The SUPERHOT Team managed to take what seems like a fairly simple mechanic and turn it into a game that is full of possibilities...The game is one of the most innovative shooters in years.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 lives up to the precedent set by the original Space Marine for the most part, offering a storyline and co-op experience filled with gore and action brought to life with excellent visuals. It's held back by irritating AI companions and a campaign optimized for co-op, leaving an un-balanced experience for solo players. However, if you're looking for a game to live out a Space Marine fantasy, and want some co-op fun, you'll be in for a real treat.

In terms of gameplay, there's little to be had in the way of new ideas within Little Nightmares but it seems the main appeal was always intended to be the art and atmosphere; in those respects the game is a massive success.

Most impressively, each of the dozens of levels has been thoughtfully recreated with impressive attention to visual and audio detail, bringing the magical feel of the series to life once more. Fans of the originals will find almost nothing to dislike, and I can see Spyro delighting a new generation of players with the quality of this collection.

The beautifully drawn and wonderfully composed Yoku's Island Express is another nice addition to the Xbox One's library of platformers. There is a ton to unlock and collect on the island's large map, which is rewarding and fun to explore, although the size of the world can sometimes lead to problems. But while the mashup of pinball and platforming is enjoyable to play, players aren't going to see anything in Yoku's they haven't already seen from either genre.

OlliOlli 2 takes everything that was found in its predecessor and builds on it to create a smoother and more addictive experience.

A romp through Owlboy's beautiful zones brings back wonderful memories of platformers of the past; however, make no mistake, the game is modern-day. But without its incredible presentation, stunning visuals and charming music, Owlboy would be devoid of anything special. When it comes down to the gameplay, Owlboy 's companion-heavy experience isn't horrible, but it's not groundbreaking either, and the sections that control badly are more memorable than those that don't

Though the score accompanying this review is lower than the score I gave the premiere, in some ways "Children of Arkham" is the superior episode. This game exists first and foremost because it wants to tell a story. While the first episode set the table and promised a lot to be excited about, this follow-up begins to deliver on those promises in ways that are fresh, riveting, and challenging to Bruce, Batman, and the player alike.

SOMA is so deserving of high praise even as it's difficult to do so with specifics and not spoil the excellent story. Simon's journey through PATHOS-II ask a lot of questions that it demands players answer in their own terms, both in-game and long after. Even as it's often dystopian, the central themes and questions surrounding SOMA are worth mapping onto today's world. They are questions that may always be relevant. Who are you? What is the self if not an illusion? SOMA is a good horror game that does most things well, but more than that, it is an exceptional science fiction tale that no genre fan should miss.

There is something special about The Sexy Brutale, something you don't come across often.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is a sequel that does a lot well, although its biggest detriment is how safely the developers seemed to play it.

The Outer Worlds 2 is a glorious outing that provides some of the best RPG mechanics that I have experienced in a while. Its world, exploration, and combat are perfectly executed, providing a sequel fans will be overjoyed to sink their time into. While it has a few flaws in terms of story and companion depth, you'll find few RPGs that deliver such a robust and addictive experience.

Ubisoft has taken criticisms to heart, and made changes that capitalize on the series' potential in ways the first game never did. Their approach to this title should be considered a success on many fronts, with their main downgrade from the predecessor coming in the form of a lackluster main plot and forgettable characters. Technical issues and instances of poor AI shouldn’t be ignored either, but they’re outshined by the superb gameplay improvements that include meaningful optional content, a deeper well of skills and gear, and a more level playing field in PvP. The Division 2 has something here for fans, critics, and newcomers alike.

For fans of Prey, the idea of a roguelite DLC might have filled them with trepidation, but Mooncrash is an experience that shouldn't be missed. The basic gameplay remains the same but the roguelite style makes the expansion feel like a new experience rather than more of the same. The Survival Mode rules add tension and unpredictability to a new environment, and the increasing difficulty means that players can never become too complacent.

Ultimately, this is one of those rare games that really is exactly what it looks like. It's an indie platformer with plenty of heart and a challenge worth staying for.

