Despite some annoyances with the repetitive courses, Supermarket Shriek is a joy to play with a friend. Goofy stages, an absurd concept and just a general sense of fun are more than enough to make Supermarket Shriek a solid co-op party game.

While Neon Junctions is relatively short and is a bit on the easy side at first, for the price that it retails at and the great soundtrack included, I feel this game is perfect for anyone looking to get into the puzzle game genre.

Toki on Xbox One is a welcome remake of a relatively lesser-known arcade classic. Whether it was worth bringing back at all depends on how rose-tinted your lenses are, but it’s certainly interesting to see a modest hit from 30 years ago find its way again on modern gaming platforms.

The sky is the limit in War Tech Fighters. Despite looking a bit dated in places this game has proven to be one of the surprise hits in 2019, and it is a far bigger game than it first appears. There is plenty of variation in the mission structures to keep you entertained, and even after destroying thousands of enemies it is still incredibly satisfying blowing up the next one immediately after.

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.

It’s not perfect, but it’s not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, and with a tutorial that is helpful enough to get a genre noob fully up to scratch with the basics, Golem Gates is possibly one of the more accessible card based strategy titles on the market.

If you're after something very different, very in-depth and very unique then We. The Revolution is well worth taking in.

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.

Other than traversing the tower, there isn’t much else to do in the game. It can be completed in a couple of hours and then after that, there isn’t anything here to keep you invested for longer. But the price takes that into account and Warlocks Tower is reasonable at just £4.99. And for that, you can’t grumble.

LEGO Speed Champions content is a worthy addition to the Forza Horizon 4 racing juggernaut. It’s bright, colourful, zinging with life – albeit plastic life with jigging Mini Figs – and most of all is a fun place to take in.

You know that feeling when you can’t wait to play something you’ve been so excited about, but you fast discover that it should have been left alone? I’ve just had that with DayZ on Xbox One.

Steel Rats is a game that should cater for the adrenaline junkies and action hero wannabes, but instead the convoluted controls and questionable handling slams the brakes on hard ensuring a much slower pace than expected if you wish to gain any fun from it.

When it comes to Konami’s seminal franchises there is no mistake that Contra is perhaps their finest hour, and this latest retro compilation proves this as fact once and for all. Contra Anniversary Collection brings back the most timelessly sublime and pristine 2D action games to modern platforms, just in time for a much deserved and overdue celebration.

Yes it’s okay for a couple of hours of game time, but unfortunately this is one Space Invaders wannabe which will ultimately be left forgotten.

The story beats are far better than they deserve to be considering the scale of the DLC, and the main tale is satisfying because of the relatable villain and sense of threat, despite what we know about Borderlands 3. It sets up the start of Borderlands 3 nicely.

Super Tennis Blast on Xbox One is one of those games that you’ll have immense fun playing. Yes, it’s a shame that there is no online action, but no matter whether you are a solo player or one who can drag together family and friends for a ball smashing time, it will more than suffice.

Even in the presence of so many great options for a Metroidvania experience, the quality of Timespinner is strong enough to warrant interest from not just genre fans, but anyone looking for a consistently engaging and polished 2D adventure epic. Timespinner is definitely worth your time.

Super Blood Hockey will keep you entertained for hours with its simple and addictive gameplay. You’ll find that there is simply nothing more fun than starting a brawl just for the sake of it, and the humour in the Franchise Mode is on point. An all-around brilliant game.

It’s not going to wow the masses but it’s worthy of an afternoon sit down and despite the lack of VR on Xbox One seeing it fail to emphasise those big scares, there is just enough in place to make you jump.

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.

I would highly recommend Undead Horde if you want some seriously fun gameplay – or just want to raise undead chickens to do all evil.

If you’re a fan of Lovecraft and want to take in some old fashioned arcade action then this could well be the story for you.

