Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is another success in the series. We love that it’s starting to look back at older, more classic elements of the franchise and finding ways to reimplement them in an ever-evolving, fresh feeling new game.

I suspect only those who are really into sticking with practising the skills available, like with a real instrument, will carry on playing this long after the novelty wears off. But if you’re looking for something fun, colourful and different that you can share with pals at home during the dark lockdown weeks ahead, give it a go.

Overall, we have a fantastic new open world title to enjoy here. One that is very English, packed full of wild and interesting characters, each with their own story to tell. It’s a huge step forward in that regard and one that should be celebrated as it shows a way forward for video game development. And while many elements in gameplay and story may feel familiar, they work really well and the amount of things to do, see and experience are truly amazing.

It’s not perfect, it feels like the start of a new genre rather than the definitive conquering of one. In time I can imagine garden based versions, bigger and bigger tracks with loops, jumps and hills, and a raft of copycat games.

Crash 4 is a cracking platform game and an excellent way to start saying goodbye to the current console generation before the inevitable switchover to PS5 and Xbox Series X.

This game is a very decent alternative racing title for the Forza fans to try. And with a lack of titles in general until the new Xbox and Playstation consoles hit shops this winter, it is worth trying out good strong games like this even if they're not accompanied by the blockbuster telly adverts you'd expect from bigger budget hits.

Those who enjoyed Life is Strange will find quite a lot to love in Tell Me Why . It’s strange that this game isn’t a third entry into the series when it very well does feel like one. After several releases with very similar gameplay structure, you’d think there’d be some more improvements in regards to the slowness of picking of objects and cycling through dialogue. However, as you’d come to expect, the characters are great and the overall story is intriguing enough to keep going. Tell Me Why is another interesting and captivating episodic adventure, albeit a familiar one, from one of the studios that does it the best.

I have no doubt that the team at Wales Interactive are filled with great ideas and I’m fairly confident its next game could be something truly special. As it stands, Maid of Sker feels like a replication of past ideas, none of which are strengthened.

Roki is undoubtedly one of the most engrossing games of the year. While the gameplay may at times contradict its perfectly nuanced story, it’s often easy to overlook and be swept away on a magical adventure full of mystery, heart and tragedy.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is a massive generational leap from its predecessor, and every time I play the game I’m blown away by just how good it looks. From a completely simulated physics system with wind, weather and more, to highly detailed aircraft and airports, it’s truly something worth checking out. Even if you’ve never played a Flight Sim before, you have to pick up this game. Flight Simulator is a revolutionary game for all kinds of reasons, and once the technical issues are out of the way – I truly believe it will be a legendary PC game. Give it a few months, I’ll bump it up to a 5/5.

I put my hands together for the few pairs of Arms fans out there, and I’m sorry for all the hate this series is getting but I extend an olive branch to put the “whoas” to rest in hopes the next DLC character is someone better.

Now that you have already paid for both expansions, let’s hope The Crown Tundra is a better experience all around.

Paper Mario: The Origami King is a vibrant, detailed, and exciting adventure filled with bustling hubs and lots of hidden treasure. Sadly, whilst the battle system looks good on paper, it isn’t the enjoyable or in-depth RPG system long term fans were hoping for. The writing is consistently laugh-out-loud funny though, and that’s the most important thing in any Paper Mario game.

I think that your enjoyment of Ghost of Tsushima will come down to how you like the game’s structure. If you’ve played Horizon Zero Dawn and Days Gone, you’ll know exactly what to expect. While I understand the comparisons, calling the game “Assassin’s Creed but in Japan” is doing it a bit of a disservice, in my opinion. Yes, you will raid hideouts. Yes, you have a “listen mode” where you can see enemies behind walls and stealth kill them. The game also does have similar ideas from its contemporaries, like Sekiro’s focus on parrying and Nioh’s stances. But Ghost of Tsushima does many aspects exceedingly well – and it's more than the sum of its parts. The gameplay is fun, the narrative and its characters are great, and the art direction is absolutely beautiful. The pros here vastly outweigh the cons. Ghost of Tsushima is a breathtaking adventure.