While co-op is appreciated, it feels tacked on and the multiplayer modes are little more than a distraction, even if the map editor is one of the most comprehensive seen for a while. Despite this, Far Cry 5 is the best addition to the franchise for quite a while and it is well worth spending many hours visiting Montana.

The Evil Within 2 doesn't reinvent the survival-horror genre but makes it work in more of an open world. Blending it with the tightly directed sections we have come to expect from the genre creates a fantastic horror setting that cranks up the tension only when it's needed. Players are rewarded for exploring and the scarce resources are distributed in a way that you often feel like there is only enough to scrape by, yet it never leaves you feeling under-prepared. Unfortunately, Sebastian's movement and animation often feel disconnected and some animations do seem clumsy in general, while some visual assets noticeably pop into view. Thankfully, these minor issues don't detract too much from the overall package and The Evil Within 2 delivers an interesting and memorable horror experience that is challenging yet fair.

The graphical upgrade is impressive and you won't struggle to enjoy the view as you dive straight back into the game. A lot of the bugs and glitches that were experienced in the original are back, but with nothing game breaking here, can we forgive the expected problems from Bethesda? Possibly. Did Skyrim need a remaster? Probably not. Are we all going to buy it anyway? Probably.

With close to 400 characters and well over 1,000 optional objectives all spread out across 45 varied story missions and dozens of fully explorable locations all over the Star Wars galaxy, it's an absolute love letter to the sci-fi franchise. It might not put up too much of a fight but it doesn't really need to in order to stay engaging, with ever-changing gameplay and a seemingly endless supply of gags to help it feel fresh all the way from The Phantom Menace's title card to The Rise of Skywalker's credits. Also, I got to play as Jar Jar Binks in 2022. What a time to be alive.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2018's gameplay offers an exceptional and authentic experience. It’s not a massive jump forward, but this year’s new additions and gameplay tweaks do a good job of refining what made last year’s game so good. Sadly, all the good work on the pitch is let down by tired and dated looking menus, game modes that are desperately in need of some innovation, shockingly bad commentary and the continued lack of licenses. It's a solid jumping-on point if you're new to the series, but seasoned veterans may find too few improvements to justify the price.

Chernobylite is a lovingly crafted example of what a post-apocalyptic game can and should be, offering players a rollercoaster of a story with plenty of choices that naturally lend to an overarching sense of freedom. Aside from a few technical issues, Chernobylite does everything right and wraps it all in a tense, and oftentimes uncomfortable, package that has you wanting to see what’s lurking around the next corner. If there has ever been a game that makes you want to pack your bags and take a trip to a dangerous part of the world, this is it.

Exodus is an overall excellent experience that succeeds at nearly everything it attempts to achieve.

For returning players, and those especially focused on Connected Franchise, there isn't enough here to welcome you back. Updated rosters and small on-field tweaks are the things we get every year but what really makes or breaks an installment of Madden are the big changes, which are up and down and ultimately make Madden 18 a solid starter but no Pro Bowler.

We can call it now — Ninja Gaiden 4 is the best action game of 2025. Brutal, rewarding, beautifully presented; it's a return Ninja Gaiden fans could once only dream of. While it disappoints in a few places (mainly with its level variety and story), you'll find few action games have ever delivered gameplay as refined and cathartic as Ninja Gaiden 4.

Bulletstorm is still as good as it ever was. It's fast, fluid, highly vulgar, and incredibly addictive. In a world of hyper-serious shooters, Bulletstorm stands out as an oasis of non-serious fun and is head-and-shoulders above its competition... Duke included. Fans of shooters who missed out in 2011 are highly encouraged to pick up this remaster as it is going to be the best way to play through the exploits of Grayson, Ishi, and Trishka. That being said, if you've already played the original and aren't aching to be knee deep in viscera and vulgarity, there's not a lot here to encourage a second go, especially at the current price point. We wanted more and the post-credits stinger does a nice job of setting up a potential sequel. Here's to hoping that we get another round of nom juice and some more taints to shoot.

