Whether you’re in lockdown, or just looking for something new, here’s 10 of the latest titles worth your time including Mario Golf: Super Rush.
1. Mario Golf: Super Rush (Switch)
When they’re not busy trying to put a stop to evil foes, Mario and Co. love to indulge in a few rounds on the green, and Super Rush is the series’ first entry in seven years. Naturally, it comes out swinging, with a new mode that feels the need for speed.
Yes, ‘Speed Golf’ sees you tee off alongside your competitors, then sprint towards your ball before taking another whack. The catch is that each stroke adds 30 seconds to your course time, meaning you’ll constantly question whether you should focus on accuracy for less overall strokes, or take a risk on less considered approaches.
It’s a delightful chaotic and fun hook that drives much of Super Rush’s enjoyment, and one that had us coming back for more, especially via multiplayer.
It also helps offset an admittedly underwhelming story mode, that much like Mario Tennis Aces, lacks substance. If you can get past that minor hiccup, then Super Rush is a perfect addition to your Switch collection.
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2. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
If you’re one of the lucky few to actually own a PS5, put this one at the top of your must-buy list, because A Rift Apart is something special indeed. Not only is it one of the most gorgeous games you’ll see this year, it’s a wonderfully fun and polished platformer – the likes of which you don’t see as much of on PlayStation nowadays.
Like most games in the series, the array of weapons are plentiful and often absurd, but that’s just the way you want it. Take the Topiary Sprinkler as the perfect example, which turns enemies into trees. It’ll always put a smile on your face.
Rift Apart isn’t afraid to take risks either, like introducing newcomer Rivet to the fold. It’s to Insomniac’s credit then that she arguably steals the show whenever she appears on screen.
What we’re trying to say is that this is you owe it to yourself to play this – if only to witness the epic setpieces.
3. LEGO Builder’s Journey (Switch, PC)
You wouldn’t think that a LEGO game could be so emotional, but somehow Builder’s Journey manages to achieve exactly that feat. It’s only a short experience (at around 3 hours), but from the first brick we laid, the puzzle game captured our attention all the way to the very end. The exceptionally peaceful soundtrack only adds to the experience, so much so that it is now part of our Spotify playlist.
Oh, and if you happen to have an incredibly beefy PC, you owe it to yourself to play it that way. While we reviewed the Switch version of the game and had a great time, we’ve also seen plenty of pretty videos making the most of the game’s insane ray tracing capabilities. Absolutely stunning. One of the biggest surprise gems of 2021.
4. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade + Episode INTERmission (PS5)
Final Fantasy VII Remake wowed us when we reviewed it last year, and this PS5 upgrade does the same. Like most PS5 games, you can choose to either enhance performance or visuals, and while we certainly prefered the former for some buttery smooth gameplay, both options are stellar and make the pretty game shine even brighter.
Then we have Episode INTERmission which enhances the game’s narrative by smartly weaving in amongst all the antics you’ve likely already played. Yuffie, the star of the show, is a loveable protagonist who is backed up by some very enjoyable combat mechanics.
As a package, Intergrade is a strong one and will have you wondering when we’ll get the next entry in the tale…
5. Game Builder Garage (Switch)
Ever had a budding dream of becoming a billionaire game designer? Well, before you go looking up that brand new Ferrari, may we suggest checking out Game Builder Garage first. While it’s certainly not for everybody, we were impressed with how quickly you get creating.
You needn’t fear that the trainer wheels be taken off too quickly, either. The game’s tutorial is surprisingly lengthy and will teach you the fundamentals across seven different games – from the stupidly simple to a Mario-inspired 3D platformer.
Ironically though, that may be something of a criticism for those wanting a bit more flexibility in their lessons, but if you really want to get serious, you’ll have to wait until you get access to the free play mode.
This is game design with an extra heavy dose of Nintendo charm and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
6. Scarlet Nexus (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO, PC)
From the outset, Scarlet Nexus offers up an interesting premise. Just as humanity enters a new era where people discover extra-sensory powers like psychokinesis, some pesky mutants turn up to earth wanting to rid people of their brains.
