Though Pragmata is clearly a game that is going to polarise certain players, it is hard to deny the success it is in execution. The compelling story, well rounded characters and curious combat system make this a thoroughly enjoyable and unique sci-fi game. Pragmata can hold its head high with Capcom’s other banger titles. The studio has once again pulled it out the hat, keeping up a recent momentum and signature quality titles.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is by far the most fleshed out Call of Duty game to date; with a whole load of content included and some lovely exclusive features, it's clear that Treyarch is committed to making the series successful on Wii U.

Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology is one of the finest games on the 3DS, one of the finest RPGs in its genre, and one of the finest remakes of all time. The lack of modification done to the sprites will surely sour some, but it's arguably for the best, as it preserves the aesthetic identity of an already great looking adventure. The amazing combat system is thankfully left untouched, the new scenario offers more than its weight in gameplay, and the optional nature of most of the new content means anyone uninterested in the changes can simply find comfort in an amazing base experience. Radiant Historia was good enough where it didn't need a remake, but it's wonderful it got anyway.

Despite its simple appearance in how it looks and the game mechanics, Story of Seasons Friends of Mineral Town is a superb remake, filled with many tasks to do that help the farm grow in all areas. Farming games are much beloved for what they offer, the wide variety of crops and handful of animals mean there is rarely a dull moment, unless it's a season like Winter, due to the absence of crops. There is no doubt that this remake delivers an enjoyable farming experience that provides countless hours of game play. It is a joy to relax with and be immersed by a simpler life compared to reality, with various town events throughout the year providing extra entertainment, sometimes with a trophy to be won, and the addictive tasks necessary on a farm.

What was already a fantastic package just got even better. The simple premise of cutting out shapes to solve puzzles is just as engrossing as it was upon release, and the addition of new puzzles for both single-player and multiplayer antics, as well as being able to revisit older puzzles with new pre-made shapes, make Snipperclips Plus: Cut it Out, Together! the ideal treat for Nintendo Switch owners this Christmas...and beyond.

Fans of the long-running series will find plenty to love with this latest edition, although newcomers will have an accessible title with which to dip their toes into. Do not be fooled, though, as this is not an easy game that sugar-coats the experience. Monster Hunter: World is hard, but it is satisfying to do the homework on each monster, preparing well for them before dishing out some hunting justice and slaying them for their materials. While the battle system can be mechanically clunky, and issues will surely arise in every fight, this is by no measure a deal breaker, as the majestic monsters and beautiful locations with the addictive gameplay loop and complex systems more than make up for it.

Klonoa doesn't make amazing nor innovative use of the Wii's control capabilities, yet it is a shining example of how the bare minimum of pad usage can still create an excellent game.

This is the return to form that long-time fans have been wishing for in the classic 2D format for the Zelda franchise for many years; it is the greatest entry in a very long time.

In many aspects, Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 reiterates all the good things of the first instalment, and goes beyond just enough to justify its existence. All qualities of its predecessor are in place, with an extra dose of wackiness and originality on top. The classic Castlevania 3-inspired recipe works just as well now, and the retro-stiff but tight and satisfying controls are a joy to experience for any fans of the genre. Inti Creates did it again!

This is one of the best strategy games in years, with engrossing combat and a fantastic story. The difficulty is almost perfect, making the battles rewarding without being trivial and players may find themselves actively seeking out more fights. It is entertaining from top to bottom.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 makes some great improvements to what came before and provides the same great gameplay experience. Where it bails is the nostalgia factor for fans of these in their original format. That nostalgia isn't here personally but it's still hard to ignore. A remaster should maintain all the things that made the original great and for not doing that, should probably have another point taken off. If looked at objectively, however, this is another excellent addition to pick up and play. Maybe just leave the rest before we have to buy another USB board.

