Final Fantasy IX is an easy recommend for fans of classic JRPGs and should prove to serve as a reminder that, despite the pitfalls the series has navigated through the years, there was a reason why Final Fantasy was once the undisputed king of roleplaying games.

So if you want a heavy dose of Arnie style action hero thrust into a world of danger but don’t strictly want a long engaging story, grab Serious Sam VR and lock and load!

So if you want a healthy dose of style and don’t mind potentially rage quitting every now and then when faced with a boss battle then this should be right up your alley. Also, I’m keen to see how the cosplay community go with that helmet because it is pretty darn awesome!

One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition is a decent addition to the stable of Nintendo Switch games and of course from a Once Piece perspective. It’s a fun experience on the Nintendo Switch with lots of quests to embark on and is a relatively sturdy gaming system. The multiplayer component of the game could have been fleshed out more but nonetheless, it creates a fun game for fans of the One Piece series.

A crazy journey back in time with side-scrolling shooter mechanics thrown in for good measures. It's really one hell of a ride.

Dragonball Xenoverse 2 on the Nintendo Switch is a port and only adds a slight layer on uniqueness to an already available game on other consoles.

If you’re a fan of racing, more importantly simulators, Project Cars 2 is the game for you. Sure, there’s the Forza’s and Gran Turismos but Project Cars 2 seems more grounded in ‘our’ world with its realistic controls and amazing choice for the player in both cars, tracks and events.

Sure, this is not a new game but Rayman Legends is a truly fun game on the Nintendo Switch that is definitely a must have title if you love arcade games, particularly of this calibre. Lastly, the level design is brilliant and the developers successfully take a 2D game and turn it into something very special on this new portable console that not only pays homage to the platformers of yesteryear but creates a very compelling modern game for the 21st century.

It’s acceptable to have doubts about this game upon your first impressions, but give it a try and you’ll see that Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle is a great game. While later levels can get a little bit exhausting you’ll find your dedication rewarded with a little hard work and effort. Just pretend you didn’t see the occasional poop joke and you’ll be fine.

A much more cohesive experience overall this time around, Destiny 2 may not be all that big of an evolution over the core elements of the first game but Bungie have trimmed the fat and refined the foundation in order to give its target demographic exactly what they want.

Knack II is a fun beat 'em up platformer best suited for kids and families and shines best with its seamless co-op and more varied action-combat - the story and hero is still dull as ever, though.

Ark: Survival Evolved has more bugs than the grill of a Mack truck and your first introduction to the game can feel akin to the sensation of being hit by aforementioned truck, but peel away the layers of abstruse game mechanics and you’ll find a strangely compelling game that’ll make you feel like the Pope of Dino-Town at times and want to open a vein in a hot bath at others.

Well worth a look for those who may have skipped its initial release after becoming disenfranchised with the direction the series was taking.

Absolver is an ambitious and unique indie fighting game/action-RPG with ample character customisation, compelling PvE and PvP content and an engaging martial-arts focused melee combat system that rewards practice.

Overall it’s a lot of fun to play… it’s clearly not meant to be taken seriously so if you really want your show down at the O.K. Corral you may be waiting a bit longer yet. But if you like the idea of a stylized shootout with a bit of humour and a large dose of fantasy then you could certainly do worse than this. It’s a pretty decent price as it is but I’m sure there will be a decent discount in a Steam sale at some point… but if you’ve got a few spare dollars hanging around and you want a bit of fun… give it a go.

For the multiplayer fans of ESO this is certainly a worthy addition to your growing landscape, for those who generally prefer a solo experience you probably won’t get much out of this. The world of The Elder Scrolls grows ever larger, I wonder what is next?

The VR market is still in it’s early days and much of what’s available is so called on rail shooters so it’s nice to have something a bit different. Something that uses the space extremely well and gives us a bit of humour with not a zombie in site. I should also note that the development team really are passionate about this project and made some adjustments while I was doing my review playthrough… they have some big plans for the game in the future as well so it’s a good game to support, it’s pretty reasonably priced and for the sake of something a bit different I’d certainly recommend it.

I hope there will be an improvement with the interactive features of the game for the next instalment as I am really looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds. However, if not, then I may lose interest in completing the entire game and just read the original book instead.

