Harry Morris
As JRPGs go, one could do far worse than this peculiar hybrid of two esteemed franchises (but, truth be told, one could do far better too).
Aspects of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate leave something to be desired (*cough* World of Light *cough*), and more innovation would've been welcome, but when all is said and done, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is unrivalled as a pick up and play beat 'em up. It's the most fun one can have with friends, and a roaring celebration of all things Nintendo.
'Darksiders III' is like a Darksiders game from another reality. It still plays like Darksiders, but it's void of the fun finesse fans have come to expect, and instead of establishing excitement for its sequel, it just makes you want to go back and play the old ones.
By granting unshackled freedom to experiment and get creative, Hitman 2 respects its players. With goofy dialogue and murder galore, it doesn't take itself too seriously, frequently eliciting hearty laughter through its violent absurdity and silly characters. An aura of dark comedy envelopes Hitman 2's death laden tone, and it's bloody good fun.
My Hero One's Justice is, at its beating heart, enjoyable. A low barrier of entry results in pick up and play fun, and there's a treasure trove of unlockables to be discovered. It's a shame then that it's marred by repetition and a spattering of niggles that dampen its quality.
For better or worse, this is Peter Parker's alter-ego at his most predictable, so don't expect too many surprises. True to name, Spider-Man is what it is: simple 'n' straight up Spidey, nothing more, nothing less.
Truthfully, the quality of Sega Genesis Classics is almost wholly dependant on one's own taste in 16-bit-ness. Those with a burning adoration for the titles on offer will have a complete and utter blast with this retro offering, and maybe even newbies can find a thing or two to smile about. Despite its minor flaws, Sega Genesis Classics is what it is: An simple but effective compilation at a decent price.
When all is said and done, Shantae And The Pirate's Curse is the definitive Shantae experience, and it feels just as fabulous as ever on the Nintendo Switch.
The array of actives to indulge in, the breadth and diversity of its environments, and a battle system that (despite its befuddling design) flourishes to offer an array of strategic satisfaction, results in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 being a 'rough around the edges' blast of delight.
Sonic Forces is rife with a lack of polish in its most fundamental mechanics and feels confused as to what it's trying to achieve. With frustrating gameplay as a result of characters that handle horrendously and a narrative that takes itself far too seriously for its own good, the hedgehog's latest outing will only appease the most forgiving fans of his modern adventures.
Super Mario Odyssey is brilliantly bodacious, ingeniously incredible, and wonderfully wild from beginning to end.
Sonic Mania is quite possibly the best blue blur experience in over twenty years. What Christian Whitehead, Headcannon, and Pagoda West Games have accomplished is nothing short of breathtaking, and it most certainly steers the Sonic franchise back on course. Now, we can only cross our fingers that both the flawless quality and overwhelming success of Sonic Mania will result in a series of future franchise entries within this style.
Despite its faults, Gravity Rush 2 still for the most part succeeds in what it wants to achieve. It is a bold, refreshing and unique game which will keep the majority of its players entertained for a very long time.