Overall, if you like Overcooked! and are looking for more of the same that isn’t cheap and nasty like the several other options currently available on the store, Cannibal Cuisine isn’t a bad shout. It’s not overly priced, it’s got a fair challenge to keep you going for a while and the co-op play is seamless. Sure, meal variety could have been a little more exciting but for what it is, it’s not a bad effort and will certainly do the job until we hear from Overcooked! 3 at some point.

Golf Club: Wasteland is slightly more hit than miss. The overall package contains an enjoyable experience. The music matches wonderfully and exploring the decayed wasteland landscape is a fun experience, but the method by which you do the exploring, i.e. the golfing, leaves a lot to be desired and can be more than frustrating using a controller. The game is priced fairly, $10 USD, for what’s there, so if you want to take a swing I’d say go for it.

If you want to delve into a soothing farming simulator adventure that doesn’t put the strain on your back with rudimentary activities, Paleo Pines is a nice deviation from the chore-based habits of its forebears. Tending to your the dinosaurs is a pleasant twist to an otherwise generic formula, and the game’s pleasantness gives it a welcoming vibe that’s easy to snuggle up to. Yes, the mini-map and questing is unfortunately derivative, and surprises don’t come all that frequently, but for a little while you’ll be glad to settle down and spend time befriending new Dino pals.

Carto is a great and cute puzzle game with charming characters and a slightly disturbing storyline, but it’s still a fun adventure none the less. The gameplay is great fun with the map manipulation to solve the puzzles and it is a nice change of pace if you need to relax with a game. I was definitely enjoying my journey with the game until I hit the game stopping bug. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the game into the desert section, but I will have to wait until the game is patched.

It’s hard to truly overlook the game’s performance issues, or indeed, issues that arrive as a product of the original’s problems, however, it’s still a well rounded experience nevertheless. The story is decent, the pace is well struck and the environmental destruction remains second to none. Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered is a patch away from greatness, but in its current state, it fails to meet that end.

Override: Mech City Brawl suffers from some minor framerate issues and the occasional character-specific bug that, once present, quite literally puts a stopper on your game. Despite those problems, Override is pleasantly accessible and goes on to provide structural depth, combat diversity, and heaps of action-packed, fun, and exhilarating moments from the get-go. This is one brawler that’s fit for the whole family.

Cat Quest II is a simple and fun RPG which I found quite enjoyable to play and it seems like it has plenty of content to get your claws into. The story line is not deep, but it doesn’t need to be when its about a cat and dog, and they fill it with cat puns to try and keep things interesting. But the combat in this game can come across as repetitive and having to read the same pun-filled dialogue every time you fail a dungeon is far from purrfect.

All in all Astro Aquakitty is great take on the arcade 2D shooter genre with plenty of customisable options, enemy variety and sheer scale of the environments. Each death leaving you saying “just one more go”. I had an amazing time playing this game and urge those who want to scratch that itch to pick it up and give it a go.

RAD is actually quite a fun game to play, the different mutations keep the game interesting and, as the game doesn’t give you much about the story, a lot of things are a mystery, and enjoyable to discover. The long loading screens when you start or when you die do ruin the games flow a little bit, but there is enough content, and it is challenging enough, to keep you interested for a while.

Will Die Alone is a decent narrative adventure that handles difficult topics with a light touch and some decent writing. A single playthrough is less than 15 minutes at best, but those looking to fully explore the tale will need to play it through a few times at least. It won’t captivate like some titles in the genre, but for what we get there is a decent evening to had.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong feels like a bit of a flat, confused mess. The story has some intrigue about it and the characters are interesting but some of the conversations had in the game are so serious that it sometimes feels mundane. If you like detective games with a twist then there is some joy to be had here but I feel it is a bit of a disservice to vampires.

The chill nature of the gameplay, the exploration of the oceans, finding new fish and completing quests for the townsfolk meshed together to make a really rather enjoyable time. Moonglow Bay is the perfect palette cleanser in between other grittier titles, and another solid addition to the Game Pass service.

In conclusion Harvey’s New Eyes is a strange little adventure that does not take itself too seriously. Although the game does have some minor sticking points, it has not lost its charm and is an overall enjoyable journey. As it is not necessary to have experienced its predecessor, it is an uncomplicated adventure which can be enjoyable for a wide audience. Its great to see some older games be brought to consoles and given a new lease on life. If you are looking for a simple and entertaining adventure Harvey’s New Eyes will still do the trick.

