A game for all the ages, there’s a ton of content included so take out your wand, put on your most magical of hats, and go and enjoy the thrills of Hogwarts Legacy.

We want to play a double-bill of DREDGE and Moonglow Bay. Because while Moonglow Bay is the positive, life-affirming and wistful side of fishing, DREDGE is the opposite. It is monstrously gorgeous, hideously compelling, and has our fingernails down to bloody ends. We’re going to need to update that best fishing games list.

Nothing pleases more than being in the worlds of Remnant II. There is no greater satisfaction than hitting a weak spot with a critical hit and seeing a big red number rise up from an enemy corpse.

It’s often described as a ‘pop album video game’, but Sayonara Wild Hearts is more than that. It’s a love letter to both gaming and music, perfectly marrying the two mediums together in one expressive package. It’s an art form and one of the best indie titles to hit the Xbox One generation.

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan is a platformer, RPG, puzzle game, pet-collector and Wind Waker-style exploration game, all rolled together and spraypainted in glorious technicolour. It may be knowingly kooky, it may occasionally sound like a cat motivation poster, but we forgave its failings. Rainbow Billy is greater than the sum of its parts, and the developers have absolutely overloaded it with parts.

Q.U.B.E. 10th Anniversary is a game you’ll find hard to put down - even if you played the original a decade ago. This one is worth picking up for the extra content, improved visuals, and audio.

Age of Wonders: Planetfall on Xbox One is easily one of the best in the genre, putting so many elements together into one fantastic package. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone who loves the genre, and will be able to sustain strategy fans for weeks and even months on end.

If you were a fan of Innocence then you are going to adore A Plague Tale: Requiem. It’s a familiar experience but one in which the mechanics, visuals, sound, and story have all been ramped up. Lasting around thirteen hours, A Plague Tale: Requiem manages to eclipse the first game; pretty much every minute is heavenly.

The Witch Queen expansion for Destiny 2 on Xbox Series X is one of the better ones that Bungie has produced.

Backfirewall_ is a wonderful game; one that is highly original and full of creativity. It's a delight to play through, capable of making you laugh and gasp in equal measure.

PUBG may have been sat in Preview for many a month, but it has arrived as a full release to instantly become one of the most addictive games you can play. From start to finish it’s a thrilling and fun adventure that has more tension than you’ll find in almost any other game. Whether you’re looking for a new online experience to play solo or with a group of friends, this is one you should be playing in 2018.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun brings a particularly brutal challenge, but at no point does it ever feel unfair.

Barring some technical issues causing the odd crash or hard lock, for the most part, the core of the game works well. There is definitely enjoyment to be had however, as all artistic aspects of Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom are beautiful, and the combat and platforming mechanics are solid.

The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series on Xbox One is a worthy send-off to one of gaming’s best stories and developers of the 2010s. With over 50 hours of content, improved frame rates and animations, and sentimental developer’s commentary, the collection is must-buy for anyone who hasn’t played these games before.

Trials Rising isn’t just another Trials instalment. It creates even more incredible fun with exciting and action packed tracks that never cease to both amaze and also infuriate in equal measures.

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.

NBA 2K18 succeeds in delivering truly addictive gameplay that is pretty easy to pick up for newcomers, while long-time players will enjoy mastering the advanced techniques.

Is there such a thing as too much Gears? I don’t think so, and that is proven with the release of Gears of War: Reloaded; a game that is as good as ever, slightly better looking than before, and now absolutely chock full of content.

Outer Wilds provides an incredible and imaginative solar system to explore, one that is filled with genuine mystery and wonder, immersive music and an imaginative sci-fi lore. Still, the issues in control, gameplay, and level design hamper the intended blissful exploration which it tries to build its premise around.

Desperados III on Xbox One does something very brave. It takes the pre-existing structure set almost 20 years before it and throws it out the window. Whilst it does feel like its predecessors, it is not afraid to strike out on its own and it does so wonderfully. Its music and atmosphere is phenomenal, its narrative is great, and its gameplay is just so rewarding and addictive. It really does stand out in its own right. Whether or not you’ve played the original is irrelevant: Desperados III is absolutely worth your time.

