As a big fan of the series, New Dawn was a welcome return to Hope County, Montana. It didn’t wow, but the new progression system, fixed bugs, tighter maps, and nostalgia factor combine to make for a fun and familiar gameplay experience. Still, if you didn’t care for Far Cry 5 there’s probably not enough here to change your mind.

It tells an interesting, emotionally arresting story from the unique perspective of a protagonist that is rarely seen in video games. Unfortunately, the gameplay isn’t quite as impressive as the narrative or the setting and instead feels as laborious as the chores you’re instructing Talma to perform. Yet despite the boring gameplay, the gripping story and fantastic visuals were enough to keep me wholly interested in the three-hour ordeal, and for that I can easily recommend The Stillness of the Wind to anyone looking for a unique, plodding gameplay experience.

This is a good and relaxing game for older gamers who want to unwind and enjoy a fast paced world that is also casual, either alone or with friends. ‘Crackdown 3’ is perfect for anyone who only has short amounts of time to spare or is looking for a game with lots of replay value.

For younger players, they might find something puzzles that’ll keep them replaying the different levels and checking out all the optional islands around the world map. But for anyone looking for a Dragons adaptation that really makes you feel like you’re involved in the fantastical world from the films, I’m sorry to say but this isn’t it.

Genesis Alpha One is a fun space simulator/roguelike experience for players who enjoy resource gathering and crafting, ship management and first-person shooter mechanics – and want to play something where they’re all bundled into one package. It’s not the biggest triple AAA title on the market, but it’s definitely one of the most unique games to release and kick off 2019.

I understand that this is a popular franchise overseas but it translates really poorly to something I’d want to play. There is simply is not enough love to make this game worthwhile. I’d be buying this when it is very very cheap.

You’ve probably picked up on this by now, but I should make it clear, Travis Strikes Again is a very typical Suda51 game. It’s filled with dumb, 4th-wall breaking jokes, its plot makes absolutely no sense and its gameplay is underwhelming – but it is absolutely bursting with style and personality. Despite the monotony of the gameplay, I quite enjoyed the nine-or-so hours I spent with Travis Strikes Again. If you’re a fan of Suda51’s previous work you’ll want to check this out. If not, I think the reduced price point is worth the cost of entry to behold the spectacle of absurdity at least.

Hitman HD Enhanced Collection is a cool collection. Of course there are some downsides to the title (Blood Money), but all things said and done they make for some really good gaming experiences. I would say I think the price is a bit excessive at this time of writing with the PlayStation Store selling it for $90.95. I would wait till it comes down as I’ve not seen a remaster where they ask for more than a new game. Just my opinion. And yes I am more than aware there are two games here. It’s just a bit much.

The Nintendo Switch is fast becoming the definitive JRPG console of its generation, and Tales of Vesperia stands tall among its best games. The combat is fast paced and fun, there is plenty to see and do and the cast of characters are a joy to be around. If future ports and remasters are as delightful to experience as Tales of Vesperia, there is a lot to look forward to in the future of the Switch.

Despite its flaws, Mage’s Initiation is a nice homage to the classic point and click adventure genre. This game isn’t Quest for Glory, but it felt similar enough at times that my nostalgia kept me wanting to play more. I wouldn’t pay the price of a triple A title for this game, but its $14.99 price point is reasonable enough to recommend it. If you’re short on cash though, maybe wait a bit and grab it on sale.

While seasoned veterans of the Ace Combat series may have a much different perspective on its seventh iteration, I was unfortunately left disappointed by lots of glitz and limited glamour. The game never became, well, fun to play, and the allure of watching and listening to beautiful aircraft fly over and through jaw dropping environments can only go so far. Even with an abundance of camera angles to choose from, none offered the immersion factor I was longing to experience: the thrill of actual air combat.

In summary this is a very addictive game. It is really well thought out and accessible to all skill levels. Controls on the Dual Shock are easy to master and general navigation makes sure you keep up with the action. This is a delight to play and I am sure that it is going to pleasantly surprise a lot of people as it did for me.