Factoring in all of the improvements that have been made to the handling model and racing experience in this game, I've had more fun in the My Team mode, races and time trial in F1 2020 than in any other previous F1 game before it.

Battle for Bikini Bottom is like comfort food. It’s easy to indulge and uplifting in all the right ways. Like a childhood blast from the blast, it’s quickly easy to see why this licensed platformer became a cult-classic. It’s hard to judge whether it will find an audience now. The platforming genre is gearing for a new renaissance with the upcoming Ratchet & Clank and Crash Bandicoot 4, but maybe this is should be seen as a love letter to a bygone era and transition from the old to the new.

Whether you are a Marvel fan or a PSVR fan, Iron Man VR is well worth your time and money. It's immersive, tactile, and full of charm. Few other VR games will make you feel as powerful or leave you feeling so satisfied with the time you have spent in a virtual space. The loading sections are a bit too frequent for my liking, but they never impede what is a fantastic virtual reality experience.

For many BioShock: The Collection’s hop to Nintendo Switch is as good of an excuse as any to indulge in this unforgettable series all over again. For others it’s an opportunity to discover what they’ve been missing out on and if so “would you kindly” pick up a copy because yes, you’ve been missing out. For those owning a Switch alone, there’s a banquet of content on offer in this collection that both looks and plays a treat, making it worth every penny. This first-person shooter is easily one of the best available in the Switch’s catalogue of games and let’s face it, being able to take BioShock wherever you go is indeed awesome. However, bearing in mind how this version plays best, it’s difficult not to consider browsing stores on other consoles where this title often finds itself on sale for a pretty much identical experience at fraction of the price.

Although this is one of the worst ports of a recently published game I’ve seen on the Switch, The Outer Worlds is still a fantastic game that is well worth your time. The issue with porting this game, in particular, is that it’s a bad solution to a problem that nobody had — the game is less than a year old and the Switch simply isn’t capable of doing the game justice.

This was clearly a labour of love. The team creating the Elder Scrolls Online sure love the world of Tamriel, and it shows when they’re able to create a great chapter that stands on its own merit; even when it’s standing on the foundations of the fifth game in the series. Greymoor has a short but exhilarating story that left me ready for what’s to come in the future. Western Skyrim is gorgeous and a joy to explore. It gothic setting is a refreshing change in ESO, and if what’s to come is as good as this, I’ll happily find myself coming back to enjoy what’s on offer.

The Last of Us Part II outshines the original in practically every way. The game takes level design, combat, stealth, AI and interactive narrative and uses each element to elevate the other. Unpredictable, intelligent and self-aware, this game seems to pride itself on digging into your head and staying there – allowing its themes and messages to grow and mutate long after the credits roll. Naughty Dog knows just when to take your tools off you, remove the safety blanket and provoke you. It weaves inconsistent pacing and tension together masterfully to leave you as scared and vulnerable as its protagonists. This is a game that’s going to be talked about for a long time to come, and with good reason. A masterpiece.

There is an awful lot to like about Those Who Remain, but unfortunately, there is also a lot which will leave players deeply frustrated. Its most fundamental problem is that it tries to do too much. The atmosphere and storytelling, particularly at the start of the game is a great start, but the developers felt the need to add elements of survival horror, which ultimately exacerbate rather than scare.

51 Worldwide Games throws you into a treasure trove of high-quality games, combined with amazing multiplayer support and addictive leaderboards. For players who want a quick gaming session or those who want to compete against their friends, the game is an absolute must-buy. In fact, I’m beginning to think that 51 Worldwide Games is going to become an essential purchase for anyone who gets a Nintendo Switch from now on. For such a simple concept, Nintendo really knocked it out of the park.

