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Scott Pilgrim EX is exactly the sort of brilliant surprise fans of the franchise deserve. The open-world format makes exploration a treat, the combat feels better than ever, whilst the wonderful retro visuals and audio ensure the game both looks and sounds brilliant. And sure, it might have a few small issues – mostly with the tedious backtracking and those rather unforgiving checkpoints – but those gripes fade away the second you get stuck into the thick of things with your friends. It’s really, really fun. It’s a lovingly nostalgic punch-up that respects its roots while offering something genuinely fresh… what else could Scott Pilgrim fans ask for?
Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse is a masterclass in how to do a mystery visual novel right. Gameplay-wise, it doesn’t change up too much from the original game, but why fix what isn’t broken? Its alluring gameplay loop of investigative work and puzzling will keep you completely engrossed, and by asking you to think outside of the box and embrace failure to find the truth, it leaves a unique lasting impression that’ll stay with you long after you put the controller down. It really does prove that the brilliance of the first game wasn’t a one-off, and fingers crossed, this won’t be the last mystery that we experience in the world of Paranormasight.
While the Adventure mode isn’t great, the brilliant blend of strategic action and wacky antics ensures that the on–court action of Mario Tennis Fever is an absolute treat for players. Add to that the creative and enjoyable game modes as well as the super fun multiplayer, and it quickly becomes clear that Camelot has served up an absolute winner here. This is easily one of the best Mario sports games we have had in years, so here’s hoping it’s a trend that continues going forward.
Demon Tides has some small flaws, but they don’t stop the game from being an excellent platforming escapade that gives a glorious sense of freedom to the player. The core loop of exploring a vast sea, tackling platforming challenges, and customising Beebz’s diverse moveset in your own little ways is immensely rewarding, with everything coming together perfectly to make for a wonderful platforming experience that constantly rewards player creativity.
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties is an impressive package that successfully brings an outdated classic into the modern era, and whilst a questionable recast, some stiff facial animations, and cut-down side activities might hold it back from perfection for purists, the sheer amount of heart on display makes up for it. Between the fantastic combat overhaul, the addictive orphanage management, and the surprisingly deep Dark Ties prequel (as well as the insanely addictive ‘Hell’s Arena’), Kiryu’s island getaway has never been better.
Rayman: 30th Anniversary Edition is a lovely package that takes players on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its heartfelt tribute to an iconic platforming hero. The museum content is stellar and the core platforming still absolutely shines brightly, and whilst the somewhat limited game roster and missing original soundtrack do hold it back, there’s no doubting that this is still a wonderful way to experience the limbless hero’s early adventure all over again. And hey, here’s hoping we’ll have another anniversary celebration for some of his other adventures down the line too…
Under the Island is a brilliantly charming throwback that wears its retro inspirations on its sleeve, all whilst bringing enough clever puzzle design to stand on its own two feet. The lack of a quest log is definitely a faff and the combat isn’t too sophisticated, but the sheer creativity of the dungeons and the vibrant world make it an absolute joy to play. If you’ve been craving a light-hearted, puzzle-heavy adventure that doesn’t require a 60-hour commitment, packing your bags for Seashell Island is an easy recommendation.
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is an absolute triumph and an essential pickup for anyone with a virtual reality headset. It brilliantly takes the highly accessible, intuitive tactical brilliance of the original Demeo and finally gives it the narrative weight, permanent progression, and rich world-building it always deserved – all whilst striking a balance of being complex enough to satisfy long-time fantasy fans while remaining breezily accessible to newcomers. Whether you’re carefully plotting your next move as a solo tactician or accidentally blowing up your friends in a gloriously chaotic co-op session, every single hour spent around this virtual table feels like a memorable adventure, with Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked genuinely setting a new gold standard for digital board games in virtual reality.
Crisol: Theater of Idols is an engrossing, if slightly unpolished, horror experience that offers a world that is dripping in atmosphere and a combat loop that keeps you on your toes. It might not always terrify you in the way it intends to - especially where Dolores is concerned - but between the grotesque enemy designs and the constant tension of the Blood Bullet mechanic, there is plenty here to enjoy. If you’re a fan of survival horror (and don’t mind a little bit of indie jank), this trip to Tormentosa is well worth the low price of admission.
Despite the sometimes-scrappy combat and the occasional technical issue, it’s hard not to love Romeo is a Dead Man. It has so much personality that you end up forgiving its rough edges, and more importantly, it’s a game that isn’t afraid to be completely stupid, surprisingly thoughtful, and aesthetically loud all at the same time… it’s great. It won’t be for everyone, and if you need your games to be polished to a mirror sheen and make perfect narrative sense, you’ll probably bounce off this hard. But if you’re willing to embrace the silliness and dive into the universe with an open mind, Romeo is a Dead Man offers a thrill ride that is well worth taking.