StarCraft Remastered is a true test of time and although the original still works well today, the remastered version is a fun experience. Sure, it’s a little clunky here and there but Blizzard have really brought the game into the 21st century, especially with its revamped graphics that look glorious, not to mention multiplayer updates. All in all, it’s a fun trip down memory lane that just highlights the memories again and for those who have never played it before, it will allow them to experience what all the Terran, Zerg and Protoss fuss was all about.

I’ve been playing golf games for about as long as I can remember but they do tend to veer more towards the simulation rather than arcade fun. Everybody’s Golf I think finds a nice little middle ground of sorts… it’s certainly goofy and doesn’t take itself seriously at all… but the gameplay is still geared around making the shot the best you can, aiming for maximum power and maximum accuracy or adjusting power and adding a bit of back spin to stop the ball as close to the hole as possible. You can play it aggressively or you can aim for a bit of finesse… chances are either way you will have a lot of fun. Certainly a good game to add to the collection with that pick up and play style that can see you accidentally playing for hours when you thought you were just going to grab a quick 9 hole game.

Although not as impenetrable to newcomers as earlier entries, F1 2017 in some ways falls victim to the curse of annual releases; with such a rigid release schedule in place the opportunity to meaningfully expand upon last year’s effort is reduced and often the best you get is possibly a new mechanic and a whole heap of fine-tuning of established mechanics. With F12017, its big new trick is the in-depth career mode and extensive level of customisation that comes with it and the rest is just a refinement upon the (Admittedly fun) foundation of previous games.

This year in Madden they really stepped up their game, ‘Long Shot’ is one of the best things Madden players have seen in a while, and many players wanted it. ‘Long Shot’ had its many faults but going forward in the next few Madden’s the Career Mode will get better and it will be more interesting. Lovers of Madden should get this game because it has many new additions. If you haven’t got a Madden in a while it’s a good idea to get this one. But all together, Madden 18 is a good game with many new perks, and it’s headed in the right direction.

Episode 1 of Life is Strange: Before the Storm is a genuinely fun and well-written return to the intriguing world of LiS with similar profound themes, extensive character development and ‘hella’ interesting high-school drama. Deck Nine have introduced compelling new ideas in their prequel while remaining respectful of the original source material, and fans will be hard-pressed to find fault in their faithful rendition of the somber atmosphere of Arcadia Bay.

The Last Day of June is probably one of the most original stories of 2017 that really pulls at your emotional heartstrings. Given the ‘loss’ of the game, each player will interpret this differently as you explore a life and lives as we follow the journey of Carl, June and those around them. Sure, this review is a little vague but I so don’t want to spoil this game for those that want to play it!

Hellblade offers an engrossing single-player cinematic experience coupled with Ninja's Theory's tight melee combat systems and responsive controls. An enthralling sensory onslaught for the eyes and ears.

Despite its shortcomings, I enjoyed my time with Agents of Mayhem. The gameplay is extremely solid and, combat-wise at least, deviates enough from what was on offer in the Saints Row games to hopefully entice players to at least check the game out.

Outside of Batman Arkham VR (also quite short, but awesome), this is the most fun you can have as Gotham’s caped crusader at the moment. I eagerly await the next installment, same Bat series, same Bat hard drive.

The gameplay isn’t anywhere near as dated as you’d expect and, while not as blood chillingly terrifying as many fans profess, the game definitely gets the heart rate up into the high hundreds.

Yakuza Kiwami is a worthy remake for the twisty, well-acted story alone and the fact that it is being sold at a cheaper price than current new release games is extra incentive to check it out. Combat is fun, the city feels live and there is so much stuff to do, from the mundane stuff like darts or shooting pool, to the very weird stuff like MesuKing, which is essentially rock paper scissors featuring sexy ladies in skimpy bug costumes. Long time franchise fans and newcomers will find plenty to like with Yakuza Kiwami, even if it falls slightly short of its later entries.

Although not quite on the same level as the previous games in the Uncharted series, Lost Legacy is still a very worth play with some new gaming mechanics added and truly impressive graphics. The only letdown of the game is that it does feel a little similar to the previous Uncharted games which is not a bad thing. Thankfully the protagonists are both interesting and fun, however Chloe is really the star of Uncharted: The Lost Legacy and given her mysterious history, I wonder if we’ll see more of her?

