A solid concept at its core already made sure that ZombiU was an attractive and interesting prospect even before it launched. What was delivered turned out to be a most attractive and addictive experience like none other in the current generation of games, especially as the Survival Horror genre having pretty much died over the last decade.

Upscaled graphics, quality of life gameplay improvements, and finally being able to enjoy the beautiful soundtrack in HD, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster scratches the itch so many fans have felt since the last 3DS title. The additional minigames may not add much to the story or gameplay, but come as a little extra to a remaster that deserves the hype.

It's a shame that original DS and DS Lite owners have no way of trying out Flipnote Studio, as what is on offer here exceeds any other DS game in terms of potential and creational ability.

For the new generation who never even held a Game Boy (or picked it up in Virtual Console), this is a chance to experience this gaming masterpiece in its best form to date.

Fans of puzzle games should not pass up this opportunity to get their fix of it, especially the more creative of them who won't resist the appeal of the Pullblox Studio, allowing them to create their own headaches.

Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a masterful return to one of horror’s most enduring tales, revitalising its atmosphere and emotional weight without losing sight of what made it special. It stands as a reminder that true fear comes not from spectacle, but from the quiet moments where imagination fills the gaps, and in that regard, this new interpretation succeeds with chilling confidence.

The wait was worth it for this puzzle mashup, as Puyo Puyo Tetris embodies everything great about its namesakes, and compliments the host hardware perfectly. Concerns arise about the lack of Japanese voice work as an option, but as an overall package of content and pure replayability there are few better crossovers than this one.

With the same level of cleverness as its predecessor, Toki Tori 2, or rather its inceptors at Two Tribes, smashed another hit on a Nintendo console. It's absolutely beautiful, sounds great, and gives great value for money.

Much like the game itself, Two Point Museum stands as the culmination of years of perfecting systems from the initial entry in the Two Point universe. With an excellent progression system and a great tutorial from the outset, anybody can pick this up and run with it to create the museum of their dreams.

Alien After All and Neko Entertainment have teamed up to craft a splendid action puzzle effort that successfully marries the best elements of other much-loved games, whilst mixing in numerous interesting quirks of its own to help give DodoGo! a unique identity that should appeal to all DSi owners.

Rough horse and camera behaviour, combined with a mostly empty Hyrule Field, aren't enough to bog down what's otherwise one of the best titles in the Zelda series - and arguably in gaming history.

Over 25 years of history is crammed into Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, and it is a marked improvement over the first game.

An absolute classic, in all meanings of the word; Lumo tugs at the nostalgia heartstrings, and proves to not only look and feel as good as the '80s and '90s Commodore 64 and Spectrum golden oldies, but plays far better than the majority actually would if dusting off the old systems nowadays. Highly inventive, with secrets galore packed in, plus dastardly puzzles that provide a fantastic challenge - it is the sort of title that just keeps on giving and giving, and it is hoped that more Lumo is on the way in the near future.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD proves how timeless Nintendo titles are. Enhanced, revised and revisited, the game is certainly one to explore again or for the first time on Nintendo Wii U.

EDGE is a great example of value for money. With over a hundred levels to conquer, plus a familiar ranking system, there is plenty to do to keep players busy.

AI: The Somnium Files is a masterfully crafted narrative that makes the most out of the adventure genre. Choices that matter, and result in shocking outcomes, and the unpredictable story has a fleshed-out cast of characters. While the Switch version does have some technical short comings that can be overlooked, anyone looking for a genre-bending mystery will be sucked in to Kotaro Uchikoshi's latest and greatest opus.

After playing Bleed, it would be very easy to be worried for the sequel not living up to expectations. While the sequel is very different from the original, it is not by any means a bad thing. At the core, Bleed 2 is still in the same spirit as the first entry, but just a bit more grown up and comfortable. Wryn is still the same cool chick she always was, ready to kick some you-know-what as before, except this time for less selfish reasons. The action anti-heroine has become a real heroine, and the bosses have got more creative and include more variety. However, this has comes at the expense of having less platforming segments, a worthwhile pay-off in the end as the most memorable parts of the first game weren't the platforming sections, but the radical boss fights, and Bleed 2 will not offer anything that disappoints on that front.

