Middle-earth: Shadow of War has high production values and is a fun open-world slashathon, but it's stretched thin. The storyline starts off promising, but all of the interesting characters get pushed aside to make room for nothing of consequence. Hours upon hours are lost to the abyss as players engage in a relentless cycle of gear upgrades and Orc recruits. Assaulting fortresses and conquering territory loses its appeal a bit too quickly. The game is pretty entertaining in short bursts, especially when Talion can make full use of his powerful abilities. Still, the lack of finesse when it comes to combat will make fighting feel a bit bothersome. The Ranger is at his best when he's eliminating the opposition with surgical precision, or making use of hazards in the environment. All in all, this title is worth a look; just don't expect to grow too attached to it.

New Cinema Labyrinth is wonderful for series fans. For Persona fans waiting on Persona 5 the Royale, this is a great way to fill the gap and is worth the price of admission just to watch the characters from these different games interact together. With so many inside jokes that fans will truly appreciate. Admittedly, the level design could be much better, with the labyrinths themselves a pale comparison to the Etrian Odyssey mazes it mimics. Thankfully, the addictive mapping, Persona-inspired combat, wealth of side-quests and the solid story combine to more than make up for its flaws.

Catherine: Full Body's narrative contributions may ultimately serve to hinder what was an otherwise thoughtfully written story about self-discovery, but the overall improvement when it comes to gameplay is almost staggering. With hundreds of brand-new stages to play through - both in the main game and in Super Rapunzel - along with deep online multiplayer, this is a remake that offers so much high quality content that it's difficult not to see the whole package as a complete upgrade. In fact, with so much content to play through, it's almost easy to forget just how poorly paced the new scenes are at times. When it comes down to it, Rin isn't nearly as interesting an addition as the new items and blocks are. If nothing else, Catherine: Full Body is far and away the definitive way to play the game… Just not the best way to experience the story.

Just like other games with similar mechanics it can be played without partaking in spending more money, but the grind will certainly put some casuals off ever investing a lot of time. Despite this, WWE fans will most likely be pleased with the refinements to the wrestling and updated roster, and if that is the case it is certainly a warranted purchase, but WWE 2K23 still leaves a desire for more.

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 a lot of fun, with tons and tons of Easter eggs to prior games, all variations of humour, and loads of weapons and characters. There is very little negative to point at. The raw variety of characters, from the bold and aggressive to the fun and silly, to the dark and serious somehow all fits together. All of the upgrades to acquire for weapons, items and soldiers leads to a great experience of wanting to play one more level shooting up some aliens.

MadWorld definitely earns its place as one of Wii's must-have titles and completes a trinity of hugely enjoyable, quirky, mature titles on the system that don't forget what games are all about, the other two being No More Heroes and The House of the Dead: Overkill.

Although Going Under is a short venture where the art style and humour may not be for everyone, the fun action, creative world, and addictive gameplay make this an excellent roguelite well worth the work hours. And again, Jackie can pat the office dachshund!

This is a lengthy action platformer geared towards kids that will get mileage out of those that previously enjoyed Goemon titles back in the day. There are many similarities between Konami's sidelined franchise and BAKERU, but Good-Feel's latest release suffers from repetitive gameplay and a poor frame rate that hinders enjoyment. There is a strong appeal to the Japanese themes and setting, along with a cartoon style, child-friendly story and low difficulty that means all age groups can appreciate it. Just don't expect something quite reaching the qualities of Nintendo's top platformers.

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.

There are some clever ideas thrown in that try to improve on the original game's plot, along with a handful of entertaining characters in amongst the obnoxious ones, as well as great use of 3D, but End Layer should be played for its battle and job systems first and foremost, provided the original title was enjoyed.

There's a huge amount of addictive gameplay on offer in Plants VS Zombies, all tied up in a humorous package that is perfect for short and long play sessions. Another success for PopCap that will keep many players busy for a good while, Plants VS Zombies is no weed.

Assassin's Creed: Origins is an absolutely stellar return to form and even those who have previously not enjoyed the series would be wise to give it a second shot here. The new combat design is a big improvement, the world is rich, the story compelling; there is a lot to like here and it also massively returns on its investment thanks to the amount of content.