With as solid a foundation that Housemarque has created here, the potential for a truly boundary breaking game definitely exists but the short length, lack of replayability and immense difficulty spikes dampen the overall experience.

If gathering resources, exploring, and “go get this for this, or find an item or persons for this” kind of quests are your deal or if you just want a change of pace, Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles is just for you. More experienced players may find some of the shallowness of the story and game play to be a little off putting. However younger players and those that desire a passive bit of simple gaming away from the loads of violence driven games with no choice but violence in them will have a good time with Yonder: the Cloud Catcher Chronicles. Though I must give this warning… you may smile.

Lone Echo is an incredible leap forward for VR via its ability to capture both zero gravity and space environments. It does have its fair share of interaction and progression bugs, but not enough to significantly detract from something truly special. Those prone to motion sickness, ease into it.

By the end of the game, I felt like I knew these crew members quite intimately which I’m guessing is part of the charm of Tacoma. Like us, these people are flawed individuals and given your involvement as an observer, it almost feels like a psychological experiment. On that note, Tacoma developer Fullbright should be commended on creating a very original game and given they were responsible for Gone Home, it’s great to see them using this premise and adding another layer of complexity with some very clever story telling.

Would I recommend Gorn… absolutely… but don’t blame me for any damages!… seriously… be very careful!

If you’re new to the game then this is the definitive version, even if it still possesses the design flaws the original had, but make sure you come into Patapon knowing full well what you’re getting yourself into.

It’s almost like a proof-of-concept for Mii characters that’s arrived a little late (after all, it’s been over a decade since their introduction). I wouldn’t really call it a game, because the gameplay isn’t the main focus. Miitopia is about having a pop star RoboCop fighting a dark lord Pikachu; the absurdity of the randomness that comes with filling a video game world with whomever you darn well please, and there’s something to be enjoyed from that.

Hey! Pikmin is a great game to add to your library. It’s a solid addition to the series and it freshens up the formula with the perspective shift, but having said that, don’t expect a game that’s on par with the previous console games. A Pikmin fix is always good though, so enjoy!

The Namco Museum successfully ports these classic games onto a modern console that allows both new and veteran gamers the chance to experience these historic titles or relive them again. With a total of ten games available on Namco Museum, it gives players a wide assortment of titles, all with their own unique gaming mechanics to play for countless hours which is like having your own virtual arcade. What I really enjoyed about this collection was the ability to play the games in their purest form which is ideal if you’re waiting because they allow for quick or long bursts.

Wilson’s Heart for Oculus Rift is an absolute amazing VR gaming experience that harkens in tone and style to the old style classic films of Hollywood horror and the old Hammer Horror films. The presentation is even in black and white and lends its self-well to the adventure the player finds himself or herself thrust on. Furthermore, Wilson’s Heart is one of those diamonds in a sea of cannon fodder games for VR… not to say this diamond does not have a few flaws.

The Mage’s Tale may very well be the most ambitious Oculus Rift title to date. Despite its handful of quirks, it’s a legitimate dungeon crawler embracing a VR body…versus the other way around. The game is fun, clever, and surprisingly quite polished. Moreover, it’s one of the few Rift Experiences with legitimate game length, also a wonderful example on how to use the Touch controllers to near-perfection. What minor quirks are there (in puzzle difficulty, environmental interaction, potion making system) do not seriously hamper overall experience.

Would I recommend it? Well yes and no. It is fun (I would hate to hunt in real life unless I was expressly trying to find food) but it really doesn’t play like a simulator in the full sense of the word and I suspect that is where this draws it’s most criticism. Having said that… with so many hunting games on the market it must be hard to find a name that stands out and that would draw the players in, but in our modern gaming world with expectations that can run so high… if you call your game a simulator and you don’t deliver something in which the player practically feels frostbite developing as they hunt in the chilly alps… they just won’t be happy. For me I would say if you enjoy hunting games it can be a bit of casual fun… but certainly not at full price… a deep discount is required or perhaps give it a…. miss (puts on sunglasses, adopts a smug look and walks off).

Final Fantasy XII may end up holding up best out of the entire franchise due to its unique style. From the visuals, to the story, to the gameplay mechanics that unfortunately haven’t been used since. This Remaster is a fitting reminder of the games quality and will hopefully convince people to give the world of Ivalice a second try. One of the Playstation 2’s best games still stands tall today, and is very worthy of your time.

