Whilst LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game has some fantastic ideas included that help make it appeal to all audiences, at the same time there is far too much retreading of old ground during the adventure and the overall challenge is considerably lacking, thus relegating this to a 'rent first' type of game.

The Pathless is a worthy addition to the minimal release list this early in the PlayStation 5 lifespan. It delivers engaging gameplay, as well as frankly beautiful visuals. The issue is that feeling of familiarity *cough*Zelda*cough* coupled with a lack of activities to indulge in. Too often does this feel like a template of greater things to come, and it's a massive hope that this will spawn a sequel. So many great ideas needing to be expanded upon, mainly the excellent movement, as no game this year has given a greater feeling of speed in its unique traversal system, and along with the excellent boss battles, this comes recommended. Here's to The Pathless 2: Less Travelled.

Sheepo never gets boring throughout its three-hour run time. It was correctly paced and had some delightful moments, both in narrative and tone as well as platforming puzzles. While it does try to change some things up from its competitors, nothing it does is better than other games in the genre. This isn't bad though and fans of 'Metroidvanias' are in for an enjoyable time as it manages to scratch the itch for a 2D open-world platformer, even if it's only for a couple of hours.

There are several high points of Code Vein II, ranging from graphics, different environments, and the character creator. The major complaints that detract from higher praise are bad pacing issues and a story that often takes a back seat. Combat is faster and more fun than the first game, and the much more open world is a needed change from the endless alleys of before. Despite a lot of positive points, though, there is a sense that the entire thing doesn't mesh together to make a better experience.

Although Episode 4: Thicker Than Water once again deprives players of all agency, it's actually handled relatively well in-universe, making for a second-to-last episode that actively marches towards the finale. Characters are finally reaching a point where they feel fully developed, the story has found a suitable emotional centre, and the stakes have been raised high enough where Javi and Clem will naturally find themselves challenged in Episode 5. It isn't as strong as it could have been - in large part due to A New Frontier's overall structure - but Thicker Than Water stands out as the strongest chapter in season three thus far.

Looks can be deceiving, and while In Other Waters does look too simple for its own good, it's a title overflowing with depth. Between a well written script, intensely atmospheric sound design that begs for headphone use, and methodically slow pacing, it's hard not to think of Ellery Vas' expedition through the depths of Gliese 677Cc long after all is said and done. Moody and sombre, In Other Waters is a must read… and must play.

While it's mostly a by-the-numbers tower defence game, and a dated one at that, it's also surprisingly enjoyable. The comedic tone and writing, while not laugh-out-loud funny, has some pretty amusing moments. It's just a little too short, but fans of this one can look forward to the sequel reaching Switch soon.

Scribble definitely carves its own niche as a solid, out of the box party game for the Wii U. Since it doesn't require anyone to mess around with additional Wii Remotes or other accessories, it's really easy to set up and play anytime. It's hard not to wish there was slightly more to the game, and despite the simple controls, it would have been nice if there were a couple of options for alternative control setups. It won't turn any heads, but it's a solid Pictionary clone, and one that's sure to please party-goers of all ages.

Toothless as political commentary, and with its, supposedly, big focus on choice being almost non-existent, it would be alright to assume that this isn't a big recommendation - and yet it is. Digixart's anti-fascist indie might not be as good it thinks when it comes to politics, and the choose-your-own-adventure layer under it all is paper-thin at best, but simply as an experience, as a road trip across a beautiful land, filled with interesting (to say the least) characters, yes, this is one of the best indies that have been released this past month, warts and all. Its replay value is, unfortunately, very low, but do yourself a favour, and try it out when you get the chance. Road 96 is a flawed but undoubtedly memorable journey.

The E-Line Media developers and publishers have clearly worked tirelessly to bring a heightened awareness that has a heavy focus on conservation and environmental issues that are pressing today. They have enveloped all these issues into a relaxing environment to enable people to be involved directly with these themes in the interactive and safe environment of Beyond Blue. There are no threats, which overall makes this work of art a safe space to explore in comfort at their own pace. If there is an expectation of this to be a true dive with threats and a different experience each time, it is likely disappointment will be experienced and a feeling of boredom may creep in fairly quickly, but if the aim is to relax and learn about the ocean, this truly is a wonderful title.

