Mass Effect Andromeda is a little rough around the edges but still provides fans of this series or newcomers an immersive experience in another part of this universe. There’s some good storytelling and world building with interesting gameplay mechanics to help keep you invested. I like my protagonist of Sara Ryder and even though she’s no Commander Shepherd, we did have a connection and I look forward to visiting this universe time and time again. Sure, the graphics can cause some issues at times and as mentioned, hopefully these will be resolved in the future but overall, Mass Effect Andromeda ticks all the right boxes when it comes to space exploration as it channels its persona from science fiction. Sure, there is still grinding involved as you ‘level-up’ your character but if you make the investment, Mass Effect Andromeda delivers on most levels.

Worth a look if you enjoy the idea of racing but find it can be a bit boring… throw in some explosions and falling buildings and it may just keep you going.

The death scene taunts can get a bit tiring (when you die frequently… especially if it’s from a fiddly jump) but overall there’s a lot of charm on offer here and an interesting story. Worth a look and a bit of fun.

Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together! is simple but very fun and it's a game that can be played by everyone and anyone!

Wildlands is a fun sandbox open-world shooter from Ubisoft Paris with a massive amount of content that is best experienced with other players in its seamless drop-in, drop-out four-player co-operative multiplayer mode.

Either a Dad simulator or a Pigeon murderer simulator... either way, it's fun.

One of the best Zelda games to date and it’s also the perfect game for the Nintendo Switch due to its portability. It’s a very well-crafted game with some wonderful gaming mechanics and nothing feels contrived or limited but rather, it creates a very engaging open-world experience and one that feels real on so many levels.

There’s been much hype surrounding Horizon Zero Dawn and thankfully it has delivered in more ways than one. It boasts a very likeable and interesting protagonist and the story behind Horizon Zero Dawn is one that is filled with mystery and intrigue. Of course, it’s all about the gameplay and Guerrilla should be commended in creating such a fluid and dynamic game as you explore this post-apocalyptic world 1000 years in the future that is filled with different cultures and even history which seems so real. Combat is fun and the missions are diverse and at the end of the day, Horizon Zero Dawn is a title that really raises the benchmark on the PlayStation 4.

Adventures on the Polluted Islands is a throwback game perhaps better left thrown away. It feels unfinished, is monotonous in its game mechanic, and arguably only for kids who don’t mind killing times via endless rinse, wash, repeat. Even Sebastian the Crab wouldn’t like this boomerang yielding adventure.

8Days is a game inspired by better ones in the same genre, and fails to deliver on its promises. Poor aiming, cheat AI, and texture difficulties create a frustrating experience that is more hair pulling than deliberately challenging.

Torment: Tides of Numenera is fantastically written and incredibly deep in the narrative department, offering an engrossing main story, set of characters and tons of genuinely unique and rewarding choices and consequences to discover via its complex dialogue trees and gameplay interactions. It also has one of the best written, intriguing futuristic sci-fi worlds ever created. Unfortunately, its turn-based combat systems fail to impress, and many technical issues on console coupled with minor problems like a lack of character portraits and underwhelming animations bring down the overall experience somewhat.

I Am Setsuna is a little too shallow at times to truly stand out as a worthy successor to its precursors but, if you have a hankering for a throwback to Square’s golden age of RPGs but with a current generation sheen applied, it’s worth giving the game a look even if it doesn’t quite manage to reinvent the wheel.

Sure, we’ve seen it all before but it’s not about that, it’s about allowing other people to experience the Just Dance phenomenon and even though the controls are not totally accurate in how it tracks your dancing, the fun and entertainment factor of the title more than makes up for this short-fall. All in all, it’s an enjoyable game for people of all ages as they dance to their hearts content, backed by some of the world’s hottest singers and bands.

t’s been awhile since a Bomberman game has graced a Nintendo console and it’s good to see the franchise make a comeback, even if it stays a little too true to its original format. However if you’re looking for a solo-experience, I would recommend another title but if you’re looking for some multiplayer fun for local or online play, Bomberman R delivers on that front and is a great way to spend an hour or so blowing your friends, family and colleagues to smithereens.

If you're looking for a Hack-N-Slash game with a with an awesome visual style and an equally compelling story, or you're just a Berserk fan, then you could do far worse than to dip your toes into these waters.