Ord might not last you long, with each scenario ranging from a few minutes to a dozen or so to see most of, but while it lasts it’s a bizarrely enjoyable time, and proof that we don’t always need the best of the best in presentation to effectively convey an entertaining adventure.

Echo Generation feels like one of those games that try to capture all the elements which made the older games interesting. No hand-holding, no easy setting, no guidance and very challenging. The art design is quite cool and it is what will lure to the game as it seems very chilled. But it’s a false sense of security the game is far from chilled and is decidedly tricky. Coupled with the creepy unnerving undertones of the story this game is not for the faint-hearted.

A lot should be forgiven when it comes to Bad Cheese. At only an hour or two in length it’s a comfortably brief experience, and it deserves kudos for the imagination lavished upon it, the cool gadgets, and for the aesthetics as well. For a one-person game it is very impressive and that can’t be denied. However, Bad Cheese enslaves you into performing chores and the mechanics could be improved. Overall, Bad Cheese is definitely a solid effort despite the sense it could be tightened up and improved in terms of gameplay.

I couldn’t quite gel with much of the puzzle logic, which tends to lean too heavily on trial and error rather than innovation.

Kombinera is a hell of a challenge, though at the same time its also quite fun to put ourselves to the test to try and best it. For such a simple premise, Graphite Labs have packed this charming puzzler with enough challenge to last us a long time indeed.

Despite its lacklusterness, it’s hard for me not to recommend Record of Lodoss War – Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth considering that it’s on Game Pass. If you like Metroidvanias, or action platformers, then it’s definitely worth a look. But if you are expecting a top-of-line experience like its inspiration Symphony of the Night, you’ll be disappointed. Wonder Labyrinth checks all the boxes and features some unique Team Ladybug ideas, but nothing about it stands out from the pack.

Overall, and if you want a new game to run around with friends and simply have a laugh whilst doing some basic, yet humorous jobs, then Embr will certainly tick the right boxes. Whilst some of the additional level types feel a bit tacked on, the general rescue missions are certainly enough to warrant a playthrough and whilst playing solo will quickly feel a bit repetitive, going for the full flame rating with friends is worthwhile. Sadly, bugs and minor issues are present and whilst not game-breaking, they certainly detract from the joy factor, but all in, this isn’t the worst way to spend time over the course of a few evenings as you finally get to be the have-a-go-hero we all have hidden inside.

In summary, Dreaming Sarah is an inside look at the subconscious told through platforming and light puzzling. its short runtime is perfect for a rainy afternoon in or something to play quickly as a pallet cleanser between larger games.

Agents vs Villain is a decent game that offers a lot of competitive fun. Its cartoonish design, together with its simplistic controls and its core accessibility, makes it a fitting title for players of all ages. There’s no denying that it’s a relatively bare experience as far as its content depth is concerned, but that said, it does very well with the little that it has.

Iron Harvest is a smart port to consoles with some minor control issues, this is an excellent RTS for anyone that wants to use a controller.

Atom RPG is a fun and challenging game which seems to heavily use the original Fallout games as a template. That’s not a bad thing as I really liked those games and I enjoyed this game too. The story at times was hard to follow and not as interesting as the Fallout games but it still has its fair share of humorous and quirky quests. I think the combat could do with some balancing as it shouldn’t be this tough and the inventory mechanic is a bit clunky but it doesn’t make the game terrible. If you are a fan of the older fallout games or you enjoy a good isometric RPG then you might like this.

Gutwhale is a fun little roguelite. It has a nice set of mechanics and gameplay elements even though they are very limited. It is somewhat odd (I forgot to mention how a van falls down into the level every time you get a game over), but it has some charm and is one of the better games in Ratalaika’s catalog.

The Count Lucanor wonderfully blends together survival and puzzle gameplay, ultimately producing an experience that’s tense and enticing. The tedious controls and the frequent framerate issues hold it back to some degree, but even with these problems, The Count Lucanor is a worthy investment.

Bartlow’s Dread Machine is in all matters intriguing, from its old style mechanical arcade box feel, to its limited movement along rail shooter gameplay. There are a lot of positives to enjoy here, but I worry it may not last longer than a single play through. It is a good dual stick shooter to enjoy with a friend though, so should provide at least an evening or two of fun in that department.

