PS4, Xbox One, PC, Capcom, cert 12

★★★★

After what can best be described as a skeletal launch for Street Fighter V, Capcom have at least ensured that this game ships with all the essentials – a cinematic storyline, a robust online outing and even an arcade mode. Aesthetically, however, it is also uncharacteristically weak. It has the user interface of a free mobile game, face models that vary from competent to horrifying, and Marvel Cinematic Universe-focused art direction that lacks the vibrant flair of the comics. All compounded by a conservative character roster, with just six relatively uninspired newcomers – not to mention a lack of X-Men.

Thankfully these shortfalls can be forgiven because the game engine is one of the most ingeniously inspired systems Capcom has ever built. The six selectable Infinity Stones introduce wild effects, giving real latitude for imaginative team synergy, and the active switch allows for meter-free character swaps at any time. Beyond what is a lacklustre presentation then, MvCI offers an expertly crafted tool set, for playing with real imagination and creativity. Rupert Higham

SteamWorld Dig 2: ‘Finding every last treasure can quickly become an obsession.’ Photograph: Image and Form International AB

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, PS Vita, Image & Form International, no cert

★★★★★

Like other imaginative titles from publisher Image & Form, SteamWorld Dig 2 is tricky to categorise. It combines Boulder Dash’s tactical mining, Terraria’s huge labyrinths and even Zelda’s intricately designed dungeons. Hard to label then, but its diverse influences come together to make an exceptional whole.

The elements are impressively balanced, accompanied by a joyous menagerie of steam-powered robots, and at 10 hours or so, this sequel is bigger than the first outing. The 3DS original’s procedurally generated mines are replaced with hand-crafted levels, creating a Swiss watch of puzzles, alongside the action, where every boulder matters.

Don’t be fooled by the slow first hour: things soon accelerate with ingenious new weapons, tools and set-piece caves. Balancing upgrade choices and finding every last treasure can quickly become an obsession. Whether new to the SteamWorld games or already a fan, SteamWorld Dig 2 is not to be missed. A huge amount of fun with craft and creativity oozing from every dark cave waiting to be discovered. Andy Robertson

Kingdom: New Lands: ‘A rare gem, with hidden depths that belie first impressions.’ Photograph: Raw Fury

Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PC, Raw Fury, cert 7

★★★★

Given only a cursory glance, Kingdom: New Lands would appear to be a fairly standard retro strategy game, but closer inspection reveals much more, and a truly rewarding experience to match. What developers Raw Fury have created is more of a world-building puzzle similar to games defined by incremental moves, such as the excellent A Dark Room.

Building the kingdom requires a stream of upgrade decisions. The beautiful pixel art entices trigger-happy players to advance buildings and ramparts. But upgrading the wrong wall, tower or farm too quickly leaves you vulnerable to nightly attacks. It’s a balancing act that, combined with permanent death and procedural levels, makes every upgrade decision a nail-biting moment.

Miscalculations rapidly lead to a game-over that then demands the inevitable one-more-try with a revised plan for domination. Crucially now out on Nintendo’s Switch, Kingdom: New Lands has found its ideal home. Mistakes can be honed privately in handheld mode before showing off the Kingdoms on the big screen to the rest of the family. A rare gem, with hidden depths that belie first impressions. AR