Since the title doesn't even attempt to hide its shortcomings, it feels like its creators are perhaps aware that parents might not read up on the title's shortcomings before purchasing it for their child, safe in the knowledge that it's a recognisable brand. That, if true, is something to really take issue with. Thankfully, the world is full of people with a conscience, who will deter folk from this monstrosity and tell them to go play Mario Kart instead.

It's difficult to sing the praises of the core gameplay as much as last year. That's especially the case as the AI isn't as sensible as it was previously, with too many reckless challenges and questionable keeper decisions. PES 2019 underperforms, despite its quality.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy plays well, looks fantastic, and is rarely an overwhelming or difficult set of adventures, with small worlds that are simple to conquer and ideal for a younger audience. By the time of the third game, things are a little more gimmicky, and there is a repetitive nature about the constant running around and collecting, but these colourful platformers still manage to deliver real delight if you try not to blast through each game one after the other.

Airheart is by no means terrible, but it is better for short bursts of gameplay where its flaws can come out less prominently.

Maxima provides a good reason for players to return to World of Final Fantasy, but only really because of its extra bosses and dungeon. The rest is really just minor nostalgia-driven content, which does fit in well given that's what the game is built around. The avatar change system is neat if only to use fan-favourite characters in battle now, and might provide some new set-ups for bosses, but don't expect much in the way of cut-scenes and major roles for the new champions. Taken as a whole, still one of the better Final Fantasy games in many years, but Maxima as an upgrade is only worth it for the title's biggest fans.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD is a fun little accompaniment to the original and certainly a preferential option for those that want to re-experience the original without investing an ungodly amount of time. That being said, the flaws are rather glaring. It's all far too simplified, and the old-school aesthetic would have been greatly complemented by adding in a turn-based, classic Final Fantasy combat system.

Shikhondo - Soul Eater is a visually unique and very enjoyable shmup. That's really all there needs to be said. It's not as if there's some riveting plot or a fantastic ending to look forward to. In fact, the story is basically non-existent. Perhaps, instead of filling the screen with words, the developer chose to cram in some more bullets. That's fine - wonderful even. There aren't any distractions to keep players from performing their best. If the idea of navigating a sometimes literal maze of death grabs you, then consider giving this a go.

Just Dance 2019 is exactly like Just Dance 2018, 2017, and so on. In other words, it's extremely fun… but it also feels like a cash-grab, since it doesn't try anything new. Also, the 400+ long song list, arguably the bulk of the experience, remains hidden behind a subscription… albeit, a reasonably priced one.

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!

A promising closer to the Syberia trilogy of games, Syberia 3 meets hardship in the way of spotty performance in both visual and sound design. Kate Walker's latest adventure is coercive to devotees of the series, but difficult to recommend over the numerous top quality eShop games in the same genre.

Leisure Suit Larry: Wet Dreams Don't Dry is part tribute, part return to form, and, finally, probably the best attempt to bring the series to the new millennium so far. While this is certainly a breath of fresh air after the retched Box Office Bust, however, it could also be much better, first from a gameplay standpoint, but especially when it comes to its naughty humour.

Without having the drum to test out, it is difficult to tell if Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session! is an inferior game without it, but it is still most definitely a fun rhythm title in its own right with the regular controller. With only a few note types - and, therefore, buttons - to remember, this is simple to pick up, and the support options make it highly accessible to rhythm casuals. The higher difficulties and plentiful options to add handicaps allow experts to test themselves freely, too. For a very Japanese themed rhythm game that is chock-full of tracks, Drum Session! is well worth a beat.

Above all else, Fire Pro Wrestling World presents a level of freedom not often seen in videogames. Dedicated players have every opportunity to craft their own wrestling experience. Whether this experience adheres strictly to well-known promotions or something wholly unique is up to them. Anyone seeking a solidly crafted and entertaining experience won't be disappointed, either. The action is soundly compelling, and there's enough depth to stick around for the long term. It's also worth taking the time to explore both the Mission and Scenario modes, as they really add a lot of flavour to this excellent wrestling game.

Friday the 13th: Killer Puzzle might have a simple concept and an even simpler look, but it manages to be a bloody (pun intended) good game, with many stages to complete, and with the puzzles getting progressively harder and more complex at the best possible pace. Apart from a very low replay value, fans of the genre are definitely advised to give it a shot.

Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a surprise hit for Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, embedding Star Fox in was a masterstroke. From a surprisingly good score and audio cues from characters, to stunning vistas and scenery, there are many positives to be had. There will be many who appreciate the large number of tasks to do, but others will be deterred by the repetitiveness of them, although these are largely optional. The main issue is essentially asking what point of sale is the best value for money as no option is cheap.

