Richard Seagrave
With the credits rolling, sat in the dark having begun playing when it was light outside, I felt fulfilled with what I'd just played; a game that is assuredly made by a very talented group of people wanting to make something different.
As horror games go, Narcosis is a triumph, managing to get under your skin and stay there long after you've put the pad down.
Cosmic Star Heroine's excellent combat system and well-executed retro stylings make it a must for those who hold the classic JRPGs of the past close to their hearts.
Offering you more freedom to explore and customise your characters, Dragon Quest Heroes 2 is undoubtedly a commendable follow-up to its predecessor even though it feels more than a little bit samey at times.
With its saccharine visuals and cheesy yet infectious music, Puyo Puyo Tetris is about as sweet a game as you can get. And, like sugar, the gameplay is devilishly addictive.
If you don't mind the dated visuals and a few niggling camera issues, Voodoo Vince: Remastered is well worth a look if you haven't sampled it before, simply for its unique theme and varied gameplay.
Tangled Up In Blue is without a doubt one of the best Telltale Games episodes I have ever played.
With its entertaining story that you have a surprising amount of control over, Late Shift is definitely a triumph in a genre that is steadily making a revival.
By trying to diversify the experience that Aaero delivers, Mad Fellows has created a game that's certainly different, but often feels like a game of two parts, and unfortunately one of those isn't that impressive at all.
Bulletstorm: Full Clip Edition brings one of the most underappreciated gems of the last generation up to date for a whole new legion of players to discover and enjoy.
PaRappa the Rapper is possibly worth buying if you’re a huge fan wanting a nostalgia trip. Just be prepared to have your fond memories of the title tested somewhat.
Snake Pass is a refreshingly unique take on the platforming genre that introduces a duo of instantly likeable characters and a colourful game world where the simple act of moving through it is a reward in itself.
88 Heroes has a great idea behind it, and it has huge amounts of charm thanks to its beautiful pixel art graphics and retro soundtrack. Unfortunately though, the gameplay can soon begin to wear itself thin when you find yourself making your way through the same level for the nth time.
Mass Effect: Andromeda is obviously not as good as it could have been. Once you get over the fact that it’s not quite as polished as its predecessors nor does it further the series in any meaningful way though, you can still appreciate what it is: a Mass Effect game through and through.
If you're the patient type who longs for something unequivocally different to play on the Nintendo Switch, Little Inferno certainly delivers the goods.
For hardcore gamers looking for a solid metroidvania fix, Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is quite possibly worth the asking price despite its issues.
In this case, total insanity doesn’t equate to total fun; it equates to frequent failure. Albeit, often financially rewarding failure. No, the finer moments of FlatOut 4: Total Insanity are to be found when it’s either being more restrained or just all out daft.
From time to time Table Top Racing: World Tour can feel a bit mundane; like it's missing a certain je ne sais quoi. It's a game I keep coming back to though, playing the odd hour here and there between other titles, and with this approach I greatly appreciate its charm.
Ghost Blade HD is one hell of a lot of fun that does a great job of reminding you of the uncomplicated nature of the genre’s past without the fuzzy visuals.
Ultimately, NieR: Automata is a game that will stay with you long after you’ve seen the credits roll for the second, third or even fourth time; the memories of its characters and music lingering in your head, reminding you of what games can be like if they dare to be different.