Gareth Brierley
King of Meat does a lot of things right, with its fun gameplay and co-op action that provides short, sharp hits of chaotic fun. It's a game that makes you want to keep coming back.
Blood of Mehran has all the right bones for what a game of this type should be, and it plays fine, but it's one that unfortunately never truly impresses.
In Train Sim World 6 I liked the new random events, even though after a while I saw the same things appearing, and the new tracks and trains are always appreciated. But I am looking forward to seeing what the next entry will, hopefully truly pushing the franchise forward in a more significant way.
Republic of Pirates just about provides an enjoyable time. The core gameplay loop of building and plundering is surprisingly relaxing, and the story is interesting enough to provide solid motivation.
MOUTHOLE is strange, different, utterly crazy, but highly memorable.
Of course, EA FC 26 is frustrating at times, but there is nothing else that can beat it, and no competition that can deliver such a well crafted experience of football.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji has proven to be a very pleasant surprise. Even though it doesn't contain anything truly groundbreaking, it succeeds in what it sets out to do.
Forgive Me Father 2 is an old-school shooter, but it brings enough new ideas to the table in terms of its wildly imaginative weapons and intriguing story.
Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile will let you live out those fantasies without having to leave the house in a trilby and a mac. It’s a good challenge, with a great story and lots of variety in its levels. Sometimes the presentation feels a bit flat, but it’s never anything that is able to take away from the enjoyment.
Even though I loved my time with Arctic Awakening, it did frustrate me in equal measure. The pacing is sometimes off, and there are moments when the story wanders off track. But the overall premise is great, and the visuals and soundtrack are lovely.
Grief like a stray dog is a visually amazing and unique creation, delivering a powerful and impactful story that resonates deeply with the tragic conflicts of our own time.
NHL 26 is one of those games that will easily last you the year, working as a welcome return to the franchise. Whether you are a hockey fan or not, you’ll get thrills from the on-ice action, taking you back to the glory days of decades gone by.
It’s always good to take to the court again, and that’s true once more with NBA 2K26. It is an excellent new addition to the franchise.
Is this the best game in the DETECTIVE series so far? I personally like the ones that have a connecting narrative or an overarching story. But what DETECTIVE – Scene Crime does is give you a solid detective experience, challenging your mind and leaving you to make notes as you try to work out everything from the scene.
Is this the best game in the DETECTIVE series so far? I personally like the ones that have a connecting narrative or an overarching story. But what DETECTIVE – Scene Crime does is give you a solid detective experience, challenging your mind and leaving you to make notes as you try to work out everything from the scene.
Firefighting Simulator: Ignite may well surprise. The gameplay loop is engaging, and the fire control, with all the different equipment to use, is genuinely exciting. It’s helped along by some amazing visuals that allow it to really feel like a current-generation sim game, something which is unusual in this genre.
Bad Cheese is a creatively important game and one that many will love, especially those who enjoy the 1920s cartoon visual style. I do think the gameplay gets a bit samey, doesn’t quite click at times, and feels a bit stiff. But the number of tasks you can action, and the machines that you get to operate and play with, are a lot of fun.
I was initially unsure of Cronos: The New Dawn, and after the first few enemy encounters, I had a feeling that we just weren’t going to get on. This is a hardcore game, and at times you’ll be left frustrated, annoyed, and want to cry. BUT when it clicks, when you beat an enemy or a boss, and when you make progress, Cronos delivers a brilliant feeling.
Heading Out delivers a unique gaming experience, and a powerful piece of storytelling. It has the strangest mix of gameplay elements and mechanics I’ve ever seen, and whilst it probably shouldn’t work, it does so well.
You can see the love poured into The Knightling. It has lovely visuals and a great family-friendly story, complete with Zelda-like vibes. The shield riding is a great touch, as are the other abilities you gain. The combat is fine too, and you’ll enjoy taking in the multitude of quests present.