A simple tile swapping puzzler, much like other games from Afil Games, you'll be done with everything Bee Flowers has to offer in just an hour or so.

We'd like a bit more clarity on what is going on within 3°C: Sand Puzzle, but that doesn't stop it from being a fun little colour matcher, capable of keeping players busy for an hour or two.

The action is gripping, and even if the pirates are so stereotypical it sometimes makes you wince, the gameplay is what makes Rogue Waters a success.

Once Monster Hunter Wilds has its teeth into you, you won’t want it to let go. With all the endgame, post-release and inevitable expansion content coming in the near and distant future, Monster Hunter Wilds is another sublime time sink.

If you are a Marvel fan, a fighting game fan or just a fan of great games in general, you need to add MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics to your library yesterday.

Snezhinka doesn’t reinvent the wheel, instead opting to build upon the fast-paced action of its predecessor. The improvements aren’t huge, but there’s certainly added variety in the equipment, the enemies, and new narratives to be found here.

Please Be Happy is the kind of visual novel that you’ll think about after finishing it, perhaps encouraging you to look introspectively at your own life.

If you love dungeon crawler RPGs or even roguelike games, resurrect your console from the dead and engage your fantasy brain as you hack and slash your way through Sword of the Necromancer: Resurrection; a brilliant, yet flawed crypt of surprises.

Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered can’t quite match the line up of the first trilogy of games, but arguably offers a more varied package, even if at times the attraction is down to sheer curiosity and bemusement.

It may be a departure from the usual formula of the Warriors franchise, but it all works very well in WARRIORS: Abyss. The gameplay loop, unlocking of new heroes and weapons, and grind for resources is absorbing

Red Solstice 2: Survivors Ultimate Edition comes with a steep difficulty; near vertical at times, even on easy. Ensure you know that the challenge is real, but that does mean that when you do complete a mission, you can feel pretty proud of yourself!

UNDYING has a lot of heart, and while it can be unwieldy and frustrating at times, there's much to admire in its gameplay mechanics and the poignant journey of a mother and her son. This is a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

DON’T NOD continues to surprise with Lost Records and Tape 1 - Bloom, pushing the narrative adventure genre in new directions. This first tape wraps up some story threads while leaving many tantalisingly unresolved, ending on a cliffhanger that sets the stage for the next installment, Tape 2 - Rage.

Big Helmet Heroes is a lot of fun, either in co-op or single player. There is a great thread of humour running through the game, and the combat action builds the enjoyment. It isn’t perfect, but if you want a laugh and a ton of action, it can be found here.

Avowed is a gripping, utterly absorbing adventure that strikes a pleasing balance in the genre. Once picked up, it’s hard to put down.

Should you possess a logical mind and have plenty of patience, Polimines Deluxe is a very good puzzler; one that is more than capable of giving your brain cells a good workout.

Horror fans should have a good time with Dreamless, but it would have been great to see it take that extra step into the darkness.

More of the same, but brilliantly different, is probably the best way of summing up Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders. Those who adored the Downhill scene should jump at the chance of switching sport, proving to the world once again that with great risk comes great reward. And this time, if you need some multiplayer madness to complement things, you'll be well catered for.

Dead Dragons – it is just too hard and rewards with so little that it feels like banging your head against a brick wall. I’ve played pretty much all of KEMCO’s Xbox releases, but can only really recommend this one to hardcore masochists.

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

Despite a few flaws, it’s safe to say Boti: Byteland Overclocked will provide gamers young and old a chance to experience whimsical 3D platforming goodness so long unseen in the industry, even if it’s not the genre defining title that so scarcely appears.

Dragon Takers is quite a large game, with a lot of things to do, as with all good RPGs. But I can’t help feel that the story is elongated unnecessarily – there seems to be a bit too much filler content.

ROBOBEAT is certainly one of the better rhythm shooting games on the market, and the choice of cassette that you use helps pace the game to your own playstyle.

If you enjoy solving puzzles and playing detective, Things Too Ugly is definitely worth checking out.

Stellar Docks fails to deliver anything close to challenging with its Sokoban setup. Having forty levels is more of a hindrance than a positive when the same mechanic is heavily relied upon for the duration.

Moons of Darsalon may not be a looker, but it’s huge fun, extremely clever and full of ideas that add to the appeal. A madcap rollercoaster ride it may be, but you can be sure that once you’ve strapped yourself in, the highs more than outweigh the few lows.