Nothing too flash but not bad for it’s price (wait for a steam discount to make it even more worthwhile). If you like pick up and play, casual games… this isn’t a bad one to add to your collection. If you are squeamish though… perhaps avoid… though it’s only digital carnage… dismemberment is common!

Holy Potatoes! We’re in Space?! Is a very cute game that balances turn based strategy with lots of fun humour, pop culture references, and witty puns. At times if you spend all your money and resources early on it can becoming frustrating and repetitive to build them back up (especially when you face the challenging ‘boss’ levels) but I definitely enjoyed the quirkiness of the storyline. It really is what made this game great fun!

For Honor is an entertaining game on the PlayStation 4 and after the 4GB initial patch which addresses a few issues, you’re ready to be transported back to the violent time of Knights, Vikings and Samurai. Sure, the story in the single-player campaign is a little contrived at times but it’s a great introduction to the game and more importantly the controls. Given that, the combat mechanics of For Honor is quite sturdy and can be very brutal at times, particularly in multiplayer but the amount of grinding and use of both in-game and real-world currency may deter some people.

Halo Wars 2 fills the niche for a console-accessible real-time strategy game admirably. With a simultaneous Windows 10 release, PC gamers who loath console controls can also enjoy 343 Industries and Creative Assembly’s tactical take on Halo with keyboard and mouse, catering to both types of Microsoft’s RTS fanbase. With an interesting main narrative, fun competitive multiplayer modes and the general Halo spirit intact, Halo Wars 2 is an unexpected but very welcome sequel to Halo Wars worth a try for fans of the franchise and RTS games in general.

Nioh nicely complements what the Souls games did before it andtakes that foundation and adds its own unique flavour to create something that is both familiar and yet excitingly fresh and original in its own right.

A darn good game for a buck. Save the Ninja Clan is perfect for a 5-10-minute session. Speed runners even more.

Let It Die is flawed, but it’s perhaps the best free-to-play game ever made on the PS4. It’s different, daring, and occasionally impossible. But it’s also a must play for fans of the roguelike gene.

History comes to life and you are there. Apollo 11 VR Experience sprinkles very small/short game elements in this educational experience.

Gravity Rush is solid fun on the PS4 with a really fun protagonist, enjoyable gaming mechanics and a way to become involved in interactive anime... just be wary, the controls can be annoying at times.

Memoranda is a unique and interesting game. There is something both beautiful and sad to this story which draws you into its surreal world. With over 30 different characters and locations there is plenty to explore, and I definitely enjoyed it the more I played it. However, just make sure you have a pen and paper handy for those puzzles!

I have no hesitation in recommending this to any Sniper Elite fan… or really anyone who enjoys the sniping aspect of FPS games. To be honest… even if you don’t… you can technically play this as a run and gun as well… it may be more challenging but you’ve got your pistol and machine gun options… so tackle it how you want. There’s so much fun to be had here that I can really only scratch the surface. I will leave this by saying, find the highest point, check your surrounds with your binoculars and take aim for fun.

Dragon Ball Fusions is a fun adventure in this popular franchise that gives players a new adventure to embark on with lots of cameos, fun storytelling and good (although repetitive) combat mechanics. Sure, there’s a bit of grinding when it comes to leveling up and collecting energy to access new areas but the gameplay works well on the 3DS with that enjoyable Dragon Ball humour. Best of all, the game gives something to both newcomers and fans!

Overall, I have no issues in recommending Sabotage for fans of Call of Duty; perhaps the most solid DLC offering from the franchise in a while, the quality of both the multiplayer maps and the new Zombie film can not be understated.

Star Wars Pinball: Rogue One is easily addictive but at the same time (for me) easily frustrating as I lacked the patience and precision to make it all the way to the end. Progressing in difficulty as you go through the story mode, this would be a good game for anyone up for a challenge and has a love for casual pinball games.

For the target audience, Digimon World: Next Order is exactly what they would want from a Digimon game.

Tales of Berseria is a return to form for the JRPG franchise, with a captivating main story of betrayal and vengeance, satisfying real-time combat and an amazing cast of characters.