Wasteland 3 is an absolute blast. The well balanced, if unforgiving, difficulty feels pitch perfect for the story and world. It is funny, harrowing and at times even verging on dark, telling a compelling tail of surviving in this terrifying world. Not only is the narrative great but the strategic combat centric gameplay is absolutely stunning. It is impossible not to recommend this title; it is one of a kind.

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is an amazing triumph of fantasy world design. It successfully pairs fast action gameplay with slower methodical planning and preparation moments, as well as having an incredibly fun main storyline with plentiful side quests. At this point the game has been out for a long time, but it is highly recommended that it is on anyone's lists especially if they missed the boat on the original release. In a word, fantastic.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is simply a marvel to play through, with Frontier taking the high quality of the original outing and building upon that strong foundation considerably.

Between 2033 and Last Light, Metro Redux is a must buy for fans of the genre, fans of the medium, and fans of good stories. Metro's script is at times bone chilling, using atmosphere masterfully and showcasing a post-apocalyptic world with a true sense of community. Metro 2033 is the stronger of the two, making better use of both the setting and resource management, but Last Light nonetheless stands out as an incredibly well designed FPS, never lacking in the spirit that made its predecessor so compelling. Played back to back, Metro Redux tells a compelling, chilling story that'll stick with you long after the credits roll.

As far as remakes go, Bloober Team's Silent Hill 2 is the absolute best case scenario. It's faithful where it counts, yet introduces plenty of new tricks and ideas that justify itself. The expanded content, replay value, and additional endings make it the ultimate way to reexperience a classic story. The visuals are stunning, and perhaps even a bit too ambitious, as the Xbox Series X|S version had to make a few minor compromises to hit its performance goals. The classic Silent Hill 2 is one of the best survival horror games of its time, and this remake carries on its legacy and serves as a worthy alternative for anyone who can't play the original.

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is an absolute joy to behold, from its cute visual styling and delicious soundtrack and audio utterances from the main characters, to the expertly crafted self-contained stages, jam-packed with smart puzzles to solve and a plethora of goodies to uncover. This was one of those Wii U gems that thoroughly deserved another shot at the limelight, and with its excellent new additions now, it is indeed time to shine bright.

The level of detail means that Garden Life: A Cozy Simulator is an idealised portrayal of having a successful green thumb. The customisation for building style and colour may be limited, but since the focus is on planting and flower care rather than architecture, dozens of options aren't needed. There are styles of tools to suit all tastes, with a mode for those who don't care for the story and want to focus on only the gardening. Let's hope a sequel is in the works with bigger gardens and new features.

ZeroRanger is, by all accounts, just plain incredible. Even someone who has played hundreds of shmups might not be adequately prepared for this one. It really does have an identity all its own, and that's an exceedingly rare feat. There are so many fresh ideas here, and they are all cleverly implemented. Nothing ever feels out of place. This creativity also doesn't come at the expense of the game itself. There is enough depth to satisfy players of all skill levels. All in all, this is something quite new and amazing, so be sure to check it out.

Zettai Hero Project is one of the best JRPGs you are likely to play if given the chance. Its unassuming nature belies an incredible plot of growth the player actually feels, unlike nearly every other RPG. Makai Kingdom is simply a bonus for how good ZHP is. While NIS missed a little of the mark with zero actual updates, upgrades, or anything similar, this itself still stands largely on its own as one of the best games one can ever play.

The incredible story twists in Asdivine Kamura have a 'wow' factor; whenever they occur both more mystery is added to the plot and to some extent everything makes more sense. They keep coming even after the final fight, proving that the story is not over until the credits roll. There are multiple endings to unlock which extends the replayability, and whether an ending is truly happy or sad is dependent on individual interpretation. It is a solid entry in both the Asdivine series and KEMCO's game library.

AlphaBounce is by far one of the most extensive, in-depth puzzle experiences on the DSiWare service and is most definitely an essential purchase.

Runner 2 is as good as platforming gets, and the entire product is an excellent value proposition. Moreover, it is FUN with a capital F. That's the highest compliment we can give the game.

A stunning masterpiece of a platform game, with so many different styles that are well loved from over the years, all tightly pieced together and expertly delivered by a developer with a clear strong talent in this genre.

