What really matters is that the emulation in SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Classics is of a high standard, and the range of games included is pretty great.

Unless you’re thoroughly sick to death of post-apocalyptia, you’ll find that Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a charming, entertaining outing; one that gives the turn-based combat genre a much needed shot in the arm.

Some people will absolutely love Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, and others will be enraged by it. I sit somewhere in the middle – I really like it, but its flaws have soured my experience with it.

It’s a delightfully bizarre adventure that everyone really needs to go on at least once. And even if you’re well-versed in Katamari Damacy, there’s no reason to not jump back in.

Sure, it’s not as polished as the likes of God of War, but I don’t care. When Darksiders III works well, it’s just as entertaining. I love its character and enemy designs; its world draws you in and surprises you with the way all of its environments are linked together; and it really does have some epic boss fights. Throw in some light puzzling and an engaging story, and you have a no-frills adventure game that somehow feels fresh.

I couldn’t feel particularly satisfied when the credits rolled. The Council had a great deal of potential, but ultimately, the final package ended up being rather disappointing.

If you’re a fan of meditative adventures such as the likes of Firewatch et al, then there’s some enjoyment to be had in The First Tree. You’re unlikely to get emotionally invested, but its vulpine protagonist and charming visuals may be enough to keep you interested through its short running time.

Those who simply love music rhythm games and haven’t got much experience with the Persona series, though, should probably just dip their toes in with Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight to test the water. And maybe wait for it to go on sale before they do so. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight are both very good, but they don’t quite feel like they’re worth their asking price.

Those who simply love music rhythm games and haven’t got much experience with the Persona series, though, should probably just dip their toes in with Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight to test the water. And maybe wait for it to go on sale before they do so. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight are both very good, but they don’t quite feel like they’re worth their asking price.

Even if the game’s visuals don’t appeal to you and you’ve never tackled any other games in the series, it still warrants investigating. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows’ frequently disconcerting and often bloody payoffs, as well as periodical dollops of psychological horror, make it worth tolerating the game’s less engaging moments.

It’s remarkably unremarkable. A safe sequel that changes little and only takes tiny steps to improve its own tried and tested formula. But it’s still the closest thing to Gran Turismo with bikes.

It’s far away from being perfect, but Horizon Chase Turbo is one hell of a stylish way to waste 30 minutes of your day.

I’ve always kind of enjoyed Lumines, but it always lacked a certain hook. While its music and changing colour palette was endlessly exciting, its gameplay just didn’t have the same long-lasting grab. With Tetris, though, that enticing gameplay is there. And when you couple Tetris‘ classic gameplay with enticing sound and visuals, you get something pretty special indeed.

There are no redeeming features to be found in Fallout 76, and I’m not even sure if it can be saved. Technical issues just make what’s a boring and soulless experience at its core into something that’s simply more of an abomination.

Despite its annoying stealth sections, My Memory of Us is a truly touching platformer that uses beautiful artwork and clever puzzles to weave a rich narrative. It may not be perfect, but Patrick Stewart’s stellar narration is enough to forget any minor niggles.

Battlefield V doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but it’s atmospheric, tense and wildy entertaining.

Diablo III on Switch is simply spectacular. It’s a phenomenal port that really shows what the Switch is capable of, and honestly, I think it might just be my favourite version of the game yet.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a game best enjoyed in bite-sized sessions, otherwise it soon begins to feel like a chore.

It might not propel the series forward by leaps and bounds, but it takes small meaningful steps that improve the formula nonetheless.

11-11 takes things to the next level, with more realistic characters, brought to life in a way that makes us feel almost like we know them. It’s a tall order for a game to make us care so deeply about its protagonists – especially when it only has a few hours to do so – but 11-11: Memories Retold does so admirably. It’s compassionate, believable, beautiful and touching; it weaves a narrative that’s so carefully strung together.

Omen of Sorrow is a very competent fighting game. It just doesn’t have the same level of polish that so many others have. And there’s the problem: for its current retail price of £44.99/$49.99, you’d expect more.

While you’ll probably want to mute Pilot Sports’ annoying soundtrack, there’s plenty of fun to be had with this surprisingly challenging and varied retro flying game.

Disappointing, that’s the best word to describe Gal Metal. It’s a game with great potential, but it just isn’t focused or accessible enough to capitalise on it.

It’s not cheap, but then what’s the price of laughter and happiness?

