It’s a fine line when creating a sequel to such a classic game. Go too modern and you alienate your classic player base, but go too retro and it doesn’t appeal to the new generation of gamers. Taito has got the balance spot on here though, and created a Bubble Bobble for 2019 that feels completely right, but without being mere fanservice. It’s a brilliant game that all Switch owners ought to get in my opinion.

Chained Echoes is a fantastic JRPG that captures everything we love about turn-based RPGs on the SNES but improves on everything we didn't love. With a new battle system, no random enemies to encounter, and the ability to have eight characters on your team and switch without using a turn, Chained Echoes is a must-play.

Samurai Warriors 5 is a beautiful looking hack-and-slash game with a great story loosely based on historical events and characters. Add in a crazy amount of customisation and replayability this is a must-play title!

8-Bit Adventures 2 is a story-driven RPG that feels like the classics in the genre.

Platypus Reclayed is one of the best arcade shoot ’em ups I have played. It’s challenging, but so rewarding. Who knew flying a clay ship could be so much fun?

As stylish as ever and filled with tons of new content and improvements, Persona 5 Royal is the very best JRPG of this generation that deserves to steal all of our hearts.

One of the most unique experiences I’ve had in gaming, and I can’t believe it’s over; I look forward to more titles by The Rat Zone.

Kona is a story based game worth telling, combining aspects such as narrative world-building and free-flowing gameplay. This title cannot be overlooked.

While it does seem to focus on being grind-heavy with many modes and mutators needing to be unlocked with coins, you can enjoy yourself fully even with the bare bones, because the game is always shaking things up, and continually testing the boundaries of friendships and your sanity.

Tales of Arise is so well done with the story, graphics, battle system, music, characters and voice cast that it is a must-play for anyone. Even if you aren’t normally a big fan of role-playing games the story is so compelling there is a lot to love here.

There is no doubt in me when I recommend Just Crow Things! Few games can make me laugh, let alone as hard as I did as I pooped firey chilli poo on unsuspecting victims.

I don't see why anyone shouldn't pick this title up; it's phenomenal, enthralling, and — possibly most important — fun.

When people say that you could spend 80-100 hours in this game and enjoy every second of it, believe them because there is so much variety to enjoy here.

Smooth controls, a varied and inclusive cast of characters, and a phenomenal amount of things to do make this such an easy 10/10 for me. The only downside I can think of is that it has an ending.

NINJA GAIDEN: Ragebound is a perfect addition to the series. It looks and sounds amazing, and with accessibility options it feels more fair. It’s great!

Battle Suit Aces is an amazing homage to the mecha genre while providing a fun experience all on its own. A must-have for any fan of the mecha genre or card games.

Magical Delicacy is a cooking metroidvania which you can easily lose yourself in. Like any good fantasy, it encourages exploration and it doesn’t punish you for your mistakes. With an intriguing story, you can really put yourself in Flora’s shoes as you learn about the Kingdom of Grat with her.

Patrick’s Parabox is a fun puzzler for all ages, whether you like puzzles or not. It’s easy to play, and I found myself becoming easily addicted to solving each puzzle, losing hours of time into this fun little game.

Zombie Rollerz: Pinball Heroes is the perfect mix of pinball and roguelike games, with tons of zombies to defeat. Full of non-stop action, tons of unlockables, and a fun colourful artstyle, this is a game you absolutely have to play!

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age is a perfect game, it sticks to with traditional JRPG roots while still bringing in a few new mechanics to freshen it up a bit.

Guybrush’s new adventure is every bit as fun as his previous ones. This is a triumph of a game that manages to live up to exorbitant amounts of expectation and ticks every box.

If you are a fan of fishing, then this is a game I would label as a must have. Having said that, I am not a fan of fishing but I found Ice Lakes to be a wonderful experience with its glorious visuals, a multitude of game modes, and a running theme which is continued throughout. Forget about the fish; Ice Lakes is the catch of the day.

DELTARUNE has a genuinely amazing story and really nice gameplay, and the music is just the cherry on top. Although there are some shaky bits, I cannot recommend this title enough.

