Squish Machine is fine, for a time. It's able to provide reasonably easy gathering of Gamerscore, as well as a fun flap through trap-filled stages, ushering up memories of times gone by and the thrill of Flappy Bird ideas. Whether you'll find enough to continue on through to the bitter end though, will be up for debate.

I’ve played dozens of KEMCO games over the years, and most of those have very much been in the retro camp, but Dragon Ruins is the perfect blend of too retro, in terms of the visuals, and not enough gameplay.

Much like the Halloween horrors Goosebumps: Terror in Little Creek is based on, it’s a mixed goody bag of treats, yet more often than not, tricks. This potential classic is plagued with repetitive gameplay based on a thirty year old ancient foundation, and “puzzles” that rarely take much thought.

HELLDIVERS 2 on Xbox Series X is a triumph of co-op design featuring resourceful, percussive, and dangerously fun gameplay. The missions strike a sweet balance of duration and intensity, loadouts reward experimentation, and team synergy just works. But it’s not flawless.

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

If your eyes are set on an indie platformer to give you a challenge, I’d recommend the likes of Celeste or Super Meat Boy. Had you played these, and only then, you might just find something in Journey of Johann: Snowy Mountain that is enjoyable.

Grit and Valor - 1949 is extremely interesting, as well as being pretty fast paced. While it isn’t, strictly speaking, an RTS, it’s close enough for me, and that means it is more than worth a dabble.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 clearly shows that the American Football sim is on an upwards trajectory. The on-field action remains solid, but it is backed up by modes and general improvements across the board.

I was initially unsure of Cronos: The New Dawn, and after the first few enemy encounters, I had a feeling that we just weren’t going to get on. This is a hardcore game, and at times you’ll be left frustrated, annoyed, and want to cry. BUT when it clicks, when you beat an enemy or a boss, and when you make progress, Cronos delivers a brilliant feeling. And be sure, you will want to progress in order to find out what has happened in this world, who you are and why you are here...Cronos: The New Dawn is a cracking new IP from an excellent game developer.

When CORE.SYS is firing on all cylinders, you are dodging Firewalls left, right and centre, praying that the next checkpoint hurries itself up. At that point, it just about becomes good enough to warrant a purchase.

Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening has a lot of things going for it. The setting is rich, the action is fluid, and the controls, by and large, work well. There are certain difficulties that require work arounds, but they shouldn’t put you off too much.

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.

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.

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

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…

In spite of that, though, the foundations of Hell is Us are rock solid. A follow-up game would allow for the combat systems to be refined, and for the story and world to be built out more. And whilst it’s not a perfect first game, many series really hit their stride in a sequel and I would love to see what developer Rogue Factor could do with this world further down the line.

The Rogue Prince of Persia may never be heralded as the greatest in the series yet what once was a twilight of dark sands, has awoken to a golden dawn filled with new beginnings and hope for the franchise. It’s without doubt a worthy title bound to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.

You can see the love poured into The Knightling. It has lovely visuals and a great family-friendly story, complete with Zelda-like vibes. The shield riding is a great touch, as are the other abilities you gain. The combat is fine too, and you’ll enjoy taking in the multitude of quests present. I did find the platforming a bit annoying, and the camera doesn’t aid things, but if you are looking for a family-friendly adventure with a lot of heart, then The Knightling is for you.

GRADIUS ORIGINS does what it says on the tin. It allows us to play all the Gradius and Gradius adjacent games in one place, either toughing it out or wimping out with the new features.

Call it cosy, call it chill, but Dorfromantik is something truly special. It’s a game that is able to be both challenging and relaxing. It does the latter through beautiful visuals and a sublime soundtrack, but builds the challenge with a bit of depth and strategy.

Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 9 is a compilation made truly great by WHOdunnit, returning with three new tables that have all the usual bells and whistles.

If you want a ninja themed side scroller, then put SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance at the top of your list. It is quite simply flawless.

