MXGP 2019 isn’t a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. But it is a disappointing one.

If you’re an ardent Super Monkey Ball fan then you might want to pick up Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz HD, but you probably won’t be having the best time of your life with it. It’s a shame that Super Monkey Ball Deluxe hasn’t been given the remaster treatment instead, which amalgamated all the levels from the original Super Monkey Ball and its sequel as well as adding in a smattering of original stages for PS2 and Xbox. That was the ultimate Super Monkey Ball game, and it still is. The new additions here detract from the experience rather than enrich it.

You’re not going to blown away by Katana Kami: A Way of the Samurai Story. Don’t expect it to amaze you in any way. It is, however, a very enjoyable dungeon crawler that’s very easy to sink time into. Developing powerful swords and using them to get further into a cavernous dungeon is as engrossing as you’d expect it to be. And the fact that those swords could be lost at any moment should you suffer defeat adds tension. This isn’t the Way of the Samurai experience you’re probably used to, but it’s just as entertaining nonetheless.

Fortunately for Monster Truck Championship, it’s still the best monster truck based game available. The lack of meaningful upgrades in this next-gen version, and the lack of a free upgrade path, however, means that it’s impossible to recommend to those who have already bought it on PS4 or Xbox One – they’re better off making use of backwards compatibility unless they have money to burn. There’s just not enough here to warrant the double-dip.

It’s okay that Red Ronin doesn’t feature a killer story, because the actual gameplay does exactly what it needs to, and it does it well. Will it be a memorable game? Probably not. But this kind of puzzle games scratches a particular itch and provides a enjoyable way to pass the time. It is only a shame that this isn’t a mobile game, where it would probably find a bigger audience.

While Root Film doesn’t quite meet the standard of its excellent predecessor, Root Letter, it’s still a thoroughly entertaining visual novel, especially for those who are into murder mysteries. It isn’t afraid to dip its toes into some pretty serious topics, and does so in a respectful manner, but it also employs a bit of humour to lighten the mood when necessary. Forgive its localisation issues, and you have a fine way to step into the shoes of an investigator for just over a dozen of hours.

Considering its budget price, there’s a lot to like about Labyrinth Legend. Its combat is a little simple, and inventory management can be a bit of a pain at times, but crawling its dungeons in search of powerful loot is engrossing nonetheless. The bite-sized nature of its action works in its favour, too, allowing you to delve in and out of it before it wears thin. So, if the idea of a cute-looking dungeon crawler that doesn’t over-complicate itself appeals to you, Labyrinth Legend is well worth checking out.

If you’re looking for a game that’s challenging yet relaxing, Lawn Mowing Simulator fits the bill. Starting up your own business, you need to choose your contracts carefully and mow lawns with care. And while it really does feel like work at times, there’s something seriously enjoyable about going back and forth in serene British parks and gardens, making them look prim and proper. Ultimately, Lawn Mowing Simulator is more addictive than it has any right to be.

Mothmen 1966 is a haunting outing that, with the exception of one awkward line, uses quality writing rather than jump scares to keep you on edge. Yes, you’ll get a little extra out of it if you’ve an appreciation for cryptozoology or astrology, but that’s by no means compulsory. It’s entertaining and unsettling in equal measure and if, as its developers suggest, it’s the first of many, we look forward to seeing where LCB takes the series next.

Potion Permit is the sort of cosy, welcoming game we can find ourselves playing for hours on end, its satisfying gameplay loop never getting old or repetitive. It won’t be for everyone, but if you love games like the Atelier series and Stardew Valley, and can somehow imagine a marrying of the two, you’re going to find yourself right at home here.

The game itself is presented well, as ever, and there’s a decent range of modes. But the only things that are genuinely new here are the music tracks and the avatars. And so, if you want to sing your heart out with hits such as Knowing Me, Knowing You or Money, Money, Money, you can’t go wrong. But if not, why are you even reading this review?

Move over, Kevin McCloud: there's a new architect in town, and it's me. Architect Life is a great deal of fun for anyone who likes to get creative with designing houses. Career mode provides structure while free play lets you go wild with your ideas, and whichever mode you opt for, it's bolstered by intuitive controls and easy-to-learn mechanics.

It's beautifully presented, and the puzzle of packing boxes is mildly satisfying. But A Storied Life: Tabitha lets itself down in its storytelling, which is little more than a messy headache of ideas. If you were hoping for something to rival Unpacking, this isn't it.

