May it be Xbox or PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or PC, the gaming industry has seen some tremendous names emerge in the last couple of months. The big franchises, such as Call of Duty or Pokémon, have managed to remain a popular choice among your average gamer. However, the emergence of a highly-anticipated and fan-favourite genre has fantastically climbed to the top to challenge the supremacy of the gaming dons. This genre is the Battle Royale. Fortnite, and quite recently Apex Legends, have soared to success and popularity forcing other developers to create their own version of the genre. Despite all of this, my job this week is to recommend games to you based on my own personal opinion! So, here they are; five games you should be playing...

5. Pokémon: Let’s go Pikachu and Let’s go Eevee

With the recent release of the new Pokémon Sword and Shield trailer, Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are a perfect way of shortening the wait for the new titles' releases. The two games are the first in the franchise to feature on the Nintendo Switch. With only the first 151 Pokémon available to the player (along with their Mega Evolutions and Alolan variants) the game offers a sense of nostalgia for veteran players, as they traverse across the Kanto region to obtain all eight badges and to ‘catch 'em all’. The game is also easily playable for beginners or even young children. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, the player has to use the motion controls on the Joy-Con, or the Poké Ball Plus, bringing an immersive and entertaining experience for young Pokémon trainers. Along with perfect graphics and a gripping story, Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee is a perfect game to satiate the desire to play the next core games in the franchise. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are set to be released in late 2019.

4. FIFA 19

The latest addition in EA’s award-winning FIFA franchise has impressed fans this year due to its advancements in game mechanics and features. FIFA 19 introduces the new ‘Active Touch System’ and ‘time finishing’ mechanic that allows the player to control the movements of their squad more efficiently and accurately, along with their shooting capabilities. The ‘Dynamic Tactics’ enables the player to craft and control their squad to glory with a variety of player styles and strategies. If you’re a fan of career mode like myself, you’ll be ecstatic to know that, for the first time ever, FIFA 19 features the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup into the game. The player can also experience the rage quitting thrill that is Ultimate Team. Just remember not to smash your controller. You’ll need it for the next one.

MORE: EA take risks with FIFA 19 [REVIEW]

3. Battlefield V

When EA’s Battlefield V trailer first dropped, fans and critics alike were sceptical. However, four months later, the game has quickly become one of my favourites. Who doesn’t love a first-person shooter set in World War Two? The game allows players to fully customise their soldiers though the new company system. Uniform, cosmetics, weapons and vehicles are entirely customisable adding a supreme sense of personality to the players squad. The game also abandons micro transactions, permitting players to fully work towards rewards through assignments or the new Tides of War system. EA has also implemented the popular Battle Royale genre into the games map rotation. Firestorm pits Allies against Axis in a fight to the final life whilst fire surrounds the map, receding until a victor is claimed. A perfect addition to the fantastic franchise!

2. Fortnite Battle Royale

Ahhh Fortnite, the immensely popular game that revolutionised gaming. A revolution that was sparked by one simple idea. A battle royale! The game has become something of a cultural phenomenon with Drake, Marshmello and even Antoine Griezmann among its fanbase. Nothing beats grinding a Victory Royale either on Solo, Duo or Squads. In my opinion, the game is purely addictive based on the rush of a win, being the last player alive. Aided with micro-transactions, players can customise their character with a variety of cosmetics, emotes and even dances. Speaking of dances, if you’ve ever seen Antoine Griezmann dance after scoring a goal, you’re probably taking a massive L. So, hop onto the Battle Bus and deploy to victory!

1. Red Dead Redemption 2

Easily the game on top of everyone’s list. Red Dead 2 follows the life of Arthur Morgan prior to the events of Red Dead Redemption, the first game in the series. The game is rife with challenges, customisation, side quests and more. You can even play poker or blackjack. The gripping tale of the Van der Linde gang is also explored from the perspective of John Marston, the main protagonist in the first instalment, although later on. Players can immerse themselves in the action-packed and gun-spinning Wild West, as they fight rival gangs, search for gold and even hunt animals. The game launched Red Dead Online last November, a multiplayer beta. The online version allows players to free roam around the wild west with your fellow cowboy or cowgirl buddies, taking part in missions and events that are similar to Grand Theft Auto online. So, put on your cowboy boots and yee haw your way to success. Well done Rockstar, well done!

MORE: Red Dead Redemption 2 may be the best game ever created

Words by Joseph Holgate, who you can follow on Twitter @joerodholgate