While Tekken 7 has a few problems, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives. It's a series known not for its highly engaging story, but rather its vibrant and colourful, yet complex gameplay. With the addition of Rage Arts, fights look even better and feel fluid in the process. Witnessing this in all modes, especially the online tournaments, is a treat and hitting the Gallery for some nostalgic downtime stops the gameplay from becoming too stale. We may be missing a few of the series' beloved characters and load times may hinder it slightly, but one thing is certain — Tekken is still an addictive fighting franchise that definitely deserves its place in 2017.

If you play CoD for the campaign, Black Ops III is a low point featuring a confusing and uninteresting story, poor pacing, cheesy dialogue and over-the-top voice acting that results in a story that resembles what the outcome would be if you dropped the cast of Team America: World Police on the set of Inception or Source Code.

As a vessel to transport fans of the series back through its many stories, World of Final Fantasy Maxima is an unqualified success. The game is filled with old friends to meet and side content to play through with them, but it's also completely accessible as an entry point into the series for new players thanks to a forgiving combat system and a story with great humor and characters. The combat can be a bit easy, and there's not a ton of side content to keep you busy, but these drawbacks are far outweighed by the special experience of playing through the story and getting invested in the world. If you come into this with eyes wide open regarding the combat, there's plenty to find and enjoy in this world.

Lightsaber combat is fluid, providing just enough challenge to entertain while letting players feel like a Jedi. Perfect music composition and top-tier sound design bring the whole thing together in a way that makes us excited for a sequel. There's some significant problems, for sure – especially in level design and signposting – but we're confident that the developers could easily evolve beyond these hiccups in the future. The Star Wars gaming universe is in pretty safe hands with Respawn – provided EA keep giving the studio enough opportunities.

Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf is a fantastic sequel that confidently builds on its predecessor with smarter, more complex puzzles and expanded abilities for both Lana and Mui. Combined with the gorgeous Ghibli-like visuals of the first game, an enthralling story with a big mystery at its heart, and a phenomenal soundtrack, Planet of Lana II is a gem of a game that is a must-play for puzzle-platforming fans.

Episode 3 - Hell Is Empty brings Life Is Strange: Before The Storm to its conclusion, resolving the story of not just Chloe and Rachel but also that of many other characters. Unfortunately some of the story points seem rushed to conclusion, likely a result of trying to tell a story in three episodes instead of five, and Chloe's backtalk mechanic is still criminally underused. On the other hand, there are improvements to the puzzles in this episode. Along the way, players will make many decisions, some far easier than others, all of which have some effect on the story to truly make it a tale of your own creation. Some players may well prefer Max and her powers to the more grounded story of Chloe, but the prequel is still a worthwhile journey through Arcadia Bay and an appropriate telling of the events before Max returned to the area.

With a fantastic roster of stories to play through and characters to interact with, Weird West is sure to please any fan of the Old West. Its mix of fantasy and spaghetti western tropes blends beautifully to create a memorable experience that twists and turns around the believable and magical. While there are a few niggles here and there, the overall experience feels polished throughout and WolfEye's attention to detail is noticeable in all aspects. The Weird West is beautiful, deadly, and free from constraining gameplay choices.

The potential for too much chaos comes to fruition with this fourth episode as The Enemy Within finally succumbs to the Spider-Man 3 problem after a hard fought bout. That's not to say the season can't end with great spectacle. As always, Telltale has set up players for what should be an action-packed finale. It's also apparent that this won't be the final season of theirs with the hero, so part of the fun comes in watching the teases for next season begin to surface as they do in What Ails You. It's been a middling season thus far, but that's come to be a bit expected of Telltale since their 2012 heyday. They could still turn it around with a memorable finale. Maybe this episode's most vital maneuver is to have cleared some of Batman's — and Telltale's — path to success.

Watch_Dogs 2 definitely improves on its predecessor in almost every way.

On the field it's still a fun game as always, but for the first time in a long time, it feels like little more than a roster update.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is the best Assassin's Creed-style game available. It's also a worthy successor to a game many called 2014's Game of the Year. The world is huge and full of tons of activities. The new fortress assault system creates awesome battles that feel truly epic. Then there's the return of the Nemesis system, which runs through every system the game has to offer. The system keeps combat fresh and it gives Shadow of War a much-needed splash of character and humor. Its faults are undoubtedly minor. One of the game's more prominent side activities, fight pits, are simply not very fun at all. Then there are the loot boxes, which aren't strictly necessary but will undoubtedly create a need to grind if you don't purchase them. Overall, Shadow of War is an excellent game that offers dozens of hours of enjoyable content. It's a game that's worthy of every minute you'll put into it.