If you know Mortal Kombat, you can smell the ‘twists’ and ‘turns’ a mile off, and though it’s great to see some underloved characters get their turn in the limelight, the whole experience underwhelms from start to finish.

Maneater is like a joke that had a great punchline, but is milked for all its worth afterwards.

Xenoblade Chronicles was one of the best JRPGs to hit the Nintendo Wii and the definitive edition proves why it's a much beloved classic. While certain elements haven’t aged as gracefully such as it’s bland quest design and sparse open world, quality of life improvements set to make the adventure as fluid and accessible as possible. If you’ve ever been interested in the series, this is the perfect entry point for a sweet and engaging adventure. Veteran players will no doubt find much to love in the expanded story with Future Connected. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition doesn’t do much to change the formula, but it builds upon its predecessor in such satisfying ways that it’s hard not to fall in love with its charm all over again.

Embr is a really fun game that will have you alternating between elation and frustration. The colourful and silly world makes for a surprisingly perfect setting for a game about the dangers of the gig economy. It’s best enjoyed with friends, so the lack of local co-op is a disappointment. The early access release is also short on content, but with the promise of a lot more to come and some replayability it’s definitely worth looking at. You’ll have a blast!

Despite a few issues with a lack of upgrades in some areas, Saint’s Row The Third Remastered is a great way to dip your shoes back into the franchise and remember why Saint’s Row 3 helped the series find an identity, allowing it to go on to do bigger and better things in Saint’s Row IV.

The PS4 version of Jedi Academy offers an opportunity to relive a prestigious Star Wars video game classic but sadly delivers little else. This nostalgic snack will no doubt scratch the itch for fans of the franchise but with an outdated, deserted multiplayer mode and an abundance of bugs and other technical issues, brings very little to justify the steep asking price for the game.

Huntdown stands as a neon-drenched monument on how to make a contemporary retro game. You might come for its highly stylised 16-bit aesthetic, but you’ll certainly stay for its authentic arcadey mechanics, amusing comedic overtones and unique boss battles. Despite being released long after its ancestors, Huntdown can stand tall within its genre, knowing that in reality, it probably holds more true to your nostalgic memories than what you actually played back in the day.

All in all, fans of the franchise and genre potentially have a real gem on their hands with The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners , but it requires a lot of work to get there. Right now, the game is still a diamond in the rough — with a bit of polish (or better yet, an Oculus and a powerful PC), there is a lot of fun to be found here. However, if you don’t like cripplingly difficult AI, buggy tracking and hours of picking up firewood, padlocks and shoes with holes in them, perhaps give this one a miss.

Your mileage may vary based on how well you enjoyed Gwent in The Witcher 3, but if you’ve been looking for a fresh perspective on Andrzej Sapkowski’s dense world and lore then we can’t recommend it enough.

XCOM: Chimera Squad is a polarizing spin on a familiar formula. Some fans will be delighted with the fresh ideas and quippy characters, while others will rue the lack of greater tactical depth and gravitas. For our money, Chimera Squad feels like mostly a side-grade than a firm step forwards or backwards, which still places it as a solid turn-based strategy title, but it’s not the killer sequel we were hoping for.

Gears Tactics is a brave new take on the turn-based strategy genre, executed to perfection. The freedom and fast-paced action that it provides are a breath of fresh air, and it nails so many mechanics that will hopefully become staples for the genre. It left me wanting more, though, which on one hand is glowing praise for the addictive, engaging gameplay, but it was also a little disappointing when the ending arrived so soon. Still, Gears Tactics blows its competition out of the water in terms of moment-to-moment excitement and production quality.

Moving out is a lovely little party game. Lots of fun, and gently humorous with some good accessibility options making it easy to play with younger or less skilled players for everyone's enjoyment.

With a refined matchmaking system (and rewards to go with it), as well as a balanced set of character classes and improved monster control, it could be a sleeper hit for many. For now, though, it feels like a missed opportunity. The fact it's bundled with a fantastic 5-star game in the form of Resident Evil 3 Remake, certainly helps. But as a standalone product, it's a fun but ultimately flawed experience; albeit one we hope improves in time.