The amount of customisation that players can use to create the best team that suits their playstyle combined with a captivating story, highly detailed environments, and lovable characters make Ruinverse undoubtedly one of KEMCO's finest RPGs. The main story will take around twenty hours to complete, with dozens more hours needed to complete all the side quests, which are optional, but reveal more about the characters, and provide more valuable items. The multiple endings make completing such side-quests more important if the best ending is to be achieved, although what constitutes such an ending will be down to player perspective. Skilfully written, with an even balance of humour and gravitas, Ruinverse belongs in every RPG fan's collection.

Bundling together three tables based on three great games, all complete with great soundtracks and visuals properly licensed from their creators without funky alterations or replacements, the Bethesda Pinball pack is perhaps the best licensed package available in Pinball FX3 to this day, not just for the content represented, but also because of the great gameplay mechanics and systems being used here to enhance the pinball experience in unique, original ways.

This is the type of title that the console has needed since launch, and should be in any player who loves fighters or all-out action's collection. It's easy to pick up but hard to master, and it's all rounded off with beautiful presentation and a stylish flair.

Shin-chan: Shiro and the Coal Town takes what made the previous Shin-chan game good and adds a twist of intrigue that is much stronger than the latter's plot. There is a lot of fun to be had in Shin-chan's new adventure in Coal Town and a good relaxing holiday story to boot. The dedication to matching the visual and writing style of the Shin-chan universe makes this a joy to experience and a fantastic pickup for those who pine for summer during the cold seasons! It's a satisfying little adventure story with a ton of very odd humour and a really unique design.

There are not really enough good things to say about Psychonauts and most of them have already been said at this point. It's still an amazing platformer that married gameplay and storytelling better than any other title like it. It's a fantastic adventure that everyone should at some point play. With Psychonauts 2 on the distant horizon, though, there's never been a better time to get reacquainted with Tim Schafer's old masterpiece.

Finally, being able to play Persona 5 Royal on the go is truly a dream come true. There are some downgrades due to the limitations of the Nintendo Switch, but the balance between downgrades and retaining enjoyability has been perfected. It is, at last, time to steal some hearts while out and about.

It looks and sounds wonderful, it feels great when you play it, it's tons of fun and full of surprises.

New Art Academy: Learn New Painting Techniques and Share Your Art builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessors to offer an extremely well-rounded experience that is suitable for budding artists keen to make a fresh start, and experts looking to hone their talents further.

Square Enix and development team TOSE have delivered yet another superb entry into the series that may not challenge Pokémon in terms of worldwide sales, but certainly does match it in many ways in the quality stakes.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2: Wii U Edition proves that when something isn't broke then there's no need to fix it -- just add a ton of worthwhile and engaging content on top. Persistent loading times may mar the experience for some, but for fighting game fans with a shiny new console to equip, this will be gaming nirvana.

Ever Oasis is a masterfully crafted piece of gaming software that manages to introduce a lot of original town management elements into an action RPG without feeling overwhelming or too hard to understand even for younger audiences, all while offering a solid experience gameplay-wise, as well as visually and audibly.

Hitman 3 succeeds in every respect by being a fantastic ending to an already great series. It's also a joy to see that IO Interactive ensured players would be able to slip right back into the shoes of a veteran killer,but didn't rest on their laurels by not offering anything new. Although the touches of permanent shortcuts and new gadgets may seem small, once implemented it's hard to imagine playing without them as they integrate seamlessly into mission stories. Add to that the same freedom to approach a hit that the series is famous for, as well as ensuring every playground looks absolutely stunning and its clear that even without good friends, Agent 47 really does find the perfect blend.

It's a bright, bustling multiplayer fest that deserves a place in any Wii U library.

A fantastic and bombastic return to the galaxy far, far away, LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga is a massively exciting game. It's by far one of the best LEGO games ever, returning the series to the heights of the early 2000's but propelling the series' technology and gameplay variety through the roof. Players will find a lot to love, whether a Star Wars fan or not, especially when enjoying the game with a partner or friend. This game is a must-buy title on any platform it supports and a killer app on Series X. True next gen fun, highly recommended!

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is by far the most comprehensive of the four entries into the action puzzle series. Nintendo has gone the extra mile to pack in as many new elements as possible, whilst bulking up and tweaking the existing aspects to near perfect levels.