Chivalry 2 is a game that thrusts you into the brutality of medieval warfare without remorse and allows you to fully experience the reality that soldiers faced in those bloody times. The rewards come from extended gameplay and mastering your class and weapon choices, ultimately learning how to effectively defend yourself and go on the offensive. This is a must-have for anyone that enjoys melee combat within video games and wants to put their skills to the test. Aside from a few minor issues, the game feels polished throughout, and I look forward to playing it for many, many more hours.

Blacktail is beautiful, from the sun-kissed rivers found in its summer-themed areas to its foreboding spider-infested caves, every inch of the world has been a pleasure to explore. While the morality system doesn't offer the impactful experience we had hoped, it's a lovely way to measure your interaction with the world, adding to the game's overarching enjoyability. Combat is fun and well-balanced but sits behind Blacktail's explorative elements as the most exciting feature on offer. It's stunning to look at, exciting to explore, and enjoyable to play... charming.

Lacking in both content and features in comparison to its PC counterpart, this version of Cities: Skylines is probably not for those who already own and enjoy the game there. However, thanks to a personal touch, it's a game that is very satisfying to progress through and a worthy city builder for genre fans on Xbox One. Just consider having a guide at hand, and perhaps something to keep you entertained in between projects.

Overall this is a very good indie game, despite a few rough spots, offering anything from 10-30+ hours of gameplay depending on one's thoroughness. The challenges available suit a wide range of abilities, and players are free to kill or not without being disadvantaged or affecting the story. People who find trial and error frustrating should be aware that they cannot save scum, and there are some pretty long checkpoints in the more complex levels.

It's not the most original of games, with its basis being literally one of the oldest in the book and its gameplay coming straight out of the Breath of the Wild playbook, but there's a degree of creativity displayed in the storytelling and the activities themselves that really does let Immortals stand apart from its inspirations.

Viewfinder's puzzles are both impressive and intuitive — a very hard balance to find! That said, I felt like the game failed to explore its many cool ideas to the fullest, and unfortunately its attempt at a story was a buzz-killing distraction. It's a fun puzzle game, but I expect a sequel would really blow people away.

Bucking the curse of the middle episode, Enigmatis 2: The Mists of Ravenwood offers another solid storyline with plenty of supernatural tendencies, setting the scene nicely for the final part of the trilogy.

The game is held back by poor balancing that renders the silenced pistol the most effective weapon, the truly awful AI that seems to actively try to not detect you even if you run in front of them, and a lack of worthwhile activities to play outside of the main campaign.

To this day Halo Wars remains the most accessible RTS game to have ever been released on a console, and while it may lack the depth of some of its PC brethren, as an introduction to the genre it is still at the top of its class.

Wargroove pays homage to Advance Wars in both style and substance, with an obvious nostalgic appeal to Game Boy Advance veterans. It's a well-rounded game that makes turn-based strategy accessible to anyone new to the genre. However, it can still challenge seasoned players via custom difficulty settings and custom content. The inclusion of straightforward content creation tools increases its scope and longevity and gives it the potential to develop a community centred on amateur game development. It may resemble a relic from the Game Boy era, but Wargroove is far more than just another retro game.

If you're into resource gathering, crafting and exploring, then Subnautica is simply a title that you have to play. The wonderfully colorful and diverse environments invite exploration. Using all of the technology available and being able to create your own habitats and vehicles just encourage you to voyage further.

Ninja Theory has created an outstanding sequel with Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. An unforgettable narrative adventure that is brought to life through impeccable sound design, gorgeous visuals, and a story that will stick with you long after the final credits roll. Hellblade 2 is one of the best Xbox games out there and is absolutely worth your time if you enjoyed the original.

Gunplay, graphics and sound are all superb — everything you’d expect from a Call of Duty game. Each level is unique, and there are welcome changes of pace throughout. In recent COD releases, the campaign is often overlooked in favour of the multiplayer. But if you’re after an emotional, action-packed thrill ride, you shouldn’t skip out on this one.