Sea of Stars may not be a legitimate Chrono Trigger 2, but it does feel like it a lot of the time. This is largely due to the music, visuals and the break-neck pace that keeps the story from ever getting dull. The protagonists will not endear gamers, but the setting, side characters, and atmosphere will. It seamlessly weaves in homages while showcasing greater originality than initially apparent. It stands as an artistic triumph, excelling in both visuals and audio, with its engrossing turn-based combat embodying impeccable design.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps definitely has its downfalls, from a lack of dungeons and performance hiccups to abilities that needed to be fleshed-out more, but comparing this to all of the amazing feats that it reaches, these gripes feel nothing more than nit-picks in an otherwise wholly enjoyable and immersive experience. While it may not meet every expectation set by the almost perfect Ori and the Blind Forest, it's nonetheless a worthy successor and is easily one of the best metroidvanias on the market right now.

Offering three of the best action RPGs of all time, in one complete package, Collection of Mana is a must play for fans of the series, the genre, and the medium. Final Fantasy Adventure's humble simplicity shines to this day, culminating in an unforgettable adventure; Secret of Mana fleshes out its predecessor's gameplay in all the right ways while establishing the Mana franchise's aesthetic; and Trials of Mana offers western games the opportunity to play one of the greatest sequels of all time with an official English translation. Collection of Mana has its quirks, but there's no good reason to skip out on this legendary compilation.

Retro to its heart, Cursed Castilla EX incorporates suggestions from medieval paintings, locations and chivalry novels - The Amadis of Gaul above all - on top of a plethora of arcade evergreens, such as Black Tiger, Rygar and Rastan. It's a compendium of arcade perfection, and, as such, it comes exceptionally recommended. Now, if only the good people at Abylight would consider porting over The Curse of Issyos, Hydorah and Gaurodan, too…

D-Life accomplishes something totally unique. Hidden behind its simplicity is a system of complexities, just enough to make for a strangely compelling time. The sound and visuals combine to make something otherworldly and entertaining. It would be a travesty to not recommend this cool and relaxing experience and so this comes highly recommended to all who have a Steam account and even more so to those who own the Nano KONTROL2!

Sitting down and reading about a puzzle game based around arithmetic may put some people off, but after giving this even just a short try will convert people instantly, forcing them to flex their brains more than they could imagine and proving to be much more fun that Brain Training.

Nintendo Land is indeed a pleasant surprise. Not only does it do a great job at demonstrating just about every one of the Wii U's features, but it also delivers on some incredibly fun experiences, particularly in multiplayer

As someone who repeatedly had the Witcher series suggested by other reviewers and then digging in the heels and refusing to try it, what was missed was one of the best games created on a modern console. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves all the plaudits it receives and in its new next gen update, there really is no better way to experience it. Although lacking in new content, the quality-of-life features and sheer beauty of the whole thing make this well worth a revisit.

Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is a masterpiece of roguelike gaming. Impossible to put down, stellar soundtrack and visual design, as well as just being a load of fun. While some games have taken this formula and recontextualised it, the original does it best. Hop in and play as a vampire-killing badass. Highly recommended for Castlevania fans and anyone looking for a fun time. Perfect winter season gaming!

SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition brings together everything that made the original release such a breath of fresh air in a crowded turn-based strategy field, and adds in all the post-release content to well and truly make this live up to its name. With perfect touch-screen controls throughout in handheld mode, added to the already excellent controller support from other iterations, this is easily one of the most accessible games in the genre, and definitely one of the most enjoyable on Nintendo Switch, full stop.

The depth of emotion that the story dips into is remarkable considering the game style, with the music and sound effects combining to create a specific atmosphere within it. There is little to fault in here, other than how its saves possibly could be made clearer from the start to avoid needing to replay the first part more than once. A sequel wouldn't make sense for the story, but it would be fantastic if other stories are told in a similar way to AER: Memories of Old, with its unique ways of getting information across. Nothing new seems to be added post game, but the moving story is reason enough to replay it and get lost in its skies once more.

Star Wars Pinball: The Last Jedi adds two new tables from the blockbuster franchise, and Zen Studios has applied the same exquisite details that it has become well known for now, adapting Ahch-To Island, both on its own table, as well as the combined table with Snoke's ship, the Supremacy. Play through the chapters from the film and re-enact some of the more iconic moments from the movie, although pinball aficionados who don't watch or are not privy to Star Wars may not find much to appreciate in terms of the details.