There could be a cracking little game in here for kids, if the level design were more captivating and the job at hand felt more worthwhile. It pales into comparison compared to the Marios of this world.

Modern Warfare 2 is the technothriller action blaster you need right now, and it's shown why it's still one of the best entries in the Call of Duty franchise… even if it is a bit silly.

Final Fantasy VII Remake suffers from stop-start pacing, elements of archaic game design and some cheesy over-the-top filler material. But when it’s firing on all cylinders, Remake shows off the best of what Final Fantasy can offer in 2020: addictive combat, a compelling cast of misfit protagonists, and a living, breathing fantasy world. If you can break through the more sluggish and unenjoyable moments of the game, you’ll find an absolute gem of an action-RPG shining at the core, a promise of what Square Enix can do with role-playing games in this generation and generations to come.

Half-Life: Alyx is a perfect example of what happens if you wait a little while before jumping into a new platform. It perfects many mechanics from other games while adding in a layer of polish that only Valve could manage. It’s equal parts enchanting and terrifying, and it’s sure to be one of the turning points in VR for many of us.

My Hero One’s Justice 2 is a treat for fans of the series. For non-fans, it’s a capable over-the-shoulder arena fighter, with a host of fun and very different characters to avail from. The game does run into some performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, where frame rates can drop during bigger set-pieces, but it’s a fun and enjoyable play all the same.

Just as the 1999 original was a more action-focused Resident Evil game that arguably helped pivot the franchise towards the iconic fourth instalment, this 2020 reimagining feels like last year’s game in many ways, only sped up and thirstier for zombie blood. It treads the line between tension and action impressively, and Nemesis cements his legacy as one of the series’ most enduring creatures. If you’re stuck inside and looking for somewhere to escape, you’ll find Raccoon City more than accommodating.

Whilst a little tricky at times, Paper Beast is an experience every PSVR owner should play at some point as it is quite simply a one-of-a-kind experience. Pixel Reef and Eric Chahi create a gorgeous ecosystem where animals, plants, natural resources, and the elements all work harmoniously to keep one another alive. All of this is done with incredibly complex and beautiful paper creatures that you will marvel at as they walk on by you in the dry deserts and cold tundras. And, when the simulation you are in is over, you might come away valuing the life on Earth in reality, just a little bit more.

The statement ‘you can’t rush perfection’ has never been truer when it comes to Persona 5 Royal. The story is a slow burn, but with emotional payoffs. The enhancements and additions have been made to feel natural and fully integrated into the rest of the games systems. Persona 5 Royal is a shining example of how to reinvigorate a game. It’s a love letter to fans and a fantastic entry point for newcomers. Simply put, Persona 5 Royal isn’t just one of the best JRPGs of this generation. It’s one of the best games released in recent memory.

Id Software’s magnum opus, an epic of the videogame world that’ll be talked about for years to come, Doom Eternal is a triumph. It elevates everything that made Doom 2016 such a success, and keeps the pressure up from the opening minutes to the climactic final boss and falters only ever so occasionally en route. One of 2020’s first essential games, Doom Eternal is a masterwork of first-person shooter design, and sets the bar for what developers should be doing in the genre.

Similar to how Breath of the Wild and Odyssey reimagined 3D Zelda and Mario, New Horizons represents an exciting new milestone for the Animal Crossing series. By truly handing the player the reins, Nintendo has delivered a deeply customisable and effortlessly joyous experience which is, quite simply, an essential purchase for all Switch owners.

The new gadgets, locations and boss fights are all thrilling, but the lack of coherent storytelling makes the emotional pay off for these adventures sorely lacking.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is an essential Xbox game. Building on every aspect of Blind Forest – from art to music right the way through to level design and combat – this is a sequel worthy of celebration.

