1. Dead by Daylight

In order to escape, the survivors need to repair five generators hidden around the map which can be a slow task but also frantic at the same time because the killer could be anywhere ready to strike and then if caught, they're hung on a meat hook. So, more time is consumed since the other survivors have to stop what they're doing and rescue the hooked survivor. Once all the generators are operational, the survivors have to open a gate to escape. Because it can take a while to open, it can be really scary seeing the killer from the distance full on sprint towards you, so it can be down to the wire to get clear and safe. 

2. Overwatch

Overwatch released for PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch is another multiplayer first-person shooter game. By the developers, it's described as a "hero shooter" because unlike Call of Duty, not everyone is going to be the same with the same weapons. 32 unique heroes were made for the game, each with their own special abilities and class. There are three hero classes, 'tank', 'damage' and 'support'. There will be two heroes of each class on a team and typically similar game modes to Call of Duty.

The reason this is higher than Call of Duty is because if I want to play a shooter game, I normally go for Overwatch and the variety of characters helps since they're all so well diverse. I do get really excited for the seasonal events like Christmas and Summer because new outfits for the characters are added and a limited game mode specific to the event. Whenever I want to test my skills, I will choose to play the 'competitive mode' where the players are more skilled and competing to get a rank, medal and in-game currency. Talking about it doesn't seem that interesting or worth it but it is when actually playing these matches when the adrenaline gets pumping.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the first Switch exclusive game on this list and the first game intended for relaxation and released at the perfect time, on March 20, 2020, right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, just before the first lockdown in the UK.

The premise is simple, develop a deserted island and form a community by gathering and crafting items with cute little animal characters. After a stressful day, it's good to wind down with Animal Crossing. I'm still learning about the game myself but it's still a joy to learn and play. The calming music helps a lot when doing tasks like fishing or catching bugs. There's something about standing in the museum on your island that's just soothing, probably the ambience sounds and the other subtle sounds in the different sections. The only bit of tenseness and frustration is during the May Day tour hedge maze challenge which took me ages to figure out and I had to look up how to do it online. Decorating the island with trees and other plants is one of my favourite things to do, especially around my house. 

4. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

4. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the latest instalment in the Call of Duty franchise and released for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on November 13, 2020.

I don't usually play the multiplayer side of any Call of Duty but this is the first one in the franchise they I actually enjoy playing and relatively good at. Multiplayer is just a side part of the game where its 6v6 matches of different game modes. The best part of any match is getting multiple kills in a row and seeing your name at the top of the leader board. The adrenaline feels like you're unstoppable but then your killed shortly after because a kill streak never lasts long. The main reason I always buy the Call of Duty games is because of the Zombies mode. Even though there as many levels in this game than previous ones, it is a massive step up from the last game in terms of gameplay and story. I just love to play this mode and see how many rounds of zombies I can survive to. I'm awful at completing the story quests which are optional so I just watch people online complete it and understand the complicated storyline in my own time.

5. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and/or Shield is also the latest game in its popular and well-known series. It was released in November 2019 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch with two expansion packs released in June and October of 2020 making Pokémon Sword and Shield the first games in the franchise to have extra content released after the base game's release.

I've been a Pokémon fan for years so when I first got a Switch, of course I had to get the game. Having either game doesn't matter since both games are the same with slight differences to the story or gameplay details. Each Pokémon game's setting is a direct inspiration of a particular country, with the last few being inspirations being France and Hawaii, now in these games, the setting is inspired by the United Kingdom. Just seeing how the people talk in the games with British slang and the spelling is so cool for a game not made in the UK and it's still weird to see when playing it now. Now with really high graphics and instead of the classic bird's eye view camera angle seen in the other games, there's more detail on everything and some of the locations look beautiful along with the actual Pokémon who the player can now play with like pets. Seeing the Pokémon play and interact with each other and the player feeding them is so cute to see. Even though it's not the most difficult game of the series and haven't got the best story, it's still really enjoyable to play which I’ve done several times now.