Unpacking has found a unique voice in how it has chosen to tell a story and for that deserves to be on everyone’s play list.

The characters we meet along the way are all unique and interesting, and I really liked how Polygon Treehouse interwove several of the arcs and puzzles across them. The sense of place and aesthetics are excellent too, with some lovely visuals complemented by nice ambient music and effects. The tale may be told via text, but Tove and the rest of the cast all make various grunts and mumbles as their text box pops up, helping to sell the emotion in the writing. All of this adds up to a game that was heart wrenching but gripping, and a pleasure to play.

Tunche is a unique game with a wonderful aesthetic. The hand-drawn graphics really make the game stand out. The roguelite and beat ‘em up gameplay is a lot of fun, especially the combat. There is a nice variety amongst the five playable characters and playing the game in local co-op was enjoyable. The game can start to feel repetitive. This seems like the type of game where I would play a run or two, put it down, and then try again later or the next day. If you are a fan of the two genres then Tunche is definitely worth a look.

Overall, if you’re an avid fishing enthusiast chances are you’ll have nowhere near as much fun with Fishing Adventure as you would out there in the real world with a rod in your hand. If like me you’ve yet to find the appeal of fishing, then Fishing Adventure is unlikely to spark any major interest. It’s grindy, it’s tedious and you’re better off leaving it to the professionals. Maybe it’s time for a different type of adventure from UltimateGames.

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.

Gynoug is back from it’s Sega glory days with this modern day re-release. Nothing fancy here if you played it back in the day but cheats are included as well as rewind to help you get through the notoriously hard levels. Bonus is that it’s easy to get all of the achievements and gamerscore with the included cheats.

Overall, Gunkid 99 is a truly fantastic game. At present, you are unlikely to progress too far thanks to a mixture of true difficulty and the apparent freezing issues that plague the high-score screens, but should they be sorted with a patch in the near future, then Gunkid 99 is certainly a game worthy of your time. Whether you’re a platform maestro, a fan of simplistic games, or just looking for a challenge, this is somehow one of the most addictive games you’ll play for some time, yet equally one of the hardest.

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.

It’s easy to look at a game and know when you see quality. Hoa is one of those games that you just know will be good. From the beautiful scenery to the amazing soundtrack this game delivers a compelling experience, only falling short if you are looking for a difficult or long game.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles is both an enjoyable and amazing experience for those who are familiar with the series and for those who want to get into it for the first time. Even after I found myself 100% completing the game I still go back to it to play online as there’s just something so addicting with the flow of combat. Even though the roster may not be up to par with games such as the Ultimate Ninja Storm series we can expect DLC down the line to fill that gap and add another set of characters into the fray. In the meantime take in the wonderful story and gameplay that The Hinokami Chronicles has to offer.

Fans of Swery will no doubt lap this up, quirks and all, but I just could not get on with the game at all. Every time I thought I had finally turned a corner with it some other nonsense turned up that put me right back at square one. Overloaded with poorly implemented decent ideas, this is a one for truly dedicated players only.

Overall, whilst the general release of a Project Zero game onto modern consoles feels exciting, the long-beloved classic is no longer the same fright mongering experience we know the series for back on the original Xbox. Besides a few creepy images of certain ghosts, there is nothing that really causes much of a jump let alone a true scare, and whilst the story has the potential to be one of true Japanese horror, the horrible pacing and repetitive nature ensure that the Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water goes down as an underwhelming return for what used to be one of the greatest series in horror gaming.

If you are really into speed-running 3D platformers then Demon Turf could be your new obsession. That’s obviously a very specific audience, but the game does that aspect very well. If you’re looking for some nostalgic fun then this game could also satisfy your cravings although it falls well short of the best in the genre. Modern quality of life features make up for some of its failings, but I can’t give this game my full recommendation; if you’re interested then I’d say wait for it to go on sale.

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.

