I never thought I would be playing a parkour game in 2025, but Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game is worth checking out. It does feel a bit old-school in terms of the open world and the need to create your own entertainment, rather than being constantly guided. It works nicely though, and the mechanics are cleverly crafted.

Astronite is a solid Metroidvania that, whilst having some shortcomings, still manages to play out as a fun game.

Doom II (Classic) on Xbox One is a solid FPS being very much more of the same, which many will argue is a good thing. However, the campaign isn’t quite as well paced as the original and therefore the magic may wear off for some.

Star Wars: Squadrons on Xbox One is probably one of the best of all the Star Wars games. It comes with a decent price that is suited to both its campaign length and the fun that is found in multiplayer. However, something is lacking in the story, the pacing is problematic throughout and I found the lack of modes in the multiplayer to be a tad disappointing.

Anyone who has a hole in their life where a new Spyro, Banjo or Jak should have been will find plenty to love here with Kao the Kangaroo.

Gameplay-wise it needs more, and a bit of innovation wouldn’t go amiss, but you should be able to get completely invested in the story of the Night Book.

If you can bear the insane amount of coffee talk, Caffeine: Victoria's Legacy is probably worth investing in; if only for the romantic potential and the chance to appreciate the excellent audio.

Will you like Through The Woods? Well, I love indie games that have a strong voice and really unusual tales to tell. Through the Woods has all of this and much, much, more with a brilliant, unusual story that is fun to be part of. It doesn’t shy away from the dark and tricky storylines which is brave, and should be admired.

With a ton of quality content now included, if you get your thrills from sheer racing experiences, then Assetto Corsa is one racer that does away with all the messing around and instead just throws you into a world full of incredible visuals and the sheer power of multiple racing vehicles.

There’s no doubt that Spray Paint Simulator is a great little addition to the burgeoning ‘cosy jobs’ genre that PowerWash Simulator kicked off in style. It’s not quite as addictive to paint than clean, but this is an extremely familiar setup that will draw in many.

If you are on the hunt for a nicely designed, well crafted puzzler, and are itching for a little test of the mind, Square Logic is easily capable of providing it. It works exactly as intended, with no fuss and no bother. If you get it, Square Logic will deliver in spades. But if you don’t…

If you can look past the repetitive edge, there is no reason not to pull friends and family together to sit down with this cutesy adventure.

Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix on Xbox One is not just an incremental improvement on the original: this is a gold-mushroom boost into the distance. While it doesn’t quite get on the karting podium - the identikit weapons and flat courses scupper that - it’s a solid kart game which rewards you for persisting with it. If the jump in quality is as large with Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3, we’re going to have a hell of a race for the best kart game.

Chef Life: A Restaurant Simulator falls a little short of a Michelin-starred fine dining experience, but still cooks up a storm. It’s easy enough to get to grips with, features a decent selection of cooking apparatus, and is chock full of recipes for posh nosh.

There are plenty of enjoyable elements to be had but with repetition proving heavy throughout, you have to be prepared for the grind to really get the most out of this Warhammer-RPG.

Legend of Ixtona works pretty well. The usual KEMCO control issues are here and the explanation of what to do is somewhat lacking, but despite this it is a fun game to play.

Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition for the Xbox Series X|S is a bit of a strange beast. The narrative is engaging as it meanders to an end goal, but the journey from A to B is pretty abstract.

Oxide Room 208 is a savage, unforgiving horror symphony whose technical flaws occasionally jar its brittle beauty. But for the brave, it is unforgettable.

Should you be into Motocross, want to keep your game up to date with the latest riders and teams and don’t mind a more basic arcade feel to that which has gone before it, then MXGP 2019 is likely a game you’re going to enjoy. If you found MXGP Pro to be the change the series needed however, then you will be disappointed.

