Ghostrunner answers the age old question of "What if the combat was actually good in Mirror's Edge?" It perfectly pairs parkour style free-running with frantic, but precise combat to create movie-like action sequences. This is all backed up by a fun narrative that drives the gameplay forward at a blistering pace. Ghostrunner is honestly a must-have for PC players and the most fun I've had reviewing a game this year.
Family is an exceptional narrative-based puzzle game which successfully encourages players to make their own logical conclusions using the information available on screen. If you consider yourself an indie music fan, I can't recommend Family enough.
The Red Lantern is a fantastic narrative-focused roguelite survival game with some of the most adorable animated dogs I've seen in a video game. Its unique blend of multiple genres feels unique and where survival elements in most games grow tiresome quickly, they sit perfectly within this Alaskan journey of new beginnings. This is one of the most enjoyable indie titles of 2020.
I have no doubt that those who are into motocross and its associated sports will get some kicks out of MX vs ATV All Out and its numerous modes and racers, but it does come across as a cash-grab with poor graphics and performance on Switch. If you're simply looking for a racing game to play on the go, look elsewhere.
Kirby Fighters 2 is an unremarkable fighting game that doesn't really do much to separate itself from Super Smash Brothers. The fighting is decent and the story mode is fun, but there's little reason to carry on playing once you've climbed the tower, especially with the multiplayer servers already feeling empty a few weeks after release. At less than half the price of Ultimate, Kirby Fighters 2 is a great compromise if you're looking for a simple fighting game.
Honestly, it's difficult to recommend Crysis Remastered. Its premise and design remain impressive to this day, but poor optimisation makes it difficult for players to enjoy the new graphical additions. If you already own a copy of Crysis, you aren't going to miss out on much here.
CrossCode is without a doubt one of the best RPG titles we've seen this year, marrying 90s JRPG nostalgia with modern gaming sensibilities to create an exceptional experience. Whether it's the stellar combat, ingenious puzzle design or lush and vibrant world, there's plenty to keep you coming back to CrossCode throughout its lenghty story.
Nexomon: Extinction is a solid take on the monster training genre with some interesting gameplay tweaks on the Pokémon formula and narrative decisions. The higher difficulty saps some of the pace and enjoyment of adventuring, making me hanker for a return to a Pokémon game. Still, if you're after some monster catching and battling, Nexomon: Extinction will do the job.
Inertial Drift is a conceptually stunning driving game with unique drifting mechanics that are easy to pick up but hard master. With plenty of cars, tracks and modes to contend with, there's more to this indie title than meets the eye.
Star Horizon is a forgettable rail space shooter that fails to live up to the legacy set by other titles in the genre on Nintendo systems. I would honestly avoid this and play Star Fox through a Nintendo Switch Online membership; it's cheaper, it plays better and you're less likely to find yourself frustrated.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+ 2 is a labour of love and an ode to the series' glory days. Every inch of the game has been perfectly restored and updated for modern consoles and it's an absolute delight to play from start to finish. This is a must-buy for skateboarders, gamers and everyone else in between.
Wasteland 3 is a delight to experience with some of the most engaging RPG mechanics in the series to date. Its dense and detailed world is only outshone by the character and its cast of vibrant and wacky characters, who are all brought to life by the introduction of voiced dialogue. If you're a fan of RPGs, isometric-adventure games or turn-based combat, Wasteland 3 is an absolute must.
Post Void is an absolute delight to play with some of the most satisfying FPS gameplay I've experienced in years. While it might only have eleven levels to play through, the outstanding gunplay will keep players engrossed in the hours, days and weeks to come and at £2.33, it's an unbelievable indie package.
Through its lengthy story, Resolutiion provides real moments of awe and beauty. From dark and dingy caves through to soaring heights at the peak of the monolithic buildings, the world is a sight to behold, it's just a shame that traversing it doesn't feel any where near as great as it looks. Resolutiion's snappy, visceral combat does help make that journey slightly more bearable, but you'll still likely end up wandering in circles trying to find the right path forward.
Skater XL softens some of the more technical aspects of the sport, but empowers players with the ability to pull off stylish tricks with a swish of the analogue sticks. Even with a lack of content and polish, Skater XL stands on its own four wheels in a soon-to-be-crowded marketplace, providing players with an experience that prioritises fun over simulation.
Deadly Premonition 2 feels like a step forward from the first game. It still has the same quirky and unusual humour, but this sequel brings with it improved combat and better visuals. It's a shame it's held back by poor performance on Nintendo Switch, but fans of the original are going to love Deadly Premonition 2, the city of Le Carrè and the story it has to tell.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is a solid remake that perhaps stays a little too true to the original. The updated visuals bring the game more inline with the original cartoon series, but some dated game design holds the port back from being truly exceptional.
Burnout Paradise for the Nintendo Switch is a great port of a fantastic game, it's just a shame how expensive it is. I can only hope that the popularity of these recent ports encourages Criterion and EA to finally commit to a full new entry in the series, or at the very least, a Burnout 3: Takedown remake!
West of Dead shakes up the roguelite formula with its fantastic cover system, but it's more than that. With the addition of Ron Pearlman voicing William Mason, a stylistic cel-shaded art style and a captivating story to uncover, West of Dead is a winning combination that will have you as happy as a pup with two tails.
Lonely Mountains: Downhill is a new, minimalist kind of extreme sports experience. Whether you're popping on for a quick run or spending longer riding across numerous mountains, Lonely Mountains provides a challenging but ultimately relaxing experience.