The graphics won’t be to the taste of all, but they do enhance rather than detract from the overall vibe and so if you have an interest in storytelling that leaves more to your imagination and suggestion, rather than depicting the horror on the screen, The Last Door – Complete Edition is the game for you.

Minion Masters might only have a solitary trick up its sleeve, but it’s a real curtain raiser and the action throughout the rather similar game modes is still more than worthy of your attention. Especially as it’s free.

If Fortnite and Monster Hunter had a baby, it would be a lot like Dauntless.

Cricket 19 is a decent, but slightly disappointing follow up, with technical issues and glitches letting down an otherwise solid cricket simulator. The wealth and variety of game modes will likely keep you occupied for a while, but a few patches might be needed before the game becomes a real winner.

Even though the formula is nothing new and has taken maybe too much inspiration from the Diablo series, it’s a great journey and finally Warhammer fans have been given a game they deserve.

On one hand, Hexologic is a gentle and calming puzzle game, and is a great way to unwind on an evening. But then on the other, the menu design, layout and general lack of direction are a complete paradox to the game and will cause more frustration than any of the puzzles will.

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.

Some game elements haven’t aged too well, but they are in the minority here, and there’s no finer way to experience how the historic franchise began than by spending time with the Castlevania Anniversary Collection.

This all comes together to ensure that if you like zombie adventures, then considering the super cheap price, there’s no reason not to at least give this one a shot. However, should you want something that will keep you on the edge of the seat then you may just be hoping for a little too much here.

Under this cartoony hood is actually a competent kart racer. Team Sonic Racing feels good to take for a spin, and there is enough packed in for a longer drive as well. The tracks are all varied enough, the cars feel really good to drive and Team Adventure is a decent Sonic story, if presented a little poorly.

When you get right into the core action you quickly realise that Skelly Selest is ultimately all flash without any compelling gameplay substance.

Party Golf very nearly hits multiple holes-in-one, with just a few sloppy little hooks and slices holding it back from shooting winning scores. Whether you are looking for a new party game to play with mates, or wish to experience a golfing title that is unlike any other on Xbox One, then you’ll have many a fun hour with the trillions of customisable game options that Giant Margarita have allowed.

Darkwood is a rare kind of game – an experience that is so cohesive and masterful in almost every way. Every time I played, it felt as though I was stepping through the screen to another world, one that is as twisted and dark as the wilderness that surrounds it. Honestly, the less you know the better, so just go play it and experience its brilliance.

In my review of the previous episode my main gripe was that things didn’t move quick enough and it was obviously a bit of a ‘filler’ episode before things got moving. Well, my hopes were quashed as I starting playing this episode – it got even slower.

Adventures of Bertram Fiddle Episode 1: A Dreadly Business only clocks in at less than two hours for completion of all four chapters, which is a slight disappointment, but the time spent is sure to bring plenty of humour. There’s a cracking cast of characters, a decidedly British script and some truly wacky moments as you delve into the lives of Victorian London’s residents.

For little ones, this may be a good entry point into gaming, but for the older gamers, this is nothing more than Gamerscore fodder, and it’s tough to even recommend it for that reason.

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

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.

Back in 1995 doesn’t feel like something worth experiencing as a video game in 2019. At best, it is something which simply exists to satisfy a modern gamer’s curiosity, as even those who grew up with classic survival horror games don’t honestly miss playing these archaic games once the rose-tinted lenses are off.

If you enjoyed the first one, then sure, you may enjoy Devious Dungeon 2. Just know that it very much feels like the same game.

This selection of games will keep you going for hours and hours, so if the challenging nature doesn’t put you off and you don’t mind a load of dialogue, there’s plenty of value in Deponia Collection.

If you are a big fan of horror games and enjoyed the first Layers of Fear then you are in for a bit of a bonus with Layers of Fear 2. The developers have enhanced their storytelling skill, their puzzles and their fright-night tone in the making of this new game, and I’ve loved the writing, the visuals, and the amazing sound design.

