If your eyes are set on an indie platformer to give you a challenge, I’d recommend the likes of Celeste or Super Meat Boy. Had you played these, and only then, you might just find something in Journey of Johann: Snowy Mountain that is enjoyable.

Grit and Valor - 1949 is extremely interesting, as well as being pretty fast paced. While it isn’t, strictly speaking, an RTS, it’s close enough for me, and that means it is more than worth a dabble.

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26 clearly shows that the American Football sim is on an upwards trajectory. The on-field action remains solid, but it is backed up by modes and general improvements across the board.

I was initially unsure of Cronos: The New Dawn, and after the first few enemy encounters, I had a feeling that we just weren’t going to get on. This is a hardcore game, and at times you’ll be left frustrated, annoyed, and want to cry. BUT when it clicks, when you beat an enemy or a boss, and when you make progress, Cronos delivers a brilliant feeling. And be sure, you will want to progress in order to find out what has happened in this world, who you are and why you are here...Cronos: The New Dawn is a cracking new IP from an excellent game developer.

When CORE.SYS is firing on all cylinders, you are dodging Firewalls left, right and centre, praying that the next checkpoint hurries itself up. At that point, it just about becomes good enough to warrant a purchase.

Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening has a lot of things going for it. The setting is rich, the action is fluid, and the controls, by and large, work well. There are certain difficulties that require work arounds, but they shouldn’t put you off too much.

Heading Out delivers a unique gaming experience, and a powerful piece of storytelling. It has the strangest mix of gameplay elements and mechanics I’ve ever seen, and whilst it probably shouldn't work, it does so well.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tactical Takedown is a solid but limited experience. The core of the game is a joy to mess around with even if it fails to fully capitalise on the systems given to you.

Oxide Room 208 is a savage, unforgiving horror symphony whose technical flaws occasionally jar its brittle beauty. But for the brave, it is unforgettable.

If you are on the hunt for a nicely designed, well crafted puzzler, and are itching for a little test of the mind, Square Logic is easily capable of providing it. It works exactly as intended, with no fuss and no bother. If you get it, Square Logic will deliver in spades. But if you don’t…

In spite of that, though, the foundations of Hell is Us are rock solid. A follow-up game would allow for the combat systems to be refined, and for the story and world to be built out more. And whilst it’s not a perfect first game, many series really hit their stride in a sequel and I would love to see what developer Rogue Factor could do with this world further down the line.

The Rogue Prince of Persia may never be heralded as the greatest in the series yet what once was a twilight of dark sands, has awoken to a golden dawn filled with new beginnings and hope for the franchise. It’s without doubt a worthy title bound to please fans of the series and newcomers alike.

You can see the love poured into The Knightling. It has lovely visuals and a great family-friendly story, complete with Zelda-like vibes. The shield riding is a great touch, as are the other abilities you gain. The combat is fine too, and you’ll enjoy taking in the multitude of quests present. I did find the platforming a bit annoying, and the camera doesn’t aid things, but if you are looking for a family-friendly adventure with a lot of heart, then The Knightling is for you.

GRADIUS ORIGINS does what it says on the tin. It allows us to play all the Gradius and Gradius adjacent games in one place, either toughing it out or wimping out with the new features.

Call it cosy, call it chill, but Dorfromantik is something truly special. It’s a game that is able to be both challenging and relaxing. It does the latter through beautiful visuals and a sublime soundtrack, but builds the challenge with a bit of depth and strategy.

Pinball FX - Williams Pinball Volume 9 is a compilation made truly great by WHOdunnit, returning with three new tables that have all the usual bells and whistles.

If you want a ninja themed side scroller, then put SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance at the top of your list. It is quite simply flawless.

9 Years of Shadows is a love letter to the 90s, amalgamating classics such as Metroid, Zelda, Castlevania, Altered Beast - the list goes on and on. But never once does it feel as though it is plagiarising these games, rather paying homage and rejuvenating their ideas for a modern audience.

If you thought Ed & Edda: Grand Prix - Racing Champions would be the next big racing game, your idyllic bubble will burst upon playing.

If you’re looking for a Zuma game, go and play the original. Or maybe even spend time with Zumania. Whatever you do, keep away from the Zumba - Treasure of the Marble Sea. There ain’t no treasures hidden here. Or if there are, they are buried so deep that you'll drown in frustration before you get anywhere near them.

Yes, I Am Your Beast falters at times. There are moments of clunkyness, slight repetition, too-short campaign. But when it works, and more often than not, it absolutely does, it traps you in the most beautiful kind of loop.

For fans of the series, Killing Floor 3 is worth playing, especially with a dedicated squad. For newcomers, it offers a taste of frantic co-op mayhem, even if the flavour fades faster than it should. But for a game that arrives years after its predecessor, Killing Floor 3 lacks some much needed innovation.

Think of To Farm Lands as a bit of frivolous, cozy gameplay that you can take in without too much worry. Consider the cheap asking price and the super easy 2000 Gamerscore that will hit your account, and you’ll understand that it is nothing too offensive. Whether that is your bag or not, will determine your love for the game.

The Nameless City isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last, to examine and play around with the works of H.P. Lovecraft. I liked the adaptation of this short story into what is a very short gaming experience. The exploration, the spell mechanics, and the light puzzle-solving work well, and there is most definitely a bit of a market for these short-story games.

Heretic + Hexen has a good long run time, and with the DLC added in, there is a lot of content that will keep you playing for a while

Minami Lane is a great distraction that is sure to deliver on those immaculate vibes and judgment free gaming.

Dungeon & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition is a bit of a mixed bag. The presentation and controls aren’t great, but the gameplay shines through and is strong enough to keep you pushing on. With friends, it’s an easy sell, but solo players may find things a little more tricky.

Herdling is not the game to convert those averse to walking simulators: It can drag, and has a confusing control setup. But it is also beautiful, heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measures, and that’s all done without a single word spoken.