New Super Lucky's Tale is an excellent 3D platformer for kids who are getting to grips with right stick camera controls. Gamers seeking a challenging 3D adventure will be left wanting. The light visuals and professional-looking bouncy animation are very appealing, and it all manages to scale beautifully from the Xbox One to the Nintendo Switch. The gameplay is deeper, the playability made tighter, and the levels are re-worked to accommodate Lucky's new mobility. The visuals make the expected compromises that come with Switch conversions; lower resolution and a reduction of frame rate from 60 to 30. Yet, it is all worth it for a more finely crafted experience. Lucky himself might be unlucky to be such a boring character, but he is fun to play as, and gets to run around in charming worlds.

The Terminator branding is mostly relegated towards the setting and a couple of characters; sadly not a single actor from the series lends their likeness or voice to add any authenticity. One of the few infiltration Terminators seen is designed as a generic looking muscle guy who looks and sounds nothing like Arnold Schwarzenegger despite his outfit being an obvious homage to the first film. Without Terminator aesthetics, this would have been a forgettable and generic action game. More than just being really easy, Terminator: Resistance is also very short. Even when completing most of the side-quests, expect to negotiate the entire experience in less than 10 hours.

A carefully crafted farewell letter to DJ Tim Bergling, AVICII Invector is a perfect way to immerse yourself in his music, as players travel across a colourful futuristic setting to a high energy soundtrack. It can be difficult to find and master the button pressing rhythm on the harder difficulty settings but, eventually, over time, it becomes more manageable and like second nature.

The Switch's catalogue of Metroidvania titles was already impressive - though ironically it's still lacking an actual Metroid - and now its ranks have been bolstered by one of the best in recent memory. Ori and the Blind Forest is an absolute masterpiece, a beautiful story polished to perfection in both its artistic design and core gameplay mechanics. The utterly beautiful presentation and soundtrack crafts a charming and memorable world and there are more stories in that world to come as Ori and the Will of the Wisps landing on Xbox One in a few months. Hopefully, the Switch version comes shortly after.

Death's Gambit is a substantial entry into the souls-like genre, even if it is very derivative. Some of the ways it was "inspired" by Dark Souls feel a bit dangerously too close at times. It does enough to make itself unique, and it does bring some new ideas to the table that will absolutely tickle fans of this genre. Don't expect Hollow Knight levels of polish or content; this is more closer to Salt and Sanctuary in terms of quality, but with a more refined art style.

They Are Billions does a lot of things great. The survival twist of a city-builder is unique, and lots of fun. Dealing with the huge waves is always as fun as it is stressful, including the huge final waves. Things that hold the game back are difficulty playing a computer game on console controls, and various UI and graphics issues as well as slowdown. This being said, it's a solid and unique RTS title.

It's hard to stick with Legend of the Skyfish. Even clocking in at only around 2-3 hours for the 45 stages, it's easy to get bored with the game around the halfway point when it becomes clear that it has already shown all it has to offer and just repeats the same types of puzzles and gameplay. While it may have been more palatable on mobile three years ago compared with its competitors at the time, on Switch there are many better options for puzzle games, for Zelda clones, and even for Hookshot-centric style titles.

Death Stranding is a bold and artistic vision that is not compromised in its design. It is a video game that encourages the player to be a good person, and to care for the fellow man. There have been anti-war themes in games before, but these inevitably become standard shooters that wear a mask of morality. Kojima Productions (with a little help from Guerrilla Games) may not have created a new "genre," but it did make a 3D action title that is unlike anything else. It is so rare to play a triple-A, 3D game that does not treat the player like a child, and is steeped with exploration and discovery. This is a contemplative odyssey that is ultimately a story about the triumph of the human spirit in spite of entropy.

It might not be the toughest puzzler out there or the most highly polished, and it is true that some puzzles do tend to repeat themselves. None of that matters, however, because this is such a thoroughly unique experience that everyone should taste. The first day this came out, a clip of it went viral and reached the front page of Reddit. It wasn't a speedrun or glitch or anything like that. It was just someone playing the game. That's the kind of novelty this title has, and it is absolutely worth your time to go out and experience it for yourself.

Whilst the concept of controlling two different characters simultaneously differentiates Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons from other titles, beyond this it can be somewhat simplistic. However, it is certainly well-crafted, creating a pleasant and laid back journey, with many touching moments. Graphics, sound, and style of gameplay also come together harmoniously, in a way that suggests a lot of effort has been put into building the general vibe of the world. It's certainly not a game for those that love fast-paced action, but for anyone wanting to take the time to appreciate the world around them, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a good choice.

While the experience is not an entirely negative one, it leaves little to enjoy when problems start coming up. The charming atmosphere and stylization lends itself well to being a sort of survival-lite adventure for a younger audience; the quests are straightforward; and, finally, the difficulty is forgiving. Those looking for an exploration game will find frustrations abound in this title, and unfortunately the design choices lead to a rather disappointing experience as a whole.