For fans of the first Garden Warfare game, this sequel is a must play. For those who haven't had the chance to experience the plants and zombies war yet, it's hard to find a reason not to recommend this game.

Sure, it's got an exceedingly forgettable story and its gameplay design isn't as easy to understand as one might hope. But it's also got a roster of characters that feel unique and that take on topics your average popcorn JRPG doesn't dare touch. Its combat has a ton of depth for those that dig deep enough and it's really quite fun. Its world design is excellent with secrets to discover everywhere and a clear path for those on a mission. This isn't the best JRPG you'll find on the market by any stretch, but it's certainly still good and those looking for a history lesson on how the genre used to be couldn't do better on Xbox One. Tales of Vesperia is a title fans will be happy to revisit.

We have seen plenty of other re-releases with DLC, extras for those who search for them and even new modes, but Darksiders Warmastered Edition is only an upgrade in its simplest form. It's a game that feels slightly dated with its gameplay but it is still enjoyable whether you're a returning player or a new one.

We've known courtroom dramas are exciting and engaging for a long time. Who hasn't been swept up in an episode or two of Law & Order: SVU while flipping through channels? There's something thrilling about watching a case unfold before your eyes and to see justice ultimately brought to light. The Ace Attorney Trilogy nails that feeling perfectly. It'll take you through captivating mysteries that have plenty of twists while still leaving you satisfied that you solved the crime rather than being drug through to the end. It'll let you pretend to be an attorney and find the gaps in testimony that reveal the true story. Most of all, it'll be an experience you won't find anywhere else.

A cosmic rock voyage of self-discovery that doesn't folk about, The Artful Escape is a truly unique experience and a feast for the senses. Those looking for a challenge or who are deathly allergic to guitars will probably want to look elsewhere for their next game. But given what an unusual and aesthetically captivating experience it is — and the fact that it's right there on Game Pass — it couldn't be easier for me to recommend. It'll likely prove a little too strange for some people's tastes, but if you don't enjoy it, it's still a quick (and hopefully at least interesting) 1,000G boost in five hours or so from a game you likely won't remember playing this time next year. But if you do end up enjoying it, and I think a lot of folks will, there's a very real chance it could end up being five hours you'll never forget.

You'll quickly get the gist of the basic gameplay, but as you progress then you will realise that strategic thinking and a few quick reflexes will be required to come out victorious.

The Bug Butcher is a fun arcade title that has the player exterminating bugs at an increasingly frenetic pace until all bugs have been destroyed. The easy-to-operate game mechanic and variety of difficulties that are available make it fun for all skill levels, but the challenging achievement list and buggy saving could squash some players' enthusiasm like...well, like a bug.

Virginia is a game because of its avenues of release and its use of a controller, but it is the most cinematic, movie-like game that may have yet been created.

Death Squared is a decent co-op puzzle game that works best when playing with friends in real life. It manages the perfect mix of simple and intuitive controls with complex and challenging level progression, and it really stands out as a game with which non-gaming friends and family could easily get involved. The presentation is competent but ultimately a little uninspired, and tedium may settle in when playing alone as a result. As an excuse to get into more living room arguments it succeeds, and while the puzzling might eventually wear thin, it’s engaging enough while it lasts.

The result of all this is that I’m pretty much obsessed with Avowed. After overinflated maps, exploration without reward, and other frustrations encountered in the last few years, Avowed feels like a dream to play. It fully embraces the fantasy elements for a wonderfully old-school RPG, and I can’t wait to keep playing.

How a remake should be. While the fundamental gameplay has been kept the same as players will remember, some of the game's old control issues have been fixed to make it better than ever and new features have been added to bring the game into the modern age.

Prospective drivers will have to work hard for it but, ultimately, for those prepared to work and put in the effort, there is a massively rewarding driving experience here.

From the charming illustrations to the unique puzzle design, Gorogoa is truly a top-notch representation of quality over quantity.

