Relic returns with this safe but solid modern revitalisation of the classic real-time strategy series
Short of somehow also being a massive box full of toys, secret envelopes, and bears to rummage around in with a group of mates, I couldn't ask for more from this loving and skillful adaptation.
Writer Alan Wake searches for his missing wife while tackling a malevolent force disguised as darkness in this clunky but atmospheric reboot
Aragami 2's ninja garb is frayed around the edges, but it's still an easy, breezy fit. Perfect for a quick-fix of stealth, and joyfully light on its feet.
SkateBIRD is a charming game with fun writing and a great soundtrack, but can't strike a good balance between offering precision boarding and silly physics chaos.
King's Bounty 2's hexed-based battles, customisation and army management are all a good time. The RPG they're packaged with, while sometimes gorgeous, is baggy and bland.
Occasionally neat visuals and cyber magic can't save this cyberpunk shooter from firing damp squibs on all cylinders.
The frequent combat in this ARPG is hit-and-miss, but behind it is a sweet and sincere tale set in a land you'll care about saving and starring the G.O.T.Y (grape of the year).
Aliens: Fireteam Elite has a lack of mission variety, technical issues, bad matchmaking, and a repetitive structure. All of that said, it's still a fun time. I'm off to play some more right now.
Foes can be cast into the past or future in a whimsical time-bending throwback that celebrates Colombia
Fantastic new units and the best lizardmen campaign yet, paired with a cathartic but comically overpowered beastmen stampede.
An ambitious RTS/Twin Stick hybrid with a lot of potential and some great moments, let down by technical issues, inconsistent flow, and a lack of tutorials. One to keep an eye on if the premise appeals, but not worth diving into straight away.
An undeniable passion project with incredible world design, addictive gunplay, and a great soundtrack, let down by jank, weak storytelling, and half-baked systems. I could see this getting rave reviews if it had been released in Early Access, though. Give it six months. It's got the makings of a corpse-grinder cult classic.
Mind Scanners is perfectly paced, creative and engaging, striking a skilful balance between satisfying play and storytelling. I finished in a couple of evenings, but they were some of the most consistent and enjoyable evenings I've spent gaming this year.
Total War: Rome Remastered reflects quality and care from every raised gladius and stray denarius. We think you'll love this, says the remaster. If not, no worries, you can change it. It's more difficult that modern Total War games to get into, but it's undoubtedly a great package. So, two thumbs up then. Or to the side, if you want to be a stickler for history.
You won't want to start every game of Three Kingdoms at 200 CE, but it's a perfect place to jump headfirst into a tense, dramatic conflict already in play. Battles are even grander, and new additions make the strategy layer more interesting than ever.
Dakka Squadron's fast, varied, and challenging aerial combat make it a lot of fun, but it's so singularly geared towards a specific audience that it's hard to recommend to anyone who doesn't already know their squigs from their squiggoths. Otherwise, it's the most fun I've had playing a Warhammer 40k action game since Relic's Space Marine.
Encodya has some lovely elements – the soundtrack, a few interesting plays on dystopian fiction and the heart at the core of its story – but uninteresting puzzles, lack of environmental variety, and unremarkable storytelling mean I can't recommend it over its contemporaries.
Nostalgic, lovingly crafted, moving, and surprising, Omori is a remarkable achievement. Earthbound and Undertale are easy comparisons, but Omori stands out as it's own, highly personal piece of storytelling.
Tadpole Treble is a charming, lively rhythm game with a simple premise and a lot of challenge for those looking for it. As great for younger gamers as it is for gnarled-thumbed veterans, this charming concerto deserves whatever the tadpole's version of a standing ovation is.