If you’re a story lover, then Alfred Hitchcock - Vertigo is possibly a must-buy. It's a unique and individual game, powered by a narrative that has been inspired by the famous director's classic film.

The blasting action on offer in Metal Mind is fast and furious, while the random nature of the power ups you find makes getting a decent build feel more luck than judgement. But use that creation to go taking enemies apart and you’ll be hit with a good feeling.

Almost every change in Madden NFL 22 this year is of a positive nature, and it is easily one of the best entries in recent years. Franchise mode is in great shape, and set to get better as the year progresses, and it almost feels like EA Sports are reminding themselves that not everyone wants to just play Ultimate Team. Some modes such as The Yard and Superstar KO still feel tacked on but at least offer a bite-size gameplay experience if time is limited.

It’s safe to say that UnderMine on Xbox One will keep you coming back time and time again as it definitely has a ‘one more go’ vibe. No matter how full your sack is or what upgrades are available, you always feel like you’re making some kind of progress and the rewards are plentiful.

Crow Country is an excellent homage to the games found in the early survival horror market. But it still manages to do its own thing, and I like the way it opens up the experience for all gamers, from hardened players to newcomers.

It's quite the challenge to keep everyone alive, but in Eternal Threads it has enough intrigue to keep you going until the very end of the timeline.

Taiko No Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is an excellent rhythm game for solo or multiplayer enjoyment. With a wide variety of songs, four difficulty levels, a training mode, and engaging multiplayer options, there's something for everyone.

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is as flawed as its characters, but there wasn’t a moment we weren’t revelling in its company.

I have been a big fan of The Dark Pictures Anthology from the very beginning, sticking with them through the highs and the slightly rougher lows. Directive 8020 feels like a definitive step up from the rest, introducing new mechanics like the turning point system. There is also room for the pass-the-controller multiplayer mode if you want to share the scares with friends. The story is surprising, interesting enough to keep you hooked to the various endings, but the stealth sections and QTEs do get a bit tiresome. There is no doubt though, Directive 8020 is a great playthrough.

I have really enjoyed fighting my way through the Tower, uncovering each twist and turn of the story along the way. The two distinct phases work very well, and exploring is its own reward, granting new items to the team. Combat, bar one little grumble, is superb and all in all I can easily recommend Tower of Time to anyone looking for an RPG with a little twist.

CorpoNation: The Sorting Process is a brilliant commentary on capitalism and totalitarian states of being. It's frightening, truthful and so well observed. A bit like 1984, a bit like Papers, Please, it also provides a chilling verdict on live service gaming.

Dark Quest 4 is a pretty accomplished turn-based strategy game. It doesn’t wow with new features, but instead provides a solid challenge and the chance to play with friends.

Wildfire on Xbox is bursting with ideas, and there is a deceptively deep stealthy adventure on offer. Sometimes the pacing can feel off, but once you get your head around it, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Evil Wizard takes twisted humour and easy to learn mechanics to craft a Metroidvania, action-RPG that you should take the time to play.

The vast majority of Super Pixel Racers proves that there is still plenty of life left in the old arcade racing dog yet. It’s a shame that the online scene is totally dead and buried, but if you are looking for a new racer that delivers a huge career mode, or occasionally have some mates round for the odd gaming session, then I’m not sure you’ll find any retro racing that is much better than what is found in Super Pixel Racers.

If you’ve enjoyed games that absolutely drench their 2D platforming in artful, kooky narrative, then you are going to find a treat in The Wizard and the Slug.

Foolish Mortals Games delivers with Kaiju Wars, creating a simple but improbably deep turn-based RPG that captures the thrill of a Godzilla attack. If you’re allergic to randomness, you might want to temper your enthusiasm, but everyone else will find they are in strong, scaly hands.

Trover’s one of a kind humour, acting, writing and overall personality are more than enough to justify a trip down this surreal space adventure.

The Legend of Zelda’s influence on the action-adventure genre is worn almost as a banner by ChildStory, with gameplay and level design alike clearly influenced by that series, in mostly positive ways.

If you want a simplistic adventure that you’ll remember for all the right reasons, then Feudal Alloy on Xbox One is the way to go. It isn’t perfect, but it is a fun experience; with super simple controls, smooth and fluid gameplay and a story we can all get behind, there’s no reason not to love Attu’s adventure.

I am a big fan of storytelling in games and that is why The Mildew Children appeals. Others may be put off by the sheer amount of reading, or lack of actual gameplay. But exploring this world, as well as taking in the interesting and intriguing set-up allows it to excite.

By their very nature puzzle games are meant to be mysterious and that is no more true than with The Sojourn. It looks beautiful, it plays out super smoothly and the audio kick hammers home the immersion that ensures you will keep getting dragged in.

There aren’t many political simulation games out there on the console market, but Suzerain is one that is full of depth, colour, and deep intrigue.

NBA 2K21 Next Generation on Xbox Series X is a great addition to an already packed amount of content. It’s visually more stunning than anything that has come before it, with a complete sheen to the gameplay and stunning work in how the players move and react. Everything is just topped off by some amazing work in the audio department.

Sundered: Eldritch Edition is addictive and fun. Together, that makes this game really great. It doesn’t execute things as brilliantly as Symphony of the Night (but what game does?), but it will absolutely be in the conversation of recently released excellent Metroidvania’s for years to come.

MADiSON is a pretty great first-person horror adventure. It has a strong story, a great premise, some impressive visuals, and amazing sound design.

Chameneon is difficult. Cruelly so, perhaps, dabbling as it does with physics and relentless obstacles. But if you’re up for the challenge, there really is no other reason not to pick it up.

It may not bring massive changes to the genre table, and it may rely on a tried and tested formula, but there’s no denying that it’s a solid experience that offers a few good hours of fun, plenty of replayability and comes ready for newcomers and veterans alike to get stuck into the madness.