Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap is a perfect example of a remake that’s been done for reasons beyond simple material gain. Lizardcube have clearly put everything they have into making it unerringly respectful of the original – for good and bad – but this has all the look of a gorgeous modern indie platformer, while retaining the old-school gameplay that made it so memorable the first time around.

World End Syndome is a visual novel masterpiece. The story is gripping and evocative, blending fun romance and tense murder mystery together incredibly well. The characters are sharp and beautifully illustrated, and the way their personalities and backgrounds developed over the course of the game was equally well-done. Best of all is the smart save system that keeps track of your progress and does a great job of encouraging you to keep coming back for the full story.

Astrologaster is an incredibly original and fantastically designed experience that really captures the feel and tone of the Renaissance. From the impeccably researched astrology diagnoses to the infamous postscript of ‘coitus after consultation’ this is the most accessible way into the world of Simon Forman you could ever hope to find. Whether you mean to or not, you’ll certainly learn something about one of the most eccentric characters in Renaissance London – just don’t follow any of the medical advice. Trust me, I’m a doctor.

A functional and attractive sim that's the best serious Switch racer in a vacuum of serious racers. The genre itself has taken a step forward since the game's original release though, and seasoned racing fans will likely crave more excitement than Grid Autosport offers.

The fact that The Darkness II is a sequel to a game with its roots entrenched in a fairly-twisted comic-book canon is irrelevant. There are no barriers to entry here, no homework to catch up with, just a fantastically pieced together tale coupled with a refreshingly creative take on the ever-staling FPS formula. It handles well, looks great, and sounds even better.

Max Mustard is easy to recommend for a 5-7 hours of cutesy VR platforming fun. It's lacking a little originality though, wearing its many platforming influences proudly, so whilst it's fun and has some great moments, they fail to elevate it to the status of the games that have inspired it.

EA F1 24 is the best rendition of the sport yet, and a fantastic simulation of the iconic motorsport. If you want to forge your own Drive To Survive-style superstardom, this is the perfect place to start. If it’s good enough for Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, then it’s good enough for the rest of us.

Capes is a valiant effort at a relatively unique idea, one that I personally have wanted since I heard Midnight Sons would have a card-based attack system. It isn't perfect, it could do with a little more polish, and it's occasionally a bit frustrating, but it's deep, challenging and the story is enjoyable enough if you like comic books' campy style. Considering this is Spitfire Interactive's debut game, it has absolutely convinced me to keep an eye on their future projects.

Overwatch 2 has a lot of common ground with the original, but it's managed to take what we know and breathe a new life into a landmark hero shooter. The fact that it’s now free-to-play means more people can enjoy this truly wonderful shooter, though the monetisation feels heavy handed compared to other games.

Angry Birds VR: Isle of Pigs is a lot of fun. It works exactly as you'd hope in VR, and the game world is pretty to look at even as you're toppling the horribly capitalist pigs and their snotty structures. The level editor is an excellent addition, though there's no online sharing at the moment. Even without that, it's still a fun game to play and should keep you occupied for a few hours.

Moomintroll: Winter’s Warmth is a lovely game. There are some fun quests to undertake in locations that have been designed well, with the added bonus of cutting paths through the snow.

Alba is the kind of game that all young people should play. Not only is it a heart-warming romp where you get to look at animals, it’s educational and empowering, inspiring and beautiful. Not only have ustwo created a world that is stunning to look at, but they’ve crafted a narrative that boldly shouts that this girl can. Never underestimate the power of an 11-year-old girl — especially one on a mission to do right by the world around her.

Civilization 7 has made a lot of changes, and while some were positive, the shortcomings made me wish I was playing Civ 6. That said, for anyone getting into the series for the first time, this is probably a great place to start.

Warlords of New York is a welcome addition to The Division 2 and it probably marks the most fun I’ve had with the series to date. While some content falls a little flat, each one of the special encounters is a manic and explosive experience that will bring you to the edge of your seat. The quality of life changes, including the refined loot systems, also breathe life back into one of last year’s more enjoyable looter-shooter titles.

As someone who has played almost every MMA game since UFC Undisputed 2009, many of the controls came naturally to me, but UFC 2 features quite the learning curve if you’ve never played a UFC game before. Whether it’s Ultimate Team, knockout physics or improved grappling, EA have made great strides to improve and make UFC 2 the best MMA game on the market so far.

No Sleep For Kaname Date might not move forward the narrative of this franchise in a major way, but it does provide a really entertaining and engaging side story to AI: The Somnium Files that fans of anything from the mind of Kotaro Uchikoshi will absolutely adore.

There’s not a single part of the game we didn’t enjoy replaying, it’s a visual tour-de-force (albeit a rather minimal, Designers Republic style affair) and the music is to die for (and has it’s own player in the options). Could have done with a co-op mode, perhaps, but the promised DLC will surely keep us going for some time.

If you're a fan of run and gun games like Contra or Metal Slug, Mechstermination Force really captures the essence of how tough those titles were, while pairing it with a modern look and a wild penchant for mech design. There's no easy mode.

It's a solid game but one which bears too many similarities to previous versions for us to wholeheartedly recommend it.

If you don't care about narrative, don't need the latest and greatest game engine powering your HD shooters and can live with the confused juxtaposition of stealth and over-the-top action braggadocio then you'll love it. If you want a tense, tight, stealthy experience then you'll probably love around half of it and loathe when it robs you of that pleasure.

While it’s certainly more approachable than your typical Monster Hunter game, Stories fails to capture what has made the series such a hit over the years. Sure, the setting is evocative but, as many die-hard fans will tell you, it’s the high octane rush of hunting with friends that forms the true backbone of the franchise. That said, Monster Hunter Stories goes beyond your average spin-off and feels like a genuine attempt to expand this universe instead of simply trying to milk it. From the simple yet expanding battle system to its many ties with the core games, there’s plenty here for newcomers and grizzled veterans alike.

Despite some interesting additions like Headquarters and War, Call of Duty: WWII is arguably the most reserved entry we’ve had in years, but is already proving a hit among fans. There is still that sense of fatigue, however, and if Call of Duty is to soar to the top once again, Treyarch and Infinity Ward will need to change something more than the time period in the coming years.

What WRC 8 gives in career longevity, mode variety and stage choice, it takes away with unrefined vehicle handling and some rough edges. This is still the best official WRC game to date, but bear in mind that until the driving feel becomes the main focus of development, this series can’t be placed into the pantheon of all-time greats.

The only realistic emulation of the sport for home consoles. With its myriad of options and game modes there should be plenty to keep you occupied and, as long as you're prepared for the almost lethargic pacing, it is a joy to play.

Thematically the game succeeds with aplomb, the story line works well, the co-op and alternative routes through sections with your brother never feel forced and there’s some welcome appearances of both characters and plot twists during the campaign.

Pinball FX 3 is a fantastic sequel and offers everything a fan of the series could hope for. It brings added sheen and shine to every conceivable area that was lacking in Pinball FX2. The true test of its longetivity will be in its forthcoming table packs but judging on the quality of the Universal Film Studios pack, we’ve nothing to be worried about.

Though it’s rough around the edges, has difficulty spikes and very much feels like the foundations on which Harebrained can build upon, the core turn-based tactical gameplay of BattleTech is great. Micromanaged the tactical combat is gripping and tense, whether you’re crossing your fingers that the damage won’t pierce your armour, or laughing as your mech punches a hole through the middle of an enemy. This could easily grow into something special, and I hope it does.

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.