Whether you’re there for the chart-toppers, the workouts or the nostalgia, Just Dance 2025 Edition keeps the fun alive and well on the dance floor.

Tell Me Why on Xbox One is DONTNOD's strongest game to date. It is quiet, introspect, mature and superbly written and performed, with visuals that are easy on the eyes - the novel release approach also helps things. There are still some factors holding it back from perfection, but I sincerely hope this is the start of a great partnership between Xbox and DONTNOD, as I feel this game is a perfect example of the type of content Game Pass is perfect for delivering.

If Revelations on Xbox One is a sign of what is to come then this game will be in safe hands. Understanding what needed to be revised in the original, this expansion helps flesh out the lore and gameplay of Age of Wonders: Planetfall.

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.

Given the price of Universal Classics Pinball equating to under £3 per table, it’s bloody good value and even though Jaws lets it down, I’d highly recommend adding this pack to your Pinball FX3 collection.

Wargroove 2 strongly reminds of Advance Wars, and that is as good a recommendation as you can get.

There are many secrets and mysteries to uncover in Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo, and Galla don’t hold back when questioning the player about these. Boss fights, puzzles, or even existential questions are posed to both Kulebra and the player throughout

EA FC 26 is frustrating at times, but there is nothing else that can beat it, and no competition that can deliver such a well crafted experience of football.

Crypt Custodian is a great metroidvania. It has fun exploration, enjoyable combat, cracking collectibles, and an incredibly chill soundtrack that makes for a mellow adventure that will keep you coming back.

The Dark Souls plot is as mysterious in its conclusion as it was in its beginning. Of course there are a myriad of scattered clues, references and story points scattered throughout the Ringed City. And I’m sure there’s a myriad more I’m yet to discover.

Train Valley 2: Community Edition is a superb railway management puzzler. Initially complex, it all begins to come together in the most delightful of ways. When you consider the sheer number of levels, variety in objectives and strength of missions, we’re not sure there’s much that can beat it - especially not at the price.

Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder is a testament to the hard work of the dev, coming together as a pretty great game with a few minor niggles.

A combination of a great price, some brilliantly challenging mechanics, a rather unique premise, a quality visual look and that banging soundtrack pumping away, ensures that Octahedron should be right up there near the top of your wanted list.

Hivebusters is a great addition to the story content of Gears 5 on Xbox. The same production values, the same great acting, and (whisper it) a better set of protagonists than Kait and J.D., all add up to make this a must play expansion.

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.

Maybe the roguelike elements will annoy, and sometimes luck plays a bigger part than any thoughtful decision making, but even if you do reach the end, Blue Prince will continue to reveal a host more secrets.

Wingspan is an elegant, exceptional board game and it’s been delivered with real care to the Xbox. Console is a good look for it, as it automates things that are more unwieldy on a table-top, making it - dare we say it - the superior way to play. When Wingpsan was so rewarding to play in the first place, that’s an extraordinary achievement.

If you love taking charge, want to manage worlds, balance budgets and take on a heavy load in your quest to become god, then this is the game for you.

With everything on offer here Steam Tactics is a good package at its asking price, and in return players are treated to a gaming experience that is easy to get into and tough to master.

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.

The story is really good, the whole atmosphere of the game is beautiful, and fluid traversal is a joy to use. South of Midnight is a game you need to play - if only so you can experience the rollercoaster it is.

The games are perfect conversions, the museum function is brilliantly designed, and the whole SNK 40th Anniversary Collection oozes quality. In a way I think it’s a shame that a lot of gamers will look at the primitive graphics and bleepy bloopy sound to dismiss this as another retro collection that can safely be ignored while waiting for the next Call of Duty or FIFA to rock up.

Just Dance 2023 is another colourful slice of dance wrapped up in stunning visuals and catchy tunes - perfect for warming yourself up on a cold night, chilling out with friends or heating up the party. For us, it’s got the best playlist for a good few years too.

There isn’t a lot to complain about with The Last Faith. I would have liked a little bit of signposting as it is very easy to get lost, but the style and the crunching combat more than make up for this. With a bit of a better map and a couple more clues, The Last Faith would have been very close to a perfect score.

It's fast, the controls are up to snuff, and the bullets have patterns to them, so there is usually a way to survive, albeit by the skin of your teeth. If you are looking for a real challenge, you could do a lot worse than try Star Hunter DX out.

We’d use one word to sum up TUNIC: delightful. Few games will make you feel so skillful and clever, and fewer still will have the ability to slap a grin on your face.

The Pinball FX – Honor and Legacy Pack showcases Zen Studios’ innovative ideas with two instant hits that you absolutely must buy.

Back to the Dawn shows just how much indie games can shine. In a day when so many large games nickel and dime consumers for every scrap of content, one that is built out with so much content - and even more planned for free - is a huge breath of fresh air.