Little Big Workshop's biggest flaws are its generic character designs and a few control issues, but these are greatly overshadowed by how fun this is. It's perfect for people new to the sim genre, allowing players to tackle things at their own pace and make the experience as easy or as difficult as they choose. Veterans will also be able to jump right in and start making their factory to their liking, as well as taking on challenges to push their tiny little company to be the best it can be. Little Big Workshop doesn't reinvent the sim genre, but it fits perfectly into it and brings charm and flair one might not expected from a newer studio.

With developer Gust's unexpended expansion to their most favoured sub-series, comes what can be considered the best in the Atelier set to date. Casting away previous conventions to introduce new, more enriching characters, and world-building structures, Atelier Lulua's challenge spikes and lack of English dub does little to take the shine off the gem beneath.

It's not often a racing game comes along and hits the sweet spot between simulation and arcade, and yet that is exactly the balance that the developer haσ hit with GRID. Fantastic, speedy chaotic, gameplay, supported by some great visual and sound design, giving racing fans of all levels and abilities another great title this year worth diving into with gusto. Totally recommended to genre aficionados, especially after the inevitable split-screen update.

Charming, original, and terrifically paced, Tangle Tower is a strong contender for the best point-and-click adventure of 2019. Puzzles require real wit without bogging readers down with irrelevant information. Each screen is filled to the brim with detail, blending colour and lighting into a living, breathing tower. Only a few hours long with a gripping mystery at the centre of its plot, Tangle Tower is a must play for fans of the genre.

While this still retains the 'arcade' feel of racing, this is as fun as they come in terms of pure enjoyment from the thrill of tearing across dirt tracks, without track faults or graphical inconsistencies that hurt the previous titles. However, this does suffer from an "all eggs all in one basket" approach, in that there's not much in store here aside from career mode. If WRC 8 is the foundation of the franchise moving forwards, then it's safe to be anxious to see what Kylotonn has in store for the next title.

For those who don't care much about storytelling and are wondering if this makes for a great puzzle title, well, the plot and the puzzles are intrinsically linked - finding the answers to a puzzle may depend on whether the technician read a specific journal entry that seemed otherwise unrelated to anything. However, applying oneself to this world is ultimately a rewarding experience, and puzzle-lovers will find plenty to enjoy in terms of solving these challenges.

Forget the fact that Vampire: The Masquerade - Coteries of New York is a visual novel, as it really knows what the setting is all about. From the world, to the characters, to the absolutely fantastic setting and handling of the franchises deep lore, this is really a Vampire: The Masquerade game done right, and one that's highly replayable. There are a few flaws here and there, like how forgettable the plot at hand is, or how the paths don't diverge as much as one would want them to, but this is such an engrossing, and deeply atmospheric experience that it doesn't really matter.

It looks good (mostly), and has all the qualities that seem like it would make a great game. Not only does it fail to come together coherently, yet it also it lacks a sense of magic or "heart" that the art style would suggest it possesses. While nothing is largely technically wrong with Indivisible, it fails to be engaging as a RPG, its platforming fails to recommend it on this front, and the story never goes anywhere significant to offer this up either. This isn't bad, but it just isn't that good either.

Interrogation: You will be deceived is a cops and robbers game where the action takes place inside a single room, with you having to skilfully manipulate suspects into spilling the beans… by any means necessary. It has its issues, like how annoyingly precise you have to be with your moves, or how it's sometimes hard to understand why you failed, leading to plenty of trial-and-error, and, yes, this is a niche title that won't appeal to just about anyone. Having said that, it's a very good interrogation sim, features a great noir art style, and is deeply immersive.

Legend of the Skyfish is a good game that's hanging out with a bad crowd. Sure, there's the cute art style, the level design is mostly passable, and the gameplay itself does its job most of the time. It's like it knows what it wants to do, and it knows how to get there. Still, every once in a while, presumably on cold, rainy nights, it likes to play dress up. It's cosplay of choice being a much less enjoyable game.

Fractured Minds is a beautiful experience, and by no means should any complaints from this end diminish that. While it won't be everyone's kind of game, it is something anyone looking for something a little different should try out. Furthermore, if you suffer from anxiety, or even more important perhaps, know someone who does, this is a gorgeous realization of what it's like to suffer. In short, Emily Mitchell, keep making games, cause if this is any indication of what you can do, the industry definitely needs your voice.

Nearly flawless, Planet Zoo is a masterpiece of tycoon simulation, and is one of the most relaxing, engaging, and fantastical pieces of entertainment of 2019. It's a showcase of fun mechanics, and it really draws from the wealth of experience in Frontier Developments as a developer. It's impossible not to recommend this to anyone who has even a passing notion about the genre. Get this!

With over 120 cars and customisation options to improve performance, there doesn't seem to be much purpose to continue rising once the story mode is complete, and the only sense of competitiveness comes from the standard cop pursuits. However, there is no doubt that Need for Speed: Heat is one of the better entries in the franchise since Ghost Games has taken over development.