Probably one of the cutest, most creative platformer titles I've had the pleasure of playing. There's no reason not to pick this game up!

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an awesome action platformer that pulls you in with its beautiful world and lore, evolving the metroidvania genre with a lot of great changes. You must play this game.

Nice to see another Assassin’s Creed game to explain yet another exciting story on another character, well done Ubisoft.

The three-pronged combination of satisfying moment-to-moment combat, a plethora of long-term permanent upgrades, and an intricately woven story that seamlessly unfolds make Hades a dangerously enjoyable game.

This is a cool twist on the story of Adam and Eve. With great music, graphics and a great story Smelter combines the platforming and real time strategy genres with great success.

Sea of Stars is an amazing-looking and sounding title that has captured all you love from classic turn-based RPGs and improved upon it. I can’t recommend this game enough; this is how you modernise and pay tribute to a classic genre.

Cleaning is so much fun when it isn't in real-life, you just wash away all these feelings and feel better when playing PowerWash Simulator. Thank you FuturLab for an amazing game.

This game is the perfect mix of an RPG, 2D Platformer and farming simulator that you can find. Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin looks and sounds great and has a great story that will make you care about all the characters.

This is a really neat game, well produced and thought out. Definitely a 10.

This game is as great as Captain Pike’s hair. If you’re ready to blink away three hours of your life in what feels like three minutes, Star Trek: Infinite is for you.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative adventure that will have you glued to the screen. With Shinkai-esque aesthetics, a meaningful use of photography and relatable characters, you’ll not want to leave the Dusklands.

Compelling and strange, Slay the Princess is a unique, expertly-written visual novel.

Ratchet and Clank is the culmination of Insomniac’s vast experience in the field of platformers. It’s not just the best platformer on the PS4, it’s one of the best games on the PS4 full-stop. A game of the year contender in my opinion.

Life Goes On: Done to Death is a fun puzzle title that will tax you, and let you blow off steam by murdering hundreds (thousands) of knights.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a lovely interactive productivity tool that radiates positive, relaxing vibes. With cute spirits and customisations, getting work done has never been so cosy.

Civilization VI is most definitely the best base-game installment of the franchise yet. There are so many gameplay mechanics included here that it feels like it’s already had a large expansion. I can’t wait to see what Firaxis could possibly add to improve on an already spectacular and complete game. But as much as I hate to say it, with so much to learn this is one of the least accessible games in the series for newcomers. Still, with beautiful visuals,step-up in AI competence, and so much to do, for returning players this is the best Civilization game in history.

A near-flawless title, with an utterly fantastic gameplay loop, art direction and variety.

A really good free-to-play open world game that’s easy to recommend to solo players or groups of friends.

Cleo - A Pirate’s Tale is a fun-filled adventure where you’ll encounter characters with a ton of personality. Exploring island areas, conversing with NPCs, solving basic puzzles, gathering items, and searching for a legendary treasure is a pleasant experience for all ages.

Featuring relatable characters, including a rocket launcher-wielding guinea pig, an in-depth story, exciting quests, and an immersive world, Beyond Galaxyland is an adventure that you won’t want to miss.

Flynn: Son of Crimson is a beautiful looking and great sounding platformer game is a must-play title that gives you a powerful and cute wolf companion. This title does not have an auto-save feature so keep that in mind.

RESEARCH and DESTROY is unintentionally comical, and this made the experience incredibly enjoyable. Fun gameplay and fun dialogue meant that my wife and I couldn't put down the game, and anxiously waited for our next round.

Alien Hominid HD is a terrific game full of fun characters and a great sense of humour. The only drawback is that it is quite short; I didn’t want it to end!

Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship is a quirky mix of genres that looks great and is incredibly addictive to play on the Switch.

Cuisineer is an excellent culinary adventure full of cute characters, tasty dishes, and challenging goals to strive towards as you become unstoppable both out in the world and in the kitchen.

The new features and Gallery are quite nice, but the new official translation of Prosecutor’s Gambit is the real highlight here, easily overruling any minor complaints.