Pikmin 3 was already a superb game, and while this release is not a remaster, the extra elements added to Pikmin 3 Deluxe elevate it to something special. While the price point may be exclusionary for some, this is completely worth the asking price, even as a double-dip for those who already have it on Wii U. Perfect for families to play together, for friends to grab a Joy-Con each, or for solo play sessions to track down every badge and master the highest rank.

Bird & Bombs is most certainly a must-buy for strategy and puzzle fans alike.

Simply sublime work from Capcom! Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies takes the best elements from the previous four main entries, as well as a pinch of excellence from the Ace Attorney Investigations spin-off, and amalgamates everything into one extremely special package, complete with fresh ideas that alleviate any minor issues people may have had with the series in the past.

DiRT Rally 2.0 does nothing but improve the reputation of the purest, modern rally series out there.

Nostalgia for games played in the past adds to the positive atmosphere that Antiquia Lost holds, albeit with a shorter gameplay than some past epics, but not with any less substance in what is included in the plot and battle system. The unusual characters keep the story moving forward, even when the main party occasionally appears to hit a dead end. The plentiful quests and range in difficulty levels mean that the replay value is great, as is the engaging story.

Looking for a fast-paced, patience-testing, platforming challenge that may well make you want to throw your Nintendo Switch across the room in frustration? Then Slime-san is for you! Fans of Super Meat Boy and its ilk will be right at home with this addictive, excellently presented piece of gaming goodness that will have players tearing their hair out, but unable to put down until every drop of juice (or 'slime') has been squeezed out of it.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a reboot, and like all reboots, it will always leave behind some of those fans that so cherish the originals. That said, for all the fans it might annoy, this new title has released to a very positive response to what has, at times over the decades, been a harsh jury of critics in the gaming press, which says a lot. It's easy to see why. While keeping to the core roots of the much-loved Dynasty Warriors 2 to 5, it forges a new path that takes advantage of the power of modern PCs and gameplay that taps into some of the trends of modern gaming. No, the main character here is not going to win any awards, and future games have definitely left a lot of scope to build on, but if Origins is now the template going forward for Dynasty Warriors, it is easy to get excited about the future of the series.

Monkey Island is indeed back with a bang and Telltale once again shows why it is currently one of the best in the business for churning out high quality adventure episodes on a regular basis.

Guiding Kirby around each world in Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush is a true delight thanks to fluid controls, innovative gameplay and magnificent audio and visual presentation.

Kathy Rain, the original creation of Clifftop Games, isn't just a "very good indie point-and-click that captures the magic of the classics." This IS a classic. From the great puzzles, and how you are "guided" towards solving them, feeling like an investigator while at it, to the deeply engrossing story, strong atmosphere, and even stronger main character, it's easy to see that this is one of the best of its kind - and now it's even better. Kathy Rain: Director's Cut improves it in all sorts of ways, making it the clear choice between the two versions, even for those who have already played the first instalment.

Stormblood is simply amazing. Not much more can be said about it. With a very well-crafted story, some tense and epic battles, two new classes, and wonderful zones, saying anything else would ruin so much of the expansion and what makes it great.

Big Bang Mini takes the shooter formula, shakes it around and serves up a definitely triple-A piece of gaming goodness that will test gamers to the maximum.

Total War: Three Kingdoms - A World Betrayed is another fascinating addition to the main campaign for those who are still obsessed with this wonderful strategy title. Adding an important part of the story, and introducing some fan-favourite characters and scenarios, The Creative Assembly has once again vindicated this DLC approach. The new faction mechanics for Lu Bu and Sun Ce give an additional strategic dimension, and as with the previous DLC, the existing characters have new situations in this warring China, meaning there is an added incentive to replay the campaign with them numerous times over. This is a no brainer for owners of the game to buy this addition.