It’s simple to understand, it’s easy to pick up and play, and overall this is easily one of the best Battle Royale titles on the market.

Reverse Crawl is a turn-based game that’s relatively easy to grasp, offering a role-reversal that allows the chance to enjoy a story from the ‘bad’ side’s point-of-view. Over time, the depth of the gameplay shows itself and after a little while you’ll be able to appreciate it more.

Bird Game + on Xbox One is a very cheap game that brings just enough fun for a couple of hours. The achievements are easy to get and it’s very nice to look at and a bit different in terms of gameplay. But it does get very samey after a while, and for that reason your attention will be short lived, especially as at times it doesn’t feel as precise as it should be.

While ASCENDANCE – First Horizon achieves some things with its emphasis on relaxation, calming 3D FPS platforming and hidden collectables, all of this is nearly gone to waste when you are unable to experience the entire package because of technical issues which should have been solved before the game’s launch.

Super Space Serpent SE is a homage to a magical and yet crazy era in video games, but even so it lacks the mechanical subtleties and polish of similar games that are three decades older. The music is certainly an enjoyable aspect, but the visuals are certainly not going to be for everyone.

The team at Fallen Tree Games have created a brilliant playground for us to explore, destroy and burgle. It is a great love letter to the humble origins of the open-world game that we know and love now, but that does mean it comes with the restrictions associated with that; mainly, the overly long mission arcs that unfortunately become a bit of a grind, especially in the opening hours where the map is more restricted.

Purple Chicken Spaceman is exactly the type of game that you'd expect it to be, if only a bit harder. It's a fun challenge, and the completely unique visual style makes it tough not to admire. Yes, it's mental, but it works.

If you’re after a game that looks fantastic Fade to Silence will certainly prove perfect for some wintry screenshots. However should you be on the lookout for something that provides a fair yet challenging survival experience within a post-apocalyptic setting, then it may not prove quite the fluid and enjoyable experience you’d hoped for.

My Big Sister is about telling a profoundly memorable story, and doing so via a puzzle-adventure vehicle which is just as enjoyable. There is a nice meld of story development and puzzle solving which helps My Big Sister feel like more of a video game than most narrative-focused adventure games.

The Dragon’s Lair Trilogy is incredibly fun. It’s a gorgeous, entertaining and painfully hard set of games but the gratification of getting to the next stage makes everything worthwhile.

If you’re into mountain biking, enjoy games that are a bit different, or simply want a bit of a challenge then Descenders is a game you need to be paying attention to.

If you’re a fan of twin-stick shooters then Flutter Bombs is a game you could well have some fun with. It’s not exactly in-depth, there are only 10 levels to get through, and it can feel repetitive after a while, but there are definitely worse ways to spend both your time and money.

With so much to do in the story, without trying to complete the Hunts and side missions, I can have no hesitation in recommending this game to RPG fans.

Sadly, for the Konami Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection, there are better compendiums out there. The biggest issue with this collection is the similarity between the games – aside from Haunted Castle all the others are variations of scrolling shoot ‘em ups.

A Plague Tale: Innocence delivers a brilliant story, innovative mechanics and truly immersive gameplay. Yes, the whole dying and repeating exercise occasionally borders on the the fine line of annoyance. But when you consider the visuals, the audio and the experience as a whole, I would highly recommend this journey into the past.

Sniper Elite V2 Remastered on Xbox One does a fantastic job of reiterating what has made the series so popular. It’s one we should be applauding once more.

World War Z is lots of fun and easy to pick up and play, despite being a little on the expensive side. It may not have loads of new ideas, but it delivers a solid online PvP experience that doesn’t disappoint, especially on the zombie front. If you’re looking for your first foray into the online shooter genre, this is as good a place as any to start.

Realms of Arkania: Star Trail is a laborious experience that drains any potential fun out of proceedings with the monotonous travelling, the repetitive and often pointless conversations, and some turn-based combat that’s way behind the times.

