DeVuego ES_COR

If you enjoyed the first Blasphemous then you will definitely enjoy the sequel as there's a lot to love here. From the nice variety in weapons, abilities and loadouts to the well-designed map to the pristine presentation, everything here is on point. I would have liked a bit more risk-taking with the formula and a smoother difficulty ramp-up, but those are minor complaints for what's otherwise a polished Metroidvania that fans of the genre absolutely should check out.

Peppa Pig: World Adventures is an easy recommendation for parents that have kids into this popular series. Its wonderful presentation will have your young ones thinking they're playing an interactive TV show featuring their favourite loveable pig family. The streamlined gameplay and greater emphasis on education this time around are both welcome pluses. It's too bad some of the original voice actors don't reprise their roles here, but the soundalikes do a decent enough job. The best part about this latest Peppa game is my son's ability to play it all on his own, which is surprisingly rare among kids' games.

Do Not Open delivers on its escape room horror promise with cleverly designed puzzles that are fun and challenging to solve. Combined with its spooky story and high-quality environmental visuals, there's enough here to make a solid recommendation to horror fans. One caveat though: depending on your budget, its $24.99 price tag may be a little steep considering the game's length, so you might want to hold out for a sale.

Alfred Hitchcock – Vertigo is a fantastic narrative adventure worthy of the Hitchcock license. Pendulo Studios has created a chilling thriller layered with captivating themes told through characters oozing with personality. If you're looking for a story-focused title that'll keep your attention from the beginning straight through to the shocking finale, this is the game for you.

If you're looking for a neat indie horror game to play over the weekend, Oxide Room 104 delivers a satisfying experience. It's not a long game—you can beat it in about two hours—but with four endings and multiple remixes of the hotel there's plenty of replayability. I especially enjoyed the escape room puzzles and thought the majority of them offered a good challenge. If horror puzzles are your thing, don't hesitate to pick up this refreshing adventure.

Song of Horror isn't the most graphically-impressive horror game I've played in recent years, but it does deliver where it matters most: intense, unrelenting terror. I'm a big fan of classic third-person horror titles so this game definitely spoke to me and made me pine for more retro titles in the same vein. If you like Resident Evil or Silent Hill don't hesitate to check out this Lovecraftian nightmare.

I have to say though, despite all its flaws, I did have a basic level of enjoyment playing Dawn of Fear. Probably that has much to do with nostalgia than anything else as I couldn’t help but imagine Resident Evil the whole way through. If you’re like me and have been pining for a new classic horror fix — and can handle a game rough around the edges — then this game might just fill the void.