A muddled mess of good intentions and corporate greed that ruins a promising space adventure with needless repetition and horribly expensive toys to life gimmicks.

SWERY’s latest work seems unusually derivative at times but the mix of disturbing atmosphere, surreal situations, and serious subject matter is still hugely engaging.

Still a courageously original action role-player that breaks almost every rule in the role-playing book. Although what it really needs is a sequel, not another remaster.

Still one of the best stealth games of recent years and an accomplished 2D platformer in its own right, with a near perfect balance of depth, accessibility, and bloodshed.

An ambitious and unique approach to video game storytelling, but one that never quite escapes the limitations it purposefully imposes on itself.

Still one of the best strategy role-playing games ever made and a great place for newcomers to the franchise to start – assuming they’ve got the dedication necessary.

A bizarre mix of Yakuza and hyper violent 80s anime that never really makes much sense but still offers some enjoyable surprises.

We’ve enjoyed Odyssey more than any entry since Assassin’s Creed II but it’s still frustrating that the franchise has done so little to improve the gameplay fundamentals upon which everything else depends. Although at least the one thing you can always say about Assassin’s Creed is that it definitely offers value for money.

Trexels II is a vacuous entertainment void, which does at least accurately simulate the icy desolation of deep space.

Thankfully Alphabear 2 removes the ability to purchase unlimited honey, preventing you from immersing yourself to the exclusion of everyday activities, but its mechanics and gameplay remain just as riveting, alternating puzzle levels with ones played against the clock.

Even if it lacks some of Evergarden’s complexity, it’s an interesting process of discovery that does its best not to rush you, letting you soak up the ambience while working out how its pieces fit together.

In spite of the difficulty level and minimalist beauty of the graphics, Optica’s problem is that it’s just not that compelling, and once levels start to get more devious, summoning the will to trial and error your way to the end becomes your biggest hurdle.

There are many clever, elegantly-designed puzzles, which escalate in complexity to include multiple light sources. But there are also some nasty bugs in later levels, several of which require you to quit and restart the game.

Although relatively short and easy, Donut Country is an immensely satisfying and warm-hearted game that’s quite unlike anything else available on the App Store, or indeed anywhere.

Its insanity is highly addictive, and Bacon is the best of this avant-garde trilogy of comestible foolishness.

The best Mario Party in a very long time, and while it’s shallow and silly it’s also one of the few times casual and core gamers can compete in perfect (dis)harmony.

A Mega Man sequel that, despite its flash new looks and newb-friendly approach, conservatively touts the same formula Capcom has been using these past 30 years.

The most visually impressive and entertaining game on PlayStation VR, with an incredible sense of scale and boundless imagination.

A walking simulator set in a colourful, rather than spooky, mansion with rewarding puzzles, a cheerful atmosphere, and a locomotion system from the seventh circle of Hell.

The question of how important originality is to any new game is largely a question of personal taste, but Hollow Knight offers some compelling mitigation for its lack of innovation: the gorgeous presentation and the insanely low asking price. There’s no question that Hollow Knight is hugely enjoyable and great value for money. But if its gameplay had been as imaginative as its visuals it could have been a genuine classic.

Life Is Strange’s sequel is off to an impressively daring start, both in terms of the subject matter and creating a brand-new cast of characters.

One of the best arcade racers ever made, with mountains of interesting content and a seasonal gimmick that makes perfect use of the new setting.

More a remake than a sequel but still a welcome return for one of the most original and distinctive genre mash-ups of recent years.

A mildly spooky walking simulator whose plot, acting, and puzzles fails to benefit from its Hollywood connections and is even more disappointing without VR.

It’s obviously intended primarily for parents and children to work through together but while the video game part may only amuse young minds the cardboard construction is fascinating for everyone.

Irredeemably shallow but effortlessly entertaining, this unexpected tribute to a lost genre will make a beat ‘em-up fan of anyone.

EA hasn’t reinvented the wheel but they’ve reimagined what a fun football sim can be, with innovative game modes and gameplay tweaks that will make even seasoned FIFA vets rethink their approach.

A ruthlessly realistic simulation which not only has no interest in being a video game but also seems intent on making fishing seem as drab and mechanical as possible.