Animal Crossing: New Horizons – the video game where we can still be together
A new instalment in Nintendo’s social simulation series is out now – and its title offers the sort of optimism we’re very short of
July 2018
Chill out: a new wave of relaxing video games shows there's more to them than violence
Sam Greer
Niche indie games cater to a huge audience and prove there’s something for everyone
October 2017
Games reviews roundup: Fifa 18; Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES; Metroid: Samus Returns
The latest iteration of the football gaming behemoth doesn’t disappoint, but the big hits of the season surely come in a pair of blasts from the past
July 2017
Games reviews roundup: Miitopia; Pyre; That’s You!
Nintendo’s cartoon avatars offer a gateway to role-play, Supergiant Games score a winner and PlayStation’s PlayLink refreshes the quiz experience
May 2017
Hands-on with the Nintendo 2DS XL – perfect for kids?
More toylike than other Nintendo handhelds, light and sturdy, the 2DS XL looks like it’s meant for young gamers
January 2017
Games reviews roundup: Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King; Shantae: Half-Genie Hero; Rise and Shine
An old favourite gets a 3DS release, a battling bellydancer breaks into the big-time consoles, and a talking gun fires up a 2D platformer
December 2016
Games reviews roundup: Watch Dogs 2; Dishonored 2; Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
Best culture 2016
The 10 best video games of 2016
November 2016
How to succeed at Pokemon Sun and Moon
If you’re just starting out in the latest Pokémon adventure, here are some tips to get you catching ‘em all that much quicker
September 2016
Games reviews roundup: ReCore; Axiom Verge; Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
A new world proves less than brave, while a blast from the past offers retro thrills and an RPG classic is probably one for the fans
May 2016
Games review roundup: Ratchet & Clank; Donkey Kong Country; Mario & Sonic at Rio 2016
Ratchet & Clank and Donkey Kong Country are superbly updated, while Mario & Sonic at the Olympics is a tame cash-in
April 2016
Yo-Kai Watch review – a cute contender to the Pokemon throne
The cute monster battling fun is extremely familiar, but Yo-Kai watch has plenty of its own charm
February 2016
Games reviews roundup: Sébastien Loeb Rally Evo; Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon; Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
A solid but uncharismatic new racer from Milestone, the return of Pokémon and stunning Ninja action
January 2016
Games review roundup: Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India; Story of Seasons; Wave Race 64
Assassin’s Creed in India lacks charisma, it’s no holiday down on the farm simulator, while a vintage water racing game shows it still holds pole position
November 2015
Games reviews roundup: Call of Duty: Black Ops III; Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash; New Style Boutique 2: Fashion Forward
Activision sticks to a winning formula, while Nintendo serves a fault on the court but shows sartorial brilliance in the shops
October 2015
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer review – sweet but empty
Nintendo’s domestic design sim is as cute as you’d expect, but although the lights are on, there’s nobody home
September 2015
Why only Nintendo understands handheld gaming
Keith Stuart
Skylanders Superchargers review – the most fully featured instalment to date
July 2015
Satoru Iwata changed the whole games industry and now leaves it in mourning