It’s hard not to be charmed by The Shapeshifting Detective. From its presentation – with an eerie local radio station playing spooky stories in the background – to its alluring characters and enthralling narrative that dances with supernatural themes, there’s a lot to love.

GRIP: Combat Racing may never really dazzle you, but it does enough to keep your attention. It has the content, the customisation, the intensity, and the replayability.

This is not a game you play for its challenge; it’s one you play for its gorgeous design and beautiful but subtle storytelling.

With the Dualshock 4 in my hands and Fast Striker on the screen, what would be a whimsical appeasement of the past instead transforms into a regurgitation of old tropes.

It’s been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a city building sim, but Project Highrise really is the full package.

Let me reiterate it isn’t a bad game, but it doesn’t do anything to make it stand out as particularly good, either.

Ultimately, My Hero One’s Justice will entertain those who it’s made for, but it wont impress them.

Call of Cthulhu weaves a supernatural detective tale that’s frequently unsettling, occasionally horrifying and always engaging.

Soulblight isn’t built for everyone, even diehard rogue-like fans. One day I’ll venture back to the Soul Tree, I’m sure of it. Just don’t think it’ll be anytime soon.

The variety on offer in The Jackbox Party Pack 5 is excellent. While it’s a departure from some of the Jackbox classics – Fibbage, Quiplash, Drawful – it’s a fantastic and inventive range of new titles, all rounded off with another solid entry of the much-loved You Don’t Know Jack.

While Rondo of Blood is entertaining enough, the lack of extras and the inferior version of Symphony of the Night being included in this package is sure to disappoint.

The years spent shaping Red Dead Redemption 2 into what it is has been worth it. Rockstar hasn't just created a video game; it has created as close to a living, breathing digital world as can be. It's not so much something that you play, it's something that you visit and experience. Something you willingly get lost in... This is the new benchmark by which open world games will be measured, but none will be meeting its heady heights anytime soon.

Having a modern-day video game with some of the most beloved cartoon characters from our youth is certainly a novelty, and at worst, that’s exactly what Nickelodeon Kart Racers manages to be. But at best, it’s a solid entry into a rather stagnant kart racing genre. It may be lacking a bit of personality and polish, but zooming around the track as Tommy Pickles or Patrick Star is a lot of fun.

Despite a story that could have been better, and perhaps a bit more guidance in the early rounds, Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe’s absolutely gorgeous hand-drawn style erases most of those problems.

The game’s multiplayer mode, each player using one Joy-Con, is the game’s prime redeeming feature and is a heck of a lot of fun in its own right. But weighed down by a middling-at-best single player mode, no matter how quirky it attempts to be, Zarvot’s trying, polyhedral antics don’t justify the price of admission.

With a gorgeous visual design – even on Nintendo Switch, it’s a striking-looking game – an enjoyable gameplay loop, fantastic audio design, and a lively cast of characters, there’s plenty to like in Starlink: Battle for Atlas.

Despite being formulaic and repetitive, you know what you’re getting with a Warriors game. And if that’s your thing, you’ll no doubt have some fun with Warriors Orochi 4.

With some perseverance and dozens upon dozens of retries, you’ll get the level down eventually, but you have to be determined and willing to go through hell. For a party game, I’m just not sure that many people will be.

It won’t keep you hooked forever, but thanks to its gorgeous art style, witty writing and lovable monsters, it will keep you entertained for a while.

Despite its late-game woes though, Home Sweet Home is definitely worth a horror fan’s time. Its brand of horror is simple but effective, managing to build up tension and chill you to the core.

Taken in reasonable doses, like the board game it’s based on, Space Hulk: Tactics is a rewarding and satisfying strategy game, whether you’re purging the unclean or punching your extendable jaws through an intergalactic fascist’s face. Thanks to its board game roots it’s a more claustrophobic experience than other turn-based strategy games, but set foot aboard this Space Hulk and you’ll have nothing to lose but your spleen.

Crayola Scoot isn’t perfect. It has a few little niggles and could do with a bit of polish especially in its control scheme. But it’s fun. The bold, simple art style is extremely effective, and seeing a skate park completely covered in various colours after an aggressive round of Colour Frenzy is brilliant.

It has some good ideas and interesting features, but it doesn’t feel polished enough to impress. Basically, it feels like it needed more time in development.

Ultimately, Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise feels like a more ridiculous entry into the Yakuza series, but with less content and a smaller budget. As a result, it’s a fun excursion, especially for fans of the Fist of the North Star franchise, but it never truly impresses.

