Fallout 76 had a lot to say when it was revealed. It was multiplayer, it had the largest world of any Fallout, it was going to be fun. The trouble is that it just doesn’t work, the world is too big and empty, and the quest design as uninspired as it gets. If the only way for a game to be entertaining is by having your friends make jokes about it as you journey together, then it has failed at one of the things that most games should be. It has failed at being fun, it has failed at being entertaining in its own right.

The Bug Butcher is a spiritual successor that is very much possessed by its muse. This isn’t a subtle nod, it is soaked in Pang and it’s great because of it. The ability to play the game endlessly to beat your own score will keep you coming back. The fact that you can do it with a friend is just an even bigger incentive. The Bug Butcher isn’t reinventing anything, but it is a damn fine version of a classic game.

While Road Redemption does have its issues, it did more than enough to keep me playing. Following in the tracks of Road Rash, it nails that one more go feeling that you can lose so much time to. However, while the core gameplay is entertaining, the surrounding package could have been better with basic online and and a roguelite structure that some may find uninspired. Road Redemption is a mixed bag that is fun to play, but it could have been so much better.

Galak-Z: Variant S just feels a bit soulless, as someone who has played the original. Where that game was sleek and well designed, this feels basic and haphazard. The Switch would have been far better served by a port of the first game, and when you add microtransactions into the mix you get a spoiled experience and a somewhat tainted memory of a better time for the series.

Its commitment to manic, arcade shooting is one of its biggest strengths, but this unfortunately highlights the game’s weaker elements, namely the platforming. The narrative is ultimately the stand out feature here, as the nuanced character writing highlights the surprisingly profound overarching narrative in a way that keeps players engaged.

Déraciné isn’t for everyone, even if you fancy yourself a staunch fan of FromSoftware’s previous work. The slow, deliberate pacing, the vague puzzles, and a story that revolves around fairies don’t add up to a must-buy PlayStation VR experience. It’s an oddity and one that wants you to occasionally stop, stare, and soak in its atmosphere. Déraciné will be divisive; a borefest for some, yet bizarrely enthralling for others.

Unfortunately, Omen of Sorrow feels like it’s taken a “quantity over quality” approach that results in a flaccid, broken experience. From the characters and art to the core act of fighting, nothing in Omen of Sorrow quite sticks the landing. There are a lot of incredible fighting games to check out this year, but Omen of Sorrow is not one of them.

Battlefield V scratches an itch that many will have had since Battlefield 4. DICE have found a great feel for the gunplay, the tweaks to classes and additions like fortifications largely work as intended, and the way that Grand Operations have evolved brings a refreshing variety to the game. Sure, it’s around the edges at launch and with some largely forgettable single play War Stories, Battlefield V is a diamond in the rough.

Pokémon: Let’s Go’s nostalgic charm and interactive gameplay will have both newcomers and returning trainers hooked as they explore the beloved Kanto region. Let’s Go mashes together these two different styles of Pokémon game into one streamlined format, and despite some slight annoyances, these remakes provide an intimate take on the classic Pokémon journey, especially when played with the Poké Ball Plus accessory. If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the Pokémon RPG, then this one may keep you invested until you catch ’em all. It probably won’t take long though.

Pokémon: Let’s Go’s nostalgic charm and interactive gameplay will have both newcomers and returning trainers hooked as they explore the beloved Kanto region. Let’s Go mashes together these two different styles of Pokémon game into one streamlined format, and despite some slight annoyances, these remakes provide an intimate take on the classic Pokémon journey, especially when played with the Poké Ball Plus accessory. If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the Pokémon RPG, then this one may keep you invested until you catch ’em all. It probably won’t take long though.

Chimparty is fun enough to break out for an occasional bout of light-hearted multiplayer when you’ve got friends round, and accessible enough to cater for all ages, but its limitations soon being to show if you spend any extended period of time with it.

Sinner: Sacrifice For Redemption has some inspired choices. The agony of choosing what to give up next and trying to work out what loss will hurt you least is really innovative, while the boss designs all stand apart from one another, each feeling as though they represent the sin that they have become. Unfortunately, it is let down by some of the design choices and difficulty that will you feeling unfulfilled.

As a package, Spyro Reignited is a fantastic experience, and Toys for Bob have done an amazing job in updating the series whilst maintaining its feel. This truly is a Spyro for today rather than a quick cash-in that plays off your nostalgia. Each game stands on its own as well as illustrating the development of the series.