The main story encourages players to go through stages several times in order to discover all the secrets and collect every possible extra, but on top of that there is the mini-Smash Bros. - aka Kirby Fighters - included for some exhilarating battle fun, as well as the reaction-based musical treat of Dedede's Drum Dash.

Fusing together the fundamental elements of both titles for Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney works seamlessly and the combination of characters working as partners in each other's usual settings is truly joyous to behold.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is very reminiscent of Lemmings, as the goal is to guide Mario and friends through levels by manipulating objects around them, instead of directly controlling them. Creating inventive ways to avoid hazards and collect coins make each level a challenging, but endearing, experience.

Ultimately, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE delivers an encore worthy performance.

This game does, indeed, require mastery and skill to even be completed, and this might take a lot of training before this can be achieved.

Nintendo has taken what were two already extremely impressive DSiWare download collections and pieced them together perfectly, with the help of Headstrong Games, into one absolutely stunning package.

Masterful storytelling, building on the successful elements from the first game and amplifying the diversity available in gene mechanics all help make Monster Hunter Stories 2 a top-class RPG for Nintendo Switch. Aside from the poogies' absence and minor issues, there is no doubt that both returning and new fans will dive into monster hunting being impressed by the attention to detail in game design and execution that makes it accessible and highly enjoyable. It is a must buy game, and it can only be hoped that one day there will be another released to make it a trilogy.

New Super Mario Bros. U succeeds in delivering classic 2D Mario gameplay in a more visually appealing and complete package than ever before and is simply a blast to play both alone or with friends.

Does Mario Kart World bring something new to the series? A resounding yes. A reinvigorated setup with connected tracks within a bustling, vibrant, next-generation Super Mario Bros world. Mario Kart World is vibrant, playful, and truly feels alive. A compelling solo mode, knockout competition, and strong online play make it an essential Nintendo Switch 2 title.

At first glance, Azur Lane: Crosswave may look like a fan service-filled experience, and while there is a bit of truth to that in both character design and some conversations in the story, it is also a title filled with intrigue, rivalry, and cooperation. The depth of the story and character growth coupled with the easy to pick up, hard-to-master gameplay make it perfect for the portability of the Nintendo Switch. Post-game content is just as important as the main story, whereafter dozens of hours can be put into creating a dream team whose power is unstoppable against the Sirens.

Vampire Crawlers oozes charm both in its visual presentation and gameplay loop. It truly hits that ‘one more round’ feeling and knocks it out of the park. Whether the game will shape a new genre quite the way its spin-off predecessor did is probably unlikely. However, when it comes to card battling games – and that’s a very competitive field these days – Crawlers has already launched itself right into being one of the most impressive ones on the market. Playing it on the go with the Switch 2 is a bonus as it is the perfect match for taking a quick 15-minute break from work, or as a time sink on a plane or bus journey. Priced at a tenner, the guys at Poncle have also taken on board the benefits of a competitive price point at attracting both fans and casual gamers alike.

Soma's legacy lies in its bold exploration of consciousness and identity, its refined survival horror mechanics, and its lasting emotional and philosophical impact on players. It solidified the influence of Frictional Games in the indie horror space, which inspired community engagement, and set a high bar for narrative-driven titles. The Switch port is an excellent way to play it for the first time, or for fans who need an excuse to revisit it. Despite it technically having no replay value and thin gameplay, it's a compelling experience to return to for its engrossing and deep story. Its setting is dense with so much detail that even after replaying it multiple times, there are still ingeniously placed pieces of foreshadowing and clues hidden in plain sight. Soma on Nintendo Switch is a solid port, if a bit bare bones. There was a missed opportunity to include some exclusive features like gyro controls, but even without them, this is still one of the most haunting experiences of all time.

A near perfect conversion of a fan favourite entry in the long-running Street Fighter franchise.

It's hard to find anything wrong with SteamWorld Dig 2 or to even suggest anywhere it could do better. This is an absolute masterclass in game design that is absurdly fun and addictive. It constantly keeps players on their toes by regularly introducing new mechanics that totally change up the experience.

The Last Story definitely deserves to follow in the footsteps of Xenoblade Chronicles, appealing to RPG fans everywhere, tapping into what makes the classics, such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy so addictive, namely a strong focus on story with good pacing and a fluid battle mechanic that works almost flawlessly throughout the adventure.