Enter The Gungeon is nigh-on perfect. The hits are fine, the gunplay is wonderful, the animation and designs are fantastic, and it really needs to be picked up and played by anybody who isn’t looking for something really casual.

Project Cars 2 is indeed a quality racer, one well worth the time of anyone looking for an ultra-realistic experience. Those coming in as casual racers may find the controls a little harsh, but the general nature of racing a high-performance car is certainly put into perspective, and that should be praised in any game looking to give a simulation experience.

Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled on Xbox One is now undoubtedly the line in the sand; the new benchmark to beat that has left all its competitors’ way off in the distance.

Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition on Xbox One is a one-off game. In fact, I doubt we will see a game like this for years to come. Lovers of action, frantic gameplay and lack of narratives won’t find much in here I’m afraid, however those who love stories and how narratives shape our lives will utterly adore this game.

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.

The Touryst is a great little vacation simulator with clean cube graphics, a fun little plotline, and plenty of minigames to check out. It’s a “byte” sized game that is good “bit” of fun.

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.

As a first foray onto Xbox consoles, Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & The Envisioned Land does a stellar job. It looks stunning, and the strong mix of exploration, alchemy and combat all complement each other extremely well. At times it does feel the story beats are a bit too spaced out, and the world map is daunting to look at, but no two play sessions are the same.

Despite the massive overhaul to the battle system and more subtle changes elsewhere, TFBW feels like a very safe sequel to The Stick of Truth. It’s still a great journey with characters that fans of the show know and love, but I am unsure why this game was delayed so much when it appears to have re-used a lot of the assets from previous.

The story is a corker, bowling along at a fair old lick, and the way it all plays is great, with real tactics needed to win the later combat encounters. Sneaking people into place before getting the drop on a group of enemies never gets old. Add into the mix the multiplayer modes, getting friends in to help with tricky encounters, and the whole package found in Wasteland 3 on Xbox One is a big improvement on the previous game.

UNSIGHTED is a great game to play, especially when you consider the co-op mode, the Boss Rush mode and the Dungeon Raid you can take part in, and further to that, the amount of replayability based on choices you make is very good indeed. It’s only the slight imprecision in the combat that stops UNSIGHTED from getting a full score, and I can honestly recommend this to everyone.

The Curse of the Pharaohs rounds off a great Origins season pass with a big chunk of content. If you’re a fan of Origins then this package is a must buy.

Planet Coaster: Console Edition is quietly one of the best launch titles for the Xbox Series X|S, and made all the better by being available through Game Pass. For a park sim, it is incredibly easy to pick up and play as everything is explained and designed as this version was built up for consoles, as opposed to a simple port. The effort gone into that is noticeable in every single menu and button press; nothing is restricted by the controller.

If you have a reliable squad to run Elden Ring Nightreign with, then this is as easy a sell as the original Elden Ring, but I’m at a loss to understand why crossplay is not in place.

Prey is what you would expect to find should Bioshock and Dead Space cross paths. With a great story that is full of choice and multiple endings, a fantastic atmosphere and some of the most unique enemies seen in a horror game, this is one game that’s fully deserving of praise.

I have no hesitation in naming Gears 5 on Xbox One as a triumph. The story is amazing, the multiplayer works perfectly, and Horde and Escape are the cherries on the cake.

If you value your free time, or have a backlog of games to get through, then be warned: The Colonists can put you under the same magical spell as the original Settlers and ANNO. While its slowness can be occasionally irksome, particularly in the Campaign, it has a habit of dragging you back in. Book a week off, find a log cabin with wi-fi and no intrusions, and watch the time disappear.

Battlefield 6 is an immensely enjoyable game, especially when playing with friends. Yes, the campaign feels a bit rushed, but the multiplayer more than makes up for it, with superb new mechanics, a good range of maps and modes, and the joy of destructible environments.

There is so much to love about Forza Motorsport, that it is an easy sell. The game looks, races and - most importantly - feels absolutely bang on, and while I don’t love the new upgrade system, it’s something to get used to.