Transpose is one of most unique puzzle games that has crossed my path, and I’d definitely recommend it if you own one of the major VR systems. It’s an experience that looks to show people that can do what seems impossible, and holds a message of positivity at its core. Transpose is a puzzle game that deserves the attention.

Diablo III Eternal Collection is the best version of a classic game, and on Nintendo Switch it makes more sense than ever, whether playing alone or with others.

At times spiritual, transcendental and zen-like, at others excruciating, heart-poundingly tense and eye-wateringly immersive, Tetris Effect is game of the year material and essential on PlayStation VR.

There’s so much that I like about 11–11 Memories Retold; the wonderful story, exceptional vocal performances and, for the most part, a beautiful and refreshingly unique art style. These elements all delight, yet they are let down by some poor minigames and underdeveloped gameplay mechanics. Despite these issues though, I was compelled to see this story to its conclusion, thanks to some smart plotting and a narrative that zips along like the very best page-turning novel.

NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 is an extremely fun and competitive game at its core, and with the publisher’s history of terrible microtransactions, it’s good to see a basketball game that’s easy to pick up and enjoy without having to spend money. The game is generous with its in game currency which makes playing the game very rewarding, especially if you invest time in the game’s improved Season Mode. If you’re looking for a slightly silly, competitive basketball game to play online, this is definitely for you.

A competent tactical combat game with an interesting setting that promises more but never realises it.

This collection may not appeal to everyone, as when you boil it down a lot of these title feel the same. This serves more as a collector’s piece, which isn’t a bad thing; it’s just very niche.

While there is a bit more depth than first appears in SkyScrappers it doesn’t often rely on any of this. It is fairly easy to accidentally die because you didn’t see a falling rock or fall behind because the platforms are just slightly out of reach. The game itself can be a fair bit of fun with friends, but the single-player is little more than an hour long tutorial and sadly there isn’t anything else to do.

Having been disappointed by Lego The Incredibles, confused by Lego Ninjago The Movie’s linear approach, and slightly underwhelmed by the obscure roster of Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, I am happy to report that Lego DC Super-Villains is a real return to form for Traveller’s Tales. It eclipses Lego Batman 2 to become my joint favourite alongside the first Lego Marvel Super Heroes; this is an essential play for any fan of comics, Lego games, or fun in general.

GRIP: Combat Racing is an unpolished gem that’s currently too flawed to fully recommend. When it comes together – particularly in multiplayer – GRIP is capable of providing some of the most engaging future racing this side of Wipeout 2097, but it’s all too easy for it to fall apart, especially when you’re placed in the hands of the game’s cheating AI.

Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun is, in all honestly, a near-perfect rhythm game. Every piece of the puzzle that makes up this game is meticulously chosen to create a wonderful experience for newbies and pros alike. Beginners will be instantly engaged by the simple two-button gameplay, while advanced players will be able to test their strength on the insane speed of higher difficulty tracks. No matter which side you fall on, there’s enough content here to keep you engaged for a long time.

Battle Chef Brigade Deluxe brings this wonderful little dish to a new home and adds a little extra spice to an already brilliant experience. The whole experience looks wonderful, is completely and utterly joyful and is one that is worth the preparation time for a memorable dish you can even share with friends. Bon Appétit.

Gal Metal has some great ideas, but fails to execute them soundly. It tries to break the mould of rhythm games by giving players more agency over how they play. There’s a big difference between removing the training wheels and removing the headlight though, and with a lack of proper guidance and feedback on what the player is doing, Gal Metal feels more like cycling in the dark than it ought to. Charming characters and a cute story redeem the package somewhat, but it’s still a bit of a chore to play through the music segments between those narrative beats.

This is a solid collection of games that is a welcome addition to anyone’s party arsenal. The Jackbox games can be a little hit and miss sometimes, but this is certainly one of the best entries and will keep you all entertained for hours. There’s some of the best game variety yet and each one feels different enough to really be worth dipping into. Of course, you’ll get more mileage the more you have people round, but even if it is sporadic this is a worthwhile inclusion.

My Hero One’s Justice sees Bandai at their property-managing best, bringing a hugely enjoyable fighting game experience to the My Hero Academia franchise. The Switch version has a few rough edges, but ultimately the colourful anime brawling feels perfectly at home on Nintendo’s continually surprising handheld.