Fast Striker is solid all round. It has four modes of ever-increasing challenge and complexity. Novices are able to get a feel for the game, while Maniacs can push their skills to the limit. The shields are an interesting idea. Under the right circumstances, they are a satisfying means of escape, yet they can also be a crutch. If they are always being exhausted, it's proof that the player needs more practice. Overcoming the impossible is what STGs are all about, and this title clearly understands that mantra.

Unfortunately, Swap This!, like most matching puzzle games, is exactly that: just a matching puzzle game. It looks good, it will satisfy your need for something fun and casual-friendly, and it carries a killer price... but don't expect something more out of it.

Overall, GRIP Combat Racing is a fantastic spiritual successor to Rollcage racing that doesn't just pay tribute to the series, but also carves out its own nuances.

It is more of the same for Valkyria Chronicles 4 - and that's no bad thing. Going back to what SEGA did best with this series following the awful Revolution was really all that was necessary, even if it might feel too familiar if coming off of playing the first game recently. Comic book visuals, a story based on World War II, appealing anime-like characters, a mix of overhead and third-person strategic and real-time gameplay - there are so many crazy ideas melded together, and yet it all comes off so well. There still isn't a series much like it.

There is a really good experience in here. The context of the world and the basis of the story have so much potential, exploring many ideas that are often too overlooked in gaming. The moments of passive storytelling that is discovered, just by reading the journals or newspapers, are magical and interesting. The disappointing thing is that this magic is buried under too many bland fetch quests and too many technical problems. There is a roadmap of future content being developed, so maybe this can change, however… hopefully!

A decent tie-in game, something many anime properties never receive, but ultimately My Hero One's Justice can't live up to the standards set by the likes of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm releases or even Dragon Ball Xenoverse titles. It's fun and filled with things to keep fans of the series happy, but those looking for a complex and challenging combat system won't find it here.

The sheer density of content in the main quest means it will take a staggering amount of time to complete. Compounded with some entertaining and charmingly written side-quests, this journey breaks the 100 hour mark easily. There can be a few too many instances of catering to the lowest common denominator that even the hard mode modifiers can't fix, but if it means more people can enjoy this amazing game, then so be it. The only thing holding back what could be almost a masterpiece for the genre is its terrible soundtrack.

Bundling two of Konami's most beloved games should have been the easiest sale in the world. Instead, what is here is something that doesn't quite hit the mark. The ports are competent, but they could have been so much more. Instead, it seems like effort was spent on including meaningless features that don't really benefit anyone. Introducing force feedback to old games just seems like a bad idea in general. Still, Symphony of the Night and Rondo of Blood are classics. They deserve to be played, even if it is through Castlevania Requiem.

Episode 1: Roads sets Life is Strange 2 up for potentially great things, but the entertaining moments are extremely fleeting in what is clearly intended to be an emotionally-driven adventure that works to set the tone for what is to come, with particular value placed on the story of brotherhood. The supernatural element at play as the main plot device is interesting, but it again only works to serve as a teaser for what is lying further down the road for the brothers. Not as gripping as season one, but this short episode does its job.

Aside from the absence of proper pointer controls in docked mode, The Inner World: The Last Wind Monk takes everything that was good about the first game, improves on all the things that were not quite as good, and still delivers the same magical universe but expanded upon, then served in a more swift and reactive way than previously. What this means is that while the previous title was a point-and-click title with a charming universe well worth checking out, this one elevates itself above that by fixing what needed to be fixed and manages to offer quite an exquisite experience overall that keeps the player hooked thanks to the sum of all of its qualities.

Few single-player experiences excel simultaneously at telling a deep and poignant story, whilst also providing the player with such a huge extent of freedom and possibility. The universe is exceedingly broad, varied, and beautiful, not to mention overflowing with interesting characters, wildlife, and things to do. The sense of polish and finer details really bring things together, along with the excellent musical score, fantastic voice acting and the title's intense and visceral cinematic qualities. Fans of the original Red Dead Redemption will be enamoured by the sequel. It doesn't just accentuate the West, but animates it on a new level, with a greater sense of life, community, and narrative. It's epic.

Once again, the DLC on offer is just another, very short side-quest that could easily be part of the core game, or at least part of a pack with more of those. The interaction with one of the most interesting characters of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is certainly a plus, but, in the end, that doesn't provide much incentive to try The Amorous Adventures of Bold Sir Hans Capon out.

Tedious, meandering, and needlessly obtuse, Soulblight is far better conceptually than it is in execution. The prospect of uncovering the mysteries of a dying world is gripping enough, but the story is told in such a convoluted manner that forming any sort of narrative attachment is virtually impossible. Not helping matters are the title's poor technical performance on Nintendo Switch and the sheer insufferable nature of its combat. Coupled with a top-down aesthetic that frankly does the gameplay no favours, Soulblight offers little of value despite a relatively interesting premise.