Splatoon 2 may not reach the same heights of the previous game in terms of originality, however it’s still a worthy sequel that does enhance the overall experience of this franchise. The single-player is a treat, however where Splatoon 2 shines is via its multiplayer mode that is pure chaos from the get go. With both ranked and unranked matches, Splatoon 2’s multiplayer is thoroughly entertaining and gives players from around the world the chance to engage in some competitive fun as you level up your Avatar while shooting your coloured ink in a variety of ways which is pure ingenious fun.

It isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re looking for instant action or a linear playing experience. That said, with a little patience, and a bit of imagination, Elite Dangerous is an extremely rewarding game that is worth experiencing.

PlayStation’s new PlayLink format is off to a good start and That’s You really showcases their new software well, including the ease of connecting smart devices to their console. All in all, That’s You is an entertaining game and if you’re looking for a party game, it definitely meets the mark and more importantly, everyone has a smartphone these days so getting your friends and family around to play a game on your PlayStation 4 has never been easier.

If you’re looking to further your Diablo III experience or thinking of returning back to this universe as you take on the big bad and his minions, the Rise of the Necromancer add-on adds a fun twist, especially when it comes to the powers and abilities of the Necromancer. Even though I have finished the original game of Diablo III, including the add-ons on numerous occasions, I really enjoyed the ability of playing this new character and if you’re looking for a reason to come back to this series, Rise of the Necromancer may be just what you’re looking for!

You don’t have to play the games in order (though the story may work a little better that way)… so if you get stuck in one you can always jump out and have a go at another and then come back later. The challenge starts low but increases at a decent pace as you go so you will feel like you are on top of things one moment only to find the urge to rage quit building as you are a few levels deep. But as tends to be the case with these games… perseverance pays off and that sense of victory is all the sweeter for having to really work for it. You really can’t go past the value, three full games for the price of one and a really top notch high def update. A great addition for the new initiate or for the nostalgic buff.

Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood is one of the best MMORPG expansions in recent years, with a compelling and well-written main story, intriguing Far East setting, a wealth of new content and important QoL refinements.

Dead by Daylight falls short in some respects but, for a massive horror fan, it’s easy to overlook the game’s flaws when the core experience itself is so fun and engaging.

Ever Oasis takes the best out of Monster Hunter and Animal Crossing and combines them to make something even better!

Overall, it’s a pick up and play game, with great user friendly controls, fun, addictive gameplay, witty one liners and carnage, it’s easy for any kind of player to pick up the controller and have some good fun, it won’t last forever as repetition is the game’s biggest shortcoming but it’s definitely fun and replayable, a great time killer or stress relief. The game’s value is great too, at $49.95 it’s priced well for the level of content and fun I found and had playing this game.

I was worried that this final episode was going to let down the whole season (based on gameplay from previous episodes). Instead it was able to redeem itself and provide us with what was lacking before – engagement. It also also paved the way for the next season where hopefully we will see more of Clementine’s story (which will make a lot of Clementine fans happy).

It’s a great addition to the Elder Scrolls Lore and a lot of fun to set foot upon those lands again with higher quality visuals and game mechanics. If you love your open world gaming mixed with a bit of sword and sorcery, grab a copy and don your armour… it’s time to save someone from something…. oooh what’s that quest icon over there for…..

What Oceanhorn offers is basically a discount Zelda. The game borrows most of its gameplay from Zelda, but one should be aware that they get what they pay for. It’s not well-defined or polished like a Zelda game. Instead, you can think of it as a cheaper alternative if the Nintendo Switch’s premium price tag has left you a little out-of-pocket for Breath of the Wild. Do I recommend? If you already like the genre, you can probably get a few good hours out of the game. If you’re new to the genre, Oceanhorn won’t do you any favours.

Overall, I started the game with a bit of skepticism since I was only familiar with it’s turn based system which I quite enjoyed for the setting it was in, as it presented you with time to think and was more of an RTS, tactical kind of approach which I enjoyed greatly. At first it was a little odd to adjust to, but the faster pace gameplay fits the setting better than a turn based system would with all the options for combat they’ve put in and it actually gets quite addicting to play the different class roles, I miss the old play style, but I can enjoy both quite easily so I don’t feel I’m losing out. The games’ value is great too at $59.95 upon release, I’m actually quite pleased it’s not more, it’s around the average price for this kind of game, but in a world where a lot of games are $80+ for base editions and $100+ for special editions it’s a welcome bracket to fit into.