While there is a lack of guidance and some confusion about the story, Doraemon Story of Seasons is a beautiful game in a beautiful setting. Its relaxing music and easy gameplay make for a pleasant and calming game experience. It feels as though a lot of love has been poured into making this game, and little details like the seasons changing in the menu according to where in the game the player last saved makes it rather adorable. A wonderful title to relax with, over a longer period of time.

Thankfully, the great narration and story-driven sections between the gameplay will hold the interest of even the most uninitiated dungeon crawlers. While some won't enjoy playing this solo, the variety of characters and the experimentation of using each together in couch co-op is worth a look. The fact that the two-player option was even included in this day and age should be commended, as lots of fun is there to be had playing this way. Just be prepared for a slog through the earlier stages, and a lot of short runs ending in brutal obliteration due to the misjudged difficulty spike. Oh, and never use Kevin. Ever.

This release is an indispensable addition to any Switch fan's collection of masterpieces, only really let-down by the absence of any plans for a physical release, at least at the time of writing.

The amount of fun to be had traversing the excellently designed levels with almost telepathic control intuition would be more than enough to recommend this, but ARVORE has gone above and beyond to ensure this one sticks in the memory long after completion. Easter eggs, collectables, multiple routes, and the sheer love shown in replicating the environments gamers would have snuck a quick gaming session into before tucking into Christmas Dinner and class, come together to give a handheld simulation you wish you could make portable and show as many people as possible.

The Touryst may sport minimalistic visual designs, but make no mistake, it truly is a technical showcase for the Nintendo Switch with all the effects it throws around at the same time, all at a locked 1080p60 while docked. Shin'en strikes again then, and the adventure itself is pleasing and gripping throughout. Its only shortcoming is that, in the hands of capable riddle solvers, it is on the short side of things and feels like it is over a bit too quickly.

Endless grind, very slow progression, and an abysmal battle system, are the major knocks against what would otherwise be an average experience. The story itself is unique, but hardly goes into depth instead relying far more on shock-value of events occurring rather than actual meaning. Unfortunate, really, as the plot serves up a huge potential for some interesting questions, or dialogue - things that are completely missing.

Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san!: A River City Ransom Story is a mundane beat 'em up that's held aloft by a couple clever ideas. The combat is fun at first, but the doldrums set in long before completing the first of potentially many play-throughs. Some fights, particularly the finale, definitely could've used a few tweaks. Still, figuring out the fastest route to the end is really cool. It gives the adventure a tinge of replay-value. However, unless you "have" to play every game in the River City Ransom canon, then this won't catch your interest.

Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate II shine beautifully on the Nintendo Switch thanks to some excellent optimisation on the console and a brilliant control scheme. It can seem convoluted initially, but this is nevertheless inspired stuff from Beamdog, who has pioneered a new way of playing isometric RPGs with a gamepad. Everything about the Enhanced Editions is slickly presented, even if the games themselves show their age in their outdated mechanics. Still, this is worth playing for the RPG fanatic and provides a stellar history lesson on the forefather of modern role-playing games.

A new hope is here, as Star Wars video games finally get the long-awaited return to form they deserve. The creators clearly care about the source material, and have produced a story and a setting that will hopefully continue being explored. There are some teething issues here, but there is much more promise. Respawn has created the first step on what could be a very bright future.

The current price tag is insanely high for what's on offer. The new levels can be smashed through in a few hours, and the low difficulty means there's little replayability in aiming for high-scores and rankings on each stage. Nostalgia and an 8-bit classic simply aren't worth the price of admission. That being said, it's fun. Somewhat. If it had included some others from Bubble Bobble history like Rainbow Islands, it would have been more appetizing.

One Night Stand is proof that Ratalaika can find talented developers and bring them to the masses. While this isn't some Triple-A juggernaut, for what it is, it's a great addition to the genre. If you like these kinds of titles, you owe it to yourself to see everything that One Night Stand has to offer. For such a short runtime, there's a lot to love here.

If not a fan of the Macintosh/NES Shadowgate, this won't convince you otherwise, as it's the same, below average (yes, fellow nostalgic friend) game. Now, if a fan, or think that this is for you, and don't mind playing something with early '80s visuals, you are advised to play the original, which is somewhere out there on the web (and completely free), as the "improved" visuals of this remaster actually lack that special retro magic, and the few additions aren't worth the price of admission.

The main story feels shorter overall due to it being a less grindy affair than ever before, but storytelling benefits greatly from this, because the main game ends up being a more focused and packed experience.

Dusk Diver struggles to make a memorable impact due to its story and gameplay failings. This is not helped by its technical issues. Nevertheless, despite its blandness, there is some charisma beneath the surface thanks to a memorable supporting cast and a clear sense of passion in its world's conception. It's difficult to recommend it, but for those who do give it a go, there is a noteworthy personality here that keeps things ticking.

Black Desert successfully ticks all the requisite boxes expected from an MMORPG, but it doesn't really push the envelope forward in any meaningful way. While there are a number of jarring performance issues that tarnish the overall experience, it can still deliver an enjoyable, if slightly hollow, time-filler when consumed in small doses. However Pearl Abyss has failed to sidestep the common concerns that tend to plague the genre as a whole. It just feels like a lot of needless, repetitive busy time, designed to prolong user engagement and drive micro-transactions which ultimately, leads to an unavoidable feeling of ennui.

