Its memorable cast of characters and refined gameplay make it a fantastic experience that ties up the Dusk trilogy wonderfully.

If you're a new player looking for your next strategy game fix, you definitely can't go wrong with Sid Meier's Civilization VII. However, other than the ages system, I'm hard-pressed to think of what I'm excited about in this new entry when I could just play the previous installment.

If you want to play a simplistic game while laughing at an unfortunate protagonist then Dandy Dungeon will surely fit the bill.

I enjoyed Have A Nice Death a great deal and I'm sure you will, too, especially if you love roguelikes and combat-heavy 2D action.

The wacky corporate world of Good Job! is so much fun to play around within that I highly recommend it to any sandbox puzzler fan.

Life is Strange 2 takes the familiar formula and delivers it on a grander scale while tackling difficult topics across the USA. If you're playing it for the story, you won't be disappointed but don't expect much from the gameplay.

Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden surpassed my expectations thanks to its incredible sense of exploration, gripping story, and gorgeously-presented characters. Sure, it's easy but the adventure is still well-worth going on for any curious ghost hunters out there.

Classic game compilations don't get much better than SNK 40th Anniversary Collection. Its selection of games, well done presentation, and oodles of cool features and extras make it a must-have compilation for any retro gamer.

Although it can be annoying at times, Creature in the Well is a highly enjoyable game that plays, looks, and sounds fantastic.

The incredible sights and sounds and satisfying mechanics of Starlink: Battle for Atlas make exploring its gorgeous planets a joy. So, if you're looking for your next toys-to-life obsession then this could definitely be it. Just make sure to bring a friend.

I'm having a wonderful time with After the Fall - Complete Edition as it brings me back to the good old zombie-shooting arcade days and I can't wait to enjoy it multiplayer with other genre fans so look for me online and we can explode zombie heads together.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Borderlands 4 and although it doesn't reinvent the series, it provides a formula that fans will appreciate while newcomers will surely be impressed by the frantic co-op online multiplayer zaniness.

Aqua Kitty UDX is a significant step up from previous iterations. Although it's disappointing that a few substantial issues remain, there's no denying the amount of fun you'll have blasting underwater foes away as a ferocious feline hero.

Flywrench is best compared to some of the other games that were developed at the start of the indie gaming boom a decade ago. Unlike titles like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, I wasn't able to get the same sort of twitchy satisfaction from Flywrench mostly due to its emphasis on momentum. There's still fun to be had with Flywrench but a lot of it depends on how forgiving you are of its difficult color-changing, momentum-maintaining mechanics.

Aegis Defenders is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable cooperative indie games on the market. If you're looking to spend some 2D gaming time with a chum then you can't do much better than joining this ragtag group of Ruinhunters.

Old-school gaming fans will find a lot to love about Horizon Shift '81 as it feels like a long-lost static shooting arcade treasure.

From its delightful visuals to its enjoyable SRPG gameplay, there's a lot to love about Spaceland and it's impressively accessible, too.

Few Picross-style games manage to feel as fresh and exciting as Depixtion and it's great to see such a clever spin on the classic genre.

I had a great time with Mail Mole and its cute premise made me smile as I played through each of its many lovely stages.

As far as silly games where you mess with people go, Rain on Your Parade is a solid indie that's sure to make you smile.

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

I'm happy to say that Escape Academy: Escape From Anti-Escape Island isn't just more of the same as it offers some truly innovative and brain-melting puzzles that are great fun to solve with a friend. Throw in a captivating premise and you're left with escape room gold.

Syberia - The World Before brings the series to current gen consoles with wonderful inclusions such as an ornate city that's a joy to explore. Plus, playing as a mysterious woman in a war-torn country from decades ago then swapping to Kate Walker in more recent times makes for an interesting story. So, if you're an adventure game fan and have some patience, there's a lot to admire and enjoy here.

If you enjoy old-school arcade games as much as I do then you owe it to yourself to play the wonderful Donut Dodo. With accessible gameplay and challenging scoring mechanics as well as a genuine retro aesthetic and great music; there's a lot to munch on here.