9 Years of Shadows is a love letter to the 90s, amalgamating classics such as Metroid, Zelda, Castlevania, Altered Beast - the list goes on and on. But never once does it feel as though it is plagiarising these games, rather paying homage and rejuvenating their ideas for a modern audience.

If you thought Ed & Edda: Grand Prix - Racing Champions would be the next big racing game, your idyllic bubble will burst upon playing.

If you’re looking for a Zuma game, go and play the original. Or maybe even spend time with Zumania. Whatever you do, keep away from the Zumba - Treasure of the Marble Sea. There ain’t no treasures hidden here. Or if there are, they are buried so deep that you'll drown in frustration before you get anywhere near them.

Yes, I Am Your Beast falters at times. There are moments of clunkyness, slight repetition, too-short campaign. But when it works, and more often than not, it absolutely does, it traps you in the most beautiful kind of loop.

For fans of the series, Killing Floor 3 is worth playing, especially with a dedicated squad. For newcomers, it offers a taste of frantic co-op mayhem, even if the flavour fades faster than it should. But for a game that arrives years after its predecessor, Killing Floor 3 lacks some much needed innovation.

Think of To Farm Lands as a bit of frivolous, cozy gameplay that you can take in without too much worry. Consider the cheap asking price and the super easy 2000 Gamerscore that will hit your account, and you’ll understand that it is nothing too offensive. Whether that is your bag or not, will determine your love for the game.

The Nameless City isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last, to examine and play around with the works of H.P. Lovecraft. I liked the adaptation of this short story into what is a very short gaming experience. The exploration, the spell mechanics, and the light puzzle-solving work well, and there is most definitely a bit of a market for these short-story games.

Heretic + Hexen has a good long run time, and with the DLC added in, there is a lot of content that will keep you playing for a while

Minami Lane is a great distraction that is sure to deliver on those immaculate vibes and judgment free gaming.

Dungeon & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is a bit of a mixed bag. The presentation and controls aren’t great, but the gameplay shines through and is strong enough to keep you pushing on. With friends, it’s an easy sell, but solo players may find things a little more tricky.

Herdling is not the game to convert those averse to walking simulators: It can drag, and has a confusing control setup. But it is also beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures, and that’s all done without a single word spoken.

Sengoku Dynasty is a game for the long haul. You could spend many hours exploring and just surviving. But the opportunity to play Sengoku Dynasty how you so wish is the real draw, ensuring you can create your own narrative in the process.

The Wandering Village is a pretty game with good gameplay mechanics and ideas. The execution is a bit lacking in some minor areas, but the key aspects all succeed where they need to.

Perhaps it isn’t the deepest game in the world, and yes, the story is somewhat lacking, but for a quick blast with a friend, Bullets & Brains will more than scratch an itch.

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.

The gameplay loop found in Idle Wizard is pretty dull, but if you are desperate for some Gamerscore, have at it. Otherwise, I’d leave this one well alone.

If you are a solo player, Ready or Not is hard to recommend. Yes, there is fun to be had, but it’s in the multiplayer world where it comes alive; where the real action is.

If you get lucky, you may well complete Amber Alert in a super quick time. But mostly, you’ll find that practice will make perfect, all as you understand how to tackle things, dying less and less in the process.

Wheel World is a triumphant celebration of the bike; a game that understands the culture of cycling.

Two Point Museum: Fantasy Finds is a great addition to an already brilliant game, even though it sticks closely to the original script. Well, they do say if it ain’t broke…

Mecha BREAK does enough to keep you playing, attempting to get better in the process; a clear sign of a good game. It isn’t perfect, as the controls for the weapons are a bit tricky, but the actual combat, whether across the multiplayer or single player modes is enjoyable.

BAD END THEATER takes the visual novel genre and does something exciting and unique with it. The concept is one to love, as is the opportunity to piece together bits of the puzzle, with various outcomes changing up the narrative.

I wanted to like Demolish & Build 3 more than I did, and much of that is down to the awful controls. In fact, at times it just feels impossible to use. It’s not helped by a poor tutorial and some aged visuals.

