Pool Panic isn't quite engaging enough to heartily recommend. The fact there's an option to mute the music suggests that Rekim are well aware of how irritating it can be, but the gameplay isn't always compelling or tight enough to make it the next big thing. The price is right, but don't expect to be playing this one in a month's time, but that's not the worst thing in the world.
Octopath Traveler is a deep, diverse, interesting, sometimes risque and sometimes funny JRPG that you should play.
It's not bad, but it lacks imagination outside of the singular gimmick that you can change vehicles at any time, and ends up just being rather average.
Dark and beautiful, you'll come for Hollow Knight's visual appeal, but you'll stay for the challenge and responsive combat.
"As a teaser for Life is Strange 2, Captain Spirit does its job, but here's hoping there's more subtlety to the writing for the next big thing from Dontnod"
Mario Tennis Aces is a good tennis game let down by an Adventure Mode that often feels as though it's cheating you.
A cliche-ridden written story that has some decent ideas throughout, but is so bleak it's hard to grow attached to.
Ten years on, this is still one of the best arcade racers out there. Hours will be lost just flying around the map being a nuisance, and a few old fashioned decisions won't dampen the excitement from playing a game this fast and furious.
While it looks lovely and isn't a bad game by any means, Star Allies is aimed at a very specific age group, and most others will find it far too easy and, sadly, rather dull.
Bayonetta 2 remains one of Platinum's best games, and is a treat on Switch just as it was on Wii U.
Bayonetta on the Switch is a fantastic port for handheld mode but there's not much improved for TV gamers aside from load times. Bayonetta 2 remains one of Platinum's best games, and is a treat on Switch just as it was on Wii U.
Impossible to dislike thanks to superb combat and great characters. 80s inspired gaming never felt so good.
Bluepoint has brought one of the best games to ever grace a Sony console back to life on the PS4, and has done so with tenderness and care.
A sensational platformer with an important story at its heart. Celeste is engaging, rewarding, and reminds us that the reward is worth the hard journey.
Despite an incredible opening hour, the second half of the game really falls off a cliff, and never quite recovers. If you have PSVR and like Until Dawn, it's a no-brainer, but it's not the "more Until Dawn" we all really want.
An exquisite feeling fighter that is both approachable and deep. Time will tell if it has staying power, but it's the best use of the Dragon Ball Z name in quite some time.
Ultra Sun and Moon feel like the definitive version of an already fantastic game. With plenty to do after the credits have rolled, and new content sprinkled across the story, this is a fitting swansong for Pokemon on the DS family.
Full of happiness, an antidote we all desperately need, flawlessly designed, addictive, and just incredible. This is platforming perfection.
A dated version of FIFA, then, but still a fun one, with plenty to build on for next year.
A stunning visual feast that belies an intense level of difficulty. Cuphead won't be for everyone, but it's still a very good game.