Despite not fully delivering on its promise of a mystery to crack, I still enjoyed my time with Detective Rainy Night. A sequel with a bit more mystery and production value could be great, but for now this is recommended if you’re in the mood for a short thriller to spend an evening with.

This type of game may not be for everyone, but for anyone who misses the era of “gameplay only possible in an arcade cabinet” you might want to check out Neon Inferno.

Rarely do we see an episodic game getting better as new episodes are introduced, but that’s exactly the case with Bertram Fiddle’s second episode: A Bleaker Predicklement. Whilst short and somewhat buggy, the episode’s enhanced puzzle work and its interesting new mechanics not only make for a worthwhile return, but collectively shows a great deal of promise for the series’ future. Don’t pass this by, things are just getting warmed up.

The joy of Wavetale comes from the exploration and free-flow traversal. The story and combat leave much to be desired and the openness of the water can really slow the flow of the game down. It was a short and slightly above average experience overall, shoutout to the visuals and sick traversal combinations you can sometimes pull off when the environment lets you.

Whilst the lengthy and somewhat persistent loading times can irritate, Shadow Fencer Theatre provides a lot of fun for both solo players and fans of local multiplayer alike. The game’s hilariously awkward physics fit well with its distinct presentation, and thanks to its varied content, if indeed lacking overall, repetition is kept firmly at bay. This isn’t going to blow your socks off, but it certainly offers a trip to the theatre you’re unlikely to forget.

Pile Up! Box by Box is definitely an enjoyable couch co-op title. The lack of online multiplayer sucks but you shouldn’t avoid playing it purely for that. Get some friends round now Covid restrictions allow and have some fun working things out!

King of the Arcade does a fair job of being a cheaper title that gives you value for money. It’s not too difficult, it gives you a feel of what arcades used to look like in the past and there are plenty of different games to play. Those born around that era they will find the knockoff titles fun to play if not just amusing. It could be a fun way for a parent to expose their kids to games of the past without it being overwhelming and without all the loading.

In the here and now, Guts ’N Goals is fun in short bursts, at least solo. There’s a ton of stuff to unlock, the match types are fast and hectic and the extra modes prove to be a great way of mixing things up. It’d make a great addition to a local multiplayer night again in the near future, and once online play is there there’ll be more incentive to keep returning.

Where Dustborn works – its characters and story – it really works. Leaden combat and side-missions leave it a little lacking.

Qomp2 offers a fresh take on the classic Pong formula, introducing a unique premise and challenging gameplay. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its departure from the raw simplicity of the original, fans of puzzle games and those seeking a unique gaming experience will find enjoyment in its artful reimagining. The game’s diverse boss fights and hidden collectibles add depth and replay value, making it a worthwhile endeavour for those willing to embrace its challenges.

Overall if you want something a little different that doesn’t take itself too seriously as you wait in anticipation to see what the next WWE title can offer, then Action Arcade Wrestling certainly isn’t a bad way to go. Whilst it would have been nice to see a Career mode option available and maybe a few more unique character designs, for the price point Action Arcade Wrestling isn’t going to be a game you’ll regret spending your time with.

All in all, Stunt Paradise isn’t going to move the needle for being your new all-time favorite game, but it does deliver a few fun moments. In what could have been a quick game to get out of the door, it feels like some love went into making it. I was pretty impressed the first time the camera whooshed around as my car was making a turn but in reality, my controlling was just going straight. This is one of those palate cleanser games as I like to call them and it delivers on that promise of being short, decent, and something enjoyable enough to pass the time.

Jisei is a visual novel game with a rather unusual twist to it; a needless twist at that. Differing from the traditional visual novels, it’s much more interactive and less story based which might explain why there are plot holes and unanswered questions littered throughout it. Visually though it’s great, and fantastic from the voice acting to character design. It’s not a bad game and personally enjoyed myself playing it, it’s just confusing at points. For most I believe it’s going to be a hit or miss game.

Castle on the Coast is a a great choice for kids, newcomers to games, and 3D platforming fans. Harkening back to games of yesteryear this looks like it came from the Playstation. In association with Valley Children’s Hospital where the main character, George the Giraffe, this is a decent collectathon that won’t make you pull your hair out.

