This is perhaps the Star Trek game most faithful to its source material, as just like Star Trek: Voyager, it’s a flawed gem that I can heartily recommend experiencing, just not without caveats. Both its greatest strength and biggest weakness is that it really feels like the kind of PC game that could’ve come out during the later years of the show’s run.

Playing — and being successful — on hard difficulty doesn’t seem to provide increased rewards to correct that gripe. In fact, that imbalanced risk-reward system is further spotlighted when considering a starting player’s weaker attributes. They seem to really impact play at a disproportional level, especially when compared to previous iterations of TopSpin. That, in turn, plays into new shot systems which provide more winners from perfect shots and more mistakes if you’re powering your shot too much or too little.

While the game world is richly styled and interesting, the frame rate will chug as you enter the larger areas.

You shouldn’t buy Wildlands right now. The types of glitches and problems we experienced in previews still rear their head; while they’re forgivable in a pre-release environment, the same isn’t true when buying what should be a finished product. The entire experience is best summed up by our multiplayer adventure: you’ll run around a lot, but you’re not going to be able to get much done.

I’m a die-hard fan of the game and have loved jumping back in to Resident Evil 4. I have a feeling others who feel the same about the franchise will as well, as will Achievement and Trophy addicts, enticed over reasonable simple lists. For everyone else, it’s a harder sell at $24.95 AUD — while greatly improved over last-gen’s release, it’s still the same game on yet another platform.

Super Mario Run is the perfect implementation of Nintendo’s biggest star in mobile form. While it’s hard to deny the success of Pokémon Go, Niantic’s mobile offering doesn’t truly capture the heart and soul of the franchise it belongs to. Super Mario Run excels in that department, offering a title that’ll have you constantly coming back for more.

Journey is something unique unto itself; a better version of No Man’s Sky, complete with purpose and a wicked sense of humour.

In the same way that Mario + Rabbids was great for battles on the go using your Switch, so too would be Tactica. While you can certainly pay for the privilege to do just that on your Switch, Persona 5 Tactica is yet another Xbox Game Pass title. That means you can play on the go using Xbox Cloud Gaming and your smartphone of choice without the need to lay down any additional cash. If you’ve somehow got some space that’s not being taken up by a pile of shame, give it a go.

While it may not be up there with the likes of Dead Space, Resident Evil, and Silent Hill, Cronos The New Dawn is still survival horror done well. Fans of the genre should absolutely give this one a go.

Surviving Mars will easily offer hours upon hours of city-building gameplay for those interested in the genre and, like me, those who really aren’t but love a bit of sci-fi. It comes highly recommended.

Super Mario Party Jamboree Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV is a clever way to add fresh content to a recent multiplayer favourite, without coercing anyone to buy the more expensive edition just because they’re playing on Switch 2. For most players, I’d recommend buying the cheaper base game first. It includes some of the best Mario Party boards and mini-games in years and it runs well on Switch 2 without the upgrade. When you’re ready for more – and have enough Joy-Con 2s for four players – kick-on with Jamboree TV as DLC for a more precise afterparty.

Mass Effect: Andromeda is a science-fiction fan’s wet dream; a game incredibly difficult to put down once started.

It’s fun, challenging and wrapped up in a world that’s worth delving into. While its marketing did little to interest me, picking it up had me hooked right from the start. I’d highly recommend you give this one a try for yourself… or at the very least, check out its first twenty-five minutes above.

Jurassic World: Evolution is a decent movie tie-in with amazing potential; if Frontier can equip players with the knowledge they need to tackle its increasingly difficult island chain, this one will have some legs.

Despite a largely forgettable story, Strange Brigade has a lot of charm because of its campy nature and likable, chatty characters. While best in groups, this will also suit patient types who’ve got a good shot and lots of time to kill. Kudos to Rebellion for taking a chance and delivering something wildly different from Sniper Elite.

A creative and novel way to spend time in whatever level of lockdown you’re currently engaged in.

The combination of a simple gameplay loop with great music has been proven to work in the past; two Australian titles immediately spring to mind in The Artful Escape and Video World. Both titles feature engaging storylines, compelling characters and enough actual gameplay to bolster their music; We Are OFK sadly falls short — or at least doesn’t consistently deliver — on some of those points. That’s a real shame too, because the music found within is superb.

It’s the best of Mario Tennis and Wii Sports motion tennis rolled into one game, but in distinct and very seperate modes, it just lacks one thing: being able to play a proper set of tennis.

I had a great time with Kay Vess and crew. The story has all the heel-turns, reveals and double-crosses you could hope for from a heist story, and even a few surprise twists you won’t see coming. Seeing the Star Wars world from a more boots-on-the-ground perspective also casts it in a very different light – an AT-ST is a much more intimidating thing to see when you don’t have access to midichlorians....It’s exciting to see how much is possible in this universe without leaning on the Jedi or Skywalkers. That said, fans are sure to enjoy some of the nods and name-drops scattered throughout that link this game to the greater canon.

Trying to drive from solitary waypoint to waypoint proved a massive challenge; I must say, I prefer a straight-up racing line on the roadway, showing me what I should be doing. For those who don’t need that, there’s not much difference between each console’s powerhouse.

All the usual weapons of lovely overkill are back — and some are even better. My favourites? Airstrikes, Wormageddon, Banana Bomb and the brutal O.M.G. Strike. The 80+ weapons that make up the total of your arsenal will leave a satisfying twitch in your trigger finger.

sadly, much of Bulletstorm gets in its own way.

Despite changes to the formula, New Dawn is still very much Far Cry at its core.

Alone or with a co-op partner, it’s hard to go wrong with Resident Evil 5. It is perfect for franchise fans or those looking to get into the series ahead of Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 2 remake. At the time of writing, it’s a perfect time to delve in as well — this, and other Resident Evil games, are heavily discounted. Just avoid RE6 unless you know what you’re in for.

If you’re looking for more mini-games on your Nintendo Switch, or have fond memories of Smooth Moves over on the Wii, this one’s for you. Just make sure to stretch afterward, especially if you’re saddled with a bunch of squat poses.

With plenty of fun and engaging diversions across its expansive map and a polished narrative that draws you into the plights of its compelling protagonists, Ghostwire Tokyo makes an impressive impression for a new IP from Tango Gameworks.

Sniper Elite Resistance is hilarious, chaotic fun. I encourage players to jump in — with a plan or otherwise — and just see how things play out in Rebellion’s expertly-crafted sandbox. Experiment, take risks, and above all else: fight the Nazis.

Despite the gimmicks, Concrete Genie is beautiful, endearing, charming and simply adorable. It’s far more fleshed out (and lenghty, though still over overly long) than Entwined. At a $40 AUD price tag, you simply can’t go wrong; it’s extremely relaxing after a stressful day.