Kim Snaith
For better or for worse, Neon Abyss 2 feels very much like more Neon Abyss. But some meaningful changes in progression and permanent upgrades, along with a whole new way to play, make this zany roguelike just as gloriously addictive as the first game ever was.
Bigger and better than its predecessor, Minecraft Dungeons II is still very much 'Diablo for Beginners', but that's no bad thing for newcomers of the ARPG genre. A sprawling, open world makes this more engaging than ever, with only the odd glitch and difficulty spike bringing the experience down somewhat.
It may play it safe and is perhaps a little too similar to its predecessor, but TOEM 2 is another fantastic adventure game that has you taking photos to solve puzzles. Presented in black and white and an absolute joy to play, what TOEM 2 lacks in colour it more than makes up for in charm.
Doggy Don't Care doesn't offer anything original, but it's a fun sandbox of cute chaos. Keep your play sessions short and you'll be ridiculously entertained as you destroy everything in sight as an adorable little doggo.
If you're not puzzle-minded, Rivage is going to be an absolute nightmare with its lack of handholding and direction. But if you've got an analytical mind and thrive when challenged, you're going to absolutely love this immersive sci-fi experience.
Rita is a very clever, engaging blend of word puzzle and adventure, and if you enjoy a crossword puzzle, it's well worth your time. The platforming elements are a little scrappy, but it's not enough to ruin this unique experience.
With an unsettling and macabre story, and a real variety of cleverly-designed puzzles, Servant of the Lake cements itself as one of the best point-and-click games of recent years. It may only be short, but it's an absolute delight to play.
I always love a game that has you searching someone's computer, but Desktop Explorer takes things to the next level by integrating ingeniously designed puzzles that require serious thought to solve. It's not for everyone, but if you're a fan of brainteasers, you're going to love this.
A locked room whodunnit with a difference, The Incident at Galley House tells the story of a fateful night in the 1930s that saw a house full of people mysteriously die. Cleverly presented with excellent voice acting, consider this a must-play if you're a fan of the likes of Her Story and Eternal Threads.
The WarioWare of rhythm games, Rhythm Paradise Groove offers up a series of joyful minigames that all test your ability to keep a rhythm. It's challenging, but the nature of the minigames means it's very easy to keep trying until practice makes perfect.
Draw Me A Pixel is back with a clever and unusual adventure, this time following Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson as they puzzle their way through a glitching video game. There's a lot to love here, but the stretchy control gimmick is not going to be for everyone.
An emotional blend of story and puzzle, Swan Song is a game that's going to pull at your heartstrings. Its puzzles are well designed too, with only the odd one that's likely to frustrate.
A retro-styled 8-bit action adventure, there's a lot to like about Mina the Hollower if you don't mind a challenge. But unforgiving combat, accessibility options that lock out achievements, and lack of any guidance makes this a more frustrating experience than it should be.
A quirky shop simulator, Thrifty Business allows you to let your creativity run wild as you decorate your store exactly how you'd like. It's laid back, though some players might dislike the lack of any real direction.
Beautiful and mysterious, Call of the Elder Gods is a must-play for any fan of puzzle games. It might not be quite as good as its predecessor in terms of story and setting, but it's still absolutely worth your time, as long as you've got your thinking cap on.
Stunning art direction and a stellar soundtrack are what makes Mixtape so wonderful. Its narrative isn't the most meaningful, but when everything else is so good, it hardly matters. This is a game that exists to be a short, enjoyable experience: its characters and story might not leave a lasting impression on you, but its music and visuals certainly will.
It's very short but oh-so-sweet: Duck Side of the Moon is a cosy adventure about repairing your ship after crash-landing on a rocky planet, and it'll warm your heart. It's just a shame that it's done with in only a few hours.
The worst thing about Adorable Adventures is its title: yes, it does indeed offer an adorable adventure, but it's far more than that. This heart-warming journey sees a young boar reunite with his mother and siblings after a forest fire, and thanks to meaningful gameplay and gorgeous visuals, it's an utter joy to play.
A cosy and intriguing sim game that you won't be able to put down, seeing your store in The Last Gas Station come together is wonderfully rewarding. Add in the game's mysterious storyline and its beautiful pixelated graphics, and you've got something rather special.
The Spell Brigade doesn't do anything wrong, but it also doesn't do anything to make itself stand out in a sea of survivors-like games. Its gameplay isn't all that exciting, its art and sound design is ho-hum, and any meaningful upgrades take far too long to unlock. There are plenty of other games in the genre that are far more rewarding to play.