Trials Rising isn't going to set the world on fire, but it achieves what it sets out to do with aplomb. It's a simple concept, executed with flair, and if that's not worth applauding then what is?
Wargroove is a faithful update of a classic strategy series and, despite some smart additions, never really achieves more than that. The competence is commendable, and this is a solid game that will keep strategy fans amused for a while.
Ace Combat 7 is, sadly, a decent game that never quite hits the same highs as the planes contained within. It rapidly becomes too samey, and the games mechanics aren't really signposted enough, with you being catapulted into action with barely a mention of flight school.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the most refined Smash yet. There's a ridiculous amount of content here and, if you're a Smash Bros. fan you should absolutely buy this. Unfortunately, the game loses something when it's about anything more than its core local multiplayer experience.
Battlefield 5 is a good game, but not a great one. The multiplayer can be great fun when you find the right server, and the single player shines a light on parts of World War 2 that aren't in the public consciousness.
Hitman 2 is an iterative rework of the formula set up by 2016's bold Hitman reboot. It's the best Hitman game so far, and I'd absolutely recommend it wholeheartedly. It's just a bit of a shame that they didn't take some more chances, in favour of offering up a slice of the same excellent stealth gameplay.
It's unreasonable to expect Marvel's Spider-Man The Heist to reinvent the wheel here, it's a DLC for a game that was remarkably popular, and many are clamouring for more. However, I don't think I'm the only person that will be a little disappointed at Marvel's Spider-Man playing it safe, and it's a prime example of how you can have too much of a good thing.
Whether you already own Lethal League or not, you should buy this sequel as fast as you can.
If someone had told me that a career in insurance involves exploring intricately detailed worlds with a magic watch, I would probably be working in insurance right now.
There's no denying Call of Duty is a well put together AAA game. In my first few hours with Call of Duty Black Ops 4, the most consistent aspect was how slick everything feels, exuding quality all over the place like a big ol' quality hose.
Achtung! Cthulhu Tactics is, honestly, a bit of a disappointment. It's a perfectly competent tactics game, and there is a solid 10 hours of narrative here for you to explore. However, it's mostly upsetting because of the flecks of brilliance that don't quite fit together, and the good ideas that aren't explored enough.
Super Mario Party is a joyous bounty of content picked out in lurid colours that comes together as a great way to play games with friends after a couple of drinks, or with younger relatives.
You know what? I adore it. I adore every second. Forza Horizon 4 is potentially the best racing game I've ever played in terms of the sheer amount of stuff and how much fun I've had. I'm not a devout racing game fan, so I'm not going to say it's the best racing game ever, but I can say absolutely that it's the racing game I'm going to be comparing the genre to in my head, moving forwards.
Door Kickers Action Squad is a great game, but outside of its generous helping of levels, it's a little light on content. For the price, this is one of the better co-op titles I've played, and it offers a unique experience you're not getting anywhere else. A surprising treat.
Despite Broken Sword 5 feeling like a game made for Broken Sword fans, with tons of references, recurring characters and threads from previous games slipped in, it's hard not to appreciate what Revolution has achieved here. It isn't the best adventure game released in recent years, but it's charming, fun and a worthy update of a four-year-old title that you might have overlooked.
Frozen Synapse can be clunky, frustrating and terrifying in equal measure. The tactical level is tightly balanced and, when played competitively provides a real spectacle, even when it's your soldiers that are getting wrecked.
Marvel's Spider-Man has a surprising amount to say for itself and continues Sony's run of best-in-show first party exclusives. Comic book fans will fall in love with Insomniac's loving rendition of the webhead's Manhattan, but fans expecting the next God of War might find themselves a little disappointed.
Scoring Strange Brigade was a tough proposition. When the game works and you're in the thick of combat with friends fighting alongside you, it sings. However, there are moments when it doesn't quite come together, and the adventuring feels like an asinine dawdle through a variety of pretty locations. However, it's key to state that these are incredibly pretty locations.
Dead Cells could be the most surprising success of the year. Coming into the crowded Metroidvania genre was a bold move, but one that seems to have paid off as Dead Cells has delivered the best example of the genre in years. The game is deep and rewards exploration, with exceptional combat and so much content it's honestly a little intimidating.
Its flaws are legion, but I can't begrudge the game when it's so much fun to play. The single player is shallow nonsense, but the game pulls it back in multiplayer, and Warhammer fans will struggle not to smile when everything whirrs into explosive motion.