

Full of quirky characters and the convoluted cases to solve, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is still a great visual novel adventure, and it's been thoroughly spruced up for modern consoles. It's not the most adventurous of remasters, but there's a real charm to these games that's great for newcomers as well as fans revisiting the series.

Lost in Random is a beautiful Burton-esque fantasy that comes close to evoking the same levels of craft and character as its obvious inspirations. It doesn’t quite sustain the wonder from start to finish, but it remains an easy recommendation.

If old-school knockabout fun is your thing then SARPBC is probably the best the PSN has to offer you.

Apsulov: End of Gods is a worthy counterpart to other great Norse games of recent years. With only a small development team, it can't match the presentation of some of the games that inspired it, but it makes up for this with a distinctive character. Taking the ideas of Doom 3 and Dead Space and mixing them up with Norse mythology, this is a really interesting and enjoyable horror experience.

Ravenbound is a striking Scandinavian fantasy, and one that’s often a delight to experience. However, this particular open world can often feel too empty and lifeless, relying on a player's thorough involvement in its collection of gameplay ideas to stay engaged.

Reus is a great looking, colourful game with decent music. The art style is distinct and the giant designs are all very well done. It is one of those games you would put on when you have a bit of time to kill because it is so easy to get into. You’ll learn the systems quite quickly as you chop and change the world to meet the requirements of the people, though it will take quite a lot of playing to unlock everything and beat the challenges that Reus has listed in it. At times though you can’t help but feel you’re just doing the same thing over and over, and a little bit more substance would help flesh out the experience Reus offers.

Minis are primarily designed to be fun in short blasts and for £3.99, Pinball Fantasies offer up doses of small fun to help reduce boredom on the train to work. Sure, it doesn’t look particularly good nowadays and lacks longevity, but that’s missing the point somewhat.

Whether you can forgive the rushed dialogue text, the constant nagging and the unfinished presentation is a matter of personal patience but those who make apologies for the dodgy physics are giving Konami free reign to present another unfinished game next year. I think PES fans deserve better than this.

The Crew 2 is a fun game in a lot of ways, but lacklustre in others. For every enjoyable event there may be another that is frustrating or simply a little boring. The open world can be great to explore, but thanks to being able to fast travel to every event you don’t ever actually need to physically cross the USA. Ubisoft should be commended for really taking a risk with The Crew 2 by adding so much and taking proceedings less seriously, but while The Crew 2 is a good arcade racer it still doesn’t quite rank among the best.

Cosmonious High makes being the new kid in class feel truly special. It's not quite as universal as the "robots do human things" humour of Job Simulator, but never gives up on being positive, from the alien character designs, to the vibrant colour palette, and the sandbox of simple puzzles and powers to use. It's just missing that half step of complexity as a VR experience.

It’s tougher to recommend BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend to those wishing to get more out of it than a solid fighting game experience. However, the two new characters that join the growing cast are great additions and the conversion to the next-gen consoles is almost completely successful. If you’re not intimidated by the competitive scene or if the massively convoluted plot doesn’t faze you; BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend is a good choice for scratching that pugilistic itch.

There’s a lot to like about Laika – Aged Through Blood with its motorvania concept that absolutely delivers, offering a fresh and compelling take on the often staid metroidvania formula. Personally, the high difficulty was not for me, the grind becoming so choresome that getting the bathroom cleaned became deeply alluring. Still, if you like a serious challenge then you might enjoy Laika – Aged Through Blood. Just give it a miss if you’re playing on a Nintendo Switch Lite or in handheld more.

At only a few hours long, Fated keeps things short and sweet. Although there’s little reason to go back and play again, I didn’t feel as though the £7.99 pricetag was too steep. In that respect, it’s more of a showpiece, a flashy virtual rollercoaster, and one that’s definitely worth riding.

Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late is a welcome addition to the fighting genre, and whilst there are a few rough edges, and a barmy plot, its welcoming but deep mechanics, enjoyable characters and solid performance should see it gain as many fans on this side of the world as it did in the East.

Whilst an enjoyable and undoubtedly beautiful game, Planet Alpha never quite makes the leap into classic territory.

