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What Comes After is an inspiringly told portrayal of the beauty of life. It perfectly balances discussions about suicide, the trials and tribulations of life and the meaning of it all with a detailed and stylised art style that oozes warmth and joy.
Sarawak is a wonderfully crafted narrative adventure that follows an endearing character as she journey's to explore herself and the mysteries of her life. It features a well-written story that's brimming with character, charm, and wit. It has incredible art that complements incredibly vivid prose and fun, engaging puzzles to help make the experience a little more interactive.
Eastward is the epitome of a role-playing game that pays homage to retro classics. Not only does it boast gorgeously drawn pixel art and an addicting soundtrack, but it also features a thought-provoking narrative and a world that will have you thinking about it long after you've finished the game.
OlliOlli World's accessible mechanics, gorgeous visuals and easy to complete levels make it the perfect entry-level game for those who wish to live out the skateboarding fantasy.
Despite being only developed by a handful of people, Edge of Eternity is by far one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. Its stunning visuals, incredible soundtrack, complex narrative and intricate combat make it an incredibly ambitious title that fulfils each and every promise it makes.
Tinykin is undoubtedly the best game of 2022. Its satisfying platforming coupled with its open-ended approach to mission design allows for some of the best exploration in a video game. Furthermore, its phenomenal visuals and sense of scale offer up levels that are a delight to explore. Tinykin is perfect in every single way, masterfully executing each and every one of its creative mechanics. It is a fulfilling and extremely rewarding experience, and one you shouldn't miss.
Video Game Fables is a truly exceptional indie RPG. While it would have been easy to merely copy the tropes of the genre, developer Momiji Studios has crafted something entirely new. The game's myriad of systems revolutionise the turn-based genre in ways since thought impossible and its witty script and colourful cast of characters propel a unique and memorable narrative forward at a brisk pace. Despite its indie roots, Video Game Fables has been so expertly crafted, featuring slick UI, clever mechanics and gorgeous visuals, that you'd be forgiven for mistaking it for a triple-A experience.
Cozy Grove is an incredible game full of charm and warmth. Its gorgeous art style and soothing music create a wonderfully serene ambience that makes for satisfying play sessions.
Shot in the Dark is a simple yet elegant game with some of the most engaging gameplay I have ever experienced. With the 3 colour 8-bit aesthetic and memorable music, the game had me enraptured from start to finish. I can't wait to see what Possum House Games does next.
Spiritfarer certainly delivered on representing aspects of different games while most assuredly being its own entity and should be considered a low-key masterpiece.
Ghost of Tsushima is a perfectly constructed work of art only let down by minor details.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 is a smooth classic. The return of the original skaters with a handful of new characters makes it unique. It ticks every box for a solid remake and continues to impress the more you play.
Say No! More is an absolute riot to play. While some of the humour doesn't always land, I constantly caught myself grinning with glee as I played. This is absolutely a game worth saying yes to, if only to delight in its wonderful sense of humour and surprisingly introspective narrative.
The Colonists is a genuinely brilliant game that has nuzzled its way nicely onto the Switch. It is a game filled to the brim with brilliant ideas and an abundance of complexity. Yet its streamlined controls and delightfully helpful tutorial supplies you with enough basics that even casual players will be able to understand.
To The Rescue! is a rewarding and fulfilling dog shelter simulation that perfectly encapsulates the challenges, stresses and difficulties of running a dog shelter while offering an addictive and meaningful gameplay loop that never gets old.
It Takes Two is the pinnacle of co-op gaming, featuring stunning interactive environments, unpredictable levels and a whole lot of video game references. It offers a strong narrative, even though it sometimes feels like it drags on a bit too long. Nonetheless, It Takes Two feels original and has set the benchmark for two-player games.
Precise headshots, nerve-wracking bomb plants, and powerful agents distinguish Valorant as one of the best in its class.
Half-Life: Alyx has its flaws, though these are hard to focus on when no other game offers an experience such as this. For now, Half-Life: Alyx is an absolute must-play title for both Half-Life fans and VR enthusiasts or anyone that has an opportunity to play it.
Sometimes Codemasters miss the target with their annual F1 series releases, but this time, they hit it out of the park.
The Demon’s Souls Remake is the most technically impressive Souls game to date. It is superior to the original, but at its core, it is the same game. The game offers the same core gameplay-loop you know and love, set in a fantastic world and atmosphere.