It's fun, and probably the best Rugby game available right now - but is still far from the digital representation of the sport we fans crave. Fortunately, an abundance of tournaments, couch co-op and the Be a Pro mode provide plenty of replay value.

While it makes an excellent party game, I’m not sure that I see Crimsonland having much longevity beyond that. It will definitely come out from time to time when I want to coordinate with friends or family to kill all the things, but it’s not particularly memorable as more than a retro action shooter brought back to life on PS4.

At its best, Rise and Shine is a marvelous reinvention of shooter mechanics wrapped up in puzzle-heavy stages that require some serious grey matter to think through. But most of the time? Rise and Shine’s charm can’t save it from its sadomasochistic formula.

If you are looking for a fun game featuring tank combat and maybe some entertaining abilities, this is not that game. Look elsewhere.

Serial Cleaner is a brief yet surprisingly addictive blood-soaked stealth game, provided that you can survive long enough to get past its steep difficulty spike.

Fly Punch Boom is the fighting game love letter to epic anime showdowns that you want to love, but its flawed execution and hyper-active QTE combat derails all the charm that this brawler brings to the table.

A neat racing title with awesome air time and addictive cornering. It just feels like something is lacking though - like a little added polish really would have improved on the mobile game. It remains a really good mobile game, though it's a little less successful on the larger consoles.

It’ll be an acquired taste, but for those who have the patience for its deliberate opaqueness, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is the type of game its fans will be playing on and off for months, if not years. Its challenging nature makes it equal parts compelling and frustrating, but there’s no question this smart survival adventure contains loads of rewards for persistent players.

The Sinking City is a great game for fans of Lovecraftian horror and delivers some stellar quest writing but unfortunately stumbles due to overused and uninspired mechanics, a bland protagonist and general lack of life.

Forgettable, drab and middling to the extreme, MXGP Pro is an unfinished two wheel disaster.

If the servers worked all the time and we could play offline then this game would easily score 9.5, but that elephant is huge and a problem.

Fun, quick and light strategy game, Starships is a great introduction to strategic gameplay or for those who don't have time for a longer experience. On its own, it feels shallow and lacks extensive replay value. Not suited to PC, I think Starships will do best on mobile.

All ages gameplay, a colourful world to explore and a platforming mascot who has some potential to join the legends of the genre in the years to come. Super Lucky’s Tale won’t push your skills too far when it comes to its imaginative level design, but it’ll still be a cathartic way to wrap up the year thanks to its nostalgic focus on the past.

Beneath the mountain of bugs, shoddy design and inconsistent performance, there’s a genuinely good adventure waiting to be experienced in Darksiders III. Unfortunately, its numerous problems are more than just annoying in nature. They’re quite simply…apocalyptic.

Wolfenstein Youngblood is a disappointingly bland shooter that fails to capture the intensity or passion of New Order and New Colossus, delivering a humdrum experience plagued by uninteresting design and grindy gameplay.

Summer in Mara makes a great first impression with its pleasant visuals and laid-back music but ultimately fails to remain engaging for long due to repetitive quests, a hollow world and plenty of tedious mechanics.

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is a game that should have everything going for it with its great visuals and setting, established world and an interesting protagonist. Instead we're left with an average game with a bland narration that's frustrating to control and play. It's truly such a shame.

There’s a lot to love about ReCore. It’s charming, has character and a spark of creativity that hasn’t been seen in decades. But the more you play it, the more you’ll despise it when yet another technical blunder ruins the experience. After all, you only hurt the ones you love.

Fat Princess Adventures dispenses with the strategy of the first game, instead focusing on hacking and slashing. If you're looking for a light-hearted, casual Diablo-styled romp that's perfect for the whole family, Fat Princess Adventures is worth gobbling up.

Occasional moments of brilliance do very little to elevate what is otherwise a terrible, poorly designed game. It's an unfortunate mash of ill-fitting, ill-conceived ideas, leaving us with yet another poor Sonic game.

