Overall, if you’re after a classic platformer that harkens back to the good old days of platforming past, then Pumpkin Jack is certain to bring you some joy. The story may not be one I, or anyone else, will be telling their children about (as I did with Crash Bandicoot as if it were a true story) but it’s not a totally inept offering either, and if you simply want something that can return that nostalgic charm, and some Halloween festivities, then there are many worse options you could choose than a shot with Pumpkin Jack.

The only issues with The Gardens Between is its short length and its utter lack of replay value. If you enjoy heart warming bite-sized puzzle games, the journey found here is as stunning, as unique, and as clever as they come. The game’s core time manipulation concept works sensationally well with its few mechanics, serving up puzzles that, although quite simple, remain thoughtful and captivating throughout.

Thinking back on the game as a whole, though there’s obviously that Dead Space DNA running through it – from the over the shoulder camera, the stomping on corpses for items, the diegetic UI and more – this feels like the successor we probably should have received instead of Dead Space 3. The action is here but it still managed to keep the survival horror flavour and tone intact. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid outing for Striking Distance and one we hope they can build on in the future.

No One Lives Under the Lighthouse is an enjoyably dark, surprising adventure that is well worth a look for those in the market for something a little obtuse, yet different.

Even with these foibles, I still really dug the majority of Genesis Noir. The fantastic presentation made it easier to forgive some of the repetition and bugs, and for all the grandiose nature of the story, it was still interesting to follow and piece together. It could probably be completed in one or two sittings, so if you’re up for something a little different, I’d definitely recommend checking out Genesis Noir.

Whilst not quite as deep, varied, or refined as its widely acclaimed contemporaries, Warhammer: Chaosbane still manages to serve up a solid ARPG that packs quite a punch. The game plays well, looks good, and sports heaps of replay value across the board. Despite the odd issue with its combat diversity and its poor voice work, fans of both the genre and the source material will no doubt thoroughly enjoy what’s on offer.

The music, whether you’re driving a buggy or walking around, is unobtrusive and doesn’t interfere with the background ambient sounds, which I like.

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is a very cutesy platforming game that does it’s job surprisingly well. The “speed tech” taught is simple but effective and the variety of level types was a pleasant surprise. The art style and the story are nothing to write home about and certainly won’t appeal to all but platforming fans who admire gameplay are encouraged to give the pirates a run for their money. It doesn’t really overstay it’s welcome (underwater levels aside) and the levels feel bite-sized which was nice. A fun game to just pick up and play for bits at a time.

There’s a lot of potential with the groundwork Keen Software have set here in Space Engineers. However, it’s an incredibly obtuse game to get into, not helped by a lack of clear, legible information in game (relying on YouTube links instead). If you’ve the patience to get stuck in though, the scope of what can be done will likely surprise and amaze you.

Enigmatis 3: The Shadow of Karkhala is a decent conclusion to the trilogy. It’s a casual puzzle game that doesn’t demand too much legwork, making it an ideal adventure for those that seek simplicity, accessibility and beautiful handcrafted visuals.

In today’s world where everything needs to have a simulation videogame, Gas Station Simulator fits right in. Despite some visual glitchiness here and a bug there, Gas Station Simulator remains fun for a period of time before the mundane tasks or overwhelming amount of management takes its toll on you. However, when it has its claws or should I say pumps in you, it’s a decent time. A solid 7.5 gas station coffees out of 10.

After playing the modern Star Wars Battlefront and its sequel I had some high hopes for Star Wars: Squadrons. I enjoyed the story, and playing both Empire and Rebel sides gave great additional context to proceedings. It’s also a stunning looking affair, the first person viewpoint showcasing lots of fine detail in the little switches and dials all immersing you in the experience. I’m not a big fan of first person aerial combat and would have liked a 3rd person option (especially as we don’t get a VR option on Xbox) though. Also managing some of the elements of the ship is tricky as I needed to constantly flick between the analogue stick and d-pad to adjust energy flow.