Aspire: Ina’s Tale will deliver some mixed feelings. The world-building, the scenes of identity and magic it manifests while travelling through the world are all to be loved, as is the main character of Ina and the creatures/characters she meets along the way. Some of the platforming and puzzle-solving is also decent but the movement of Ina becomes a bit frustrating at times, especially in terms of gameplay accuracy.

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.

There’s a chance that the repetitive gameplay loop might not appeal to everyone, but Parcel Corps is worth checking out for its unique blend of action, fun, and visual flair.

It’s difficult to weigh up episode three of The Expanse: A Telltale Series, because the positives are almost totally cancelled out by the negatives.

I wanted a bit more variation in the gameplay, but overall there is no denying that The King’s Bird is a solid platformer in a beautiful world.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is a solid but limited experience. The core of the game is a joy to mess around with even if it fails to fully capitalise on the systems given to you.

SANYA is an endearing, small-scale adventure which connects players with memories, thoughts and feelings of their childhood.

Metal Tales: Overkill makes a decent fist of being a good game. The various layouts and bosses you face, along with the decent amount of items and weapons to find, makes each run unique.

There’s a high chance that you’ll find the controls of Ultimate General: Gettysburg to be a big issue; one that will affect your enjoyment of the game over its campaign running time. If you can see through that though, then this is a tightly focused game with some brilliant AI and battle tactics to be enjoyed.

If you’re seeking a horror title that ditches slow-burn narrative for raw, pulse-pounding adrenaline, Narcissus will scratch a very specific itch. It isn’t here to tell a sprawling space opera; it is here to trap you in a steel coffin with your nightmares and see how long you survive.

Little Hope on the Xbox One is a substantially different horror game than Man of Medan, and that is one of the beauties of The Dark Pictures Anthology. However, that does mean that gone are the tight corridors of Man of Medan, replaced by a lot of walking on empty roads and dirt paths in Little Hope. It was a tale that I personally found a lot less scary, though this could be down to familiarity of the anthology starting to creep in. It is still more than capable of producing a decent amount of scares though as the nights start to draw in.

Drawing inspiration from Slavic folklore, Yaga on Xbox One certainly delivers in terms of its narrative and lore. But in terms of combat and environments, it feels underwhelming. Levels get repetitive quickly and the combat system leaves a lot of room for improvement.

Mimi the Cat: Meow Together puts its own spin on Sokoban and does an alright job of delivering a bit of a challenge.

Verlet Swing is reasonably priced considering there are a fair few hours of gameplay to be had here. It has a distinct style and provides enjoyable, easy to play, hard to master thrills. Patience is definitely a virtue with this game, but you could do much worse, so make sure you swing by and check it out sometime.

Even though you’ll have a good time with Beholder 3, you may well find that it becomes a little bit too samey after a while. But perhaps the humdrum life of trying to balance chores with spying needs means it is meant to be that way.

If you are a fan of roguelites then don't rule out Rogue Spirit. It’s not a game for genre newbies, but if you need something different, Rogue Spirit may be for you.

Liquid Sunshine on Xbox One is a very enjoyable game; one that delivers some decent head-scratching puzzles that should last you a good few hours. The adult-themed story is good but finishes a bit abruptly for me, and the gameplay is truly well-designed. But personally I want more – more save points and more variation in the backdrops, whilst seeing fewer glitches.

Puzzle by Nikoli W Yajilin finds itself near the front of the puzzling peloton. It’s not unique enough to be sprinting out front, but it’s so polished and friction-free that it’s the best of the following rest. If you love the series, then this is an insta-purchase.

Hack and slash fans will like what they find, as will endless-runner fans and those hardcore enthusiasts out there, but at the end of the day Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is a game that struggles with its own identity too much to be fully enjoyed.

Aphelion may stumble in its mechanics, but when it places focus on the storytelling, atmosphere and spectacle, it’s exactly the kind of experience DON’T NOD excels at. It’s intriguing, mysterious and clever – we just wish it was tighter in terms of save points and how the gameplay is handled.