Great visuals alone do not a great game make - and there's unfortunately very little in The Order: 1886 to elevate it beyond being a pretty, but shallow and insipid shooter. It commits the one sin no interactive entertainment should: it's painfully boring.

If you can get past its frequently frustrating controls, there's some decent zombie-shooting fun to be had in Arizona Sunshine.

The Occupation's clever real-time investigations and immensely engrossing story are undone by its dedication to inducing tension by restricting saving, which is exasperated by uneven technical performance.

Destiny 2 does have an identity once again, a solid bedrock upon which to build its future. But whatever Bungie has planned, it’s going to need to be far sturdier than its latest collection of recycled content, uneven new events and a meagre amount of PVP content.

Trailblazers has plenty of charm and style with its gimmick of painting your way to victory, but it barely crosses the finish line thanks to its uneven AI, sloppy handling and lackluster multiplayer.

Good but not exceptional, Warhammer: Chaosbane is a solid and confident slice of medieval melee action. As Gothic as it is repetitive in the endgame phase, it’s still an enjoyable romp in the same vein as many an action RPG from yesteryear.

PlayStation Vita Pets does an admirable job of trying something new, but unfortunately the slow pace of the adventure mode acts as a counteragent to its good ideas.

Exploring the world and causing trouble was really satisfying, but the appeal disappears as soon as you realise there is only one map. Hopefully Steam Workshop expands on the ideas here, otherwise it may not have much lasting appeal. A multiplayer mod is a must for the future of Goat Simulator.

Daymare 1998 is a competent survival horror game that borrows too heavily from its influences to do anything interesting or unique and thus suffers from poor writing and uninspired gameplay.

While Ghost Blade HD isn’t for everyone, it’s hard to not appreciate it for what it is despite the fact that it’s as brutally short as it is challenging: An intricately designed experience of speed and shrapnel coming at you from every single angle. There’s a certain layer of subtlety present, but don’t expect Ghost Blade HD to redefine the genre. Rather, it’s a celebration of everything that made schmups fantastic so many years ago, wrapped up in a tight and bright package.

Agents of Mayhem is a fun game, but it’s also lacking in what we’ve come to expect from the makers of one of the funniest franchises since Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 3 stole our hearts nearly two decades ago.

There's not really very much to say about Super Bomberman R. It's the Bomberman you've come to know and love, which counts very much against its favour once you factor in its cost. It's no doubt fun, especially in multiplayer, but that fleeting fun is expensive.

Doki Doki Universe is enjoyable for the first hour. After that, it becomes unbearably repetitive.

Destruction AllStars is both new and familiar, but it’s a refreshing collection of cars, modes, and madcap driving that shows great promise for the future. A mental destruction derby with some admittedly annoying quirks, there’s plenty of charm under the hood of this game that respects your time and smashes into the competition with a gung-ho attitude and some novel ideas.

Fire and Ice just isn't a good game. While its platforming may be mechanically sound, the game just tries to do too much - and fails at most of it. If you're looking for a return to form for Sonic the Hedgehog, Fire and Ice unfortunately isn't it.

Ooblets is an excellent farming RPG with loads of deep customisation options and a satisfying progression arc, that’s weighed down by an irritatingly cute aesthetic and a battle system that feels like it should have stayed in the oven for a few more hours. [Early Access score = 80]

Mario’s foray in to the sporting world has had its ups and down; soaring highs and disheartening lows. This? This is just middling, a mediocre package unlikely win the multifaceted Mario new fans.

While Liberation offers AC junkies some elements that will keep them happy for up to 15 hours, the game ultimately lacks coherent storytelling, interesting missions and memorable characters.

A scrappy and bloody brilliant strategy game that builds further upon the idea of survival strategy, Conan Unconquered doesn’t stray too far from its primary influence but it does offer plenty of unique substance that gives it its very own flavour. Now that, is what is best in life.

What had the potential to be a great piece of DLC, is instead an all-too brief episode of missed opportunities and squandered potential starring a great heroine who deserves far better.

