Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE isn’t just a side note in the Persona series; it is an evolution of it by taking many of the systems that people are familiar with, but enhancing them and making them more fun to use and develop. It is a master class in JRPG making, and one of the best games in the genre that I have play in a long time. Well, probably since Persona 4 Golden!
An amazingly quirky, colorful and ever so slightly nutty return of an old classic and his new best friend. It had been a long time since I last thought about a good game of Tetris, and I had never even seen a Puyo Puyo before, but having these two games come together in such a way has been a true delight.
I have always been a massive fan of Super Stardust HD, but I never thought Housemarque would be able to reach those dizzying heights again. I was wrong. Nex Machina takes all that was good about SSHD and turns the dial up, making this game my new favorite Housemarque game and one that I urge each and every one of your to go out and buy. Be warned however, it's going to make your thumbs sore.
All of the nods to the Mario universe, how many staples of said universe feature in how the gameplay works with this unique title and the attention to every little detail makes this not only a fresh take on a classic character, but possibly my favorite Mario game ever.
Once again Nintendo’s little machine is getting love that the Wii U never got from third party developers and we are seeing so many great games make the transition to the Switch, with Diablo 3 being the best of the bunch so far, a near perfect port with an endless amount of content to keep you happy for as long as you like. If you own a Switch then you owe it to yourself to pick up Diablo 3 and go Devil hunting.
Crimsonland is now up there with Super Stardust HD as one of my favourite twin-stick shooters. It may not blow you away with the visuals, but looks certainly don't matter when it's packing this much content. Added to the fact that the Xbox One version includes new content, this is a must buy for fans of the genre and for those looking for a fun co-op experience.
SteamWorld Heist is another gem. The universe and its inhabitants are joyful to play with and kept me coming back for more. Image & Form took a bold step by not opting for the easy route, instead choosing to expand on an already interesting theme. Heist is as good as any full priced 3DS game out there; and in most cases, even better. With hours and hours of gameplay, it's a steal at just $16.99.
All in all, Image & Form have once again knocked it out of the park with Steamworld Heist. Fun, addictive and comical, it has everything in needs to become another success for the Icelandic studio.
Surprisingly fun, both in single player and co-op mode, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a gem. The great co-op mechanic really encourages the players to work together and communicate, but never hinders a lone player. For those that want to grab a friend and take on a challenging experience, filled with gorgeous visuals and thoughtful gameplay, then Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is the perfect game.
Everything about Assault Android Cactus feels perfect. From the controls and gameplay to sound and design. All lovingly crafted by Witchbeam, a development team of just three guys. It may have taken a while to get to the PS4, but I can now see why. Slick menu design, challenging gameplay and genuinely funny characters all add up to a create one of the best games I've played in a while. Whether it's for a full on playing session, or just to kill time for 20 minutes, Assault Android Cactus has you covered.
Once again Image & Form continue to pour heart, soul and quality into their games. Steamworld Dig 2 is another near perfect entry in the Steamworld universe, and the enhanced art design makes me wish that they go back to both the original Dig and Heist and update them and release them on the Switch. I would be the first in line to buy them again.
In my opinion, there are only a handful of games that can be categorised as a system seller for Sony’s headset; something that would make it worthwhile laying down the cost of VR. Games like Beat Saber and Astro Bot have proven themselves at making VR work in its own right, and now you can add Blood & Truth to that list. And if you already own a PSVR you would be doing yourself a disservice by not going out and picking this game up.
Time hasn’t aged this game one bit; I still found it as adorable as I did back in 2016. It is great that TMS is now available to a wider audience and hopefully will it get the sales it deserves. In my opinion it is not only the best JRPG on the Switch, but stands shoulder to shoulder with the best of all time.
Persona 5 Royal is the definitive version of the game, and unlike the recent Tokyo Mirage Session re-release on Switch, the new content adds a lot to the experience. It may be a big commitment to play through the whole game, but there is no better reason for old fans to re-visit this world or new fans to get their first taste.
With an amazing amount of possibilities open to you, most of which I have not mentioned here, no two play throughs are the same. Yes you will get frustrated and yes, your road will be a long and bizarre one, but ultimately it will be a journey of exploration, wonder and the more than occasional scare.
If you are looking for something to dip in and out of during the busy Fall period, then look no further.
Firewatch is a perfect example of a game that has something to say. You may not like the story it tells, and you may not feel totally satisfied with the outcome; but when the story is told in such a well crafted manner it doesn't really matter. Anyone who appreciates a good mystery will definitely get something out of Firewatch; just don't let your mind race to much, as you may end up feeling a little let down.
Although F1 2016 won’t be for everyone, it is a testament to Codemasters’ love of the genre and their commitment to their fans. Taking lessons learned from previous games and applying their expertise, Codemasters has created an almost perfect simulation of the greatest racing competition on earth.
On the outside, Thumper looks bizarre with its strange design and nightmarish visuals. But don't let that fool you, Thumper has it where it counts.
There may not be anything ground-breaking on offer with Sniper Elite 4, but that's not to say this game isn't worth your time. It builds on the previous games in a way that feels subtle and natural, and Rebellion's experience with the franchise means that whether you have been with the series from day one, or are just discovering it for the first time, you will be in for one hell of a treat.