Peter Taylor's Reviews
Both expansions add new challenges and illnesses to keep fans of Two Point Hospital going for a good while yet. Of the two, Pebberley Island brings in some unique hooks and the last level horde mode of that expansion is quite the test of our management skills.
OTTTD is a great example of taking a straightforward type of genre like tower defense and adding just enough of a twist to it to make it stand out. Whilst the lack of touch controls limit its fluidity on such a mobile platform, its bite-sized nature suits the Switch perfectly.
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.
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.
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.
HB Studios continues to improve the title that had a rather humble beginning. Each year brings with it new features and improvements and that's no easy feat. That being said, PGA Tour 2K21 isn't perfect and whilst the presentation has seen a much needed improvement it's still a touch limited, especially in the commentary department. Though if you're keen for a round of golf but don't fancy the walk that goes with it, you won't find anything better on offer.
We clearly had the big leap last year, as WRC 9 only shows minor improvements overall. It still suffers from a lacklustre multiplayer experience, but for those wishing to take cars and drive at speeds that defy all sense around roads ill-designed to be driven that fast, WRC 9 is the game to do it with.
F1 2021 yet again improves over its predecessors in enough ways to make it the version to be on and to upgrade to. Whether or not this trend will continue under EA's stewardship remains to be seen. The story mode isn't perfect and the omission of classic cars is a huge shame, F1 2021 is still a fantastic game through which you can live out your childhood motorsport dreams.
Whilst you can argue Imagine Earth doesn't necessarily do anything new, its use of its campaign to send out a message of sustainability with one's own environment sets it apart. It may not scratch the itch of hardcore Anno style players but if you're in the market for a relaxing world builder with a solid art style and gameplay mechanics, Imagine Earth fits the bill comfortably.
Whatever may come in next year's WRC 11 Kylotonn leaves behind a strong legacy and has created what is probably the most underrated racing series currently in active development. That being said, WRC 10 really is an incremental upgrade and unless you absolutely must have it for one reason or another there's perhaps not enough here for owners of WRC 9.
Roll7 has managed to build, successfully, on each of its previous titles to create something fun and engaging in OlliOlli World. Whilst the story is mostly a miss, it doesn't detract from what is, at its heart, a fun filled skateboarding slice of gaming.
Many will look at the microtransactions and be instantly turned off by what's on offer from Gran Turismo 7. However, if you can look past the cash grab, it is a racing game capable of generating some amazing and intense racing experiences that even fully fledged racing sims would be jealous of.
Football Manager 2023 - Console Edition has just enough of the full-fat Football Manager experience without making you feel overwhelmed. Being more streamlined than its PC brethren helps you crack through games and seasons giving console gamers the ability to take their teams to untold glory and riches.
So far, so good then, for Telltale Games. We're two episodes in and I'm hooked, wishing that Episode 3 - First Ones wasn't over a week away. Hopefully the momentum created will continue all the way to the end.
With only two more episodes to go to complete its story, Telltale shows it can still spin a good yarn. If it can competently wrap up the story threads, everyone involved should get a well deserved pat on the back and extra credits on shore leave.
Elite: Dangerous is a superb game with plenty of room for growth and maturation.
Despite clunky combat and an unremarkable story Mirror's Edge Catalyst star still shines thanks to excellent community features.
Far Cry Primal is far from perfect but thanks to its historical setting it is a breath of fresh air for the franchise.
I Am Setsuna is a wonderful game which, while bittersweet, is told beautifully. It fits the Nintendo Switch wonderfully and is a great example of what the console is aiming to achieve.
Despite its issues, Prey is an enjoyable first-person shooter which begs you to explore its wonderfully crafted and at times awe-inspiring world.