There's no competition in the genre on the Xbox One right now, so if you absolutely must shoot marbles then you probably can't go wrong with Sparkle Unleashed. However it feels, looks and plays like a mobile port - which is okay, because that's exactly what it is.

Dead Island Riptide doesn't venture too far from its core strengths, and while that is definitely a boon from a story perspective, it's still panders to the typical rubbish zombie trope.

FlatOut 4: Total Insanity is a fun, nitro-boosted jaunt down memory lane. But while it's good in small does, its lack of variety - in spite a plethora of game modes - and uneven and sometimes frustrating racing experience leaves it running out of gas. Die hard franchise stalwarts should definitely have a look, but newcomers may find it tiring.

While technically impressive that so much can be done on the 3DS, Chase Begins covers familiar territory far too soon, the missing touches from the Wii U glaringly obvious.

WRC 4 is a perfect example of an annualised game at its worst, having churned out yet another sub-par performance which rests on average and has no drive to go further and actually be worthwhile.

Even though it's not visually distinguishable from may of this year's games, I have to admit to having more fun with FUSE than anticipated - when I played it with friends. Playing it alone is a chore, and something best avoided.

Malicious Fallen is often frustrating but it’s also capable of providing some incredible highs. Give it a chance, and it might just surprise you.

Another year, another dip into familiar waters with a game that isn't the revolution that fans have been waiting for. Believe it.

Deadpool could have been a lighter take on superheroes in an age of gaming dominated by dark and gritty vigilantes, but it completely wastes that opportunity.

Who knows, maybe Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy would have been more attractive in this day and age if it exuded more…Pharoahmones.

World of Warriors is truthfully not a very memorable game and not one that will have you jumping out of your seat to buy. It does a lot of things well and has a beautiful art style but its lack of ambition means it’s safe and but also easily replaceable.

The Sinking City both sinks and swims. Delivering a good mystery within a picturesque yet grotesque hellscape, while also held back by visual ramifications and tricky combat engagements.

Filthy Lucre is far from being perfect, but it still manages to be a fun game. If you can overlook its flaws, such as poor AI or odd design choices, you’ll find some enjoyment, particularly if you’re a fan of the stealth genre.

Morbid follows the Dark Souls formula pretty closely despite it having a retro charm, but the boss fights are an undeniable highlight of the game. Disturbing bouts of danger that will snuff your flame out with a single lucky blow, these encounters boast an incredible art direction, fascinating gameplay quirks, and a challenge that’ll leave your controller moist with hand sweat.

Atomic Ninjas may be a little flawed, but I gladly recommend this colourful and quirky indie brawler to anyone with access to the PSN library. As a cross-play and cross-buy title, it makes a worthy addition to both the PS3 and PS Vita. However, it might be too much of a niche title for some gamers.

Godfall hits the nail on the next-gen launch game head: All style, very little substance. Granted there’s some fun to be had but once the next-generation glitz wears off what’s left is a repetitive slog through levels that quickly get old.

A title like The Crew has to be more than a glorified "Google Earth" simulator or a VOIP chat client - especially if it's advertised as a "revolutionary action car and driving game".

With some polish and refinement; it could be a great series. I really hope that this isn’t its final form.

Crimsonland has always been a book that you can judge by its cover: A loud and silly twin-stick shooter that throws buckets of enemies at you as you fend them off. Not the most complex game ever devised, it’s still a firm slice of action that’s perfect for killing aliens and time.

Need For Speed Payback is several bad ideas on four wheels, a drab racer whose potential is rear-ended by an underhanded upgrade system and a story that belongs in a direct-to-DVD bargain bin.

A terribly disappointing collection of recycled minigames that don't have the spirit of ingenuity of previous Wariowares. There's some fun to be had, but it feels like a tease; a mere experiment in video game comedy more than a game.

The second episode of Minecraft Story mode isn't near as charming as the first. Thought it features some genuine character development, its poorer writing and direction leave it feeling flat.

Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2 is a decent platformer. It ticks all the relevant boxes when it comes to platforming, it just lacks the imagination and depth which make other titles in the genre really stand out. It’s meant for a much younger audience, and thus, will be received much better by kids than adults.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds feels like a missed opportunity at the best of times. What could have been a mad breath of fresh air until WWE 2K22 comes along, is instead a boring grind that’s all style and no real substance. Invasive microtransactions tarnish the few remaining bright spots of this game, barely allowing it be okayfabe.

Oh Sir…The Insult Simulator! looks charming, but on a list of things I’d rather be doing instead of playing it, French-kissing a live jackhammer rates higher on my schedule.

Bridging film and video game, interactive movies are a niche format. However, with most of us having a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, now may be the time to give this hybrid genre more attention. Removing many of the annoyances FMV adventures are associated with, and featuring strong production values, The Complex is a solid entry point, even if it’s far more enjoyable as a choose-your-own adventure experience than film entertainment.

Ryse is a bit of a marmite game, if you are looking for a great gaming experience that takes forever to perfect then Ryse is not for you. If you are interested in a Roman interactive movie with a solid story line then I’d say give it a shot.

SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy might rightly draw ire for its overt, unnecessary sexualisation of fighting games’ femme fatales, but its problems extend further than social problems. It's anaemic in content and the fighting itself lacks any real depth.

Cracking the formula it set out with 12 years ago, Crackdown 3 delivers the solid and structured, though limited, gameplay of gunning down your enemies while leaping across vast distance and heights. Even if nothing especially new has been added to that formula. The multiplayer, however, feels more like a cop-out than anything.

Disintegration absolutely nails the idea of managing a squad and blasting away at the opposition from within your high anti-gravity horse, but some rough edges in the multiplayer department derails this ambitious concept before it can truly stand out from the pack.

Mario & Sonic at Rio 2016 Olympic Games on the 3DS is a disappointing collection of hastily cobbled together minigames. There's some fleeting fun to be had, but most of its sporting disciplines are an exercise in repetitive drudgery.

A satisfying blend of action, stealth and Russian history, undone by a frustratingly stupid difficulty spike that makes it a red menace.

Metal Gear Survive is a good idea that finds itself crippled by an overwhelming mob of bad ideas. It’s interesting but ultimately handicapped by a ruthless application of unnecessarily brutal constraints that serves to diminish what should have been a fascinating spin-off.

Vambrace is a successful evolution of the mechanics that made Darkest Dungeon such a hit, but despite its beautiful art style and interesting setting, the repetitive gameplay and lack of meaningful achievements make the experience for more tiresome than challenging.

While visually intriguing and distinct, Liberated feels more like an idea than a game, thanks to an uninspired story, boring gameplay and a stunning lack of polish.

Less zip and more of a lashing, Chibi-Robo: Zip Lash has all the basics it needs to be an enjoyable platformer but trips over itself with some baffling design choices and an un-inspired candy center.

Sniper Ghost Warrior 3 should have been a better game. Disassembled, it had all the parts needed to give the thrill of the one-shot one-kill calibre that it deserves. The assembled game however, completely misses its target as it comes off as a mismanaged product that fails to deliver on its promises.

Curious design decisions and a confusing, cumbersome control scheme help destroy the immersion, but there's a certain charm to Immortal Legacy's ambition that makes it easier to overlook its problems. It's an occasionally fun VR first-person shooter adventure that's worth a look, especially for its budget price.

While Warcraft 3 is still a phenomenal game to play today, Reforged is unfortunately a chaotic storm of failed promises, technical bugs and missed opportunities that makes a great game worse.

Override is a game that had so much potential and could have done something great with more ambition. In the end, no amount of oil could polish this scrap metal into something decent and enjoyable.

Like its setting, The Shore is both rugged and stunning. While lacking finesse and complexity in gameplay, the Lovecraftian horror adventure is unquestionably impressive as an almost one-man indie effort. Standing out from other Cthulhu Mythos games, The Shore is stuffed with cinematic moments that establish the scale and otherness of its universe. It’s very brief, but that helps make a detour to The Shore worthwhile.