Riders Republic dropped in at the busiest time of year. There are many games vying for gamers’ attention at the moment, and I think the full price, AAA price tag could cause some people to bail. Overall I’ve had a blast during my time in the Republic. It has an insane amount of content and replayability, and I think most people could easily rack up enough playtime where they felt like they got their money’s worth. There are a few issues, like the awkward trick controls, but none of them get in the way of the pure fun I had while playing this thrilling extreme sports bonanza. Book your tickets, but don’t bother buying round trip because once you get a taste of the Republic you won’t want to leave.

Ultimately, you likely know what you’re in for with Just Dance 2022. There are a great range of new songs here, with some fun and challenging choreography and nice new visual styles that freshen things up somewhat. Add in Unlimited and you’ve potentially a game to last you a lifetime – if you’re willing to pay up. If you’ve not been won over up to now then this isn’t the game to change your mind, but fans of the series can expect yet another solid entry to enjoy until next year’s release.

Wind Peaks is a short and easy adventure that can be enjoyed within an evening, it misses out on providing anything besides basic item hunting, but it doesn’t drag on too long to stop you from pushing through to the end. Whilst additional tasks in some levels such as stacking totems or photographing an animal with a camera you found are a slight break in the gameplay, you’ll mostly be doing the same thing over and over. It’s not bad if you want something simplistic, but it could certainly do more to be enticing and exciting and a little more engaging. It’s not a bad start from Actoon Studio, but it’s not quite up there with an Artifex Mundi title either.

Everyone appears to be having fun and that gusto carries some of the weaker moments. This becomes the crux of what makes Bloodshore great, it isn’t aiming for high-minded art but at larger-than-life entertainment with energy and gusto. As long as you, the audience, are game then you will have a blast.

The JackBox Party Pack 8 has done a great job with this pack as there are no “padding” games. All of them are fun to play in their own way. These party pack games are usually crowd-pleasers at parties as it gets minds working and everyone I played with had fun on each of the games. Job Job might be a bit slow for some and weapons drawn might cause some confusion but when you have friends around for an evening this game could be the entertainment that you are looking for.

Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town isn’t just what I thought it would be as I do love little simulation games. The gameplay itself just feels super repetitive and I feel that I gain little to nothing for my efforts. The sad thing is I can’t even find myself enjoying the grind it takes to make the money to get upgrades to be involved in certain town events. The characters alone are the saving grace for me but they alone can’t force me to stay in Mineral Town for too long.

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.

Toy Soldiers was one of my favorite Xbox Live Arcade games back in the days of the Xbox 360. I’m delighted that a modern remaster in Toy Soldiers HD has surfaced today. It’s just as fun now as it was then and I hope more people give it a shot. Fun strategy game with a twist on the classic tower defense formula.

The Dark Pictures games so far have set high bars in terms of story and production quality, and House of Ashes easily hits and even occasionally surpasses them. While I wasn’t so keen initially on one aspect of the tale, it turned around completely on a second play, but even to begin with it was nowhere near enough to ruin what is a fantastically acted and put together story, wrapped up in some of the most stunning audio visual work to date. Horror games are hardly in short supply, but very few reach this level of brilliance.

All in all, Bouncy Bullets 2 is a fun enough title, acting as a good palette cleanser in between other, meatier experiences. It might not be quite worth checking out before a sale if you’ve still got plenty to play, but cheevo hunters will be happy grabbing that sweet, sweet 1000G no doubt.

While the open-world transition was a welcomed concept it wasn’t utilized to the best of its ability. YouTubers Life 2 is exactly what it is. A YouTuber simulator. A constant grind to fame. Day in and day out it’s the same thing only a different trend than yesterday. It’s the smaller things that give this game life while the major elements such as the story end up lacking in the end.

For people that love Stardew Valley and wanted to see it collide with a kaleidoscope of other genres with a Sci-Fi coat of paint are in for a ride. For those that shudder at the sound of the words ‘Stardew Valley’ avoid.

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing some great games this year, and I’ve played dozens of other releases, but right now Unsighted might be my favorite game I’ve played in 2021. It’s truly a love letter to Metroidvanias, Zelda games, and action-adventure/RPGs. Studio Pixel Punk went above and beyond packing the game with interesting and unique content, taking design elements that work from classic games, and combining them with their own ideas. They also went out of their way to accommodate all sorts of players, by implementing multiple difficulty levels, assists, and additional gameplay modes. This game is a steal at $20 and for those of you with a Game Pass subscription, you’d be committing a crime by not trying it out.