I'm delighted with what Hot Wheels Rift Rally has to offer and it's by far the most enjoyable mixed reality gaming experience that I've played yet. Whether you're a fan of Hot Wheels or just want to build race courses around your home, you'll have a great time with it.

Although it does a lot right, The Last Faith ends up feeling unnecessary and forgettable, especially in such a super-saturated genre.

I had a blast with Teardown as it really got its hooks in me with its clever combo of destruction and strategic missions. Great stuff!

From its cute collectible hats to its memorable and lighthearted game world, Little Kitty, Big City is bursting with charm and laidback fun.

You wouldn't think a licensed package like RetroRealms would be as entertaining as it is so I'm very happy that it exists; top quality stuff.

You wouldn't think a licensed package like RetroRealms would be as entertaining as it is so I'm very happy that it exists; top quality stuff.

I absolutely loved my time with Into the Restless Ruins' sim and survival mix and would love to see more indies boldly experiment like this.

Spray Paint Simulator is the best game in its very specific genre that I've ever played so if you want to relax and paint things, play it, chum!

Long-time fans of adventure games will relish everything that Simon the Sorcerer Origins has to offer so be sure to play it if you're a fellow point-and-click veteran. Sure, genre newcomers may frequently scratch their heads but even they'll have a fun time in the end.

R-Type Delta: HD Boosted is an absolute gem of a shoot 'em up that's near and dear to my heart but holy hot darn, will it make you want to rip your hair out so make sure you bring plenty of patience and it'll end up being a supremely rewarding experience.

Online shooters don't get much more charming than Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. So, if you want a simple game to wind down with for a few hours then you won't regret giving it a try but just keep its downsides in mind before taking the plunge.

I'm blown away by how well Kena: Bridge of Spirits - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition holds up, especially considering it released almost 5 years ago and I had just as much fun playing through it now than I did back then. Slight visual downgrade aside, this is a near-perfect port.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town is a faithful remake of its previous iterations. However, there's simply too much missing when it comes to story and gameplay which holds it back from being a must-have game in the series.

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 Barbarian DX is a decent take on retro 2D action games. Plus, you can play it with a friend. However, the frustration factor is high and its linear campaign will make you wish there was more than just traversing from point A to point B.

Capcom Arcade 2nd Stadium's more eclectic offering is excellent. With a familiar presentation, array of extras, and wealth of options; it's a fitting follow-up to last year's incredible collection of arcade treasures so if you enjoyed that then definitely play this, too.

Linelight is one of the best indie puzzlers ever made. Its immersive, challenging, and varied gameplay is presented in such an accessible and brilliant way that even after you're done with it, you'll think fondly back at this little light for years to come.

The Inner World is quite a delightful surprise that manages to keep you hooked to the end with its charming personality and best-in-class hint system. I definitely recommend it for fans of 2D point-and-click adventures and casual gamers alike.

If you enjoy 2D action games then you owe it to yourself to try out Hardcore Mecha with its varied and supremely fun gameplay.

Shmup Collection contains 3 modern shmups that, for the most part, are rewarding and challenging interpretations of the iconic genre. So, if you're a shoot 'em up fan then adding these gems to your collection should be an easy decision.

With its brilliant stage designs, adorable presentation, and welcome new ability, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is the most amount of fun I've had monkeying around since the original debuted.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a Smashing good time yet it remains a fighter that doesn't really do anything all that special. With that in mind, if you're a fan of the featured franchises then you'll definitely find value in this very silly package.

Need for Speed Unbound is a fun racer with some new event types and an unusual yet undeniably attractive visual style. However, it doesn't do a ton to set itself apart from other racers that are currently out there and its story mode can be quite limiting.

A fun laid-back exploration experience and it has the unique honour of featuring the largest open world in all of gaming. However, don't go in expecting an exciting or challenging campaign because it's simply not either of those things.

Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince is a superb sequel to an indie darling that begged for a follow-up. Needless to say, I'm glad that Lily and Chrys' grandpa still has plenty of imaginative tales to tell.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership is a silly and surprisingly challenging RPG with a unique world traversal mechanic and a superb variety of puzzles. However, the unavoidable enemies and lengthy battles might put off folks who are looking for a more casual affair.