The Wii U was filled with some absolutely wonderful releases, many of which were criminally underrated and missed out on by so many fans. Seeing them return on Switch is wonderful, and the on-the-go functionality of the system allows for even more ways to play. For its current low price, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker - Special Episode is well worth it. The initial description of recycled levels sounds a little off-putting, feeling that this could be a cheap, low-effort tack-on. It isn't. The new levels are filled with fantastic designs, while the remakes are complete overhauls, almost indistinguishable from their originals.

Boasting the best script, best overworld, and best pacing the series has ever seen, Tales of Vesperia stands out as the single strongest entry in the franchise. Though later entries do feature stronger casts and gameplay mechanics, this is not lacking in either department. The members of Brave Vesperia all share an excellent amount of chemistry with one another, and the combat, while comparatively simple, actually thrives in how easy to pick up but difficult to master it can be.

Pinball FX3: Jurassic World Pinball is a great addition for any pinball-lover who already has a huge collection of tables, or for someone starting out. Featuring the three tables from the hit franchise, this stays true to its source by having many iconic scenes. The only thing that's basically missing from these moments is the epic score by John Williams, which does detract from the overall feel of this pack. The tables themselves vary in difficulty, while featuring interesting skill shots, as well as various missions to combat the lose dinosaur threat running rampant across the park. With an imposing T-Rex, Stegosaurus, as well as the Indominus Rex standing guard on the tables, this is a must-have pinball pack for franchise-lovers, who will find plenty of Easter Eggs to satiate them.

This really is a mini-masterpiece.

Purists may lament that this isn't a true update of the original Ninja Gaiden II, as Ninja Gaiden II Black uses the Sigma 2 port as its base, but what has been put together here is still an incredibly fulfilling hack and slash action game that absolutely is one of the best in the genre. In a time where more and more franchises are going down the open and freer route, this is a reminder that a more linear and confined approach works wonders for this type of game.

A very good game with loads of content to it. It can last you ages if you're the imaginative type who likes to play around with words and, quite simply, play god, and that imagination will be stretched by the game's demands for unique items. Super Scribblenauts is a sure bet if you're after a different sort of puzzle game.

The bad rap that Skyward Sword received is evidenced here to be undeserved. Even the worst Zelda game is still a good game, and this is by no means the worst Zelda game. It has some dungeons and experiences that are standing side by side with the very best of the whole franchise. While the controls aren't as good as they could have been, and some of the early annoyances remain, this is absolutely a must-buy. It's not the worst Zelda game, not a bad Zelda game, but a great Zelda game.

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.

Muramasa may not play quite as beautifully as it looks, but you can be confident in the knowledge that whizzing around slicing ninjas with a big katana is definitely as fun as it looks.

The Castlevania Anniversary Collection is a required pick-up for fans of the classic whip-slinging series. Granted, there are a couple of minor problems with this set, most notably the lack of button-remapping. Hopefully they're being worked on. Still, it's hard to argue with having four of the all-time best action-platformers around. Plus you get four other games, which range from awful to pretty good. Whether you decide to pick this up now, or wait for the region-select and other fixes, you're guaranteed a good time.

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.

Littlewood defies tradition with its unique premise, proving that Happy Ever Afters really can happen. Having control over how world reconstruction occurs is a huge bonus, enabling everyone to have an individual style with endless scope for personalisation, even with resident demands. Gameplay will stretch into dozens of hours, with you having the freedom to focus on whatever aspect of rebuilding you want, subject to certain quests being carried out.

SIGNALIS is a title heavily inspired by survival horror classics, and a survival horror classic itself. It's a fantastic experience that goes back to the '90s, and at the same time feels like a fresh, modern take on the basic Resident Evil/Silent Hill formula. Visually stunning, highly immersive and atmospheric, and an absolute joy to play (and re-play) this sinister and eerie sci-fi tale is a no brainer for fans of dark, psychological horror video games.

Like all the finest indie titles, Moonlighter has such a simple premise but is done so masterfully it becomes fantastically addictive - from the basic combat, to the Resident Evil style bag management, to upgrading the shop, to selling the goods; every aspect feels great. Combine this with the charming old-school art and you have got a clear winner on your hands. The only real negative is how short the game is and how the story feels a little lightweight. Moonlighter also feels like it would be even better on Switch, so keep an eye out for Cubed3's review of that version soon!