Get Even is going to be a surprise hit title in my opinion. It just has that certain something to it. I do think it will be one of those sleeper hits that many will miss, but hopefully fans of the genre get behind it and spread the word. It certainly deserves it. A lot of thought has been put into the game to make it something memorable.

Sure, CHESS ULTRA is chess but it’s some very good looking chess and more importantly, it plays very well on the PlayStation 4 with some great multiplayer and a really fun VR mode… I just hope to god I still have my soul!

DiRT 4 succeeds at taking the series to another new level which almost makes this one of the favourite ones I’ve played in the series. The gameplay mechanics work extremely well and I had no issues with the DualShock controller while I controlled these powerful off-road vehicles. Furthermore, there’s a plethora of modes to play, heaps of cars and lots of different areas that make this title some excellent value for money. Lastly, it’s not just as a rally game as the developers have added lots of fun modes and vehicles to help expand the gameplay. Then you have the daily and weekly challenges which just expand the scope of the game, including the ability of playing it in either two modes, gamer or simulation!

For the first time in nearly a decade it feels like the Tekken series has undergone an evolution of sorts, with the Rage Arts and Drive mechanics making for a decidedly different feeling game. Your mileage may vary in regards to these changes but to be fair you’re never forced to employ Rage Arts and can elect to continue to duke it out old school if that’s more your speed. Technically this is the most accomplished Tekken title yet and despite the somewhat lukewarm campaign mode there is more than enough content to keep everyone from novices to the Kings of Iron Fist Tournament themselves busy for months to come.

I had a lot of fun playing the game in small bursts at a time, but it’s hard to keep invested when all I’m doing is beating someone up for each and every round. Let’s hope that ARMS will continue the path that Splatoon laid before it by giving players new content and new things to do via free game updates. I really hope so, because I really want to see this game in a more fleshed out form!

Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia is an excellent strategy role-playing game with thrilling tactical turn-based combat with some gameplay omissions which may split the existing fanbase.

The thing that sets Wipeout apart from racing games of today is that it doesn’t take itself seriously during a time where some racing games are beginning to do so more regularly. Wipeout is silly, it always has been, but that’s the beauty of this gravity-defying joyride. Every time Sony releases their latest console, I eagerly anticipate the release of a new Wipeout game to accompany it. Although this time it’s taken a while for this iconic racer to get an update to next gen, WipEout: Omega Collection has been worth the wait.

If you only really play Nier Automata in a casual manner… then perhaps sit this out… though the chance to fight a real “boss” battle may be worth even grinding that bit to get to the required level… maybe wait for a special before putting your cash down.

A beautiful, deep and fun experience that will take hours from your life… but you won’t regret it.

Each play through is going to be different and it’s simple enough that it makes for a good pick up and play title. It also has one of the nicest notes I’ve seen on a game recently, when you go to quite it tells you “your game will be saved”… to often these days (especially with console ports etc) you can’t be too sure if you’re at a point that will be saved or if when you return you will find yourself some way back in your journey… so it’s a small but nice element.

Worth a look for fans of adventure games, with the caveat that the first few hours are a tad slow but, if you persevere, there’s a more than rewarding payoff waiting for you at the end.

Injustice 2 is the best fighting video game released this generation, with stellar single-player and online content, addictive gear and customisation options, fast and frantic gameplay and incredible graphics, all of which impressively realise DC Comics' most iconic superheroes and supervillains.

The saving grace for the game is the characters and their relationships with each other (especially between Javier and Kate). I feel connected to them and I want to follow them onto the next episode to see how they resolve the major cliffhanger at the end of episode 4. Fingers crossed episode 5 steps up it’s game!

Overall the storyline is good but sometimes poorly executed, with one example being when a group a survivors have the time to sit down and chat about life (complete with violin-esque music) in the middle of man hunt and impeding zombie attack on their community. In saying that though, the character developments and the evolving relationships between them makes the game genuinely interesting and engaging. And you cannot help but have a concern for their welfare.

