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Cronos: The New Dawn is a great new survival horror property and I hope we see more of The Traveller's adventures in future. The clear influences from genre legends are combined with some original touches to make a game that feels familiar but also manages to innovate and surprise players too. The intriguing narrative, the enjoyable progression, and the challenging combat all combine to make an experience that cements Bloober's place as horror specialists.
Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a sci-fi blast. While it wears its influences on its sleeve, it comes out the other side as a unique and enjoyable mech-based action-RPG.
Echoes of the End is annoying, because it just needs a bit more time to iron out the niggles and give it that extra layer of polish. As it is it's got a lot going for it but some will lose sight of it through some issues that get in the way.
Hell Is Us is a genuinely interesting game that many will adore for its commitment to letting you spend your time exploring mysteries and unlocking lore. The fact that you'll want a notepad near you will send some of you rabid, and that's great. For me though, Hell Is Us is a game that looks beautiful in every respect, but ends up feeling a little bit too paint-by-numbers when it comes to the actual mechanics at play. I like Hell Is Us well enough, but I don't know that I'll remember it.
The Knightling is one of the most characterful adventures of the year, with Twirlbound crafting a large, bright, engaging fantasy world, and giving you the tools to truly enjoy it. You won't regret picking this one up.
Shuten Order is an excitingly fresh new kind of game, creating the same sort of one-of-a-kind identity for itself that Danganronpa did when it first released. I can't wait to experience more of this terrific terrifying world.
Dead Take isn't trying to out-monster anyone. It's interested in something scarier: how performance and power warp people, and how easy it is to mistake a good cut for the truth. The house is empty, but the screens are crowded with ambition, with compromise, with the awful clarity that comes when you choose which version of someone to believe. Imperfect puzzles and a few cheap jolts aside, this is a confident, claustrophobic horror piece that sticks because its actors do. When the credits roll, you're left with exactly what it set out to give you: not a scream, but a shiver.
Fresh Tracks gives a fresh take on the rhythm genre and I really the story set up and some of the songs, which are legit great pieces of music that could be released as singles. It is a game that will attract those who want to perfect runs, and the challenge it provides is tough but worth the entertainment.
I like the idea of Herdling and for the most part it does work well, trotting along behind the beasts is wonderfully relaxing. The herding mechanism lets things down, as does the repetition of the dangers, especially when the game is only four hours long. One to play on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World is the definitive version of one of the Switch's best games and this game in any form is practically an essential purchase. The new content is well worth the upgrade price too, but if you sold your copy of the Switch version then the full price to return is pretty steep.
In the crowded roguelite genre, The Rogue Prince of Persia stands apart, thanks to super-smooth animation and deliriously fun free running. Whilst it never quite escapes the traps that occupants of its chosen genre often fall into, it still provides plenty of top-quality platforming fun.
Gears of War: Reloaded is a blast of 2000s-era sci-fi, appearing here in better shape than ever before. It's not particularly smart or clever through a modern lens, but it remains a hell of a lot of good old-fashioned fun.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is the game that a legend like Joe Musashi deserves. Fast, frenetic and utterly absorbing, this is how you bring a long-dead series back to life. Lizardcube have set a new benchmark in 2D platforming and in the process have me salivating at the prospect of Sega franchises they could tackle next.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar is a delightful farming sim that is more than capable of taking over your real life with its digital rendition of work, life and love.
Tiny Bookshop is one of the best management games of the year, because there is no stress when it comes to running the store. You cannot fail, all the characters are friendly, and the vibes of the game are so laid back, you can spend hours in Bookstonbury without noticing. If you are a book lover, and even if you are not, Tiny Bookshop deserves your time.
With some unpleasant difficulty spikes and staid visuals, TMNT: Tactical Takedown won't be for everyone. But for those willing to overlook its idiosyncrasies, Tactical Takedown offers a compelling, yet brief, strategic challenge.
For those who enjoy an experience that delves into questions about life and purpose, as well as having access to some powerful attacks, The Dark Queen of Mortholme packs a punch. It may only be 20 minutes long, but this is worth experiencing for yourself.
Is This Seat Taken is a wonderful indie puzzler whose cosy vibes bely a thoughtful and utterly beguiling window into the human experience.
Drag x Drive makes good use of the Joy-Con 2 mouse controls for a simple game of wheelchair basketball, but it lacks the charm and personality you'd expect from a Nintendo game.
Abyssus brings a distinctive brinepunk style to an otherwise straightforward co-op roguelite shooter. There's fun to be had here, but the step up in difficulty when playing co-op is a bit too punishing.