Gareth Brierley

Vasilis on Xbox One is a very interesting take on an intriguing and social-political premise that is steeped in recent Ukrainian history. The visuals are really exciting and as a game it manages to tell so many stories with its abstract hand-drawn style mixed with the terrifying reality of the situation. The gameplay itself is less satisfying though and you may well find yourself lost far too many times.

Occasionally leaving the player wanting more is for the best, and that is what is present here with Draugen.

Selma and the Wisp is a relatively cheap game and that ensures it is completely accurate for what you get. It's an enjoyable platformer that will take you a couple of hours to complete. The gameplay itself is unique, the visuals are decent and the sound works well without being spectacular, and it’s just the accuracy in the latter levels that see annoyances come about, mostly when Selma just won't do what you want her to do.

I wanted to love Ash of Gods: Redemption on Xbox One from the minute I laid hands on it, and I have to admit to being hooked by the beautiful and intriguing story. The game does however live in The Banner Saga's shadow a fair bit, and even though it's seen as a big influence I don't think it's done the game any favours as you can't help but compare the two.

It's a cold Monday morning in February and I find myself slap bang in the middle of London at 9am. I've had no coffee, the tube is packed and I need something to cheer me up. Luckily I'm on my way to play some games which are being shown off as part of the Wired Productions 2020 Showcase. And across the course of a few hours I got to experience three exciting new games from the Wired Productions stable - Those Who Remain, The Falconeer and Deliver Us The Moon - along with having the chance to sit down and chat with the creative minds behind them.

If you like a puzzler then you’re going to like 7th Sector on Xbox One. The puzzles will test your mental abilities to the limit and it will constantly surprise you in its attack and verve.

Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition on Xbox One is a one-off game. In fact, I doubt we will see a game like this for years to come. Lovers of action, frantic gameplay and lack of narratives won't find much in here I'm afraid, however those who love stories and how narratives shape our lives will utterly adore this game.

Railway Empire - Northern Europe on Xbox One is another solid entry in the DLC market for Railway Empire, a game that has already given fans and train enthusiasts a ton of content. The price is pretty good for something that gives you a whole new map to play with, new engines, new routes and stuff to trade, but I do believe that in order to completely enjoy everything - especially that of the new Scenario - you’ll need to be hugely dedicated to the game.

Perhaps things would be a bit more positive if you picked up the Nintendo Switch version of Football, Tactics & Glory, as it suits that "on the train" type experience, whereby on the home console it doesn’t quite feel right. That all said, if you're a football fan, want something a bit different and love to have a challenge then consider seeking out Football, Tactics & Glory.

Lumini on Xbox One is a fabulous game with a lovely and creative premise that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. You will find yourself partaking in a relaxing, almost zen-like experience over the two or so hours you will be playing this for.

The narrative and atmosphere are both great from start to finish and it's easy to pick up and play. The puzzle elements are excellent and for conundrum fans out there, this delivers a bit of a treat. It can get tricky mind, so you’ll want to be aware of that, and there are definitely a few odd issues that crop up - the ease of getting lost, and lack of mission signposting, both worry.

Dawn of Man on Xbox One is a strong entry in the RTS console market. Like all great games of this type, there are hours and hours of gameplay to be found within, not to mention the extra challenges on offer and specific hardcore option for the lunatics. What I love about games like this though is that you can easily create your own personal narratives with every single playthrough rather than being delivered a set story or campaign.

Farmer’s Dynasty on Xbox One a solid and interesting addition to the farming sim market. I like the repairing elements of gameplay (probably more than I should), and you can easily invest hours and hours playing the game, especially when going deep with the RPG elements. The actual farming moments don’t innovate enough though, and there is no getting away from the fact that it is a big old grind.

Debris on Xbox One is an enjoyable experience that provides an underwater journey that is relaxing in its pace, but tense in atmosphere.

Things in Pathologic 2 on Xbox One come together to create a game that deserves to be tried - but only really because it's unlike anything you will have ever played before.