In the end, I was a little underwhelmed with Ultra Street Fighter II The Final Challengers on the Nintendo Switch and given the technological advancements in fighters since this game was released, it did feel like it was stuck back in the day. Sure there are some new modes and new control systems for the Nintendo Switch but it just felt dated at times. Overall, this game is definitely one for the purists and although not a bad game per se, it doesn’t offer anything new either which is a shame. However, if you’re looking for that classic fighting experience, then Ultra Street Fighter II The Final Challengers delivers in that area!

Disgaea 5 Complete on Nintendo Switch is definitely a complete and old-school RPG experience that is filled with endless hours of amusement and challenges!

Minecraft is truly a success on the Nintendo Switch that boasts accessible controls and a glorious interactive environment that will keep players attention for hours upon hours.

In summary, this is a beautiful game that is worth the price of purchase. It is a small download meaning most gamers will be able to jump in and play shortly after purchase, which is something fantastic in this age of instant gratification. I enjoyed my play through of the title even though I am not really the key demographic for it. It raises the bar for building games, and despite the few bugs I found whilst playing, you can see why you will get your money’s worth and then some out of it. For those looking to make characters and level up, Portal Knights provides a reliable “light” version of this genre. It has a charm that will keep you playing and a soundtrack that is so delightful it will be the only sound playing in the room when you have it on.

Rime is a unique and whimsical journey that puts the awe back into the videogaming experience. The pensive mood belies the quick paced structure of the puzzle design and the framing narrative is at once affecting and abstruse. An almost meditative odyssey of discovery, Rime is one of the standout games of the year so far and should be on the top of every puzzle and adventure game fan’s list of purchases.

I appreciate just how much effort has been put into this collection, and note that it appears that the zombies are not not just lumbering monsters as they were in the past, but move with improved AI that increases their ferocity and cunning. All up this revamp is a stunning success, and for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, I would strongly suggest you add this pack to your arsenal of fun.

The Surge is a whirlwind of action-RPG fun with a fast and frantic melee-focused combat system, addictive loot systems and an immersive sci-fi horror atmosphere.

In this reviewer’s humble opinion, you should give Human: Fall Flat a go on PlayStation 4 if you enjoy clever puzzles and platforming, enjoy open-ended physics-based gameplay in a bite-sized package – and have the patience to engage with purposefully challenging movement controls. A big pro to the game is when you have a couch co-op partner to blast through the level-based experience – because while the creativity of the levels remain while playing alone, progression just isn’t as fun as it is when you’re watching your mate fall to their death for the hundredth time because of your cheeky sabotage.

In the end, Farpoint is an engaging game that although doesn’t push the boundaries of what VR is capable of, it still delivers a fun yet ultimately short VR experience on the PlayStation 4. Overall, it’s a fun premise with some really intense battles as you use the Aim Controller to take on an almost never ending hoard of aliens with an interesting yet cliched story as its backdrop.

The Hunter Call of the Wild Simulates hunting down animals, maybe a little to well. If You know what hunting is all about you know what to expect. Long minutes or more stalking before you get a shot.

I get the feeling that with a slightly bigger team this game could really have had some polish to it and would have shone like a piece of polished chrome in an irradiated wasteland. As it stands though it’s definitely a rough gem needing some polish. There is certainly some entertainment to be had, the developers have clearly put a lot of time and effort into the story and the world… but it does need refining to really be a worthy addition to your collection. Personally I’d rather go back to the wasteland (come on and release the ultimate edition of Fallout 4 already!) but if you really need that radioactive fix and perhaps it’s on special… you could do worse than give Krai Mira a go.

Fans of the previous 2 games may have enough love banked for the series to carry them through this release. For anyone else I would suggest finding a different adventure game.

The story is gripping, the combat is exhilarating, the horror elements are genuinely horrifying and the fear that comes with furtively entering a room and checking inanimate objects for signs of life is a sensation that’s hard to replicate and even harder to maintain throughout a game’s length. Do yourself a favour and take a chance on Prey if mind bending FPS horror is your bag… Lord knows it needs the support and I for one would love to see the franchise move from strength to strength with a follow up installment.

Blue Rider is fun, flashy but also flawed. It’s nice to see a legitimate shoot-em-up on the PS4, one made by people who appreciate the genre. The graphical palette is beautiful, and rarely this nice for this genre. Audio is a throwback, and in the best of ways. Too few levels and no true continues make Blue Rider a likely tough sell except for score chasers.