All in all, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley and it’s new DLC Fuddler’s Courtship are both charming, easy going experiences that are perfect for parents and children to sit down together and explore, with a light hearted take on themes such as friendship and the importance of looking after nature.

Indika will no doubt be one the most unique games we play this year, if not one of the best. It’s themes are both layered thick and somewhat confusing and the odd pacing means we can never really settle into the flow of things. We still found some fun to be had, mainly in the weird settings and 2D sequences, and those with a bit more of an open mind will no doubt enjoy it, but it certainly won’t be for everyone.

Void Gore has scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. The classic shooter gameplay works well with the rogue-like elements, and the upgrades give each run a fresh feel. If you’re fond of old school shmups then definitely check out Void Gore.

It won’t be for everybody, and even the ones it will be for will no doubt find grievances within its systems, but there’s no denying KCD2 is an incredibly deep and dense game that will reward those willing to invest the time and energy into getting the most out of it. A strong story pulls us through parts that otherwise might have been too much to persevere with, but there have certainly been enough times that we have found ourselves enjoying the game that we’d offer a cautious recommendation.

Reky offers a uniquely styled puzzler title with a deceptive challenge, although at times the interface makes this harder than it should otherwise be.

Thy Sword is in every sense a simple a retro platformer. It has many nods to the past and has fine-tuned the experience to make the game fairly challenging. The controls are slick and pulling off a special move to finish an enemy is a joy. However, the game is fairly short and could be completed in 1 or 2 sittings. This is a fun game for those looking for a quick platformer to conquer.

Togges is as a unique game as its name. In this 3D puzzle platformer, you aren’t controlling some bipedal human or creature trying to get to the right side of the screen but rather a vacuum like robot that with the aid of the togges, solves puzzles to traverse this free roaming landscape. The traversal is likely my favorite schtick as you have to manage the amount of togges you have while keeping them next to each other as they are the keys to the puzzles. As with a lot of 3D open-world-esque games to me the camera is very middle of the road and leaves some to be desired. The puzzles are hit or miss as to their understandability but at least it’s a pretty game. This beautiful puzzle platformer would give the fan of the genre plenty of content to stack the deck with.

PONG Quest surprised me in a good way, as I didn’t believe a game based around PONG could hold my attention for this long. But once I started on the story mode, I felt compelled to play all the way through it. The different ball power-ups are so interesting and make the PONG experience much more fun. With the charming paddle identity’s, it makes for a fun experience. My only concern is that once the adventure is over, I am not sure whether I would revisit the game.

While it lacks the charm of Trials, Overpass mostly manages to get that one-more-go feeling of trial and error right. It can be quite frustrating at times, and a little more feedback for the player to use wouldn’t have gone amiss, but if you’re after a challenging racer there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Alina of the Arena is a great proposition for players that love Slay the Spire and Into the Breach.

Alwa’s Awakening is very true to the original style 8-bit platformer. They have some adventure and puzzle elements as well and is not as linear as many of the other 8 bit platformers. The story line is quite light in details but the game itself is more concentrated on the gameplay which shows as it is a fun and interesting challenge. Although it feels a bit slow-paced it is still a good game to pick up for old-style platformer fans.

Samurai Shodown marks the return of a beloved classic, and although not quite as refined nor as deep as its modern contemporaries, the game proves that there’s still plenty of life in the franchise yet. Through staying faithful to the series’ roots, Samurai Shodown offers up a different kind of fighter, one that retains the strategic action and high levels of tension that put this saga on the radar to begin with. Whilst not great, it’s certainly bold and unique.

JackQuest’s sizable interconnected world, together with its immediately fluid and precise gameplay, collectively go hand in glove to set an instantly captivating stage. There’s a good blend of combat, puzzles, and platforming throughout, making for a worthwhile adventure that rarely loses traction. The only real downside here is that it lacks diversity across all of those aspects, pulling it just shy of greatness as a result.

Tinker Racers is a fun game and far exceeded my expectations. It brought back many childhood memories of racing round in Micro Machines and it makes me hope that they release more levels for a DLC. Once lockdown ends, it’ll definitely be one to play with friends in couch co-op.

I came in to Crime Opera: The Butterfly Effect with an open mind, but not expecting all that much from it. I’m glad I gave it a go though, as the story was actually very good and had me wanting to keep reading right until the end. It’s a shame there aren’t more endings to encourage more playthroughs, but as a part one of a series this is off to a good start. Whether you’re just interested in the 1000G or actually want a good tale to read, then this comes highly recommended.

