Lloyd Coombes
In conclusion, Mothergunship is more than the sum of its disparate parts, and definitely deserves your time. It's a big silly mix of destruction, synths, and sci-fi and a lot of fun to play through.
Shrinking such a dense game onto a smaller system and making it work with game-pad controls is no mean feat, and Aspyr’s port of Civilization VI feels like a perfect introduction to the series while also offering a new way to play for experienced fans.
Smart tweaks to an aging formula, fun characters and an excellent new stealth element more than make up for a disappointing by-the-numbers premise. A true sleeper hit.
Unfortunately, though there is fun to be had battling bosses and experiencing its off-the-wall storyline, Travis Strikes Again is difficult to recommend even at the discounted asking price. For an evening of co-op play, there are better options out there, and playing solo robs the campaign of its potential for fun combat.
Aside from a fresh lick of paint, both Hitman titles in the Enhanced Collection are still worth a play-through. While Absolution looks as good as a current generation title, and its campaign is still a fun ride, Blood Money stands out as the crown jewel not just of these two titles, but of the franchise as a whole.
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is an excellent package. Its overly-complex narrative bogs down so much of what makes the game a carefree thrill ride, but a great campaign structure, intense multiplayer and a VR tour de force make this the best game in the storied franchise and one every pilot should pick up.
While its trial and error approach to level design may discourage some, those looking to fill a Hotline Miami-shaped hole in their gaming diet could do a lot worse than Vreski’s beautiful, balletic, bullet buffet.
With impressive tactical depth, a challenging campaign, an excellent multiplayer suite and an outrageously deep set of tools for user-generated content, Wargroove is one of the games of 2019 and is well worth a look - doubly so for Advance Wars veterans.
Its levels are expertly crafted, its style is unique, and its mechanics are sharper than steel.
Here's hoping for a swift fix for the game's most pressing issues, because almost everything that works, works well. With some more polish, Anthem could be a great way to spend an evening playing with friends - just don't expect the next Mass Effect or Destiny.
Frostpunk is bleak. Really bleak.
Final Fantasy IX is an excellent RPG with excellent characters, a fun story and combat, and is a great reason to experience one of the original PlayStation's finest titles on a new platform. Unfortunately, the quality of life improvements made can't cover up the fact that this is a lazy port of a game that deserves better.
The witty writing and unique premise still make Beat Cop a street worth investigating. It has plenty of questions to post on morality (just how far would you push your agenda on the people that look up to you?) but makes it silly and accessible enough to never become too dire. Its a riot, and well worth a routine inspection.
In short, Total War: Warhammer II offers plenty of content for fans of strategy games, Warhammer and Total Warhammer fans, and new starters to the genre. It is easily one of the genre's finest, standing alongside X-Com 2 as one of the best PC games of the last few years.
Between Borderlands: Game Of The Year Edition and the updates to the Handsome Collection, Borderlands is back in a big way, and that's to say nothing of the main attraction coming in September. Unlike more recent entries in this space, Borderlands doesn't hinge on fragile in-game economies or being stingy with loot. Instead, it's a game that just wants to have fun – silly, brash, play-it-with-friends kind of fun. Welcome back old friend, you have been missed.
All in all, then, Final Fantasy 7 is still worth playing in 2019. Its legacy is undeniable, and as we wait for more news on the Remake, we can look back at the original which is now available on every current console. There's a reason Cloud and Midgar appear in Super Smash Bros - they, and Final Fantasy 7 as a whole, are true icons. Unfortunately, this piece of history hasn't received the port treatment it deserves just yet.
Super Dragon Ball Heroes World Mission is not for everyone, but if you can push through the tutorial and put in a few hours, it's a content-rich, bonkers, colourful battler that fans of the franchise will enjoy. Just take note - its power level may vary for those that aren’t deeply rooted in the franchise.
Over 200 hours worth of high-quality content, playable at home or on the go, Final Fantasy X/X-2 Collection is a must-buy on the Switch. Those that have played before will happily greet old friends, while those that haven't explored Spira will find just as much to love.
Structural foibles detract from the fact that Mortal Kombat 11 is an excellent fighter with lots to offer. Those yearning for the gore-soaked days of old will find plenty to love, and newcomers will be enthralled by its excellent story and deep fighting system.
Project Nimbus is a fun time for those looking to fly around in a giant robot and blow things up, but like the Michael Bay's Transformers movies, it just ends up feeling forgettable as soon as you put the controller down. While Zone of the Enders played very similarly, it did so with more narrative panache. With Daemon X Machina due on Switch in the near-ish future, it might be worth your while waiting a little while longer for your mecha game fix.