The first installment in a planned trilogy, The Fall does a respectable job at feeling complete while setting up upcoming entries. Although shorter than most adventures, the length does work in its benefit, as the slow pacing would likely overstay its welcome in a longer journey. Worth noting, the pacing is by no means perfect, with the ending coming off feeling especially rushed, but the rest of the experience makes good use of a slow, methodical approach. Atmospheric and appropriately lonely, with enough narrative weight to think on, this makes for some enjoyable point-and-click fun.

Game Tengoku CrusinMix Special is best thought of as an experience. There are a lot of scenes where the main characters chat with each other and goof off - not to mention the multiple songs with vocals, commentary tracks, and even an interactive karaoke performance. This creates an atmosphere not often seen in such a tradition-focused genre. None of this comes at the expense of the game itself, which is a solidly enjoyable trip down memory lane. The scoring mechanics are well-realized, while the stages are cluttered with things to see and destroy. Ideally, all of the clutter could have been stretched out to create a more consistent and fully-realized shmup, but what's there is perfectly all right.

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy is a welcome addition to the Switch's ever-expanding repertoire, and a great adventure set in the Star Wars universe. Its seldom dull thanks to its enjoyable lightsaber combat, even if it's not terrific by modern standards. Fans of Star Wars and those looking for an action game with good variety will enjoy this. Aspyr has done a great job with the port, further cementing their reputation as one of the best developers for bringing fan favourite titles to Nintendo's flagship system.

Trepang2 is a very fun and surprisingly accomplished FPS that thrives on its physical and fast-paced action combat. Players who don't mind the simpler aesthetics will find a game that has a certain catharsis that up until now was pretty much only scratched by the original F.E.A.R.. It is more than worth a look and comes recommended on PlayStation 5.

Geki Yaba Runner Deluxe, despite being ostensibly low-budget, is intrinsically a lot of fun, offering addictive, simplistic gameplay for a relatively cheap price.

Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 is a good enough start to what will hopefully be a more refined and usable experience. It is better than some of the more recent games, and although has addressed some issues with the move back into 2D, still suffers from awkward and unpredictable controls.

nintendogs + cats embraces elements of the 3DS such as StreetPass and the cameras, introducing the novelty of kittens as it goes, but otherwise acts as a refinement of the first game more than anything else. However, a virtual pet simulator of this nature in 2011 is not as exciting as it was six years ago when the genre was less common on consoles, and disappointingly it does not do much to push the series forward.

Robocop: Rogue City is the very definition of a solid 7 out of 10 which is somewhat reminiscent of the PS2 era in the sense that there were more outliers released during a given year - the type that would be establishing a lot of the formulas that in a risk-averse mainstream market we find difficult to break away from now. It's a strange point to make as we reach a maturation point in what is likely to be a historic year for risk-averse mainstream video game releases but if it were not for a set of fairly prominent technical issues at the time of release and the writing which, while capturing the broad strokes of the Robocop appeal, isn't quite as sharp as it could've been, Robocop: Rogue City puts all of its efforts into all of the right places and does feel like an outlier because of this. It simply is some of the most fun that can be had in interactive media this year and because of the frame it finds itself in will be a dead cert for a future hit cult classic.

Does a blend of boxing workouts and Hatsune Miku work well? Oddly, it does. There's a joyful, energetic tracklist to prop up the workouts and a sweet medley of routines to try. Fitness Boxing feat. Hatsune Miku can certainly make players sweat. There is a good variation of songs to choose from, though the game could have benefited from a larger selection in line with the Project Diva series. If you're into the Vocaloid pop and crave an intense workout, this take on Fitness Boxing may well be worth a go!

Epic Mickey: Rebrushed will be a fun time for any 3D platformer and Disney fan, with all sorts of references to the past. It is a fascinating game that brings people deeper into the characters and worlds that Walt Disney created in his early days, and will be worth exploring Wasteland again for those that played the original Wii version thanks to the improvements made mechanically and visually. This is still a rather basic platformer that treads the line of tedium due to outdated fetch quests, and voice acting could have really benefitted the story scenes, but there is a great charm to this game, despite the darker tone, that will appeal to many.

The intriguing plot pushes players forward with each puzzle that is completed, and it will have you contemplating all sorts of topics long after finishing the game. More unlockable rooms with some further challenge would have been welcome, but The Turing Test passes on many fronts. Well worth a purchase - and launches at a great price, too.

