REMOTE LIFE presents a promising blend of twin-stick controls and shoot 'em up gameplay that really packs a punch. However, its frustrating moments that verge on being unfair as well as its complete lack of scoring hold it back from being great.

I mostly enjoyed my time with Kao the Kangaroo as it brought me back to the early 2000s when 3D platformers were plentiful and memorable. It may not be a shining example of the genre but it's fun enough for those who are nostalgic for the good old days.

It took a while but I ended up thoroughly enjoying the strategic management gameplay of Endzone - A World Apart: Survivor Edition. It may have a steep learning curve but if you're willing to put some effort in, you'll eventually have a great time.

Mini Motorways is the kind of deceptively simple puzzler that you'll somewhat dig at first but as you formulate new strategies and practice levels over and over again, you'll absolutely fall in love with what it has to offer, especially if you enjoy a good challenge.

Snow Bros. Special is a faithful remake of the arcade classic that's sure to bring back memories for those who played it back in the day. The disappointing part is that the original really isn't all that good which pains me to say because I remember it fondly.

After thoroughly enjoying the greatness that is Salt and Sanctuary, Salt and Sacrifice is a somewhat disappointing experience. It's still a good game, though, and one that you'll be compelled to play until it starts to overstay its welcome about 10 hours in.

After over 20 years, Cotton Fantasy was worth the wait as it's bursting with enjoyable shmup gameplay set in a bubbly and very silly world. Plus, the fact that it features such a diverse-playing cast of characters is sweeter than a bowl full of Willow.

Gravitar: Recharged is a challenging remake of a classic that requires precision and patience to master. If that sounds like your kind of game then you'll surely enjoy yourself but less patient gamers should remain wary before taking off.

Although it has its shortcomings, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Infinite Links. Its thoughtful cast of characters and satisfying party customization elements are more than enough to keep you entertained from start to finish.

To my surprise and delight, I enjoyed Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 even more than the first collection so if you're looking for some classic SRPG or Mystery Dungeon fun, it's a definite must-play compilation, dood.

Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising is an enjoyable 2D Metroidvania RPG with a fun town upgrade system. Combining the abilities of CJ, Garoo, and Isha to explore the corners of various dungeons is a treat and I'm now even more excited for the release of Hundred Heroes.

Rogue Legacy 2 is simply one of the best indie games ever. It manages to stay true to the original while forging its own identity in ways that make it stand out as unique and ultimately superior. You'd be a complete goof if you don't enjoy every second of it.

RiffTrax: The Game is just as fun as last year's What The Dub?! so if you're in the mood for dubbing some lines, why not get both?

Even though I wanted to enjoy Lumberhill, it definitely has a very long way to go to match the quality of its co-op contemporaries.

It may be short but Dandy & Randy DX is so filled to the brim with old-school entertainment that any fan of co-op games will love it.

Trek to Yomi is an undoubtedly beautiful game that will constantly make you want to take screenshots. It's just too bad that its gameplay is as simplistic and repetitive as it is because it ends up feeling like a chore to play after a while.

Even though I enjoyed my time with RESEARCH and DESTROY and its distinct tactical missions, it's still a rather clunky experience.

I absolutely loved playing Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles. It may not be for everyone but those who enjoy it will enjoy it a lot.

If it featured more deliberate combat and less ambiguous visuals, Loot River would have been an awesome game due to its uniqueness.

At first, Super Mega Zero was pretty cool but as I played it, I continually became more and more impressed with its sense of variety.

When it comes to hack and slash action, Samurai Bringer is sure to delight with its customizable gameplay and rewarding challenge.

Although it's short-lived, I had some good fun with The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe. Its sheer absurdity had me laughing out loud on a few occasions but I also wish there was more to it such as additional gameplay elements other than simply walking through doors.

TASOMACHI: Behind the Twilight is a relaxing 3D platformer that's excellent if you want to chill while running and jumping around. Plus, its many cleverly-hidden collectibles, lovely music, and gorgeous game world are sure to delight as you explore.

Nintendo Switch Sports is a worthy successor to Wii Sports. With lovely new character models, a solid collection of sports, plenty of multiplayer modes, and a fun-filled atmosphere, you'll enjoy competing with chums and chums-to-be alike.

Road 96 is a road worth travelling as you'll meet an interesting blend of characters and learn their stories while living in a corrupt dictatorship as you fight to escape and avoid becoming another missing teen. It's a very cool adventure indeed.