La-Mulana 2 doesn't reinvent compared to its predecessor, but it doesn't have to. The foundation left behind by the original La-Mulana is strong enough to justify a sequel that, on the whole, follows the same beats as the original. Exploration is deeply satisfying as Eg-Lana is one of the finest crafted worlds in a Metroidvania; puzzles require genuine use of critical thinking more than not; and, while the curve perhaps isn't as refined as in the original, the difficulty provides a consistent challenge from start to finish. La-Mulana 2 is more of the same, in the best way possible.

Shut In captures these unprecedented times in a small but unique package. With depth far beyond the initial on-the-surface horror story, this experience taps into the evocativeness of a mental health crisis, and the commentary it makes on the dread suffered by those with mental illnesses is powerful. It isn't all deep, though. The narrator successfully plays on the Undertale vibe and the comedic elements within such a tonally dark tale come across very well.

Don't let first impressions fool you. Beneath the bright colours and initially sunny disposition of Iconoclasts lies a game that is going to challenge you in a variety of ways. It will force the best from your quick-twitch-skills, with fast-paced and frenetic combat. This is an experience that cannot be missed by fans of both 2D action platformers, or by those seeking a greater level of mental and ideological engagement.

Football Manager 2021 is a continual improvement over its predecessor. While not doing anything that radically shifts the dial, this latest addition further improves the user experience and gives even more ways to set up and run a successful football team. With a 3D match engine that is really starting to do a great job at bringing the action to life, and further touches of realism to player and media interactions, there's enough innovation here for fans to jump onboard. Social life be warned, FM21 is a fantastic time sink and once stuck inside, it's hard to get out.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the breath of fresh air the "Soulsborne" sub-genre needed. It proves that stats, levelling-up, and equipment, is not what makes this kind of games. Instead, what matters is how death is treated, what sort of consequences there are for choices the player makes, and really big doors that open dramatically slow. The verticality of the level design, grappling hook, jumping and almost Zelda-style progression makes this one stand out in an ever increasing sea of imitators. Ultimately, this is more than just a sum of its parts; it's full of mystery, jaw-dropping spectacle and intense satisfaction.

Beat Saber feels like the title that has propelled VR gaming into the mainstream and its effect on inspiring a whole host of other developers to enter this space cannot be underestimated. The core gameplay loop here is one the whole family can get involved in and it is not an over exaggeration to say this game can consume hours once it gets its hooks in. The BTS tracks are a welcome addition and if there is one band whose music seems to fit perfectly with this, it surely has to be theirs. Energetic, bombastic and addictive - prepare to be replaying Dynamite a lot to perfect its tough beat map. While some will argue the game itself and subsequent packs are ever so slightly overpriced, with multiplayer now active and the ability to add as many custom songs as one desires, for any VR owner this is simply a must-buy.

The portability of the Nintendo Switch makes this undoubtedly the best way to play Stardew Valley. Unless you are really keen on modding the game, the combination of easy portability and excellent controls makes this a staple in any well-rounded Switch library. It's still the same great farm simulator it was on PC - robust, full of secrets, and comes with an inescapable charm that will keep pulling you back in, season after season.

OlliOlli World is one of the finest skateboarding games around. The gameplay is fun, intuitive and simple enough for newcomers to enjoy while having complex layers that will have skate veterans everywhere grinding to master.

Aside from minor mechanical inconsistency across both mainline titles, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a lovingly-crafted remaster of two lovingly-crafted experiences, complete with their respective DLC packs at a mouthwatering price. There's never been a better way to enjoy the Overcooked! series and all the multiplayer carnage it offers. As a party game it is undeniably better when played with friends so bear that in mind, but for those hungry for some local co-op action, the genre is very much alive and well with this filled-to-the-brim hotpot of cheffing action.

The length of development and the decision to opt for the two-month delay have been vindicated with the release of what is one of the most polished and detail packed Total War entries in the entire series. The number of generals and play styles of each of the factions ensures that there is enough content here to fill at least a several hundred hours of addictive gameplay. As always, the battles are exciting, and the scope and scale never fails to impress, with the addition of the heroes adding a new dimension to tactics and strategies. This is the game that Romance of the Three Kingdoms fans have been waiting for.