It's clean, precise presentation, slick smooth gameplay and awesome level design make Tetrobot a strong contender for the puzzle game leader of Nintendo's eShop indie selection.

nintendogs + cats embraces elements of the 3DS such as StreetPass and the cameras, introducing the novelty of kittens as it goes, but otherwise acts as a refinement of the first game more than anything else. However, a virtual pet simulator of this nature in 2011 is not as exciting as it was six years ago when the genre was less common on consoles, and disappointingly it does not do much to push the series forward.

nintendogs + cats embraces elements of the 3DS such as StreetPass and the cameras, introducing the novelty of kittens as it goes, but otherwise acts as a refinement of the first game more than anything else. However, a virtual pet simulator of this nature in 2011 is not as exciting as it was six years ago when the genre was less common on consoles, and disappointingly it does not do much to push the series forward.

Overall, it's a well-rounded package that demonstrates something new, tries to bring a realistic yet fun appeal to playing music, with playing around the basic tune being the main pulling factor.

Those who'd like to try a sadistically challenging boss battler, and one that actually gets even more so after the final encounter, will have an enjoyably painful time with this, despite its many, many flaws, and the strokes that it will possibly induce. Of course, Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption is not recommended to just anyone, and certainly not for those in search for a SoulsBourne fix, as this a totally different kind of deal - and that's what makes it so good.

Mr. Shifty is an undeniably fun game, with a neat gimmick to add to the top-down action genre. It is a perfect title to make those in control feel like they are Nightcrawler, and it a great experience that can be enjoyed in short spurts. Some gameplay issues and short length keep it from being a full, must-have type of recommendation, but there is definitely still plenty of intense enjoyment to be had in this release.

Overall, ARMS is delightfully quirky, surprisingly deep and, most importantly, strikingly self-confident. Whilst its vibrant and over-the-top aesthetic might have some expecting a shallow and simplistic experience, persevering with and embracing the game's sharp initial learning curve reveals a strong-willed and very detailed gameplay core. Nintendo made the right choice in highlighting the motion controls, which is by far the best way to play.

Platform Jumper doesn't bring anything remotely new to the table, nor use the Wii's controller to the fullest, but it does provide a fun platformer for the younger crowd to get started with, and the rest of us to enjoy for a few hours.

The levels are enjoyably tough, as well as quite pretty in all their cartoony simplicity, but, when it comes to enjoying Sling Ming, it all boils down to this: who will find controlling a heroine by handling the rope she is tied to, with gravity doing the rest of the work, any fun? Simply put, the answer is 'not everyone.'

In trying to distance itself a little bit from the formula that 2D Metroidvanias have now stuck to for the past 15 years, Mirror of Fate succeeded in most areas but falls a little bit too short in others.

Dragon is Dead doesn’t exactly revolutionise the side-scrolling platformer, but between the vast skill trees, plethora of items and their effects, and different player classes, every run feels unique. Even different styles of the same character can feel like playing a completely different game, and the roguelite structure ensures players can pour countless hours into honing a playstyle they really like—or throw caution to the wind and let the RNG give them whatever it wants. A few visual bugs mar an otherwise beautiful game, and the core level design could stand to be less formulaic, but players will likely be too addicted to the gameplay loop to notice.

Stasis is a point-and-click adventure that fans of science fiction horror will want to check out, especially if Stasis: Bone Totem was enjoyed. These games can be played in any order, but Stasis’ focused setting and shorter length make it the more appealing place to start. It will shock in most places, but its twisted plot will keep everyone engaged to the end. It has been adapted well for Nintendo Switch, despite some minor issues. Just make sure to go into Stasis for the story before anything else and prepare to think about it for a while afterwards.

Beyond Good & Evil's characters and story still have something to offer in the current age, and its small world is a refreshing change to the huge, open expanses seen in every other adventure today. Although it lacks quality in a multitude of areas, including combat, stealth sections, and camera controls, Jade's adventure attempts to tell a compelling narrative that will have players eager to reach its conclusion. It seems quite clear after playing that Beyond Good & Evil was supposed to be something much more than what it is, and it remains to be seen where things go from here, but this adventure harks back to a fun era in video games and holds up just about well enough that it deserves a playthrough today - just maybe have a guide at the ready to figure a few things out.