As a Wii veteran, I can't help but feel a little let down but that isn't entirely Donkey Kong Country Returns HD's fault and it doesn't change how special it was when I played it originally in 2010 so if you play it as a newbie, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

As a long-time fan of Mega Man ever since the 8-bit days, I'm happy that Mega Man 11 retains a lot of what makes the series special. On the other hand, most of the classic magic is missing which is something that I hope Capcom brings back in Mega Man 12.

The highly competitive puzzle action of Touhou Spell Bubble is exciting stuff that cleverly incorporates rhythm gameplay and a satisfying layer of strategy. If you enjoy these kinds of games then you'll certainly have a blast with what this adorable puzzler has to offer.

Cosmonious High is yet another delightful gem for PlayStation VR2 and I'm very happy that such a unique and charming game exists for the platform. So, if you want some cute and lighthearted fun in the virtual realm then I definitely recommend it.

It may not be an epic adventure like the first game but Turnip Boy Robs a Bank is filled with laughs, silly action, and lots to unlock.

I had a lovely time playing Luigi's Mansion 2 HD as it brought back memories as well as solidified how special of a series these ghost-busting adventures are. Plus, the animation and audio design remain some of the best in all of gaming.

Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin combines 2 very different genres into one rewarding experience and its heartwarming story is the icing on the cake. It may become a little tedious after a while but the journey is still worth partaking in for those who enjoy unique games.

Playing Ship of Fools will have you intimidated at first and shortly after the fun starts to sink in, you'll realise just how repetitive it all is. There are still good times to be had, though, so you may only want to take short excursions on this ship.

2D platformers simply don't get much better than Kaze and the Wild Masks. Between its top-notch presentation and its tight and challenging gameplay, any genre fan would be a goof for not giving it a go.

Etrian Odyssey Origins Collection is a great compilation of dungeon crawlers but one that will require a substantial amount of patience to play through so if you're up to the task, it can be one highly rewarding package that'll stay with you for a very long time.

If Pinstripe were a film, I'd watch it and be glad that I did. As a game, it feels a bit underwhelming but not enough to take away from its powerful themes and character-driven albeit abstract story.

Life is Strange: Before the Storm delivers on its promise of a captivating story that brings humanity to the idea of presumably senseless teen angst. It's a joy to experience and the gameplay is fun where it can be found. Here's hoping for yet another series of episodes.

Synapse is one of my favourite games for PSVR2 so far thanks to its frantic shooting gameplay and spot-on telekinesis mechanic.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE does a good job of refreshing the mystery solving formula with fun mini-games and an attractive neon city backdrop; that is, if you can sit through hours of banter between the more enjoyable parts.

Goofy indie games usually get overlooked but do yourself a favour and play Super Cane Magic Zero so you can experience its charming and satisfying gameplay for yourself. Oh, and invite a few friends over while you're at it.

There's a lot to love about Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree from its expansive and diverse map to its brutal boss fights that'll thoroughly test your character build. Its combat could definitely benefit from a bit more complexity, though.

XCOM 2 Collection is bursting with a treasure trove of awesome content that you can enjoy the fantastic SRPG gameplay within. Also, although it suffers from some performance issues, being able to play it portably is a welcome treat.

Circuit Superstars is a lovely-looking old-school racer that'll appeal to those who are wanting to hone their skills within an intuitive yet deceptively challenging formula. With that in mind, it feels like the overall package is missing a few too many elements.

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.

I loved playing through New Super Lucky's Tale - PlayStation 5 Edition which marks my 5th time with this adorable modern 3D platformer and, hey, I still enjoy it so that says a lot! Plus, did you see how cute those owls are? We need a game that stars those chums.

Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster brings back one of the greatest RPGs ever made as well as its impressively fleshed-out prequel so if you want to experience an incredible story with phenomenal strategic card-based combat then definitely pick this collection up.

If you're a fan of the original Legend of Zelda and don't already own the vanilla Ittle Dew 2 then Ittle Dew 2+ is a must-buy adventure that's bursting with charm in a vibrant, memorable, and puzzle-filled world.

A great JRPG that any fan of the series should pick up. It may get a little boring from time to time but with such a variety of content to master, how could you pass up exploring this colourful, lively, and fantastical world?

