In comparison with even the base Destiny 2 – let alone that game expanded by all its excellent DLC – Anthem feels not so much unfinished as barely started. It contains some good ideas which it fails to develop, and some of its basic pillars, such as the insistence on fourplayer co-op, somehow convey the impression of being tacked on rather than fundamental. And even with the huge early patch, it’s still glitchy – we had to play three quarters of a 45-minute Stronghold without sound, for example, which was disconcerting.

Trials at its finest: simply to play it is to have a blast, and you can’t ask for more than that.

A short, funky old-school nostalgia trip that fails to fulfil its potential.

Salt and Sanctuary offers a notably different experience from the Souls games anyway, simply because it’s presented side-on, but here in 2019, it faces some seriously tough competition in that space. Compared to Dead Cells, its combat feels positively sluggish, and its map can’t hold a gloomy candle to the exploratory delights of Hollow Knight.

An original and intriguing stealth puzzler that will test your investigative skills.

At 15 hours long, and with the unlockable Son Of Sparta mode upping the difficulty while switching enemies around, Dante’s latest is both stylish and generously stuffed. Though occasionally intimidating and repetitive in places, you’ll still relish making Satan sing.

A seriously accomplished looter shooter, with plenty to do on day one.

A decent Lovecraft puzzler that’s low on action but high on hallucinogenic plant spores.

Astroneer is both gentle and brutal, and which you see more of depends on your own play style. Occasionally, though, you might wish it just had picked a side.

Charming and jam-packed with content, but lacks a compelling narrative. [Issue#225, p.90]

Spectacular if spotty, this wrestler fulfills more than it frustrates. [Issue#225, p.88]

A promising start gives way to an underbaked story and clunky survival mechanics.[Issue#225, p.87]

A challenging fighting system is only the bare bones of what could be a better game. [Issue#225, p.84]

It's really bloody good... Take note, other developers wanting to jump on a trend: this is how you do battle royale. [Issue#225, p.82]

An engrossing mix of sci-fi strategy and simulation - but this is a lesser version. [Issue#225, p.80]

A traditional but beautifully crafted, memorable shooter with loads of personality. [Issue#225, p.78]

Spectacular but spotty, this demanding sim both fulfills and frustrates. [Issue#225, p.76]

Hardly a far cry from what's come before, but still surprisingly enjoyable. [Issue#225, p.74]

Inconsistent but entertaining, packed with likeable, iconic characters. [Issue#225, p.72]

It's the fights that really count, and they're crazy fun. [Issue#225, p.71]

As good as fighting games get, with great mechanics, and visually a knockout. [Issue#225, p.68]

After such a glacial wait, it's not unreasonable to expect more. Still, in spite of its pared-back ambitions, it is such a chorus line of brainless, sugar rush thrills, you'll rarely be anything less than entertained. Let's just hope we don't have to wait until 2024 for Crackdown 4 to arrive. [Issue#225, p.65]

Creepy and confusing, this cartoon chiller still delivers some unique scares.

A solid bike sim, but one that lacks a bit of atmosphere and excitement.

A decent but unremarkable game, tied to a wan Lovecraftian setting.

A nice idea, with several fun bits, let down somewhat by poor action sequences.

A charming and atmospheric RPG, with varied by underwhelming card battles.

A refreshing alternative to the darker platformers of the last few years.