The original Hand of Fate had a Vita port planned, which sadly never came to fruition. Hand of Fate 2 on Nintendo Switch shows just how good that port could have been. It's so absurdly addictive and utterly unique. It improves on the original in every way and is a truly unique experience. It takes elements of so many different types of games and mashes them together; a process that usually results in a metaphorical goopy mess, but here it's somehow turned into gold.

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.

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

The story and presentation are very unique and deserve high praise; the narrative keeps the experience going whenever the platforming starts to get boring and fall flat. Too often, MO:Astray amounts to cheap deaths and pixel-perfect jumps, which severely detracts from what would have been a completely outstanding sci-fi exploration game. Simply put, flopping around as a blob eventually gets old.

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.

Fast RMX is an excellent arcade racer that will satisfy anyone's craving for speed and intensity, as well as gorgeous graphics that really show off the Switch's capability. As a full priced game, it would still stand out, but as a £16.99 download on the eShop, this really is a no-brainer for any fans of arcade racing. One of the best launch day games available.

Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a great summery, relaxing time, with an engaging story, decent visual and sound design, and a lot of heart. There is a lot of fun to be had, even with the slightly unbalanced elements like character voicing. For anyone looking for a somewhat nostalgic and cheeky adventure where they can switch off and have a blast, look no further.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin features a deceptively complex combat system with nigh endless monster customisation options. Players can craft powerful monsters by acquiring genes through gameplay, and this system encourages players to continuously battle and collect monster eggs. The story is standard for a JRPG but is elevated by elements from the Monster Hunter universe and high-quality cutscenes. The voice acting and writing is well done, except for the character of Navirou who is a constant irritant. Overall, Monster Hunter Stories 2 offers deep gameplay for those that enjoy complex character building. The PlayStation 4 conversion is dazzling, and anyone who already played it on Nintendo Switch should consider this updated port for its improved fidelity.

Even when taking into account that some of these games are not very different from one another, the content on offer in Street Fighter II 30th Anniversary Collection presents arguably the best value for money in that specific genre on Nintendo Switch and the bonus features, like museum and sprite viewer, are actually well worth checking out for lovers of the series. However, one of the main components, the online mode, is not really enjoyable in its current state so, unless a fix is on the way, this removes some of the fun that there would otherwise be in playing this on Nintendo Switch.

This new 3D version offers the same experience, only improved upon by modern additions and made to look even more incredible thanks to the excellent implementation of stereoscopic 3D, which breathes new life into a great classic. SEGA fans should certainly appreciate the effort put into this one, although a true full screen option would have been most welcome.

At the end of the day, it's hard to recommend to anyone but fans that want to know how the story ends, but they should keep their expectations in check in order to get to the good parts through the messy parts and still have a good time out of it. Indeed, it's tough, after two great games that ended in a cliff-hanger, to simply ignore the finale, despite its flaws.

A curious example of a title being both more refined, but also less good than its predecessor. The action is smoother, better, and overall much more engaging. Purely as a platformer it is great fun, can be picked up cheap, and is only marred by simplistic, one-way levels and its short length. As an entry it is inferior to its predecessor with the removal of various gear, crafting, and challenges, making it a one-trick pony. It's awesome, but it doesn't have the magic the previous one did. Copen, one of the cooler characters in recent history, lacks much of his style that was memorable in previous games. This series is one of the coolest in recent times, and while this does not disappoint, it doesn't live up to how absolutely great it could be.

Compared to most visual novels Necrobarista is, without a doubt, a breath of fresh air… but sadly only concept wise, because the execution doesn't follow suit. Filled with dialogue whose only purpose seems to be to stretch the overall duration, and with the whole experience leaning heavily towards repetitive character encounters, it becomes increasingly hard to remain interested in this, otherwise, very original and exciting look on the subject of death. Long story short, this cup of coffee looks great, and has an inviting aroma, but the taste is decent at best.

For anyone who's looking to experience Cities Skylines and doesn't have access to a PC, this is the version to purchase. It's a thoroughly enjoyable game that really captures the old-school simulator catharsis. It's very addictive and with promises of more patches and potential for more DLC, it's probably going to be the long term leader of the city building genre on consoles for a long time to come. Heartily recommended to all who are interested!