Super Crush KO may look like a Saturday morning cartoon but it's one challenging and enjoyable 2D action brawler.

On top of Sonic the Hedgehog being a fantastic classic platformer, this Sega Ages version includes many cool new modes and options that make replaying it feel fresh and exciting again.

Orcs Must Die 3 provides excellent orc-killing mayhem. With many imaginative traps and weapons, tower defense fans are sure to find something that catches their fancy. Plus, its gameplay is similar to the original so you enjoyed that, you're sure to love this, too.

Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition is a classic so it's great to see it on Switch, especially because it runs so well on it. If you enjoy 3D action adventure games then you should definitely sharpen your scythes and give it a try.

I wish that Pacer tried to forge its own identity instead of being another WipEout clone because it's simply not as good of a game.

Tales of Berseria was a great entry in the series back when it originally released and it still is today. This is an excellent RPG to pick up if you're looking for a thoroughly entertaining story although the enhancements aren't anything to write home about.

20XX is a capable roguelike version of Mega Man X. If you're a fan of 2D action games then it's definitely worth checking out as long as you don't expect it to be a revolutionary take on either genre.

Twin-stick shooter fans who are up for a challenge will have a literal blast toppling ITTA's dozen and a half challenging bosses.

Even though the intentionally clumsy controls of Party Animals has been done before, the amount of variety makes it stand out.

I'm thoroughly impressed at how much better of a game Blue Reflection: Second Light is when you compare it to the first game. In fact, it's so good that I kind of feel mean for disliking the original as much as I did. Here's hoping for a Third Light!

I'm glad that games like Deliver Us The Moon exist as they prove that adventure games don't have to follow a cookie cutter formula.

Yooka-Replaylee is full of lighthearted platforming goodness that keeps it old-school while also managing to feel fresh. If you're a genre fan or simply want to explore and complete fun challenges at your own pace, you absolutely need Yooka and Laylee in your life.

I wish that The Plucky Squire was a smoother and more challenging experience because it certainly has a clever premise and game world.

When it comes to impressive video game sequels, Unravel Two is up there with the best. Its awe-inspiring world and pitch-perfect gameplay make it one of the best 2D platformers ever created. I can't wait for Unravel Three.

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World may be lacking in a couple of areas when you compare it to 2015's platforming gem but it more than makes up for these aspects by including a handful of fantastic new additions. Even if you already own and love the Wii U version, Poochy & Yoshi will feel right at home on your 3DS, too.

Its stylish visuals and slick gameplay make The Pathless stand out as a truly epic experience. If the concept of whipping around massive intricate environments at ridiculous speeds while solving puzzles and taking down bosses appeals to you then definitely check it out.

Even though Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is disappointing in a lot of ways, the combination of classic fighting and new gameplay mechanics results in some exhilarating battles, especially online. However, don't expect an epic story or an impressive roster.

My Memory of Us is a beautiful game that recalls real world history through a child's eyes which in turn, makes it a more poignant tale.

After all is said and done, One Finger Death Punch 2 proves that simple gameplay can be challenging and thoroughly entertaining.

If you're a 2D puzzle adventure aficionado who doesn't already own Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty on one of the half dozen consoles that it's currently available for then it'll make for a worthy purchase but those who do have it will find little reason to get it again on Switch.

As a retro gamer with an affinity for all things Dig Dug and Bomberman, I had a fun time with Murtop and look forward to beating my high score again and again until I can be the best bomb-pooping bunny in all the land.

Although there's a lot of humour and good times packed into Evil Wizard, its combat is quite middling and can be rather frustrating.

The Smurfs - Dreams is one of the best co-op games that you can play with its variety of super-fun levels, adorable game world, and clever gadgets that elevate the gameplay to new heights. I can't wait for more Smurftastic entertainment like this.

I absolutely loved my time with Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero and hope that it marks the start of many more sequels as I'm excited to see where Marona's adorable adventures take her next.

Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate offers a ton of beat 'em up fun, especially if you're playing with chums. At the same time, there's no denying how repetitive it gets but the grind can certainly be entertaining, especially with such lovely sights and sounds.