A too short affair with a real threat at the conclusion of Siren’s Rest means a lot of the game is spent swimming and gathering narrative exposition rather than fighting for survival as in Still Wakes the Deep. Luckily, the story told is engaging enough to pull us through the few hours it takes, and the sense of being at the bottom of the North Sea is convincing enough to be its own threat for those of us who aren’t super keen on the water as it is. I’m not sure if it helped or hindered my preparation for real life though…

The concept of Murderous Muses is great, with randomised runs meaning every game can and will play out differently, giving dedicated players a new challenge to solve each time. However, unless you’re completely invested it can be tricky to keep track of the clues given. Some wonderfully camp acting and an over the top story at least makes even failed runs entertaining, though a little more help – especially early on – wouldn’t have gone amiss.

Nocturnal is not a standout title but it is far from bad. A shorter experience, this linear platformer will end up testing your patience and reflexes in challenging but not punishing traversal and combat. Although basic in fighting and its skill selections, Nocturnal is a fine game that’s worth the attention of 2D platforming enthusiasts.

hape of the World is a beautiful journey that offers a relaxing and well paced experience. Its core function consists of simply exploring its world and taking in its lush surroundings. There’s a few framerate issues to contend with and the lack of activity within certainly wont appeal to everyone. However, if you come into this without any expectations, you’re in for a stunning short journey that seamlessly captivates.

Warriors Orochi 4 has a lot going for it, but its sheer lack of difficulty is hard to overlook when taking its widely interesting gameplay mechanics into account. Still, with its needless simplicity to the side, the game delivers on its promise to be the most fun and diverse entry in the series so far. Furthermore, in contrast to Dynasty Warriors 9’s launch, Warriors Orochi 4’s technical performance is top-notch.

Weedcraft Inc gives a little something for both the stoners and the blue collar businessmen of the world. While this tycoon like game is in-depth, navigating with a controller was a bit of a pain. Eventually it sticks and the game gets it’s grips in you however with it’s addicting, one-more thing gameplay loop. If business management or cannabis is your jam, I’d recommend Weedcraft Inc for a try.

The SNK 40th Anniversary Collection, despite a few stinkers, offers a solid blend of classics that will undoubtedly please those looking for a true old-school hit. There’s an experience for just about everyone here, and much more besides in the form of its vast history-rich museum, and its many added extras. The only real issue is that of its steep cost, which may be set a bit too high for even the most dedicated of retro fans.

Space Crew is a challenging simulation game at first but with enough practice and time out into it can turn into an enjoyable experience. It’s an in-depth strategy concept will actually take some time to get use too. Dedicate enough time into it and it will pay off.

Button City is the epitome of chill. Even when the tales touch on heavier subjects, it’s both handled sensitively while also never really getting us down. A great way to spend a few evenings, you’ll leave Button City having made a bunch of really cute new friends!

Rigid Force Redux is a fun bullet hell shooter that offers up not only great gameplay, but some neat extra twists that mean the fairly lean level count stretches a lot further than expected. Co-op would have been nice, and it’s not the prettiest title in its genre, but those are minor niggles that won’t detract from the experience.

Whether you are playing single-player, co-op online/split screen, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is fun. Light-hearted and a significant change of pace for the Warhammer universe. I really enjoyed playing this with my son. Controls were straightforward and easy to get used to, though I was a bit taken back when I found out A wasn’t jump however this didn’t spoil my enjoyment. I would recommend Warhammer 40,000 if you want a local co-op shooter with drop-in and drop-out functions.

Simple by concept, yet tough by design, Grass Cutter – Mutated Lawns is an ideal puzzler for those that enjoy reflex-based challenges that encourage logical thinking. There’s a great deal of variation across the board as far as progression and core content is concerned, and although things can get visually repetitive before long, and perhaps overly difficult, for everything it gets right, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth.

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a different type of game not seen in a long time as it’s partly educational and partly feels like you are watching a documentary. There are a lot of classics in this package and also a lot of meh games which you will gloss over. This will interest the older games who experienced some of this history and the keen gamers who will enjoy the experience that Atari have put on here.