As a puzzle game enthusiast of over 30 years, I must say that Princess Farmer is one of the best puzzlers that I've ever played. It's hilarious, thoroughly fun, and features an absurd amount of variety. If this is just season 1, I can't wait for season 2.

Ganryu 2 is incredibly difficult but it presents the ideal blend of challenge and satisfying action so you'll keep coming back after getting your ass kicked over and over again. With loads of secrets and a pitch-perfect presentation, this is one swanky old-school ninja game.

Lucky's Tale proves that VR and 3D platforming go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, why the heck aren't there more VR 3D platformers? Either way, what you get here is an absolute treat and I even enjoyed it more than the non-VR Lucky's Tale games.

Moss: Book II does an excellent job of building on the established formula of the first game while offering a much more diverse game world and a pitch-perfect blend of puzzles, platforming, and combat. However, it's still somewhat short and unsatisfyingly unchallenging.

In the end, Z-Warp is a simple shoot 'em up that doesn't do much out of the ordinary but it's still a blast for the short while that it lasts.

If you want a modern take on '80s arcade racers then you can't go wrong with Slipstream and its authentic approach to the genre.

Even as someone who can finish any Mega Man game before breakfast, I found Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril to be one maddeningly difficult game. It does a lot of things right, though, so it's worth checking out for any hardcore retro game enthusiast.

Mastering Kombinera requires precision and careful planning which makes it a great time trial game complete with plenty of replay value.

As a fan of Demon Turf, the platforming-focused Neon Splash made me very happy. I hope to see much more of Beebz down the road.

Although this short adventure doesn't have much in terms of gameplay and its story is predictable, A Memoir Blue does a good job of portraying the life of a young athlete in the spotlight while showing how she got there and how she deals with her personal struggles.

Chinatown Detective Agency could be rewarding for the average pantomath and the story is intriguing stuff but if you don't enjoy doing your own research in order to progress in a video game then you'll likely find it to be more of an annoyance than a fun adventure.

Toodee and Topdee is a brilliant puzzle platformer that joins Tandem: A Tale of Shadows in a unique genre that I'd like to see more of.

LIT: Bend the Light takes a familiar puzzle formula and fleshes it out in such clever ways that you'll end up enjoying it for a very long time.

I haven't played anything quite like tERRORbane before and its concept of making glitches fun is impressively satisfying and silly.

I enjoyed my time with The House of the Dead: Remake but it's certainly not as fun as the classic games. It does a lot of things exceptionally well while failing at others so it ends up feeling more like a fan-made adaptation than a true remake.

Taito Milestones may simply contain 10 classic arcade titles and nothing else but some of these games offer timeless enjoyable challenges that you can spend hours trying to master. I just wish there was some kind of bonus content to scratch more of that retro itch.

I love a good baseball game so thankfully, MLB The Show 22 is a great one. From its wide range of options to its clever adaptive difficulty, it's easy to have the hours tick away as you hit dingers and climb the ranks.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a quirky and silly looter shooter that simply doesn't distinguish itself enough from the mainline Borderlands games. It's still a lot of fun, though, especially when you play with friends.

If you're looking for a hardcore SRPG then you'll likely be disappointed by Relayer but it's still a satisfying spacefaring adventure that features enjoyable cinematic combat, incredible audio, and a memorable cast of characters.

Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition brought back a lot of lovely memories and thankfully, Chrono Cross is still a great RPG all of these years later. The fact that you get an officially translated Radical Dreamers is rather peachy, too.

After a few years of being in development, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga was definitely worth the wait as it single-handedly revitalizes the LEGO formula for a modern audience. I can't wait to see what other licenses will get this treatment down the road.

Imp of the Sun is a beautiful game that I wanted to love but its frustrating gameplay issues definitely get in the way of the fun.

Potato Flowers in Full Bloom is bursting with charm and old-school challenge so if you're a fan of dungeon crawlers then I recommend it. That is; if you don't mind the occasional grind and getting lost every once in a while.

I don't think I've ever played a game as full of childlike imagination as RPG Time: The Legend of Wright. With oodles of brilliant situations to work out and spectacular arts and crafts visuals that really come to life, this is one lovely adventure.

I haven't played anything quite like Agent Intercept with its simple gameplay, sleek presentation, and varied action-packed campaign. If the idea of flying through streets in a transforming vehicle fit for a superspy appeals to you then definitely check it out.

I absolutely recommend Andro Dunos 2 for any shoot 'em up fan. It may not be the most intricate or challenging example of the genre but its tight gameplay will push you to master the many enjoyable boss fights while taking in some impressive sights along the way.

