Hunt: Showdown on Xbox One provides a very solid multiplayer experience, one that fans of this genre will love.

WILD HEARTS is one for both fresh faces and hardened veterans, and should be seen as the first legitimate threat to Monster Hunter’s unopposed reign at the top.

There’s a chance that you may find After Us a bit too depressing, and it has to be said that the combat is highly repetitive. But the scale of the level design, visuals, and soundscore found here are outstanding.

The first few hours of Surviving Mars are frustrating and the game can come across a bit disappointing; stick with it though and once you have figured out what to do all by yourself – due to the ineffective tutorial tips – the game opens up and almost becomes a completely different experience.

Assetto Corsa Competizione on Xbox One is a hard game, make no mistake. Learn to play by its rules, learn the tracks, learn just how much you can lean on a car, and it will suddenly click. This is not a game for casual players though and if you want to make the most of the content here, you need to commit the time and get good. The rewards are there – it’s just down to you to unlock them.

If you’re looking for a new top down shooter in which you can play your own way, then you need to call the JYDGE.

The lack of multiplayer is felt here even with an interesting eliminator mode, and so Formula Retro Racing is only one to check out if you aren’t able to play Virtua Racing and are starved of options.

It doesn’t execute all of its ideas perfectly, but RAD is endlessly charismatic, visually fascinating and just incredibly creative… and I’d expect nothing less.

The scope and fun of the game shines through, and if you give it a chance, Andromeda will reward you with an enormous amount of satisfaction.

Overall and whilst Crawl may not be what every dungeon crawling fan is used to, it certainly offers something new for local multiplayer fans. With surprisingly capable bots on hand to fill the empty spaces should you be flying solo, you’ll find a perfectly enjoyable game for a quiet afternoon session in this cracking title.

It’s a vibrant and exciting open world full of a wealth of missions, side missions, and recruiting to do, complemented by some decent visuals and brilliant audio work. As the hours have progressed I’ve become ever more excited for the opportunities that it throws up, so much so that now I’m already well invested in upcoming DLC and the promise of multiplayer elements.

The retro survival horror tactics of FOBIA - St. Dinfna Hotel are enjoyable enough for the first few hours, as you go about exploring and working out what is going on, all as a strange tale of the supernatural unfolds

The heroes in a half shell have achieved an entertaining and exciting experience with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate.

Immortals of Aveum should be praised for its original concept, writing, and new world-building. It's a new franchise that is brave; a very different type of FPS. Playing through feels like watching a good Marvel movie - you'll have a good time but will rarely care for it after.

The standard of this second episode feels like a traditional Act Two. It’s not quite as good as the first, and is hopefully sitting here just to bridge the gap that is leading to an exciting final third.

If you like bikes, enjoy racing and have a passion for speed, thrills and all things beautiful then RIDE 3 is definitely a game you need to be getting involved in. It may not have much originality in its game modes, but it does provide a quality racing experience throughout and with hundreds of stunningly recreated bikes, some wonderful tracks and hours of fun to be had messing around with customisations, there is certainly plenty to shout about with the latest entry to the best bike racing series around.

Some may see Evolution as just a fancy looking Zoo Tycoon, and they’d probably be right, but when you throw in some brilliant visuals, a huge amount of Jurassic Park lore, cameos bringing in the most famous characters from the big screen flicks, and that music, you’ll quickly understand how Jurassic World Evolution is much more than that.

Punch Club may not be the fighting experience we were expecting, but what’s missed on the fighting side is more than made up for by the exceptionally well worked management aspects of the game. It can take a while to get to grips with just how everything works, and just how you’re going to find time to fit everything into the day, but those that spend enough time will quickly find themselves enjoying one of the best management sims currently available.

The option to rotate characters on the fly works well, whilst whizzing round in a little space ship, landing on different planets and trying to navigate your way through the platforming levels, with friends alongside you, should be a hell of a lot of fun. But, the difficulty and unjust feel that comes about means it will probably be more suited to the sadistic maniacs who are happy to put up with a tough life.