Filled with a blend of quirkiness and near-constant humour, Mado Monogatari: Fia and the Wondrous Academy is a breath of fresh air compared to the myriad of doom-and-gloom-themed RPGs on PS5. The minimal issues teamed with a jaunty soundtrack compliment the entertaining personalities whose journey is a pleasure to follow. The future of Mado Monogatari games looks extremely promising with unpredictable story twists and fun battle mechanics.

With the build-up of two prior games to firmly provide a foundation, some truly dark and disturbing moments, emotional highs, strong character connections, and overall glimmer of hope, there is no doubt as to what the final score could be for Muv-Luv Alternative. To consider it anything less than wonderful is to short-sell it due to its powerful moments and well-written plot.

With it's clever web-based hosting that allows anyone with a smart device to join in, as well as it's hugely entertaining selection of games, The Jackbox Party Pack 3 on Nintendo Switch makes for a splendid, instant-party game tool for family and friend gatherings. There's something in this pack for everyone to enjoy and enough content to encourage repeat play.

For its modest price, Easy Delivery Co. uhh... delivers on its promise and then some. It's a fine blend of relaxing and eerie mystique that drives the intrigue forward while having a simplistic yet addictive loop. The handling and driving mechanics, combined with the object physics, add a nice layer of depth. After all, it’s cool as hell and satisfying to drift with a stack of boxes in the trunk. There really isn't a single aspect to point to that doesn't work. It's the perfect kind of game to wind down to after work on a rainy night.

Visually stunning and difficult in all the right ways, Cuphead is a testament to the importance of thought out game design. Every facet of the run and gun parts is built around giving the audience an experience unique to the videogame medium. Although this borrows quite heavily from a very specific era of animation history, its aesthetic goes beyond homage, coupling masterfully with gameplay that encourages mastery on every level. With some of the best designed boss fights this generation, a beautifully rich animation style, and impeccably fine-tuned controls, Cuphead stands out as not only one of the best indie titles on the Nintendo Switch, but one of strongest releases this generation, period.

It's a bold claim, but Final Fantasy IX is the best PS1 era Final Fantasy, and easily one of the best the series has ever produced. With it being on PS4 and PC, even if you don't want to visit a garage sale or local game shop to grab a PS1, you can now play one of the best RPGs ever created. While it manages to only just fall short of greatness, it does so with a level of grace so memorizing, it's hard to believe sometimes. If you still aren't convinced, just play to the final cutscene. That should convince you just fine.

With Nintendo having little experience with DLC, there was always a question as to if the developer could do it right, and it seems unquestionable that the team knocked this one out of the park, adding some new content, giving a completely new game mode, and also including cosmetic little bonuses for series fans out there. The next DLC has only been hinted at so far, but it has been shown to be based around the fan-favourite four champions, and if it's even half as good as this then fans are in for a treat.

Dispatch is an absolute whale of a time. The superhero workplace shenanigans are compelling, funny, beautifully written and brought to life by exceptional performances and some of the finest writing the medium can offer. The branching narrative and impactful choices are always felt, even if some of the outcomes are a little predictable or slightly too black and white. Still, this is a narrative adventure that Telltale fans will not want to miss — in fact, Dispatch establishes itself at the pinnacle of the genre.

Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom is not on the budget side of the indie spectrum, but what Game Atelier and FDG Entertainment have released is far from a cheap experience. The beautifully hand drawn art style, rocking soundtrack, rewarding boss battles, excellent progression system, and thrilling adventure, offers the very best of what makes a great action-adventure platformer, and turns it into a must own for anyone interested in the genre.

Crusader Kings III is a massive step up in all regards featuring many QoL changes and improvements. While some features, such as the character designer, are sorely missed, the major improvements, refinements, and the like, ensure that fans of the series will almost certainly enjoy the new title. While it is more welcoming to newcomers than prior entries, it may still be too dense for those not interested in the heavy political focus of the franchise.

An absolutely resounding success that follows on superbly from the amazing Bowser's Inside Story.

The pulse-pounding, toe-tapping remixes of fan-favourite themes from across the franchise's history, combined with a host of Easter Eggs, make this a joy for long time Zelda fans. This coupled with the solid, innovative mechanics, create an absolute must-buy for anyone with a Switch. Even though there is just four-five hours of playtime to 100% clear the game, there are leaderboards for steps and time to aim towards, multiplayer, and replays with the other characters.