The game is okay, it’s not for me specifically as I’ve never been a huge fan of Kingdom Hearts but I can see why it is as popular as it has become, thus as a result fans will enjoy it. So in the end, Kingdom Hearts fans will feel their money was well spent.

The Flame in the Flood is a beautiful game on the PlayStation 4 that puts the player in control a very likeable protagonist and her dog. The gameplay is not only challenging but also rewarding, particularly when you overcome an obstacle that has caused you grief. Add in some very gorgeous graphics, a soothing soundtrack and all in all, The Flame in the Flood is not only a very original game but quite enjoyable for this rogue-like survival experience.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is an enjoyable classic RPG on the 3DS with a few 21st century mechanics thrown into the pot. I like how it has been ported to the 3DS as it works on all levels from not just the control system but how the game plays out. It’s the perfect title for this console as it allows you to get lost in this world for either quick or long gaming sessions. Fighting is a challenge, creating items is easy and all in all, it’s a game that has been tailored for lovers of role-playing games.

Yakuza 0 starts 2017 with a very enjoyable gaming experience that takes elements from a variety of genres and then blends them together like some Iron Chef of gaming!

Resident Evil 7 stands at the forefront of immersive first person horror, proving itself to be far more than the P.T knock-off that the demo initially suggested.

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier is starting to climb my list of favourites from Telltale games, and for fans of this genre I would definitely recommend it. There are a few fantastic “oh crap did that just happen?” moments which I wasn’t expecting and I am eager to find out what happens next. Although it is a little frustrating not knowing the release date of the next episode.

If you were a fan of the previous two seasons and enjoyed playing as Clementine then you may be slightly disappointed as she is not the main playable character, at least not in this episode. But if you are open to a new story, characters and a fresh take to the series then you should give this a go. New players to the series will also enjoy it as long as you are aware that it is more story driven and your choices will not have a huge effect on the outcome of the episode (so far).

Given it’s a fairly short playthrough I wouldn’t be paying full price for it… but if you can get it on sale it is worth getting if for no other reason than to see another form of terror placed into game form. Jump scares have nothing on the impact this has.

All in all Yesterday Origins is a nice point and click title that seasoned gamers and new comers alike would be right at home with.

Clockwork Empires is an interesting premise heavily weighed down by its unfinished feel. Too many bugs, crashes, and unintuitive gameplay options make it hard to recommend in its current state. If all the glitches are ironed out, I’m eager to see what emerges.

In the end Arizona Sunshine is a good start to the VR realm… we can only hope that this is the start of some kind of ongoing franchise, because to me the game was a little on the short side. It’s a A hell of a nice thrill ride, but oh so short and if the designers’ goal was leaving us wanting more… then they did it.

Overall it’s not a bad game… but I certainly wouldn’t be paying full price for it. The basic gameplay sees you moving from one room to another, collecting items where required and otherwise basically working out puzzles. The result is it feels like you are just overcoming obstacles to walking to the next spot… some of the puzzles don’t really seem to fit either… presumably ancient trap builders put puzzles on their doors but they just feel out of place.

So if you are after a dungeon crawler (or more correctly here a Tower climber) and you get your kicks from Serious Sam style play… then prepare to test your mettle as a Wizard to be, enter the Ziggurat and show them whose boss. If you are like me and find perma-death more a nuisance than a challenge then perhaps steer clear.

An endearingly goofy take on the Point-and-Click genre that revels in breaking the fourth wall with a stiff upper lip.

Werewolves Within is a very clever game that successfully turns a real-world party game into the virtual sphere that works on all levels. It’s quite clever and one really enjoyable VR experience on the PlayStation VR but its premise may get a little repetitive!

Despite a limited presentation, it introduces a clever way of using the PSVR helmet within a cockpit, one housed within an interesting sci-fi tale. Still, be prepared for an array of interaction quirks, likewise stale voiceovers. If there are subsequent Space Rift episodes, hopefully they’ll iron out Episode 1 issues.

The fourth addition of this open-world action packed game is the most zombie filled yet but don’t feel like you need to have played its predecessors to enjoy this one. With optional tutorials getting you through the basics you will quickly find yourself becoming distracted finding new and better ways to kill zombies before you realise that you have forgotten about the main storyline. So please excuse me, I have to return to humming Christmas tunes while I kill some more zombies!

