Pokemon Sun

Pokémon Sun and Moon's trek through Alola is the most engaging campaign the series has offered in a long time. Not everything on Sun and Moon's plate is perfect – Z-Moves feel underwhelming, and you're still going to commit the overwhelming majority of the Pokémon you catch to PC Box Hell – but this is one tropical getaway that's worth every penny.

Pokemon Sun and Moon challenged me to try the franchise’s formula in a brand new way, and despite my reservations the games came through in a big way. Trials are a fantastic alternative to Gyms, the Z-Moves are flashy and powerful if also lacking in strategic risk, and the world of Alola is bright and colorful. There are a few odd nitpicks to throw at the two games, but it’s hard to argue that Pokemon Sun and Moon is the best thing to happen to Pokemon in years.

The result is a vibrant, energetic game in a manner Pokemon hasn't managed since Gold & Silver. Sun & Moon have clearly been made with a love and reverence for the series' past but also, crucially, with an eye on evolution. It's all the better for it.