Gearbox long ago managed to make pure concentrated gaming compulsion and they've perfected it here. Insane amounts of fun, blasting across multiple worlds with some of the craziest guns ever imagined, and even more fun with friends… when the frame-rate keeps up, something hopefully the developer will address. The humour may not be to everyone's tastes, and while some elements are obnoxious - again, Claptrap needs to stay dead - and there are just too many jokes, there are plenty that work, and work well. The Borderlands formula works, and has inspired countless other pretenders. Borderlands 3 shows that the original is still the best.

Toki Tori is still the challenging mix of platforming and puzzles that we knew and loved, even more so in this new Wii U version with the few little improvements bringing the experience to a whole new level of enjoyment.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted is the multiplatform title that Wii U owners deserve: one that has been given time and dedication by a developer with excellent technical skills, which shows the Wii U is more than just a late entry into last generation hardware.

Little King's Story brings together a mix of game styles and genres, and blends them all perfectly.

Altogether, Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is an exemplary update to the 1994 original. Both the new and returning characters have impressive move-sets. Discovering how to implement these techniques is very rewarding. The eight stages aren't especially creative, but they all have strong fundamentals. If players want a spot on the online leaderboards, then they have to take as little damage as possible, and accurately gauge threats. While it is fun to mash on hapless grunts, targeting elites is the only way to survive. This is one beat em' up gem that you don't want to miss.

Hades is just all around good. From its tremendous voice acting and intriguing story to its fun combat and insanely addicting gameplay loop, there is little wrong here. Graphically it's a little dated and its difficulty wall will be off-putting to many, but these are about the only major issues. Otherwise, the fun of trying "just one more time" mixed with trying to get all the right power ups in a run is a rare entertaining time. Fans of Rogue-likes owe it to themselves to check this out, especially since it is less than half the price of AAA titles.

A love letter to the Donkey Kong Country series, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair goes beyond a standard homage, and crafts something beautiful of its own. Fantastic challenging platforming, spanning across 40 imaginative levels, and a charming graphical art style. This is an essential 2D platformer that should not be missed, even more so by the fact that it is being sold for budget point.

Football Manager 2019 is a fantastic entry in the series and anyone that hasn't picked up the game in a few years will be blown away by the structural changes to the way it works. The training system allows so much more flexibility in management, whilst drawing on real world examples of how teams are coached in the modern age. In addition, the tactical system overhaul makes creating a specific style for teams to play in much easier. The all-round performance is great, with the UI sensibly remaining as clean and user-friendly as it has been for a number of years now. There are a few minor things that could be polished up, but this is a great buy and sure to have a whole new group of football fanatics addicted.

For those that already own this game on the 3DS, it's pretty tough whether or not to recommend the game to them. If they do want to play through a new challenge though, the Infernal difficulty offers a true hardcore experience. However, to those who don't own a 3DS, this is their chance to pick up the definitive version of the game.

Due to the strength and way emotions towards life drama and adversity are explored by Izzy in her diary and her imagined world, Lost Words: Beyond The Page is a must-have game for Nintendo Switch owners. There is a near-perfect balance of exploring sadness, helplessness, loss of hope and also hope itself through Izzy's own experience and how she drives her fictional character through a tough situation that really tugs on heartstrings and uses clever game mechanics to drive both tales forward to a highly satisfactory end.

For Xbox One owners, Guacamelee 2! is a required pick-up. The Metroidvania genre has enjoyed a number of certified classics over the past few years, and this one of them. Above all else, this title maintains a clear sense of direction. While there are new abilities to account for, none of them are detrimental to the game's focus. Instead, they help shape its core identity, offering players a refined experience that they're unlikely to get anywhere else. The incredible soundtrack and gorgeous vistas provide the always-welcome icing on this cake.

Those looking for a nice little distraction from something like Animal Crossing: New Leaf at the moment may just have found the perfect candidate.

Honestly, this review could go on a lot more, but so much of it is attention to details and improvements on the prior title that it would miss the point. That point being that Total War: Warhammer II is a game where you can have a T-Rex throw down with a Wizard. There are great strategy elements, the new vortex victory is a great refresher from normal conquest types, and the new races are all great; but reading this review means missing out on the dino action. Still reading?

