Not sure what video games you should be spending your hard-earned cash on? Here’s a handful of new releases worthy of your attention…
Super Mario Maker 2 (Switch)
Despite offering up a rather impressive toolbox for Nintendo fans, the original Super Mario Maker was largely let down by a lack of audience on the Wii U.
Now, however, with the power and strength of the Switch behind it, Super Mario Maker 2 has the chance to become something of a phenomenon by being better than its predecessor in almost every regard.
The story mode is a whirlwind of truly creative ideas that will simultaneously delight and challenge you with elements and mechanics you’ve never seen before in a Mario game, while also acting as a mini tutorial for what’s to come.
Building your own levels, meanwhile, is a wonderfully daunting challenge and offers an unbelievable amount of scope to mess around with.
For those lacking the necessary creative mojo, taking other creator’s inventions for a spin is quick and easy, so fingers crossed the community continues to support this one for the long term.
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Sea of Solitude (PS4, XBO, PC)
Sea of Solitude might not nail every element it aims for, but it has to be commended for trying to further the discussion of mental illness through video games.
Isolation, sadness, and anger are all explored in amongst the puzzle platformer, which tells the tale of a young woman struggling to overcome her inner demons while navigating a mysterious flooded environment.
Some of the game’s less-interesting mechanics are perhaps dragged out a little too long, and the voice acting can be hit or miss, but with a runtime of around three hours, Sea of Solitude doesn’t outstay its welcome and is still able to present its messages in a strong and engaging manner.
Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled (PS4, XBO, Switch)
PlayStation fans swear by Crash Team Racing, and with this beautiful remaster, it’s easy to see why. The visuals have seen a major upgrade and that really helps each level pop.
Getting your head around the increased speed and the game’s boost system may be initially challenging for some, but once you do both provide a nice point of difference to Crash’s many karted competitors.
Whether you’re revisiting an old classic, or hopping behind the wheel for the first time, you’ll have some nitro-fuelled fun here.
Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda (Switch)
A strange, yet enjoyable ode to one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises, Cadence of Hyrule is able to successfully combine 2015’s Crypt of the Necrodancer’s underlying rhythm formula with that of Zelda – at least for the most part.
Wrapping your mind around the beat-based movement is certainly a challenge at first, and is bound to turn off many casual fans, but for those who persist, the complex games of cat and mouse are highly enjoyable – as you dance around levels waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
The title’s remixed iterations on classic tunes will also have you bopping. It won’t be for everyone, but Brace Yourself Games has still created a memorable crossover worth giving a shot.
Moss (PSVR, PC)
Another beautiful showcase for PSVR, Moss smartly uses its technology to create a rich and unique adventure. You play as Moss’ reader, helping guide its protagonist, the adorable mouse Quill, on a mission to save her uncle.
That can involve actions such as moving around simple platforms, helping guide her journey, or even directly interacting with combat. Motion controls via the Move wands work a treat too, making this one you should definitely add to your VR list.
Superhot VR (PSVR, PC)
SUPERHOT was already an impressive game when it first released on consoles, but taking it into the world of VR is something else entirely.
The same basic premise remains the same: take out a number of assassins in a computer simulation-like world where time will only move as you do, turning each encounter into a mind-bending puzzle of death.
But seeing bullets fly by your face in virtual reality amps up the tension, requiring you to physically duck and weave about to survive. This is a must-buy for virtual reality lovers. You should check out these games as well.