With a very small amount of reductions made for performance, Roller Coaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition on the Nintendo Switch is a triumph of port work. The developers should be proud to have pulled off what seems like an almost impossible feat. To have this fully featured and much-loved title on a portable console will have revolutionised many people's spare time. A fantastic game and one that nobody should hesitate to pick up!

It may be short, but it means that all the fat has been trimmed to produce an unmatched experience that can (and should) be enjoyed by every 3DS owner.

With WiiWare definitely winding down now, it can only be hoped that people do not forget about the service completely since Vampire Crystals goes to show there are definitely some brilliant classics on the Wii download service that deserve people's attention.

Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom - Prince’s Edition is a marvellous JRPG achievement, boasting a gorgeous Ghibli-fied visual style, compelling story and engaging real-time combat. The transition from turn-based battles to a real-time action-RPG is a welcome one that pays off marvellously, culminating in a unique sense of style that’s as enjoyable as it is refreshing. For Switch 2 players, the excellent performance is another great reason to pick this one up, with a steady 60 frames per second serving to make this charming adventure all the more engrossing.

The brilliance of Warren Spector’s dream project lies in how, despite its many issues, it works better than most modern titles that do everything “right.” Two decades later and people still reinstall it “just to check something,” only to once again experience a great level of gameplay freedom, plus some neat conspiratorial and deeply philosophical storytelling, and an immersive and prescient vision of our own - not so distant - future. Other games may look prettier and play smoother, but few dare to trust the one in control as much as this one did. In a nutshell, what is Deus Ex? It’s the only game where you can save humanity, betray your employers, merge with an AI god, and still get stuck on a ladder.

Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is arguably the game Capcom should have always released. While the original was a powerhouse in every sense of the word, its pristine quality simply meant any imperfections were all the more noticeable. Vergil's return rounds out an already tight cast of characters playable with some of the most in-depth combat in the franchise. Turbo mode picks up the pace to challenge a player's physical and mental reflexes on every level. Legendary Dark Knight pushes the power of the PlayStation 5 by rendering large swarms of enemies on-screen, all for the player to kill. Devil May Cry 5 was already one of Capcom's best titles in years, and this Special Edition only elevates it.

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.

Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy is a masterpiece, that will not only be adored by fans of the RPG series, but anyone who loves music, full stop. A stunning music-based game that any Nintendo 3DS owner should not be without.

Combining the tried-and-true formula of Mega Man X with a modern aesthetic and a fun, unique combat style was a sure-fire hit from the start, but it's safe to say that Inafune could easily have another major success on his hands.

Konami might be reviving Contra in its own way, but it is unlikely it will scratch the same itch that fans have been grasping for all these years. From the wild rail gun shooting sequence, to the frantic battle with a huge cycloptic Terminator knock-off, Blazing Chrome is worthy to be held in the same league of the action games that inspired it. This is easily one of the greatest 2D action games on the Nintendo Switch, and it is made all the better thanks to its accessible two-player co-op mode. It is fun with friends and enemies. It may not burn for long, but Blazing Chrome burns extremely bright.

Releasing it after the more advanced Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies may not have been the wisest of moves, as fans of the latest entry in the series might not stand for the more retro look of Dragon Quest VI. However, those ready to look past that are certain to find a compelling and well-developed story by the series' standards, and lots of fun moments, all packed into one of the best RPG experiences to grace the now aging Nintendo DS.

With its boost‑and‑drift mechanics and chaotic action, the concept may take some time to fully click. Once it does, Kirby Air Riders becomes an exhilarating, stylish racer with plenty of depth. Road Trip brings real longevity, the returning modes are better than ever, and the wealth of unlockables keeps the momentum high. It’s a colourful, technically impressive showcase and a passionate revival of a cult favourite. Kirby Air Riders is a Nintendo Switch 2 essential, built with passion and unbound fun at its core.

From the great use of the source material, to the excellent visual and audio rendition of the universe of the The Walking Dead: Season One in a pinball machine, The Walking Dead Pinball is a lot of fun, and not just for pinball aficionados; it should also usher in fans of The Walking Dead, whether it be the TV series, the comic or Telltale Games' own take on the franchise.