Though Team Ninja elevates much of the game from the prototypes the original Nioh was playing with, a few design frustrations (boss setups, camera, hostile UI) prevent the game from being the perfect hardcore RPG experience. Don’t let that criticism put you off, though – once you penetrate the frustration, there’s a genuinely captivating and ruthlessly addictive PlayStation great hidden underneath.

While there are more detailed JRPGs out there, Kakarot scratches the itch of both Dragon Ball and JRPG fans alike.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a captivating, entertaining take on the best bits of Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei and deserves praise for its inventive battle system and unique setting. The performance, extra content and handheld functionality make this a must for JRPG-loving Switch owners – even ones that owned the game back on Wii U.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is the perfect Christmas gift for old school video game lover. Those whose childhood consisted of gliding around collecting coins, and those who perhaps weren’t as lucky.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a great addition to the Bubble Bobble franchise, but it's expensive for what it provides. A solid afternoon of gaming will get you to the end credits, but you'll return to do things a little better than before.

Lonely Mountains is far from lonely, it rekindles a feeling of childhood. Of meeting with friends and exploring the woods, daring each other to take jumps or freewheel through water. It’s a game about being alone, by being at one with nature and the bike beneath you.

It is the best Star Wars game in years. Respawn taps into so much potential in the universe, and it makes Fallen Order ‘A New Hope’ for EA and the future of Star Wars games...Though it isn't Respawn’s best work, Fallen Order is a great project... and that’s the Star Wars we need right now.

While it doesn’t quite meet the lofty standards of those early-2000’s entries, it’s definitely the best Need for Speed we’ve seen in quite some time.

Football Manager is back and its focus on long-term construction of a footballing powerhouse is refreshing for a series that previously felt solely focused on the short-to-mid term. The only challenge you'll have now is keeping in the board's good graces long enough to leave your imprint on a club.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not bad games. But fun character arcs and inventive, creative designs of new ‘mon are often offset by poor pacing and restrictive world design. The world of Galar is charming, and is a Pokémon interpretation of Britain I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, but between gating what Pokémon you can catch behind Gym Badges, some half-baked route/City designs and a modest amount of post-game content, Sword and Shield can only be called ‘good’ Pokémon games… not ‘great’ ones.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not bad games. But fun character arcs and inventive, creative designs of new ‘mon are often offset by poor pacing and restrictive world design. The world of Galar is charming, and is a Pokémon interpretation of Britain I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, but between gating what Pokémon you can catch behind Gym Badges, some half-baked route/City designs and a modest amount of post-game content, Sword and Shield can only be called ‘good’ Pokémon games… not ‘great’ ones.

Pokémon Sword and Shield are not bad games. But fun character arcs and inventive, creative designs of new ‘mon are often offset by poor pacing and restrictive world design. The world of Galar is charming, and is a Pokémon interpretation of Britain I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, but between gating what Pokémon you can catch behind Gym Badges, some half-baked route/City designs and a modest amount of post-game content, Sword and Shield can only be called ‘good’ Pokémon games… not ‘great’ ones.

In a world where developers who design experiences for console and try throw them on the PC, Rockstar Games beautifully takes its time in creating a port that both serves the artistic purposes of the original while allowing players to run free in their best open world to date. Just make sure your PC is up to standard...The real verdict will shine once modders get their hands into the files and begin to create some crazy mods for the game – something which may be a major selling point for this PC version down the line.

Mario & Sonic's latest Olympic outing is more of the same, without any real innovation. The new additions of retro and dream events don't fundamentally change up the formula enough to feel like truly meaningful additions, though online multiplayer does add much needed longevity.

Death Stranding is the most unique big-budget game I’ve ever played, a socially-minded injection of inventive ideas into a genre that has long survived by being lazy and brutish. This ambitious formula-flipper is brimming with empathy and carefully courts cinematic influences, an ensemble cast and a world of eye-watering scale, delivering a sticky gameplay loop to tie it all together and create a console generation-defining experience.