Ultimately, WWE 2K20 is the same old story of good ideas and bad execution. Having both female and male main characters in the MyCareer story mode is great. When presented alongside the "Four Horsewomen" mode/documentary, it shows 2K's commitment towards inclusivity. However, this is frequently undone by a plethora of bugs and glitches. In just a short amount of play-time, you're guaranteed to run into any number of them. Even if you can inexplicably manage to look past these problems, you're treated to original content that's also pretty flawed. Wrestling fans deserve better.

Super Wiloo Demake is a game that begs the question: "who is this for? Children should avoid it, lest they be turned off to platformers forever. Platform enthusiasts should turn away for the same reason. So who does that leave, trophy hunters? Might want to pick up My Name is Mayo instead - at least it has some humour. This is some of the worst Ratalaika has put out there, and that's saying something.

Trailmakers is right on the cusp of being something great. There are a lot of tools here, and pieces that can be used to build anything imaginable. The focus is on creativity, and this is for anyone that liked building their own LEGO original creations, rather than following the instructions. If everything about this was as good as the customization, this would be an easy recommendation for just about everyone. Unfortunately, what exactly they let you do with your toys is less exciting, and the "game" part of the game needed a bit more work. It has the feel of building a top of the line, brand new Ferrari, and then only being able to race it around the local supermarket parking lot. With a bit more work, this could've been exceptional, but for now it feels stuck in neutral.

It's completely understandable why Neo Cab wouldn't be for everyone. A completely unique experience of this kind could alienate, and make it difficult to justify taking a punt without an in-depth examination of what to expect. Take the chance however, and an immersive, fascinating commentary on the evils of technology interspersed with a murder-mystery novel, are delivered. If excellent pacing and a character driven narrative are the major plus points when handing over the cash, sit back, strap in, and enjoy the journey. With the multiple endings on offer, and only a few hours needed to go from start to finish, the Switch feels like the perfect place to meet new people, embroil yourself in their lives, and appreciate the highs and lows of cyberpunk couriering.

Twin-stick shooter Drive to Hell is great at being good. It doesn't do anything wrong, but it doesn't do something special either. It's enjoyable, and has a charming (albeit amateurish), 16-bit-era look, but one can easily find something much better, and with a higher replay value, with just a few more coins.

Ritual: Crown of Horns is an enjoyable twin-stick shooter, with not much variety, but plenty of challenge - something that may or may not annoy some, due to how it's all executed. Moreover, while the occult gets mixed with a Wild West setting in here, in terms of presentation and atmosphere, Draw Distance's creation is underwhelming at best.

Return of the Obra Dinn is without a doubt a thinking man/woman's piece of crumpet. It is someone that you can take out on a date and have a riveting conversation with, but then scratch your head about some of the things they've said afterwards. There's not a lot of replay value here and a lot of the fun is over whence all discoveries have been made and confirmed. That said, it is a, mostly, to-the-point adventure, and it is because of this focus that Return of the Obra Dinn works so well. It's certainly not going to be for everyone, and may even sound boring to some, but as long as there's no expectation for split second thrills (beyond that of what is depicted in the memories, which can be thrilling), you will find an excellent puzzle experience with a more than shipshape presentation.

This remains a great action choice even on Switch, and the only version that can be undocked from the TV and taken on the go to be enjoyed anywhere at any time, which makes fitting a full chapter in a gamer's day schedule more practical.

Anyone looking for an anime brawler will find this one to be a very good one. It is not to be played for its highly-compressed retelling of a former story, nor its short length; but for mindless action and fighting it delivers fairly well. The combat is fun with enough to it to stay fairly interesting for the ten or so hours it takes to beat, just be warned there isn't some great adventure to partake in here.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare refreshes the formula by rooting itself more firmly in realism and adopting a grittier approach to both combat and to its Campaign's story. The gameplay is the smooth experience expected from the franchise and results in some fun, memorable Campaign moments and a handful of enjoyable multiplayer ones. The Spec Ops mode is a bit of a mess but could easily be fixed with a patch, while the majority of the current multiplayer maps leach the enjoyment from the classic CoD formula. Ultimately, this is a steady-as-she-goes experience that walks a good walk but fails to capture a truly elegant stride.

Gravity Ghost Deluxe Edition is an art piece that is enjoyable for what it is. Playing it is honestly the weakest part of the whole thing, though it does manage to be fun from time to time. The creative display on work here is a clear winner, even if not every idea feels like it works in the end product. As a whole, this isn't a must-play, but for fans of something a little different, it is a decent jaunt around the universe.

The Outer Worlds is a thinking-man's Fallout 4. While Bethesda failed to push its venerable RPG series into a more thoughtful direction, Obsidian Entertainment thankfully is still around to show them how it is done. Conceptually, the idea of a dystopian space system that is ruled by a board of monopolies could not have been executed more deftly.