If you’ve never played Saints Row: The Third before and can’t imagine playing a game on anything other than the Switch, The Full Package is a must-buy despite its technical issues. To be fair, when docked, the Switch version probably falls in line with the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions anyway. It’s also a must-buy if you use your Switch pretty much exclusively as a handheld device.

It’s hard to call Wrath of the Druids essential, but those seeking to eke out yet more gameplay from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla would be wise to check it out. As I explored the countryside of Ireland, including iconic landmarks such as The Giant’s Causeway, I couldn’t help but stop to take screenshots due to the beauty of it all. And while the gameplay boils down to more of the same, it’s enjoyable spending yet more time in Eivor’s shoes, developing their skills even further, adding more gear to their repertoire and being the person that gets things done.

As a shooter, [Ghost Recon: Wildlands] is tactical, refined, and precise. As a world it is open, sprawling, and filled with things to do/find. And as a co-op experience, it’s arguably one of the best yet.

Styx, the Master of Stealth, is back, and in his latest adventure he has more freedom than ever as he hunts down valuable Quartz. The openness of the levels is perhaps the highlight of Styx: Blades of Greed, though the new tools and skills available to Styx are also welcome. It's just a shame there are no maps to help with your navigation, and the combat remains something that will frustrate.

Legacy of Kain: Defiance Remastered gives a classic game a solid makeover in terms of visuals and performance, and also offers fans the chance to indulge themselves in some lost levels and more. The gameplay at the heart of the experience hasn't stood the test of time very well, though.

Taking inspiration from Elden Ring, Code Vein 2 is an ambitious sequel which presents players with a vast open world to explore. It can feel a bit lifeless at times, but it's rewarding to venture into its nooks and crannies nonetheless. And everything you do helps build your character, an endeavour which proves to be a highlight of the game, along with manipulating time to build bonds with your companions.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita's Rewind combines beat 'em up action with arcade-style shooting, but neither element is particularly impressive. And so, this is an experience that only the most ardent and patient Power Rangers fans are likely to love.

Honestly, if you’re a fan of Road Rash you really must check Road Redemption out. Fast, brutal and huge amounts of fun, it hits all the right notes to make it an unmissable slice of arcade racing with an abundance of combat. It looks nice, has a rocking soundtrack and a surprising amount of depth. A Road Rash fan really couldn’t ask for more.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying this Senran Kagura: Shinovi Versus as a little bit of a guilty pleasure, devouring it of its value, and moving onto your next fix; just don’t expect anything more than that. Keep in mind it’s a port of a game that was designed for handhelds, and you won’t be disappointed.

Definitely give Maquette a try if you like puzzle games, but be aware that you’re likely to come up against numerous brick walls as you vie to reach its conclusion. The earlier puzzles are truly satisfying to crack but they quickly lose their charm, while later conundrums might leave you scratching your head in frustration. What doesn’t lose its charm, though, is the small yet beautiful narrative that you’ll want to savour every moment of. It’s just a shame there isn’t more of it.

Blue Fire‘s influences and inspirations are plain to see; Dark Souls, Super Meat Boy, classic 3D platformers. If a single one of those was its sole focus, I would be recommending Blue Fire highly. As it stands, though, I don’t really know who I would recommend it to: the jumpers or the fighters?

So, if you weren’t sure about the “musical adventure” genre, you should be now. There may not be too much competition, but Wailing Heights definitely belongs there as one of the genre’s greatest.

Not content with just the one story mode, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel has two, but unfortunately both are pretty unremarkable.

Putting players in control of a mech-suit piloted by a rabbit, Rusty Rabbit lets them embark on an engaging adventure where they'll make their way through numerous dungeons while collecting junk, crafting new parts and unravelling the game's story. Its controls can be a little clunky and it's rather basic in some areas, but there's still fun to be had in control of old Rusty.

Atomic Heart leaves a lot to be desired, but its unique setting, varied gameplay and often inventive enemies go a long way to keep you interested in your traipse through its ruined utopia. Just bear in mind that while it may look like a AAA game, it’s not; Mundfish has achieved a great deal here, but there are signs of corners being cut and a considerable lack of polish. And so, you might want to wait for a patch or two to sort out some of its unfortunate bugs and other blemishes, but you could do a lot worse than venture into the hostile world that Atomic Heart offers.