Player 2

More than just an ode to the GameBoy Color, Mina the Hollower is a masterclass in how constraints can fuel creativity. Inventive and engaging to the end and beyond, this is an instant modern classic. Across two dozen hours, Mina the Hollower reminded me why I ever picked up a controller in the first place; because great games make the playing its own reward.

Yoshi and the Mysterious Book possesses a charm that few games have, and it'll forever have you wanting to quickly turn pages to see what other tricks it has for you next.

A stunning car adventure that tears through its Japanese location with style and panache, Forza Horizon 6 won’t offer many surprises, but it is still best in class when it comes to a car-focused title for everyone.

An example of games as art with the polish and sheen to achieve mainstream acceptance, Mixtape is a pitch-perfect slice of nostalgia that remembers that maybe it's not the time we miss, so much as our ability to appreciate a part of what could make said time special.

Playing one of these games will always be an individual experience, and it’s always about what you personally find scary. I found Directive 8020 to be one of the stronger entries in the series, because space is terrifying to me. The game is well-paced, has interesting (if archetypal) characters, and includes some new mechanics that make for a less frustrating experience than previous entries. Was the plot groundbreaking? No. It was derivative, but I feel like that’s what these games are supposed to be – and it does try to make some interesting points with the themes it’s exploring, and that’s all I really ask for.

Aphelion may not allow players to connect as personally as they did with Max and Chloe to Thomas and Ariane, but it does represent many of its themes admirably. The vast, hostile and seemingly uncaring landscape of Persephone is beautiful regardless of the pain it inflicts upon the protagonists. Worthy of its playtime, Aphelion is the interactive equivalent of binging a single season of TV over a few nights – the rough bits don’t stick around long enough to ruin the overall experience.

A great tag fighter that is easy to pick up and play, but offers the depth that should position the title as a potential esports hit. Fans of the franchise or fighters in general shouldn’t hesitate to add Invincible Vs to their collection.

Housemarque enhances their already lofty reputation with a title that even surpasses their efforts with Returnal. The prospect of putting down the controller is almost as terrifying as the world of Carcosa.

With a fantastic foundation, but a ceiling that wasn’t quite reached, Saint Slayer is an excellent playing experience that will leave you wanting just a little bit more from it.

Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream reintroduces Nintendo’s zany life-sim to modern gamers. Though it feels a little too similar to the 3DS version at times, there’s plenty of entertainment waiting for both seasoned and new fans to sink their teeth into. Its new customisation tools also ensure it has a long and healthy life ahead as it will no doubt prove to be popular with creative gamers.