JC Suttun
A visually stunning title that looks and feels superb, FH3 blends the technical nuance of the main Forza series with the accessibility of Need for Speed and the unabashed joy of Burnout Paradise into a package that is a must-have for anyone with even a passing fondness for racing games.
With a playtime of around three to five hours (a chunk of it down to death-induced restarts), Rise and Shine mercifully doesn't outstay its welcome. Unless you're keen to replay the game on its unlockable permadeath Ironman mode - or hunt for a handful of useless collectibles - you'll have little reason to return to Gamearth. However, if you can tolerate/appreciate the hammy humour, there's a tight and often tricky adventure that delivers a decent, if fleeting experience.
Make no mistake, this is a harsh, unrelenting title that will test your skill, and the level of challenge makes it difficult to recommend to everyone. Nioh is never unfair though, with its well-designed systems giving you the tools to survive in its beautifully brutal world. Stick with it, plant your feet and you'll find your persistence rewarded with a thrilling and satisfying adventure.
This adorable atmospheric puzzle platformer is a gentle title that's full of charm
If you're looking for a fun Hitman-esque sneaky murder sandbox to blast about in, you'll have an absolute ball here.
This sequel is another decent attempt at bringing strategy games to console, but gameplay can feel shallow at times
Tides of Numenera is best approached as one might a weighty sci-fi novel from the likes of Clarke and Asimov; intimidating at first glance, with more exposition than explosions. Allow yourself to become immersed, however, and you'll find a trippy, twisty title with a myriad of ways to experience it.
Whether you're new to Mass Effect or a long-time fan like me, there's a passable adventure here. But in order to actually have any fun you'll have to ignore the enormous amounts of chaff and stick to the story.
It's not reinventing the wheel, but underneath Cupheads's gleeful and gorgeous cartoonish exterior lies an addictive and fierce adventure delivering a level of challenge that, much like the game's gambling Devil, convinces you to have another roll of the dice and see how far you can make it.
The addition of open levels is a mixed bag, but this terrifying follow-up is a worthy addition to the genre
SOMA is a fantastic example of perfectly pitched atmosphere. Its gripping sci-fi mystery make for a uniquely effective experience that puts story above cheap jump scares.
If you have the patience for a lot of wandering about and backtracking there's an intriguing story to experience here, but the expertly crafted atmosphere isn't always enough to mask the occasional gameplay frustration, getting in the way of the storytelling.
If you can adjust to the foibles of the fighting mechanics, this throwback captures the feel of classic action adventures coupled with a respectful and fascinating exploration of the Tarahumara culture. Mulaka is a mesmerising experience with a decidedly old school sensibility.
If you can ride out the clunky voice overs, The Mad Ones is a decent introduction into the world of The Council. The novel mechanics and engaging plot are ripe for further exploration over the other upcoming four episodes.
A bittersweet and captivating game, the follow-up to Unravel introduces co-op play to great effect
The Council continues to surprise and Episode 3 is without doubt the best so far.
A strong start to the series' coda, The Final Season's first episode is among some of the best storytelling we've seen from Telltale.
As it stands, Strange Brigade is a blast, with some great hooks that lend the game to some readily accessible fun. It's just a bit of a shame that the potential is being eked out for DLC.
With a fresh take on the character in both story terms and gameplay, Insomniac have delivered a superb experience that harks back to when Rocksteady revitalised Batman with Arkham Asylum. Marvel's Spider-Man is a brilliant, thoroughly needed entry in the superhero genre that is a must play whether you're a hardcore comics fan, casual Spidey aficionado or simply a lover of action adventures.
Managing to up the ante once again, Playground Games have delivered a feast for racing fans that continues the series' trend of balancing real-world driving and flat out fun. If you're after something slightly less arcadey than Burnout Paradise but not as slavishly simulated as Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon 4 has got you covered ten times over.