Stray Children is one of those rare games that likely will be spoken about decades into the future among its cult following and in general cultural circles. Just like the game that most likely served as a foundational inspiration, EarthBound, it will likely not achieve widespread commercial success worldwide. It is like this great and now deeply recognised title used to be: too far ahead of its time. While not beneficial to the bottom line, it is probably for the better that Stray Children did not aim to be a crowdpleaser. As a game, it is great with some very odd and inconvenient choices. As a piece of art, it is masterfully and deliberately designed with atmosphere and worldbuilding in mind. All that is left to wish for is that it dared to take those final steps away from trying to be a great video game with some strange padding at the end, and instead fully embraced itself as a rebellious artistic experience, not giving a care in the world about boorish things like ”industry standards” and ”gameplay length”.

SteamWorld Heist II is impressively epic and offers gamers a lot of bang for their buck. It's a bigger, better, and more varied strategy game than its predecessor. While the story is mostly fluff to support the deep combat systems and character building, most people won't notice because they'll be too focused on the heat of a battle which unfolds like a tense story in its own right.

Without a doubt the best Rhythm Paradise game so far, Rhythm Paradise Megamix is the ultimate package - almost like Nintendo's own NOW That's What I Call Music compilation. Rather than some half-baked bundling of past releases together, the team has taken the most loved rhythm mini-games from the past, spruced them up, pieced them together nicely on 3DS, covered them with comical storylines, and then whipped up a fresh batch of mini-game goodness to add in, just for good measure.

The PlayStation VR deserves to be thought of as a whole separate platform, and thus far that platform has been lacking in the killer games to sell it. This is the first must-have release to arrive; something truly special. Moss is an absolutely phenomenal experience; completely captivating, utterly endearing, and absolutely magical. Ghibli fans will find this closer to the works of the legendary studio than the Ni No Kuni games. Best of all, it finishes on a promise of more adventures to come and, like a bibliophile desperate for that next book, players will be left desperately wanting the next chapter in this story.

This is adventure gaming distilled down to its most essential elements, compounded with a healthy challenge and atmosphere like no other.

Sonic's second foray into the motoring world is his best yet, with a game that headlines the defining advantages of the Wii U format whilst providing more than enough to see and do for SEGA fans both young and old. Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed retains trademark aspects of the karting genre, but also provides enough variation on it to be able to stand side-by-side with Nintendo's eventual Mario equivalent.

Quake Remastered is as good as a remaster can be. Not in the sense of the visual enhancements it has made, which, while fine and all, are just the tip of the iceberg. What makes this an excellent repackaging, is the content at hand, due to the addition of all expansions (+ 1), and the support for lots of fan-made and official mods, with more coming in. Melted the single player experience? Now lose your sense of time with online pvp or co-op fun, as well as Crossplay between all modern systems, including the humble Switch. This edition of the FPS classic is also super cheap, and is available for free for those who have already purchased the original. Nightdive Studios has given you plenty of reasons to start fragging and gibbing. You ought to thank them.

Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a very, very simple mix of metroidvania-like exploration, and rogue-lite challenge, but a simple mix that works wonders. You'll die a lot, but you'll keep on returning just to get a little further on the journey towards the top of this treacherous spire, and learn of its secrets, with your skill and perseverance being your main tools. Don't miss out on this modern-yet-retro indie gem.

It's hard to imagine anything else Paper Trail could offer. It's a tidy little cosy puzzle package with enough oomph to satisfy puzzle game veterans and newbies alike. The charming story and visuals make it stand out and the level of love and care for the title is evident in the gameplay feel, making this a game to recommend.

The Eternal Collection refines the very best of the series by including all past updates, and through its savage yet extravagant gameplay, ensures that there is a huge amount of replayability to be had.

Without a doubt, Dont' Starve is the gold standard as far as the survival genre is concerned. Every playthrough is a mentally demanding endurance match to stay alive, and it's a better game overall for it. Although it's easy to fall into routine a few hours in, the sheer potential and scope of each run ensures there's seldom a dull moment.

