Football Manager 2019 Touch is so much more than its iOS/Android namesake; it’s the beautiful game made even more beautiful. It’s the definitive option for any diehard Football Manager fan, or football fan, looking to take their passion on the go.

It’s acutely aware of its own silliness, even giving you the option to unlock (no, there are no microtransactions here) different colours and ridiculous accessories for your foe.

It almost feels as though it was made for the mobile market in a way, with its small but plentiful maps and cut down features.

Earth Defense Force 5 stands in the face of pretty much every game released these days. It’s the game that doesn’t bother trying to keep up with the Jones’ because it’s happy doing its own thing and being just what it wants to be. And that’s brilliant. And you know what else is brilliant? Shooting hundreds of enemies while listening to humorous quips. That never gets old. Never.

Gris may feel sluggish to control at times, but for the most part, you’ll want to take it slow anyway, to take in the game’s beautiful environments. When you reach a new area, or unlock a new colour into the world, you’ll soon forget about that annoying platforming section; you’ll be too busy being mesmerised by how beautiful everything is.

I Am The Hero finds its home with beat ’em up fans quite well. As far as appealing to the wider audience, however, it falls short. Combat that fails to offer a personal feel alongside a lack of depth and replay features leaves me wanting more. High-score chasers and leaderboard-savvy players will have lots to love, but those looking for a casual beat ’em up may find themselves turning away at some point.

Sometimes you may feel like you’ve taken on an additional job while playing it, but how many games let you loose in sandbox environments with an almighty range of all-terrain vehicles? Exactly.

Just Cause 4 certainly isn’t a bad game, but it feels a bit like a wasted opportunity. The fun you can have outside of the game’s campaign shows that the world and the tools you’re given work in harmony with each other, but you’re never given the freedom to really make use of them during missions.

The game is slow moving, bland at times, and a bit forgettable. It’s unfortunate that its best moments are towards the end of the game because most players won’t make it that far.

If you happen to still love the Asterix & Obelix franchise, then I suppose Asterix & Obelix XXL 2 is a no-brainer. It’s not a bad game by any means, but it’s certainly not good or genre-defining in any way.

What really matters is that the emulation in SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Classics is of a high standard, and the range of games included is pretty great.

Unless you’re thoroughly sick to death of post-apocalyptia, you’ll find that Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is a charming, entertaining outing; one that gives the turn-based combat genre a much needed shot in the arm.

Some people will absolutely love Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, and others will be enraged by it. I sit somewhere in the middle – I really like it, but its flaws have soured my experience with it.

It’s a delightfully bizarre adventure that everyone really needs to go on at least once. And even if you’re well-versed in Katamari Damacy, there’s no reason to not jump back in.

Sure, it’s not as polished as the likes of God of War, but I don’t care. When Darksiders III works well, it’s just as entertaining. I love its character and enemy designs; its world draws you in and surprises you with the way all of its environments are linked together; and it really does have some epic boss fights. Throw in some light puzzling and an engaging story, and you have a no-frills adventure game that somehow feels fresh.

I couldn’t feel particularly satisfied when the credits rolled. The Council had a great deal of potential, but ultimately, the final package ended up being rather disappointing.

If you’re a fan of meditative adventures such as the likes of Firewatch et al, then there’s some enjoyment to be had in The First Tree. You’re unlikely to get emotionally invested, but its vulpine protagonist and charming visuals may be enough to keep you interested through its short running time.

Those who simply love music rhythm games and haven’t got much experience with the Persona series, though, should probably just dip their toes in with Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight to test the water. And maybe wait for it to go on sale before they do so. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight are both very good, but they don’t quite feel like they’re worth their asking price.

Those who simply love music rhythm games and haven’t got much experience with the Persona series, though, should probably just dip their toes in with Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight to test the water. And maybe wait for it to go on sale before they do so. Persona 3: Dancing in Moonlight and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight are both very good, but they don’t quite feel like they’re worth their asking price.

Even if the game’s visuals don’t appeal to you and you’ve never tackled any other games in the series, it still warrants investigating. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows’ frequently disconcerting and often bloody payoffs, as well as periodical dollops of psychological horror, make it worth tolerating the game’s less engaging moments.

It’s remarkably unremarkable. A safe sequel that changes little and only takes tiny steps to improve its own tried and tested formula. But it’s still the closest thing to Gran Turismo with bikes.

It’s far away from being perfect, but Horizon Chase Turbo is one hell of a stylish way to waste 30 minutes of your day.

I’ve always kind of enjoyed Lumines, but it always lacked a certain hook. While its music and changing colour palette was endlessly exciting, its gameplay just didn’t have the same long-lasting grab. With Tetris, though, that enticing gameplay is there. And when you couple Tetris‘ classic gameplay with enticing sound and visuals, you get something pretty special indeed.

There are no redeeming features to be found in Fallout 76, and I’m not even sure if it can be saved. Technical issues just make what’s a boring and soulless experience at its core into something that’s simply more of an abomination.

Despite its annoying stealth sections, My Memory of Us is a truly touching platformer that uses beautiful artwork and clever puzzles to weave a rich narrative. It may not be perfect, but Patrick Stewart’s stellar narration is enough to forget any minor niggles.

Battlefield V doesn’t do anything out of the ordinary, but it’s atmospheric, tense and wildy entertaining.

Diablo III on Switch is simply spectacular. It’s a phenomenal port that really shows what the Switch is capable of, and honestly, I think it might just be my favourite version of the game yet.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a game best enjoyed in bite-sized sessions, otherwise it soon begins to feel like a chore.