Kingdom Hearts is one of those games that has a lot to offer but how much you get out of it will depend on how much you put in. There is of course the main quest which in and of itself will give you hours upon hours of joy and no doubt a touch of nostalgia for some of us here and there. But then there are all the mini games and collectable elements… or just the fun of taking a selfie with Goofy or Donald in the middle of one of the familiar movie landscapes. It’s a great use of the Disney characters and imagining of the locations that should entertain young and old… it does in our house.

Even though the platforming doesn’t feel quite right and the puzzles are a little too simple, Pikuniku’s vibrant, whimsical aesthetic gives the game a charming sense of playfulness that almost completely mitigates these issues. When you’re running around with these colourful characters, watering flowers as a jaunty tune plays in the background, you don’t care that the jumping feels a little floaty or that the solution to the next puzzle is so obviously signposted. Pikuniku is the perfect remedy for a stressful day – check it out if you’re looking for something simple, colourful and genuinely funny.

HoPiKo is challenging and moves at a lightning pace, although it can't escape the fact that it feels more like a game you'd play on your phone than on a console.

It’s not something I’d classify as an essential PSVR title, but the sheer charm of the world and its characters make exploring Pandora and experience I enjoyed far more than I first expected.

A fan-faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and jam-packed with quality content. A package both longtime Resident Evil fans and newbies will enjoy.

In the end, Carnival Games on the PS4 offers you family fun with around 20 mini-games to engage in, with some hits and some misses.

Ultimately Conan Exiles is a slow paced game with no quick pay offs. It provides a sense of wonder with its locations and the things that populate them. There is danger in the persistent online world which adds to the need to log on often to keep an eye on things. If you are not prepared to put the hours in, this is a title that is better left alone.

Considering there are not many platforming games on the PS4, this is a wonderful title that is worth picking up. If you haven’t played Wonder Boy, that is another title worth getting into and Monster Boy is a brilliant successor to it. Old school fun is back!

For all the grumbling about Nintendo’s strategy of releasing last-gen ports to their new console, it’s hard to argue when the games are as high quality as New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. Nintendo has also added their typically high gloss coat of paint, with new features, new characters and even an entire bonus game. Add in a frantic and fun multiplayer mode and the diabolical Challenge Mode and you have a game that can proudly stand with the best platforming games the Switch can offer.

The gameplay is perfectly balanced, to the point where I couldn’t stop playing as I scrounged for one more wire to add that light bulb, and one more rope to build the snare trap. While I never became particularly attached to my family (as they are relatively bland and faceless), I certainly felt the drama and reality of the scarcity of food and water and the weight of my decisions. Sheltered is a fun and challenging game, especially if you’re willing to put a lot of time into the game crafting the best shelter possible. And because of its randomness world generation, there is plenty of replay-ability with a chance to do it always do it better next time.

Gris is a masterclass in aesthetic design in games. The vibrant watercolour visuals, the astounding animation quality, the impressive attention to detail and the gorgeous landscapes all combine to produce a truly breathtaking experience. The gameplay isn’t revolutionary, but it is satisfying and offers more than simply a means of delivering the fantastic visuals and terrific soundtrack. Do yourself a favour and play Gris on the biggest screen you can find and let the magic wash through your soil.

Is this going to convert the non farming enthusiasts? I don’t think so… but for those with an interest it will likely scratch an itch that doesn’t have another outlet outside of a massive bank loan and a lot of hard labour.

PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds airdrops onto PlayStation 4 as a technically messy port, but its brand of tense and tactical battle royale gameplay remains addictive as ever.

There seems to be actual strategy involved in this game and let me tell you that came out of left field for me. As you move forward and get better, even your team can be leveled up and get better at what they do. So if you are looking for a full racing experience you will find that Nascar Heat 3 fits what you are looking for. Have fun, play games… start your engines!

I had a lot of fun with Just Cause 4 and I’m sure you will too. If you have played number 3 don’t expect a lot more but if you haven’t then you are going to love this. I recommend giving it a shot as a title that will see hours of play over the summer holidays.

The bottom line is this is a fully-featured, portable Super Smash Bros. game that looks fantastic, has a ridiculous amount of content and plays exactly like you want it to. This is the perfect place for newcomers to jump into the series and a fantastic title that veterans will absolutely devour.