Don’t expect to be wowed by Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet, but if you’re prepared to stick with it and are a fan of the franchise, then there are just about enough positives to give it a look if it’s in the sale.

DISTRAINT is clearly a story that wants to be told and while it’s not always successful in its endeavours, it does manage to successfully create a horrific brooding atmosphere to portray many dark human emotions.

The Ancient Gods: Part One on Xbox One changes nothing fundamental from DOOM Eternal, but instead dials up the demon slaying up to eleven. It’s worth battling through as there’s still fun to be had, but you’ll have to work a lot harder for it.

Ghostrunner’s flaws are tragic ones. With it starting so strong, the bugs, poor optimization and horrendous design choices stung more and more. If all you’re looking for is a cyberpunk distraction until CD Projekt Red’s hotly anticipated title, this may be just what you’re looking for. However, if you want a game that’s consistent and well-made throughout, you could play the first eight levels of Ghostrunner on Xbox One and pretend it ends there.

Spiral Splatter is a simple game. However it’s also a good one that is brilliantly priced and should see any puzzle fan kept happy for an hour or two. I just wish it could deliver much more.

Don’t get me wrong, Welcome to ParadiZe is fun. But fun without rewriting the manual. A generic zombie survival romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

For fans of the series and lovers of the genre, the combination of turn-based combat, intriguing puzzles, and exploration work well. Throw in a large amount of gameplay hours, plus the side quests, challenges and crafting and this is a game that will keep the ardent adventurer in clover.

GONNER2 on Xbox One is absolutely rock hard and requires the reflexes of a ninja hopped up on Red Bull to get anywhere, and so this is not a game that you would play for a nice, relaxing blast before work. However, if you enjoy a challenge, it is certainly worth playing. Even with fingers made of butter, progress can be made by concentrating fiercely, and it is then when GONNER2 starts to become rewarding.

Protodroid DeLTA rises above its niggles to emerge as a characterful platformer which pays a faithful tribute to those which inspired it.

A Building Full of Cats is a great use of your cash. That money goes to promoting animal adoption over purchasing them, so you can feel warm and fuzzy about improving the world… before enjoying the double-benefit of some hidden object gaming. What’s here might not be revelatory, but it’s an adorable way to pass the hours.

There is no guarantee that you will enjoy Spooky Chase on Xbox. It’s an acquired taste that demands that you’re patient, focused, have the reactions of a grasshopper, and are willing to persist with the same level over and over again. Its randomness means you can’t rely on muscle memory, so tie your pad round your wrists, as it might go for a skydive out of the window. But come to terms with what Spooky Chase wants from you, and it’ll create great moments.

Bad Dream: Coma on Xbox will leave a mark, mostly thanks to its strange, surreal visuals and dream-like concept. It's a good point-and-click adventure, but might be too obscure and surreal for some - you’ll certainly have to work in order to understand the purpose of the main character and what is happening to them.

Timothy vs the Aliens will run for anything up to four hours or so and it’s quite nostalgic to play through it, reminding much of games from the Xbox 360 period. It has a lovely visual language, employing a black and white world to great effect. All the mechanics work very well and there are collectibles to find for the purists at heart. However, it does all feel a bit empty and fails to excite enough for you to want to look forward to your next playthrough.

Carto on Xbox One is one for the younger gamer, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing at all. It has the right vibe and presentation of a children’s book coming to life, and the whole setup of using puzzle pieces to bring a map together makes for an intuitive and engaging gameplay mechanic. While the game world and exploration within is a bit on the simplistic side, the puzzle design is still effective in what it achieves, both in the game design and in driving a meaningful narrative.

Oxide Room 104 is a decent little survival horror; one that has some great ideas but falls short in others.

Use Your Words is a great way of entertaining the entire family for a good couple of hours. Whilst you may have played that old board game to death, knowing all the answers it brings, Use Your Words mixes things up so much that no matter how many times you play it, the responses you see, and the joy it brings, will always be varied.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire is an odd duck. It looks poor but good at the same time, the combat is clunky and yet still a decent amount of fun to partake in, and there are interesting facets to get to grips with.