Despite a few minor setbacks, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is Sonic Team’s valiant effort to compete in the arcade racer market; when your game contains an abundance of characters, maps, game-modes and mechanics all of the same calibre, it can easily go toe-to-toe with even the Mario Karts of the genre.

Tales of Arise is great at almost everything it attempts, but it does just falls short of having the wow factor and possesses a couple of niggling factors to boot. Nevertheless it’s absolutely worth picking up if you’re after an action-RPG to sink a load of hours into.

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is so different, so compelling, that it is a joy to play.

Shalnor Legends: Sacred Lands is no more and no less than a Zelda game for the Xbox. If you have any interest in RPGs, retro or not, then you need to play this game.

The New Neighbears DLC for Cozy Grove underlines just why this superb sibling to Animal Crossing is such a 4.5 out 5 game. Grab the Spirit Scout uniform, and start collecting some new badges.

WWE 2K24 delivers a huge wrestling playground for you to not only finish the story, but create your own stories too. The vast amount of game modes in place and the massive roster of Superstars helps forge a ton of possibilities. The improvements are clear to see, but there are areas that need a little bit of attention, with the online side especially lacking.

If it wasn’t for a few little niggles in regards the need to reload and work through jump mechanics, Bramble: The Mountain King could well have been verging on top marks. Even then, this is a game that is hugely enjoyable, and the Nordic world feels like a great place to spend some solid hours. Just be aware, this can be a scary place and at times a bit gruesome, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

The problem found in a vast amount of point and click games is the slow-paced storytelling, with puzzles taking forever and a silly amount of back-tracking, but in Irony Curtain on Xbox One the pacing is spot on and everything is more condensed for the better. In fact almost everything meets a high standard as far as the writing is concerned, the character design, the problems to overcome and the voiceovers.

Final Fantasy VII is regularly seen as the greatest game in the fabled JRPG franchise, yet it is hard to argue against CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION being the best spinoff. The improvements to the graphics and combat elevate this remaster above, whilst retaining the best features of, the original.

Lil’ Guardsman surpassed our expectations - it exists in a beautiful and engaging world and is a rare game that manages to be just challenging enough to keep you interested. We’ve even come away with better deduction skills

If you're looking for a game which is able to wow in the cutscenes, make you laugh during moments of ill and see you frantically run for your life in others, all while still being able to deliver a smattering of humour and satisfaction whenever Abe's fellow Mudokons are saved, Oddworld: Soulstorm Enhanced Edition is the game you must play.

Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is one of those rare great games. Any Hollow Knight comparisons are valid, but the overall feel of Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is very much its own.

It’s always good to take to the court again, and that’s true once more with NBA 2K26. It is an excellent new addition to the franchise.

There's huge joy to be found in Just Crow Things. Much like the game that came before it, should you be looking for uniqueness, fun, or a game that is just oh-so clever, you should swoop in on Crowy’s adventures immediately.

The Medium on Xbox is the game fans have been waiting for. A dark, mature, scary, visually appetizing next-gen delight with a gripping story, it is one to not miss if you are a fan of psychological horror. Above all, this feels like an experience that really shows the chops of the Series X, and will likely serve as a benchmark title going forward, especially if the few remaining technical issues are patched.

Learning is a wonderful thing, and rarely will you be fooled twice in GRIME II. It means that if you are looking for a combat heavy metroidvania to play, then you may just have found it.

Paintball 3 - Candy Match Factory conjures up creative and engaging match-3 gameplay that will hook you in for hours.

Does the ending of ‘Above the Law’ entice me in for the next instalment? Truthfully? No. But that’s fine, because the rest of the episode is bloody great, mixing walker slaughtering with heartfelt conversation to create the ideal balance. I’ll be there for episode four of what has so far been an impressive season

Despite some minor gripes, Star Kings is the best expansion for Age of Wonders: Planetfall on Xbox so far: Paradox has only improved their output with every new content drop and this latest addition keeps to that trend. If you enjoy Planetfall, Star Kings is a no-brainer pickup. It truly adds to, and improves, the game in ways that feel almost necessary now for the full experience.

Two Point Campus: Medical School continues its excellent run, this time taking us back to where it all began which despite potential risks, pays off handsomely.

The overwhelming majority of Chorus is hugely enjoyable. It’s a vast game, one that is fast and furious with a story that keeps pulling you along.

If you haven’t had a chance to play the original, this is the perfect time, but if you have previously played and liked it, and can’t see yourself going back, this won’t change your mind. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition on Xbox is, quite frankly, the best way to play the game - but it won’t convince you to part ways with your funds if you were lukewarm on the original.