Overall, Silver Chains is at best a capable horror that gives a few hours of chills, and at worst it’s a game that relies on overused tropes to create its scares whilst looking damn good doing so. Let’s not forget though, this is an indie title, and for a small budget adventure, we’ve certainly seen and played much worse. Whilst it might not be the best horror game you’ll play this year, there is no reason not to add this to your list if you’re a fan of the genre.

BATS: Bloodsucker Anti-Terror Squad reminded me a little of Katana Zero, another fast-paced 2D action platformer, taking place inside various buildings where you have to quickly dispatch the enemies with melee attacks. You also have a less effective dodge move, and there’s no time-slowing experimental drug to be found anywhere. Instead of being a sharpened, polished katana, this is more like a rusty spork. Despite a lot of frustrating aspects, I had an alright time playing through it the first time – mostly due to the eye-catching pixel art and funny premise; however, I would probably feel differently if I had paid for this out of my own pocket. I think there are much better ways to spend $10, but if you’re truly interested in this I’d say wait for it to go on sale.

This title is a true example of a game being considered art. The use of loops, light vs darkness themes, the music and score, all whilst building a lovable cast of characters makes it a memorable game. I would consider this remaster a general success with the exception for PC, consoles seem to be running the game with only one serious known issue that should be fixed soon.

Of course, if you are someone who likes to keep an eye on new Game Pass entries, it doesn’t take much to see that Lemnis Gate is one of the recent Day One additions to the service, finding players, even with the cross-play option, is something that can take a bit of time but be patient and you’ll have a blast. The gameplay quality is definitely no reason for a lack of players, although it may be a sign of what’s to come with big triple-A shooters inbound.

Whilst Little Kite is certainly a worthwhile experience, it must be said that localisation isn’t a strong point with numerous grammatical issues including misspelt words and missing punctuation, but it certainly isn’t any reason not to jump into this fantastic story.

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.

Ace Team have released their best game yet, a fusion of survival, exploration, and platforming. The world is stunning and begs to be explored.

UnMetal is a love letter to old school Metal Gear with a comedic twist. It excels in stealth and you will enjoy yourself though each of the levels. There’s nothing I would change or feel is missing in my opinion. It’s definitely one of the best indie games I have played this year.

Old school FPS fans will be right at home here, brought in by the fast movement, impactful weaponry and the constant back-peddling and side-strafing attack methods emblematic of classic shooters. Even though I’m not generally a fan of Roguelikes by the very nature of the repetitive loop, I found myself getting very caught up in the grind here. Each run felt new and exciting, and when I was dropped a power or weapon that I liked it really got me hyped to get into the next room to use it. I think I finally get why the genre has been so popular, and I can see myself playing this for quite some time yet.

Sheepo is sort of a goldilocks game, every aspect of the game feels “just right”. The level design and game world are well designed, the difficulty makes the game approachable for many players, and the game doesn’t overstay its welcome thanks to its playtime which is on the shorter, more reasonable side. Whether you’re a platformer fan, a Metroidvania veteran, or a newcomer, Sheepo is a game you should try (and if you do, maybe you could tell me what type of animal you think he is).

Unfortunately, although Hell Let Loose has gone full release, this game is not ready. Using in-game chat is frequently buggy, with it being unclear who can hear who. Getting into the game proved to be very challenging pre-release, and a nightmare during the launch date, with frequent drops, long loading times, and regular crashes and hangs.

The game can feel like a chore if tackling the beginning alone, but it does become more bearable with new abilities. The visuals are lacking in general detail, but were updated and are noticeably different. Ignoring minor bugs with visuals, lag, no singleplayer choice, there is a quality game here that adds to the ever-changing library of Game Pass. Give it a go!

I decided to review Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan on a whim, and I’m glad I did. There’s a lot to like here, and I think it could appeal to a lot of different gamers. The story goes off the deep end in terms of wholesomeness and could be perfect for children that know how to read. The exploration, the monster befriending, and the wonderful art style are the best parts and I found the game hard to put down, many nights I’d tell myself “oh, I’ll just play one more island real quick” – “Gotta recolor ‘em all!”