Move over House of Wolves, for there’s a new worst Destiny expansion in town, and it goes by the name of Destiny 2: The Edge of Fate.

Echoes of the End is a beautiful debut from Myrkur Games. It doesn’t just ask to be admired, it asks to be explored. With smoother mechanics and technical refinement, it could truly become unforgettable.

Dodgy mechanics, swift staleness, and a lack of identity all stop Bridge Constructor Studio from reaching its potential

Holdfast: Nations at War is much more tongue-in-cheek than other games of this type. It’s fun and stupid - and it’s that which will be enjoyed.

RoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Business does a great job of carrying on from the first game in the series.

You will be grabbed by Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream, as it drags you along from beginning to end. I loved the characters and the emotional ride they go on, as well as the new world-building the game offers.

There are some nice ideas in Parking World, especially in the design ideas and variety of scenarios on offer, allowing for a reasonably relaxing game – at least when things run smoothly. The problem is, there are stutters, it is not as smooth as it should be, and the UI is too small.

Abiotic Factor is fantastic. If you love survival crafting with a dash of retro sci-fi atmosphere it’s an easy recommendation - especially if you have friends to play with. It’s not perfect, but Abiotic Factor nails the sense of creative problem-solving that keeps you saying ‘just one more hour.’

The good points of Astral Takers are balanced out by the bad, and the result is a game that is middle of the road at best. If you like KEMCO games, this is one of those that will test you, but there’s not much here to drag the new players in.

I didn’t know what to expect when starting Faye Falling, but I was pleasantly surprised, and it hooked me from beginning to end. It has a great tone and a story that is engaging, at times poetically mournful.

Palia doesn’t reinvent the cosy game wheel, opting instead to add MMO elements and a well-structured story to a tried and trusted trope.

I would have liked more side missions and a greater opportunity to explore the beautiful world of Mafia: The Old Country, but the stunning visuals, exciting set pieces and immersive journey are more than enough to tempt you into a Mafia game again.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate is a departure from the franchise many will know and love, but it is one that works well. If you have a group of friends who are ready for a spot of virtual fisticuffs, this is an easy sell.

Section 13 is a very good example of the twin stick genre, full of solid shooting action from start to finish. It is fun solo, but the multiplayer kicks things up to another level.

Viewfinder is, ultimately, a great game for casual puzzle game fans, as the content is accessible and fun. Someone looking for a real brain-teaser may find the difficulty lacking, but the unique visuals make the game worth at least considering.

Zombies Overloaded, rather fittingly, is a soulless, mindless grind - a lifeless, repetitive shooter that buries any semblance of fun under six feet of poor design.

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.

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.

WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers is a game with a lot of heart, and the developers need to be congratulated for attempting something different with the genre.

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.

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.

If you are after a breathless ride through a lovingly crafted world, NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound may well be the game for you.

The Black Desert Xbox Series X|S upgrade is more than worthy of the price of admission.

Wicked Isle for Atomfall is great for those that loved the base game. But those who felt it fell short of its ambition will only see more shortcomings.

Out of Moves: Another Try does little to expand on the original game, albeit by offering a new set of levels. However, the core puzzle mechanic is simple but enjoyable, making it worth another go.

If you’re itching for a new top-down shooter to test your dodging reflexes, Greedland is worth a shot. Just don’t expect it to redefine the genre or hold your attention for dozens of hours.

Alien Breakout will not be your first choice platformer, but it’s completely serviceable if you’re just looking to kill some time and rack up that precious Gamerscore.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a comprehensive celebration of two iconic games where the skating feels just as good as you remember it, despite a few tweaks here and there.

Death Relives is a well-put-together and intriguing game with some original ideas in terms of its story and setup.

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.

Blazing Trail is awful, not to put too fine a point on it. There is no fun to be found, it looks dull and I’d rather be playing anything else.

