Darren Edwards

Splinter Cell: Double Agent certainly wasn’t afraid to tread new ground in 2006, introducing events that would change the series forever.

I vividly remember my excitement when I heard the news that Gears of War was coming back. After being pleasantly surprised with Halo 4 a few years before, I was very much hoping for a similarly enjoyable resurrection of one of Xbox’s flagship franchises. 

The Jackbox Party Pack 8 is another splendid serving of mini-game madness. There’s nothing radically new or different here, but the same established formula works as well as ever, especially when your mates are up for a game or two. 

Dustwind - The Last Resort presents a world which intrigues and offers a gritty RTS experience. However, punishing difficulty, gradual pace and repetitive gameplay make it an acquired taste for sure.

World War Z: Aftermath improves on the base game in a number of ways. Despite the new content only adding a few short hours of gameplay, there are more reasons than ever for players to keep coming back for more.

Shiro is a ten-a-penny platformer which achieves what it sets out to do; no more, no less. If you fancy some cheap thrills and easy Gamerscore, you’ll know exactly what to expect here.

There’s an enjoyable, well presented adventure on offer with I Am Fish which undeniably has charm. However, the experience is inconsistent thanks to some questionable controls.

Embr is fun to play, despite being a simple and straightforward game. There’s a lot packed in here, which is a clear attempt to keep players coming back for more. It may well do the trick.

Struggling is bonkers, disgusting but also different. It’s enjoyable in parts but the frankly exasperating controls take the shine off some innovative gameplay ideas.

Gears of War 3 was truly an epic conclusion to a beloved franchise, which pulled out all the stops to avoid being an anticlimax, which is an easy trap to fall into for a finale. To do it justice you need to start from the very beginning of the journey, but you’ll be safe in the knowledge that some of the best moments in the series are saved right up until the final act.

Sometimes it’s the really simple ideas that are the best. How does controlling a transparent sphere with a monkey suspended inside it grab you? Now imagine you have to cross various maze-like floors against the clock, which are floating miles high up above the ground. Sounds fun right? Indeed it was, and it was here that the now very well established arcade platform series of Super Monkey Ball was born.

It may lack originality, but Lamentum is a great example of a retro survival horror game. Those who are fans of the genre will almost certainly enjoy what’s on offer here. It may just win over a few newcomers too.

Mickey Storm and the Cursed Mask is a game that offers a simple but enjoyable few hours of entertainment for all ages.

Tools Up! Garden Party doesn’t really do much to advance the repetitive gameplay of the original, or remedy any of its issues. However, it’s a generous package for the price, despite being the same game with a different skin on.

Psychonauts 2 is an absolute hoot from start to finish. It showcases a lot of what makes video games great, combining skillful and emotive storytelling with inventive gameplay that above all else, is loads of fun.