Almost My Floor is a very good point-and-click adventure that is inventive with its narrative and cartoon visuals

For those wanting to flex their creative muscles once again in Planet Coaster, the Studios Pack is one of the biggest add-ons to be able to do just that. Across the board though, one or two more rides and facilities would have helped sweeten the deal.

Treat DARKGEMS as two hours of laid-back, ASMR mining, and there’s gold in the seams. It’s possible to switch off and fill your ore bag with achievements. But expect any more from it – in terms of playtime, challenge or a sense of reward – and you will come away empty handed.

Once the water gets flowing and there is a steady stream of unlocks as you douse building after building, Firegirl: Hack ‘n Splash Rescue DX starts to catch fire

Hyperdot on Xbox One is a fun, minimal and inoffensive arcade game. With a friend, dodging a barrage of colourful shapes can be a blast. But playing the game alone only exposes how repetitive Hyperdot can get despite some really tense challenges and a surprisingly deep level editor.

If you're after some nicely paced retro adventuring and want to laugh when doing so, then you can't go wrong with some Guard Duty.

If you’re a massive fan of the snooker scene, wish for nothing more than potting balls, working out angles and thinking ahead, then Snooker 19 is for you.

If you are after a tricky little driving game which can provide an enjoyable challenge, then Stunt Paradise is it. Just be aware, you may run out of desire to keep playing once the achievements and Gamerscore have been ticked off.

GOST of Time is a fun game that is hampered by its short runtime and lack of refinement. What is there is an interesting and enjoyable game, but it left me wanting more.

Guts ‘N Goals is a comprehensive package, which you might not expect from a game that’s basically Rocket League where everyone’s gotten out of their car, brandishing baseball bats. It’s subtle as a brick; it sells a brand of anarchy that’s too noisy; but most importantly it’s fun, and flourishes when you’ve got friends on the sofa with you.

Dragon Snack actually manages to deliver a good path-building puzzler that’s not going to break the bank. The challenge is decent enough to hold your interest for its fairly short completion time and there’s fun to be had by figuring out the solutions.

I greatly appreciate a strong narrative in games, and Dagon: Complete Edition delivers a compelling interactive storytelling experience. However, the game's niche appeal and lack of traditional gameplay might not be for everyone.

Killer Queen Black on Xbox really does tick the boxes in every way for its uniqueness and addictive nature. There are serious hours of fun to be had with a competitive or casual title that can easily be played in short bursts.

Zeus Quest - The Rebirth of Earth is a good point-and-click puzzle adventure game that is unique, fun and suitable for all the family.

The Royal mode and Live Campaigns are good additions, but ultimately, Trackmania feels a bit too restrictive for those simply wanting to enjoy even just the core experience.

EpiXR Games deserve smaller, but still notable laurels. Aery - The King’s Messenger soars past the craters where other Aery games have crashed. It’s about as flawless as an Aery can be.

It’s a platformer with teeth, and if you want a challenge then Evasion From Hell could be for you.

You may well be surprised at how addicted you’ll get to House Builder as you enjoy building different homes across the globe.

Don’t come into this one as a time-poor player, as FBC: Firebreak just doesn’t do enough to reward the casual ones out there.

Morgan: Metal Detective is a nice, family-friendly, cozy game to while away a few hours with. It has no risk to life or time limits, and no resource management, leaving you to explore the island at your leisure.

You won’t be wowed, a better save system would be great, and you’re not going to find too much in here that hasn’t been done a million times over before, but should you be in the market for a good, fun, stress free Metroidvania-fuelled journey, then you could do a lot worse than help Sarge, Bear and Dex take down that damn Doctor Omega.

While the presentation is a little bland and the price tag is north of the value it offers, Educational Games for Children on Xbox One has been made with real care. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love it.