While the original release of KSP for consoles was a buggy mess, the new enhanced edition is a full blown masterpiece of a game. If you have ever wanted to become a rocket scientist then this is the game for you. With a huge variety of options, whatever spaceship you can imagine, you can build. The new control scheme is perfect for every kind of player.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or a complete newcomer, Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a must-play for fans of RPGs.

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is one of the most rewarding puzzle games that I have ever played. With an awesome aesthetic, great music, and a story full of twists and turns, this game will keep you coming back for more.

Digimon Story Time Stranger combines nostalgia for fans of the anime series with fun combat and an emotional rollercoaster of a storyline. It’s the perfect entry point for new fans, and one that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Neva is a stunning game that tackles the themes of parenthood and climate change perfectly. With an immersive soundtrack, beautiful art, and an emotional journey, it’s a challenging platforming-adventure that fans new and old will love.

The Crimson Diamond is a cosy retro-style murder mystery with an excellent story, enjoyable puzzles, and a charming protagonist. This is a must-play for anyone who loves text-based adventure games or wants an accessible, modern entry point into the genre.

The most complete Street Fighter title to date, Street Fighter 6 is a must-play for fighting game fans, and one to consider even if you’re not familiar with the genre. An engaging, stylish beat ‘em up that could well be king of the mountain for years to come.

Like the last slice of pizza, Shredder’s Revenge is worth savouring every last second of. A fun, nostalgia-fueled adventure that every fan of these radical dudes has to play.

Cuphead in The Delicious Last Course is a must-play for people who enjoyed the original game. If you found Cuphead too challenging, then chances are you will still find it pretty hard even with the inclusion of Ms. Chalice and her special abilities.

This is the pinnacle of Formula 1 in videogame form. In a year fraught with difficulties for real world motorsport, Codemasters have delivered a solid experience that should keep you in the hot seat, especially with the immersion factor of the new My Team mode.

Definitely a worthwhile game to pick up if you’re even remotely interested, featuring a really solid story and combat, this is a time sink and a half of content.

Quite possibly the best FMV game ever, Not For Broadcast had me both laughing and scrambling in a panic when the channel's viewership dropped. Even if you’ve never had any interest in FMV games before, Not For Broadcast will surely change your mind.

The Talos Principle II exceeds the highs of the previous game, bringing a deeper story and a visually stunning world alongside the exceptionally well crafted puzzles we saw in the first game. In my opinion, one of the best puzzlers I've seen in a long time.

Hot Wheels Unleashed is a surprisingly good racing game that brings your childhood imagination to life while offering you endless creative options for customising your toy racers and designing your own tracks. No matter your age there is tons to love here!

I can barely find the words to describe the emotional experience that is Goodbye Volcano High. While there are a few sound blips, the music, voice acting, and story were phenomenal, and these teenage dinosaurs were truly relatable.

Sokobond Express is a delightful little puzzle game that doesn’t talk down to you. It’s both relaxing and easy to play, making it a perfect game for all ages.

A game that takes what came before and redefines what is possible in co-operative storytelling, with a level of detail and polish far beyond what could be expected of a small team.

A truly fantastic game that ties up loose ends from the previous titles whilst setting up for future storylines. A must-play for every JRPG fan!

Accessible enough for everybody, Among Us coaxes out everyone’s inner psychopath and Sherlock. With short addictive bursts of gameplay that's long enough to satiate, this sleeper hit has/will become a staple in your games library and gaming nights to come.

A blend of physics-based tetris and magic in a sweet little package makes this a must have for gamers of all ages and sizes.

Digimon Survive has both a well-made story and a deep combat system that will engage players through each route they may take, but the first few hours are ill-paced with long breaks away from combat.

If the worst thing you can say about a rougelite is that it kills you, then Noita can’t be that bad. I’m a big fan of this game and can’t wait to play some more.

343i had failed to live up to the high bar set by Bungie — until now. It was worth the wait to see Master Chief return in such an impressive manner and I am once again excited for the future of this franchise. The multiplayer and campaign combine to make a stellar experience.

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical is one-of-a-kind in the best way, excelling on all fronts — narrative and musical. It's a must-play for lovers of theatre, Greek mythology, and story-rich experiences.