Mario Party 9 is a resounding success on so many levels, adding plenty of extra variety to differentiate itself from previous entries, whilst also learning important lessons from the limited-yet-fun Wii Party.

Wild Hearts S' deft art direction carries it through the down-porting process onto lower spec hardware. Despite some minor complaints, the main game offers a robust 30-40 hours of content, with seamless four-player co-op adding replayability. Hunting with friends is always fun, as coordinating Karakuri setups and weapon synergies elevates the chaos to new heights and offers a lot of bang for one's buck.

This year's edition of the Just Dance series lifts the game beyond its former releases thanks to its focus on treating players to various extras the more they play and integrating the online component so smoothly into the regular play.

In spite of all the odds against Yoko Taro's career, he has finally delivered a true masterpiece that finally delivers on all fronts, including gameplay. Environmental detail aesthetics lacking aside, Nier: Automata is an unbelievable game and one that just might make even the most stone cold hearted gamers well up into a weepy emotional mess. This is a landmark in storytelling that is one that embraces the fact it is a videogame and does not try to imitate film like the way most story-driven titles do.

Guacamelee! 2 feels just as good as its predecessor overall. Some of the hardest sections can be even more frustrating than the hardest challenges found in the original, but this is somewhat counterbalanced by the fact that it does streamline a lot of things that were more complicated than they really needed to be.

It is incredibly hard to put Alice and You down once a session has begun. It's pitch perfect in its execution of a simple but compelling puzzle concept. This is a fantastic title that is highly recommended to anyone interested in retro aesthetic and puzzle games.

The Wii edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops is by no means the inferior product many thought it would turn out to be.

A gift to fans of Lara Croft's retro beginnings, Tomb Raider: I-III Remastered Starring Lara Croft is a masterfully beautified collection of the first three games, plus their extra chapters. It does what all remasters of super old-school classics should do, providing the whole experience, practically unchanged, but in a brand new coat of paint that offers quite the sight, without ruining the magic of the original. Whether most will like the titles included is a different matter altogether, because, while pretty good, they are far from flawless, but as far as upgrades go, this is one of the best of the bunch.

The sublime addiction that is Sports Interactive's legendary simulation has blasted onto Nintendo Switch in fine form with Football Manager Touch 2018. There is more than enough depth included in the Touch series to make this perfect for those looking to delve into the intricacies of management either at home or whilst on the go, but also stripped back enough to appeal to the wider audience that lapped up earlier editions of the team's venerable series.

Without a doubt KEMCO seems to have created its best JRPG ever in Chroma Quaternion. From start to finish it is a solid experience which never gets dull. Exploring all the eye-catching areas is a joy, the character dynamics coupled with an intriguing storyline, and easy to use, hard to master job system, makes the game's end the only true drawback.

With a subtle yet engaging plot device and atmospheric environment, dastardly devilish challenges, and a shelf life of features beyond many other games, this stealth puzzler is an easy sell.

A Boy and His Blob is in the upper echelon of Wii titles in terms of quality and is a must buy for anyone looking for a fantastic gaming experience. An unforgettable experience.

The fast-paced, plentiful content will occupy even the most hardened gamers for hours with its extreme but just-about-feasible level of challenge, and at the price it should be nigh-on impossible to resist.

At its heart Super Mario RPG: Remake is a hilarious, beautiful and excellently written 12 to 14 hour RPG experience. Its beautiful music and art style just ooze a unique charm that most Mario games can only dream of. It would be amazing to see a new collab with Square Enix coming from this but as that is definitely a pipedream (pun intended), what we have here is an absolute highlight of 2023.

In spite of an ending that arrives too soon, Moonlighter manages to offer an engaging balance of commerce and action up to the very end.

This is a back-to-basics, side-scrolling puzzle effort that will draw people in with its addictive gameplay and cleverly-crafted stages, and then test even the most hardcore with its extra challenges later on. The balance is perfect, and gets the old grey matter working hard throughout, proving to be extremely inventive and charming, in equal measure. Toki Tori deserves to shine, and hopefully on Nintendo Switch it will now get the attention it deserves.