RGX: Showdown is a thrilling and wildly fast paced minute-by-minute racer. The game’s generous asking price is easily justified by its healthy content depth, and although some niggling issues hold it back from greatness, I cant think of any other racer on the market that offers this much fun for such little cost. Don’t be alarmed by its lack of promotion. RGX: Showdown is well worth your attention.

World War Z offers a fun experience that, despite a few technical issues and some visual blemishes, utilizes its source material rather well. Whilst it would have been nice to see more focus on its story elements, its tense gameplay, its mechanical depth, and its decent variation across the board, largely offset its blatant downsides. Indeed, it barely holds a candle to Left 4 Dead, but, it certainly achieves much of what it set out to accomplish.

Vinebound is bright, colourful with a fiendish challenge. It brings a fantastic co-op spin on the Survivors-like genre and should not be missed by fans, especially if they have a friend.

While it didn’t grip me fully, I did enjoy aspects of the tale, and I really dug the horror sections thanks to great use of audio and visuals to make a genuinely unsettling experience.

As mentioned in the video I love crossovers and nostalgia and this game combines both for me. The RPG mechanics may be a bit shallow but there is enough content and characters to keep you and your kids involved for hours. The voices may not be exactly as you remember but it doesn’t take away from the feeling you are back watching a new episode of a cartoon you grew up with. This one was just a fun (albeit a repetitive at times but that’s okay) adventure when you go in not expecting deep and complicated gameplay mechanics. So set your expectations and have some fun!

Just Cause 4 is easily the best game in the series, seamlessly combining its freedom of experimentation with its signature, action-packed concept. The addition of extreme weather effects, together with the game’s redefined functionalities, go hand in glove to produce wildly entertaining gameplay opportunities from the get-go. Unfortunately, the game’s weak story and its grindy structure ultimately pulls it just shy of greatness.

We Were Here Together is a solid example of out of the box, co-op thinking. The puzzles can get a bit too clever for their own good at times, and if you’re not playing with a good friend I’d imagine the frustration will only amplify; but get a reliable buddy, grab you’re note book and there’s plenty of brain teasing fun to be had here.

Wasteland 3 is overall a great tactical game to play. Add some realism to the game and put yourself in the game, then go off and make your own decisions as you see fit. Aside from the loading times you’re sure to have a great time like I did.

In the mashup of the year comes Panic Porcupine which is kind of like throwing Sonic and Super Meat Boy into a blender. Overall the challenge of the game is fun to take on but can quickly become overwhelming if your skill isn’t up to it. If you are one that can keep the rage down and is decent at platforming, I would recommend this game. If you are one to need a new controller after dying over and over … and over again, then maybe save your controller and play something easier.

While short, Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield was overall a nice experience for an endless runner, but the lack of story and replayability is where it hurts itself in the long run. The soundtrack and graphics gave off an exciting and futuristic feeling as you dropped from rooftops dodging bullets and robots throughout many bright and colorful levels. If players want a challenge I recommend playing on insane mode as your reflexes will be put to the test.

Big Crown: Showdown isn’t without issues. There’s some questionable design choices within, as well as a few bugs that hinder its fluidity. That said, these small problems are easy to overlook in the face of the vast amount of fun that the game consistently relays. I credit the game particularly for its accessibility, making for an action-packed, family friendly party brawler that rarely alienates the younger, or lesser skilled players.

Thymesia is a game that has a story as complex as the pronunciation of the title itself. If a brutally tough game that puts your reflexes, memory and patience to the test like many Dark Souls-type games then there is some joy for you here. The combat is tricky to master but fast and fluid. If you are willing to commit yourself to the game and repetition doesn’t phase you then I would recommend you try this out.

Tandem is a unique puzzle game that uses shadows on top of character swapping to help each character get through the levels. Emily is in search for Thomas Kane and chases after the only source of information she has. The story seems to be more an explanation to why you are solving these puzzles than a true adventure. If you enjoy a great puzzle game, then this game warrants a though I would personally recommend waiting for a small sale. The game does have value, but most will be done with the game in less than 10 hours fully and most likely not wanting to return for more unless a sequel is announced.