Should you have fallen for the likes of Balatro, and feel you need something similar yet different, then Luck be a Landlord should 100% be taken in. The luck-based gameplay may sometimes see runs fail, and controller input isn’t quite as intuitive as that of a touchpad, but there’s still some real appeal and addiction found from the combo-building mechanics and slot machine ideas that Luck be a Landlord brings.

Turbo Overkill is bonkers - that special kind of bonkers that makes you sit back after a set piece fight and think “Did I just survive that?”. It is fast, furious, and insanely fun, with a cool retro vibe married to modern day speed and mechanics.

The action certainly ramps up, both in difficulty and in sheer number, but you will love every gore-soaked minute of your time in NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black.

ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist is a great metroidvania, perfect for anyone looking for a new game to try. While it shares a world with its predecessor, there isn’t any need to play ENDER LILLIES before starting this one.

The Exit 8 on Xbox presents a chilling horror puzzle game. Part walking simulator, part puzzle game, and part psychological horror, it is more than worth the entrance fee.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon the foundations already in place, offering a more polished experience with improved visuals, a larger world, and a deeper narrative.

Let Me Sleep is great value for money with its variety of puzzles, mini-games, and inventory-based problem solving.

Sniper Elite: Resistance isn’t the most polished game ever, nor the most original, but it does the job it sets out to do.

Unlike the tasty looking food you are making, Cuisineer on Xbox is a very bland game. It’s definitely a looker, with some really pretty visuals and a very cute aesthetic throughout. But the gameplay itself is basic with little substance to it.

You’ll want to arrive in Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter knowing that the game is absolutely brutal, and so that means you’ll need to absolutely dedicate yourself to learning the game's systems, closing your eyes and going for it. For many though, that bar of entry may feel a little too high.

STAR WARS: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is worth revisiting if you're after a trip down memory lane, however limited improvements prevent it realising its full potential.

Sokorobot manages to deliver a decent challenge with its Sokoban-style box-sliding puzzles and provides adequate variety in regards to the mechanics to get you over the line.

Dance of Cards is a deeply enjoyable take on the iconic game of poker, which avoids folding under the pressure of its own ambition.

Pocket Puzzle on Xbox is lacking any substance at all, both in gameplay and presentation. And that means it is unfortunately another release that falls into the bucket of achievement fodder.

Eternal Strands tries much, and very nearly all of it comes off. We could do with some faster pace to lore integration, yet if you wish to skip the backstory that attempts to be injected, you can do so. But land in the world created by Yellow Brick Games and you’ll constantly be astounded by what Eternal Strands offers, whether it be during an Epic battle, in the various ways of traversing the land, or with the playing of physics, the thermos and the mechanics at play.

Dreamcore is the type of game I find particularly compelling. I appreciate its unconventional approach, the focus on atmosphere and exploration, and its willingness to embrace the strange and unsettling. However, the lack of clear objectives and traditional gameplay mechanics might not appeal to all players.

SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada isn’t perfect, but rarely does a game grab the player and refuse to let go like this one does.

Spending a few hours with The Mermaid of Zennor is not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth sticking with for a multitude of reasons. As long as you’re able to handle the dark themes and are prepared to see the world through the eyes of a very troubled young girl, then this is a visual novel you should be reading.

Codename: Ocean Keeper is an interesting game that blends two different bits of gameplay together quite well. The risk of mining is balanced by stomping about in a mech with machine guns attached, and the boss fights really require you to be on your toes.

Railroads Online is an unapologetically faithful train sim which, depending on your interest in the era, very much falls into the “marmite” category.

Mexico, 1921: A Deep Slumber has some minor technical rough edges, but these are easily overshadowed by the engaging narrative, unique gameplay mechanics, and immersive atmosphere.

I can’t help but feel that The Legend of Cyber Cowboy is very much the definition of “Okay”. It isn’t the worst game in the world, nor is it the best, instead landing very much in the middle of the road. There is a stiff challenge to be had, which is mostly down to the dodgy aiming, but the bosses add another layer of difficulty.

You’ll be glad when Windborn: Journey to the South is over, fully understanding why EpiXR have decided to separate this from the otherwise decent Aery series. With visual pop-in that is off the scale, whether you can complete a stage without hassle and annoyance very much feels like it is in the hands of the avian gods. And no amount of zen-like promise will ever overcome that.