What follows is an action RPG with supreme style and a stellar combat loop. Blending telekinetic powers with regular melee-based moves allows for plenty of variety and even more visual flair. Plus, by having two playable protagonists, you’ve got a different flavour should you go back and play the whole thing again.
If you’re a big anime lover or looking for an action game packing plenty of style, Scarlet Nexus may be exactly what you’re looking for.
7. Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: The Official Video Game (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
Originally scheduled to release almost two full years ago, this enjoyable collection of games was just another victim of the global pandemic. The good news, though, is that it’s finally here and is fun for pretty much everybody. The main reason for that is the sheer variety in events. From swimming to judo to climbing and table tennis, this is a buffet of activities.
What’s surprising is that despite each event being a relatively arcade experience, they all pack their own distinct challenge and strategy. Most of them feel incredibly different too, which makes the value proposition for this one rather promising.
It might lack the sheen and polish of bigger budget titles, but for $60, it’s time and money well spent.
8. Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection (PS4, XBO, Switch, PC)
Before Dark Souls took the gaming world by storm, the Ninja Gaiden series provided frantic action and tough-as-nails challenge. This collection is the perfect way for long-time fans to reignite their love affair with ninja superstar Ryu Hayabusa, or newcomers to see what all the fuss was about in the first place.
It’s worth noting though that all three games in the package are merely ports and not full-scale remasters, so while they might show their age a little visually, they play pretty damn well. Sigma 2 is arguably the highlight of the bunch while Razor’s Edge remains as controversial as it was when it released back in 2012.
All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed this trip down memory lane, and wouldn’t be opposed if old mate Ryu was taken off his video game life support.
9. Necromunda: Hired Gun (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, XBO, PC)
If you’re a fan of the Warhammer universe or DOOM-inspired gameplay, there’s plenty to enjoy with Necromunda: Hired Gun. Only hardcore fans of the franchise are likely to know what’s actually going on, but in amongst the plot are the foundations of an enjoyable FPS with a heavy dose of rapid, incredibly brutal combat.
Mobility is the name of the game in this one we enjoyed zipping around the levels trying out a wide variety of weaponry. Plus you can summon a dog companion with a squeak toy, which a big win in our books. Just be prepared for a fair few glitches and tech hitches if you do jump on board this one. Worth a look for shooter fans, but maybe hold out for a sale.
10. Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance (PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, XBO, PC)
For those keen to jump into some online play with friends, Dark Alliance is the latest adventure vying for your time and money. And for the most part, it will help fill that void with the roster of usual D&D characters like goblins, giants, and dragons as you team up to hack, slash, bash and loot your way through it all.
Combat can get a little repetitive and the whole title could use a touch more polish, but we still had plenty of fun with our group of travellers. The good news here as well is that if you have Xbox Game Pass it’s absolutely free right now, so there’s no harm in giving it a red hot go.
Hands-on with the Turtle Beach Recon 500 Gaming Headset
For many gamers, finding the right gaming headset is often very much tied to the delicate balance between cost and quality. We don’t all have infinite pockets to shell out for $300-$400 products, which is why Turtle Beach’s latest offering hopes to provide the perfect amount of bang for your buck. The good news is that it very much succeeds.
Much of this praise is thanks to the Recon’s new 60mm Eclipse Dual Drivers, which handles both high and low frequencies separately. What that ultimately means for your ears is that they will be treated to a clearer and richer sound that doesn’t get bogged down in distortion. And you better believe we tried to test that out. During multiple runs of Returnal on PS5 we pumped the audio and were surprised by the quality output.
Perhaps the Recon 500’s biggest appeal, however, is its flexibility. By utilising a 3.5mm jack, it means you aren’t locked into using it for one console or another like many of the wireless options on the market. Want to use the Xbox Series X? Just plug the headset into the controller. PC? You can use it for all your Zoom meetings, too. Hell, you’ll even be able to get 3D audio with the PS5 which is a big win.
Is the Recon 500 going to tick every box? Of course not. The design is rather basic and the materials a little plastic-y, but there was always going to have to be some concessions for the price point. That said they’re easy to overlook if you’re keen to grab one of the best headsets for the price point.
You can buy the Turtle Beach Recon 500 for $129.95 from most major retailers.
