The Shadow of the Colossus remake enhances the themes of the original, stirring up a crushing sadness in the player in their actions only moments after taking them to heights of excitement. It’s a master class in how to remake a true classic.

Torment is the purest expression of Infinity Engine RPGs we will ever see in the modern age.

Tactics Ogre: Reborn is a pilgrimage for strategy RPG enthusiasts, an outstanding update for a watershed moment in the genre.

Battle Chef Brigade is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch’s lineup of indie titles that everyone should give a try. The game ran beautifully in both portable and docked modes at a crisp 60 FPS and I never encountered a glitch or bug to ruin my experience, showing the studios talent to provide a properly polished game. I fell in love with this game during my time at E3 and now that the final product is finally here, I can safely say the game not only met my expectations, but surpassed them as my new favourite Indie currently offered on the Nintendo Switch.

The ridiculousness of plants facing off against zombies but the serious controls and competitiveness of any triple AAA shooter,

The game is exactly what Souls fans have been hoping for in this new generation of consoles. It’s gorgeous, terrifying, relentless and highly addictive. There’s so much depth to this game that it’s impossible to go over everything, and there will be many surprises in store over the next few months as swarms of Hunters descend on Yarnham and explore its twisted alleyways and endless secrets.

Alan Wake 2 is possibly one of the greatest pieces of storytelling crafted, and is a must play title.

Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair is essentially a spiritual successor to Donkey Kong Country that ends with a difficult Super Mario Maker-like dungeon. It friggin’ rocks.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is as much of a must-play title as the original, the easiest title to recommend to any gamer.

Vampire Survivors has been keeping the thrill of the survival genre alive for over a year with DLC, and the new Emergency Meeting DLC brings some new mechanics, characters and maps to the game. Though a bit unbalanced, it is well worth its very low cost.

Star Fox Zero is the most fun I’ve had with any Wii U game to date. The title more than makes up for Fox McCloud’s conspicuous absence for a decade and proves just what a uniquely satisfying gaming experience the gamepad offers when treated as an asset by game designers, rather than a bulky requirement to work with Nintendo’s mascots. It’s beautiful, challenging, deep, addictive, and plays unlike any other space shoot em’ up I’ve ever experienced.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is one of the finest remasters made to-date. For newcomers and veterans alike, it's the essential version of a must-play trilogy, honouring its strengths while smoothing out most of its faults.

After several of the tournament-style sessions, I never once cared if I won or lost, as it was just so bloody fun.

The Switch release of Dark Souls: Remastered is sublime, offering a daunting, rewarding experience that you can carry anywhere with no losses. That you can play it in such an intimate way only enhances its themes and its best points, becoming, to me, the definitive way to experience Dark Souls.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is the best game Rockstar Games has ever made, as it deftly combines one of the richest open worlds ever made with one of the most compelling stories of this generation.

On top of its gripping narrative, expanded weapon variety, and redefined approach to open-world game design, Ghost of Yōtei is a must-play and instant classic on PlayStation 5.

Snipperclips feels right home in Nintendo's colorful and loveable library. The characters are cute, the music is memorable, the gameplay is easy to pick up with the right amount of challenge, and the amount of content is perfect for the budget price of admission. If you've got a Nintendo Switch and a friend or three, you'd be a fool to pass on this gem up.

Monster Hunter Rise is shaping up to be my favourite Monster Hunter to date. From the fluid and in-depth gameplay, to the ingeniously designed new monsters, to the insanely fun gimmicks that add new levels of mobility, Capcom has outdone themselves with their latest entry in the franchise yet again.

MOUSE: P.I. For Hire is an exceptional, hand-crafted FPS experience worth picking up today.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure is a triumphant return for a matured Max Caulfield, a character-driven paranormal mystery that old fans and newcomers should embrace.

It’s as much a living homage as it is a natural successor to Nintendo’s 2D Metroid games.

Just Cause 3 is a joy to play and is easily a candidate for game of the year.

A moving and earnest independent adventure game. My favorite thing I’ve played all year.

Divinity Original Sin 2 is a master class in what RPGs should be. Amazing writing and detail paired with astounding freedom. A must play for RPG fans.

Absolum is a standout melding of genres and one of the best roguelikes of the year, making it a multiplayer must-play.

SOMA is one of those once-in-a-generation experiences that so wildly defies both expectation and assumptions that I can say with confidence that it will forever impact how we define video games.

Despite its occasional bug, unexplained mechanic, or small gripe, Starfield is one of the premiere titles in Xbox's library and adds to Bethesda's storied history.

The Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is every bit as good as the individual games were upon their original release. This remastered collection shows exactly why the Uncharted series was and is so highly regarded, even 6 and 5 years later, respectively.

Newcomers and veterans alike should draw their swords for this one, because Ghost of Tsushima excels on the PS5 and strikes just shy of perfection.

