If you are after a retro JRPG, this is the game for you. It is challenging, beautiful, has a compelling story and memorable boss fights. What more could you need?

With a beautiful world, interesting gameplay mechanics and a hearty amount of content, Aragami: Shadow Edition is the best way to experience Lince Works’ lovingly crafted offering of a master-ninja power trip. The future of Aragami is promising indeed.

Should you be in the market for a fun puzzler that never takes itself seriously, PHOGS! on Xbox is the game for you. It works well as a solo experience, but goes up a level when split across two players, whether they be sofa or online-based. A few issues crop up from time to time but for the majority of the playthrough Red and Blue are two of the most well-behaved doggos you could ever wish to meet. You’ll most certainly want to give these two dogs a bone.

It might not be the biggest or longest open-world, but Immortals Fenyx Rising on Xbox manages to cram a hell of a lot in. It takes huge swathes of inspiration from Breath of the Wild, almost unapologetically so at times. But by also taking cues from Assassin’s Creed and God of War – plus many more – it carves out a little unique space for itself. Whether it is the start of another franchise from Ubisoft remains to be seen, though the DLC plans would suggest a much wider narrative.

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.

It’s thrilling to play, a Metroidvania where you can feel confident giving yourself over to the development team as they present surprise after surprise. It’s bruising, but that’s an expectation of the genre, and the rewards are bountiful. It’s a game where you may feel contradictions – sometimes despair, often delight – but everything is suffused with the glow of immersion.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden may well surprise you - in a good way. It includes way more than you may expect, the story and the world are fascinating, and it plays extremely well indeed. It isn’t perfect, but it’s obvious that Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has been made with a passion that will be appreciated.

Artifex Mundi have delivered a worthy follow-up in Enigmatis 2. I’m intrigued as to what comes next in the Enigmatis series, as it has been a great on-going tale so far.

With the lovely visuals, stunning soundtrack and ‘just one more go’ attitude it comes with, GRIDD: Retroenhanced is well worth a hit.

Morbid: The Seven Acolytes on Xbox is an excellent Souls-like experience and one that any fan of the genre should play. It’s constantly rewarding and delivers a frantic challenge on the whole. There are some hiccups along the way but it’s not enough to bring down this trip into steampunk nightmares.

Oceanhorn 2 - Knights of the Lost Realm might be the perfect choice for those looking to get their teeth into a family friendly adventure.

While many will look to Sniper Elite 4 for the solo experience, anyone who has played previous titles will know that the multiplayer offerings are exceptionally enjoyable and Sniper Elite 4 takes this to the next level. Those playing as a team, with communication, will find it truly enjoyable, but that’s not to say those going it alone will be left disappointed. They won’t, for Sniper Elite 4 excels in many ways...Have we seen the year’s best shooter? Quite possibly.

With an improved matchmaking system on offer, Halo Wars: Definitive Edition provides a truly exceptional title that shows just how well an RTS title can work on console, bringing all the quality of the Halo franchise to the table in a strategic and interesting way, and adding a new level of immersion to the series for newcomers and veterans alike.

Lumines Remastered is a wonderfully addictive puzzle game. It’s perfect for the mobile market, but it’s nice to have a game like this on console, if only for a bit of variety in the digital library. The gameplay, soundtrack, and presentation are all top notch, but it is missing an online mode and I think the price could be a tad cheaper.

Wargroove is a perfect homage to the Advance Wars and Fire Emblem games, and yet also manages to carve out its own identity. The characters are varied enough, and their special abilities also somehow manage to fit with their personalities. But don’t let the pixel art style lead you astray, this can still cause a headache in later missions.

It’s rare for a game to provide such an amazing and deeply rewarding sense of discovery, yet Subnautica does it successfully. It’s a joy to look at its lush and colourful visuals, explore its cryptic environ and utilize the extensive range of tools to do so.

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is nothing short of stunning and more than capable of taking your breath away by some of the set pieces.

Unpacking is a very original title, and one that is a lot more than virtually unpacking boxes. The ebbs and flows of the story will make you want to see it through to the end, even when the lines between unpacking items and Unpacking (the game) start to blur.

With very few issues, technical or otherwise, you’re certainly in for a good time if you pick up Ghostrunner: Complete Edition.

Stranded: Alien Dawn is a very good survival game, one that builds in tower defense and sim-like elements too. Fresh and original, there is enough challenge here for the hardy player as well as plenty of accessible gameplay for any newcomer to the genre.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is a co-op puzzling masterclass encapsulated by a wonderfully charming world. If you’ve ever played Trine before, it’s more of the same brilliance in regards to creative platforming puzzles and gorgeous environments.

Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a solid game, with a lot of fun on offer. The combat is nicely paced, adding depth as you get better equipped, and while the battling remains a little too numb, you do get used to the quirks of the way it feels. With a decent story to follow, and a lot of ground to cover, Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree should well last you a good while.

Though the multiplayer is still essentially stuck in its ways, it still retains a solid framework and enough new innovations to bring some life. The single player is a stand out however, with its exceptionally bleak but thought-provoking and resonating campaign, and it is this which means Modern Warfare proves the franchise still has life in its bones and is the best Call of Duty game of this generation.

Is MLB The Show 22 for everybody? No. Is MLB The Show 22 going to please fans of baseball? Absolutely.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition does what a JRPG promises to do. It tells a lighthearted story with a colourful world to explore and a plethora of optional content. The visual overhaul also provides it with a fresh look, fitting for modern platforms. It doesn’t quite compare to the best of the best, but because it represents a genre seldom found on the Xbox, it’s a great option to get on with.

Shantae: Half-Genie Hero has all the qualities to become one of gaming’s best platformers. With its enjoyable gameplay and classic characters, as well as a fantastic story and exceptional soundtrack, this is no doubt a must play title for anyone who enjoys the platforming genre.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy isn’t a collection that’ll entice people in who lack patience and don’t enjoy reading reams of text, that’s for sure. For those who love their storytelling though, I’d challenge anyone to point me in the direction of a game that hooks them in with such a thrilling selection of tales as this does; the cast of characters help ensure there’s plenty of intrigue.

Dodgy menu system and an online community which is lacking numbers aside, should you be after a deep, highly detailed rally racer, WRC 10 is going to cover everything you want and need… and then some.