If you’ve even the remotest interest in trains, whether as a passenger or would-be-driver you’ll get a lot out of Train Sim World; hop on board and you won’t be disappointed.

Taking between five and six hours to complete the main story, Pirates of the Enchiridion isn’t the longest game you’re going to play this year. It’s not even the most original, or most engaging. But it has charm, fun, and character in droves.

I can’t help but wonder how much more fun the game would be if its enemies weren’t quite so numerous and resilient.

For a game that contains no dialogue, Youropa is filled with charm from start to finish.

With its great presentation and pounding soundtrack, Super Destronaut DX is one hell of a retro inspired title.

A joy to play. It oozes happiness, it makes me smile, and I absolutely love it.

Starman offers a pleasant couple of hours to sit and relax while focused on the game.

The Path of Motus is a game with heart, but that’s not enough to make it an essential excursion. You’ll find some fun here if you take the trip but be prepared for an uneven and sometimes frustrating journey.

It’s clear that Tempest 4000 is pretty good then. But there’s just one thing wrong with it: it costs too much.

Gorgeously made, challenging in every way, Candle is a game that shines brighter than you’d expect.

It certainly lacks the punch and awe of the more inspired RPGs of late, and it shows the more you play.

It’s just as entertaining as any other LEGO game. But that’s the problem. It doesn’t stand out in any way.

Danger Zone 2 is hugely enjoyable. The only thought on my mind as I finished up getting all of its platinum awards was that I wanted more.

Its unique power up system isn’t enough to save All-Star Fruit Racing from being any more than mediocre, however.

PSVR owners should definitely give this game a shot if they are itching for an engaging, lighthearted, and challenging puzzle game. Esper nails it without going overboard. Plenty to love, so little to complain about. Unless you can’t figure out the puzzle. Then there’s a tonne to complain about. But that’s your fault. Not the game’s.

If you’re a fan of platform games or roguelikes, 20XX comes highly recommended. And if you’re a fan of Mega Man it’s pretty much essential.

Thankfully though, Holy Potatoes! A Weapon Shop?!’s charm and sense of humour helps give the game more longevity than its gameplay loop alone. Its witty dialogue and groan-worthy character puns will keep you chortling along even after you’ve got a little bored of going through the same menus.

The Lion’s Song is certainly a unique story from start to finish. Those that enjoy a relaxing point-and-click are sure find this one to their liking. It requires a bit of patience in those cumbersome moments in the middle, but it’s well worth it for the beautiful art style, harrowing soundtrack, and truly creative take on the point-and-click genre.

For someone like me who lost interest in the Shining series long ago, Shining Resonance Refrain is an absolute delight. Although it doesn’t resemble anything like the strategy RPGs and dungeon crawlers I first fell in love with back in the 90s, Shining Resonance Refrain is a charmingly sweet JRPG with an engaging combat system that hides hundreds of tricks up its sleeves.

It’s one of the best fighting games available on Nintendo Switch even with its issues, and it’s yours for a bargain price. If you want a fast-paced fighting game that has got huge amounts of character, you really can’t go wrong.

Taken in small doses, the game can be a fun, challenging experience – as long as you step away before frustration sets in.

de Blob is a prime example of a game that has stood the test of time because of both its simplicity and originality. Its gameplay is timeless, its humour tickles the young and the old, and its soundtrack is both dynamic and infectious. This Switch port still doesn’t address the game’s camera or control issues, but they’re worth working through to enjoy an experience that rarely fails to put a smile on your face.

Sure, the controls are complicated. And the special move types feel a little unnecessary. But this is Mario. The man was made to be over the top. I was foolish to expect anything less.

In 2009, Red Faction Guerrilla proved that just one mechanic can elevate a game to be something much more than it actually is. And surprisingly, in 2018, Red Faction Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered proves that that still stands.

Basically, no matter what floats your boat, there’s a good chance that The Crew 2 has it. And that’s why I can’t help but love it. Warts and all.

NieR: Automata is a product of auteur game making at its finest.

If you don’t mind that its career mode doesn’t really have much pizzazz, MXGP Pro will provide you with many hours of dirty racing activity.

The role of Chris in Life is Strange 2 can only be speculated, but if he turns out to be an important figure than this short title gives us a more readily available connection to him. And even if he’s only a passing character we still get the feeling of a more realised world that Dontnod has created.