So should you get it… well the short answer is yes! If you like Batman or even just good story telling then this is a great game to add to your collection… but I echo my previous statements… don’t get the chapters… just go straight for the season pass… trust me you will be frustrated if you only buy one chapter. When you get to the end of that story segment you will be left wanting more.

The sim itself is quite solid… it’s ridiculous how pleasant it can be to get out on the open road with your cargo behind you and just drive. But what really makes it great fun is the radio stations. As with previous iterations you can chose to put your own music in the game and have that as your radio mix… or (and really why do anything else?) you can switch between the preinstalled streaming radio stations.

In the end, the Batman: Arkham VR experience is worth it more for the very hard core fans because it’s such a short romp and others may feel a little robbed.

Easily one of the best DLC's for this game at the moment.

If you can forgive the technical issues of the game and if you enjoyed Ico or Shadow of the Colossus, it’s still an interesting experience that is a thoroughly enjoyable and emotional narrative on this console.

Steep is a fun game that offers players some great ways to tackle extreme winter sports. With four different ways to play plus online multiplayer inclusion, if features relatively sturdy gaming mechanics and lots of modes to help immerse you into this realistic and enjoyable title. Sure some of the controls are a little clunky at times but overall, the gameplay, graphics and audio comes together well.

The simplicity of controls and navigation in Minecraft would suggest that it is geared more towards children but with iconic 80s film references and dry humor it can be fun for adults too. If you are looking for a game full of puzzles and where your choices will make a dramatic impact to the outcome of the game, then this isn’t for you. But if you like the idea of a playable television game – you have come to the right place. The humour for the older generation and the story and gameplay for the smaller ones makes this a great one to play with your children, nieces and nephews too.

Super Mario Maker 3DS is a fun game on this console that offers some really fun gameplay and more importantly, the ability to create your own 2D arcade worlds with an intuitive creation system. However the downside of this title is the lack of sharing your creations with other players from the around the world and if this was included in Super Mario Maker 3DS, it would have been a fantastic game on this console. It’s still a fun game but is missing that final piece of the gaming puzzle!

Robinson the Journey is an interesting game on the PlayStation VR that successfully creates a virtual world, however it does have some limitations that includes the graphics, part of the gameplay and at times fiddly controls. So if you have push aside these limitations, the game does give you a sense of freedom and is a step in the right direction for the future of VR titles. Let’s just hope that developers can streamline the controls and more importantly, ensure that the players don’t need to dish out additional money for a PlayStation 4 Pro to upscale the graphics.

Final Fantasy XV is a true next-generation game of this longstanding and entertaining franchise with new mechanics to give both fans and first-timers a thoroughly enjoyable Japanese RPG experience.

There’s a lot to enjoy in Planet Coaster and you will certainly get out of it what you put in. Play it for the challenges or simply enter Sandbox and make an amusement park to rival Disney Land or Movie World. If you have kids… use the first person camera and as the game takes you along the Roller Coaster, put your arms up and wave them around as if you were actually on it and watch your kids reactions.

After the relatively disappointing launch titles for the PlayStation VR, there are a few games that will make you appreciate this new medium and thankfully one of those games is Eagle Flight. In the end, it successfully creates one of the best immersive experiences with its sturdy controls and beautiful graphics plus enjoyable gameplay. Recommended!

Look, let’s be straight here – The Ezio Collection is a fairly lazy port. Minimal effort has been made to improve the games either graphically or mechanically and there’s absolutely no reason to pick this up if you already own the previous gen versions of the games.

In summary this is a game that fans of the genre will love and those new to it will most likely give up on. You can tell there has been a ton of work gone in to tweaking this game, making it clearly the best of the series to date, but the onerous nature of the storyline along with the static nature of the interaction during dialogue will put a lot of people off. Into the series? You will love this game. Hopefully I’ve helped with the pros and cons. Have fun!

I say this each time but it deserves repeating… I both hate and love Telltale games. I really don’t like episodic gaming… I’m four chapters in now and still find it frustrating to get so invested in a story only to have it stop and then I have to wait for a month or so to pick it up again. But on the other hand… they really know how to tell a story (the solution to this problem is arguably to wait until the whole experience is released and then simply purchase it as one complete package).

