Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker; The Talos Principle; Tetris Ultimate, gaming reviews
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****
Wii U (£39.99)
Based on bonus levels found in the magisterial Super Mario 3D World, this is a virtual storybook of isometric cuboid puzzle-platforming levels ripe with Nintendo's distinctive brand of playful charm. Rather than ratchet up the difficulty, the buoyant soundtrack, cutesy aesthetic and array of excitable chirrups create a placid world (marred by the game's awkward mandatory gyroscope camera controls). Like a blissful technicolour dream, it's over too soon, but it'd be tough to find a more calming way to spend a cosy afternoon than with the unsung hero finally striking gold.
Oliver Cragg
The Talos Principle
*****
PC (£29.99)
It starts with you waking up, squinting into the sun in a strange land and a strange voice tells you to go forth and begin collecting sigils for him. This is by solving puzzles using an increasing array of unlockable tools. However, this game is more than just a puzzle challenge as it also has a fantastic philosophical narrative formed by exploration. Few blockbusters come close to its depth and intrigue. Croteam has created a visually and sonically beautiful experience that deserves to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
Jack Fleming
Tetris Ultimate
***
PS4, Xbox One, 3DS, PS Vita, PC (£7.99)
Featuring all the expected modes – marathon, sprint, battle etc – you play just as you are used to, with the most entertainment and challenge coming from versus mode. Visually, the game is fine, although it would have been nice to have a larger grid during solo play. The music, however, is beyond annoying and I had to mute it. A testament to the quality of the original concept, Tetris continues to be an entertaining game. It doesn't feel "Ultimate" however due to the lack of variation and modes.
JF
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