To my delight, I had an impressive amount of fun with Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin. Thankfully, its awesome stage designs and intricate character customization component ended up shining brighter than the humdrum story and disappointing visuals.

Playing Kirby and the Forgotten Land made me realise that I've never seen any series transition smoother to 3D gameplay. Even with its new dimension, it's undeniably Kirby through-and-through and also one of the best games in the franchise.

Rune Factory 5 delivers an addictive mix of farming and dungeon crawling. Although it doesn't leave a great first impression, if you stick with it then you'll spend hours exploring memorable dungeons, befriending lively villagers, and growing your crops all year round.

Grand Mountain Adventure Wonderlands is one of those indies that's far better than you'd imagine. With an open-ended campaign that you'll relish exploring while finding the next suitable challenge, the hours will pass on by as your skills become better and better.

You wouldn't think a game where you flip a cube around would be fully-featured and beautiful but The Last Cube surely is and it's great.

Unique arcade-style games always stand out to me and Splash Cars is one of the best with its rewarding and unconventional gameplay.

I ended up having a ton of fun with Royal Frontier and I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a simple roguelike RPG to master.

The brutal challenge of Gunborg: Dark Matters matches its tight and intuitive gameplay beautifully to thoroughly test anyone's mettle.

When it comes to monstrous arcade action, few games are as fun as Dawn of the Monsters with its varied gameplay and tight controls.

As someone who usually doesn't enjoy meditative gaming experiences, I must admit that FAR: Changing Tides completely captivated me.

It may not be the deepest RPG but The Cruel King and the Great Hero is certainly one of the most heartwarming. In fact, I adored its story and cast of characters so much that I highly recommend it to anyone with a soft spot for unconventional lighthearted tales.

Chocobo GP made me realise how great of a game Chocobo Racing is. The new graphics and online component are indeed cool but 1999's racer is simply more fun with its challenging gameplay, unique tracks, and tighter controls. In fact, I think I'll boot it up now.

Legend of Ixtona is a solid SRPG that genre newcomers and nostalgic old farts like me can equally enjoy. From its simple yet satisfying battles to its interesting equipment acquisition mechanics, there's certainly a lot to keep you entertained.

Time Loader is a wonderful game that's set in a beautifully-presented miniature world. It may have some gameplay issues later in its campaign but the amount of fun that you'll have unraveling the story as you solve puzzles still makes for a good time overall.

I found Voice of Cards: The Forsaken Maiden's story to be stronger than the first's yet when it comes to gameplay; it doesn't do much to make it feel fresh. It has me wondering how many of these titles there will be and how well future installments will hold up.

Triangle Strategy masterfully accomplishes its blend of rewarding SRPG gameplay and engaging choice-driven story. If you're a fan of narrative-heavy games and tactical grid-based battles then it's a must-have game.

I didn't expect to love GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon as much as I did. As a revival of an old game that not many folks are aware of, it does an excellent job of offering a modern and challenging roguelike experience. I hope to see many more games like this.

Moto Roader MC is one super-fun hidden gem from the TurboGrafx library and it's fantastic that more chums can enjoy this classic racer on modern consoles. Keep in mind, though, that it isn't quite as fun while playing solo as it is racing with friends.

Although I still find the original Dark Souls to be FromSoftware's magnum opus, Elden Ring is an undeniably amazing game. At the end of the day, it's sure to delight most Souls veterans but it probably won't convert many non-fans.

Even as a huge fan of the series, I'm still in disbelief how incredible of a game Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream is. It's so jam-packed with outstanding gameplay and irresistible charm that it has single-handedly become the new gold standard for JRPGs.

Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes is the best indie surprise of the year so far. Its combination of pinball action, strategic roguelike structure, and cartoony goofiness is just great for anyone who loves having fun with their video games.

If you enjoy trial and error puzzles with deceptively minimalist gameplay then you'll have a solid time mastering every stage in INVERT.

Fluffy Cubed may be one of the most basic puzzlers ever made but it's still undeniably relaxing to play, especially after a rough day.

Swapping tiles as you gradually build paths with coloured yarn is a hypnotising formula that Kittens and Yarn accomplishes just right.

Who knew that eating fruit as a snake could be as much fun as it is in Upaon: A Snake's Journey? It's one intuitive and enjoyable puzzler.

With lots of levels to master and clever complexities that get introduced along the way, Treasure Temples is quite a fulfilling puzzle game.