A delicious helping of fan service and cracking character diversity and interactions between one another is the reason to own Project X Zone 2.

No pun intended, but Part Time UFO is the very definition of a pick-up-and-play effort. You know… pick up… with a claw… Ahem! Anyway, it's rewarding for short bursts and designed very well for this kind of play, with a level of polish not found in some other 'short burst' titles. It also saves some of its best surprises for the endgame.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a good time but comes off as a bland cozy anime game. It’s got heart, a likeable cast, and a world to get lost in for a while. It’s not the series’ best, nor does it outshine its contemporaries like Harvestella. It’s a game that swings big by leaning into combat, lands some hits, and stumbles on others. Azuma is a Rune Factory side game that is seemingly made for those who don't care for the farm life and want to wail on yokai with a sword.

Every technical issue is worth the hassle, because no other game offers a world as alive or as charming with as much conceptual depth. Deadly Premonition is nothing short of brilliant.

Chrono Cross was and remains a great JRPG that has its place in the pantheon of great classics. It's well worth playing especially for fans of the Chrono series who maybe had only ever experienced Chrono Trigger before. This is perhaps not quite as cohesive an experience as its predecessor was, because it plays in a way that's more experimental and not quite as refined, and its plot is a bit harder to follow. However, because of its plot ties to the great original and how it connects to it, it is essential to play for fans of the latter, and despite minor shortcomings that hold it back from being as big a classic, it's still well worth experiencing today. With that in mind, Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers Edition, as a new release of this classic, is not all that it could or should have been on any platforms, including Nintendo Switch, due to a poor level of performance that's just inexcusable, given that other PS1 games just as demanding as this one made the transition so much better, at least performance-wise.

Hell Is Us takes some welcome risks by refusing to resort to handholding in its mechanics, and is made all the more enjoyable for the trust it puts in its players. This brave design choice — alongside an exceptionally crafted and well-realised setting — more than warrants a visit for players looking for an immersive, lovingly crafted adventure through a bleak but compelling world. An enigmatic story and compellingly written characters round out the pros, but disappointingly shallow combat, a lack of enemy variety and an uneven final act ultimately let it down. Regardless, Hell Is Us is a labour of love, and the passion that’s gone into its creation shines through despite its weaknesses.

It is probably more often than not that long-time coming revivals don't stick the landing. Rather, they often feel cynical, desperate or misguided. Take Steps, for example. This absolutely is not the case with Beyond a Steel Sky. The writing and the way it weaves everything together honestly puts some of the biggest budget AAA movie titles to shame. Yes, there are some rough edges afforded by modern ascribe and default, but the fundamentals of a good story and adventure game are all present. More important is that it has a personality unique unto itself. It's clear why Revolution Software have such a loyal fanbase after all of these years.

Super Dodgeball Beats stands tall among the sheer glutton of Switch eShop games available, as a singular experience unlike any other; a fun, sports-themed, rhythm title backed by a virtuous narrative, and plenty of unlockables. A lack of online support and leaderboards will likely call time on this match before long, however.

Though both One and Three of the trilogy have been widely available for a considerable time, Columns II is likely the most unique of the trio, and now upon a western release offers not only the original in all its splendour but a fun puzzler sequel to its own merit. Enjoyable for curious puzzler newcomers and genre veterans alike, even if a little simplistic for the latter crowd.

As one of many Ken 'Masters' (very pleased with that one), the initial reaction to Samurai Shodown is a jarring one. Expecting to mow down hordes of AI controlled characters easily and instead getting beaten to pulp in a matter of seconds can be off-putting, to say the least. What quickly becomes apparent however is that gameplay treads the fine and brilliant line of 'easy to play, difficult to perfect'. Once a bit of caution is implemented, not a lot in the genre is as satisfying as a graceful dodge, parry and complete destruction. This is great for forgetting the old ways and embracing the way of the Samurai.

There’s something magnetic about Karma: The Dark World's unhinged ambition. It's a debut that dares to be weird and weighty, even if it trips over its own complexity. Karma is a flawed and very interesting gem, a game that’s as haunting as it is stupefying. Xbox Series X|S owners, beware of the atrocious stuttering. Anyone who is drawn to narrative-driven horror with a cerebral bent, it’s a journey worth taking, but don’t expect every step to feel steady.

