A perfect return to the once-forgotten series, Onimusha: Way of the Sword blends old school nostalgia with modern sensibilities. Action-adventure fans will get comfortable quickly enough, whilst the returning fans will hit the ground running. It looks beautiful, and whilst the English dubbing might be off-putting to some, it's all part of that classic Capcom charm.
Much like Lords of the Fallen's reboot, Cold Symmetry have made a real effort with Mortal Shell II. Revamped combat, more accessible gameplay this time around, yet still retaining that challenge and "just one more attempt" style that we've come to expect from the harder action-adventure games. Don't worry if you haven't played the first one, this is a fantastic jumping in point.
Whilst Moss: The Forgotten Relic doesn't bring anything new to the table, it does bring the right amount of enjoyment. That it feels like reverse-shoehorning gimmicks to make it accessible to non-VR players is implemented well, making for a great double package of adorable mouse adventuring.
Dark Scrolls is, in a nutshell, a blast. It hits that nostalgic itch for simple, retro concepts and pulls it off with aplomb. If you're looking for depth and strong narrative, it's not here. No, this is straightforward run-and-projectile with friends, or solo, that has a fair bit to unlock for those that persevere.
UFC 6 is, to date, the most complete mixed martial art gaming experience available. Visual pleasing, with enough content to keep players going for many rounds. New accessible play options are a massive bonus, and whilst it does suffer from "EA bloat", it's not so overwhelming as to ruin the experience.
Whilst initially impressive in its concept, Yerba Buena falters in its longevity. The puzzles soon become attrition, with slight mistakes setting players back, as well as a plot and overall tone that tries too had to be subversive. Fun if this is your go-to genre, but unlikely to draw in the unitiated.
With its tight combat and platforming look, Luna Abyss is a strong entry off the back of DOOM's success. Visually appealing, marred slightly but some lacklustre voice acting, there's still a fun time to be had in here. A visual corridor-shooter affair mostly, layered with a cautionary tale about space colonisation.
Whilst the constant cheese puns and fourth wall trope-busting may grate after a fashion, there's a lot to enjoy in Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The old school shooting, with even older visual style, brings back nostalgia and challenge in one hit. Whilst more shooter than detective caper, it's still a gouda time.
With three exciting missions, a new batch of weapons and customisation options, Ready or Not: Boiling Point is a fitting conclusion to the three-arc DLC packs. It adds a new offensive element, a new treat and new challenges to overcome. It may be a deep end to jump into, as I did, but I'm a newcomer and I'm paddling just fine. Boiling Point brings the heat, I'm ready for it.
Continuing with the series' revival, Legacy of Kain: Defiance is again another spruce up of the old vampiric duo from 2003. Fans will appreciate the new look, quality of life improvements and better camera control. It may be a hard sell to newcomers, but it's still an accessible game in its own right. Paired with the Soul Reaver remasters, it's a good time to take a bite into it.
A sum of its parts indeed, Resident Evil Requiem silences any doubts about the previous entries it's mutated from. A mix of tense survival horror and action setpieces, Requiem is a welcome addition, perhaps even surpassing those you already hold high. It's beautiful, it's disgusting, it's over-the-top... it's Resident Evil, that's for sure.
A decent offering from the weird mind of Goichi Suda, Romeo Is A Dead Man is a welcome return to the madness. Whilst fun to play, the inconsistent story beats, occasional jank and insanely bright and blinding fights can become too repetitive. Definitely one for the fans of Grasshopper, perhaps not so much for the unaware.
Cairn is a rare example of something niche and languid that, on initial look, may turn away the "casual" crowd. But if you're looking for something contemplative, methodical and equally frustrated, this story-focused climbing sim will summit up nicely for you.
Amidst the sea of rogues and Survivors, Devil Jam rocks up with its effort. With solid gameplay, colourful visuals and a neat beat mechanic, it can be fun. But it doesn't offer much in terms of substance, and is subsequently more for the hardcore genre fans only.
Another one for the homage pile, Neon Inferno fits neatly into the retro-inspired category with aplomb. Offering challenge to those that want it, as well as a story-focus for those that don't, there's enough here for both the old and new school. In a time of over-complication, this is a reminder of the inherent fun in the simple. With lovely visuals and a banging soundtrack too.
Whilst it's clear to see what games have inspired Wreckreation, the game itself pales in comparison to its forebears. A hollow attempt at both arcade fun and badly shoehorned in "live service", Wreckreation is a game as shallow as its unnecessarily large map.
Taking everything that made the first one enjoyable but clanky, Tormented Souls 2 is a refinement in every sense. A more cohesive narrative (when it gets rolling), better combat and a much nicer presentation, it's a great continuation for the retro-inspired series. A bit obtuse in places, it nonetheless will scratch that itch for the older Resident Evil and Silent Hill fans.
As much as one can see what 7Levels is trying to do with Castle of Heart: Retold, it's not that well-polished enough of a game originally to warrant a remaster. Stilted and clunky platforming, bland overall tone and a lacklustre story don't shine through the admittedly nicer visuals.
Whilst the market for something neon-soaked and high octane may be lacking, Cyber Clutch: Hot Import Nights isn't going to be the game to reignite that spark. Shallow content, lacking multiplayer and just overall poor performance will see this one up on the blocks.
A real blast from the past, Space Adventure Cobra - The Awakening is as classic an anime as it gets. Whilst it seems like a niche game for the fans, it's an accessible action platformer for old and newcomers a like. Interspersed with original animations and corny dialogue, it's a fun little romp through the golden era of anime and space adventuring.