Brawlers are meant to be played in one sitting, with friends, while the sound of button smashing drowns out the catchy music coming out of the TV. By that standard alone 99Vidas is successful.

For all the visual upgrades, The Persistence Enhanced is still found delivering the same roguelike experience, and that will be the defining point as to whether it attracts players, or puts them off.

Copycat works in giving the player the feel of being a cat, with fun found in knocking things over and hiding away, all delivered in a way that will pull on those heartstrings.

Froggie - A Retro Platformer is certainly worth consideration. Go in with expectations low, and you should be pleasantly surprised by how well this retro platformer holds up.

You’ll have a good time with Robots at Midnight and should well enjoy the world-building that takes place. It's a relatively short experience, clocking in at around five to six hours to complete, or an hour shorter if you just plough through the main story.

Strange bugs and lack of challenge aside, you should enjoy the new stories found in Detective Minerva Case.

Spectrolite is fun in short sprints, but there isn’t yet enough content to give the game the legs it requires for marathon sessions. The parkour mechanics are tight and precise while the difficulty is staunch yet rewarding; just don’t expect too much in the way of accessibility options.

The journey, atmosphere, and concept of Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition are all fantastic, as is the setting and the visuals. It’s a shame that the platforming elements are at times frustrating in regards the accuracy and weight of the fox, and some of the animations don’t work as planned, but this is still a very unique and endearing experience.

What DETECTIVE – Scene Crime does is give you a solid detective experience, challenging your mind and leaving you to make notes as you try to work out everything from the scene.

Ring of Pain is a tempting toy to return to. There’s something spellbinding in its art and world, and it’s all too easy to give it a spin for the five minutes it takes to complete a run. But it’s also a fickle little toy. It’s as likely to give you a poor hand as it is to give you a knockout one, and there’s often no coming back from the first.

Lakeview Cabin Collection is full of inventiveness, playing out as a homage to the golden era of horror movies. For that, it should be applauded.

Don’t Be Afraid is a shortish game that comes in around the three-hour mark, but it doesn't feel like it should be any longer. The scares, puzzles, and environments live up to the survival horror label and I’ve loved the mannequins and enjoy the tricks that are played

Monopoly is Monopoly - but it’s probably the best version of virtual Monopoly to date; the version you will want to play going forward. Full of customisation and personalisation. And with the inclusion of both local and online play, you won’t need to huddle around a board to do so.

Dakar Desert Rally can feel great, until you start trying to drive anywhere, and then it is quite a let down. There is the opportunity to learn to drive around these issues (and just accept that AI drivers will hit you, avoiding them as best you can), but Dakar Desert Rally fails to ever really flow.

As an FMV game, Dead Reset comes complete with good production values, a great premise, and excellent performances. The gameplay mechanics, though, are quite basic, and sometimes you will be left watching along, without playing for too long.

If all you want is an interesting, but complex, tale of war and politics, then Masquerada: Songs and Shadows is probably worth a punt. If not, just wait for it to drop in price a little. It’s not a bad game; it just seems to have lost focus on a few things.

Defend the Rook manages to create a pretty good tactical affair that’s got neat loot, an easy-to-grasp setup and a shed load of cool enemies to defeat.

Among Us is a great game. It has kept people connected over the pandemic. It's a hoot with friends and randoms. I have played a ton of matches for a reason. But Among Us on console, while still the same great core game, is nowhere near as enjoyable when played with a controller.

Magical Delicacy has some tasty elements - the game looks gorgeous and revealing more of the map as you discover new, previously unreachable locations is exciting. However, there are quite a few annoying aspects we just can’t ignore.

White Day 2: The Flower That Tells Lies - Complete Edition’s best assets are the well-crafted puzzles and a very spooky school that’s primed for exploring. Unfortunately the patrolling threats and chase sequences are an unwelcome distraction, meaning you’re unable to fully appreciate the clever solutions and lore tidbits.