Hitman: The Complete First Season is the perfect re-introduction to the third-person stealth franchise, bringing back sandbox game design and player choice to the forefront with six expertly hand-crafted missions with hundreds of opportunities and ways to approach killing targets, and a ton of side content in the form of Escalation contracts and the Sarajevo Six (effectively “What If?” scenarios and missions).

PlayStation VR Worlds is a fun collection of mini-games that really showcases the PlayStation VR technology but given that, it’s a one trick pony. After you’ve played the titles a few times, they do become a little repetitive, especially how short some of the games are. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a look and will provide some great bragging rights for those who have never experienced VR before.

Mallow Drops is a slick, well-balanced puzzle game that relies on simple controls and gravity to keep you entertained.

If you take this game as a bit of tongue in cheek it is kind of fun… the little segments when the food is being judged really do remind me of the Iron Chef and the over the top theatrics (though I don’t ever remember seeing him eat food into the shape of breasts).

Eve Valkyrie is an enjoyable VR space combat game that really puts you into the seat of a star fighter as you take on a variety of enemies all from the safety of your lounge room. The immersion factor of VR works well, particularly how you use your head to track enemy ships that makes you feel like you are part of the next big Star Wars movie. The only downside to the title is the microtransactions which are a real big sin. Sure you can grind your way to victory but it’s going to be a hard slog.

So after smashing out this game over the weekend, I found myself quite engaged with the gameplay, story and fun characters. Sure it’s Pokémon but there’s a true sense of progression that when linked to the entertainment factor creators not the best Pokémon experience but one that succeeds with both newcomers and fans alike.

Although almost a mirror port with the original PlayStation 4 Hustle Kings, this current VR version does make the game more realistic so to speak but the fiddly controls unfortunately destroy that illusion. It’s a good try but once again, you cannot beat the real-life version of pool which is where I’m sticking for now!

Battlezone VR is a fun game on the PlayStation VR system which provides an enjoyable game that doesn’t throw too many challenges at the player. It does showcase the VR system and thankfully the controls work hand in hand with the gameplay and graphics to create this almost retro arcade tank game.

In conclusion, Super Stardust Ultra VR transforms the previous game and gives the player a cockpit view that has been built especially for virtual reality. Although this mode does work, I did find the graphics a little dated and at times, a little jarring, especially the non-cockpit game modes.

RIGS Mechanized Combat League is a really fun game on the PlayStation VR that offers a very sturdy gaming engine set in the world of virtual reality. So whether you’re playing single-player or online, there’s plenty of enjoyment to be found in this title and all in all, it just works well.

When I heard about DriveClub VR, I was really expecting the same PS4 experience as the previous title, however I was sadly mistaken. Sure, it has very similar parallels, especially with the amount of content but it’s all about the illusion and due to the reduced graphical capabilities of this game, particularly if you’ve played the previous game, it’s a little disheartening. Nonetheless, the gameplay is sturdy and the VR aspect works but it missed reaching the next level which would have been amazing. I’m really torn here!

Until Dawn Rush of Blood is one of the PlayStation VR highlights and successfully takes the tried and tested rail shooter and transforms it into an over the top game that almost makes it like you are there. Add in lots of collectibles to be found and some different paths the replay value is quite decent. Great graphics and controls, Until Dawn Rush of Blood is a must have VR game for your PlayStation VR!

A lot of effort went into creating the content for the game and it is really impressive. I wish there was more room to make more of your own deductions, but that isn’t the nature of Orwell. After playing the first three episodes, I am hooked and cannot wait to play the next two. It’s simple but fun with unexpected twists along the way.

Other Virtual Reality games should take note as ADR1FT is not just a throw away game for the sake of showing off some cool VR gaming. It’s the real deal. Giving players a really mind enveloping gaming experience of the dangers of working and traveling in outer space. Some may say the limited environment of space gives the player very little of nothing much to do. That is not the point of the game, the developers set out with a vision and brought it to light. ADR1FT is well worth the time to play it and while not a lot of replay ability here, it is still a game that delivers.

Is this a title worth getting? I’d say yes most definitely if you are a fan. If you are not then you certainly will need to make sure that you are ready for a massive game where you will not have any idea who most of the characters are. Having said that the entire title is pretty well rounded off, and the character development is interesting enough to keep you playing, but not so hard it will put you off.