Tales of Graces F Remastered is a pretty great game. Yes, the first chapter is narratively weaker than the rest, but it sets the scene for what follows, as the story drags you along. Alongside that, it also looks good and plays brilliantly, and so if you have room for a huge RPG in your life, Tales of Graces f Remastered is highly recommended.

Garten of Banban 7 is a step backwards for the series. It features a few too many sections that feel similar to previous entries; generic chase sequences and a school-like situation. It has an exciting conclusion, but once again that comes at the cost of really progressing the story.

Tap Wizard 2 is one of those rare idle games that actually requires more effort than might be expected. After early confusion with too much going on, there are some cool ideas to explore and the fact that you’re constantly making progress scratches the old ‘one more go’ itch. That said, the gameplay loop becomes repetitive once you figure out the purpose of everything and, just like that bloody cursor, it starts to grind on you.

You will enjoy SPRAWL if you like either platforming or first-person shooters; it is safe to say that MAETH have debuted with a solid outing. But - with their potential - there’s the chance they can move forward with a bigger, even better follow up.

Rivenaar’s Grove is an extremely simple yet mildly enjoyable puzzler. It provides a way to kill an hour or two, and isn’t remotely taxing on the old grey matter.

Unwording comes with a positive message and creative gameplay mechanics. I appreciated the developers' willingness to experiment with different visual styles to enhance the storytelling and while the experience is relatively short, it feels perfectly paced, leaving a lasting impression.

DYNASTY WARRIORS: ORIGINS is a well worked game, with a lot of content to go at. You’ll find hours of fighting just by following the main storyline, yet while it is possible to do this, the real joy of the game comes from wandering around, talking to people and taking on additional missions. The storyline is strong too, and so if Dynasty Warriors is your bag, Origins will be seen as an easy sell. Even if you are new to proceedings, this is a good place to start.

We can’t walk away from Sokomonster and pretend we enjoyed our time with it, but aside from building frustrations at the solving of each puzzle, it rarely does anything wrong. We much prefer the pushing of SokoCrab over the sliding of this little monster, but your personal decision may vary.

Songs of Silence is an excellent entry into the 4X and strategy genre, even more so when you consider that titles in this niche are relatively thin on the ground on consoles.

SokoCrab is about as simple a Sokoban puzzler as you are going to get - and it’s equally as gifting as a Gamerscore provider. With nothing to test the mind, this is one of those games in which you’ll need to consider why you game.

The grind of Soul Stalker is part of the fun, and the more options you have in terms of characters, weapons and trinkets, the more you'll get to go delivering the pain.

Rogue Flight is a game with a lot of heart - and a real feel for how things used to be. The graphics are great, the story is both well presented and interesting, and the shooting action is nothing short of challenging.

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion may be an average adventure at best, however it’s just about entertaining enough to shake off accusations of style over substance.

Many, especially those who grew up with the original, will be able to find some fun in Little Big Adventure - Twinsen’s Quest, but a lack of polish may put others off.

Genshin Impact is a good game; not a perfect one, but far from bad. There are a ton of things to get involved in, the co-op gameplay is appealing, and the overall loop will really suck you in, providing a proper challenge.

Smells Like a Mushroom achieves its goal of being a silly game, and it does so with aplomb. What is less successful is the whole “be a good game” thing, as the action is repetitive and the jokes begin to wear thin very quickly.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind is a real love letter to the 90’s, in both style of game and content. This is clearly aimed at fans of the TV series, but even if you are unfamiliar, you’ll still have a great time.

You should have a good deal of fun with Glitch Hero. It isn’t perfect by any means, but the puzzles marry up well with the rest of the gameplay and so the end result is enjoyable. If you have a child you need to entertain, this may well be a good fit, but older gamers should be aware that it may come across as a bit basic.

With a host of weapons to find and buy, lots of fun to be had fighting and an engaging, heart felt story to follow, Cricket: Jae’s Really Peculiar Game comes with a lot to recommend. It’ll certainly keep you playing, as the silly plot and enemies add to the charm of the game.

Galaxy Kingdoms does the unthinkable and turns a twin stick shooter, one of the very finest of genres, into a dull gaming experience. The main problem is found in the speed of the gunplay; it is so slow, and it seemingly takes longer to reload a magazine than it does to empty it, that it totally kills any flow or urgency.