Afterparty runs a little short, with the narrative concluding around the five-hour mark. It would have been nice if some of the islands offered a little more content, especially as some are much more important to the story than others.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 acts as an excellent addition both to the series itself and the ever-growing roster of excellent games on the Switch. It’s atmospheric, and will provide fun all the family can enjoy over the course of its relatively short story.

In general, Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a tight shooter that hits most of the parts you expect from a AAA shooter, while throwing heaps of new ideas into the mix. However, the few areas that I'm cold on: Ground War, Spec Ops and the few moments of the campaign when common sense gave way to a desire to shock needlessly… they're a bitter aftertaste to one of the best shooters I've played all year.

Another innovative showcase of the Joy-Con working with the new Ring-Con accessory, the fun-packed RPG mechanics makes Ring Fit Adventure the perfect gateway to fitness for gamers.

Other Ocean's reimagining of MediEvil is a respectful recreation of a unique classic. While some might think that the developers have gone down the safe route of a carbon copy recreation, it's clear that a lot of work that has gone into retaining MediEvil's original charm. The result? A gorgeous display of creative affection for a series limited by its original console confinement.

Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds feels like a modern-age Fallout title, for better and for worse Although it’s grown out of much of the buggy, janky feeling that its predecessors were known for, it isn’t nearly as expansive as the classics you might remember. It seems that stepping out of Bethesda’s spotlight has raised the production value but limited the game’s depth of content. Still, with quality writing and stellar gameplay, everyone should visit Halcyon’s shores when they get a chance.

There’s depth, hundreds of hours of replayability and above all, an experience you won’t forget. With humour, panache, wit and genuinely touching moments, this is a hell of a story.

Long-time Witcher fans will have a blast reliving their adventures on the go, while those who have yet to step into the hunting boots, luscious locks and scruffed beard of Geralt of Rivia, have the perfect opportunity to get stuck in.

As a game it's still great, even if this isn't necessarily the best place to play it.

Grindstone is a fantastic puzzler for your commute.

You know the old expression, there’s an app for that? Well, if you’re the kind of person who loves to finish somebody else’s sentences, then dear reader, Dear Reader should absolutely delight you.

It could get by on it’s absurdity alone, but What The Golf’s greatest trick is that it eventually becomes quite the tricky puzzle game, shifting dimensions and creating delightfully daft criteria to complete each mission.

It also just oozes a sense of cool that is easy to get lost in. You aren’t always on the back of a motorbike, dodging obstacles and chasing your foes: things can get surreal, absurd and often incredibly moody as you swing swords, play on a head-mounted-devices and ride waves of puke to wrap up Sayonara’s exciting missions. Don’t sleep on this one, it’s a trip.

The sequel offers up new targeted weapons, combat companions and more adventuring intrigue than you can shake a stick at. With a grounded world full of robots and characters in a variety of biomes, this is well worth a download if you’ve hopped on the Apple Arcade train.

It's a near-miss from John Wick Hex, then, but it's got heart, and I'm gutted this gamble didn't work out.

Behind all of its faults, even its painfully jingoistic overtones and its overtly militaristic design hides its true entertainment value.

Pixleopus has made a triumphant return with Concrete Genie; from your very first brush stroke you’ll be so swept away by the colour and narrative that by the time it’s over, you’ll want to jump right back in again to paint the town red, and blue… and green.

Indivisible is one of the best RPGs of the year. A masterclass in game design, Indivisible is funny, challenging and creative in equal measure. A few difficulty bumps can't take away from what is an almost perfect example of turn-based RPG genius. The production values are through the roof, and the game will have you rapt from beginning to end.

Surge 2 improves upon the predecessors ‘Dark Souls but sci-fi’ vibe with a much more interesting world and social commentary. But the series still feels a little rough around the edges when it comes to communicating with the player. Menus are awkward to navigate, and upgrades and systems can be a little hard to comprehend. Despite this, the combat is still great fun, and exploring Jericho City is an intoxicating blend of excitement and trepidation.