Like past SIACTRO titles, Super Kiwi 64 does have a lot of secrets and even has a password mechanic where players can play with other skins if they find the codes hidden in the levels. It isn't a deep game and, as mentioned earlier, it is over in about an hour. However, Super Kiwi 64 is a very pleasant and cathartic experience for anyone who grew up playing Nintendo 64 or for children who are learning to play 3D games. There are not too many obstacles, most threats aren't threatening, and Kiwi's mobility and tight controls make him manageable for neophytes.

Fans of the games don't want an overhaul or drastic innovation but just an understanding that Mario Kart needs to shift forward with bolder moves rather than tentative baby steps. Nintendo need to be braver in their thinking and stop considering the franchise along straight lines.

Mortal Kombat 1 absolutely shines in its gameplay, thanks to some healthy tweaks to the formula, not least of which is the excellent Kameo system. There are flashy combos aplenty and some fresh takes on series staples, which are sadly let down by currently lacklustre online options and a less compelling single player experience, bar the riveting story mode. Still, there's so much fun to be had for players obsessed with optimising their combos and getting their fists bloody in the ring, but the amount of content falls shy of what we've been spoiled with in other modern fighters on the market — at the time of this writing, at least.

Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition is a titan of a game to get to grips with on Switch 2, in both overall complexity and controls. That scale is both a blessing and a curse. For fans of the genre it has everything expected, and the historical depth of the Sengoku period means it brings a wealth of fun for those invested in this point in history. The strategic chops it boasts are well designed and do the job expected of putting the player into the shoes of developing and expanding their land. With that depth, however, the learning curve can be overwhelming, and frankly if this was released on the original Switch it would be hard to recommend simply due to the difficulty of actually navigating the controls. While not all those complications are inherently solved by mouse controls on Switch 2, the addition of them transforms this tricky console adaptation into something that at least rivals its PC counterpart and thus becomes a much more enticing proposition.

Same old same old, but at least Just Dance 2021 remains as fun as all previous instalments. In other words, if you wanted something new in terms of modes, mechanics, or whatever, you won't find it here. This is just more Just Dance. Sure, whether you love most of the tracks that are on offer is a matter of personal taste, but the soundtrack is, for the most part, a very good bundle of tunes that will please most people.

A successful combination of many styles of play, with a healthy dollop of British humour mixed in for good effect, it's definitely one to consider for fans of exploring and Overlord.

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark is more of the same. The custom avatar was an almost meaningless addition and it plays itself extremely safe. Fortunately, those who are looking to play an atmospheric and moody horror game will find that this latest entry is just as scary as the rest. There are some choice jump moments and the ambiance keeps players in a constant state of dread and unease.

El Hijo is certainly a lovely experience. It has gorgeous visuals, as much storytelling as a player wishes to see, smart puzzles, and some of the more frustrating aspects of stealth games are given features to make it more palatable to a larger audience. Sadly, though, these features dumb down the stealthing side to an extent and take away the dynamic feeling of many others of the genre, leaving players coming for a stealth heavy game wanting more.

Ultimately, Sumico can be summarised quite simply as being decent and fun, and yet never actually evolving and certainly not for people who aren't into mathematics in any form.

Even with some unfulfilling visuals, Shiftlings: Enhanced Edition provides a very engaging and challenging puzzle experience. Whether taken on alone or with a friend, fans of puzzle games should find quite a bit to enjoy in this goofy, soda-filled occupational adventure.

Apart from adding a set of trails, Eldfjall Island doesn't try anything new, yet the design quality of the tracks is great. Add to that how stunning this volcanic island looks and sounds, and it makes this DLC an easy recommendation for fans of the main game, and not only.

Underneath the extreme simplicity of WRITHE's "shoot worms until dead" concept, lies a very good, and surprisingly addicting horde/survival/endurance-centric FPS that has a neat retro vibe, and which can make you want to play it again and again, just to improve your time by a second or two, and reach a higher place on the leaderboards. There's no denying that it could be infinitely better with a couple of additional mechanics or modes, but it would be a shame to miss out on this tiny, yet still very shiny gem from Mission Ctrl Studios.