Whilst definitely touted as a reboot in pre-release info, Mortal Kombat 1 has taken a few too many steps back. The fighting feels stripped back from previous editions, reverting to a technique that fighting games were using years ago, rather than evolving.

For The King is quite frankly one of the best games you can get for the price range. With five different game modes, all of which include their own enjoyable gimmicks such as survival elements and a focus on seafaring, there is more than enough content to find yourself going through. Supported by fantastic depth in the combat and systems that tie the game together, what few setbacks it has can easily be overlooked. If you have been looking for a turn based RPG, it would be an absolute shame to skip out on For The King.

So yes, it seems that we have finally got it - the one true to life Formula One racing experience we have been begging for in recent years.

It’s not the best Sam & Max game, or even the second best, but Sam & Max Save the World is a milestone in the series, preserved with love by the best people to do so. If you’ve been looking for a reason to spend time with two of gaming’s best characters on an Xbox, grab it with all four paws.

If you are looking to play some baseball, MLB The Show 23 is 100% the first option to pick. It has game modes galore with control schemes to suit any kind of player. The presentation is absolutely fantastic and the in-game help can turn most players into proficient bat swinging monsters.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Xbox is possibly my favourite entry in the series - stunningly glorious, fluid as you like, and full of mammoth amounts of content. If I had to be negative, then at times it can feel a little bit buggy, but I don't think I've played an open-world game that hasn't had this problem and at no point has it affected my enjoyment of the game.

With an in-depth Career mode, incredibly life-like visuals, plenty of content and a faithful simulation experience of everyone’s favourite racing discipline recreated to the finest detail, there aren't many better places to experience the thrill of race day besides heading down to the track in person.

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a throwback to classic JRPGs, but in many ways an improvement. It’s like Aliens compared to Alien; all the aspects that made the original great have been polished up, tweaked and turned up to 11 to deliver something that is arguably even better than the inspiration.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair really feels like a game designed for all ages. Veteran players will appreciate the standard difficulty of the game, whilst younger ones may benefit from a few Tonics to help them on their way.

You owe it to yourself to play SOULCALIBUR VI if you have even the slightest interest in fighting games.

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.

Frostpunk is another incredible title from 11 Bit Studios, and an utter triumph for the genre. It’s an incredibly unique and engaging deep dive into the bowels of the icy tundra, a textbook example of emotional storytelling through gameplay. If you can stomach it and face the cold, Frostpunk is an experience you will likely never forget.

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

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy could’ve easily ended up being a lacklustre attempt at recreating what makes this group of oddballs so endearing to the Marvel community, but that’s not the case. The acting is top drawer, with a script in place that can make you laugh one minute and bring a tear to your eye the next.

It is really a fresh take on an overdone genre, and is certainly a masterpiece in what can be achieved if you are prepared to think outside the box.

Fans of the universe will love the way this huge chunk of content gives you new characters and locations. However, it might feel a bit familiar at times, and it never goes into proper sequel territory. But that’s because it’s not.

Grab your phone, call your friends and promise them some free beers as The Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a brilliant combination of mini-games that any budding host will need to add to their arsenal. It may just save Christmas and New Year.

Nidhogg 2 is an incredible game that offers up wonderfully tense and deeply strategic gameplay whilst trying to keep the tongue firmly in its cheek. While the single player doesn’t always work as it should, the multiplayer is easily worth the asking price just for the way it can make you feel.

There are experiences here that I’m not sure I’ve encountered before - at least not in a video game. If that’s not fodder for full marks, then I don’t know what is. Welcome to Elk on Xbox One is a game that’s going to stick long in the memory. For a story that deals in the power of memory, that feels like a suitable conclusion.

It may take a couple of levels, but you’ll get hooked by Tin Hearts. The world, gameplay ideas, and touching story are all good enough to reel you in. I do think the level design found in the latter parts of the game does feel a bit extended, but others will welcome the challenge and relish in the complexities.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a hugely enjoyable title; one that will appeal to those who love Warhammer, as well as being just as much fun for those that aren’t into the franchise. No back reading is required here - just a happy trigger finger. Playing as a love letter to the shooters of the past, it manages to smooth things out via modern controls, fun gameplay and satisfying action.