Super Mario Party manages to perfectly blend nostalgia with brand new gameplay, and no party’s going to be complete without it.

While Fishing Sim World hasn’t got me hooked for the long term, I can see myself biting and going back for more from time to time.

Everything about Deep Sky Derelict seems to have been done right, from the synthwave soundtrack to the lore to the unusual combat system. It’s rare that a game with procedural elements holds my attention for long, and rarer still that an RPG can show me something new.

I feel like 428: Shibuya Scramble is a visual novel for people that don’t usually like visual novels. It’s more involving, more mature, and more engaging than others out there.

Ultimately, for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced Scribblenauts, the Scribblenauts Mega Pack is without a doubt the best way to do so.

Mega Man 11 strikes the perfect balance between old and new, paying homage to its past while taking risks into the present. I couldn’t be more pleased.

The Escapists: Complete Edition looks crisp and beautiful on the Nintendo Switch. The pixelated prisoners and officers have never looked better, as as with any game rereleased on Nintendo’s handheld hybrid, the ability to play on the go is a massive boon.

After many hours of playing ADIOS Amigos, I’m still completely hooked. on trying to beat my high scores. Everything from the graphics, to the setting, and the music is just so inviting.

Perhaps in VR, wandering around in zero gravity will be a little more fun, but the combat will probably still disappoint. [Non-VR Version]

The gameplay feels a little too one-dimensional at this moment and really required an added twist. But Roads sets up some intriguing plot points which I’m really excited to see unfold in later episodes of Life is Strange 2.

I’ll no doubt be sinking many hours into FIFA 19 in the months to come, but I do wish the effort put into the game by EA Sports hadn’t been spent on the modes I’m not really keen on.

An addictive, accomplished wrestle-fest that will have you grappling for hours at a time.

All it does is force me to admit that we can all sometimes become prisoners to our own nostalgia.

Burning Bridges feels like a turning point that episodes two and three have been building up to. It introduces welcome plot twists and revisits interesting topics that have been mostly at the wayside since episode one. But I fear it’s too little too late.

Forza Horizon 4 feels like a labour of love; a game for car lovers by car lovers. But also, it's an engrossing experience that's rewarding every step of the way. Exploring the map feels just as worthwhile as completing events. And its seamless multiplayer features, Forzathon challenges and seasonal events mean that you're not likely to grow tired of it for years. It is, without a doubt, the best racing game available right now.

Gift of Parthax is an enjoyable title, just not a spellbinding one.

There really isn’t anything else quite like Old School Musical. It’s a game that’s been several years in the works – and when the outcome is something as unique and special as this, I daresay every moment was worth it.

It may not have the cutting-edge visuals of its full-fledged source material, or its open world, but it certainly has its soul.

As good as it has ever been, but if you’ve already played it on one of the numerous formats it’s already available on, it’s probably not a high priority to play again.

Battle for Azeroth makes some great improvements in the levelling experience, but faults in its class design and the less rewarding Azerite system mean that overall, it takes too many steps back from Legion.

Whether you’ve played any of the games it contains before or not, you’re likely to find at least a couple that grab you and make the collection worthwhile.

It’s the sort of game I can imagine myself playing in quiet downtime while waiting for something else.

Ultimately, if you’re after the most authentic NASCAR racing game available right now, NASCAR Heat 3 will serve you well. But if all you want to do is take some NASCAR vehicles around some tracks now and again, on Xbox One you might as well pick up Forza Motorsport 6 or 7.

It’s something of a dilemma to be left disappointed by a game where your only complaint is that it left you wanting more. But that’s how I feel about Donut County. What it does, it does very well. But there just isn’t enough of it.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider leaves a little to be desired as the final instalment in this reboot series, but the trilogy all together is a strong and fantastic series. It’s worth picking up and playing if, for no other reason, than to share in Lara’s incredible adventures one more time.

If you’re hoping for the next great dungeon crawler, then you most likely will be disappointed. While its many mechanics and structure are a valiant attempt at the form, the game ultimately stumbles where it should succeed. However, if you’ve found its artwork online and are more interested in its exploration of yokai than anything else, you’ll probably enjoy your time quite a bit.

Make no mistake about it, Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner MARS is a game that will only really be appreciated by fans of the series. Even with its VR mode, there’s nothing here that newcomers will find particularly impressive.