Dragon Quest VII Reimagined walks a delightful tightrope, where it successfully trims the frustration of the original game whilst polishing the gameplay and visuals until they gleam. It’s a cosy, comforting epic that’ll hooks you in with its fantasy adventuring, only now, you don’t have to quit your job to finish it… it’s a win-win, right? The unique diorama visuals are a treat, the combat is deeper than ever, and the newfound respect for your time is genuinely refreshing. It might still be a slow burn for some, but for those seeking a grand adventure with heart, this is undoubtedly the best way to experience this RPG classic.
It has a few small issues, but Escape from Ever After still manages to stand out as a cracking RPG that offers engaging combat that’ll hook players in with its clever mechanics and variety, and a wonderful world and narrative that’s simply oozing with charm. It manages to scratch that Paper Mario-like itch perfectly, all whilst standing tall as a brilliant release in the genre in its own unique, fairytale way.
It’s not often a game spends over a decade in development and comes out the other side looking this healthy… well, as healthy as a game about mutated, flea-ridden cats can look… but man, I loved playing Mewgenics. Don’t get me wrong, it’s certainly not going to be for everyone, and the gross-out humour and punishing difficulty spikes will likely turn a few people away at the door. But if you’re a fan of the darkly weird tone and love yourself a bit of in-depth tactical nuance, you’ll find one of the deepest and most rewarding strategy games to come along in years. It’s an absolute triumph, and even after 40 hours of play, I can’t wait down to sit at my PC and play some more.
Despite the inventory headaches and a narrative that largely fades into the background, Nioh 3 stands tall as a masterclass in action RPG design. The shift to open fields breathes fresh air into the exploration without sacrificing the series’ signature difficulty, while the new Samurai and Ninja dual-system offers the most satisfying, fluid combat Team Ninja has EVER crafted (and believe me, that’s saying something). It is punishing, beautiful, and endlessly rewarding, with Nioh 3 not just a worthy sequel, but the best that the series has ever been.
Earth Must Die is a clever, genuinely funny, and visually striking adventure that brings a modern twist to the point-and-click adventure genre. Its wonderful writing and excellent voice cast ensure every joke hits, whilst it brings with it enough unique (and utterly bizarre) moments to ensure that it’ll stay in your head long after you finish. It’s not too tough and it does have some fiddly moments here and there with the controls, but Earth Must Die stands out as an excellent adventure that both long-time fans of the genre and complete newbies are sure to enjoy.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins – Visions of Four Heroes serves as a fantastic companion piece to an already great game. It takes the solid foundation of the base game and builds on it with a narrative confidence that genuinely surprised me, whilst the Strategic Battle mode adds an intriguing element that changes up the formula in some interesting ways (even if the AI can be a little iffy). It’s a generous, polished expansion that proves Omega Force is on the right track, and if you were looking for an excuse to dive back into the chaos of Dynasty Warriors: Origins… well… this is an absolute no-brainer.
I Hate This Place is a game with a lot of heart and a killer art style, but it’s dragged down by rough execution. The visual flair and the sound-based stealth are great – especially since they help embrace comic book origin of the experience perfectly – but the awkward combat, confusing navigation, and unbalanced survival systems make it harder to love than it should be. It’s a decent time for die-hard fans of the genre or the comic, but it definitely feels a little too rough around the edges to make it an easy recommendation for everyone else.
Fighting Force Collection is a love letter to a specific slice of gaming history, and while the gameplay is undeniably dated and might struggle to win over a modern audience without those rose-tinted glasses, the nostalgia factor here is certainly strong. If you grew up smashing up these blocky environments, this collection is definitely a fun trip down memory lane.
Cassette Boy is a smart, inventive, and entertaining adventure that takes a high-concept mechanic and makes it clever, creative, and, most importantly, a TON of fun. It might stumble a bit when it tries to be an action game, sure, but as a puzzle game, it’s a unique and rewarding experience from start to end. Just remember: if an enemy is giving you trouble, just rotate the camera until they disappear... out of sight, out of mind, right?
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon is a big RPG – sometimes a little TOO big, especially with its dialogue – but ultimately, it makes for a brilliant experience. It does take its time getting to the point, but between the brilliant characters, the perfectly refined combat, and the polished visuals, this really does feel like the series at its highest point. If you’ve stuck with the series for this long, you already know you’re going to play it, and trust me, you’ll love it… just expect a bit of a long ride.