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11 Bit Studios strikes again with a fresh take and setting that borrows from the brilliant mechanics of This War of Mine and sends them into space.
Mario Kart World takes Nintendo's racing series to the open road with uneven results as charming character animations and a killer new mode in Knockout Tour collide with a sparse open world and new pacing tensions thanks to tracks melding into one another. A solid enough, if exorbitantly priced, new platform for a new generation, Mario Kart World has a bit more distance to cover before it can cross the finish line.
Players in To a T will live the life of a teenager while they navigate their town in perpetual T-pose. The game boasts wholesome themes of diversity and body positivity wrapped in a layer of brightly coloured weirdness, but its gameplay and story may not be engaging enough to keep both children and adults spinning along. Those with an interest in cooking and singing giraffes, having a dog sidekick, and becoming invested in a whacky plot-twist may find this a refreshing opportunity to turn their brain off for a few hours.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma does a little bit of everything, and thanks to some very complementary core gameplay components, the whole is remarkably cohesive and a good deal of fun. There are plenty of aspects requiring a bit more polish, though, so don't go into it expecting a masterpiece.
A fascinating precursor to FromSoftware's multiplayer pivot, Elden Ring: Nightreign offers us a glimpse at the thrills, and pitfalls, of adapting the studio's signature style to meet contemporary standards. Propulsively fun gameplay loops and a killer art direction gently usher in one of the least considered efforts from the studio to date.
Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny is another excellent addition to Capcom's remastering efforts, keeping all the interesting tension and charm of the original title while allowing it space to flourish with quality of life improvements and gorgeously realised art.
You can't argue against the value of free DLC that expands on an already classic RPG. With more inventive, enjoyable combat and a compelling additional story, Throes of the Watchmaker is tougher, perhaps a tad short, but just as entertaining as the main campaign.
Occupying a cosy space between video game, simulation and interactive wallpaper, Lushfoil Photography Sim offers some gorgeously enticing locales to virtually visit and snap – and just enough outside the frame to keep you playing.
As a VR-optional walkabout adventure, The Midnight Walk is light on thrills or variety, but it makes up for that with some of the most arresting and artistically accomplished visuals inside a headset.
Forever Skies fails to live up to my (admittedly high) expectations, but it does offer a new and exciting perspective in the survival/crafting genre. I enjoyed my time cruising around in my airship, but I definitely feel this could have used a few more months before releasing out of Early Access.
The Precinct's combination of action and simulation is engaging to begin with, but the tedium soon sets in, leaving you feeling like you're processing paperwork more than capturing criminals.
There's a lot of fun to be had in Skin Deep, its entertaining and highly amusing story coupled with some clever and creative stealth action. Come for the head popping, stay for the cat love.
An amazing new array of systems reinvents DOOM once again, delivering a bombastic and brutal new way to smash demons. With awesome new cosmic threats dying to meet the serrated edge of your shield, The Dark Ages may well be the best age for any aspiring Doom Slayer.
Revenge of the Savage Planet is a self-assured sequel that successfully builds on what was started in the original game, making smart adjustments to structure and game feel while honing in on the satire. Not all of it is a success, but it's a great little romp that doesn't ask for too much of your time or brainpower to make its point.
Tempopo stands as a puzzle game full of heart and joyful melodies, easy or hard enough for any kind of player. It's satisfying gameplay loops and adorable designs help it shine, but hopefully there's even more content to come in the future.
Despelote is a nostalgic first-person exploration of childhood, time, and play. This short story is emotionally gripping while the playstyle of kicking soccer balls and listening to conversations is relaxed and contemplative. Despelote will capture the hearts of many, in similar ways to how soccer did for the people and communities of Quito in the early 2000s. An artful experience that made me feel sad, hopeful, and achingly human.
Slender Threads is a point-and-click adventure with an abundance of visual spunk and entertaining characters that knows how to respect your time and reaps the rewards as a result.
The blend of stealth and action in a mysterious sci-fi setting held so much promise. It's genuinely disappointing, then, to find a game that feels like it never quite coalesced…a bit like a seed that never quite sprouted.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a confident new IP, bold in its execution and not afraid to mix old and new ideas. It's a stunning achievement, born from passion and raised within technical excellence equal to the best in the business. Go in unspoiled and be ready for a truly rewarding experience.
After more than 10 years in the works, Asylum shows its age in some areas, but great atmosphere and an interesting narrative makes checking in at Hanwell Mental Institute a worthwhile time.