Nova Lands is exactly what you need if you need a less stressful session of gaming. That is not to say it is not frustrating as at times you will feel like an underappreciated supervisor when the bots are not doing what you are expecting them to do. But you are the master of these bots and they are as only as good as your strategy. It is a neat little game but something you will only play through once.

Outside of these areas, The Glass Staircase was still enjoyable enough to recommend, especially if you’ve a penchant for retro, budget and more idiosyncratic gaming. It’s a decent take on old school survival horror, even if there are better examples out there.

All in all, YesterMorrow is a fine platformer with a decent story. The progression of the main character feels timely and challenges satisfying. Although the mapping system could use a redesign, I would recommend YesterMorrow to any 2D platforming fan.

The ever so popular board game, Gloomhaven has finally made it’s way onto Xbox in a glorious digital format. Despite enjoying board games however this adaptation did not do much for me personally. The system is complex and something I could not grasp super well. The tutorial does a fine job at holding your hand though and seemingly goes over every detail that makes Gloomhaven popular amongst its original fans, it was just too slow for me. That said I think fans of the actual board game would enjoy the thoroughness this version has in it as well as the new content that does not exist in the physical format.

While the base gameplay may be simple and of the time, Jaws Retro Edition proves that can still be fun even today. The Enhanced edition is great and offers more meat on the bones to the original, and while it may not be my favourite retro game ever, I have still enjoyed taking it to Bruce and his aquatic cohorts all the same.

If you’ve got a few gamers in the house then I highly recommend picking Unspottable up. It’ll provide a good few laughs (and arguments) and is quite different to most of what is out there already. Hiding in plain sight while trying to suss out those around you is a lot of fun. Just bear in mind that this is a strictly local multiplayer title.

The Walking Vegetables doesn’t quite manage to rub shoulders with the best of its kind, but, it certainly offers a fun and entertaining twin-stick shooting experience, nevertheless. Special mention goes to its tight handling and its responsive feedback, which merges remarkably well with its non-stop, fast-paced gameplay structure. The only problem here is, by design alone, there’s one hell of an initial grind to overcome.

The driving is smooth and fluid, the maps are vivid, and I love the characters and how they're made to perform. But let's be real here, gacha mechanics shouldn't even have been considered for a racing game.

Debris Infinity wears its inspiration on its sleeve, but manages to pull off such a good cover that it gets a pass. If chasing high scores isn’t your thing then you’ll find little here to keep you going. But if you just fancy something quick and easy to pick up when coming home from the pub then this will likely do the job. If nothing else, your intoxicated brain will be mesmerised the sheer spectacle of it all.

With today’s modern additions such as leaderboards and online multiplayer for 16 players, Forsaken: Remastered’s 360-degree movement gives it something unique in today’s crowded shooter market. It might just be the resurgence needed for a game that didn’t get a chance to shine all those years ago.

Slaps and Beans 2 deserves to have its day. It is not the best scrolling beat ’em up out there but it does enough to stand out. It has voice acting and animation which the others don’t have. It has some mini-games and puzzling elements which make it stand out. It also tries to add some humour to make the experience more enjoyable. So if you want to play a local beat ’em up with your friend or family then why not pick this up as there is some fun to be had.

For those willing to overlook its flaws, Atomfall offers a unique and immersive adventure. But if you’re looking for polished combat and a more guided experience, you might find its rough edges frustrating.

Necromunda: Underhive Wars needs a lot of work, and is littered with bugs, save issues, and an abundance of little annoyances that break immersion. But when you press past, you will find a competent game with some interesting mechanics, a rich progression and loot based endgame, hours and hours of potential tactical goodness, and a genuine effort to make a stand out, highly rewarding strategy game.

The Invincible is definitely propped up on its art direction and story, both of which are really rather good. Dialogue choices and alternate options mean there should be scope for some replays, though that’ll also depend on how much of Yasna’s slow movement speed you can stomach again. All in all, The Invincible was enjoyable enough to recommend, but I’d hope to see future outings from the team fine tune the character controls and movement.