As questionable as some of the outside marketing practises are, Disney Infinity 3.0 stands above all its competitors in the toy-gaming genre. What cannot be questioned is that Disney has control over some of the most loved and sought after licenses.

When it comes to action RPGs, Ys Origin ranks among the elite. It's fair to point out, however, that the Xbox One port could have been better. Sure, the slight load time increases and lack of controller options are nitpicks, but the original game was released in 2006. Surely these minor details should have been accounted for. More egregious is the stuttering. Although it doesn't go far enough to ruin the port, its presence is unjustifiable. Still, whatever the format, this phenomenal classic can't be passed up.

The Ace Attorney series has got increasingly better with each entry and the conclusion to the Phoenix Wright trilogy ties all plot threads together so seamlessly it makes this a must-have for those who became engrossed with the first two.

There are some truly great parts in this game. Some of the exploration parts were really well done with the backgrounds and environment. The problem with the game overall is each system is fine enough on its own, but does not tie together in a coherent fashion. The alchemy is a little too involved for every single item, the exploration gives far too many items to actually want to sort through, and the battle system has too many small nit-picks to stop it from being great. The story is weighed down by too many trivial plots and it just lacks that 'cool' aspect others of the series like Dusk or Mana Khemia had.

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a stunningly beautiful, and finely-crafted… ok. It's an ok stealth/action-adventure, with ok characters and drama, and oceans of rats that add an ok survival horror vibe to it. Certainly a fun title, but not exactly a big recommendation.

Truly exemplifying the maxim of 'too much of a good thing,' there is simply too much here that bogs itself down. The battle and strategic systems have some really cool and interesting ideas, but there is far too much... stuff that takes both of them down a notch. The strategic layer has way too many things to do with too much consequence, and the battle system takes too long, and is replete with a dizzying number of little things that must be taken into account, lest destruction result. It's really too bad as the core of the game is extremely solid, yet there is just too much in the way for it to shine.

As a port of the original, Katamari Damacy REROLL is definitely a great way for people to try this bundle of rolling wackiness for the first time. Just note that it can get very repetitive very soon, and that it clearly comes from that awkward phase where 3D games weren't that refined.

This really feels like the end of Etrian Odyssey. The series has felt indelibly linked to the 3DS (and Nintendo DS before it) by way of the dual screen mechanics. That, combined with the wonderful send-off of a game here that revisits so many aspects and elements of previous entries in the series, feels like Etrian Odyssey Nexus really is a farewell. Atlus has already hinted at a future for the series, and if it can reach anything close to what has come before, it will be something truly special. While this entry is clearly made for long-time fans, and they will get the most out of it, this is also completely viable for people to enter right here and find a new series to get obsessed over. This is wonderfully old-school, in all the right ways, insanely addictive, and a perfect swan song.

While Horace himself might not be the most emotionally intelligent protagonist, the same cannot be said for his namesake game. Horace has an emotional depth that even the best scripts tend to lack. It is a testament not only to its medium, but to storytelling in general. Blending genuinely unique platforming with an incredibly nuanced plot, Horace maturely tackles themes of identity, purpose, and war in almost jarringly realistic ways. Coupled with excellent game design and stellar presentation, Horace might very well be the best platformer of 2019.

What it does deliver, though, is a collection of some of the best elements of the base game. New armour set treasure hunts, new shrines to take on, and a whole new Divine Beast to overcome. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - The Champions' Ballad is highly enjoyable and a reminder of just why this game has already won its first of what is bound to be many "Game of the Year" awards.

WRC 9 FIA World Rally Championship does a fantastic job of filling the rally-racing void, despite the fact that it doesn't appear to have made many leaps forward from last year's title - but sometimes, making minimal changes is still better than making wrong calls. The Career mode is as fun and immersive as expected, and that's where the bulk of the offline hours will be lost. The updated visuals and extra attention to detail makes the races feel more alive, and the heart-stopping moments of avoiding a disaster on the track are as real as ever in here. Rally fans will enjoy Kylotonn's latest offering, while newcomers can jump in with an easy-to-learn control scheme. Whether offline or online, WRC 9 packs a punch with its many hours of content that will hopefully carry through to next year's title.