If you’re a fan of the Crysis series, then Crysis Trilogy Remastered is definitely going to be a collection to experience once more. Whilst the initial representation may be too buggy at present, the true value of this franchise could really shine with the right patches and some additional polish. Those yet to experience this game shouldn’t be put off by the negatives in this review; sure, there is some illusion breaking bugs, and some irritation can be caused for anyone who knows the games from the originals, but in general, this trilogy still offers up the same fantastic sci-fi stories that they always have and if you’re an FPS fan who enjoys a good story, then you really shouldn’t pass this up, especially when all 3 games are available for the price of one typical release.

The game is marketed and discussed as an evolution of the CRPG, but I think fans of story-heavy adventure games and the old point-and-click classics would also feel right at home in Disco Elysium: Final Cut.

Overall, if you’re after a game that is engaging, worth your time, money, and effort, then Takorita Meets Fries is not really a game I can recommend for you. If you want some easy Gamerscore, then £4.99 is the price you’ll pay along with five minutes of your time for eternal glory to be imprinted in that coveted digital score.

Chernobylite is an amazing, well put together survival game that has some mind blowing plot twists, some truly difficult decisions and a stunning backdrop to experience. Add in the constant sense of unease as you take every step in the exclusion zone and The Farm 51 have made one of my games of the year!

I had a great time with Godstrike. The combat is fast and fluid, and hectic as a bastard, but the challenge is pitched just right that I found myself dropping in every day or so for an hour to see how I would get on. Having time as our health and restriction is an inspired touch, and every hit against us has that bit more impact as a result. Truly challenge, but incredibly rewarding, Godstrike is an easy recommendation.

Alchemic Cutie is a relaxing RPG that relies too much on the patience of the player. I have reviewed similar games like Monster Harvest so I wasn’t expecting miracles. But demographically this is all over the place. The quests and simplicity seem to feel it was aimed at kids but the sheer tedious of waiting for something to happen will make many lose interest. There is only so much crap you can pick up before your soul starts slipping away.

Far Cry 6 is as Far Cry as Far Cry gets. It may be cut from the same cloth as previous entries almost identically, but when the action is this fun and the world is this expansive and full of things to do, I’m not going to complain. The title alone will let you know if that’s for you, but if it is, you’re in for one hell of a ride.

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.

Dustwind for me was a fun trip down memory lane as I enjoyed the original Fallout games. They copied the style nicely but the story was too contrived. A woman forager who was beaten and had her daughter kidnapped that suddenly becomes Rambo is a bit of a stretch. The game was still fun to play through, but some of the niggles that made the old-style games annoying should have really been ironed out.

If you were already a fan of the base World War Z then I would have no problem recommending Aftermath to you. Although some aspects of the game could have used a bit more attention, blasting through zeds in the first person was still an enjoyable experience, especially with the addition of friends.

Fans of the recently popular isometric roguelike genre will find familiarity in Dandy Ace. They will also find a sense of uniqueness. Though an interesting move-set building mechanic, you will find yourself battling the RNG at times, but at least you are always building towards progression no matter how far a run may take you.

What you’ll find here isn’t the next game to join the contest of who can be the biggest FPS hit of the year, but rather a game that focuses on realism, action, and teamwork. It trades the big-budget effects for the nitty-gritty darkened warfare and it does this in a way that feels believable and enthralling, whilst managing to scratch that one-more-go itch as each round concludes, and for the efforts, it might just be the surprise big hitter of the year from the FPS genre after all.

There are already plenty of excellent first person puzzle titles on Xbox, and so Don’t Touch This Button! struggles to stand shoulder to shoulder them. If you’re after something in that genre that’s short to get through this might pique your interest, but those looking to settle in for a night or two of puzzling would do best to look elsewhere.

All in all, it’s fantastic to see Super Monkey Ball back after all these years. This Banana Mania collection brings the classic games back to the fore, with hundreds of stages to play, a dozen mini games, lots of cosmetics to unlock and more. The gameplay is as challenging – and fun – as ever, and will no doubt garner a new audience of fans that still have youth on their side.

