Despite some performance hiccups, The Surge 2 is a sequel done right.
There’s room for improvement, but Contra: Rogue Corps is very enjoyable for the most part.
Deadly Premonition Origins, like previous versions of the game, is far from being perfect; like a million miles away. But it’s quirky, unique and memorable, and that goes a long way. Whether you follow the game through to its ending or not, it’ll stay on your mind for years to come.
NBA 2K20‘s MyCareer is a huge disappointment, and other modes have had minor improvements at best. All you’re really paying for is roster updates, WNBA and the opportunity to buy more VC. If that sounds like a good deal to you then jump in, but it really shouldn’t.
NASCAR Heat 4 is, without a doubt, the best NASCAR racing game yet, but there’s still some room for improvement.
Needless to say, Star Wars Pinball is the total package for pinball fans with a penchant for Star Wars. Or vice versa.
Released at roughly the same time, Torchlight II shows just how much Diablo III has improved since launch, and the level of effort put into its console ports. While Diablo III is absolutely impeccable on console, Torchlight II feels neutered and a bit stunted.
Blasphemous is hands down one of my favourite games of 2019.
Regardless, there is a lot here to like despite some frustrations, so if you fancy walking some streets while pummelling goons, it’s certainly worth a look. Especially if you have someone at hand to play it with you.
Needless to say, if you like local co-op games and own either a Nintendo Switch or a PC, Heave Ho should be considered absolutely essential. It really is one of the best local co-op games available.
Even if you already have DiRT Rally 2.0 in your life you should probably consider making a little bit of room for WRC 8. And if you don’t, well, you now have two great rally games to choose from
With some additional tweaking, including making its combat a bit more fluid, Oninaki could have been something special. As it is, it’s simply okay.
Accessible, engaging, though-provoking, and packed full of content, Catherine: Full Body is one of those rare things: a perfect game.
Lionsgate was wise to let Bloober Team loose with its Blair Witch IP. It has treated it with respect, delivering a game that truly does justice to the source material.
The Ninja Saviors – Return of the Warriors should be considered a must-have for fans of side-scrolling beat ’em ups. It has some flaws, but it’s still a standout title in the genre that remains fun to play thanks to the updates that have been made.
MXGP 2019 isn’t a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. But it is a disappointing one.
Control is so good that even when faced with such annoyances you just jump right back in. It’s like a Remedy greatest hits compilation, taking the best bits from all of the studio’s previous titles while adding a Metroidvania spin, and it really works.
It’s fun playing games like Forza Motorsport and Horizon, but Wreckfest offers something that they just can’t: carnage. And that’s enough to make it a must-have.
As a base to be built on, Remnant: From the Ashes has a lot of promise. In a year from now, I can imagine it being truly excellent. Hopefully Gunfire Games can make that happen.
Go into Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet – Complete Edition expecting solid third-person shooter mechanics and you’ll be disappointed. You’ll be disappointed if you go into it expecting excitement and fun from the outset, too. Initially it’s a hard game to like, let alone love, but those with patience and an interest in trawling dungeons for the best loot might just find themselves sticking with it until the end.