Neverout takes a simple premise and packs it into a small package. With just a few hours of playtime, it doesn’t outstay its welcome, but there’s not much variation to the puzzles and it could have done with a story. Puzzle fiends should definitely take a look, especially if they own a VR headset.

Transformers: Earthspark - Expedition isn't going to win any awards, it's (relatively) cheap and cheerful and borrows from many other games. What it does, it does well, and despite the mish mash of elements it does work as a cohesive game. Fans of the cartoon will love it, while grumpy old Geewunners may find it less enticing, especially as Optimus now sounds like your Dad's mate Dave from down the pub.

It's great to see Mario Golf: Speed Rush reviving another Mario sports franchise for Nintendo Switch, but it's a game that feels that restrained in some places and muddled in others. The Adventure mode loses its focus half way through, and it lacks course variety, but underneath it all, this is still a fun, accessible and often frantic golf game that is easy to enjoy.

Wanted: Weapons of Fate is like buying a car from a shifty looking guy down an alley. It has some nice features, it works well, it may even be really, really fun, but then you realise that you’re missing a massive chunk of what you paid for and you can’t help but feel somewhat cheated.

It’s a decent game that generally looks very nice and will while away a few hours, but you won’t be rushing to tell your friends about it and you might not want to return after completing it.

While it has its flaws, there’s a uniqueness to Get Even we rarely see in video games today. Right away, The Farm 51 demonstrates its desire to be different, crossing between genres and actually taking a gamble. While it doesn’t always pay off, we’re still left with something both intriguing, experimental and, at times, thought provoking.

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: Generation V makes for a sound handheld role playing game. Although some will find it hard to connect with the characters and universe, it’s hard to fault Generation V’s fluid combat and presentation features.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby – Party Dash is an absolute gift for horse girl fans everywhere. The game isn't without fault, though, and there's some technical issues and slightly underbaked gameplay, but fans will probably come galloping anyway.

The Town of Light isn’t a game you play for fun. There’s nothing enjoyable about the true face of mental illness nor the fear and isolation it engenders. Instead of aiming to reward players with a sense of enjoyment, LKA.it strives to help them empathise with the character of Renée and the unspeakable horrors she’s forced to endure. There’s a sobering, meaningful story to be witnessed and while its delivery is imperfect, The Town of Light still makes for one of the most thought-provoking games of this year.

Aragami 2 is a huge departure from the original game. In exchanging the linear narrative-driven stealth experience for an open-ended co-op mission adventure, Lince Works has created a game that feels just as flawed as the original, but has a lot more charm in it's small moments and simplicity. Repetitive missions and enemies make it hard to get engrossed with the game for long periods of time, but as a stealth action game to hop into for quick little bursts, Aragami 2 can be pretty fun.

It’s not a game, it’s a toy, and it’s one that will only work long term if people keep stretching. It’s a wicked idea, though, and is priced at that impulse-buy level so hopefully enough of you will take the chance with Noby Noby Boy and see what all the fuss is about.

Jettomero: Hero of the Universe is a unique videogame experience and one that you will likely either love or hate. It is not a title that will challenge you with compelling play, but it will provide you with the chance to play. It’s attempts to be a ‘zen experience’ are only half-successful, thanks to some frustrating controls, yet there is an arresting charm to the game that cannot be denied. If you’re looking for a videogame to experience alongside your meditative or mindfulness training, then Jettomero is eminently suitable.

Duelyst had me hooked, as I put hours and hours into it almost every day. If I had written my review for it at that point, it would have done incredibly well in my books, with it’s fascinating tactical RPG twist on the familiar card game play. But after playing with friends, I struggle to go back to playing against anonymous opponents in ranked play, and I just don’t know how much more time I see myself putting into this game.

It ultimately lacks the shear addictiveness of other web-based games or minis titles, but proof that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest.

Despite the game playing most of its cards far too early (and never really going anywhere new in later levels) Halfbrick’s biggest issue is the copy for the game on the Store which doesn’t begin to describe the mechanics properly.