Here we are again, an absolute gorgeous game taken down a point or two by gameplay. If not for the bugs I encountered and the slowness that the game just seemed to me, this game could have been great. That said, I can realize when a game isn’t meant for me and ultimately, I don’t think this is a game I’d go in for myself after really thinking about it. But with visuals and audio like this, at least the ride was nice to look at it. I’d welcome a sequel even if we can just do without the sneaky, hide and seek bits.

A solid beginner entry into Turn Based and Roguelike genres. Days of Doom doesn’t have enough for veterans but will certainly entertain while it lasts.

Freddy Spaghetti combines the ever popular mad-cap physics gameplay with an equally outlandish story and level set up to great effect. Some of the levels feel too much like padding, and the nature of the gameplay can lead to a few instances of annoyance, but overall this is a fun title for those looking for something simple, but different.

There isn’t much to say about a game like this other than you get what you see. Looking for a relaxed hour of gaming? Look at Cats & Seek. Looking for that game to play after you spent dozens and dozens of hours completing that huge RPG? Look at Cats & Seek. Looking for a fast and easy 1,000 gamerscore? Look at Cats & Seek.

What’s most apparent about Woven is that it is clearly a labor of love and the game’s environment is very refined in its structure. It’s clear that the developers spent a lot of effort in play testing, in object placement, mood and setting. It’s a beautiful game with a difficulty that may be in the upper strata for some but an enjoyable challenge for others. If that sings to you then this is your game.

After playing Souldiers for a few dozen hours I can say that it has a ton of potential, despite its issues I continue to want to play the game when I sit down and turn on my Xbox. The Metroidvania side of the gameplay really shines – the abilities, exploration, and world-building – but the game is marred by bugs and problematic design decisions that make the difficult souls-inspired combat feel less rewarding and much more frustrating. If the game was released without many of these issues I could see myself scoring it much higher but as it is, Souldiers needs to head back to basic training before anyone else enlists in their army.

Skycadia is a fun arcade-style dogfighting game. It has a lovely visual style, smooth and responsive controls and a fast and fun gameplay loop. There’s not much to it beyond chasing your own high score an unlocking new characters or weapons, but it is just simple fun, and something worth checking out.

Overall and if you like horror games that pick up on typically used tropes or ones that have atmospheric tension dripping from every angle, then Ikai is probably going to call out to you. If you’re wanting a polished Japanese scare-fest, then you may want to either wait for a few updates or skip this one until a sale rolls around. It’s not a game you should avoid entirely but even with incredible audio and fantastic atmospheric design, this isn’t likely to be the biggest horror you’ll play this year, but in the same breath it will be far from the worst.

Glass Masquerade’s jigsaw-like functionality may indeed look simple at first glance, but in practice, it’s anything but. The game’s clever use of its singular artistic mechanic makes for a challenging, yet strangely therapeutic puzzler. The only drawback is that it’s quite short in length and doesn’t provide much replay value. That said, for a genre that’s rapidly gaining weight, Glass Masquerade effortlessly showcases that less is more.

9 Lives to Defend is a great game to have installed and play now and then. The shortest round is 12 minutes, and it is fun to try and survive the level to earn the kibble to try and maybe complete a harder round next time. The game is cute enough to be enjoyed by kids, but it is tricky enough to be enjoyed by hardened gamers. So, if you prefer a more innocent-looking Vampire Survivors-style game, then this could be the one for you.

Newcomers and vets of the series will probably find the Serious Sam Collection to be of good value and a reasonable HD port. The added frame rate and graphic options are a nice touch for this classic series.

Legacy of Kain™ Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is one of my childhood games brought back to the modern day but just not in the way I imagined. With such a cool story and concept, a remake combining the two with modern controls and a bit more direction would have made this awesome. But just a graphical touch up isn’t enough to bring these games to the modern era. It needed more love and for me that’s a shame.

The gameplay remains tense and unpredictable throughout the entirety of play, and the dark alluring atmosphere is equally as potent. This wont blow your socks off, but it will definitely keep you entertained for hours on end.

The Chant offers a thrilling foray into the survival horror genre. The acting and crafting elements make Jess’ plight feel incredibly dire, while the story remains gripping throughout. Despite some technical limitations, this grim island teeming with tension is still an eerie paradise worth exploring – especially when confronted by the mysterious Gloom!

Papa’s Quiz is a decent party game that does stand out for me as a good alternative to the Jackbox games. Granted it is just a quiz and there are no other game modes, but I feel that helps make it stand out as it has that singular focus. The dance boasting isn’t for everyone and the automated voices do get a bit tedious after a while, but as a party game that you play in bursts I think this is pretty fun.