I'm happy that Hatsune Miku is keeping her puzzle game offerings strong as Connecting Puzzle TAMAGOTORI is surely one to check out.

Aloy's journey through the Forbidden West is a grand one complete with awe-inspiring environments as you take down new machines with an expanded arsenal. Although the story is lacking the personal touch of the first game, if you're looking for an action-filled adventure with thoroughly enjoyable gameplay then you certainly can't go wrong with Horizon Forbidden West.

Super Toy Cars Offroad is a delightful racer that's unexpectedly albeit impressively challenging. Even though it can be frustrating at times for various reasons, the variety of events and detailed tracks will keep you entertained for hours of miniature racing fun.

Infernax is an authentic retro experience and for that, I commend it. However, it could have gone from good to great if more work went into fleshing out its game world, tweaking its stiff controls, and ironing out its severe technical issues.

I'm quite happy that we finally have an official port of this 16-bit beat 'em up gem. Although River City Girls Zero isn't as fun as River City Ransom or its modern sequels, it's still an exciting brawler with a rather engaging story to boot.

I thoroughly enjoyed OlliOlli World, especially the fact that its gameplay remains instinctual yet challenging which allows anyone to have fun whether you merely want to skate or aim for the top of the leaderboards. Plus, its trippy visuals and music are spot-on.

Rise of the Third Power is an excellent old-school RPG that manages to feel fresh and exciting. Intermittent pacing issues aside, this is one adventure that you'll thoroughly enjoy so grab a bottle of booze, kidnap a princess, and save the land from an encroaching war.

I love Grapple Dog so much that I hope to see Pablo come back for many more swingin' adventures. From its fantastic 2D platforming action to its rewarding collectibles and its adorable world to its quirky cast of characters; this delightful dog has it goin' on.

As far as indie 2D platformers go, Super Onion Boy 2 is certainly one of the better ones with its simple yet varied gameplay and adorable game world. If it were less linear and included a run button, I'd consider it to be an excellent game.

I can easily say that Breakout: Recharged is my favourite Atari Recharged game so far. From its tried-and-true core gameplay that has been duplicated countless times over the decades to its clever modernizations, it's a must-have for anyone who loves breaking bricks.

Those who relish the simplicity of retro RPGs will love what Ambition Record has to offer, especially with its spot-on early 3D aesthetics. Sure, it could have done more to flesh out its gameplay systems and dungeons but what's here still makes for a good time.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus definitely provides a great experience with a novel take on the classic franchise but I still feel that grinding is not needed in a Pokemon game which I've always felt should primarily be about simply having fun in a laidback world.

If you really want to flex your gaming skills then COGEN: Sword of Rewind will completely blow you away with its super-tough challenges and clever gameplay that'll keep you coming back for more. It may be short but it's jam-packed with greatness.

Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2 is a phenomenal follow-up to the modern 2D action game masterpiece that feels like a genuine sequel when it comes to both its story and gameplay. So, if you enjoyed the original then you'll absolutely love this, too.

It may sound heretical to some but I actually enjoy Vagante more than Spelunky. With its variety of character classes and equipment along with full cooperative multiplayer support, this indie gem is easily one of my new favourite games. See you online!

Fans wanting an excuse to re-play the two most recent Uncharted titles on a current-gen console finally have incentive to do so. The breathtaking scenery looks awesome on PS5 and I thoroughly enjoyed playing through these memorable adventures again.

Shadow Man Remastered is a tough game to pin down because it features a brilliant game world that remains as immersive as it is sinister but it's also full of old-school baggage which makes it difficult to wholeheartedly enjoy in contemporary times.

As a long-time fan of SRPGs, I've never played anything quite like Reverie Knights Tactics before and I'm glad that I did. It can be a punishing and trying experience at times but once your strategies pay off; holy hot darn, is it rewarding stuff.

Guntech 2 is an indie hidden gem that deserves a lot of attention so if you enjoy physics-based twin-stick shooting in space then you'll love everything that it has to offer. Just play it with eye protection on because its many explosions may singe your corneas.

Cannibal Cuisine is definitely a fun and irreverent couch co-op game that'll appeal to anyone with a sick sense of humour. With that in mind, it's a disappointingly short experience and it plays it rather safe by being a little too similar to Overcooked.

If you enjoy classic challenging 2D platformers then you'll certainly have fun with Jack 'n' Hat. Even though some parts will make you want to rip your hair out, completing the levels in their entirety is a rewarding task for anyone who relishes difficult platforming.