The 10 best video games you can play today

The mark of a truly great video game is whether it makes you want to buy a new console: whether graphics, gameplay or longevity, if it’s that good then you’ll be willing to shell out your hard-earned cash on getting the tech to play it. Unless it’s not platform-exclusive, obviously. So, from reimagined classics to new and exclusives, here are the 10 best video games you can play today – as reviewed by us.

10) Call of Duty: WWII

This game’s a throwback to a time before developers felt the need to cram a raft of extra features into their game. Only, everything outside the gameplay is still very much adorned with the menus, unlocks, loot boxes, and Nazi zombies you’d expect from a modern CoD. Ultimately, CoD WWII is a game that wants to have its grizzled, back-to-basics cake and eat it, too. For the most part, it gets away with walking this audacious tightrope. Underneath its ultra-visceral graphical polish is the thrilling spirit of arguably the series’ high point: Call of Duty 2.

9) FIFA 18

Fifa 18 feels like it’s lacking a marquee signing that will make you go out and buy it, but for most people that’s not a big deal – the series has already got its claws in. Offline, it’s definitely an improved experience. The new quick subs also really speed up the flow of the game, but the online trend towards breakneck attacking, almost to the exclusion of any tactical variation whatsoever, is just as off-putting as Pro Evo’s mismatching. But money talks in football and FIFA 18’s perfectly replicated badge of authenticity and myriad ways to play will be more than enough to keep fans coming back – and they won’t be disappointed.

8) Assassin’s Creed Origins

It’s abundantly clear that Origins has taken inspiration from many other modern games. And, while there’s nothing at all wrong with blending together a compendium of techniques from previous games – it’s expected, in fact – the problem with Origins is it doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. That said, it’s still up there as one of the best Assassin’s Creed games to date. Sure, some loyal Creed fans may feel disgruntled by the departure from stealth, but the improved combat and enthralling Egypt setting are both signs that the series has finally found its footing again.

7) Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Ubisoft has truly pulled the Rabbid out of the hat for this Mario mashup: if you’re expecting a watered-down tactics game then you’re wrong. There’s so much depth and content that this is an incredibly fun blast regardless of age. With addictive combat, a charming story and an abundance of content with only more to come, Mario + Rabbids ticks so many boxes that it’s hard to find many flaws. Other than Breath of the Wild, this might just be the best game currently available on the Switch.

6) Destiny 2

Destiny’s gameplay has always felt immediate, reactive, and ear-rattling, each blast is rewarding, from trigger-pull to enemy-stopping impact – and the sequel is no different. Guardians that loved the first game will be right at home here, with new worlds to explore, new abilities to master and a heap of new gear to grind for. The end-game has been simplified and streamlined, too, which should hopefully keep players coming back week after week, even if just to explore the now action-filled public areas.

5) Cuphead

Part boss rush, part side-scrolling shooter, Cuphead is the Dark Souls of 1930s-animation-inspired 2D platform games. Don’t let those cartoons fool you into thinking this game is child’s play, though: this is one of the most intense and challenging platformers you’ll find. And, with the Xbox One having such a limited exclusive line-up, Cuphead is exactly what the console needs. The music, art and animation combine to create something truly special, a cutesy but crushingly difficult challenge with impressive variety. You’ll want to see it through, even if there’s a good chance you’ll snap your controller in the process.

4) Horizon: Zero Dawn

Horizon: Zero Dawn is a real smorgasbord of current gaming tropes and techniques. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing. Guerilla has cherry-picked some of the best elements of some of the best games of the last five years, and the result is a game constructed of lots of enjoyable elements. You’re never unaware of how much is borrowed from other games, but as you delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Aloy and the previous civilisation, peeling back the layers of intrigue en route to the surprisingly affecting conclusion, you stop thinking about the mechanics as the pull of the story takes over.

3) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

There is so much more that can be said about the breathtaking Breath of the Wild. Ultimately, all you need to know is that it’s brilliant. Once you’ve set aside the changes from Zeldas of old, adjusted to the initial challenges and gotten your first foothold in this new Hyrule, you’ll be hooked for good. Eager to roam free and see as much of this spectacular world as possible. It’ll take you hours and hours to do so, but it’ll be worth it. The Switch needed a game of this quality to carry its launch. Boy, has Nintendo delivered.

2) Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 boasts a ridiculous commitment to realism and graphical fidelity. For proper petrolheads, this is pretty much gaming nirvana – and even if you don’t know the difference between a prop shaft and a parking brake, the beginner-friendly driving assists are a welcome helping hand to get you behind the wheel. There are a few irks, like an over-reliance on loot crates to expand your car collection, but these the exception, rather than the rule. Serious sim fans will probably find a bit more customisation with Project Cars 2, but for sheer fun factor, Forza wins out.

1) Super Mario Odyssey

Nintendo’s iconic plumber makes a stellar return on Switch in Odyssey – and it’s the relentlessly brilliant variety that elevates Odyssey above and beyond any recent platformer you can care to mention, and a fair few other Mario games as well. Super Mario Odyssey is an incomprehensibly fun video game. One that’s big and silly and totally essential if you’ve already got a Switch sitting at home. Not only does it show off what Nintendo’s new console is capable of, but it reminds you why Mario has endured for so long now: roaming free with the fella around the vast new kingdoms just feels great.