Journey to Kreisia is very much a middle of the road affair; planted much like any other KEMCO RPG. It isn’t the worst game out there, but neither is it anywhere near the best. It is very much just some RPG, and if you’re in the mood, it will scratch that itch.

Slight graphical issues aside, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is a great offering, and a brilliant glimpse into the past.

Entropy Survivors offers up a lot of fun, and the power ups, while being random in the levels, add to that. Having a build that deals a lot of damage, or one that concentrates on healing is enjoyable to experiment with, whilst various mech classes help even more.

For the fans of the books, Dog Man: Mission Impawsible is an easy sell. But for everyone else, there are better platformers out there.

All in all, it should well mean you’ll enjoy Godsvivors. The short nature of the game means that it never outstays its welcome, and with the many and varied combination of gods, weapons and power ups to choose from, no two runs will ever be the same.

Universe for Sale will immediately draw you in, what with its unique premise, striking visuals, and intriguing characters.

Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 8 further expands the roster with three tables aimed at fans of the game. However, with the added bells and whistles there is enough here to keep the majority from flipping out.

If you're seeking a heartwarming and family-friendly game, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is an excellent choice.

Marvel Rivals is a blast. A well-designed game with love for its characters, settings and universe. Yet, even if these characters mean nothing to you, it still more than satisfies as an incredibly diversified hero shooter experience where you CAN bring a demonic sword to a gunfight!

The biggest compliment I can give Wildfrost is that it gets better and better with every playthrough. Failure is actually a good thing as you unlock cards to try and invent new tactical approaches in a bid to complete a run.

DETECTIVE - The Motel is a rewarding puzzler for those who enjoy piecing together clues and testing their deductive skills.

Neon Blood delivers a good mystery set in a well-realised cyberpunk world. The point-and-click gameplay is enjoyable, and the pacing, while occasionally uneven, keeps the narrative moving forward.

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is a game best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, margarita in hand. There's no sense of urgency or threat, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island's tranquil atmosphere and the unfolding narrative.

The Thaumaturge is quite refreshing, fairly unique as it blends detective work, RPG elements, and supernatural themes in a richly realised historical setting.

For fans of Final Fantasy, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is a no-brainer. But for those not as well versed in JRPGs, this is still a fantastic introduction. It has all the great hallmarks, along with a few cool unique features.

You should enjoy your time with Tri Breaker: A Sacred Symbols Odyssey. The levels are varied, there are a host of things to do, and the boss fights add another dimension. The story is daft - and slightly annoying - but once it is turned off, things flow much better.

Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice keeps you playing, trying new things. It is this challenge that pushes you along and as a tactics game should never be a pushover, it most definitely fulfils the brief.

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.

NAIAD surprised me with its originality. The relaxing nature of the early levels, combined with the gradual introduction of environmental challenges and the Naiad's evolving abilities, creates a compelling experience.

It’s almost criminal that Highway Police Simulator is available to buy when it’s such a mess, so please put your wallet down and step away peacefully.

The Thing: Remastered gives a classic game a welcome facelift, and the thrill ride stands up well today, even if some of the original ideas feel a bit underdeveloped by today's standards.

Anyone looking for a tough metroidvania game, one with an immersive story, needs to check Nine Sols out now.

Death Elevator succeeds in the mission it sets out to do elegantly, yet after completion it leaves you craving more content; this is a short game that relies on replays to extend its length.

Pure Mini Golf is far from a competitor in the world of virtual crazy golf. Mostly it’s a reminder that aesthetics alone cannot compensate for flawed gameplay.

Find Love Or Die Trying is a little bit pricey for the amount of time it’ll take to finish, but if you enjoy visual novels with a sadistic twist and a spot of romance, then it’s worth considering.

Without a doubt fans of platformers should check Symphonia out, and any other gamers who wish to test their abilities should feel free to tag along too.

I found the combat clunky and frustrating thanks to the camera. If, however, that is something as a player you can deal with, then there’s a solid game here in Slavic Punk: Oldtimer.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an utterly faithful, masterfully immersive adventure which impresses in so many ways. It captures everything special about the films but stands tall as an outstanding achievement in its own right.

Yes, the puzzle systems are complex and deep, and it is genuinely satisfying to fully repair a messed up ship in Uncle Chop's Rocket Shop. But the roadblocks to get there are rougher than you may care for.