8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume 1 is an enjoyable experience, but it feels more like an exhibit than anything else. While collection style games are always going to be a mixed bag, 8-Bit Adventure Anthology doesn't really have a weak spot so much as it has a dip with Uninvited. Fortunately, the whole package is one point-and-click fans would be downright silly to miss out on, though perhaps they'd be better off playing it somewhere else. The controls here suck a lot of the fun out of the experience, and if the games weren't as solid as they are, it would make this entire experience a lot less enjoyable.

FIFA 21 hasn't re-written the wheel but it is fun, fast attacking football and hopefully EA have big plans to shake up the franchise next year for its true next-gen console experience.

Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a bold and captivating puzzle game that stands out for its dedication to truly challenging the player. Not everything works; the story is pretentious and hard to care about, with the constant stream of puzzles to work on. It doesn’t help that the big reveal is pretty mundane, not particularly engaging, and veers toward cliché. What makes Lorelei and the Laser Eyes so cool is its distinctive audio-visual style, the open-ended nature of its puzzles, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the sheer boldness of some of its more obtuse puzzle designs that demand admiration.

Yes, this is way too expensive; yes, it's in need of a decent amount of fine-tuning here and there; and yes, after getting a taste of a mini-game you have pretty much experienced everything it has to offer. However, while 1-2-Switch is not as good as it should be for a launch title, and although it gives a bitter tech demo aftertaste, it's hard to deny how fun it can be when gathering a bunch of friends ready to go bat-switch crazy with it.

Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings is an enjoyable romp with a charming world, an interesting alchemy system, and plenty of content.

The remaster’s quality-of-life improvements, like streamlined menus and faster load times, are appreciated, but they can’t fully mask the game’s age. The story, while interesting with its mix of occult conspiracies and historical intrigue, unfolds at a sluggish pace, and the cast, outside of Raidou and Gouto, lacks depth to carry emotional weight. Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a solid effort to revive a niche gem, and its unique setting and demon-collecting hooks still shine. The repetitive and stiff combat and uneven pacing keep it from greatness, but it's still come a long way from its PlayStation 2 origins. It’s a nostalgic trip worth taking for Shin Megami Tensei fans or those curious about its lesser-known corners, but it’s not quite the rousing action game it could be.

The biggest accolade that can be given to Picross e2 is for its accessibility towards people of all ages, with it proving to be the perfect companion to pass away the small minutes of downtime everyone experiences whilst also helping keep the brain fresh.

It perhaps guides players along more than necessary, and the lack of ability to save during the half hour-long levels on the first play-through is a misstep, but LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars continues the quality established by the series, with simplistic, satisfying gameplay that anybody can pick up easily whether they are fans of The Clone Wars animated series or not.

There are many, many ways that NAMCO MUSEUM ARCHIVES Vol 1 could be better, but as a whole, fans of retro gaming will definitely love this. Apart from the greedy idea of separating 20 super-old games between two collections, the only thing really holding this back right now is its price. So, put it on your wishlist… and wait.

As it stands it's a flawed but fun title, and if you want something a bit different in the third person adventure mould then it's a decent choice.

The problem with this isn't that it is a bad game (far from it), but the fact that it failed to reach its true potential… or maybe the expectations were simply too high, because there's nothing here that anyone can point to and say that it is terrible. Sadly, there's almost nothing that's great either, apart from the role-playing element and the quality of writing. The gunplay? Ok. The exploration? Decent. The plot? Fine. The dominant feeling here is of a game that is good enough so that you won't hate it, but also not as good for it to be the flawless classic that it could definitely be - but again, that's probably those darn high expectations speaking, because flaws or no flaws, The Outer Worlds shouldn't be missing from any RPG collection.

Playing Hitman: Absolution on Switch is a great way to replay it or give it a second chance. The gyro aiming improves the playability dramatically and may get veteran naysayers to accept the game on its own terms. It's a flawed and sometimes dumb experience with situations that make no sense, but still manages to be one of the better third-person action-adventure games, and a lot of it has to do with the gritty signature Hitman ambiance, presentation, and 47's impossibly cool dialogue and wit. He's a fun character, and getting any chance to be him is worth a few instances of sloppy design.

Neon Chrome is a fun twin-stick shooter that has a rewarding upgrade feature and a good visual aesthetic. The controls feel tight, even if they do take some getting used to, and the procedural environments, enemy placements, and character selection, all ensure that each playthrough feels fresh. The visual setting from level to level could do with a bit more distinction as each level is based in the same type of office floor, but this is a minor gripe. Overall, there is a lot of game-time to be had within Neon Chrome, and those looking for a twin-stick shooter on the Nintendo Switch should certainly take note.