World of Final Fantasy embraces weirdness and silliness to further itself from its more serious counterparts, while simultaneously revisiting the franchise’s classic roots to create something special.

System Rift focuses on the strengths of Deus Ex to craft a satisfying stealth romp.

Dishonored 2 is a pleasure to play… the ability to switch between mystical abilities, firearms or your trusty retractable blade (apparently some people don’t appreciate a folding blade) increases the variety of the game and leads to some very interesting interactions.

With a single player campaign that subverts expectations at every corner, a movement system that can only be described as heavenly and a robust selection of multiplayer modes with more free content to come in the future, Titanfall 2 is one of the year’s biggest surprises and is a must-buy for any serious shooter fan.

I was excited to play Yo-kai Watch 2, hoping it would expand on the enjoyment of the first title. Unfortunately, even a narrative of travelling back in time to witness the creation of the first Yo-kai watch was not enough to help me look past the repetitive nature of the game’s mechanics. Rather than persevering with ‘collecting them all’ in Yo-kai Watch 2, I think I’d prefer to travel back in time and revisit my dream team of Yo-kai from the original game.

Assetto Corsa is for both serious and novice racers but don't expect a triple A racer!

Xenoraid is competently built but lacks any real reason to actually compel you to play it. The gameplay loop quickly becomes monotonous and, aside from quick bursts here and there whilst waiting for a download, I can’t see many gamers putting much time into conquering the alien attackers.

The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim Special Edition is a really good game on the PlayStation 4 and Bethesda have done a remarkable job at giving it a fresh facelift but also keeping the amazing story and gameplay. Sure, some things feel a little stiff and lacking finesse of something like The Witcher 3 but it’s quite a detailed world from its culture, denizens that populate this universe and very rich story. Lastly, the amount of time you could spend in this game is practically endless and the only potentially bad thing is that you could lose sleep because you won’t want to stop playing.

One of the most unique experiences of this genre in 2016 which includes exceptional gameplay, a fantastic story and truly riveting multiplayer. It’s definitely my favourite Call of Duty to date.

Battlefield 1 will change the way you look at first person shooters. Utterly amazing.

A fantastic pick-up-and-play 3DS game a diverse and funky soundtrack, tons of unlockable content and perfect for party play with friends.

It’s a fully packed game that deserves to see some DLC or maybe an Ember 2. It’s a good jaunt for those old school gaming funs that love their sword and sorcery with combat, crafting and cool items and skills. Ember is worth a go. Have fun, play games.

Disney Magical World 2 on the 3DS is truly a magical and fun experience on this portable console and offers some fun replay value and one of the best supporting casts in a game!

Mario Party Star Rush is definitely a sibling to the classic Wii game Mario Party and although you do miss out on some of the fun that you have on a big screen TV, it’s still a very entertaining event with some enjoyable mini-games and quirky characters. Whether you’re playing solo or with other players, it’s one of those games that you wouldn’t play all the time but when you do, you’ll have a blast as you play against both real and virtual characters.

Rise of the Tomb Raider 20 Year Celebration Edition is a true festivity of the legacy of Lara Croft!

If you’re looking for something fun to play without too many headaches, Paper Mario Color Splash is that game and so far, it’s my favourite game on the Wii U this year.

Here They Lie is a clever game for the PlayStation VR and its motion sickness does make wonder whether this game would be better suited for the PS4 Pro for faster framerates. The game’s momentum starts slow and every now and then the game will really make you jump which is where the developers have succeeded. However in terms of gameplay, it is a little light in its nature but the nonetheless is an interesting look into both the horror genre and into the psyche of the main character in this horror thriller.

All in all, Eagle Flight ticks all the right boxes when it comes to VR.

If you thought the previous episode left you feeling that Bruce Wayne couldn’t get any lower or that Batman was on a path of destruction… just wait till you see the end of Episode 3… I won’t ruin anything but man does it set things up for an interesting Episode 4.

Ultimately is Civilization 6 worth buying? Certainly there have been a few solid play improvements on Civ 5, but not enough to justify its current price tag. The graphics are much less appealing than previous Civs, and depending on your personal tastes, you may find this edition simply unplayable because of it. Really, the best thing Civ 6 has done is make Civ 5 cheaper.