Ship of Fools is a decent roguelite structure with enough ideas to keep things fresh, but simple enough not to make things too confusing. There is as much to make this a strategy game as it is a roguelite game. I feel the experience is probably too tough for a single player which can make progress very slow and dull at times. But for those that like a challenge it could just be what you are looking for. This game would likely be much easier and more enjoyable played co-op should you get the chance to do so.

Quadroids is definitely not a game I could sit down with for an entire evening of play, but even though I’m pretty bad at it I’ve enjoyed my time with it as something to play for a bit before moving onto something else. Co-op play is available to split the screen real estate with too which is handy, though the need for good timing and communication will still be there as some of the levels are pretty exacting in this regard.

The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is a great holiday game to bring out and play with your kids. I love the fact that you can just have the story read after the fact and having the second player control Max the dog without fear of dying is great for those little ones who want to feel a part of the game with you. Where it lacks in feeling good as a platformer it makes up for it in delivering a fun take on a classic tradition.

Youtubers Life is quite an endearing management experience that, surprisingly, doesn’t come across too taxing nor too demanding. There’s a decent amount of depth to be found here, but its lack of gameplay variation is what holds it back the most. Nevertheless, if you can overlook that and forgive the game for its repetition, Youtubers Life will keep you gleefully busy for hours on end.

Old Man’s Journey is a decent brain teaser that manages to relay such a beautiful and meaningful story without ever uttering a single word. The game intertwines its gorgeous landscapes with its intelligent puzzle framework to great effect, ultimately pushing forward an experience like no other. That said, the game’s lack of basic guidance and its short running time is bound to disappoint those that seek something more grounded and lengthy.

Mechanically engaging, and morally bankrupt. Police Simulator is a very accurate portrayal of cops.

Every now and then I get the bug to play some retro games while playing something new and that’s where Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege fills the gap! Given the options of difficulty, found modifiers, codes, and currency that carries over, Saint Slayer does a good job of trying to cater to any gamer. At the asking price, I don’t see how you could have buyer’s remorse with this one.

Despite some occasionally poor bot behavior, there’s a lot to like about Hyper Jam. This is every bit as addictive as it is exciting, with accessibility and short-burst functionality serving as forefront aspects. The game’s fluid and fast-paced action sits well alongside the game’s unique perk stacking system, with each and every passing round becoming more tense and frenetic as a result. If you’re looking for a new arena brawler, this is one to consider.

Liftoff: Drone Racing is bringing simulation drone racing to consoles without missing a beat. While Liftoff: Drone Racing has been tough for me to wrap my head around control-wise I still had fun. With more time I know the first place finishes would start rolling in but even as noob to both virtual and real life drone flying, I had a good time and I’d imagine enthusiasts and general sim racing fans would as well.

The Tour de France games will only really appeal to a very certain audience. Some people might jump in for a few stages to see if they enjoy the game if this game drops into something like Game Pass but fans of the real Tour will definitely not regret parting with their hard earned cash. Fans of the TDF will plunge a ridiculous number of hours into the game, whether that be king of the mountains, a sprint demon or even the chance to match the great Eddy Merckx! Sure, the game could do with having the full rider roster, a better in game audio or a more realistic crash mechanic but that doesn’t ruin the overall experience.

A throwback to the early days of arcade gaming wrapped up in more modern presentation, Akka Arrh is a fun, albeit head-spinning, title.

Wacky, accessible, and for the most part, innovative, Brief Battles succeeds in bringing fun that’s appropriate for the entire family. The only real drawback is that it all runs dry a lot sooner than it should, but even then, you’ll be hard-pressed finding a brand new party game that’s as likable, as outlandish, and as distinct as this.