It’s not perfect, but Marvel’s Spider-Man is the best that a Spider-Man game has ever been, knocking even the long-lauded Spider-Man 2 off its perch. Fast, fluid and webtastically fun, Spider-Man will appeal to Spider-fans and newcomers alike.

The idea of developing your own ninja is a great one, but here it relies on you engaging in action that feels borderline broken at times, sucking all the fun out of the process.

If V-Rally 4 had a more structured career, I really feel like it would have been a great game. As it is, however, it’s fun until you feel like you’re completing the same events over and over again.

Under no circumstances should you consider buying Super Street: The Game. Priced at £49.99/$59.99, it’s daylight robbery.

It transforms the subcontinent of India into a much more interesting region. With the specific caste systems and the trading overhaul, the area is much more alive for those who play as natives or those who play as foreign trade empires.

When the credits roll, you feel like you've been on a real journey with Shadow of the Tomb Raider. You've experienced ups and downs, made new friends and enemies, and had the pleasure of seeing some phenomenal sights along the way. And as the dust settles, Lara has become who she was meant to be. But it is you who has got her there. It is you who has traversed dangerous environments and raided temples for their treasures, all the while defending yourself from those who seek to put a stop to your adventure. And just like any good adventure, you'll be left wanting more

SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy isn’t going to wow you. It’s not going to blow you away with its depth or visuals, or just about anything really. It is quite fun though, at least in small doses.

Sadly, a tedious story combined with finicky menus and dull characters means that Shadows Awakening doesn’t fully wake up to its potential. It’s a decent RPG with some new ideas, but it’s not going to set your world on fire.

Two Point Hospital is a ridiculously entertaining game that will challenge and delight in equal measure. Just remember to check your patients’ wallets and purses before you check for a pulse.

Absolutely, Planet Alpha puts style over substance, but that doesn’t mean what’s there isn’t worth experiencing. It doesn’t have the best platforming you’ve ever experienced. Nor does it have the best puzzles. But what’s perfectly adequate, when coupled with those visuals, ends up being something quite special.

Ultra Space Battle Brawl is very much worth a purchase if you play games with friends on a regular basis. Its fusion of Pong with an 80’s arcade game aesthetic really gives it character, and when your opponent is a real human being it’s an absolute riot. It’s quite light on features though, and its single player offering really lets the package down.

Its final boss is destined to prevent all but the most dedicated of players from truly finishing it, but the journey there is so enjoyable that most won’t care. Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is so unique that you can’t help but give it some slack.

It is, in essence, a game about golf that is as true to the sport as can be. Sure, it may be a sport for the rich and aristocratic among us, but in the virtual world of The Golf Club 2019, we can all experience a little bit of the competitive high life. It may not land an ace, but it’s still plenty under par.

Its inability to show you the agency you may or may not possess robs the experience of the satisfaction it so desperately wants to give you on its final scene.

The campaign may only last for a few hours, but the additional multiplayer is good for days of fun. CastleStorm will challenge you, make you laugh, and keep you on your toes.

It’s not perfect, but Blade Strangers is a solid fighting game that is wonderfully accessible.

It has a few enjoyable features, but unless you’ve got the patience of a saint it’s probably only trying if you love the rouge-lite genre and are looking for something unique and new.

The control scheme may take some getting used to, and you may find yourself getting bogged down in some of the grittier details of the game. But once you get used to it, you may just have the role-playing experience of your life.

The tedium of the second half of the game, and the increasing frustration brought on by its level design, checkpoint system and challenging platforming somewhat sour the experience though.

In an age where countless games are trying to imitate the past, there’s nothing like having Dragon Quest back where it belongs.

However you decide to play Strange Brigade, one thing is for certain: you’re going to have a hell of a lot of fun. The storytelling and humour balanced against an excellent mixture of gunplay, adventuring and puzzle solving works incredibly well. And the world created by Rebellion is an absolute joy to explore. It takes the formula set by Zombie Army Trilogy, but expands on it in pretty much every way: it’s funnier, better looking, more varied, and bigger in all senses. As far as third-person shooters go, Strange Brigade is up there with the best of them.

Whether you’re a masochist or a hardcore masochist, Death’s Gambit might have something for you.

A great visual style makes Pato Box stand out from the crowd, as does the duck/boxer protagonist. If you’re up for a challenge, with a game that requires you to master the rhythm of each boss fight, then Pato Box will be a champion for you.