Fury of Dracula: Digital Edition is a wonderful way to tackle the convoluted board game. It is not without its problems but for anyone that bounced out off the real life version, this is the best way for newcomers to play it.

Carrion is one of the best pixel made horrors I’ve ever seen and deserves praise from horror and gaming fans alike. With impressive controls and visuals for a game of this nature, this title is a must for any horror or gaming fan with a thirst for blood and anyone who loved the movie “The Thing”.

Zombie Derby 2 brings together Trials HD physics and the enjoyment of running over zombies in cars! I had a blast playing Zombie Derby 2; the controls were smooth, and the graphics were good and the music was perfectly matched. I’d have preferred not to have to need to repeat the same levels multiple times to progress, but other than that this was a fun evening of gaming.

I found my time playing Lunar Lander Beyond to be good fun in short bursts, usually in between something a bit meatier. At around 5 hours to complete it doesn’t outstay its welcome, though there are harder difficulties (and permadeath) to consider should you really want to test yourself. If you’ve not gelled with the previous releases then this make good strides to win you over, though the same tricky controls and movement are present as ever.

Nostalgia fills the air in Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl now that it is out on Xbox. On one hand this is the closest the Xbox will see to Super Smash Bros. and on the other hand it’s full of classic Nickelodeon cartoons and I love a good crossover. This will no doubt be a fun time with friends or kids alike as long as you know that the base content can be had very quickly and thus the repeatability could become a bore. If you are in it for the long time this is a fine brawler to pick up.

No Strange Roads presents something of an oddity – like a contradictory A-side and B-side. On the A-side you have a superb visual feast to experience, characterised by superb characters and bosses, coupled together with a solid soundtrack and a compelling yet simple premise that makes you want to ascend to the top of the music mountain. Unfortunately NSR’s B-side aggravates with unfair check-pointing, a tepid tutorial, a harsh opening level and a half-baked gameplay experience. Whether you can resist the ailments of the B-side depends on your tolerance for its shortcomings, but No Straight Roads still delivers a satisfying stage rush if you can avoid its pitfalls.

If you’re thirsty for a boxing game after all these years without Fight Night, then Undisputed does fit the bill well, but with so many areas that are unfinished, it’s a bit of a hard sell. Undisputed gets the fundamentals right though, and if the fundamentals are all you care about, this is definitely a good boxing game, but it could’ve been so much more than that.

Mythic Ocean surprised me as I enjoy a good dose of philosophy if done the right way. The game is very relaxing and not overly challenging when it comes to helping the gods or searching for the lost pages. The real challenge comes when you have to make a decision on which god should create the new world. It really does make you think, and that choice is not simple to make. I believe it was designed that way to show the power of influence you have in both this fictional world and the real world.

Great writing, with a perfect accompanying visual style, helps alleviate some of the slow pacing and retracing of steps that will occur to solve some puzzles. Airport for Aliens will reward those that stick with it.

Far: Lone Sails is a game that says a great deal without ever uttering a single word. Much like Dear Esther, it’s a journey that can be interpreted in many ways, and as such, your view of its gorgeously desperate world will constantly vary throughout. It’s a shame, however, that such a compelling canvas is slightly held back by its simplicity and its short length. Still, it’s a fascinating tale that deserves attention, just don’t expect too much from its gameplay.

There’s a lot to love about GORSD. It’s ugly-beautiful, rewarding and doesn’t put up with any of your crap. But it’s also unintuitive, and pushes the skill ceiling way up as a result. Some might enter a state of zen and master it, making it an indie esporter of the future, but mostly you will be hoping for good results, and that stops it short of being truly joyful.

Distraint might be too simple to a fault at times, but it’s clear that love and attention has been made to make an impactful game where players are positioned to think and relate to its characters rather than soullessly using them as mere portals for spooks and scares. The visuals and soundtrack do a magnificent job of evoking themes and the general ambience is dense and strange, which helps make Distraint 2 stand out from its contemporaries. An impressive effort and a wonderful little indie slice of psycho-horror.

Stela is a fun experience, if short, and deserves a place up there with such titles as Limbo and Inside. Offering a large amount of depth and atmosphere is a plus and most people would likely find enjoyment from this title.