Running at just a few hours in length, Horror Tales: The Beggar is one to enjoy, especially if you are looking to be taken on an epic journey. The story is good, but the world building is stronger, as are the different gameplay mechanics that are implemented.

Anno 1800 Console Edition is a rousing success that hopefully spells further games in the series being ported over to console. The game itself is excellent, with an engaging campaign and open-ended sandbox mode to keep you plenty busy. But the improvements for console ensure this feels like it was almost built originally with consoles in mind.

A deep and involving combat system makes the game a delight to play, and the number of ways an objective can be achieved ensures that no two missions are ever alike. With the whole back story to be explored, the package on offer here makes me very happy indeed; it’s just a shame the online is pretty much dead.

Escape from Ever After is a very accomplished game that does a lot of things right. The platforming can be tricky until you are used to it, but you’ll mostly have a really good time playing through.

If you’re a fan of the original Overcooked, have a copy of Overcooked 2 to hand, and need some new content to let you really show off your cooking skills, then the Overcooked 2 Surf ‘n’ Turf DLC is something you really do need to have in your life. Not only will it float your boat – quite literally – but it’s cheap too!

Some legacy issues remain in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and Update 2.0, and I have had to load a previous save up on a couple of occasions due to various bugs. And the pacing for Phantom Liberty can be a bit questionable as you sit and twiddle your thumbs for the next story mission. But that’s primarily due to the writing and plot being of such a high standard. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty grabs your attention instantly, and refuses to let go until the conclusion.

Once Biomutant gets going, you really get to feel it. The combat is the outstanding element, the chance to dictate your own route through the world is another, and even though visually things occasionally come across as hit or miss, on the whole the Biomutant adventure is one that is utterly engrossing. Give it time and this is one post-apocalyptic kung-fu RPG you won’t be able to tear yourself away from.

There is definitely a more varied overall list of games in the Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium compilation than the first one, but there are also more repeated titles.

Geometry Survivor is a great hit for a few hours, as you embrace nostalgia, enjoy modern touches and go all-in with the intensity it brings. But the second you nail a victorious run, and gather up the Gamerscore offered, any desire to go back for further runs will disappear in a shower of neon and bullets.

Despite containing some familiar moments, the game makes them its own, serving as tribute to the giants of the platforming genre, rather than feeling like a rip-off.

Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 10 revives three more tables from the archives, with each given the usual treatment. This collection is a little weaker than some of those which have come before, despite the excellent Diner standing out.

Chroma Quaternion on the Xbox Series X is enjoyable. There’s something reassuring about playing a game that does exactly what you expect of it, right down to the achievements that are earned. The story is pretty much the same as the majority of KEMCO games, the graphics and action are very similar, and the overall vibe is pretty much what we expect; its like slipping under a nice warm duvet on a winter’s night.

Retro platformers might not be to everyone’s taste, but the gameplay on display in Thy Sword is strong enough to warrant giving it a go, especially with three difficulty levels to have a go at. Don’t just think of this as an excuse to grab easy achievements… it is much more than that.

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.

Neversong is complex, unusual, and unique - with its own style and composition bringing the whole experience together.

Fantasy General II: Invasion on Xbox One is a tough one to really nail down. If you are an RTS fan then I would easily say that this is a must purchase; it is going to be more than delightful for those who live and breathe the genre. I do however feel that this won't entice anyone new to the genre and might just be too tricky for those who don’t have the time to invest.

Not that you ever needed an excuse to return, but with the series arguably as popular as it has ever been at the moment, now was the right time to release the Fallout 4 Xbox Series X|S update. It just could have been more.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji has proven to be a very pleasant surprise. Even though it doesn't contain anything truly groundbreaking, it succeeds in what it sets out to do.

Crimson Desert will require a massive time investment - we are talking hundreds of hours. Even now, many hours in, I am still discovering new things, and new ways to play keep being introduced. And be in no doubt that this is a mad old game, and yes, there are plenty of things wrong with it. Thankfully, the good absolutely outweighs the bad in Crimson Desert.

Awesome Pea has bags charm and is lots of fun to play. PigeonDev haven’t re-invented the wheel, but what they have done is make a faithful and heartfelt tribute to an iconic era of gaming with quite possibly the cutest mascot around. For a fiver, you can’t really go wrong here.

It may lack originality, but Lamentum is a great example of a retro survival horror game. Those who are fans of the genre will almost certainly enjoy what’s on offer here. It may just win over a few newcomers too.

Yes, the crafting does get overcomplicated, the first few hours are a real slog and there are some visual stutters, however, if you loved ARK: Survival Evolved and other games of this ilk, then this is a must buy title for you to experience.

The price is perfect - in fact, perhaps it is a little cheap for the number of hours you will put into it - and in terms of the story Relicta on Xbox One is all very intriguing; the ideas behind it are fantastic. The script doesn't quite work all the time and the physics might annoy some, but if you’re looking for a test of the mind, this is certainly worth looking at.

Whether or not this overall Crysis Remastered Trilogy will usher in a new lease of life for the dormant franchise remains to be seen. But at least we are safe in the knowledge that it gave itself the best future possible with this third entry in the series being the finest yet.

The Guise should do enough to impress you. The visual look, the challenge, the combat, and how Ogden constantly evolves is enough to make this one a recommendation.

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.

Hell Pie is a more than competent game that is worth playing despite the obscenity, rather than because of it.

The SEGA Mega Drive Classics Collection is an excellent compendium of games where the vast majority still play incredibly well. Old hands and newcomers alike will find plenty of games to keep them busy here.