Telltale's final season was presumed dead a few months ago, but just like the titular zombies, The Walking Dead: The Final Season has risen from the grave to live again. It's a good thing too, because Broken Toys is the best episode of the season by far. In its heyday, The Walking Dead deftly juggled strong character moments, difficult choices, and a somber tone to win Game of the Year awards. In 2019, the landscape is different, and justifiably fewer are as impressed by the Telltale formula these days, but it's heartening to see Clementine may leave this world with a bang, not a whimper.

Despite it all, I'd still say Final Fantasy XII is a good game. Its combat is almost entirely automated, but it's designed by you thanks to the programmable Gambit system, while character progression through the job system is deep and open to creativity. Running up to enemies and having the AI fight your battles for you may not sound great, but it is absolutely is. I'd be happy to play another forty hours, but preferably without any more story.

Aaero offers a music game in the same spirit as Rez did over 15 years ago. Featuring a wide array of modern electronica tunes, it's a game that can appeal to all fans of the genre and anyone who simply wants to relax and enjoy a game focused on music. The gameplay is fun, coming in two different forms. While each of these two gameplay types has its issues, they're ultimately both fun and it's easy to look past the issues. The environments you'll play through add to the variety of the experience and keep things fresh. There is a crippling performance issue that can be frustrating, but it's rare enough that it doesn't entirely ruin the game. Aaero is a fun game that will be worth the time of anyone intrigued by the concept or fans of electronica. At US$14.99 at launch, the price is about right for eight solid hours of gameplay if you're going for the completion, and leaderboards should ensure there's more to do even past that.

The Turing Test delivers not just a worthwhile game but an amazing story that will sit with you long after the credits.

Fans of the series have been waiting for this game for a long time, and Kingdom Hearts III will not disappoint them. Both the new and old worlds are a joy to play through, and you are given the freedom to explore them as and when you want. The story is complicated, there's no denying it, and this is not an easy jumping on point for people new to the series. If you put your time into this game there's an abundance of rewards to get out of it, only tarnished by some minor gameplay issues. Sora's latest adventure is magical.

For the most part, The Adventure Pals is an absolute joy to play. The graphics make it instantly appealing and have a nostalgic feel that doesn't let you down. The gameplay is simple and cute but never feels too easy or too hard, making it enjoyable to play through, despite a few issues here and there. As far as platformers go, it is a gleeful and well executed adventure and well worth jumping into.

The Division’s dense and stunningly recreated version of New York City provides an interesting environment for you to explore, and the overall story arc ties each of its components together in a cohesive way. There are a few bugs here and there that need ironing out in post release patches, but none of them felt game breaking or detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.

Unfortunately the episode is let down by the less than subtle way it deals with delicate subjects like racism, as well as gameplay that means this episode feels like quite a slow start to the story. There are several hints throughout the episode to suggest the gameplay may be spiced up in the future, and it may need it if players are going to make it through to the end of the story.

TowerFall Ascension is an addictive archery-based multiplayer death-match with a simple concept and competent design. An absence of gameplay differences between characters is frustrating and the solo campaign mode is far too insubstantial, but the versus arena is engagingly chaotic, if short-lived. Online multiplayer would have elevated this game to another level, but local play is still a lot of fun if you and your friends like to duke it out once in a while.

Call of Duty: WWII is a game that was much requested by fans and ultimately hits most of its targets. The story mode's focus on in-the-trenches brotherhood falls short of its mark due to introducing a dozen or so characters and only getting a few of them to stand out. However, if you're coming back to the series annually you're probably in it for its other two modes, multiplayer and zombies. In both instances, they innovate in fun ways. At times, it does feel like the whole package benefits from the simple timeline swap. If you gave up on the franchise's small maps and repetitive story structure, WWII doesn't do enough to make you want to come back. It remains true to itself, for better or worse. For anyone who still plays the games with glee every November, Call of Duty: WWII is a better-late-than-never return to the series' roots.

Deathtrap is a masterpiece in the tower defense genre to which many developers should look for years to come. It requires strategy and skill in equal measure in ways that few tower defense games can demand.

Overall, Keeper is a pretty uneven experience. The first act doesn't offer much in terms of excitement beyond the initial wow factor of its gorgeous environments that are teeming with life and interesting vistas. Things pick up in the second and third acts, but Keeper takes a little too long to get to the good stuff. Outside of the basic puzzles and a short platforming section, the first few hours could have done with a little more to keep the player interested. That said, for those who do manage to stick with Keeper, you will be rewarded.

