4 GAMES TO PLAY ...
Metro Exodus
PC, Xbox One, PS4
If Metro Exodus was any better, we’d never need Half-life 3. Based on the dystopian Metro novels, where nuclear war shatters Moscow and forces thousands to survive underground, the video game series has taken hero Artyom through atmospheric but linear FPS territory – unsurprising in a subterranean adventure. Exodus is a dramatic departure. Claustrophobia is replaced with wide horizons, as your gang of idealistic rangers escape the tunnels on a train, headed for open-world environments that are intriguing, beautifully detailed and layered with challenges. The narrative can feel rushed, but the engrossing world, incredible weapon crafting and satisfying gunplay give Exodus genuine reasons for eagerness.
Kingdom Hearts III Xbox One, PS4
Disney is a powerful ally – but Kingdom Hearts III proves you need more than a big name. The action RPG series first appeared on PS2, mashing together beloved video game characters with iconic Disney personalities like Mickey Mouse and Goofy. This won adoration 20 years ago, but surely established fans are now old enough to demand more sophistication than KHIII seems capable of: The plot is no-impact woolliness, cut-scenes go on and on, dialogue is dreary, and what should be a cast of vibrant characters is little more than puppets. The old appeal might attract a younger audience, but Kingdom Hearts III is largely empty of the magic Disney is so prized for.
Olliolli: Switch Stance Switch
Just as Alto’s Odyssey perfectly channels the meditative carving of snowboarding, Olliolli translates the anaerobic, high-pulse busyness of skateboarding into video game form. This release includes the pixelated original Olliolli and its visually superior sequel, which also added manuals, reverts and mid-grind stance switches, though both games adhere to a 2D take on skating. The controls aren’t as intuitive as the legendary analogue flipping of Skate 3 (still the best ‘boarding sim) and for those who aren’t naturals, it can take a lot of frustrating effort to improve your lines. But like Alto, Olliolli is an ideal on-the-go diversion, and, with tonnes of tricks, 50 levels and special modes, you won’t be short of challenges.
City Of Brass Switch
City Of Brass whips together a host of fertile ideas into a vibrant and stirring adventure. There’s the Prince Of Persia-esque setting of a gorgeous warren of Arabian architecture, the Diablo-inspired all-action treasure hunting through randomly generated dungeons full of mythical enemies and deadly traps, and innovative combat built around your default weapon, a Castlevaniastyle lash that can stun, disarm, trip up your opponents or even drag them into sword range. Trouble is, the Switch thumbsticks aren’t great for fine accuracy but the problem is minimised thanks to chunky level and enemy design, giving City Of Brass a weighty, enjoyable charm.