The historical and literary figures, married with the silver-age comic book visuals make for an engaging world which begs for you to be a part of it. The downside is that the tactical gameplay simply isn’t in the same league as the developer’s other work, rewarding drawn-out, cautious play above any more meaningful tactics.

Strategy aficionados will look on approvingly as fans of the series rejoice. It’s certainly not a game for everyone, yet those who find themselves hooked by Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIII will struggle to break free of its hold. The fact that it plays so well on console as well as on PC shows that Koei is capable of more than mindless button bashers.

Back in 2009, Ghostbusters: The Video Game was a solid shooter elevated by the involvement of the original Ghostbusting team, but a decade later it's a little tired. If you have any fondness for the franchise then it provides a wonderful hit of nostalgia, and it's still a genuine pleasure to see the whole Ghostbusting team back together, but those looking for great gameplay should probably look elsewhere.

Those looking for a spooky adventure for Halloween can certainly find one in Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water. Taking photos of ghosts while trying to keep dry is enthralling, while Mount Hikami’s forests and shrines are among some of the spookiest locales in the franchise.

Darksiders III, while more limited in scope than its predecessor, provides a tighter, more deliberate experience that elaborates on the lore we’ve seen so far. The smaller world of Darksiders 3 may disappoint some fans of the previous game, but this feels like a reboot of the series. Poor PC performance, a lack of side-objectives and some unimaginative world-design point to a game with ambitions bigger than its budget, but Darksiders III is a fun and challenging experience that kept me engaged across the length of its story.

Crackdown 3 manages to escape its troubled development in style, offering up a somewhat safe return to the superhero cop action of its predecessors in a bright and unpretentious campaign. It feels like the perfect antidote to some of the more bloated open world experiences of recent years. You can also briefly revel in the Wrecking Zone’s glorious destruction, even if all that fancy cloud tech simply leaves you hungry for what the game could have been.

I was blown away by the gorgeous character designs and illustrated portraits and the tactical combat also impressed me with unique systems that made it a bit more than just a cookie cutter tactical RPG. Unfortunately, for as much as I loved those aspects, hamfisted humor and clunky menu navigation on console dampened what could have otherwise been a magical experience. It’s hard to get past those issues, but if you’re able to, there some truly special stuff here in Regalia.

Through its lengthy story, Resolutiion provides real moments of awe and beauty. From dark and dingy caves through to soaring heights at the peak of the monolithic buildings, the world is a sight to behold, it’s just a shame that traversing it doesn’t feel any where near as great as it looks. Resolutiion’s snappy, visceral combat does help make that journey slightly more bearable, but you’ll still likely end up wandering in circles trying to find the right path forward.

While I enjoyed Prince of Persia Classic, it’s hard to recommend to someone who has never played the original because they will see an old-school platformer and wonder what the fuss is about.

It was definitely an experiment worth trying yet the action gameplay does little to hold up its side of the bargain.

while True: Learn () is a novel and interesting puzzle game that is well worth a look for anyone interested in the thought processes behind computer coding. The comprehensive history of machine learning is a fascinating context, and the quest to teach a computer to understand the thinking process of a cat is as silly as it is effective.

Needless to say, this isn’t cheap spinoff rushed out of the door – Activision has plans for Battlecast in the future and so far it’s managed to create a solid, if imperfect, foundation for them to build on.

Without a doubt the best AR game on the PS Vita. It’s challenging, diverse and addictive.

It’s hardly complex and far from essential, but Lethal VR is a fun and polished romp while it lasts. Shelf life may be a concern, but the minimal setup time needed makes Lethal VR easy to slip into whenever in need of some brief ballistics training.

Hunt the Night is close to being a great Bloodbourne-inspired Souls-like, but it suffers from a midgame area that's a chore to navigate and a late game difficulty spike that goes beyond punishing and straight into sadistic. Some of this could be adjusted in updates, but as things stand, I can only recommend this title to those who really want to challenge themselves. If that sounds like you, then there is much to like.

The game can be incredibly frustrating but this pays off with a huge sense of achievement when you finally nail a level.