Even with some tricky movement and super hard solo road blocks, I enjoyed what I played of AlphaLink. It’s got that old school arcade multiplayer charm, with potential not just for local game nights but even online play. The gunplay is decent enough to counter the movement issues, and there are enough modes to keep things interesting. A good first console outing for Black Hive, and I hope to see the game thrive going forward.

Sable is one of the latest games to get a day one release on Xbox’s Game Pass service so it’s almost impossible to not give it a recommendation for anyone with a subscription, but on the whole, I was somewhat let down. The game has some of the most visually stunning graphics I’ve seen, but the gameplay gets repetitive. Exploring the desolate expanse on your own terms is not as fun as it sounds; however, a compelling series of quests and wonderful writing throughout are just enough to keep you hooked and justify the price of admission if you’re already a Game Pass subscriber.

Boy, did I enjoy A Juggler’s Tale. It was a palate cleanser of a game that in my mind only suffers from it’s longevity – or rather lack there of. From the voicework, to the music and the gameplay, it was all well done with care from the developers, and something that you can experience in just a couple of hours. A definite recommendation to new gamers and veterans alike.

Xuan-Yuan Sword 7 is a curious and fun insight into a franchise that hasn’t seen much air outside of China. Solid combat, with detailed upgrade systems, underpins a compelling story.

Anyone out there looking for a precision platforming challenge should consider picking up Dojoran. Achievements hunters will have a slightly harder time than usual here. It’s a quick 1000G, but it will test your platformer reflexes. The 1-bit minimalist art style suits this game well; it doesn’t compare to the best of the bunch, but it’s a fun diversion and challenge.

Now, as I mentioned briefly at the start, the trailer didn’t quite sell to me the whole psychological horror tag that has been applied to In Sound Mind, and even now after having spent some enjoyable hours running through it, I wouldn’t quite point fully towards the horror genre for placement with In Sound Mind. Sure it has a few horror elements, however, should you be willing to accept it as a psychological thriller, then I for one would certainly assign that as amended tag, whilst also raising the expectation that In Sound Mind is a game we’ll likely see mentioned in the same breath as previously mentioned classic Condemned, in years to come.

Overall, whilst Gummy’s Life won’t quite bring the thrills of Fall Guys, or provide quite the surprising time sink that Human Fall Flat can as you try to perfect actions through wobbly movement, it isn’t a bad game. It takes what we know from Gang Beasts, adds bots, full cross-play functionality and a ton of maps and leaves the rest to the players. It’s not going to keep you occupied for long, but the kids will get a thrill out of it and it’s not bad for a rainy day should you happen to have some friends who are willing to jump in too.

Despite the game growing on me once I learned the ropes, I can’t recommend this game in its current state. There are too many bugs and a few achievement glitches. There is a good amount of variety in the performers but learning how everything works can take some time. The game also starts to feel very tedious in the last area when all the performances are three acts long. If this circus comes to town I’d give it a pass unless they upgraded it. Right now only a matinee show would be worth checking out (if there was a discount).

All in all, I fell that Omen of Sorrow is too much of a niche game in an already fairly niche genre. Very few fighters get enough traction to make it big, and unless you have a handful of equally dedicated mates to play with you’re probably better off elsewhere.

While it may be generally the same game as last year, If you skipped out on last year’s edition of NBA 2K this may be the year for you. Mechanically the game has improved and other than having to pay for VC to compete against other players I think you’ll find some enjoyment in playing My Career games or just with some friends.

Although short, Blind Postman is a passable puzzle game that’ll do you for an hour or two in between meatier titles.

Lost Judgement is in my eyes a superb addition to the Yakuza series and is jam-packed with content. The graphics are great, the voice acting is great and the amount of activities that will distract you from the main quest is mind-blowing. It used the same formula which made its predecessors so much fun to play and improved on it. Even as dark and gruesome as the main story is there is always something around the corner in this game to put a smile back on your face.