Deck13 addressed every single issue that held The Surge back in The Surge 2. It is not even necessary to have played the first, since the sequel has almost no connections to it outside of its gameplay mechanics and systems. The idea of Dark Souls but "sci-fi" is not exactly a great idea, but Deck13 truly made the most out of what is possible. Realistically, there would be much more guns than there are and probably hacking would have been more present in the gameplay, but since this "sub-genre" relies so heavily on melee combat, it is unavoidable. Finally, there's someone other than From Software who has nailed it.

The original Puyo Puyo Arcade release arrive intact with plenty of Ages feature boosts, and plays as solidly now as it ever has, with online play, save states, and worldwide leaderboards aplenty. The base Head to Head mode remains as addictive as ever, but lacks compelling content outside of that structure, and those looking for more feature-rich Puyo Puyo goodness may wish to consider other entries in the series on the eShop.

There are some really great ideas here, but weighed down by simple problems. As it is, it freezes, the menu hangs, and the absolute precision needed for nearly every move (and an oddly complex control scheme) makes the game get in the way of itself far more than it ever should. Far too often a string of precise moves is screwed up because of a wrong button or missing a ledge by minuscule amounts. There is clear heart and effort in here, and those with a high tolerance for difficulty will enjoy it immensely, but the average player will be put off by what is required of them. A revamp on the control system and some a bit more focus on the plot could easily launch OUTBUDDIES' points higher.

Though it still has a ways to go, Chikara: Action Arcade Wrestling is a worthwhile pick-up for wrestling fans. Matches are raucously entertaining, and there's enough variety to keep fans occupied for hours upon hours. The CAW feature is brilliantly implemented. Once you get the hang of it, the potential is boundless. Some issues, particularly the AI, still need to be sorted out, but the developer is really keen on delivering consistent updates and fixes.

An all-around solid good title that would be a fantastic gift for young children. Unfortunately, the story mode is very hit-and-miss.

Valfaris is a near-perfect 2D action platformer with an excellent sense of style in every aspect. Its industrial sci-fi setting is like Doom on steroids, and its breakneck soundtrack does a great job of tying the whole experience together. While it is weakened somewhat by difficulty imbalances in some sections - particularly in later levels - it nevertheless stands apart in the tide of indie platformers by virtue of its rock-solid personality, beautiful world and graphics, and great mechanics.

Blackthorne is a fun little title, with a neat (if unoriginal) fantasy setting that those who love slower-paced, and realistic platformers the likes of 1989's Prince of Persia will surely enjoy. It's not something that you'll keep going back to, but for the few, pleasantly tough hours it offers, it's worthy of a look - especially since it's now free.

Distilled down to a very, very strong portable title, Rebellion brings its A-game with Sniper Elite 3 on the Switch. It's not just that it's one of its best creations to date, but also the fact that it comes with so little sacrifice, and the series unique and visceral gameplay. It seems that the multiplayer is getting a lot of praise as well from those who could play it so. With that in mind there is no reason not to pick up this port, especially if you've not had the chance to play through it before.

Minor additions put aside, Wonder Boy Returns Remix is nothing more than straight-up port of the original game, but with upgraded audio-visuals. Does that mean that it isn't good? No. This is just a word of caution for those who wanted something more, or expected a different take in the gameplay. As for the rest, if you don't mind something that doesn't stray far from its very old-school roots, this is the best way to experience one great blast from the past - and without the need to insert any coins.

The numerous goals to aim for in time, and collecting nuts to increase the hero squirrel's wardrobe, provide a great deal of replay value. Depending on the strength of attraction to cuteness, hours spent playing this may reach above a dozen. The lack of tough to beat levels may put off fans of hardcore platformers, but casual ones will welcome this reasonably paced Switch title and its very cute, furry hero.

If Crossroads Inn was an Early Access title, it would be one of the most promising ones in the management sim genre. Unfortunately, the team behind it made the wrong move, and decided to destroy months of work by releasing its product without first completing development. Due to the lack of any competitors in the 'medieval inn simulator' arena, some may find it easier to accept its many issues. Most, however, are advised to wait for some - hopefully inevitable - renovations.

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt on Switch is guaranteed to keep any commuting gamer occupied, and for those playing at home, it still does justice to the quality of this rip-roaring adventure.

Overall, MXGP 2019 is a fun experience during the thrill of the race. However, unless riders are long-time fans who are dedicated to continue playing this until the 2020 version comes out, anybody else may not find the patience to stick with this for the long-term.

Ring Fit Adventure gently straddles the fine line of trying to be an intense fitness workout routine that wants to get serious about breaking a sweat, while also gamifying movement through its RPG mechanics and on-screen actions. It can't be recommended to drop a whole gym routine for this, but it definitely compliments one - furthermore it could easily help people get into fitness from their own bedroom, or help those who are too busy to head to the gym after a long day at work. The graphical style might detract the target market that Wii Fit aimed for, but Ring Fit Adventure is strong enough to stand on its own two feet as one of the most engaging fitness games of all time.