Bee Simulator attempts to educate through play, doing so in a charming, entertaining way. The solo campaign is short but sweet but it effectively highlights the role bee’s play in our ecosystem. Great for younger players due to not only the low difficulty but also the informative nature, I have a feeling even the adults will find more enjoyment here than you may expect.

A strong setting and atmosphere provide genuine creeps and a tale that is engaging, though for me the combat is a weak spot in an otherwise enjoyable experience.

To sum up Bluey: The Videogame would be to say that a dad had a fun time playing this game with his kids. It may have been a short experience for us totaling up to a few hours for the story and all collectibles, but they certainly had a good time. Our main feedback comes down to the length and nitpicky details like repeated dialog and camera controls when playing with multiple people. Overall I can recommend this game for families of young kids (or fans of the show I suppose) that want to get together around their Xbox together for a few hours.

As unlikely as it may appear, New Super Lucky Tale is a punchy and polished platformer that does a great job of thrusting you into its luscious worlds. While there’s nothing truly astonishing here, New Super Lucky’s Tale does a splendid job of giving its players a joyful and fun platforming adventure game with lots of puzzles and challenges to keep one busy for the duration of its six-seven hour runtime. Youngsters will certainly find a lot to love here and in this vein New Super Lucky’s Tale is a triumph. Everyone else will find a nice and pleasant platformer but might want more excitement and memorable moments that they probably won’t find here. Ultimately Lucky’s tale is one worth taking in no matter your age, just keep in mind that you may not find enough excitement or story for your liking.

Sigi – A Fart for Melusina’s core formula clearly targets both the speedrunner and the achievement hunter audience. Its very generous price-tag justifies its very short length, and despite some uninspired boss encounters, this game, largely due to its accessibility, its solid design and its tight controls, remains a joy to play from beginning to end. Short-lived indeed, but fun and enjoyable nonetheless.

Stories Untold is an experience more so than a game, and one that should be experienced by many. Through simplistic mechanics a fantastic story is presented. Perfect for when you are in a spooky mood and still want to avoid things like jump scares. While a short experience that should be enjoyed in as few sittings as you can, it’s a wonderful one.

PHOGS! was a unique experience that I recommend to any gamer. From its one-of-kind control scheme to the brightly colored and whimsical world that is the phoggyverse, the puzzles will challenge you just enough to feel satisfying but not elementary. Single player and co-op modes are a plus as well, I challenge any duo to step up to the task of playing with one controller!

Iris.Fall delivers an enchanting and mysterious dream-like world for you to explore. The variety of puzzles keep the game interesting, but the lack of any explanation can make some of them confusing. The shadow mechanic the game employs isn’t new but it gives the puzzles more variety. The puzzles never get too difficult and the overall experience is on the short end timewise, but if you want to experience a beautiful and sometimes eerie puzzle adventure that draws on the work of M.C. Escher for artistic inspiration Iris.Fall could be just the game for you.

DCL is a great experience and a lot of fun; with many sponsors, professional players and fans it easy to see how this has become a popular sport, so why not make a game to go along with it.? Many challenging tasks await and if you have the patience, you too can drone like a pro.

Turnip Boy Robs A Bank proves there is no rest for the wicked. Turning the series into a roguelite was not the wrong road for Turnip Boy. While not all the features of being a roguelite title weren’t implemented, I had a hell of a “thyme” with the game. Going in guns blazing, paired with the OST provided by James “Jake” Currier, was exhilarating in moments and more claiming and vibey in others. Finding my favorite weapons and talking to the colorful and sometimes disturbing cast of characters only added to that experience. The jokes and humor aren’t for everyone, but even looking past them, Snoozy Kazoo’s experiment paid off, leaving me anticipating Turnip Boy’s next federal crime.

All in all the Isle of Siptah expansion adds a much needed content injection that will leave you in awe of the vast landscapes and huge variety of new and interesting monsters you will come to face in your time spent on Siptah. Maybe one day I’ll see you there amongst the many that have fallen at my feet, and we shall see who’s head is on the floor and who stands the victor in this wonderful action adventure from Funcom.