The Sexy Brutale is a stellar mind bender, one of the best mystery themed, puzzle titles in years. Behind a seemingly simple formula lies a challenging and clever game, one wrapped in beautiful graphics and a fantastic soundtrack.

With gleefully chaotic viscera-soaked combat and an arsenal at hand that’d make Rambo weep, Butcher is a bombastic throwback to the games of old that perfectly nails its core objective.

Overall I was very happy with it. My last Warhammer experience was with Eternal Crusade which really didn’t hit the spot for me… so Dawn Of War 3 is a pleasant scratch to that itch for some space melodrama. As mentioned, if you are a long time fan, don’t expect to get the same game you’ve played before… or even a mix of the two, it would seem they have taken a slightly different approach. On the other hand if you like a bit of RTS action, some fun storytelling, it’s a great bit of fun and visually quite pretty (epic opening movie especially). If in doubt, wait for a good sale… but there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

Sure, Puyo Puyo Tetris is... well Tetris... but by the gaming gods, it's a very enjoyable experience with more twists than a Game of Thrones episode and also supports some intense multiplayer!

With four fresh maps in which to hunt down your buddies and a rollicking foray into undead ass kicking, Continuum may falter in places but it is still an easy recommend for fans.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is another must have title for the Nintendo Switch and is a racer that is accessible by everyone, whether a veteran gamer, casual gamer or even someone who has never played before. So if you’re looking for some great racing fun on the Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on all levels… it’s a me, Mario Kart!

If you’ve enjoyed adventure games before then you will enjoy this… if you haven’t really given adventure games a go, this is a great one to see just how well they can be made. There are quite a lot of laughs and the production quality is high… for the price you really can’t go wrong. Stick a balloon to your head or grab a 90’s metal band wig and get ready to drop some beats… go play Paradigm!

As a whole, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is an essential purchase for series fans and newcomers, and represents great value. There may be odd technical issues here and there, and in some parts the gameplay may feel a little dated, but the overall package is as compelling as its first release all those years ago.

With engaging social simulation gameplay, addictive turn-based combat systems and an unmatched visual style, Persona 5 is the ultimate Japanese role-playing game any PlayStation 4 owner, newbie or hardcore fan, should give a fair go in 2017.

The story is quite interesting and by the end of chapter one you will probably find yourself having a fare idea of what’s going on, what went on and who you are… but there are some more questions left to answer and that is obviously the hook to keep you going. Visually it’s quite a treat (other than the previously mentioned lighting issue) and the puzzles aren’t too taxing so you can progress without feeling to laboured. I am curious as to where this leads and what the end may bring… a decent bit of mystery adventure gaming. Maybe wait to get it all in one package or perhaps skip chapter 2 because it doesn’t really add that much more to the story… but certainly an interesting story.

The story is quite interesting and by the end of chapter one you will probably find yourself having a fare idea of what’s going on, what went on and who you are… but there are some more questions left to answer and that is obviously the hook to keep you going. Visually it’s quite a treat (other than the previously mentioned lighting issue) and the puzzles aren’t too taxing so you can progress without feeling to laboured. I am curious as to where this leads and what the end may bring… a decent bit of mystery adventure gaming. Maybe wait to get it all in one package or perhaps skip chapter 2 because it doesn’t really add that much more to the story… but certainly an interesting story.

Troll and I has a pretty big price tag so I wouldn’t be rushing out to purchase it any time soon as the quality of the gameplay doesn’t justify it.

There is a story here and it is interesting… you can get the sense that Frank has a heart despite his bravado… but the fun is in the over the top ludicrousness of the whole experience. Grab your favourite Capcom branded outfit… suit up and get ready to shed some Zombie flesh. This serves as a much need giggle in the midst of so many dire Zombie themed games and is worth it just for the flexibility of how you play… well worth adding to your collection if you like your action with a bit of a smirk.

It can be a bit of fun taking down a throng of enemy in one giant sweep… but the enjoyment is pretty limited… even if you are interested in collecting all the images and costumes and little bits and pieces… you’d have to be a fan of the series I think to really call this one a must have. If you want to just have a bit of pick up and play titillation then this is probably just the thing for you.