Far Cry 6 is without a doubt Ubisoft’s most ambitious entry into the series, offering a huge map and more activities than you could possibly want. Giving us a classic Far Cry experience the whole way through, with a smattering of new ideas and fresh takes, Far Cry 6 is perfect for fans of the series. Although some of the newer mechanics don’t seem to have the desired effect, I can still safely say that this is my favourite entry into the series to date, and I recommend you book a trip to Yara as soon as you can. Viva Libertad!

A Way Out provides a unique cinematic experience that redefines the way narrative-driven games can be played, thanks to its engaging story and varied gameplay that will keep both players interested throughout, though the controls can often feel clunky. Side by side or over the internet, if you're looking for a game to play with a friend, A Way Out is an unforgettable co-op experience.

With Little Nightmares 2 Tarsier Studios has once again dreamt up a wonderfully unnerving world filled with grotesque and fantastical creatures that is a horrifying pleasure to explore. Gameplay is mostly the same as in the original, with the only significant exceptions being the addition of Six as an AI companion and some clumsy combat that actually feels more like a puzzle than anything else. If you enjoyed the first game, and you’re looking for more of the same creepy goodness, you can’t go wrong with Little Nightmares 2. Just maybe sleep with the lights on after you’re done playing.

Amnesia: Collection groups one exceptional must-play horror game with two good ones in a trilogy that is well worth the time of any horror fan. Each game shares certain qualities, like fantastic audio design and atmosphere. Where they're different, it's sometimes for the better like A Machine for Pigs series-best ending, and sometimes for the worse, like much else in the same sequel. It's long overdue for Xbox players to finally get a chance to experience Frictional's seminal defenseless horror series.

The Council is what many genre fans have been wanting. It builds on the choose-your-own-adventure style with smart new RPG mechanics, adding depth to every encounter unseen in other games like this, and makes the entire experience feel like a chess tournament where anyone and everyone is your opponent.

8-Bit Adventure Anthology (Volume One) is a port of three renowned MacVenture point and click titles that manages to stay true to form on the latest generation of consoles, even if there are some slight technical issues in one of the games. This will please traditional adventure game fans who will relish the challenging puzzles and gameplay. On the other hand, the title will be a bit of a culture shock to those who are used to modern adventure titles of a more casual nature, where guidance is commonplace. These games won't hold your hand, won't let you take your time and will even try to kill you along the way. If this sounds like fun then you can't go wrong with this blast from the past.

For Honor's learning curve can be punishing at first, but if you're willing to stay the course and invest some time into understanding the nuances of its deep combat system, you will begin to appreciate how exciting and truly addictive the "Art of Battle" can be.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown brings the franchise hurtling onto Xbox One with all guns blazing. For genre fans, it's a great time thanks to intuitive and compelling combat, an interesting variety of missions, a wealth of content, planes, weaponry and technology, all backed up with stunning graphics and a thumping soundtrack. Other than issues with difficulty spikes in missions and a substandard multiplayer offering, there is little to complain about with the title. It's a high-octane, jet-fuelled blast.

It's a bit of a shame that the achievements don't encourage you to engage with the Rising Dragon endgame mode as it's a hearty challenge, but hopefully, Wo Long's fantastic fundamentals and rewarding combat will be enough to get you to explore the post-game on its own merits... I know they are for me.

Life Is Strange: Before The Storm may well take place before the literal storm but that doesn't mean that events run smoothly. Chloe is struggling to come to terms with the events of the last couple of years, but her burgeoning relationship with Rachel Amber looks set to change all that. When it comes to moral decisions, the options may not always make sense with Chloe and some awkwardness can ensue, but this is a minor issue in an otherwise solid episode, especially when the new BackTalk mechanic is very fitting and adds some realism to conversations. Depending on how much you like surprises, familiarity and prior knowledge from Life Is Strange can be either a blessing or a boon, but regardless of this, Chloe's new (old?) adventure looks to be a fascinating storyline to follow into the remaining two episodes.

