Mike Crewe
DREAMERS is well-suited for anyone of any age who just wants to kick back and enjoy a light-hearted puzzle adventure. Just be prepared for a good amount of backtracking!
A unique narrative adventure, Grotto is visually striking and full of magical charm, but a lack of definitive choices may put some players off this intriguing tale.
The Gap has a compelling and sombre narrative and an interesting premise that will appeal to fans of slow-burning mysteries. Whilst the puzzles could have been slightly more complex, this short game of one man's quest to save his loved ones is still a tale worth experiencing.
New name, same beautiful game is how I'd describe EA SPORTS FC 24. There is, once again, nothing revolutionary here, although PlayStyles and HyperMotion V are to be applauded as they further blur the line between virtual and real life football.
Pay-to-win mechanics aside, NBA 2K24 is a solid basketball sim with unrivalled authenticity; just don't expect a huge leap forward from last year's title.
Despite the needless busywork of some micromanaging and the missions feeling pointless, One Military Camp is a charming and often amusing base builder that's accessible to a much wider audience than some of the more complex titles of the genre.
Despite some harsh penalties and almost unwinnable scenarios, Don Duality can be a fun and addictive roguelike card game that will keep players grinding away for hours. Providing luck is on their side, of course!
Although it's not as enjoyable as knocking back a few pints with your mates, Brewpub Simulator certainly has a fun gameplay loop that will keep you on your toes whilst also letting you create some wildly unconventional beers.
Despite its lack of content and underwhelming career mode and creation suite, AEW: Fight Forever is a fun arcade wrestling title that harkens back to the golden age of the genre.
A few technical issues and simplified gameplay detract from an otherwise engaging narrative, with a likeable cast of characters. Just don't expect too much strategic thinking.
A few changes here and there improve Football Manager 2023 much more than I'd anticipated. It's still the same deeply engrossing sim that you know and love, but with a few extra bells and whistles to keep the fans happy.
Short enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, although some of the storylines aren't quite as well-written as others, Unknown Number is an interesting title that will have puzzle fans jotting down notes and shouting into their PCs to solve some real headscratchers!
Despite feeling automated at times, Construction Simulator was still a fun and very relaxed experience that simulator fans should absolutely check out.
Choppy combat and a lack of innovation aside, Steelrising is an incredibly unique take on the French Revolution with some brilliant environment and character designs, it just doesn't do enough to make it stand out from other titles in the genre.
Whilst the updated visuals and much improved control scheme are welcome touches, the cracks start to show quickly as it doesn't do anything to improve on the PS2 original's gameplay. However, this is still an easy one to recommend if you fancy something simple, but fun.
Issues aside, I enjoyed playing Sword and Fairy: Together Forever. It isn't going to be for everyone, and the lore can be a bit overwhelming, but for those willing to stick with it, you'll find a deep and engrossing RPG.
A short game that doesn't outstay its welcome, Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising was an enjoyable, if slightly repetitive, experience that serves as an ample teaser for something bigger.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl may be basic on the surface, but the exhilarating gameplay and edge of your seat action more than makes up for its lack of content by providing players with a fun platform fighter that rewards those who take the time to learn its surprisingly complex combat mechanics. I just wish online multiplayer was more active (come find me online and let's fight! I main CatDog).
Although lacking single-player content, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes is still a deeply rewarding fighter with a lot of mechanics to learn. Multiplayer fans will have an absolute blast with this one!
Although the updated visuals are a welcome addition, the modern controls are poorly implemented. However, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is an absolute must-buy for fans of Lara's original adventures.