I for one would love to see the return of anti-gravity racers to the market once more, but Redout simply doesn’t provide the same magic seen in previous titles in the genre, and with a hefty price tag to accompany it, this is probably one headache we can all do without.

Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition on Xbox Series X is a game that will appease its fanbase massively. With this new updated version everything feels great to play and is extremely good to look at. There is a whole load of content all packaged together, and even though a single adventurer may find repetition coming to the fore, those who can find like-minded fans to join them will discover this to be a blast.

Raiden III x MIKADO MANIAX is a remaster done right. The action is as good - and as hard - as ever and the new features included are all pretty good as well. The jury is out in regards the new music, but I am sure it will go down well with the younger generation.

There's no doubt that ArcRunner is a fun blast. It isn’t wildly new or unique, but what it does it does well. As a roguelike shooter with a cyberpunk skin, there is enough about the gameplay loop to keep you coming back.

With a deep career that will enable you the chance to plough in many an hour, a fun little open-world challenge arena and plenty of chances to indulge yourself in quick races, the solo bike fan looking for replication of the real-world event will be utterly enthralled. It’s a shame that the multiplayer side of things doesn’t complement that, but if you can look past this and are ready for a hardcore biking experience then Ride on the Edge 2 will be for you.

The exploration elements and the story are of a very high standard and the visuals manage to delicately capture the whole concept of the game in a fantastic way.

Sherlock Holmes Chapter One is powered by a brilliant story and the chance to take in some superb cases. The ability to get accusations wrong and to choose whether to save or condemn is a solid touch that allows the game to deliver a great dynamic. There are a ton of hours included here too, with a huge main story and loads of side quests to take in.

MultiVersus will provide a great time! The deep gameplay systems, fun characters and overflow of game modes to play with makes it much more than just a platform fighter, although some issues with monetization hold it back from reaching its heights.

Shantae and the Seven Sirens on the Xbox One is the best in the series yet. Despite some truly obscure pacing issues and some irritating map design, the base adventure remains extremely enjoyable, with rewarding exploration and a constant sense of progression. While the formula may need more quality of life improvements to really stand out in the genre, Shantae and the Seven Sirens is a step in the right direction and places the series on the right track for success.

PowerWash Simulator is fun for both short and long gaming sessions, delivering instant virtual gratification from pressure washing goodness.

We enjoyed Slipstream, we really did. There’s a pure exhilaration in its speed and the way that we barely kept our tyres on the road as we drifted round a hard corner. But that feeling didn’t last for long.

A fantastic story arc, lots of replay value, and with tons of things to find and explore, Code Vein ticks a lot of boxes. If the camera was right, and parrying worked better then it would be a near-perfect score, but these small annoyances just stop it from reaching those heights.

Hell Pie is a more than competent game that is worth playing despite the obscenity, rather than because of it.

Gunfire Reborn may not set the world on fire, but it is capable of delivering a damn good time to anyone that fancies a rogue-lite arcade experience - especially if that person is after plenty of loot or the chance to enjoy RPG elements.

There is a lot packaged into the six-hour runtime for The Last Worker. With an engaging if slightly predictable story but more game elements than you can shake a stick at, it is a game that will take you through a range of emotions: laughter, sympathy, rage, compassion, disappointment, and everything in between.

Whilst Strange Brigade may pose a striking resemblance to Rebellion’s Sniper Elite series in certain areas, this is certainly a game that holds its own. With enjoyable combat, luscious locations, fantastically designed puzzles and some brilliant storytelling, this is certainly a game that leaves a lasting impression.

The Jackbox Party Pack 7 on Xbox One is a solid entry in the long-running series. Two games need an in-person or private chat to be enjoyed to their fullest abilities, but the other three titles not only fit well into streaming, but they are also delightfully fun to play.

In all Tempest 4000 is really a love letter to the original game. It sticks very close to it’s source material, but despite this a few things have been added. If I’m honest though, most of these miss the mark.

Darwin’s Paradox! is a delightful little caper that feels wonderfully original, and fans of old-school platformers will have an absolute blast with it.