Life Is Strange: True Colors is an unforgettable journey with some meaningful messages.

Personally, I see myself revisiting this game down the line just to replay and enjoy it because it is that good. Seriously, I think this may be my new favourite horror game, beating out the classic Silent Hill 2. If you buy one horror game this year, make it Little Nightmares. You won’t regret it.

Hades II marks the first sequel done by Supergiant Games, one that takes the beloved essence of the original and betwitches it with all the right elements indicative of a stellar roguelike sequel.

Dragon Ball FighterZ is the perfect marriage of source material enriched gameplay and original presentation. Ark System Works has created a fantastic experience that a wide audience of players and passionate fans are sure to enjoy.

Stardew Valley has been the most rich and heartwarming experience I’ve had in a game in years.

Song of the Deep is also a great game. Its spunky protagonist had me rooting for her until the heartwarming conclusion, and I didn’t want to leave the game’s enthralling world. It’s one of the most original titles of this year, and certainly one of the most fully realized.

Super Mario Maker delivers everything you could want from it’s endearingly simple concept and it’s likely a gift that will keep on giving for years to come.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is still a wicked game no matter what version you choose. This updated version is sure to be enough to please perfectionists and looks incredible. Here is hoping we get more Tony Hawk games for years to come. Wonderful job again Vicarious Visions.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a culmination of every small step Nintendo’s made with the series resulting in one of the most satisfying games I’ve ever played.

Stormblood helps Final Fantasy XIV soar to new heights in storytelling, visuals, and gameplay, inching one of the best MMORPGs ever created even closer to perfection.

Total War: Warhammer 2 is a fantastic love letter to both Warhammer fans and strategy game players alike.

VA-11 HALL-A demonstrates its ability to create a unique world filled with diverse characters without even setting foot outside of a rundown dive bar.

Vicarious Visions have restored two childhood favorite games with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater to near perfection and proven once again, rollerbladers drool, skateboards rule.

Neva is a sublime experience, using a deceptively minimalist approach to tell one of the most heartfelt stories of the generation.

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a fantastic reexamination of one of the best horror games ever made and is an awesome adventure for newcomers and series veterans alike.

Mortal Kombat 11 isn’t just a fantastic entry into this long running franchise, it’s a stunning example of how much value and content developers can pack into the fighting game genre.

The story, music and level design in I Expect You To Die 3: A Cog In The Machine is top of its class and I cant wait to see what else Schell Games brings to us.

Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest is another feather in the cap of Nintendo and is another top-notch title on the 3DS. It lives up to its franchises reputation and even if you don’t want to spend the extra money to unlock the entire experience, the individual game without the DLC is worth it.

Fight’N Rage easily deserves a spot alongside Streets of Rage, Double Dragon, and Final Fight, offering extremely satisfying action, sharp foes, deep movesets, solid music, and delightful punches.

It’s originality and charm make it stand out from the rest of the XBLA marketplace’s indie titles.

One of the best JRPGs released in ages, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is as charming as it is intricate, full of expressive characters and addictive gameplay systems that mesh together in perfect harmony.

Astral Chain is a fantastic character action game that reimagines the subgenre at its core with a completely original and immensely satisfying combat system.

Far Cry Primal is a fantastic standalone title that also has enough historical research meat to keep history nerds happy.

Fae Farm is by far my favourite all-around simulator to date. With its cute style, creative creatures and special attention to what players want from their sim games, Phoenix Labs has delivered an outstanding title.

Arkham Knight is quite simply the Batman game that anyone who obsesses over the caped crusader always dreamed would exist.

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a beautiful, wonderful, joyful game with loads of content that any Switch owner should pick up immediately. One of the very best puzzle games ever made.

Age of Mythology: Retold is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation that fans and newcomers will both cherish.

Vampire Survivor’s loving tribute, Ode to Castlevania, has come around full circle (of the moon) for an incredible add on that increases the fun of the main game ten fold.

Everything that was great about The Talos Principle has been made new again with The Talos Principle: Reawakened. A brand-new DLC called In The Beginning and full remastering of the game and its other DLC lets players relive all of their favourite puzzles with stunning graphical upgrades to boot.

Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance eclipses its predecessor in every way, making it one of the best turn-based JPRGs of the year.

If you're looking for an adorable game with tight platforming, a unique lighting mechanic, fantastic graphics and level design then Candleman if for you.

Fear the Spotlight delivers an incredibly impactful and unsettling story that will linger in my memory long after the credits roll.

With its sharp presentation, REPLACED will have you grappling with emotions, and it was well worth the wait.

Team Sonic Racing refines and advances the genre in creative ways that make it a must play for both kart racing and Sonic fans alike, which is easy to do thanks to its budget price.

Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter is a stunning remake that staunchly secures the series’ leading place in modern RPGs.