Forgetting the length and replay value, Stick It to the Man is a unique title full of harmless fun, which is more than welcomed in a world overpopulated by shooters and action games.

Battle Chef Brigade is very entertaining and no Nintendo Switch owner should be without. The production quality is a bit on the cheap side when the story is being presented, and some of the background art can be a bit on the amateurish side, but there really is nothing else like this. Mina is a very likeable character and proves to not only be an awesome cook, but a decent fighter, too. This is an unlikely recipe that turned out to be a real hit. Whether it is in the kitchen or the battlefield, nobody can beat Mina.

Affordable Space Adventures fails to deliver a world that demands to be explored; it is far too generic and lacking in fun puzzles, instead only producing too many a tedious moment. Patience is a virtue with this one.

It is long and it moves slowly with its story, with lots of things to see and do on the side, and levelling up being very slow; however, it never gets boring and manages to hook players with a loveable story and characters served masterfully through witty dialogue, good visuals (if not technically very impressive), and a fantastic soundtrack by maestro Sugiyama-san.

A great classic to begin with, 3D After Burner II is only magnified by the Nintendo 3DS' ability to render things in 3D.

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

Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes is a refreshing take on the musou genre, demanding a more strategic approach that earns it the "Fire Emblem" name. Fans of this world will find plenty to enjoy - as will those seeking a new and improved musou formula. The experience suffers from some pacing issues and can become repetitive, but on the whole it's well worth playing for those looking for a new take on the Three Houses lore - or those who simply want to experience a deft reinterpretation of the musou genre.

Dark Deity is rough around the edges, but has a great structure to its core experience. The sprites look pretty good, and the class changes are one of the highlights to the experience. A weird weapon system, random little problems/glitches and stunted character interaction, all detract from what is fairly solid otherwise. This is the type of strategy game that with a few core patches and overhauls could really become something to look out for.

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.

Rogue Legacy is an indelible game to play on the Switch. It has a very fast-paced, pick-and-play cycle to the action,which is perfect for experiencing on the go -and the seemingly endless puns and dad-jokes will make any cynical and tired gamer smirk warmly.

Third time is definitely the charm…

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.

Fire Emblem Engage offers the most rewarding, fleshed out and beautifully balanced strategic combat of the series so far, and performs beautifully on the Switch. Its story, characters and social sim element, however, are not up to the standard expected of this beloved franchise. While the combat has matured beautifully, the overall tone has taken a step back. If you're only interested in the trademark Fire Emblem combat, then you'll likely have more fun than you ever have with the series. For players who want a little more from Engage's characters and story, though… you may be disappointed.

The fairytale trappings, characterful music and wonderful story make Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon an absolute joy to behold. It is an odd partner to its more mature main series but it's very welcome. Its painterly world is a wonderful place to explore. A thoroughly fun and endearing game that is highly recommendable to all Nintendo Switch owners.

Youropa is a fantastic puzzle platformer that is fresh, unique, and delightfully challenging from beginning to end. It constantly throws in new mechanics and upgrades, while still making sure players have mastered each one before moving onto the next and making things more complicated. Its dreamlike atmosphere is inviting, and although the game isn't long, if you don't plan on going for collectibles or using the level editor, every minute of it is a joy to play.

While the overall package is lots of fun, it's not without a few issues. The lack of a truly driving story is by far Atelier Sophie 2: The Alchemist of the Mysterious Dream's weakest point. Furthermore, progression is in general just slow throughout, with endless backtracking. The simplified alchemy system is a mixed bag. It does little to stray from the formula and will be picked up by players exactly for that. It would be nice to see Gust take some risks and really step out with some new ideas rather than re-hashes of the same thing over and over.

Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 are technically fantastic, taking the core of a remarkable series and building in all manner of new and intriguing features to keep fans enamoured with what is basically a simple formula rinsed and constantly repeated over the years. The only aspect holding back these first ever direct sequels is the standard of presentation, with only minor upgrades since originally gracing the world over 15 years ago, no matter how much the point is argued. That being said, for the gameplay and story elements alone, this is undoubtedly an essential purchase.

The Sims 4: Cottage Living adds a variety of new and exciting opportunities to the base game. The new style is themed very well and fits the country aesthetic. The overall number of added features can be overwhelming at times, but this pack comes highly recommended to anyone wishing for a bit more action in the lives of their Sims.