Overall Tails of Iron is an enjoyable experience. Action-RPG fans will find a lot to like here. I know some people don’t like 2D games, but everything here works well, especially the beautiful art and the combat. Some of the side quests can feel like a drag, but the main questline will draw you in and keep you hooked.

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.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the other mechanic simulators and want something you aren’t likely to know about straight away, then Rover Mechanic Simulator is a good shout. It’s not the longest of games with an 8-10 hour playtime, but if you want something to simply play through at leisure, without all the excessive hustle and bustle of most games on the market at present, then this is certainly the tranquil experience you’ll be looking for.

Trusty ol’ Game Pass does it again. Flynn: Son of Crimson is a joy to play, look and and listen to. It’s difficulty is nicely paced (even if the bosses can give us a good kicking), there’s more to explore than meets the eye, and Studio Thunderhorse keep the game moving brilliantly with new powers and abilities dished out frequently. Whether you’re into these kind of retro adventures or not, Flynn is well worth a look.

Madden 22 is the next year’s instalment on the franchise and I feel it’s gone back a step. Yes, it looks graphically better, but otherwise it’s really not that much different to previous instalments. The career mode is a roll-forward from previous years, as are the achievements. EA could do so much more with the Madden franchise and it’s a shame they haven’t executed it as well as I’d hope.

Overall, if you want to experience all the highs in the life of a bus company without any real punishments to worry about then Bus Simulator 21 is the game for you. It’s a surprisingly engaging experience when it all runs smoothly and there’s definitely fun to be had here as you begin connecting routes and districts together. It must be said the multiplayer experience isn’t fantastic right now thanks to consistent connection issues, although should they not be present at any point the experience would certainly be enjoyable, but this isn’t a game that requires friends to enjoy and whilst there are some questionable occasions that arise, the general experience brings a believable and enjoyable life in the life of a bus company.

All in all Virtuous Western is a nice game. The gameplay loop is easy enough to get to grips with, but it’s also not a title that’ll hold the attention for a long time. Achievement hunters will likely blast through it, but those looking for something to sink their teeth into are best of looking elsewhere.

Come for the striking art style and stay for the engaging gameplay, that’s my cliched tagline for the undoubtably original Inked: A Tale of Love. It’s a relatively short game (about three to four hours), and doesn’t offer much replayability since there aren’t any achievements, but the game stays fresh throughout by introducing new mechanics in each of the beautifully drawn levels and by featuring a fun hidden object mechanic. If you don’t mind not earning achievements and enjoy puzzle games then this is worth a look.

For those looking for a short and funny Point-and-click/visual novel One-Eyed Lee is a good way to go. Just remember to have multiple saves to avoid getting stuck.

Tales of Arise is a JRPG that ticks a lot of boxes of what I expect and what I want such a game to be. It has a great story, great characters, wonderful designed areas that are vibrant and a combat system you can tailor to your preference. It proves not every RPG needs to be open world and if you do all the other elements very well then it makes for a great experience.

Through the fun story and throwback gameplay of arcade skateboarding, SkateBIRD delivers a refreshing game. Despite some frustrating moments with the movement and controlling of skating, enjoyment can still be found.

Overall, if you want a game that brings back the type of horror that seems to have become lost to time in recent years, Tormented Souls will definitely provide. It’s creepy, it’s dark and it has an enjoyable story within its moody setting. Sure, it essentially rips off the features of the classic experiences, but it also feels like a fresh new experience thanks to a surprisingly enjoyable story that holds its own. If you’re missing an experience that properly gave you a thrill, then Tormented Souls should be able to reintroduce that excitement in your life.

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.

With the raft of great horror titles out there already, there’s very little to recommend checking out Yuoni over most of them. The slow paced hide and seek gameplay lacks tension, risk, or any real consequence, and while the visuals can prove quite creepy at times, for the most part this is all too forgettable.

Despite the slow start and the weak melee combat, I will go out of my way to recommend Phoenotopia: Awakening. The developers went above and beyond building a captivating world that will suck you in. There are funny characters, interesting locations, unique puzzles, and satisfying platforming. What are you waiting for? Grab your fishing rod, frying pan, bomb sack, spear, and dust off your flute, and prepare for an adventure.