Rock of Ages 3: Make and Break manages to provide some good, old school style arcade fun with it’s core game mechanics. Rolling the balls down the nicely designed tracks, smashing buildings and people along the way is great fun. It’s let down by some fiddly, tedious tower defence-style missions, and a creative suite that, while deep in options, only seems to serve as a gateway to online play.

You don’t have to be an old fart to enjoy retro and this just proves it here. A blast from the past remade for this generation, and is as fun to play as it is to look at. Beautiful visuals and a mad soundtrack, this game will be fun for old and new.

With a great combination of retro graphics and sound Jet Set Knights makes for a fantastic reminder of the good old days. The gameplay is solid and very fun to play either solo or co-op. There are elements that could do with a little polish but that’s more of a nit pick than anything. I had tonnes of fun with Jet Set Knights and look forward to the developers next title!

While the narrative didn’t grab us, the brilliant presentation and moreish challenge did. It may make us curse more than a few times as we die yet again, but the challenge was ultimately enjoyable enough to want to continue on regardless.

Polygod offers a challenging, randomly generated experience that’s constantly engaging and fun. There’s a lot of variation here across the game’s levels, its enemies and its pacing, which collectively ensures that repetition almost remains completely holstered throughout. There’s certainly a steep difficulty curve to begin with, but its greatly addictive core gameplay loop will keep you coming back for more.

As a whole then, Kamikaze Lassplanes is a game of two distinct halves: a romance-heavy narrative adventure, and a good scrolling shooter. Personally, I’d have preferred more of the latter than the former, but what’s here is decent enough to enjoy all round.

Subtle but solidly produced, In Rays of the Light does a beautiful and eloquent job of drawing you into its story and environments. Much can be appreciated regarding the artistry on display here and while the gameplay doesn’t compare favourably to it, there’s plenty of potential in what the game offers stylistically and in regards to its presentation that it can stand tall and comes recommended for its attempts at drawing you in. There is a need to make the gameplay more riveting despite the lurking presence of shadows, as there’s a propensity for unexcitingly light puzzles and a frustrating segment amid darkness, but in all In Rays of the Light is worth a look if you want a short, flawed but compelling and well-made jaunt.

My Singing Monsters Playground is a cute and very fun party game for both kids and adults. The games are simple enough that kids can pick up and play them but also robust enough that they are interesting for all ages to play. Not every game is great but they are all enjoyable enough, and the colourful, bubbly graphics and music keep the joy flowing. Although this is offline only it can still be fun to play with any friends that come over or even just to let your kids enjoy.

Bad North is a fun, challenging RTS Roguelite. The visuals paint a charming picture, giving you a false sense of security until the Vikings begin their assault. As your island is bathed in their (or your own) blood, the game keeps you on your toes despite the simplistic interaction you have. This is absolutely worth your time, even if the genre isn’t usually up your alley.

You’re a pig, and you must eat tennis balls. It’s like Pac-Man on drugs. It very random and super fun! Well worth checking out if you fancy something a little… different.

An engaging sci-fi comedy with a lot of laughs. For fans of the point-and-click genre this will be a blast, despite some minor foibles.

Desperados III is a great prequel to the Desperado series. With great visuals, gameplay and a challenging story line you can be sure you will have a blast with this title. Gameplay is solid, and with memorable characters you can place your cards and know you have a winner.

I enjoyed my time with this game, simple as that. It’s not too serious (see the name) and it provides a nice mix of combat, platforming, and puzzle solving. I particularly like how obtuse some puzzles may seem but once you know the answer they are quite simple. The sheer exploration and process of figuring out the solutions was enough to keep me intrigued for the adequate time this game lasts which is likely going to be less than 10 hours for finding everything. Fans of other popular animal physics based simulators should feel at home here. Don’t expect a AAA budget banger and enjoy the wackiness here that Squirrel With A Gun is offering.