Not the entry fans of the series would have preferred to see get ported, but Banana Blitz HD is worth checking out for anyone that never played it on Wii, or those that just couldn't deal with the motion controls back then. It isn't the best example of what Super Monkey Ball is all about, as the unnecessary difficulty of the stages, additional random elements and terrible boss battles can really hamper the fun, but as a party game, it still hits the spot. If you really miss playing with monkeys in balls, this is your best option right now, but let's hope SEGA sees fit to bring the superior first two games over in the near future.

Another Sight might not be an adventure platformer that will be remembered like Inside, but it did manage to make playing as a blind girl tolerable. Replay value is low with this one, since there is no post game content and the only collectibles are pages to the character wiki that contains interesting information that should have been an aspect of the actual story being told. The forced walking portions may also kill any desire to replay Another Sight. The moment to moment puzzle-platforming and character switching is the glue that holds this baby together.

Luigi's Mansion 3 delivers up to its expectations, and builds on the first two entries in the series. It has the right level of challenge, varied locales, brilliant animation and comedy. The downfalls are that the base game is relatively short and the free multiplayer can get boring after a while. Nonetheless this looks superb right down to the charming characterisation of Luigi's face, or the stunning environments, and it is well worth a buy.

At times, River City Melee Mach!! struggles under the weight of its own ambition. Attempting to balance a competitive brawler that features over 180 playable characters is a herculean task. It seems that the developer realized this, and focused its attention on making sure this is simply a joy to play. There will be times where nothing goes the way a player likes. Wins and losses aren't decided by chance, but random occurrences are bound to crop up. Nevertheless, Kunio-Kun fans will find a lot to like here. Even when matches devolve into complete disarray, they're still quite enjoyable. For best results, try and find a few friends to fight with.

At the end of the day, Super Box Land Demake would still be a passable first title for an inexperienced gamer. As a first puzzle game, and at its price point, it has plenty of content, and it's fine for what it is. Unfortunately, anyone with any puzzle solving experience at all will find this tedious and frustrating. Ultimately, it can only be recommended to a certain group of people, and once they complete it, it's hard seeing a reason for them to go back.

Overall, it's not a bad remaster, it's mediocre. The game itself, however, is great. Pick it up.

Simple to play, difficult to master, and oozing with late '90s charm, Constructor Plus offers a fairly strategic take on the management sim genre. The title's at times dystopian levels of capitalism not only help lend the overall experience a humorous edge, but that also ties into the cutthroat gameplay loop nicely. Money begets money, a philosophy the gameplay rewards wholeheartedly, whether building property on Earth, or in the reaches of outer space. The main game even features active opposition, keeping scenarios tense, exciting, and engaging all throughout. Constructor Plus is quite the well-constructed sim.

Although undeniably on the short side, it's hard to ignore just how much solid content FRACTER packs into its short length. With only lines of poetry to guide the way, the title's dark aesthetic, and ethereal soundtrack, offers audiences a puzzle experience that's genuinely unique. The difficulty curve gradually increases, offering minor challenges before throwing some pretty intimidating puzzles in the last few levels. With some well-incorporated stealth elements, it all makes for a well paced experience that never outstays its welcome. That FRACTER pulls everything off with so much style and substance is just a bonus.

Considering that this is entirely the work of one person, Disc Creatures is really impressive. The sheer variety of creatures and moves allows for innumerable party combinations. Thankfully, you don't need the rarest finds in order to stand a chance. Defeating the opposition is mostly a matter of having the right tactics and abilities. Still, you can't ignore the importance of experience. The constant grind for stats is not something that all players will be nostalgic for. There are ways to minimize it, but it's still work that has to be done. If you're willing to persevere in spite of this issue, then you'll surely appreciate the rich world, and the developer's attention to detail. For anyone who enjoys vintage gaming of this kind, this is a fine getaway.

Driven Out is by no means bad. Many enemies require good timing and telegraph their attacks clearly enough. Others feel less balanced; their telegraphing is slightly too hard to interpret and their attack patterns seem random. The combat system is more consistent in the sense that it's uniformly monotonous; it's about waiting and blocking over and over. Combat never evolves or introduces variety. Each enemy is unique and has different attack patterns, which is nice, but it also means that Driven Out can lose its appeal quite quickly for many gamers. Why? Consider this: games are about learning the ropes, getting over a hurdle better and better until mastery. There is nothing to master here; there are no stages in which to learn how to beat certain enemy types or to become better. Your skill level stays the same. Overall, though: not a bad second game to develop.

The best parts of Corpse Party: Blood Drive is when the scenario demands only one playable character, isolated in a Twilight Zone Japanese meat-high-school. When these insufferable adolescents banter with each other, it clashes with any semblance of dread or horror. Their dialogue is obnoxious and petty, often commenting on the most superficial. Internal monologue fares much better, but some of the weird fetishised thoughts feel out of place at times. It is shocking that this was localised at all since this is such a weird franchise with some deranged sequences. There are far better Japanese horror games where a young school girl is the protagonist like the Yomawari games or Yumme Nikki; Blood Drive is only for those desperate for some cheap thrills.