The Baten Kaitos Collection is a duology remaster that's full of contrasts, demonstrating perfectly the highs and lows that come with bringing decades old games to new consoles. The two games are great little JRPGs from yesteryear, however given the weird nature of the first and the generic nature of the second, it’s difficult to recommend to any but those wanting the nostalgia trip or die-hard fans of the genre.

The Lost Bear isn’t necessarily what you’d call a killer app for PlayStation VR. It doesn’t have that same immediate impact games like Batman VR, Farpoint, or Arizona Sunshine demonstrate so well. Over time, however, that brand of first person virtual reality has become more and more familiar and I find myself looking for games that attempt to use the technology in new ways, which is what you get from The Lost Bear.

Naughty Bear: Panic in Paradise is a much better effort than its predecessor. By adding in the costumes system, 505 Games have managed to give the game a layer of depth previously missing. However, whilst repetition doesn't entirely spoil the party, it certainly takes the shine off after a while.

A fun and funky sequel, Patapon 2’s bolstered roster of cheerful eyeball folk make for another welcome trip soundtracked to the beat of Pata Pata Pata Pon. It’s a shame then that the remaster feels incomplete, offering an experience that’s fundamentally less comprehensive than the PSP original.

Ever Oasis is a decent game for a younger audience to get into, but it doesn’t do a lot that’s completely new. It blends the adventuring with town management nicely and is a well made game, but at the same time there’s nothing that really thrilled me while playing it. It’s a shame really, as there’s nothing necessarily wrong with Ever Oasis, there’s just nothing particularly special either.

A compelling take on a Martian colonisation and terraforming project, Per Aspera also comes with a gripping mystery to unravel as you fight to survive and thrive. There's some muddled pacing and it's not always how you can proceed, but this is a thoroughly enjoyable sci fi planetary sim.

ELEX is the very opposite of the accessible games that have revolutionised the open world RPG in recent years. I enjoyed it as a modern looking take on the Gothic series, but newcomers will have to be prepared to fight against the systems through the beginning of the game. This has resulted in the game quickly gaining a cult following who celebrate its obscurity and lack of accessibility. I don’t agree with this take and would argue that the best aspects of the game would only be improved by a more polished and refined presentation.

As with any book, you’ll want to take Steins;Gate out and about without being tethered to a desk or sofa.

This Is The Police leans on cliched scenarios and characters, but it represents some of the real struggles a police force has to deal with, like budgets being cut and a city with a lot of social problems.

There is something comforting about Jet Kave Adventure. It doesn't take any risks or fly off on any wild tangents, it is just a solid, well-made side scrolling platformer. Mastering each level will be a challenge, but younger players will still enjoy the story and zipping around on the jet pack. Jolly good fun!

Bezier Second Edition is a great twin-stick shooter, that should be an essential purchase for fans of arcade high score chasing. It is a bit light on content though, so I'd perhaps recommend holding out for a sale before picking it up.

Kotama and Academy Citadel hits the ground running and expects you to keep up from frame 1. It's a beautiful and well animated metroidvania that packs a punch when it comes to art and gameplay, but leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to creating a cohesive beginning-and-end narrative experience.

The course design is perhaps a little bit too traditional and reserved given the somewhat over the top racing and weaponry, but it's all nicely rooted in the Cars universe so Pixar fans will lap up the fan service.

Hugely satisfying combat and some smart world design carries a decent Souls-like that feels like a solid, if safe, alternative for genre fans. The Surge 2 is competent, with flashes of excellence, but loses some of its own identity in the shadows of its inspirations.

There aren’t many games like Shadow Tactics, and thankfully, it sets the bar high for any would-be challengers. The blend of RTS controls with stealth-oriented gameplay and level design create incredibly satisfying, almost puzzle-like encounters. It takes a lot of time and patience to be able to discover the solutions to these puzzles, however, and the hours long missions often left me feeling fatigued before I was even halfway through with them. Shadow Tactics is a unique exploration of the stealth genre with a great amount of polish, but if you’re going to dive in, be prepared for just how deep the water is.

Nicely produced, consistent but with a few flaws and some silly wingmen mechanics that often threaten to get in the way of the fun, but there’s nothing else like this on the PS3 and for that reason H.A.W.X stands out more than perhaps it might if it were a FPS, for example.