Gareth Brierley
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.
The Nameless City isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last, to examine and play around with the works of H.P. Lovecraft.
To Farm Lands is not going to trouble any Game of the Year lists, but perhaps that doesn’t matter, because sometimes all you need in life is the chance to place some cute farmyard animals in neat little stacks.
Sengoku Dynasty is a game for the long haul. You could spend many hours exploring and just surviving. But the opportunity to play Sengoku Dynasty how you so wish is the real draw, ensuring you can create your own narrative in the process.
I would have liked more side missions and a greater opportunity to explore the beautiful world of Mafia: The Old Country, but the stunning visuals, exciting set pieces and immersive journey are more than enough to tempt you into a Mafia game again.
If you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed, hooked from the very first game, you’ll find a lot of love for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It feels very familiar, but still manages to do a great job of adding extra relish in terms of combat, visuals, and storytelling. There’s no doubt that the double protagonist pivot, with different playstyles, is a winning formula.
If you’re seeking a tense and atmospheric horror experience, A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is an excellent choice.
It’s for games like this in which I bought an Xbox Series X; the reason I love playing games. This is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
I could have done without the stealth sections but if you are truly after a new experience that takes you to a far away land, Chants of Sennaar will be right up your street.
Frank and Drake is a unique example of indie gaming at its best, mixing great storytelling, unique artistry, and good puzzles in a delightful combination.
Varney Lake is a charming addition to an interesting game franchise. Seeing returning characters come back with a fresh new story to tell, working an X-Files and Stranger Things vibe, isn’t a bad thing at all.
If you are after a night of horror and are looking to play something a bit different with unusual gameplay techniques, The Childs Sight might be worth a punt, mainly as it's very cheap to pick up. The sound design is excellent and the concept is unique, but for me the gameplay wanes quite quickly and eventually you’ll become more frustrated than scared.
For the price asked, ADVERSE is good for what it is – a trial action-adventure game for skilled gamers to flourish with.