In short, God Eater 3 more than proves itself to be the best entry in the series. The new and revised abilities give combat an extra layer of depth. Marvelous did a fantastic job ensuring that each weapon-type, new or otherwise, is exceptionally balanced and entertaining to wield. Ash Aragami lend an interesting dimension to each encounter. Players essentially have to learn two move-sets, and one of them is capable of wiping out their entire squad in seconds. Numerous quality-of-life features round out this masterful game.

The handheld debut of Super Smash Bros. is a successful one that stands proud alongside its predecessors on home consoles and is a must-have for Nintendo 3DS owners, with combat that feels more refined than Super Smash Bros. Brawl and can be enjoyed by casual and dedicated players alike.

While not a narrative that would be found in a larger-scale RPG, the story is engaging enough to make keeping track of all the various factions and personalities not only worthwhile, but entertaining.

Horizon Chase Turbo is chocked full of cars and tracks, and numerous variations on all of the above. Not only does the Brazilian developer Aquiris bring quantity, but it also brings impeccable quality. This high-level slew of content, finesse and masterful, fast-paced racing, perfectly captures the true essence of any racing title. Anyone looking for a racer on the Nintendo Switch, should automatically consider this without any hesitation.

Super Bomberman Collection is the most complete and confident celebration of Bomberman’s early years to date. It blends preservation with modern polish, offers a wealth of content across seven games, and captures the joyful chaos that made the series iconic. Minor technical quirks and limited online features hold it back slightly, but they do little to diminish the overall achievement. This is Bomberman at its most generous, its most accessible, and its most enduring.

Available on pretty much all of the virtual reality headsets, there is not really any excuse not to pick up this addictive and exhilarating rhythm game. Polished now to a truly premium product, it stands proud alongside other competitors in the genre, and is a compelling opportunity to lift up that headset and go for a dance. The shipped tracks combine a diverse and perfectly curated blend of synth and electronic music (with a bit of rock thrown in there) from the likes of Parov Stelar and Jamie Berry. A game for fitness, a game for fun, Synth Riders is worth picking up for any VR owner.

Resident Evil Village feels like such a culmination. Bringing together elements from the franchise all the way up to now and crafting what looks to be the next step of survival horror, it embraces every aspect of the franchise. While the insidious dread of Resident Evil VII is missing, there are still plenty of scares. The monster designs are fantastic, from the generations undead, the fury of the Lupine beasts, to the towering monstrosities. It's well worth delving into the concept art and 3D models to enjoy them fully. The story is just the right amount of silly with the terrifying, and the odd dash of the surreal. The combat is smooth and fluid, best evidenced in the addictive Mercenaries mode. All of these elements added together make quite possibly the best Resident Evil to date, and a foundation for a fresh new generation of terror.

This line of 3D Classics has been a great tribute to retro gaming, so far serving up 3D enhanced versions of some of the finest titles in SEGA's large catalogue of wonderful games, and, naturally, gives new fans a try at discovering them for the first time.

Metroid: Other M is certainly a different take on one of Nintendo's prestigious franchises, but it works well to the point of being one of the most immersive and story-heavy Metroid games to date.

Trine 2's tailor-made adventure will delight platform and puzzle fans alike, and the game becomes a surprisingly viable option for multiplayer bashes, too. Not the longest of games, but a beautiful ride while it lasts.

Not only is it enjoyable and fully featured both at 1080p60 in docked mode and 720p60 in handheld mode, but it is obviously way more enjoyable on the go than the version available for smart devices due to real built-in controls but also, for the first time, portable two-player mode on the same device with split Joy-Con, which happens to work really well. It is still as challenging a romp as it ever was, but for anyone remotely interested by the genre, it will prove indispensable.

Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack contains the high points of Inti Creates' oeuvre. The sequel included is easily the headliner of the two, bursting with content and generally being the much better designed title. The action is really addictive with playability being very tight and responsive. It's hard to let go of the game because it feels so good to play it. To find any big flaws in these would entail mostly petty nitpicks as they stand to be exemplary entries in the run and gun genre. Them being on Nintendo Switch only means that the action does not have to stay at home.

Puzzle fans should not be without this latest masterpiece.