This little indie game is testimony to what can be achieved with a small team of developers and a lot of crazy creative imagination.

It does take a bit of practice to become competent with the gameplay especially in the reloading of your guns, and figuring out how to upgrade your wares can be confusing at first, but Mercenary Kings is still a great casual game to pick up in between the epic blockbusters, or when you have twenty minutes to kill.

Fully remastered with a lot of extras, SEGA have achieved their goal of making Sonic Origins the best way to play the classics going forward.

From the very first moments the sense of importance of the whole adventure is made clear and whilst it may not be the biggest indie release of the year, I’m willing to bet it’ll be one of the best. This is a definite must-buy.

Void Bastards is everything I want from an indie title. Excellent gameplay and level design, intelligent writing and lore-building, an innovative art style and an addictive gameplay loop to finish – the latter of which doesn’t get old quickly despite its rogue-like nature.

Lumini on Xbox One is a fabulous game with a lovely and creative premise that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. You will find yourself partaking in a relaxing, almost zen-like experience over the two or so hours you will be playing this for.

We recommend Airoheart with some fierce caveats. It is Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past fan fiction, but it’s really good fan fiction, created by someone who doesn’t just love the series, but understands what makes it work. But that person comes with an agenda: that a game of this type should be as unhelpful as possible.

Ad Infinitum is disturbing, confusing and horrific, much like the WWI setting. It tackles some interesting themes and tells a story that is hard to get a handle on. But the gameplay is solid, as are the visuals and brilliant soundtrack.

King of Meat does a lot of things right, with its fun gameplay and co-op action that provides short, sharp hits of chaotic fun. It's a game that makes you want to keep coming back.

Despite the problems prevalent in its control schemes and design choices, The Persistence on Xbox One feels so utterly unique in its genre. Its roots in the VR design have felt like both a blessing and a curse for the overall package, but the good most certainly outweighs the bad in this rogue-lite adventure.

You may initially think that 10tons have gone mad by pitting the brains of Nikola Tesla against the weirdness of H.P. Lovecraft – and you’d be right. But whilst they are mad, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are wrong and once more they’ve managed to create another addictive little twin stick shooter.

Luto is a special horror game and one of my favourites in the genre of the last few years. This is a game that has high production values and ranks up there with some of the big guns.

Who said that single player games were dead? Call of the Sea on Xbox was made for Game Pass: a fantastic story stunningly told, full of well-pitched puzzles, with almost zero replayability. It’s one of 2020’s most surprising genre-reboots, taking Myst and transplanting in a heart, and we’re all for it. You’d do well to buy a ticket to its shores.

Atomicrops delivers a brutal bullet-hell rogue-like with every design choice intentionally included as part of the overall package. While there are some issues, Atomicrops’ utter uniqueness has won me over.

For every swing-and-miss, there’s a home run. The songs, the kaleidoscopic world, the Materia-like songstones: they all want to make me pump the air. Sure, there’s the occasional duff note, but People of Note is a crowd-pleaser that should pique the interest of music and RPG lovers alike.

The humor, references, and gameplay of High on Life 2 match, and then exceed, that of the first game.

If you have a like-minded friend to hand, Operation Tango is brilliant. The pacing is just right, the missions aren’t too long, and there is replayability built in, with plenty of achievements popping for each level depending on who you complete it as.

Mortal Shell on Xbox One has delivered a hugely enjoyable and frustratingly, pad bitingly, hard experience. I love the gameplay, the lore and the general ambience, though the difficulty could be a little toned down if I'm honest. But then it is that which acts as a spur to keep you pushing on.

Fashion Police Squad is a fun and humorous take on the FPS genre. It comes with fast fluid gameplay that feeds off some DOOM roots, but manages to still do its own original thing, working loads of great ideas and concepts.

The story and setup of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster are still bonkers and fun, and there are great ideas and narratives all over the game.

If you love Far Cry then there is no reason for you not to want to involve yourself with Far Cry New Dawn, as it does everything you would expect and a little bit more.