Like with NAMCO MUSEUM ARCHIVES Vol 1, the second volume is a mixed bag in terms of games - in this case there are fewer gems, but fewer pieces of junk as well. The main issue remains the fact that this shouldn't be a two-part collection. In other words, if interested (and you should be), keep an eye on that price, and hit that 'Purchase' button when it gets reasonably low.

Alien Chaos 3D is a worthy addition to the Nintendo 3DS eShop roster. It's a retro-inspired adventure, high on action and pulls at the nostalgia strings. Worth considering at the price, but leaves little replay value unless you are keen on investing time in getting those high scores.

If more Batman is desired, and the new game releasing next year can't be waited for, this is an acceptable purchase.

This collection is well presented and will please anyone who was dying to replay or experience the series for the first time. Megaman Battle Network Collection 1&2 are excellent packages with ample extras to keep players invested and just enough gameplay tweaking to smooth out any issues in these older titles. It's definitely not for everyone but as a Megaman fan, it is greatly recommended for its unique gameplay and style.

For the price, this is one flight you might want to take, but best strap yourself in for what is an initially rough ride.

Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV shakes up the Mario Party formula with additional mini-games, enjoyable camera support and the return of team play. The good is undermined, however, by splitting the game between the untouched original release and the improved Jamboree TV portion. It is a shame as Jamboree TV could be the definitive release with better considered UX. As a result of this, it comes down to whether you feel the additional mini-games and modes are worth the upgrade price or if the feature-packed original release will suffice.

EA Sports FC 26 makes some big changes to its systems, modes and gameplay. The most obvious of these are quite effective, and even those that aren’t seen are surely felt. The fresh additions to Career Mode are a step in the right direction, while the on-field adjustments and introduction of Authentic and Competitive modes serves to freshen things up just enough for another year. Long-time players will likely still have some recurring gripes, but the best compliment that can be paid to FC 26 is that it’s fun. If this was developer EA Sports’ sole aim, then mission accomplished.

Telltale's version of Guardians of the Galaxy may not have made the best first impression upon debut, but towards the end of the season the story had finally managed to get going in a positive way. While it may have been too little too late, the ramifications it has for a potential season two should be reason enough to get into this season. The decision-making was extremely one-sided and lacked any sense of moral urgency and quandaries. While it still suffers from the same clunky control scheme, the character development between each of the Guardians is a fascinating rollercoaster to experience. In addition, battling Thanos was a terrific way to open up the series. Moreover, the soundtrack greatly helps in setting the tone and furthering the adventure with its catchy tunes.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a raving success when it comes to producing a sequel worthy of the franchise's original trilogy. Any fan should have no hesitations in picking this up. The content on offer is huge, with tons to collect and aim for in every stage, costumes to unlock, different characters to play as, fresh gameplay that compliments the familiar, and bundles of humour and charm. This is not an easy game, however. Getting to the end is one thing, but be prepared for one of the toughest tasks in modern games if attempting to 100% every level. Despite the performance cutbacks on Switch, it runs and looks well enough, but if portable play doesn't matter to you, it might be wiser to opt for one of the other versions.

The game perhaps could have done with more tower defence elements to extend the idea further, but as a standalone package it's a compelling little gem that does well in framing the GamePad's benefits and is worth a try.

Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen has its rough spots, but it dreamed big. It has much better action in it than most others of its kind, and it won't push players into becoming a murder-hobo. This is Hideaki Itsuno's big Dungeons & Dragon's campaign, and he is the DM. Gransys is a sizeable world with a lot to see and do, and that can now be on the go.

For an unknown studio they come out swinging pretty good with Dreamscaper, the core game is fairly engaging and interesting, but the core loop has some serious progression issues, as well as bad difficulty balance. Trying new moves and weapons is the highlight of the experience, but the very slow lack of progress and difficulty walls hold this back from being truly great.

Stasis: Bone Totem's challenging puzzles may cause a headache and bring progression to a halt on more than one occasion, so it is best to be prepared for critical thinking and a little trial and error. The excellently written characters and superb voice acting really drive the desire to progress, and the sci-fi horror plot is backed up by immaculate prerendered backgrounds that sadly take a dip in quality on Switch, especially on the puzzle screens. Although not without its faults and the odd bug here and there, this point-and-click adventure has still transitioned greatly to console, and the effort to bring such a title to Switch is hugely appreciated.

