While it doesn't revolutionise the gameplay, the Sparks system and free movement really do add so much to the combat that makes it much more engaging and allow you to create seemingly limitless combinations. The bigger focus of exploration is a great move from Ubisoft with lots to see and do making Spark of Hope feel more like a Mario game instead of just a game with Mario in it. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope seems to just nail the balance between complex tactical combat and a fun lighthearted romp that since playing the preview and reviewing, I've been dying to get back into. Combined with the more in-depth story and greater emphasis on exploring and Sparks of hope acts as a perfect sequel keeping enough that works and is recognisable and that works from Kingdom battle, and expanding on it and adding some brilliant elements.
Even after 4 years this game still looks incredible, plays well, and has aged really well. It's fantastic that more people will be able to experience the definitive version of one of Sony’s strongest titles.
Fire Emblem: Three Hopes is not just the best Warriors game to date but a stand-out title in the Fire Emblem series. Being able to issue slightly more detailed orders to your team allows you to be far more strategic, making Three Hopes feel more like an authentic FE game but in real-time.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is a little rough in some places, and mechanics aren't as tight as they could have been, but with an intriguing story, complex characters, and decisions that seem to genuinely change the path events took, it's still well worth taking a bite.
Switch Sports, much like the original, is meant to be enjoyed in person, and the best way to play is in short bursts with friends. That’s when it's easy to pick up and play, and it'll even get non-gaming muggles involved.
The atmosphere and world-building in Ghostwire: Tokyo are easily the strongest elements of the game. It's unique and weird showing fantastic creativity as well as highlighting some of japans most interesting folklore and culture while paying homage to the city itself. The game looks stunning with its wet, neon-lit streets rendered in superb detail and just buzzing with atmosphere. The Visitors are creepy and fun and while I wish there was a few more in the mix, the ones here are awesome.
Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox Series X and PS5 isn't so much expanded but it's certainly enhanced. The common criticism here is that it looks the same, and there’s a small nugget of truth to that, the updated visuals aren't mindblowing, but they do add up to make a difference. While those graphical changes aren’t as dramatic as the difference between GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, the drastically reduced loading times, higher framerates and improved audio on the current hardware does make the game much more enjoyable.
Triangle Strategy is one of the most compelling titles on the Switch if you can immerse yourself in the world and its characters then you’ll find it a rewarding experience. The game juggles several complicated systems that are awesome once you get the hang of them. Each unit feels distinctive in their design, character and playstyle and I cared for them all which is a hell of an achievement in a game with a fairly large cast.
While picking this up may not be worth it for those who own the PS5 version, for those who played it on PS4 the PC port is a visual feast, it offers significant improvements over this already legendry title and the definitive way to play God of War.
It's like a short gym session for your brain with easy to manage mini-games to test you. However, it can get very repetitive and is far less fun in single-player, a true online multiplayer not being included seems like a strange omission but challenging yourself to climb up the ranking is fun. The simplicity and great multiplayer are really what sets this apart from something like Dr Kawashima's Brain Training released in 2019. But if you enjoy puzzles or have family members who do Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain is a logical choice.
If you like weird, deep, engaging and often challenging tactical combat, Shin Megami Tensei V is a devilishly good time that offers plenty to sink your teeth into.
Superstars is a great game to play by yourself but even better with friends and the new online mode make this even easier. The best part is it just feels more like Mario Party as your fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. Mario Party Superstars is a celebration of the early Mario Party Series, featuring some of its most iconic boards and games while also being one of the best in the whole series.
Metroid Dread masterfully combines the atmosphere, classic exploration, boss battles and platforming of the original, with enhanced graphics and a faster, more responsive Samus than ever. While it does follow the Metroid formula to some extent, the refinements and extra layer of added tension make the game the more gripping Metroid game in the franchise. Metroid Dread perfectly blends combat, exploration and pursuit, its brilliant cat and mouse dynamic that adds a welcome addition to the Metroid gameplay.
With an intriguing story and compelling gameplay, Deathloop is one of the most original and gripping games to come out in the past few years. One of the best parts of Deathloop is after you solve one mystery, often several more take their place, requiring you to keep digging. With multiple weapons, slags and trinkets to experiment with the games offer a huger number of variables to help mix up the game and For a game about repetition, these elements make it incredibly fresh. With Julianna waiting in the wings to finish you off, adding an element of delicious, unpredictable danger to an already gripping game.
This isn't a deep game but it's a great deal of fun and is a charming experience. The WarioWare series is easily one of the most original gaming concepts ever and Get It Together! is a welcome addition to the Nintendo Switch. The addition of co-op and new characters with unique controls really help to breathe new life into the endlessly creative WarioWare Series.
D&D Dark Alliance really brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life, with great monsters, tones of atmosphere and no microtransactions but is tragically held back by bugs and poor AI. The story is serviceable but I expected a little more from a D&D game based on a much-loved book series. Dark Alliance will appeal to D&D fans for its setting and characters and is a lot of fun with friends, especially when you work together to take down a might behemoth however, it feels like is severely lacking polish. If you were expecting a slower-paced, RPG, story-led experience this might not be for you, Dark Alliance is an ambitious, monster-slaying hack and slash but doesn't quite nail the landing.
Game Builder Garage attempts to turn a scary and complex task like programming into something easy and fun with its simple mechanics, clever design and bags of personality. While it can feel frustratingly restrictive at times (especially in the beginning) and the tutorials don’t so much hand hold but grab on tight with no intention of letting you go, they do make it a playful and charming experience.
The stunning visuals, UI streamlining and great voice performances mean that Famicom Detective Club can stand toe to toe with any contemporary visual novels. Let's hope more forgotten gems are localised and released. I'm looking at you Mother 3.
Bowser's Fury offers some great new ideas and is much more than a simple DLC. It's a great Mario game in its own right, with enough to entice those who played 3D World before with a wholly new and compelling experience, as well as offering one of the most epic showdowns in Nintendo history. Bowser's Fury is a great take on 3D Mario and finally makes Bowser the menacing villain he deserves to be. The game's only flaw is that it left me wishing there was more of it.
It leans hard into its comic book and video game influences but also has some clever tricks up its sleeve, which is why it's aged so well and still feels fresh to play. The game can be frustrating and chaotic at times, and difficulty can be all over the place but grab some friends and you'll fall in lesbians all over again with this brilliant, resurrected classic all over again.