Stronger emotional stakes and faster-paced drama promise an explosive climax that ultimately pulls its biggest punch.
Majestic in scope, impressive in detail, Assassin's Creed Shadows honours the beauty of feudal Japan, even if its strongest moments are saved for the personal stories of two protagonists.
Like its own hero's dabbling with time travel, Life is Strange: Double Exposure highlights the troubles of trying to revisit old memories, while raising unanswered questions about the future.
Nintendo serves up another bumper blink-and-you-lose blitz in WarioWare: Move It!, but the package is let down by the need to fumble with often-fussy motion controls.
Detective Pikachu Returns is a straightforward mystery adventure whose strengths lie in its Pokémon setting and breakout star.
The Pikmin series blossoms anew, in a bouquet of fresh gameplay and the best of its roots.
Part adventure game, part construction simulator, Lego Bricktales lays strong foundations for a truer type of Lego experience.
Mario Strikers returns with a stripped back entry for Switch that's ultimately less fun to tackle.
For the most part, the game's film retellings are humourous if simple fun - there's nothing here you can't button mash or Lego brick smash through - and I particularly enjoyed Rise of Skywalker, where that film's often-daft script is well sent-up. After a quick tour, however, the game's open worlds held less pull.
Dawn of Ragnar'k is a generous new course for Valhalla's already enormous feast - but one which earns its place at the table.
Beautiful and brilliant, if a little safe, Deck Nine's new Life is Strange story stands alongside the series' best.
Wrath of the Druids is a meaty expansion which succeeds in taking Valhalla to new shores, even if the path sometimes feels familiar.
Valhalla is another enormous Assassin's Creed saga, lavishly designed, with its sights set on story direction over narrative choice.
Like its many buried riches, Nintendo's Pikmin series remains a treasure ready to be rediscovered.
Nintendo sketches another warm and colourful Paper Mario adventure, though never traces its full potential.
You can build anything in Minecraft, something this fun dungeon-crawler from Mojang ably proves.
This tale of two brothers marks a more intimate and accomplished return for a studio keen to tackle tough issues with honest characters.
A new spin on the series sees Next Level Games serve up character and charm in abundance.
Playtonic tightens up its nostalgic take on platforming and turns its eyes to the future.
A masterly remake that preserves Koholint Island for a new generation.