If The Drifter were a book, there’s no way I’d stop turning pages. If you like delightfully tropey characters, chunky pixel art, puzzles that aren’t too obtuse, and excellent voice acting, then I fully recommend giving it a go. It’s enjoyable, engaging, and accessible for those who love and those who are new to the point-and-click genre.

The ideal game for the LEGO geek or geekette and you are never too old to play with LEGO as it says on the box 4 - 99 years old.

If you love speed-running type games, Aerial_Knight’s Never Yield is a must-play. Who would have guessed that running through forests, on top of buildings, through offices where you are jumping over photocopiers and sliding under desks would be so addictive and so much fun!

Zombie Rollerz: The Last Ship is a great mix of genres with a cartoony look and a fun sense of humour that keeps pulling you back for more.

Janosik 2 is a great sequel that is more than worth its asking price. Its simple yet fun, fast-paced, and challenging gameplay makes it one of the best platformers I’ve played this year.

Blossom Tales II: The Minotaur Prince has been inspired by A Link to the Past in all the right ways, combining great visuals, a charming story, adventure, and puzzles. This game is a must-play for me.

Collection of SaGa: The Final Fantasy Legend is the perfect collection of these classic Game Boy screens, looking and sounding even better than the originals. Just keep in mind that they are early style RPGs so they require a ton of grinding!

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit is a must-play title for fans of the series, or for 2D action platforming fans who don’t mind a bit of colourful language and shenanigans.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania is a must-buy for any fans of Dead Cells or Castlevania, it's a breath of fresh air for those who have played the base Dead Cells in the past, plus the music is fantastic.

As a whole, Reus 2 is genuinely fantastic: it’s relaxing, satisfying, and deeply replayable. Its core gameplay loop is brilliant and I can’t recommend it enough.

Bzzzt is definitely everything I want in a retro-style platformer. It's fun with great controls and music to make you keep going even after 100 deaths. I cannot recommend this game enough.

Alan Wake 2 is a thrilling follow-up to its original, with a rich, intertwining narrative and genuinely terrifying moments. Aside from some combat pitfalls, it’s a nearly flawless sequel.

Aside from the repetitive gameplay, this is a game that Fate fans will absolutely enjoy playing and exploring in an officially released Fate game, since the Stay Night visual novels don’t seem to be coming out anytime soon, including the several other games that spawned from this franchise. From a gaming perspective is a flawless execution of what a Servant would do against an army, but is mechanically challenging.

MARVEL Cosmic Invasion is a love letter to all Marvel fans. The game’s roster has classic and new heroes that jump into the beat ‘em up action. This title is so much fun.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a great mix of investigation, crazy word battles, and humour with a great cast of characters. If you enjoy solving mysteries and interesting stories, I am sure you will love this game.

A practically perfect remake in every sense, Silent Hill 2 is a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and shouldn’t be missed by any horror fan.

A masterclass in fighting game design, perfect for both new and old players alike.

Captain Velvet Meteor is a turn-based strategy game full of imagination and creativity. The characters and story are great, making this a must-play.

KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is one of the craziest titles that I have ever played. Being a cat with a muscular human body was so fun!

Overall, Final Fantasy XVI is a phenomenal gaming experience that I enjoyed from start to finish. With dynamic gameplay, amazing characters, and an emotional storyline, new and old fans alike will love the latest entry in the franchise.

I didn't expect a lot of innovation in this second entry to the franchise, but Rogueside really showed off their creativity with Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic!

If there is one game you decide to take a chance on this year, please let it be Yakuza 0 - a game that is as fun and intelligent as it is silly and violent.

SILENT HILL f is nearly perfect, delivering a compelling story and haunting atmosphere. With incredible audio design, a fresh and immersive Japanese setting, enjoyable combat, and satisfying puzzles, it’s a must-play for long-time fans and newcomers.

An enchanting journey with a huge amount of things to see and do, FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time is a must-play that has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Winters’ Expansion is a beautiful extension of what Village already has, offering plenty of new ways to have fun, whether that means making the base game easier or getting to punch everyone in the face as Chris Redfield. But the real tour de force here is Shadows of Rose, a storyline that offers a more psychological style of horror than the franchise usually plays in and is worth every penny.