Episode Two “Giant Consequences” is a great addition to an already exciting second season of Minecraft: Story Mode and is well worth a look.

The artwork, soundtrack, and experience it delivers are outstanding, but one of the very best things is the price. If you want to take a chance with something a bit different, you can’t go wrong in taking a gamble with The Mooseman.

The sheer amount of content, and the low price that it comes with, should see anyone with even a hint of passion for the brick smashing genre give Doughlings: Arcade a shot.

Episode 2 hits you with a frenetic finish and you’re left to wonder how the rest of the season will play out, if it gets the chance. Here’s hoping that Skybound swooping in to try and save the day means it’s plain sailing for the narrative from here on out because the hard-hitting storytelling is strong in this second episode, adding extra dimensions to a few characters and leaving you wanting more.

I have no hesitation in giving The Walking Vegetables: Radical Edition on Xbox One a thumbs up. An old skool challenge, a cool neon vibe and the chance to shoot fruit and veg in the face, is always appreciated.

As things stand, this is one of the better KEMCO releases of recent times, and if you are looking for a game to challenge you, and you’re a fan of turn based retro styled RPGs, look no further.

Drake Hollow on Xbox One is one of the hardest games to put down this year. It has a brilliant set of systems that keep you engrossed in the action and invested in your personal world. There are plenty of Drakes to meet, unique items and buildings to craft, and battles to be won.

Scourgebringer on Xbox One is a challenging game that is easy to get sucked into. The mechanics are solid, the artstyle clean, and there is a ton of replayability because, frankly, you’ll need to play it a ton if you want to get to the last boss. If you’re a fan of games like Enter the Gungeon and you’re open to a shift in perspective, then make sure Scourgebringer is the next game you play.

Vagante has a lot of potential that it doesn’t manage to live up to. It looks nice enough, if a little like you are viewing things through the wrong end of a pair of binoculars, and the setup is interesting. But the numb combat, instant death traps and lack of anything resembling tactics - even in the boss fights - marks it down.

If you know nothing about Motocross but would like to start getting into the sport, this might be the perfect time to give MXGP 2021 a go. If you’re a grizzled veteran, go crack open a can of Boomer Juice, whack on some Powerman 5000 and rev that engine!

A Memoir Blue isn’t prime Annapurna Interactive: we liked, but didn’t fall in love. But a mixed-media take on the love between a mother and daughter is wholly endearing, and there isn’t a barb or rough edge in its simplistic gameplay.

Adventures of Chris is a good little platformer that references its 90’s influences to the hilt. It has a funny, cartoony story that is family-friendly and enjoyable, even if the gameplay pushes things difficulty-wise.

If you like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, All Star Battle R is probably an easy sell, as it is if you are predominantly a solo player. But if you want to test your might against the world, there are significant issues.

Asterigos: Curse of the Stars is an RPG that comes with great ideas, fun gameplay, and some brilliant boss battles. I like the fact you can choose your difficulty level, so this will certainly appeal to those looking for something aside from a hardcore Souls-like. There are control issues to get used to and far too much self narration from the lead, but there is a lot to love here.

Rhythm Sprout is a playlist of eclectic bangers, tied to a simple rhythm action system that slaps you round the face with challenge. But master it - or take advantage of the Beginner Mode - and you will experience what will undoubtedly be one of the most charming games of 2023.

There's no debating that Akka Arrh is a gaming experience worth taking in, yet perhaps more as an intrigue point. We're not sure many will find it to be much of a long term proposition.

Yu Suzuki hasn’t lost his touch. Air Twister is clearly Space Harrier, but with a very modern taste for spectacle. For one or two playthroughs it’s a shoot ’em up Fantasia, just as much a treat for the ears as the eyes. The thing is, Air Twister wants to be more than that. It wants to be your go-to shooter for much longer, with more modes and skill trees than it could possibly need.

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft has to be thought of as a game of its time, not a modern release. When you take into account that context you can truly appreciate just how brilliant these three adventures still are.

