As a jumping in point, it would be difficult to recommend Assassin's Creed Rogue. However, as a product in and of itself, it is a cohesive experience with hidden levels of depth and progression possibilities, backed by exceptional presentation values and fun fighting and seafaring mechanics. Completionists looking for an irresistible challenge and franchise fans who missed out the first time around will find a lot to love here.

UFO 50 is a fantastic collection of retro-inspired games that takes on the aesthetics of the '80s but with game design advancements of the modern era. The games included cover such a wide breadth of genres and playstyles that there is bound to be a title to meet all tastes. Plus, the whole package is wrapped in a cute metanarrative about a fictional game studio and console that developer nerds will adore. UFO 50 has tens of hours of content and provides some of the tightest gameplay concepts seen in a long time.

Evoking the sense of classic Arcade gaming, Don't Die, Mr. Robot! DX embodies the strengths of pick up and play games to their fullest, providing mere minutes or many hours of satisfaction as needed. Much more of a solo offering than a crowd pleaser, Mr. Robot's ease of play and addictive high score trophy collecting ensure the game's icon will find a recurring place on the Switch's home menu.

WadjetEye Games has done it again! Unavowed does not disappoint at all, relying on the tried-and-tested formula that has worked so well in the past, but now taking that and polishing it beyond belief, and then expertly blending in themes from popular titles, sprinkling a whole host of fresh ideas into the pot to make for one of the most engaging experiences of the year.

SteamWorld Dig 2 is no mere sequel by numbers, instead taking everything that was loved (and critiqued) about the original and building upon it considerably in every way possible. The sense of exploration is phenomenal, and those willing to dig deep will find the world down in the mines has so much to offer that a good 10-15 hours can easily be spent uncovering all of the secrets before even bothering to finish the main story. This almost out-Metroids Nintendo's venerable series - that is how good Image & Form's latest adventure is.

Yakuza 0 is already one of the greatest experiences on PlayStation 4, and now it is one of the best on Xbox One too. It may not have many enhancements for gamers who play on X, but it was already a looker, with a high frame rate to begin with. This is one of the glitziest and brightest games out there, and not relying on the most advanced technology meant the team could push an older engine to new heights. Dropping 40 hours means not even seeing half of what Yakuza 0 has to offer. It is a huge package of value that seemingly never stops giving.

KEMCO and Articnet deliver a well-balanced sport-RPG hybrid in RPGolf Legends. Having only two difficulties may bother more veteran players, and the need to grind late-game for some bosses and dungeons may cause a few to give up before the actual end, but for most it is a solid story with engaging quests and an ear-pleasing soundtrack, making it an enchanting tale on Nintendo Switch with high replayability due to its charm and story.

System Shock is an amazing remake that irons out a lot of the original's more impenetrable qualities. The original isn’t exactly user-friendly, so the remake’s smoother, more responsive design makes it the go-to way to play. This is especially true for the Nintendo Switch 2 version, which may have occasional frame rate drops but still offers the definitive console experience for anyone looking to play, thanks to its intuitive Joy-Con 2 mouse mode.

In spite of featuring less content than the title's 2013 remake for iOS and Android, that doesn't change the fact that this is the best version of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 currently available for a home console. Knuckles is included as a playable character, Super Sonic and Super Knuckles have their own unlockable modes where the Chaos Emeralds are collected out the gate, and the inclusion of the Drop Dash only adds depth to already excellent platforming. With a fantastic set of levels, and plenty of quality of life additions, SEGA AGES Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is one of the line's better offerings.

Thanks to its familiar settings, independent storyline, and range of gameplay styles, Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded works well not only as an introduction to the series, but also as a continuation of what is most likely the zaniest storyline in gaming today.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is simply everything that its predecessor was and then some, with some improved mechanics, more block types to choose from and a new and more interesting story. This is topped off by a much more social experience thanks to the great implementation of online sharing of creations and the inclusion, at last, of multiplayer.

Wii U owners hungry for Metroid Prime's atmosphere or Monkey Island's puzzle solving really can't go wrong with this one.

Octopath Traveler is an extremely satisfying storytelling experience vastly different from other traditional JRPGs out there. The eight stories followed over the course of the game are all compelling in different ways, and each is engrossing in different ways. The combat is simple, yet nuanced, and building party compositions never stops being a fun exercise as the adventure presents each new challenge. The pacing does have some small missteps here and there, especially as the world opens up between each major act, but it's a tiny hurdle in an otherwise magnificent experience.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a fantastic collection and the definitive way to experience this title, particularly on the new consoles where it runs smoother (and is far gorier) than ever. Even on older hardware it still shines. While day one players who have already accrued the majority of the included content will have less incentive to splash the cash on the Ultimate edition, it stands as an impressive catalogue to the achievements of NetherRealm over the past year and a half. If you haven't played it yet, now is the best time to dive in. If you have, here above are all your reasons to dial back into the experience.