Fantasian: Neo Dimension is an exciting turn-based RPG that cements the stylings of Mistwalker and Sakaguchi-san's directorial vision. A marked uptick in quality from Fantasian on Apple Arcade, this revamped version hits the classic highs of JRPGs as well as offers an experience that feels polished, complete and exciting. For lovers of older Final Fantasy games, this will scratch the itch, doubly so with the involvement of Uematsu-san, yet another auditory love letter from the master. All in all, this is THE game for JRPG fans.

SoulCalibur VI certainly has plenty of issues, like a lack of extra modes, a few visuals blemishes, the somewhat unimpressive Reverse Edge move, and the usual greedy attitude towards DLC. Nevertheless, it's also a highly entertaining, high-octane fighter that can be enjoyed by greenhorns and veterans alike, as well as being a more than decent revival of the franchise.

The Bug Butcher is a fun, finely-polished, Pang-inspired shooter that modernises the classic formula with sharp controls, frantic pacing and charming presentation. Its short campaign and limited modes hold it back, making it a title that’s great for short bursts but not for extended play. Think of it as a small snack between the bigger meals. A snack made out of vibrantly colourful alien insects, that is. If the price is right, it’s a solid recommendation for arcade afficionados and not only.

In no way is NBA 2K18 a bad game, but it's certainly not worth its current price-tag, as the few improvements it offers are simply not enough, and, secondly, its sub-par single-player portion relies too much on micro-transactions.

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

Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition is a superb action puzzle title with clever stages that both get the brain working overtime, yet also offer up a thrilling fast-paced platform experience that will keep even the toughest of gamers on the edge of their seats.

What a hidden gem! Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together is a definite must-buy on Nintendo Switch, showing off not just a fantastic idea with great puzzles, but driving home the team-work element that works so well on Switch thanks to its 'play anywhere, anytime' ethos. Sit with a friend, get family members involved, or even go it alone, play it in tabletop mode, portable, or even on the big screen - whatever the case, it all works perfectly. This is going to eat away at the hours, without a doubt. SFB Games and Nintendo have struck gold with this one.

Resident Evil 4 is entertaining throughout - this review has focussed on negative missteps that have been taken while concocting the Nintendo Switch version. It is more expensive than PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions, with no actual differences between them. However, it is undeniable that it is a standout title despite these somewhat ageing issues. To help compensate for this, it does run at a stable 60 frame-rate, and of course, is now fully portable. It may not be the definitive version of Resident Evil 4, but it is still a fun one nonetheless.

While not without its flaws, Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift is a truly excellent turn-based strategy title.

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.

Everything about this title is a joy and great, engaging gameplay is complimented by a beautiful world that springs to life on the PS5 both visually in its setting as well as its characters and stories. Top this off with a great protagonist and you have a game of the year contender in every respect. Metroid Dread? Who needs it.

Fans of the series are going to adore Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Origins and Odyssey felt like Ubisoft trying something new, stretching out and seeing what worked, and Valhalla takes what was learned there and expands upon it. Some things, like the combat, don't feel quite there yet, still, but other elements absolutely have evolved for the better. There's a lot to love here, and not just in the frankly absurd amount of content available. The story is fantastically enjoyable, with Eivor really shining throughout (play Female for what feels the canon story!) - they are truly deserving of standing alongside the icons of this long-running series. This is a legendary tale and an addition to the franchise that is good enough for the gods.

Newcomers risk drowning in a sea of references, while franchise veterans are bound to be put off by more cut-scenes than the series is known for, but Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is an astonishingly addictive action-RPG that just gets better as it goes on. A rough opening and choppy plotting undersell a genuinely gripping mystery that reflects on Adol's history as an adventure, culminating in an incredible last act. Falcom's dungeon design is the best it's been in years and the numerous gameplay additions made to combat bring the Seven Engine close to capturing the same highs that defined the Napishtim era. Monstrum Nox may not live up to its narrative potential, but Ys IX's gameplay only leaves one thing to be desired: more.

