Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Toukiden: The Age of Demons, Strider, gaming reviews

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is hugely enjoyable

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

****

Wii U (£39.99)

For a series that's been around for over three decades, you'd expect repetition – and of course, there is a little: but as a platformer, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is hugely enjoyable. Levels flow with perfected choreography, the design is flawless, and the character's clunky charm is timeless. Ultimately, it's refreshing to see a child-friendly game that takes the bosses seriously (you'll need a fair few attempts to succeed) and this will make you feel like that determined kid again, staying up late to complete the level you're stuck on.

Laura Davis

Toukiden: The Age of Demons

***

PS Vita (£39.99)

Like Ragnarok Odyssey and Soul Sacrifice before it, Toukiden: The Age of Demons aims to be the Vita's substitute for the void left by the Monster Hunter series. Thankfully, the drab art style and bland dialogue do little to diminish the Mitama mechanic, where souls of legendary slayers imbue your weapons with special abilities. Missions can be repetitive and combat mediocre, but the addictive hunt-loot-repeat gameplay will satisfy those looking for a solid, if insipid, action RPG.

Oliver Cragg

Strider

****

PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC (£11.99 )

Strider is a reimagining of a 2D arcade classic that casts you as a ninja-style assassin fighting to reach your target. The art style and themes haven't changed much since the original, and, although spruced up, can feel a bit repetitive. The game has a refreshingly consistent difficulty curve, though, with enemies who get tougher as you move on. With not much in the way of plot, it's one purely for the challenge and enjoyment – but very much worth the price.

Jack Fleming