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Outcast: A New Beginning is silly and entertaining—such a refreshing relief from the usual serious open-world fare. It's been a while since I've laughed this much playing a game, whether it's the satirical hero Cutter Slade or the ridiculous personalities of the Talan. When combined with the many fun open-world activities and joyful weapon modification system, this game gets an easy recommendation.
Berserk Boy is an easy recommendation for action-platforming fans with its smooth mix of pinpoint platforming and acquisition of new powers, bolstered by excellent anime-style graphics and a bouncy soundtrack. It's an action-packed adventure with nostalgic charm that's already a standout indie title of 2024.
In an era of derivative games offering similar experiences, Cocoon is a much-needed breath of fresh air. The mind-bending worlds within worlds concept is something I've never experienced before and racked my brain—with the payoff being worth the effort. It's a beautiful game with new ideas and I loved every minute of it.
Lords of the Fallen far exceeded my expectations and has instantly jumped to be among my favourite Soulikes franchises alongside hits like Nioh and Remnant. The huge interconnected world was a joy to explore and the huge variety of weapons, armour and stats lets you really customize your character to your liking. If it wasn't for the performance issues this would be a near flawless experience.
Paw Patrol World is my favourite Paw Patrol game yet. It's bigger, better looking and more interesting than any prior installment I've played in this series. Children will have a blast getting lost in the game's warm and inviting open-world hubs, playing as their favourite pup and enjoying a lighthearted story full of funny moments.
Jusant is an amazing adventure that has left a lasting impression on me. The story is impactful, the climbing mechanic is challenging and satisfying and the presentation is simply divine. In a year full of excellent games, Jusant is a standout title that should not be missed.
Double Dragon Gaiden is the breath of fresh air this franchise needed. It does just enough to modernize the graphics and gameplay while preserving many of the best elements that make Double Dragon the revered fighting game series it is today.
I'm really glad that Gimmick! Special Edition exists as it's such a fantastic game and deserves a wider release. With its physics-based gameplay and wealth of secrets, it was ahead of its time and really is one of the all-time best NES platformers.
Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is a worthy new addition to this venerable series, offering a plethora of modes and a well-rounded package. From a lengthy Story mode to robust Versus modes to lots of bonus content, there's something here for everyone. Bub and Bob are back and better than ever, and as a longtime fan, I couldn't be happier.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is essential gaming for all fans of the series. This game is such a classic, and now looks, sounds and plays much more like a modern RPG. Going back to re-experience the timeless original game that spawned a global mega-franchise was just the dose of nostalgia I needed before Final Fantasy XVI hits this summer.
Live A Live is an incredibly fun turn-based RPG that holds up well after nearly three decades. The Octopath Traveler type HD-2D graphics look superb, but it's the eight heroes with different mechanics that really hooked me. Whether on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or PC, anyone with even a cursory interest in RPGs needs to check out this game.
Cosmic Chaos' high quality hit me like a batarang out of nowhere. I was expecting a modestly fun, competent action-adventure game for kids but instead, we got a thrilling and engaging superhero romp that DC comic book fans of all ages need to play. Easily one of the 2023's biggest surprise hits so far.
Season - A Letter to the Future is a joyous experience unlike any I've played in recent memory. It's a calming, cathartic game where you'll end up learning just as much about yourself as you do this interesting and unusual world. The scope narrows in the second half of the game, which was a slight disappointment, but the overall journey was still rewarding making it an easy recommendation.
Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed delivers on its promise of fulfilling your ultimate Buster ghost-zapping fantasy.
Syberia: The World Before delivers an impactful story that perfectly wraps up Kate Walker's legendary story while whetting the appetite for more stories involving newcomer Dana Roze. Visuals in the game are simply exquisite and combined with the beautiful soundtrack and stunning piano arrangements it's an audio-visual feast. I really hope we one day get more stories in the exotic world of Syberia, but if this is it, the series is concluding on the highest note possible.
Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo is a fantastic narrative adventure worthy of the Hitchcock license. Pendulo Studios has created a chilling thriller layered with captivating themes told through characters oozing with personality. If you're looking for a story-focused title that'll keep your attention from the beginning straight through to the shocking finale, this is the game for you.
Cult of the Lamb is a naughty and evil game that had me laughing and enjoying myself the whole way through. If you've ever dreamed of creating your own personal animal cult where it's perfectly fine to brainwash, cannibalize and unnaturally resurrect your followers—this is the game for you.
Much like how Psychonauts 2 had quality rivalling the biggest and best AAA games of the year, Tinykin is one of the standout games of 2022. Pikmin fans will adore this game, as will fans of classic 3D platformers like Super Mario 64 or Spyro the Dragon.
Little Noah is the kind of surprise you always hope for. I had no idea what to expect going into this but it's ended up being one of the best roguelikes I've played in years. The gameplay is simply wonderful and the adorable graphics are a nice change of pace. I do question the game's longevity as there's not a whole lot of endgame content, so I am hoping for DLC or new modes down the road.
If Dark Souls was a 2D action role-playing game, I imagine it'd look and play similar to Salt and Sacrifice. And I mean that comparison to a tee because this game really does have it all: a fantastic story, interesting lore, creepy memorable worlds, visually arresting bosses and incredible gameplay variety and depth. Aside from a handful of frustrating difficulty spike moments this game was a total joy to play through and I'm already on a NG+ run and started my second character.