Disgaea 5 Complete is a natural fit for the Switch, as the features that make it more accessible than older titles in the series are highlighted through the portability of the platform. While already an excellent SRPG in its own right, the DLC added into the core game both provides a definitive experience for series veterans, while also offering several slight handicaps to newer players. Disgaea 5 Complete's strategic depth and genre-savvy charms feel perfect at home or on the go, making it an excellent addition to any growing Switch library.

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.

Regardless of which ending is first discovered, Yumetsutsu Re:Master is a fascinating visual novel that throws light on life within the gaming industry and the complicated relationship of two sisters. The hours spent lost in the tale are rewarded with a gallery of scenes and a few videos to collect which necessitates further play, an act that will not become boring with the mystery of whether the sisters will reunite in the best ending to aim for.

Epic, beautiful and quite wonderfully Nintendo in its almost sexual brilliance. Arousing stuff.

After 20 years of memorable Pokémon experiences, Game Freak has brought out something that feels completely new, while still delivering on the core Pokémon experiences people crave.

This particular game is a joy and has a story that has a conclusion that is worth the time and effort. It might not please all fans of its prequels due to its obscure time-hopping scenes, but even they should love the final catch-all scene. It is an excellent entry to the universe and a fantastic addition to the PS4 catalogue, and will leave most hoping for another game in the future.

Nintendo was wise to enlist CING once more for this second edition of Another Code as the developer has taken the best elements of both its previous DS titles, Two Memories and Hotel Dusk, poured them onto the Wii and mixed in a whole host of clever extras that make this by far the most enjoyable adventure for Nintendo's home console so far.

Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker is a pristine piece of DLC. Forgoing the inclination to merely take on more of the same, Sabotage Studio diversifies what made the base game great and continues delivering a masterful understanding of RPGs.

Whether interest lies in the survival horror genre or the first-person action adventure, this is a title that delivers an amazing and heart-pounding 25+ hours. It's also noteworthy that a sandbox mode is coming to the game, but as of release it is not an available option. Hopefully, that means a lot of content post release.

There is much to love about the Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack: it provides excellent value for money with the original games ported over along with new content. There is easily over one hundred hours of gaming to be had, exploring the world with Sophie, Firis, plus Lydie and Suelle is an ideal package for returning and new fans of the Atelier series. Sophie's initial lack of outstanding personality, frame rate drops in more crowded areas of the games plus the obvious improvement of graphics that comes with time and better technology in the second and third game is no reason to be hesitant in buying what is a piece of Atelier paradise.

Football Manager is still the ultimate football simulation series, and this latest addition makes enough positive changes to keep the gameplay fresh, and improve on some of the minor frustrations of previous entries. With a better UI, enhanced match engine, and some high-quality decisions around player motivations, it is easier than ever to get sucked into hundreds of hours of addictive gameplay. Football Manager 2020 is the perfect game for spending long days in quarantine, as the time will fly by.

This entry goes to show that there's room within the franchise to make different looking Fire Emblem entries that still feel true to the series but which also dare to not only tread new ground, but to do so in a great way. It's a well rounded package that is well balanced to please the majority of its audience, like the entire trilogy of Fire Emblem Fates before it, but while keeping it all confined to just one game with the complete epic story being accessible just from buying this one piece of software instead of it being spread out, and that's something to be thankful for.

Monster Hunter Rise is a triumph. It may not have the shiny 4k HDR visuals of its predecessor but the more modest, design-driven visuals are a delight to behold. Gameplay is as solid as ever and features much more freeform with the new traversal tools putting it above many of the other games in the series. The new setting and characters create a much more involved scenario full of charm and fun Japanese influences. For fans of monster hunter this is an absolute no-brainer but for new players, this is a fantastic place to start. Not only will Rise teach everything there is to know about its systems, but it is one of the purest fun experiences currently available on Nintendo Switch.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the most invigorating, wholesome and downright fun entry in the series since Yakuza 0. The turn-based combat, while slightly rough around the edges, manages to impress. The new protagonist Ichiban is a delightful addition to the lore. The only reason Yakuza fans won't adore Like a Dragon is if they despise turn-based combat. Even then, it's well worth giving a shot for the beautifully written story and fresh take on the Yakuza formula. Ichiban Kasuga is the hero this world needs right now.