The Gunvolt series was one of the better, and cooler, platformer series in recent history; unfortunately the most recent games have just been entirely mediocre. Much like the previous Luminous Avenger, all the pieces are there for an absolute fantastic game, but it never comes together. Regrettably, the story in Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is the weakest in the series, and the two main characters are far more annoying than entertaining.

Along with being the definitive way to play Strange Journey, Redux stands out as one of the best games in the Shin Megami Tensei franchise all around.

Tales of Graces f Remastered's most compelling feature is its combat system. It's a serviceable JRPG experience, potentially appealing to younger players disinclined towards turn-based systems. While its emphasis on "the power of friendship" may resonate with this demographic, older gamers will find the narrative lame and its character motivations underdeveloped. Although the writing occasionally exhibits weaknesses, the narrative does offer moments of genuine emotional impact.

A free-running joy at home or on the go, N++'s tricky yet gratifying array of platformer puzzle levels ensures a worthwhile purchase, and the online options only extend its already considerable lifespan. With single- and multiplayer options fitting the Switch's form factor and detachable controller attributes like a glove, N++ is a strong consideration for top indie game on the eShop.

Narrative-driven adventure done right, The Excavation of Hob's Barrow goes from suspenseful to downright ghastly, with the in-between being filled with excellent writing, awesome presentation, and flawless atmosphere. Lovecraft meets Edgar Alan Poe, meets Pagan folk horror, in a point-and-click that won't challenge your puzzle-solving skills, but will masterfully play with your mind, and force you follow the main heroine's journey towards her inevitable demise. The actual game requires five or so hours. The experience will stay with you far longer.

At the end of the day, despite the enhancements, the core gameplay of Etrian Odyssey Untold is still likely to divide players.

Wii Sports Resort is a motion-controlled marvel with a little piece of magic included for each and every one of us.

The realistic, in depth elements of rice farming combined with honing fighting skills plus surprising character revelations and development make Sakuna of Rice and Ruin a magnificent game. Sakuna's personal growth is a pleasure to watch. Her reason for living is tested to the limit, she learns to serve others rather than herself, and has to make a sacrifice that she would not have made if faced with the same decision at the start of the game. The balanced emphasis on farming and fighting provides a great variety of tasks to undertake, providing dozens of hours of fun. The delay in the game's original planned release was worth the wait.

Lunar Remastered Collection is a meticulously curated compilation that preserves the integrity of the original PlayStation versions while introducing subtle enhancements. Gameplay remains largely unaltered, with the most significant quality-of-life addition being adjustable battle speed controls, so some modern players may need to curve their expectations. This feature streamlines combat, expediting minor encounters and grinding sessions. Lunar Remastered Collection showcases two exemplary JRPGs from the genre’s peak era and offers a compelling, accessible package at an attractive price, making it an essential experience for enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic yet refined presentation of these influential titles.

A sharp contrast to Renegade Kid's technically stellar DS games, Mutant Mudds wraps up retro-inspired charm, pixel art that pleases the eyes, and a boatload of challenge, all making highly effective use of the 3DS slider switch, all in one affordable downloadable package.

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

A fantastic collection of some of the best Megaman titles! Capcom has given this collection plenty of attention, and really rammed in as many features as possible. Presented in beautiful HD, with loads of display and filter options, and running at a silky smooth frame rate, it ensures players can find something that suits their taste. The new multiplayer, casual mode, and save assist features make this the definitive version of the games. To have Zero and ZX recognised and ported to current gen, makes sure they aren't forgotten, and allows new audiences to pick them up and get stuck into probably the best GBA series, and two very fun DS games, on their modern consoles. A fantastic collection, worth a recommendation to anyone in the market for some slick and stylish side-scrolling action.

Yes, combat wise, The Banner Saga does nothing new, but it does the basics very well, and the difficulty is well-judged for the most part. Clunky and poorly-explained HUD aside, this is a worthy addition to most Switch libraries, and fans don't have long to wait until The Banner Saga 3 is also released.

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.

It's amazing how every element comes together for a thoroughly refined platforming experience. The level design is nothing short of genius, and the flawless controls make every leap more joyous than the last. Everyone who hasn't already played through the Wii U version should pick this up immediately.

With refined combat, a far tighter script, and an infinitely more likable cast, Torna - The Golden Country manages to address almost all of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's core problems without ever straying too far from its source.