Mike Crewe
A unique world with some fantastic environment designs and challenging combat, let down by often unfair enemies and a story that just wasn't that interesting.
A charming cast of characters, engaging narrative, and enjoyable puzzles make Crowns and Pawns: Kingdom of Deceit stand side-by-side with some of the best games in the genre.
One of the most polished biking sims I've ever experienced, MotoGP 22 will please both series veterans and newcomers willing to take the time to learn the sim-heavy mechanics.
A relaxing and immensely satisfying title, Car Detailing Simulator has a few niggling issues but is a simple and stress-free experience that was genuinely enjoyable.
Bland, broken, and just overall bad, Road Maintenance Simulator feels like an Early Access game that was accidentally released. If you're craving a simulator title, then look elsewhere.
In Nightmare could have been great, but the atmosphere and environments aren't enough to make up for the woeful frame rate, frustrating enemy encounters, and overall tedium of the gameplay.
An enjoyable game for the first few hours, Animal Shelter quickly falls into mediocrity after this time when it's evident that there isn't anything more for it to offer.
Wobbledogs makes me feel warm inside; its incredibly charming insanity is so endearing and enjoyable that I cannot recommend it enough. Mutating dogs has never been more fun!
Weird West blends a lawless world of gunslingers with the supernatural to great effect, and had me gripped the entire time. This is one adventure you need to experience.
Not only is WWE 2K22 better in every way than the previous game in the series, it's arguably the best and most fun WWE title since the PS2 glory days. One that will certainly make you acknowledge the Head of the Table!
A simple adventure offering a short journey across a ravaged world, unfortunately the story doesn't unfold as well as it could have done and the puzzles and platforming sections are very basic. Still, this is a relaxing trip worth setting sail for.
In a genre of some truly fantastic games, Roguebook stands up there with the best of them. Whilst the story is minimalistic and the lack of world variety is disappointing , the engaging combat makes this easily one of the most polished deckbuilders I've played.
Underwhelming in all aspects outside of the story and characters, Maglam Lord isn't a game that will have you hooked from beginning to end, but there is enough here in its narrative for those looking for something a bit more light-hearted.
Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires doesn't do anything that previous games in the series haven't already done. A lack of variety and graphical issues that should not be present in 2022 hold this back from being a must buy, even for die-hard fans.
A brilliant take on the roguelike genre, Sifu is a game that is hard to beat, but even harder to put down. Timing, patience, and skill will see you to fulfilling your goal and exacting that sweet revenge.
Quite possibly the best FMV game ever, Not For Broadcast had me both laughing and scrambling in a panic when the channel's viewership dropped. Even if you've never had any interest in FMV games before, Not For Broadcast will surely change your mind.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition is well worth your time, the story and in particular the characters are some of the most fleshed out and unique individuals that you can't help but grow attached to. The flashy yet deep combat system enhances what is already a fantastic JRPG. Any fan of the genre needs to check this out.
A charming game that won't make you use too much brain power, although the feeling of satisfaction Railway Islands gives you when finally making it through one of the tougher levels makes this relaxing puzzler a great way to destress after a rough day.
An intriguing concept that falls flat thanks to a repetitive mission structure, a lack of rover variety, wonky controls, and nothing to keep players engaged. Enjoyable for an hour or so, but by then you've seen everything Rover Mechanic Simulator has to offer.
Part Pikmin with a splash of Metroid, The Wild at Heart takes these concepts but never utilises them to their full extent. That said, it is fun in short bursts when you need to unwind. With a touching plot and beautiful hand-drawn visuals, this is an impressive first outing for developers Moonlight Kids.