Gravitar: Recharged built the foundations on how to improve these old-school experiences and Yars: Recharged continues the trend. It is better in just about every department than the original four: graphically, musically and more.

Ultra Hat Dimension is a fun, wholesome, and classic puzzler that jumps out of the Game Boy Color and into your Xbox One.

If you like a shoot ‘em up, then Sophstar is an easy sell. It is challenging and manages to pack a good amount of content into a small package. Even if you don’t usually like shooters, the sheer variety of ways to play and tackle the levels will mean that you are likely to find a combo that works.

I didn't think I needed another Amanda the Adventurer game in my life, but I am so glad Amanda the Adventurer 2 came along, as it successfully takes the core experience from the first game and progresses it further in meaningful ways.

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

The choices in Afterlove EP are plentiful, but it does feel at times they are a bit too superficial, and don’t have much bearing on the way the overall story is progressing. But that story is still an interesting and engaging one, and that’s what makes Afterlove EP a great narrative.

There is a lot to like about Lords of the Fallen. The scope and scale of the two worlds is impressive, whilst the combat is fast and frantic. Even the exploration side of things, while tricky, is rewarding when you manage it.

As complete novice dancers we always enjoy playing the Just Dance games, and Just Dance 2024 Edition is no exception. It doesn’t come with a whole load in terms of new features, but why change a formula that has worked so well in the past?

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is most definitely an original experience. The story is strong, the lead characters are to be loved, and the adventure which plays out delivers something new.

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping serves up another lovable, cozy mystery fronted by rising star, Eugene McQuacklin. It may be a short story, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

A small indie developer has gathered together a pulsating playlist of forty-five JPop hits and then mapped them to an innovative take on rhythm action. Beat Souls is part endless runner, part Hatsune Miku, and it’s totally slapping.

Predator: Hunting Grounds is thrilling and enjoyable, especially when played with friends. The fast-paced action, tense stealth, and satisfying Predator gameplay create an engaging and immersive experience.

The mission to bring Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition from PC to Xbox is a successful one. Age of Empires IV may not make history buffs out of the uninitiated, but it is a compelling enough entry for those who are interested in the genre or the subject matter.

Despite the depressing themes at times, it’s not all doom and gloom in Gloom and Doom. Give it a chance, for it may surprise you with a heartwarming tale full of wit, charm and totally badass characters.

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.

Extremely Powerful Capybaras is not only a fun thing to say, but a fantastically fun thing to play too; a combat, and corresponding upgrade system, full to the brim with possibilities, merge with the sheer love poured into the title to create an experience, not without its flaws, yet so satisfyingly enjoyable.

MultiVersus will provide a great time! The deep gameplay systems, fun characters and overflow of game modes to play with makes it much more than just a platform fighter, although some issues with monetization hold it back from reaching its heights.

Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition is for fans old and new. Older fans will appreciate a re-release of the series high point, along with some other cool bits, and the newer fans can get a taste of a multiplayer classic.

Killing Time: Resurrected is a competent remake of a classic game. Even without prior knowledge of the original, the story is engaging and the gameplay offers a decent amount of exploration and puzzle-solving. The FMV enemies are unintentionally amusing, and the gunplay lacks a certain punch, but the overall experience is enjoyable.

With its slight issues, Steel Rain X does indeed turn out to be a bit of a strange one. A full on slow burner, you may well be initially left wondering at the best way to attack it. If truth be told, once you get past the opening few shooting stages, and begin to embrace the RPG side for what it is, it turns out to be a pretty damn decent shoot em up, containing enough depth to suit those looking for a game to get their teeth fully into. Oh, and it also becomes very, very, addictive especially when you team up with a second player and let them control your ever helpful drone.

There is something about the story and tone of The Lamplighters League that has pulled me in - and it will do you too. Get used to the gameplay, the possibilities and the strategies at play and this is a game that becomes highly addictive.

BAFTA take note, because South of the Circle ****- in a few categories - comes preciously close to being best-in-class.

Saturnalia is a truly original survival horror game. It's almost an arthouse game in which the narrative and characters are brilliant, even with the claustrophobic location.

Total Chaos is a disorientating tale of mystery, horror and survival which despite some frustrating niggles, details a desperate struggle against insanity itself.

Poppy Playtime: Chapter 3 is a longer and more rounded game, but that is achieved with some unnecessary padding. However, what is here shows that the Poppy Playtime franchise is a must play for horror fans.

Stick with it and Gloomhaven is a very rewarding experience. If you’ve ever had a passing interest in the board game, or indeed are a Gloomhaven expert, there is something here for you. With two full length campaigns spanning over a hundred hours, there is no shortage of things on offer. A bit of polish on character models and movements would have been welcome, but hey, at least these ones move, right?

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is not a bad game by any means, but once discovering the stunning vistas wears thin, you won’t find much substantial meat to chew on in those forests.

There is something about the snappy satisfying combat that allows the game to be elevated above the niggling issues that it does have, and will have you wanting to keep going back for more.