Shadowkeep impressed me much less than Forsaken. I hoped that after parting ways with Activision Blizzard Bungie will be more ambitious than to mostly recycle the content we already know. [12/2019, p.76]

Truberbrook's handcrafted backdrops are strikingly beautiful, and its delightful to see such craftmanship woven into a video game. When it comes to the rest of the experience, though, there's very little to sing praise about. As a point-and-click adventure, this fails woefully. As a story-driven mystery, it tediously chugs along without offering anything of substance. Die-hard point-and-click gamers might be able to find some signs of life, but for everyone else there's little here to admire beyond the handcrafted environments.

In the grand scheme of things, Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout is just another entry in the series, which doesn't have what it takes to be declared the absolute best amongst its many siblings. That said, and although a little more emphasis in alchemy and storytelling, as well as a more open-ended structure would be more than welcome, this is definitely one of the best Atelier titles ever. It's an immersive, beautiful, and relaxing journey, which smells like summer and childhood adventure.

Club Soccer Director PRO 2020 had the chance to occupy a solid niche. A streamlined and less complicated version of Football Manager in terms of football matches, catering to different aspects of club management such as stadium development and sponsorship. Instead, what the developers have done is port a cheap looking mobile title over to PC with no refinements to the engine or UI; labelling it as the premier version, while charging a premier price, while also including all of the in-game purchases. It is simply not good enough. With Sports Interactive offering Football Manager Touch - the streamlined version of their game, for the same price, and without any explicit micro-transactions - any incentive to recommend Club Soccer Director PRO 2020 is severely curtailed.

Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered is elevated thanks to its cast and writers. This could have gone so wrong in so many ways but it ended up being one of the better movie tie-in games made in the seventh console generation. Some of the situations can get very hectic since there is so much destructible geometry, but don't expect too much variation when busting ghosts. It would have been interesting if the rookie and the guys were stuck in a centralized setting and had to explore and investigate like a Resident Evil style house but instead set-pieces are connected by moving forward and never looking back. Most importantly, this remaster preserves Ghostbusters: The Video Game from vanishing into obscurity like many movie tie-in games tend to do.

Playing Dusk Diver isn't a bad experience. Just an unfulfilling one. There are some things to like here. Walking around the colourful Ximending district of Taipei, interacting with the small cast of main characters, and then watching them battle monsters is kind of cool. Kind of cool. At its core, Dusk Diver is a simplistic, repetitive, and uninspiring, musou-style brawler.

The Outer Worlds soars on the strength of its characterisation not only of the main crew but its supporting cast. Every character met is a fleshed out personality with their own hopes and dreams that will keep the quest log full, just to hear the peaks and troughs of life on the fringes of space from another point of view. With such a lot going for it narrative wise, it's a relief to see the combat, skill tree, and controls not let the side down; the only downside being the emptiness of some of the major settlements, especially after speaking to so many about a hub of life on every corner. With the time and care given to making everything so unique, not only the buildings but also the inhabitants, it's a small gripe that doesn't detract from an otherwise great title.

Despite a few minor control issues encountered playing the switch version, nothing detracts from the eye-popping pixel art visuals and although brief, the attempt to inject some story throughout is greatly appreciated.

Dead by Daylight has the groundwork for a great game but stumbles in its execution. It could be so much more with just a little more polish. Hopefully, it will inspire better products of this variety, because the concept contains a bundle of promise. Horror fans will find a lot to love - as long as they keep their expectations low. Nevertheless, for all its sins it is still quite addictive and undeniably fun, at least in the right conditions. It's easy to see how it has amassed a fanbase and warranted a port to the Switch.

Code Vein is going to be divisive. Out of the box, it's not a very good game. The balance in difficulty is a mess, with certain classes and abilities feeling hugely overpowered; the partners making even the most challenging encounter easy, until the difficulty spikes massively towards the conclusion. It's in that conclusion that Code Vein shines at its best. For the players willing to invest the time to get there, and good enough to learn how to master the considerably complex system, there is a superb experience waiting. It's just a shame it takes so long to get there.

That A Knight's Quest is being sold on the eShop at all is ludicrous. Combat, enemy design, the camera, the save system, and the script were all in desperate need of more time. Sky9 releasing the title as is, is simply downright embarrassing. Beyond the lack of polish and the frequent bugs, this is a title that ignores 20 years of conventional game design philosophy, and massacres itself in the process. Few have managed to mangle the basics of 3D combat so badly. Play anything else. A Knight's Quest is one of the worst games of 2019.

Destiny Connect: Tick-Tock Travelers is a child-friendly, happy-go-lucky, time-travelling adventure that's enjoyable... for about an hour or so. Simply put, there are far better JRPGs out there - many of them equally carefree and friendly towards young gamers and newbies, and even more so.