High On Life certainly isn’t an intellectually profound game or a deep and meaningful one (despite a quasi-emotional end-game), it’s just an FPS that wants you to laugh and indulge in silliness for a little while. As long as you jive with the game’s grooves, you will like what High On Life has to offer, but be warned – when you’re playing a game that’s high on its own supply, sometimes it won’t think straight and it’ll leave you yearning for something more.

Get Packed: Fully Loaded finally makes it’s debut outside of Stadia exclusivity. In what is a humorous story that places you into chaotic situations of moving items, you can finally invite friends to play with you in a variety of modes to increase the chaos! If partying up isn’t your jam, the single player story is there and will offer hours of entertainment as well.

Air Twister is a fun and interesting modernisation of Space Harrier. The music by Valensia although at first seemed out of place suits the 80’s vibe this game exudes with the bright colours and vibrancy. It maintains the tricky increasing gaming difficulty of the older games and throws in some rogue-lite elements to level the playing field and help add some replay value to the game.

If you’re looking for a new way to jump into the world of Hot Wheels, Unleashed is certainly not a bad way to go, after all, we’ve seen worse in the series’ history. That said, the price point may prove steep for what feels like a more basic use of this beloved licensed property, and with very basic options for included game modes, a lack of substantial variety in race types, and no suitable way for the community to share their impressive track builds, it feels like Milestone has undercut themselves in a possibly rushed attempt to capitalise on this potentially fruitful racing franchise.

Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of crazy golf in either a virtual or real sense? It’s definitely better played online in a simultaneous manner and preferably with friends though. The many different themes are interesting, and the variety of tweaks and modes do keep things fun for a while, but the pacing of the game or loading times may cause many to lose interest, unfortunately.

Gravity Heroes can be too tough at times early on, but those that persevere will find and enjoyable twist on 2D, wave-based attack arenas. Some lovely pixel art and music help soften the repeated defeats, and while a little unintuitive, the core gameplay is fun more often than not.

Despite some of the glaring issues, MX vs ATV All Out houses a great deal of content. There’s no denying that it’s lacking in performance and optimization, but the weak execution is almost alleviated by its vast and various offerings. MX vs ATV All Out is one patch away from glory, but until that happens, it’s missing out on a lot of its potential.

The Alto Collection is two games in one and is visually beautiful and simple. Yes, they’re old games that are pretty much built for phones and you only really need one button to play, but it was a joy to try and beat your high score. I played Adventure loads when it first came out on Windows and can’t wait to sink more hours trying to beat my score in Odyssey.

Paw Paw Paw tries its best to be an entertaining game that holds up to the standards set by the classic beat ’em ups and the innovative newer titles, but ultimately it falls a little short mostly due to its difficulty. Beat ’em ups are known for their difficulty, but they almost universally feature lives and continue systems that make them accessible to a wide audience. Even on easy some parts of the game can be very tough. This game is designed so you can grind by replaying levels and then level yourself to get stronger. There’s some variety in a few levels but not enough to make me want to go back and grind through them. If you’re a fan of the genre it’s definitely worth a look, and in comparison to some games by the same publisher it’s relatively good. Hopefully Ratalaika will step out of their achievement filled comfort zone and expand their catalogue even more.

Space Crew takes a while to get into but once you do it is fun to play and definitely brings the same enjoy Bomber Crew did. They have taken what was lacking in Bomber Crew and the frustration you had and changed things around. But let me tell you this, even though they have made it so much better gameplay-wise, I think I still had more fun playing Bomber Crew which is bizarre.

The visuals and design may be on the wayside, but the amount of content that’s been crammed into a game that costs just £7.99 / $9.99 is outstanding.

GRAVEN is a lovely little taste of retro shooters that fall outside what we considered to be the standard of the time. An excellent fusion of melee, magic and puzzle solving.

I have to be honest; I was wrong. I fully expected to find a poor man’s Trials but instead, I found a game that provides a more accessible experience to the well-known platform trialist experience, whilst also holding enough of its own character to feel like a fresh game in its own right.