Well designed, beautifully drawn and with a real challenge, if you have an interest in this genre, then The Stone of Madness will be right up your alley.

Dying Light: The Beast is an exhilarating, grotesque, and technically impressive game that proves Techland still understands what makes this series special. The parkour is smoother than ever, the melee is unmatched, and the attention to detail in the world is astonishing. It stumbles with stealth, the story remains functional rather than unforgettable, and some design choices feel limited, but these flaws don’t outweigh how consistently enjoyable it is to play.

It’s not quite a remake, yet Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition proves to be the definitive port of the original with a few enhancements.

After years of having the open world racing scene dominated by Forza Horizon, Ubisoft have certainly found the right gear with The Crew Motorfest. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is one not to miss.

MADiSON is a pretty great first-person horror adventure. It has a strong story, a great premise, some impressive visuals, and amazing sound design.

you’re a fan of story, tone and original gaming then I would plead for you to enter the world of Pinstripe. You won’t regret it.

The Riptide series always felt too big for its mobile roots, and Renegade may be the jewel in its crown. The story adds a new depth to it and shows that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Everything has been improved upon from the previous entry on the Xbox and it has remained a decent price. If this is a series you have yet to get into, Riptide GP Renegade is easily the best place to start.

If you want a calming game that’s just a treat from start to finish, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up The Alto Collection on Xbox One.

Wavetale won't be everyone's cup of tea and some might find the tone too whimsical or childlike, but for others it’ll feel original, entertaining, and absorbing. That's what every game should aim for.

Just Dance 2026 Edition offers more of the same party fun that we have come to expect of the franchise.

The graphics are good, the sound is excellent and the gameplay is very solid. It just doesn’t have the same wow factor as it did in 1980 in a smoky West London arcade, but if you’re looking for some tank on tank action, then you can do much worse than this.

Table Top Racing World Tour is already a hell of an addictive little racer, but its long term charm completely relies on the online community – something that past history proves is a tricky proposition. It’s currently got just enough variety and draw to keep you going back for more, but it won’t be long before you find yourself exhausting everything the single player brings and that is when you’ll start looking for something extra. Should the online side really take off though, then, well, this could be a table top racer to challenge the very best.

Mugsters is a wonderful little game and unlike just about anything you have played before. It is worth the time and money, and despite lacking a little in replayability, it makes up for it in charm and the clever avenues it delivers for you to compete objectives.

Visual novels aren’t for everyone, but after playing this I am intrigued to explore the genre a bit more. It is an early contender for Indie Game of the Year – it is such a joyous game.

Promise Mascot Agency ticks a lot of boxes by being original, fun, and at times, quite weird. The mascot management is at the core of the game, but it’s the additional free-roam activities that flesh it out to deliver the most enjoyment.

If you were born to lead at breakneck speed, you should give Monster Energy Supercross - The Official Videogame 5 a try.

The Precinct is pretty much all you would want from a game of this ilk, full of variation in crimes, with gameplay that is both clever and multifarious.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is not a bad game by any means, but once discovering the stunning vistas wears thin, you won’t find much substantial meat to chew on in those forests.

If you are looking for some brilliant F1 seat-of-your-pants racing, then by all means jump behind the wheel of F1 24. Don't expect too much excitement away from the racing, as the omission of a story mode is a real whack. And certainly don't pin all your hopes on the smallest of new features and this year's buzzwords. Join for the racing, and enjoy what is provided from there on out.

On the whole, NBA Live 19 is definitely on the right path. It’s aesthetics are beautiful, both on and off the court especially in regards to its player models, which are stunning. The inclusion of the WNBA is a fantastic step forward that puts it’s a step above the 2K series. Unfortunately, the “story mode” feels very stale and just doesn’t compare to other sports game’s take on it.

Black Desert could be an incredible MMO experience, but the lacklustre story, uninspiring quests, overly bland characters and the low difficulty of combat drag it down quite a bit. Should these drawbacks not deter you, then visiting its expansive and colourful world might be worth it.