With Mary Skelter 2, Compile Heart has shown that they can deliver a phenomenal DRPG. Every aspect of this entry has been refined to a near-flawless level. The labyrinths are fun to explore, and their gimmicks, while plentiful, never reach the point of overbearing. Instead, they lend the adventure a unique identity, one that's rarely seen in dungeon crawlers. As far as battle-systems go, the developer has done a lot to keep this from being one-dimensional. You can attempt a full-on attack, but the mental state of your allies might suffer, leaving you at risk for the devastating Blood Skelter. Plus it's impossible to say no to an enhanced edition of the first game. All in all, this is a must-have for any fan of the genre.

Ichidant-R was, in many ways, a precursor to the party and mini-game collection titles of today, but tailored for the arcades. To finally be able to play it in English is a treat for any SEGA fan, especially in multiplayer. The amount of mini-games on offer however is pretty low, even if this was a step up from the even lower number of mini-games in its predecessor, Tant-R, which means it does feel a bit repetitive when played in solo. Then, really, M2 has gotten gamers used to better scaling options for titles using the resolution of the Mega Drive, namely in the Castlevania and Contra collections that Konami has up on the eShop right now, so there's really no excuse for not offering the same options here.

At best, this is just a very gimmicky adventure game. Each level having its own thing is a bit refreshing from always having to pixel-hunt for objects, tying simplistic stats into the mix adds some planning, and the way this title forces players to commit to their actions is nice. Sadly, as the journey reaches its half-way point, the story unravels in a very unsatisfying manner. Characters are built up and don't get the proper pay-off, while some disappear entirely. Given the hallucinatory nature of the story, it can be difficult to discern what is real and unreal. This was by design since you can't have a Lovecraft story without people losing their minds, but Call of Cthulhu needed to "wow" people in the endings, not betray them.

Might & Magic: Elemental Guardians is a fair mobile title that offers an enjoyable experience for those who are into collecting monsters to partake in turn-based battles with. In short bursts, this is an entertaining experience that doesn't overstay its welcome. However, once the true grind begins at the conclusion of the story modes, then it can become a frustrating past-time to stay engaged with longer-term. It isn't the best "gache" on the market, but it is a free title for iOS and Android devices, so there's nothing to lose by trying this out. Note that it does require an active internet connection to play, unfortunately - so it's best to play this at home on the WiFi, where there is a steady connection, as Elemental Guardians isn't afraid to crash play-throughs.

A Hat in Time is a delightful 3D platformer, with tight controls, some of the best humour seen in the genre to date and compelling scenarios driving the collectathon aspect of the game. It doesn't revolutionise anything in the presentation department, with rather low polygon models and scenery, but that doesn't take anything away from the enjoyment to be had on any platform it has been released on so far. On Switch, it is held back by some low-res textures and a resolution of only 720p in docked mode, but it does fare better overall in portable mode. Then, still specific to this Switch version is occasional stutter and long load times giving it a rough looking varnish that could perhaps still get ironed out through a patch.

Despite its cartoony graphics, this game is a surprisingly solid city builder. There is enough here that fans of the various genres this takes from will find it enjoyable as they craft their ever-growing city and automation empire. Programming the robots is oddly satisfying as is watching them roll around and taking care of the smaller tasks. A couple of small bugs and some pacing issues prevent it from being truly great, but those remotely interested in the genre will definitely have a lot of fun with this one.

It takes a special kind of talent to make a really boring action platformer. AeternoBlade II can almost be the cure for insomnia if it weren't for its embarrassing voice acted cutscenes. Outside of a few striking vistas, there is so little of value to enjoy here. There are so many better similar kinds of titles out there like Blasphemous or Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and that is not even counting 2D action games from before 2019. With so little going for AeternoBlade II, there is no reason to ever play it.

Vambrace: Cold Soul is not bad, but it quickly becomes a mindless, repetitive, grinding slog of the same battles that require very little strategy, not to mention the lack of any sort of enemy variety. Enemies come in different forms, but basically consist of similar attacks, with varying curses, and Lyric and her party members are hardly any better. The gameplay loop of exploring, fighting and healing only suffers due to the tedious battle system and the similar-looking dungeons. Beyond that, the story and lore of Icenair is a rich world that deserved better treatment, as the various codex entries enrich the world. Vambrace: Cold Soul had a lot of potential, and while it pulls off some things well, the mechanics hold back an experience of what could've been.

Baffling leaderboard support, lack of remapping, and wonky "Timeless" mode aside, the Vasara Collection is sure to find a home with any fan of arcade classics. The Vasara series, though short-lived, offers a unique blend of STG action and close-quarters mayhem. They certainly aren't a walk in the park. It'll take weeks of constant practice to clear them without continuing. The scoring systems are compelling, and there's a plenty of enjoyment in slashing everything in sight. Give this collection a shot sometime.

For lack of a better term, Golazo! is a pretty run-of-the-mill arcade football sim. It does well to channel a '90s aesthetic and it is sure to create some memorable moments despite the hiccups in its design. The controls are simple enough to pick up and play and the gameplay solid enough to warrant whipping it out for a night of arcade fun with friends, but it certainly isn't going to hold most players' interest when it comes to playing solo against the CPU.