Super Mario 3D World is one of the best Super Mario games (even better than Galaxy 2) to date and not only modernises the franchise but pays homage to what came before. It's fun, it's fast and it's the best multiplayer experience on the Wii U. I thoroughly enjoyed this game from start to finish and I will be returning again.
This game is for both veterans and newcomers alike that not only boasts excellent gameplay but great graphics to compliment your experience as a hunter. There’s some great missions to be found along the way and some clever crafting as you turn yourself into one of the best hunters in the realm. Sure, some elements do feel like grinding but somehow the developers take this and turn it into something more as you explore this living breathing world. Best of all, it’s a game that supports both single and multiplayer well so there’s really no excuse not be playing this title, especially if you like this genre. So if you need a break from Pokémon Go… Monster Hunter Generations may be right elixir.
Welcome home Mario! It's been awhile since a Mario game captured my heart and I think that Super Mario Odyssey is that game. Sure, there are elements of repetition but the gaming mechanics and controls are a thorough treat and if you're looking for a reason to purchase a Nintendo Switch, besides such as Zelda, this could really be the time to make the… uhh… SWITCH!
If you enjoyed Horizon Zero Dawn and want to revisit this universe again, The Frozen Wilds is a must have DLC that give the player an impressive area to explore as Aloy. Given that most players should be able to finish this game in around 10-12 hours, exploration is definitely the key to increasing the longevity of this DLC and once you have finished the main mission, you're free to continue exploring. Horizon Zero Dawn: The Frozen Wilds succeeds at giving the fan a well-thought out DLC from start to finish.
In the end, Halo 5 Guardians is a great start on the Xbox One that boasts decent gameplay, amazing graphics and audio to really immerse you into this futuristic warzone.
If you're a fan of the previous games in the series than you probably should check out Garden Warfare 2 that has enough bang for its buck to keep things fresh. This freshness includes new maps, classes, perks and modes for players to master. Add in a great local multiplayer split-screen mode and this is one versatile title with some really fun gameplay.
King's Quest: A Knight to Remember for me was a very enjoyable game that truly harkens back to a simpler time of gaming and even though it may not be the most challenging title around, it succeeds at storytelling. Well presented on the XBox One with some exceptional graphics and perfect voice acting, King's Quest a Knight to Remember is ideal for gamers who want something a little left out of centre that pushes the simple rather than the difficult.
If you're looking to further your Diablo III experience or thinking of returning back to this universe as you take on the big bad and his minions, the Rise of the Necromancer add-on adds a fun twist, especially when it comes to the powers and abilities of the Necromancer. Even though I have finished the original game of Diablo III, including the add-ons on numerous occasions, I really enjoyed the ability of playing this new character and if you're looking for a reason to come back to this series, Rise of the Necromancer may be just what you're looking for!
If you're a fan of racing, more importantly simulators, Project Cars 2 is the game for you. Sure, there's the Forza's and Gran Turismos but Project Cars 2 seems more grounded in ‘our' world with its realistic controls and amazing choice for the player in both cars, tracks and events.
Okami HD is literally a beautiful and fun game to play on the Nintendo Switch that celebrates both ancient Japanese culture and this console which is a match made in gaming heaven. The story is interesting, even though it can be a little long winded at times and the gaming environment is a pure joy to explore, especially when matched with the mechanics and controls of this title. All in all, Okami HD really kept me invested from start to finish and if you're looking for something a slightly otherworldly, this is the game for you.
Although there are many similarities with the last Paper Mario game, the developers have addressed the concerns of their fans and created a much more rounded and enjoyable experience. The setup of the game is great as you explore the world, take on the Shy Guys plus the meddling Bowser, it’s assisted by the stylised graphics to help with the overall immersion factor. The soundtrack is brilliant as well, so if you’re looking for something fun to play without too many headaches, Paper Mario Color Splash is that game and so far, it’s my favourite game on the Wii U this year.
DiRT 4 succeeds at taking the series to another new level which almost makes this one of the favourite ones I've played in the series. The gameplay mechanics work extremely well and I had no issues with the DualShock controller while I controlled these powerful off-road vehicles. Furthermore, there's a plethora of modes to play, heaps of cars and lots of different areas that make this title some excellent value for money. Lastly, it's not just as a rally game as the developers have added lots of fun modes and vehicles to help expand the gameplay. Then you have the daily and weekly challenges which just expand the scope of the game, including the ability of playing it in either two modes, gamer or simulation!
Splatoon 2 may not reach the same heights of the previous game in terms of originality, however it's still a worthy sequel that does enhance the overall experience of this franchise.
Disgaea 5 is an enjoyable game on the Nintendo Switch and is great value for money as you could literally be playing this game after the 100 hour mark and more. There's a ton of side quests and lots of customisation options to help with your characters in order for them become the masters on the battlefield. The combat system works well and more importantly, the control system is almost flawless on the Nintendo Switch.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a really fun experience on the Nintendo Switch and really is the definitive version. It contains all the updates and plenty of unlockable characters, items and costumes to help enhance your overall Musou experience but in the world of Zelda.
Conan Exiles may not have the budget and finesse of those Triple A games, however at the end of the day, it is a decent open world survival game. The inconsistences with the gameplay and at times buggy graphics can be forgiven because it has charm and more importantly it successfully draws you into the world of Conan as you build your own Kingdom in an attempt to make your own mark in this godforsaken world.
Even so, it is the single-player game that many Star Wars fans wanted and developers Respawn should be commended on successfully revitalising the franchise again and let’s hope this becomes a yearly event.
Mario Kart Live Home Circuit is fun, fun and more fun! Again, there's so much fun to be found in this game plus lot of track creating. However the game feels like you're racing in a virtual Mario Kart title but in the real-world and if you're looking for a game with some escapism to draw you in, Mario Kart Live Home is indeed that game.
Cuphead is a crazy ride into the minds of Studio MDHR and if you're looking for something very diverse, check this out on the Xbox One because you'll be surprised at how addictive, frustrating and entertaining this game is. It takes the classic side-scrolling shooters of yesterday and transforms it into a game of today with some beautiful art and music inspired from a simpler time.
Although some of Rare's truly classic games like Goldeneye and Diddy Kong Racing are missing from this collection (Nintendo anyone?), both Rare and Microsoft have still paid homage to their great back catalogue such as Banjo Kazooie, Jetpac and Killer Instinct which are all still quite playable and enjoyable today. Sure, they are missing that next-gen look and sometimes gameplay but overall, it's a great blast from the past that truly showcases the diverse history of Rare with 30 titles.