Richard Walker's Reviews
Each year, WWE 2K seems to be gradually getting better and better, and in WWE 2K19, the series appears to be making moves towards reestablishing itself as the enjoyable grappling game it once was. We live in hope that even bigger changes will be introduced for WWE 2K20, because WWE 2K19 is certainly a step in the right direction.
A case of refinement rather than dramatic change, Assassin's Creed Odyssey nonetheless injects even more depth and detail into the series, with dialogue choices and the ensuing consequences that follow proving a worthwhile addition. If you enjoyed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey will scratch the same itch, and then some. A sensational sequel that's thankfully not a Greek tragedy.
Building upon everything that has continued to mark out the Forza Horizon series as something special and unique its own right - beyond being Forza Motorsport's carefree sibling - Forza Horizon 4 demonstrates once again just how recklessly entertaining driving roughshod across an open environment can be. Revelling in what makes Britain great, Forza Horizon 4 also proves once more that Playground Games is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to delivering a polished, deep, and thrilling open-world racing experience.
While Kick-Off's party games in particular are a highlight, FIFA 19 improves upon last year's outing in almost every department. One of the best football games around, FIFA 19 delivers the most fluid and fun entry yet, and is the kick up the backside the series needed. Back of the net.
If you have fond memories of the arcade originals, you've probably already bought the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle. If you haven't, then you most definitely should. For the money, Capcom Beat 'Em Bundle offers a nice little slice of arcade history in seven games, two of which you can play on console for the first time. What's not to like?
Another superlative iteration of video game basketball with very few flaws, NBA 2K19's biggest problem remains in its implementation of those pesky microtransactions that threaten to eclipse everything the game does right. Look past that, and NBA 2K19 is still unsurpassed.
Few games manage to pipe so many jaw-dropping sights into your eyeballs and even fewer deliver such complex, enjoyable puzzles and traversal challenges. Shadow of the Tomb Raider does all of this and more, its exhilarating predatory combat the icing on the cake.
Last year, we said that PES 2019 needs to go big or go home. And while Konami has indeed gone big on refinements and minor changes, the same modes, presentation and lack of licenses holds this year's game back again somewhat. Which is why it's fortunate that PES 2019 still plays a mean game of football. Your move, FIFA.
A wondrous shiny, if slightly flawed, treasure that's deserving of your time, Strange Brigade is enormously entertaining when played solo, even better when you bring a troupe of fellow adventurers along for the ride. Strange Brigade is indeed rather strange, but it's also ripping good fun, best played with a nice cup of tea. Preferably Earl Grey.
Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor – Martyr is a pretty solid ARPG from NeocoreGames with some neat ideas – like procedurally generated dungeons – but it's far too frustrating and repetitive for a mere mortal like myself. If grind is your name though, you should probably change it, but at least you'll like Martyr.
Quite how Codemasters has managed to top last year's incredible effort is quite beyond me, but F1 2018 manages to eclipse F1 2017, delivering an even more definitive and just as essential Formula One game that fans will 'lap' up. Get it bought.
An intriguing sci-fi adventure with some neat concepts at its core, State of Mind's visual style and the prescribed nature of its action can be off-putting, but dig in for the ride, and you'll enjoy a smart narrative that eventually pays off. Definitely worth sticking with.
A tasty dish, Overcooked 2 adds extra spice to the first game's stupidly enjoyable co-op shenanigans, with online multiplayer finally in the mix and the ability to throw food around making for even more gastronomic madness. Food fiiiiight!
Unapologetically tough, brilliantly slick and well put together, Dead Cells is a roguelike platformer that will put you to the test. And you'll probably end up enjoying (almost) every minute of it.
Combining strategy, action and roguelike permadeath, Bomber Crew is thoroughly enjoyable, and well worth a look.
Go and see the movie (unless you don't mind the game spoiling it for you), then get the family around and set about restoring order to Municiberg. LEGO The Incredibles is a fun, focused LEGO game that ditches a lot of the extra fripperies, and is all the better for it.
While not necessarily a great example of how a remaster should be done, Red Faction: Guerrilla Re-Mars-tered still serves as a reminder of how enjoyable it is to bash buildings to rubble with a big sledgehammer. We recommend you get your ass back to Mars sharpish.
An essential collection you simply must own on Xbox One, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is about as good as it gets where remakes are concerned, and a more than welcome comeback for a true icon.
Every bit the tactile, heart-rending experience that the first game was, but with added layers of complexity thanks to co-op - as well as enhanced replay value - Unravel Two is a fuzzy, warm hug of a sequel that'll make you smile.
Vampyr is one of the year's most interesting games, cementing Dontnod as one of the most interesting developers around. Go get your teeth into it.