I loved my time with PRAGMATA. Playing it genuinely feels like a breath of fresh air and fondly reminds of games from the 2000s. It is always great to see a new IP launch successfully, and hopefully, we will get to see this world expanded with more stories.

Carrion on Xbox One is a very well-designed and crafted game. Whilst it can be frustrating to backtrack and redo levels when you’ve got a new power, the backtracking is part of the design rather than a flaw in the design. The combat is nicely weighted and the stealth elements are light and don’t require too much patience. Whilst it’s a short, punchy game, it doesn’t outstay its welcome or become repetitive.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a superb game. It is blindingly fast, fluid and great fun to play. The bosses will have you chewing your pad until you suss out their patterns, and the rest of the action is just as tough - never underestimate an enemy, even a small one. Apart from the loading times, this is one of the best action RPG games on the market.

Lost in Random: The Eternal Die is a sleek, smart and simply brilliant roguelite which hits upon the coveted formula to keep you coming back for more.

If time management and using your head to think outside the box are things that get you excited, then you’ll no doubt love The Escapists 2. It’s a bloody impressive sequel.

Knights and Bikes on Xbox One is one of those rare beasts that everyone can enjoy. It may be simple and straightforward to play, but that’s no bad thing. It’s an utterly charming tale that’s loads of fun to play and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The art of the game – both in terms of visuals and sound – is where it fully excels, and for that reason, Unleaving is to be loved.

It delivers on its promise and then some, and if you’re someone who enjoys playing video games alone or with friends, and likes having fun whilst doing so, in that respect, Borderlands 3 is perfect.

Deadlink is a well-polished, extensive FPS/roguelike experience that I can see being an absolute time-sink for many players.

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.

Death’s Door on Xbox is fantastic. Its mysteries are alluring, its world is uniquely sensitive and funny, its combat is harsh and fast. It feels like stepping into a dream space with all of its fantastical designs, elevated by one of the best soundtracks of the year. From almost every perspective, Death’s Door is a game that compels you to keep playing. You’ll be powerless to say no.

Put simply, Lethal League Blaze on Xbox One is one of the best fighting games going. Its funky aesthetic, banging soundtrack and beautifully executed and addictive gameplay sets it apart from other titles in the genre.

The world is beautiful to look at and the gameplay is nothing short of fun; yet taxing at just the right level. I could well do without the fighting mechanics, but luckily they don’t ever take up too much time in the overall experience. And should you have the chance to play with a friend, you’ll fast discover the true potential of this clever, amazing puzzle adventure.

But don’t let those rather minor issues put you off playing Planet of Lana. This is a game that deserves the praise, the plays and the passion it holds. A supremely well told tale that comes complete with brilliant visuals and an orchestral soundscape to die for, Planet of Lana is a hugely immersive adventure you need to play.

I implore you to find a friend who owns it or to buy it yourself and share the experience with someone else. Honestly, don’t miss A Way Out, for it’s the purest form of co-op out there and a truly innovative game.

If you want to take in a thoughtful journey, one that focuses on how we move through grief then please give Closer the Distance a go.

At the end of the day, and if you’re after a relaxing puzzler which will provide a decent test that you can take at your own pace, then Noodle and Doodle will happily sort you out. You may not ever want to really test yourself by collecting all the coins, because some are pretty damn frustrating to hunt down and reach, and the Time Trial option will only really appeal to those who have friends sitting on the leaderboards too, but the basic game is so damn good that neither of those options really hold it back.

Foregone on Xbox One will make you feel like you’re God’s gift to gaming - a cartwheel of bullets and blades. By the time you reach the end, you might even have earned it. Don’t give in to the easy comparisons with Dead Cells - this is a sumptuous, furious and rock-hard romp that’s better seen as a partner to that brilliant game.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is special – a game that needs to be experienced by all at least once, it is one of the finest puzzle games you will ever play.

I could have done without the stealth sections but if you are truly after a new experience that takes you to a far away land, Chants of Sennaar will be right up your street.

It’s safe to say, if you enjoy Disney, platformers or gaming for that matter, Disney Illusion Island Starring Mickey & Friends is worth having a go. For some, it will be an enjoyable addition to the backlog of oversaturated 2D platformers, shining through with a bit more love, enjoyment and creativity than most in the genre.

Up for a challenge? REPLIKATOR is an absolute unit of a twin-stick shooter, beating you within an inch of your life every playthrough. But it’s also one of the most rewarding roguelikes you’re likely to play, jamming rewards and unlocks in your hands. You’ve just got to have the wits and skills to master what it throws at you.

Stray is a masterclass in escapism gaming. Taking a rather unusual perspective doesn’t stop this being a joyous experience from start to finish, irrespective of whether you are a cat person or not.

With the theme music still kicking around in my head now, the world of Mokumana having surprised with multiple twists and turns, and the puzzling pinball moments standing proudly alongside the many platforming opportunities, this is one game that is going to appeal to a huge range of player.