If you want something that you can enjoy for hours on end, then you may find a bit of a struggle after you’ve experienced every map and mode, but there is still plenty of fun to be had with this surprisingly challenging multiplayer adventure.

Black Paradox is an admirable effort on many fronts and a worthy challenge which rewards extended time and effort. It doesn’t quite achieve the compromised balance it attempts to, and often the artistic ambitions get in the way of its many gameplay ambitions. Ironically enough, all of the contrasting visual and gameplay elements in Black Paradox make it a shmup experience that is, quite literally, paradoxical.

This new experience will take you a few hours to complete and that feels like the perfect amount of time to spend in this world. It comes across as a very complete package and I enjoyed this encounter hugely; even more so than that of the main game.

This a fighting game that is enjoyable almost despite the gore, not because of it. It’s bonkers story mode is the highlight here, the great animation and crunching impacts help, but then the Towers of Time throw a spanner in the works at the last moment.

At the end of the day, if you like top-down adventures, it goes without saying that God’s Trigger is one you should be checking out. Not only does it tick all the boxes both visually and in terms of the gameplay, but it also has a pretty affordable price tag too.

As a tactical strategy game, this is very close to the old Fire Emblem games, and praise doesn’t come any higher than that.

Crashbots is let down by some awful design and gameplay choices. The camera needs to be better. The energy system needs to be rethought. The controls are sluggish and need improvement. The physics need to be made more consistent. The technical issues need to be ironed out.

All things considered, Giga Wrecker Alt. is still one of the better Metroidvania-styled 2D action-adventures on Xbox One and so I’d seriously think about grabbing it.

Zeroptian Invasion on Xbox One is rewarding to those who approach it as it should be: like walking up to an arcade cabinet in the ‘80s where every coin you insert matters.

Unknown Fate on Xbox One is a mixed bag. I love the concept, the world, and the experience that really has compelled me to keep playing. On the other hand, the control system and the game-stopping bugs have ruined things multiple times; thankfully the overall experience has a strong enough lure to make you want to go back.

Velocity G is a racer with very few things going for it. It’s plain, generic, boring, and, for much of the time, frustrating.

There aren’t many games at the same price that I can recommend more than Iron Snout. This is a game that does exactly what it says on the tin. There’s little else here apart from what I have described, and the game is better for it. If you really hate wolves, and you have a few hours to spare, then this is the game for you.

As it works out at just a couple of quid for each table, I’d definitely consider adding Williams Pinball: Volume 3 to your collection ahead of the previous volumes because this one caters equally for both the hardcore and casual player.

This is the perfect entry point into the series for newcomers. And for everyone else, it is one of the best JRPGs of all time.

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.

Revenant Saga on Xbox One is a return to form for KEMCO. A proper story, relatable heroes and a real urge to see the story through to its conclusion elevate this to the higher ranks of KEMCO games.

Assassin’s Creed III Remastered on Xbox One is a good game which is fun to play. The graphics may be significantly improved but this is essentially the same as it was seven years ago, albeit now up against much stronger competition. If you’ve never played it before, at £29.99, with all the DLC, it’s worth a look.

If you appreciate multiplayer brawlers and are after something comical to enjoy with the family, Gang Beasts is without a doubt a game you need to play. If, however you rely on the presence of online players or solo adventures to get your thrills, then this is a game that won’t have much for you.

If you really want to reap the full enjoyment from this game, you should get stuck into the mystery as soon as possible. It will take a serious investment of time, which will discourage some, and the game has some shortcomings like its poorly-thought out mining mechanics, but if you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with an engaging tale of darkness and despair.

If you are playing on an original Xbox One, and haven’t played it before, then Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition is without a doubt, a five star game. If you’re on an X, or have played it before, it’s not. There’s a great deal of fun here, even for returning players, but it’s hard to recommend this over the Backward Compatible version.