Even with the promise of challenging friends in races or posting ever-improving time scores, Sonic Lost World is instantly forgettable. Every once in a while a title comes around that acts as a yardstick for what we can consider to be truly “Mediocre”. It just so happens that Sonic Lost World is perfectly suited for this role

The Inpatient is a fittingly terrifying visit to the sanitorium that set Until Dawn in motion and does a good job pivoting from campy slasher tropes to more psychological horror. Its choices lack the same punch though, and despite its shorter runtime, The Inpatient does a worse job of convincing you to play through it multiple times. Despite that, it’s captivating world and solid opening remain engrossing, even if its upended near its closure.

Never before have I experienced such an awful, weird but utterly amazing game. This game really is so bad, it’s good.

PlayStation VR Worlds is a decent collection of demos that you probably want to own as they’re an excellent way to show off VR. It’s such a pity that these experiences, as much potential as they show, are too brief to be worthwhile.

There’s a good game buried within Those Who Remain’s many shortcomings, but it blunders the final hundred meters of its dash for survival like a sorority girl outrunning a slasher in a forest filled with tree roots. Repetitive scenarios of item-hunting tarnish the more ingenious puzzles you’re presented with, horror clichés sour an otherwise wonderfully tense atmosphere and a control scheme from hell drags a promising game back into the shadows, never to be seen again.

Overall, I had a bit of fun with Master Reboot, but not fifteen dollars worth of fun. It feels too unpolished to really recommend at that price. Even if all the visual problems were ironed out, the gameplay is mediocre at best, and frustrating at worst. A mix of decent art and ideas ruined by a lack of polish.

At times rewarding but ultimately frustrating, The Caste Doctrine is more of a psychological conversation starter than a game. Only if you're a masochist or put in the necessary time to master your defenses will you find real enjoyment in the gameplay.

Overall, Star Ocean Integrity and Faithlessness is not a good game. It’s plagued with a bland narrative, generic characters, repetitive gameplay, unskippable custcenes with sparse savepoints, unbalanced battle system, dumb AI, a jarring camera, inconsistent visuals and performance and an unsatisfying ending.

Bee Simulator is more of a kids action game than it is a simulator. While it has an undeniable charm, it’s short, repetitive to a fault and feels like it’s been hastily cobbled together.

A tennis game that lacks motion controls, signature Mario silliness or even the effort for unique cut scenes, the only thing Mario Tennis Ultra Smash has going for it is that it's functional and vaguely entertaining for short periods of time.

It looks nice, and it’s fun to play for a short while - but it’s such a pallid production that it just feels like a shadow of the game it could have been. Micro Machines deserves better.

Despite looking the part, and having some of the best voice work in a third person shooter, Lost Planet 3 turns the gun on itself with bad gameplay design, terrible boss battles, and a story that never delivers on its promises.

Hunter’s Legacy is a game that clearly wanted to remind players of classic metroidvania gameplay, but the combination of a generic plot, uninspired visuals, and uneven and often frustrating gameplay make Hunter’s Legacy a game that offers little to its players.

In a genre that has its fair share of challengers, V Rally 4 comes in dead last thanks to its bipolar handling, meagre selection of tracks and a modest grab bag of disciplines that fails to excite any fan of dirty racing.

Underneath the unfocused, ramshackle design decisions and incomprehensible story there's a decent action game - but how much of it you're willing to endure for closure depends on how deeply entrenched you are into Lords of Shadow's lore.

It may be free to play, but the cost of actually spending time with Marvel Heroes is too damn high. The idea is solid, but completely lacking the spirit of what makes these timeless heroes so popular over multiple decades of action.

1,2 Switch is an interesting, occasionally fun primer to the Switch's controllers. Had it been packed in, 1,2 Switch would have garnered its fair share of converts - but with its lack of depth and its frankly ludicrous price, it’s just not worth investing in.