All in all Red Ronin is a fantastic 8-bit styled, turn-based puzzle game that gave me hours of fun all the while challenging me in ways I didn’t expect from this title. The pixel graphics complimented it well, even though I have a bit of a soft spot for 8-bit and 16-bit games, it did impress me. The game did crash quite often at the time of playing on my Series X but the loading times made this more an inconvenience then an issue. The soundtrack complimented the game well and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m not a huge fan of puzzle games (with not being the sharpest tool in the shed) but I sure did have tons of fun.

Despite having a vertical drop for a learning curve and looking and feeling kind of average as far as modern gaming goes, Age of Wonders: Planetfall succeeds in being a richly deep and complex space strategy hybrid that will no doubt appeal to long time turn-based strategy fans, and newcomers alike.

Airoheart is one of the better Zelda-likes I have played and working my way through the game has been a trip down memory lane. It borrows so much from the Link to the Past formula, but also adds in plenty of its own ideas and mechanics. Perhaps the biggest issue I have with the game is its price point, $40 is way too steep for this game. I think if it was $20-25 it would sell many more copies and find a much larger audience. There are a handful of other issues, but most of those could be addressed with a patch. If you’ve been looking for a game to satisfy your classic action-adventure cravings then Airoheart could be your game, at the very least you should put it on your wishlist so you can pick it up if the price changes or it goes on sale.

Despite its seemingly grim premise, Regalia goes on to produce a surprisingly witty, well structured and strategic RPG adventure. There’s no denying that this game is better suited on the keyboard and mouse, but if you can overlook these niggling controller issues, a wonderfully written and endearing journey awaits.

Overall, if you want a story set in the gritty era of World War One and don’t want to have to play through a Call of Duty or Battlefield campaign to do so, then Ad Infinitum isn’t a bad way to spend your time. It isn’t perfect and there are areas that clearly need some improvement but for a story that delivers and enemies that offer the chills, this is an experience that’s at least worth the once-over.

Overall, if you like your party games, are looking for a giggle and you want some wacky fun to keep you and some friends entertained for a few hours, Rubber Bandits is not a bad shout. Going further than that might be difficult due to the lack of game modes making longevity a stretch, but there is enough here to warrant a look, especially given the game is available right now on Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.

While it won’t go down in history alongside some of the classics, Voyage of the Dead is a fun arcade light gun shooter that shows of what the MARS can do. It’s a shame that technically the title holds the hardware back, with slowdown and hitches that make aiming much harder than it needs to be. Beyond that though, Voyage shows the promise that the hardware holds, and I can only hope we get further, more optimised titles going forward.

Overall, The Jackbox Party Pack 5 is a great addition to any future party plans, especially for the upcoming festive season. Like all party games, you really need to have a group of people that are up for almost anything, but it does do a wonderful job of encouraging even the shyest of participants to come up with laugh out loud moments. Just be sure to steer clear of Zeeple Dome.

Gamers looking for a puzzle-heavy platformer like Braid won’t find what they’re looking for here; alternatively, players searching for a platforming adventure like Limbo will also be let down. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing, story-driven adventure with light platforming and a few simple puzzles all wrapped in a sublimely vivid art style then this just might be for you. The story touches on topics that many games avoid, and most players will find some way to relate to the protagonist Mo, but the islands and their depictions are the real stars of Minute of Islands – it’s what kept me hooked. I remained intrigued throughout the experience, always wondering how the next area would be presented. The gameplay feels a bit monotonous, but that gives you more time to marvel at the artistic detail of the world.

A fun single player twin stick shooter worth checking out for the appropriate price. Between the self-deprecating humor and the pop culture references to Ripley, this game has earned my recommendation. It may not keep the player drawn in for dozens of hours, but some will fall in love with this retro twin stick shooter.

Spirit of the North: Enhanced Edition is a wonderful game to unwind with and is relatively short, so most will finish it in just a couple sittings. The game isn’t as polished as a re-release should be, but is still a fun adventure to embark on. I would recommend this title on a sale seeing as you won’t be playing it long unless you’re into Nordic folklore, foxes, or a moderate journey.