F1 23 is a step up from what was created in F1 22, and thanks to the inclusion of a second instalment of Braking Point, it's right up there with F1 2021. In some aspects it surpasses that too.

RIDE 5 is perhaps the most welcoming motorbike racing game to date, while retaining the exciting and challenging gameplay the series is famed for.

I don’t often recommend frequent visits to a hospital, but Two Point Hospital on Xbox One is one which you must get admitted to at the soonest opportunity. It’ll be your new addiction.

The visuals don’t live up to the standards that one would normally expect at this price range. Bloodstained doesn’t offer much in terms of narrative either, and most of its characters – bar Zangetsu – are downright awful. If you really want to experience this latest project by Koji Igarashi, then consider waiting for it to land on sale, which I think will happen sooner rather than later.

It has a fun, finely-crafted story told through splendid animation and outstanding narration, a gorgeous, adventure-filled world with plenty to explore, and one of the greatest 2D combat systems I’ve ever experienced. Tails of Iron is not only one of the best things I’ve played all year, but it’s a sign of great things to come from an incredibly talented studio.

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.

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.

The story will hook you in and keep you playing, some of the puzzles will have you banging your head on the wall (or sneaking onto Youtube for a look at the solution), and the animation and personality of the characters will have you really caring what happens to them. If you never liked this type of game, this probably won’t change your mind, but for everyone else, the crazy world of Thimbleweed Park comes highly recommended.

Today I love Race The Sun. Tomorrow though? Well that may well be a different story. But at least I’ll only have to wait 24 hours before loving it again.

Moonlighter is a game of two halves that when combined makes for a truly enjoyable experience and one that’s hard to put down.

FAR: Lone Sails is a trip that once you play, you won’t forget anytime soon. It’s beautiful and emotional in a raw way that very few games manage; with no words, it strikes straight to the heart. It’s a wonderful experience from start to finish, and I wholeheartedly suggest anyone to play it who has the slightest of interest.

Aside from the new tractor beams, the VOID Riders DLC for OlliOlli World doesn’t really change much. But when the foundations are so much fun, nothing really needs to be changed.

Bravery & Greed is an example of a fusion of genres done well. The graphics may put some people off, but I urge those folk to give the gameplay a try - the loop of fighting and exploring is pretty compelling.

Anyone who cares about the rich history of games as an art form needs to play The Making of Karateka. This is a five-hour journey with decades' worth of impactful stories baked into it.

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.

If you’re in the market for a new twin stick shooter, one that brings a fun little story, some top notch bullet-fuelled gameplay and the chance to go and chase those highscores of your mates, then Assault Android Cactus more than delivers.

The sandbox elements, the amazing level design, and variety of gameplay options on offer are all superbly crafted and highly addictive, but I do think that fans of the previous game may well look at this more like a Version 1.5 of the previous title.

I’ve been pretty much bowled over by Life is Strange: True Colors - the story, characters, and themes have really managed to strike a chord. Others might find the tone and writing not to their taste and that's fine, but I don't think anyone can deny that the team behind it have progressed their art form and game-making skills in a positive direction with this latest addition to the franchise. Long may it continue.

WWE 2K25 is impressive all-round with its exciting and enthralling gameplay that’s enhanced by a great selection of game modes. While The Island doesn’t reach its potential, the likes of MyFACTION, MyRISE and Showcase are thriving. And then there’s the massive roster to take into account, which is crucial to longevity.

A near masterpiece that should be played by anyone and everyone. If you’re after a narrative, it nails it. If you’re looking for a serene game to kick back with for an evening or two, equally so. And if you just want to go up, there’s not a better game to do it with than with Jusant.

The first few minutes of Heroes of Hammerwatch give a surprisingly accurate representation of the entire experience. As you look through the multitude of classes, multiple customization options and somewhat overwhelming overworld, it instils both a sense of dread and intrigue. Heroes of Hammerwatch - Ultimate Edition can be a little daunting, but there is just so much to love here.

