In lesser hands, The Dark Ages would be fun but forgettable. In Id’s hands, this is a deep action experience solely focused on a relentless, but brilliantly controlled flow state. It’s a game that takes the simplest, yet coolest ideas and commits completely to them with peerless execution, making sure above else, it’s sick as hell.

If you’re looking for something to get lost in for a little bit, Rebellion has offered up a mostly pleasant jaunt. Especially as something to pick up and play on Game Pass, it’s easy to recommend trying. That’s good too, Atomfall works better as a cheap, last-minute package weekend to Cumbria, rather than a two-week vacation. While it’s charming for a short stay, you’re sharing a single-sized bed with your partner, and the B&B owner’s eyes just started to glow blue.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows in a nutshell is a more refined, polished game with more of the same familiar formula. This isn’t a big revamp, nor are there any deep changes. However, it’s the best the series has been for a while. Fun combat, a pair of genuinely interesting protagonists, and a gorgeous recreation of 16th century Japan mean the flaws are easier to overlook.