Xeno Crisis works brilliantly as a single player experience, keeping you coming back to just try and get that little bit further. As a cooperative experience however it is completely sublime, with twice the firepower and twice the fun.

You may think that The Smurfs have had their day, but you won’t want to sleep on The Smurfs - Dreams. You will be surprised by just how accomplished this platformer is. And if that is anything to go by, the future is bright, the future is blue.

Ravenswatch may well convert you into a roguelike enthusiast. The combination of engaging combat, diverse characters with unique abilities, and rewarding progression systems creates a gameplay loop full of interest.

Like an ant, punching above its weight is the best way to describe Grounded. In many regards, this is the little game that could.

Forager on Xbox One is a great investment. The amount of content in the game is phenomenal and it can only get better. If foraging, building, and adventuring are up your alley then I heartily recommend Forager.

Heading Out delivers a unique gaming experience, and a powerful piece of storytelling. It has the strangest mix of gameplay elements and mechanics I’ve ever seen, and whilst it probably shouldn't work, it does so well.

Created as a collaboration piece with the man himself, AVICII Invector is of such a high quality that it will not just appeal to fans of the late superstar, but will certainly come of interest to all manner of gamers from around the world.

Terror of Hemasaurus is a brilliant effort from a one-man studio. It takes that familiar Rampage formula, gives it a fresh coat of pain and whacks a strong story on top. The result is something that is a joy to play.

Forgotton Anne is a lovely looking game, with the constantly moving art really impressing as you advance on the adventure, creating a world full of interesting characters. The story starts slow but comes into its own as you delve deeper, with sadness, humour and joyful moments all part of the experience lasting over six hours. Capping it off is a beautiful orchestral soundtrack that is often relaxing and never feels out of place.

Besides some slight performance issues and the difficulty maybe being a bit easier than expected, Black Myth: Wukong is consistently fun.

Still Wakes the Deep is a linear game, one that will take you roughly six hours or so to complete. It doesn’t have any combat and you won’t be finding out the full answers to all your questions, but what it does do is provide a masterful piece of tight storytelling, full of heart, mystery, and suspense. Still Wakes the Deep has some amazing visuals and a wonderful piece of sound design, especially in the voice work that is both haunting and full of warmth.

Although not a fully fledged sequel, Supraland: Six Inches Under is a technically impressive and wonderfully creative follow-up adventure for new and existing fans alike.

Some may find the puzzles a little simple and as an overall experience it could well last a little longer but please, if you want to take in a new concept which is just lovely, buy The Gardens Between. Now.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns manages to thrill with exciting card-based antics while also ensuring strategic minds prevail.

World of Final Fantasy MAXIMA on Xbox One strikes a perfect balance for seasoned veterans and new players with a mix of old gameplay tropes and new. The graphics and genuinely laugh out loud moments will appeal to younger audiences, but older fans will also appreciate seeing deformed versions of classic Final Fantasy characters and monsters.

Despite seeming similar to Two Point Hospital on the surface, Two Point Campus is stuffed with enough new ideas and irresistible charm to ensure it is a sequel well worth playing.

In Rays of the Light won’t take you long to complete - just under 2 hours in fact - but if you’re anything like me you’ll love what it provides. For the cheap price, it's well worth taking a punt on, especially if you want something different, or are just after an amazing story that doesn't give you all the narrative beats on a plate.

AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – Nirvana Initiative is a brilliantly bizarre sequel that attempts to right some wrongs and introduces a handful of great new ideas.

I love a good narrative adventure, especially one that tackles horror. REVEIL doesn’t disappoint, with neat plot twists and an outstanding revelation. There are some great puzzles to enjoy, very unique, whilst the set pieces feel stunning at times; oh so clever.

Nightdive Studios have done a brilliant job of dusting off a true videogame classic in System Shock 2: 25th Anniversary Remaster, and it very much deserves another glory lap.

If you’re after a multiplayer game where every match is a fresh gamble, where victory hinges on both brains and firepower, and where the thrill of space piracy pulses in every moment, Wildgate is worth your time.

Plant of Lana II is the success we suspected it would be. A brilliantly told tale combines with stunning visuals, cracking gameplay mechanics, intriguing puzzles and a soundtrack to die for. But it lacks wow moments and any sense of difficulty.

Don’t be too concerned about the shortness of Venba, for its fascinating story and cultural delights will certainly make up for it.

The new scenario and little extras that the Ghostbusters DLC brings to Planet Coaster: Console Edition on Xbox has had me smiling from ear to ear. There is so much to enjoy here for fans of the film, and the extra touches such as The Ghostbusters Experience ride and the ECTO-1 makes this DLC an absolute essential purchase.