Where this game perhaps falters most is where most horror games do – the filler gameplay in between being spooked, which at the end of the day, might boil down to an individual's personal patience and tastes.

Ultimately Borderlands 3 is a mixed bag. It’s like going to visit my family at Christmas; you jump in the car, visiting those same people that you love dearly and enjoy seeing but it’s still the same long journey and your Dad is telling the same old jokes that make your skin crawl.

FIFA has never been better, at least on the pitch. Volta is fun in small doses, but those looking to play something other than Ultimate Team will be inevitably disappointed in the lack of variation in offline modes. Those who are in it for the thrill of opening a pack and getting a star player, or who simply love collecting cards and playing football matches with their new additions will find a lot to love, at least until next season when it all begins again.

Ultimately, Code Vein is a somewhat campy, but fun, breath of fresh air in a genre that has felt a little stale outside of games like Sekiro. The companions are fun, if a little one-note at times, and the combat is brutal, but exhilarating. If you like what you’ve seen so far of Code Vein, there’s no reason not to try it out.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening is the quintessential 2D Zelda experience. The gameplay never feels repetitive, and solving each dungeon or beating each mini-boss is equally as satisfying as the first. The audio is crisp and matches perfectly to the gorgeous visuals that players will be treated to throughout their time on Koholint Island. It pays homage to the original in the greatest of ways, by introducing an entirely new generation of players to one of the best Zelda experiences out there. It is a must-have for any Zelda fan, and so should take its place as a console seller for the Nintendo Switch.

Divinity: Original Sin II is the best RPG you’re not playing.

The real enjoyment came when mixing up the two elements of conversation and combat. The way that the game allows you to make some really difficult choices in how you go about on the island give a real feeling of importance.

Clementine’s character is renowned as being one of the most impactful and most beloved videogame characters ever. Seeing her entire story retold with beautiful graphics and supported by a plethora of extras feels deserved and right.

An exciting game to play which feels like a whole new adventure each time you play.

Iceborne is as much a roaring success as Monster Hunter World was, and it can receive no higher praise than that. It successfully adds in new layers, monsters, and a beautiful new area, all of which will have players flocking back to the game to experience it all. It’s fun, it’s hard as nails, and it makes my PS4 sound like a jet engine. It’s a truly brilliant expansion to an excellent game.

Gears 5 is a return to form for Microsoft’s hardcore series, delivering fans the roadie-running, head-bursting, visceral joy that made the franchise such a success in the first place. A few odd design choices can’t dull the sheen of what is a well-produced, well-optimised and truly beautiful piece of brutal, bloody good fun. Gears 5 is well worth a play for anyone that owns Xbox Games Pass, and absolutely worth consideration for anyone that wants to own one of the best Xbox One exclusives of a generation.

Despite these Switch-specific issues, Pillars Of Eternity is an absolute joy to play through. With the main campaign and two expansions included there’s well over forty hours of excellent RPG to get stuck into. It’s one of the Switch’s best ports because it’s one of this generations finest titles.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan is a must-play for anyone that appreciates horror gaming at its finest, for anyone that enjoys picking away at how a game is put together, for anyone that's got even a passing interest in finding the best storytelling vidoegames have to offer.

Control interweaves a superlative environment with brilliant combat and stellar map design. I just wish that the enemies were more varied at times and the story was a bit more compelling, but that doesn’t make the game bad at all. Control is a wonderful experience that any Remedy fan or supernatural connoisseur would enjoy.

Erica is experimental in design, and because of that, some things just aren’t going to work out as well as you would hope. But despite both its big fault and barely noticeable flaws, Erica is an interesting, immersive and well-realised experience.

Tetris Effect is a magical experience that you really need to witness to believe. Featuring over thirty stages, unlockable content, and a wide range of challenges with their own leaderboards, it’s also the most complete Tetris experience to date. There’s endless replay value here for fans of the classic puzzle formula and virtual reality is the cherry on top.