How Nintendo somehow keeps their lil’ platforming plumbing mascot relevant and exciting decades later is a mystery, but there’s no denying the company has delivered another Mario masterpiece for The Switch.

Pentiment is a vibrant adventure that fully embraces its time period, artistic style, and sense of mystery. It’s methodical pacing and focus on dialogue won’t appeal to everyone, but Pentiment knows what it wants to be and does it exceptionally well.

Afterbirth is basically a love letter to the base game, introducing items and mechanics that perfectly entwine themselves with the main game to improve and compliment the already unforgettable experience that is The Binding of Isaac. If you liked Rebirth, you’d be doing yourself a major disservice by not treating yourself to Afterbirth.

Hi-Fi RUSH is a highly enjoyable action-adventure fuses the solid, hack n’ slash combat of Devil May Cry with enthralling rhythm-based mechanics, while also blurring the lines between anime and Saturday Morning Cartoons to deliver a larger-than-life protagonist whose story is just as much fun to watch as he is to play.

Esoteric Ebb brings an enthralling mystery to the forefront of Indie Gaming, a must-play.

Ghost of Tsushima is an excellent homage to classic samurai films and a darn good game to boot. It is truly a master class in presentation and has fun, engaging gameplay throughout.

Thimbleweed Park is an excellent experience made by masters of their craft. Every speck of it drips with quality and care.

With vivid environments and incredible acting, God of War Ragnarök is the sequel that we have been waiting for.

Monster Hunter World is one of the best games of the year, and it shines brightly on the PC.

Owlboy is a phenomenal adventure that succeeds in telling a captivating story with interesting characters and enjoyable gameplay.

NieR:Automata: The End of YoRHa Edition is an outstanding port of a must-play action-RPG, and should serve as the gold standard of Switch ports from now on.

Opus: Prism Peak is a remarkable narrative experience with a clear love of the art of photography and a genuine message to impart.

As challenging as it is rewarding, Severed is a reason to dust of your PS Vita and get slashing.

It’s still a FromSoft game, and it feels like one, from the familiar fonts and dialogue to fast-travel options and epic boss fights, but it’s both fresh and familiar, and still as challenging and mysterious as its predecessors.

It may be neither the numbers-haven that Path of Exile is, nor the speedrun-viable shooter than the new DOOM is, but Shadow Warrior 2 strikes an excellent balance between the two; there’s loads of ways to customize your play style and oodles of loot to keep you entertained, but there’s a really robust shooter underneath—something I feel it does much better than Borderlands, if I’m honest.

Despite a few minor flaws, and an avalanche of controversy, Pokémon Sword and Shield prove themselves to be excellent games, and stellar new Pokémon adventures.

Curse of the Vampire Counts is a welcome excuse to jump back into Total War: Warhammer II, as Creative Assembly continues to impress with their newest faction.

With two comparable games from veteran action platformer developers, this dual pack is worth picking up even at full price.

SpeedRunners is a perfect party game, with a deep competitive scene.

Not only is it a great game to be able to sink a few rounds of practice into while commuting or during a lunch break, as an adult with a job, a big part of the problem I had with the original was getting people to actually play it couch-multiplayer style.

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection collects seven arcade-accurate ROMs in one comprehensive collection.

Hideo Kojima's PlayStation 4 title Death Stranding has landed on PC, bringing with it a new standard of console ports.

Telling Lies is a game defined by the individual’s own terms and parameters, rewarding the wide spectrum of curiosity of anyone willing to put the time and thought into its mysteries.

If on pitch action is what you value over everything else, then you can’t go wrong with PES 2017.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake completes the Erdrick trilogy, bringing with it the definitive way to experience the birth of JRPGs.

Incredible stories, stellar gameplay and updated audio and visuals make playing the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection the most logical decision.

Super Mario Maker 3DS hits home and aside from a couple mild issues, it’s a dream come true for Nintendo nuts.

Persona 5 Royal takes an already stellar game and reinvigorates it with content that is sure to please both fans of the original and those playing the game for the first time.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection takes two already great action-adventure games (A Thief's End + The Lost Legacy) and brings them to PC with a satisfying suite of visual and control tweaks to maximise the fun.

I can't recommend Heroes of the Storm's friendly approach enough.

Lisa: Definitive Edition is an amazing RPG, that melds the cute and oddness of Earthbound but interjects incredible mature themes. It may even be too dark for some.

Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia experiments with the series’ formula to great effect, creating a compelling, epic setting that is refreshing to play for series’ newcomers and veterans alike.

The hand of [Her Story’s] developer never intrudes far enough to spoil the basic thrill of solving a narrative puzzle completely on one’s own.

Almost a decade later, Super Meat Boy still offers an excellent difficulty curve, sharp level design, and heartless, brutal platforming.