In an age of remasters that don't always feel earned, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is one for which fans have been rightfully clamoring. Vicarious Visions' recreations are simply stunning. The nostalgia overflows from this collection for those that played them so many years ago, and if you're new to the series, they mostly still hold up today.

Nobody Saves the World is a bold change of direction for the team best known for the Guacamelee! games, and the gamble pays off. It's a creative ARPG that rewards experimentation brilliantly, and even without memeing as hard as its lucha-masked stablemates (does anything?), it manages to entertain all the same with its own blend of tight combat, hugely customisable classes, daft humour, and a well-told narrative.

Torment is a game for anyone who's a fan of a good book, an epic tale, or that simply wants a fresh take on RPGs that consoles have never seen. It may not be a great novel, but it's certainly a very good one.

Despite showing its age in occasional places, the purity and simplicity of Burnout's arcade racing is as refreshing now as it was when the title was first released. Its world may not be as expansive or as good looking as some of today's titles, but its racing experience is still up there with the best and arguably superior to some modern-day counterparts.

Creative Assembly has taken the groundwork set out by Ensemble’s Halo Wars and improved on some of the areas that were lacking in the original, all while still keeping the game accessible and easily playable using a controller. It feels as if the campaign has been released in an unfinished state, but it still offers a decent amount of action and a compelling story. The relatively low number of missions, the unsatisfying conclusion and the fact that 343 Industries and Creative Assembly have already announced that campaign DLC will be coming in the near future can't help but leave a bitter taste in the mouth. The new Blitz mode adds a different approach to the RTS combat to which we have become accustomed, and the shorter, more action-oriented, matches give newcomers and veterans alike something into which to sink their teeth.

Overall, A Walk in the Park is easy to recommend — if you liked The Surge and you want more of it, that’s what you’ll get here and you’re in for a great time at the theme park. If you couldn’t get over the issues in The Surge then there’s nothing here that’s going to change your mind.

World To The West is a 'Sunday stroll' type of game. It's pleasant and enjoyable without being too taxing or stressful for the player. It's all well presented with a fun soundtrack playing in the background and the puzzle elements are challenging without becoming overly complex. In short, this is a well presented and a well crafted little puzzle-adventure if you can accept the necessary back-tracking as part of the overall puzzle. It may well be a little too straightforward for hardcore fans of the genre, but for most it will be an entertaining little diversion.

Mantis Burn Racing is trying to be nothing more than a fun, top down arcade racer and it easily succeeds in this.

Fortunately for players old and new, Clem remains a crucial part of the story while Javi has given the series a fantastic new protagonist. If "Ties That Bind" is any indication of the level of acting, pacing, and writing to be seen this season, fans can rest assured that The Walking Dead will remain high atop their must-play lists.

Whilst the days can get a little repetitive and boring if you have to catch up on sleep and not much else, the game challenges you, your morals and your survival instincts against the backdrop of the serious subject of war.

There have been much shorter and less polished games for the price point of £15.99/$19.99, so even though it's not exceptionally long, the quality easily counteracts this. If you're after an enthralling experience, horror fan or not, Layers of Fear is a great way to satisfy the itch.

Tell Me Why has an engaging narrative that will keep you glued until the end. Although it's not as emotional an experience as the Life is Strange series, there's more than enough there for you to care about the character's outcomes and work towards a good ending. The memory mechanic provides for some tough decision making, and the light puzzles break up the heavy dialogue and exploration, which makes for a satisfying gameplay experience. It's just a shame that Tell Me Why is dragged down somewhat by poor facial animations and some shaky voice acting at times, but if you can get past that, there's an intense and enjoyable story here that's been crafted and handled well on several different fronts.

On the whole, though, the value for money here is ludicrous and every mode provides a different slice of footballing simulation goodness. Beyond all that, though: FIFA 22 is just a fun time! The game will change with patches eventually, but right now it is the best launch FIFA has ever been. It leaves you with a smile at every small touch and with a satisfied feeling and you ping a cross-field ball. FIFA has finally brought it home!

If you're looking for a game like Borderlands to play with friends on a modern console, you'll find that Shadow Warrior 2 is an excellent game that is more than worthy of your time.