Batman: The Enemy Within - Episode 5: Same Stitch is phenomenal storytelling, and while it highlights a major drawback for story-driven games, it does manage to make decisions truly matter. While the endings may not be what you feel they should have been, replaying through is the best option to rebuild the narrative in new and exciting ways.

All told, AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES: nirvanA Initiative is a worthy sequel to the 2019 original. While some elements of the story don't always fit with the cast of characters, the core of the narrative keeps players invested throughout. The new somniums are very well designed in both pace and aesthetic, making them each feel unique. The additional hints and difficulty options are welcome, too, for those who want them. Virtual Reality sequences do well to add to the gameplay outside of somniums themselves, providing some great variety. This science fiction mystery thriller is certainly worth a look for fans of Zero Escape and visual novels in general.

This is an absolutely wonderful tale; a fantastic fable that makes up for every little flaw by giving the player a monumental amount of things to do and play with. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is a must play for Ghibli fans, fans of the first Ni No Kuni, fans of JRPGs, Suikoden fans, and just about anyone who appreciates a good adventure in general.

BlazBlue: Entropy Effect X is one of those rarities that hits all the key elements very well. The core experience is great, possessing incredible depth that adds to the urge to replay. For fans of either the source material or the roguelite genre, this is an easy recommendation. From the art to the fun of making overpowered builds, players will keep wanting to have just one more run.

Arika has taken the core of the first Endless Ocean and developed the idea for Adventures of the Deep so considerably that it has easily become one of the exemplar products on Wii, full stop.

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward may lack the initial punch delivered by its predecessor, but still brings an engrossing tale to the table, with a story that players will have to explore completely before finally putting the game back on the shelf. With a smattering of smart puzzles tying everything together, it will take something truly special to trump this superb visual novel experience.

The price of admission might be somewhat high, as the games on offer are good, but not really that good, yet these remain classics in one way or another, even if there were far better alternatives, even at the time of their development. Having said that, they are definitely enjoyable; a bunch of titles that have stood the test of time. More importantly, the quality of this collection couldn't be any higher. It's basically a fantastic bundle of nostalgia, with lots of different versions of each game, plus plenty of behind-the-scenes material, excellent for those who are into the historical preservation side of the industry.

What it may lack in terms of presentation, Crimson Shroud more than makes up for in the narrative department, soundtrack, and the originality of its battle system (at least for a video-game RPG).

ARVORE has done the impossible here, and has taken one of the best VR experiences on the PSVR, and managed to make it even better in almost every respect. Full to the bring with nostalgia, and not resting on that simple premise to sell, Pixel Ripped 1995 races through the finishing line with tight gameplay, excellent use of the VR system, and fully developed characters framing the era perfectly with their dialogues and observations. Get it, finish it, and then wait patiently for the next jump in technology to be turned into a title as fantastic as this one. Pixel Ripped 2000 anyone?

Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is an original, fun and challenging platformer with game mechanics that won't be found in any other 2D platformer.

Tiny Bookshop is faultless in its execution and a title that is really surprising in how enjoyable and addictive it is. Fun for a quick pick-up-and-play and also to while away the hours as the nights draw in. With a strong sense of community and a feeling of real purpose in your place within the little village of Bookstonbury-by-the-Sea (still a terrible name), this is sure to be a bestseller.

Time has been kind to Primordia with the past decade only highlighting just how unique, surreal, and grippingly atmospheric Wormwood Studios' inaugural title actually was and still is. While playing a point-and-click with a controller will never be as fluid as using a mouse and keyboard, the control scheme translates relatively well to Nintendo Switch and the ability to quickly check everything that can be interacted with on-screen all but removes the need for random examination. Wormwood's storytelling in particular deserves praise for blending surreal lore and a horrific premise together into an engaging narrative with multiple endings. Every bit of world-building just makes the plot richer and better contextualises gameplay. Wadjet Eye Games have done point-and-click fans a favour by porting Primordia over to Switch. Don't miss out on one of the genre's highest highs.