Dagger Froggy is no Vampire Survivors, let’s get that clear right now, but it does have a certain charm. The gameplay loop, while simple, has a nice hook to it; enough to keep you coming back.

Crazy Cats vs Crazy Cyborgs is not worth your time, nor is it worth your money. Even at its budget friendly price, the game has next to nothing going for it bar visuals and speed of completion.

A Dream About Parking Lots is most certainly a game, but it is also a piece of art about dreams and the creation of games as a whole. The premise is so simple, but it's strangely compelling; finding a car in the parking lot feels as important as saving the world from a million aliens.

If you enjoy mascot horror, then My Friendly Neighborhood is something a bit different that doesn’t rely on cheap jumpscares and chase sections to add tension.

Neko Bento will give you more than your fill of food organising levels for a very respectable price. The concept is so simple to understand that anyone can give it a go, however, you should bear in mind how tough it becomes in a short space of time.

Legends Aligned: Minis in Conflict brings warring factions to the table for a tricky organising puzzler, albeit at a cost. Not a literal cost, because it’s actually quite cheap, however Afil Games rely on the same mechanic too much, leading to tedium, and have even cut back on the number of levels compared to the original Legends Aligned.

Monaco 2 is a stylish, snazzy heist game with bags of character. Despite moments that will have you seething, there’s still plenty to like here.

Ultimately, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a definite improvement on its predecessor and delivers exciting arena fighting befitting of the anime. Story Mode is packed with intense encounters, stylish cutscenes and rewards you constantly. Beyond that, the Training Paths are the only guaranteed source of longevity, with The Path of a Demon Slayer lacking in depth and the versus modes hardly lighting the world on fire.

Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of The Rings Game does the "cozy sim" genre well, and there is a lot of fun to be had with some of the minigames, especially the cooking.

Chess Battle feels like a decent, but ultimately unneeded game for the vast majority of players. There is nothing inherently wrong with Chess Battle, but there are free options available that are as good or better.

If you’re searching for an entertaining, immersive and good mind-boggler, Neon Noodles is certainly that game; worthy of your time, providing refreshing endless possibilities, in spite of its few minor issues.

For those looking for a classic survival horror experience, Dead of Darkness has everything you’ll be looking for. Featuring a great variety of difficulties, engaging enemies and interesting level designs, I found myself captivated from start to finish.

While Rusty Rangers may not have been the roguelite platformer hybrid many may have hoped for, it still excels in the former, providing a replayable amalgamation of gameplay styles seldom seen in the genre.

Bunny Cubed is a simple game, one that is well-made, and tempting enough to drag you through to the final levels. There is a lack of challenge, and that will put a few people off, and maybe some would expect games like this to have a few more levels for the price.

There is an established formula for a Poppy Playtime game, and Chapter 4 is no different – some puzzles, some scares and some collectibles to help flesh out the story. But it feels like Chapter 4 is the beginning of the end, putting in motion moments that feel like a climax.

By all means grab your clubs and take a trip back to yesteryear with Golden Tee Arcade Classics, but if you're serious about your golf, there is no doubt the much more modern offerings are head and shoulders more enjoyable.

Somber Echoes fits well into its Metroidvania category. It has an explorable map with secrets to find, fast platforming, and hard combat. It also has some great mechanics in terms of the way you can traverse the levels with the ball of light, and how that ability evolves.

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.

If you are determined to play a vertically scrolling shooter, then Exo-Calibre may scratch an itch for a little while. But don’t expect to get too excited by what it delivers. There’s no way this is awful, but Exo-Calibre does commit the cardinal sin for a game - it is just a bit boring.

On PC, making the most of keyboard and mouse, Revival: Recolonization would make a lot more sense. But on the Xbox? Using a controller? Well, frankly the control scheme is awful and the game mechanics are a closely kept secret.

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.

Novel Rogue is a decent excursion from the usual KEMCO fare, and is well worth a look. The weak storytelling is offset by the deep card based fighting system, and the game as a whole works well.