Peter Taylor's Reviews
With more tracks and stages than you can shake a stick at, DiRT 2.0: Game of the Year edition barrels on sideways whilst welcoming back the name that started it all: Colin McRae. Despite a lacklustre feel when using a wheel, there's still a very impressive rally simulation hidden away inside just waiting for you to turn the key.
AO Tennis 2 is this generation's Top Spin 4. It takes over a baton that has been carried through mis-steps and let-downs as tennis fans young and old finally have a game worth their time and effort. It's not perfect by any stretch but up against the competition and its predecessor it stands head-and-shoulders above them.
Phoenix Point comes from the creator of the original XCOM, and as such you'd think it'd be an imperious, spiritual successor to the pre-Fireaxis series. Instead, it's a decent if disappointing addition in its current state and in dire need of some TLC from its creator.
NFS Heat is an improvement over NFS Payback but that isn't saying much. Microtransactions are long gone thankfully but not much else has changed. If EA are hoping to return the series back to its heyday it'll need to do much more than this to topple the likes of Forza Horizon 4.
Football Manager 2020 manages to improve upon last years outing in enough areas to justify an upgrade for owners for FM 2019 or before. However, I do feel it's getting closer to the point where a marquee feature will need to be introduced or an existing one improved dramatically such as the 3D match engine.
The Outer Worlds is a competent and well-acted action-RPG with some interesting ideas but one that mostly plays safe. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of Fallout: New Vegas, it certainly cements Obsidian Entertainment as an RPG force.
WRC 8 has laid a great foundation to build on for KT Racing. Whilst it doesn't quite topple Dirt as the king of rally simulations it should give Codemasters something to worry about. Whilst the lack of online lobbies is a concern its in single-player that WRC 8 really shines.
eFootball PES 2020 is a confusing title to recommend. It's best likened to an Alfa Romeo as, when everything works, it's majestic. However, when it's not, which is most of the time, it's such a frustrating experience because you know just how good it could be.
Gears 5 takes the series to new heights but it's weighed down by some annoying bugs and a story that seems to try a touch too hard to tie itself to the original trilogy. Whilst Horde mode is still excellent and the various Versus modes are fun, the new Escape mode is a bit hit and miss.
F1 2019 is a fantastic racing title whether you're a fan of the sport or not. Despite my reservations and perceived lack of improvements I've been proven wrong at almost every turn. Codemasters have done the licence and series proud and look forward now to next year's edition and what it might bring especially with new consoles on the horizon.