Whether you should buy this game very much comes down to what kind of gamer you are. Are you desperate for more Gamerscore? Did you play Avatar: The Burning Earth? If so, this game is for you. For the rest of us, I would suggest that Super Weekend Mode is going to be a disappointment, even for the super low price.

While there is a lot that has gone awry with Eternity: The Last Unicorn on Xbox One, there is still some enjoyment to be had. The game is by no means terrible and the main meat – that being the combat – is more than serviceable, and although it is dragged down by some serious issues with backtracking, the world itself can look nice. Overall though this feels like a frozen relic of the Xbox 360 era.

If you’re looking for something slightly different in tone, with a great story, some slow paced thoughtful gameplay and visuals that look like a piece of art then take a trip to Trüberbrook.

Modern Tales: Age of Invention does a good job of supplying a point-and-click hidden object adventure that provides an interesting narrative, plenty of puzzles to get stuck into and a decent selection of scenes to scour for items within. The only real problem is that it doesn’t deliver anything innovative and instead lacks in fresh ideas.

Should you have enjoyed the previous DLC offerings, or simply want more Sudden Strike 4 on Xbox One, then Pacific War is a must-buy DLC. It may prove a little more expensive than the previous packs but with plenty of new content chucked in, and some fantastic naval combat to be enjoyed, it’s hard to argue it doesn’t add incredible value to the game.

It’s full of action, it’s easy on the eye and it continues to reward for as long as you pump time into it. AngerForce: Reloaded is a fantastic effort and a memorable scrolling shooter.

After taking in a whole host of KEMCO titles over the last few months, it has to be said that I am very disappointed in Frane: Dragons’ Odyssey - it has no redeeming features that allow me to recommend it to anyone.

It fails in regards to the gameplay thanks to a complete lack of variety in hits, and a robotic and linear feel to each match, but the visuals are fun and there are a ton of customisation opportunities.

My Time in Portia is a hugely in-depth and immersive life sim. Like all of the most delicious of treats, it is both satisfying and addictive; with so much to do and new things to uncover it is certainly an experience that will keep you coming back for more, long after other games have gone sour.

Everyone knows FromSoftware make hard games, and Sekiro is certainly no different. If anything, it may be even harder than those which have come before it. So, for newcomers it may not be the best ‘entry’ point to these types of games but if you have more than a passing interest in Soulsborne games, then Sekiro is definitely another one to add to this ever-growing list.

As a tool for the inexperienced driver looking to learn the way of the road in America, taking in real world experiences in a safe environment, Driving Essentials on Xbox One is just about fine; although even then the lack of content is an issue. But for anyone else, it’s a total waste of time. The visuals, the audio, the huge price tag and the problems with the AI and penalty system will fail to ever really draw in any prospective new driver, even if they fully understand that at no point in time is this ever being marketed as a game.

For all the good in Dangerous Driving, there are many, many, moments of slackness. All of this combines to see Dangerous Driving deliver one of the most disappointing overall experiences I’ve had for a long old while.

It’s sad that the combat is dreadful, and visually it’s a poor experience, but away from that, Outward is an in-depth and fulfilling adventure that will force you to think about your actions, as you plan ahead and walk a weary path as you slowly traverse the land.

I like the story and the overall tone, while the combat is certainly engaging and solid. The whole control system and how it has been implemented doesn’t work as well for me, with a lack of fluidity and ease of use at times. But overall there is a very good game on offer here, and with it priced up at just about the right level, for fans of this genre it’s probably a must buy.

If you want an old skool game with old skool difficulty and old skool logic, Shadowgate is the game for you. You will need patience and some very strange lateral thinking skills, but the reward is a game that opens out like a flower the deeper you get.

Cook, Serve, Delicious! 2!! is an addictive culinary experience that puts budding chefs through their paces. It’s as much fun working in your own restaurant as it is lend your skills in various other establishments and the amount of different foods present is to be applauded. While you may find it difficult, the rewarding nature makes it all worthwhile in the end.