James Wood

“An unassuming but essential bit of art preservation, Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is an excellent way to experience one of the best RPGs of the 21st century. Team Asano's love letter to the genre remains a fresh and engaging medley of systems and theme, even if the new Switch 2 minigames add little to the already wonderful experience.”

“Fitness Boxing 3: Your Personal Trainer continues to push the series' presentation and accessibility options but can't quite overcome the inherently limited range of exercises the Joy-Con can offer it. Light and fun enough for a beginner, it's more fitness toy than fitness trainer.”

“Caravan SandWitch crafts a gently beautiful apocalypse for players to explore but is bogged down by its decision to withhold exploration tools from the player. An otherwise compelling, humble sci-fi tale of family and the machines of progress is held back by a game torn between its open world and goals as a focused narrative experience.”

“From its pixel perfect art to sharply deployed writing and unique, engaging combat systems, Arco is a masterclass in refined simplicity and self-confidence. Cinematic and thrilling, it is one of 2024's best surprises.”

“Star Wars: Bounty Hunter was always a cult favourite but Aspyr's native port of the classic adventure comes adorned with modernised controls and polished visuals making it a must-play for fans of the original and a fun bit of history for newcomers.”

“Conscript takes its evident passion for survival horror and infuses it with purpose and grit through a harrowing depiction of war. More than just homage, Conscript comfortably sits alongside the best, and more unique, of the genre.”

“An intensely personal examination of how we can fail those we love and the uncomfortable truths about why, The End of You is a fascinating and strange sophomore effort from Memory of God. Through its brilliant use of analog horror aesthetics and considered writing, it's the kind of indie experience that reminds us of the power of a weird, little game.”

“The Rogue Prince of Persia enters its Early Access stage with a little less punch than you might expect but Evil Empire's pedigree means the foundation is rock solid. Thanks to fluid and responsive movement and an overarching commitment to vibe, this is a prince with eyes set firmly on the crown.”

“POOLS is an impressively immersive and harrowing trudge through waters that threaten to drown you in its high fidelity, unsettling take on the limenal space horror genre.”

“Thirsty Suitors is a little thirsty with its mechanical ambitions but never fails to charm in one way or another. With a beautifully diverse cast, mature writing, and unmatched expressiveness, it breathes new life into the genre.”

“Saltsea Chronicles crafts a striking storybook world and populates it with deeply human characters on a fantastical journey into the unknown.”

“El Paso, Elsewhere takes a solid shooter foundation and elevates it with a compelling and raw look at humanity as told through a story of monsters and mythology. Outstanding performances, sharp writing, and some kick-arse combat collide to make a unique and memorable experience.”

“Eternights is an ambitious and mostly successful swing at the dating-sim/action genre that delivers a cool world and likeable characters with robust combat options and a refreshing take on who you can love at the end of the world.”

“The Library of Babel takes its short story inspirations and runs, crafting a compelling, strange sci-fi world that isn't always as fun to explore as it is to read about, or just simply vibe in.”

“A smart, compelling, and deeply warm examination of memory and identity, The Wreck gives players the tools to turn tragedy into catharsis.”

“Kynseed is a shockingly robust and fully realised fantasy farming-sim that may overwhelm at first but rewards patience with its countless interlocking systems.”

“A Little to the Left perfectly captures the cosy and softcore vibes you'd want from a game primarily about the cute-ification of everyday cleaning tasks, with great approachability options and puzzle variety to boot. But its simplicity may leave you feeling a bit listless in the end.”

“Moonscars brings a deeply satisfying core combat loop and exciting art direction to the Soulslike genre, even if it has some teething issues with its overlapping systems and narrative.”

“An ambitious blend of genres that winds up a jack of many trades but a master of none, Sunday Gold deserves credit for its aesthetics and goals but it's difficult to recommend this trip to the races.”

“Wayward Strand offers up a uniquely Australian take on the narrative adventure game with a gorgeous art direction and moving portrayal of hard-working people in a harsh system. Despite a couple of pacing issues and an unforgiven save system, Wayward Strand is an approachable and hugely enjoyable little world to explore and find some catharsis in.”