Clever writing, daring choices to keep the franchise fresh, and more time-tested comedy make it easy to see how Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth3: V Generation could easily be the peak of the franchise. However, repetitive dungeons and random game crashes harm this port so much that it's hard to recommend to everyone. For fans of the franchise, this is a must-buy, but make sure to save frequently, or else you might have to repeat hours of gameplay due to an unfortunate crash.

The Ancient Gods - Part Two is very good… or, more precisely, just very good. Compared to the near flawless core game, and the slightly rough around the edges, but still great Part One, this feels kind of rushed, with the new additions once again following the tired formula of gimmicky enemies. As for the story, and most importantly, the presentation, it's a blatant mess. A disappointing one at that, as this isn't just a simple expansion, but the culmination of what was basically the resurrection of the venerable franchise that 2016's DOOM initiated.

Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion is a very competent platform adventure, yet sadly falls short of the excellence many would have expected from the otherwise superb DreamRift. That is not to say it comes without any merit, since the -- admittedly shorter than expected -- adventure is filled with smart platform antics, lovely colourful retro visuals and a delightful soundtrack.

Around the World in 80 Days is a great example of how to translate a PC original to a smaller format.

Ultimately DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power does exactly what it has set out to do, which is to create a fun, enjoyable experience for younger players. What is really surprising, however, is that adult players can also find so much enjoyment. All the basics are there, and are done to a good enough standard that if a DC fan, there are enough little nods and references to hold interest. If your children are just getting accustomed to the comic book/gaming genre, and as a parent struggle to find a suitable entrance point, this is the perfect start.

Definitely one of the better entries in the Pretty Girls "franchise." Simple but fun, lewd yet safe, Pretty Girls Mahjong Solitaire is a good choice for those who want some anime sexiness and/or cuteness along with their casual-friendly fun - and as always, the Switch is the best platform to experience this on, due to its hybrid nature.

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 sheer variety of playable units combined with a lightweight, paper-rock-scissors-esque strategy component allows for simple fun without the intense learning-curve of a more sophisticated strategy title.

Bugs 'N' Balls is yet another fantastic release from the ever consistent EnjoyUp! and yet another product from Spanish developers, this time CoderChild, that proves to be extremely addictive, despite being a very simple concept. Unfortunately there are a couple of elements holding this back, but overall it is a very pleasing effort for its extremely cheap price-tag.

Those expecting an experience like other 3D Tales games, such as Symphonia, are going to be disappointed. Dawn of a New World simply takes what Tales of Symphonia had and waters it down for the most part, meaning it shouldn't be recommended over the GameCube title for those new to the series.

Grid Legends achieves a great deal at nailing down the fundamentals of a modern racer, but not much else. While the roster of cars is fine, the upgrade system and process of obtaining new vehicles leaves something to be desired. Codemasters provides handling of most vehicles on the track and stable performance and visuals on PC to make up for the awkward feeling story mode and lacklustre AI in offline modes. In the end, Grid Legends doesn't quite match up to the competition but may be worth a look as a more straightforward title.

Dragon Ruins II neatly builds on the first game’s foundation, delivering a more varied, engaging, and refined dungeon-crawling experience. For fans of simple but addictive RPG loops, it’s one of Kemco’s stronger efforts in recent years — a sequel that respects its roots while confidently raising the bar for possible sequels.

This feels like a true sequel to 2013's LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, and that is both a positive and a negative. Just like its predecessor, it is stuffed to bursting with fan-service and it delivers the signature fun LEGO gameplay elements that have always been core to these titles. However, it feels like a game out of time, something that should have come out in 2014. It fails to integrate the many innovations and changes to gameplay that subsequent Tt LEGO releases have created. If this had included the same type of open world as LEGO Marvel Avengers and the combat of the recent LEGO Ninjago the Movie, it could have been the best LEGO iteration to date. Instead, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2's just on par with what has come before. Not that that is a particularly bad thing, it is just that it could be so much more.

Minor issues aside, this is a great pick-up-and-play title for fans of shooters and even fast-paced action games in general.

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.