When you take into account the standout moments and combine them with brilliant visuals, some audio that is out of this world, a smattering of puzzles, a top drawer narrative and super intense gameplay, and yet again we find that Remedy have delivered the goods with their latest adventure.

After an explosive start, Resident Evil 3 on Xbox One quickly falls into a familiar rhythm. Having a Tyrant hunt you down is now the new norm for Resident Evil, but the most feared of all will always be Nemesis. He quickly disappears into the cutscenes however, without as much of an impact as you would perhaps hope. Thankfully though, there are enough environment and enemy variations crammed into this short experience that you never get a chance to settle down and acquaint yourself with any one enemy type, and as a survival horror game that is exactly how you want to feel.

If you like an arcade racer, if you like drifting, and especially if you like drifting in arcade racers, Inertial Drift on Xbox One is the game for you. Even if you usually like the more serious end of the racing spectrum, I defy anyone not to be gripped by the sheer exuberance of the game world and the outrageous handling that is on display.

With gorgeous sprite-based visuals, modernised 90s based mechanics, and a foundation of combat able to provide hours of entertainment, MARVEL Cosmic Invasion more than earns itself a place in the fighting genre.

You could experience fits of laughter, you may even shed a small tear, but most importantly you’ll have an adventure like no other with Lair of the Clockwork God.

Throwing you head on into 50v50 warfare, in which teamwork is essential and death comes quickly in huge maps, Hell Let Loose is a stunning game that had me playing round after round. Aesthetically it could use work, the frame-rate drops do start to become a bit tedious and the sheer scale of maps may put off some people. However, it’s a great bit of brutal warfare and one I know I’ll be keeping installed for a long time to come.

If you have the slightest interest in Mortal Kombat, you need to get yourself involved with Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection.

Despite the host of new features and ideas, Yakuza: Like a Dragon on Xbox is still quintessentially a Yakuza title. The humour is still here, as are the plot twists on plot twists, and of course the karaoke, which all add up to make it one of the stronger ‘launch’ titles on the Xbox Series X|S. There is a noticeable graphical improvement over previous titles on the Xbox One too; Ijincho is a gorgeous addition to the city roster and returning cities have never looked better.

Chicken Police - Paint it Red on Xbox One is a real surprise - a glorious homage to Detective Noir fiction. It’s stylish, sassy and fun - Sin City with a wattle. But while it isn’t overloaded with gameplay, it’s a page-turner from start to finish, and we would happily spend more time with its characters in cases to come. In all honesty, we were expecting something of a bantam class, but Chicken Police turned out to be a heavyweight.

Subnautica: Below Zero is an excellently designed survival experience. It’s a place where the most creative can utilise the tools that they find, going out, exploring and creating a whole world under the sea. It’s helped by a cracking story that sits perfectly alongside this adventure of a lifetime. Admittedly, initial moments are confusing, but once you get into the rhythm of things and understand the resource hunting, it all becomes second nature.

NeiR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is an improved remake of an okay game. The changes that have been actioned are impressive and they in turn make the experience all so much better. Just be aware that many of the basic elements that held back the original are still present.

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.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy may well be an acquired taste, but it remains one of the most absorbing text based adventures out there.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero is undeniably a great 3D fighter that’s geared up to pander to fans in the best way. The impressive visuals, the nostalgia-fuelled Episodes, the humongous roster of characters, and the exciting action are praiseworthy. The only major sticking point is the steep learning curve and the potentially off-putting difficulty spikes that hit you from the outset.

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.

Is FIFA 18 the best in the series? No, but there’s a whole load of things to do once you’ve embraced all the gameplay enhancements to ensure it’s still a decent game.

Overcooked 2 is simply brilliant. It comes with a massive story mode that is full of various recipe types to keep you busy, an arcade option for those wanting to hone their skills, and a versus mode which sees the very best chefs pitting themselves up against one another in a cook off to the death. All that combined means that it is a must purchase game… especially for those looking for some multiplayer madness.