Super Animal Royale has exceeded my expectations. The title is just so cute and enjoyable and the fast-paced gameplay is truly addictive and I can gladly say it’s a game that I almost play daily. Even if it’s not that kind of game for you it definitely can be something to play if you find yourself bored. It’s even more of a blast if you play with friends. I can’t stress enough how cute and adorable the game is and how far it’s come since its early stages. Super Animal Royale still gets the Varnell Harris seal of approval.

Mask of Mists is a wonderful first-person adventure title considering the size of the team that made it and is appropriately priced on the marketplace. There is also a trial that can allow 30 minutes of gameplay to experience what it’s like before committing to the purchase. The price for both versions are the same, but I would highly recommend getting the newer X|S version with upgraded visuals, lighting, and faster load times.

As a lifelong Sonic fan, I’m glad I was finally able to play Colours, and in the best possible fashion thanks to the nice audio/visual upgrade. The core gameplay is great, and the Wisps add far more than I thought they would to proceedings. Some of the classic issue with 3D Sonic games remain, but these are limited in what is otherwise a great time.

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.

Overall and if you can look past that glaring miss of possible greed, WRC 10 is a fantastic game. The cars feel the part, handling is much more in-depth this year than in previous entries, and should you have the capacity to race with a wheel then you’ll find the whole experience incredibly engaging. Even with a controller though there is certainly plenty to be excited by and whilst we only have a few years left of Kylotonn holding the WRC license, we are surely seeing the best we’ve ever seen from the franchise yet.

Overall and if you’re looking for a game that is great to play with a friend and can frequently keep things interesting then Struggling is sure to keep you entertained. It holds enough challenge and difficulty to keep things engaging without ever going too far as to make things inaccessible. Whilst it’s likely to be one of the weirdest games you’ll play in 2021, it’s up there with one of the finest indie games too.

Crown Trick warrants a play from all Roguelike or turn based games, a worthy challenge with a change in pace from a typical one life only game. A truly joyful movement-based game with amazing art and combat depth, try it out if you’re a part of Game Pass day one.

Monster Harvest looks charming and it offers a lot of the things you want from a game like this. A story, a farming sim with some creative choices and an animal combat element. It could be described as a Farmville Pokémon hybrid but only very loosely. A lot of the game feels lifeless and countless bad decisions in this game will leave you bored. Also losing your progress will infuriate you more than the three looping songs this game has to offer.

Song of Iron is possibly one of my favourite games of 2021. It has a perfect playtime with just the right amount of difficulty to leave you at times pulling your hair out and feeling a brilliant sense of accomplishment when you have killed an enemy or a boss. Song of Iron‘s music is a great accompaniment, the Nordic feel pulls you in and immerses you completely. As you’re going through the game you pick up powers which include faster running helps you jump over those big gaps, fire and electricity for your sword and arrows as well as my personal favourite: calling back your sword after you’ve thrown it into an enemies head. At just a couple of hours long, this comes highly recommended.

Developer Jutsu Games have ensured that this latest title is engaging, silly and fun and with surprising detail packed into an expansive gameplay experience this is certainly going to be a surprise for many gamers out there. The issues however are glaring, and should a fix be put in place soon then there will be very little to complain about should you jump in with a purchase of this one.

As you can hopefully tell, I very much enjoyed The Innsmouth Case. It’s easy to pick up and get into, full of interesting and witty writing, plenty of alternate routes and options, and even surprisingly decent in the audio/visual department. Fans of the choose your own adventure style books of old should absolutely be checking this one out.

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.

Islanders is effortlessly sublime. A city builder that is easy to understand and continues to grow with each playthrough.

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.

All in all, Orbibot is tough to recommend. For those willing to persevere the physics foibles, there’s a decent puzzle game here. But the issues are so frequent that unless you’re here for the very easy 1000g, then you’re probably best off looking elsewhere.

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!

As someone who grew up in the 90’s and watched countless hours of Nickelodeon, the art style alone is an instant sell, but The Big Con is more than that. The game has a great sense of humor and the story stays entertaining throughout. It might not be Da Bomb, but it would definitely be worth a rental.