So that’s it! you'll get 4 great maps and while I definitely have my preference I can honestly say I’m never disappointed with which map is picked in the rotation. They are all good in their own way, just like the kid at school who licked the chalkboard when no one was looking.

As a metaphor for the ties that bind a family together, Yarny and Unravel are exceptional; beautiful, and invoking a quiet contemplation, It's just hard not to wish it was a better game.

It's the exact same game that you've been playing for years on end now, dressed up in the mighty Marvel manner of fan service that made the films such a big success.

A great package packed with modern-day Resident Evil nostalgia. The original horror elements in the franchise stand as tall today as they did back then, but some of both game’s mechanics may annoy newcomers.

A satisfying blend of action, stealth and Russian history, undone by a frustratingly stupid difficulty spike that makes it a red menace.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a fantastic Homeworld game, and a fantastic RTS game in its own right. It’s a great middle point between the classic formula and the rather intimidating full three dimension movement of the franchise, as well as just being a damned good RTS in a time when games in the genre are an increasingly rare sight.

A brilliant adventure packed with some of the best dialogue gaming has even been medium to, Firewatch manages to engross you from the moment it begins and throughout its fittingly brief tale. Even if the journey is far more captivating than the eventual destination, Firewatch is more than worth the price of admission. Wyoming and its mysteries await.

Despite a glacial start, Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon is a more challenging take on the popular sub-franchise. It may have some flaws, but the massive and ambitious online component makes for a fine introduction to a different side of Pokemon.

Both pros and beginners will find enjoyment in Sebastien Loeb Rally Evo, though the latter will need to invest a lot of time into it before the driving becomes somewhat doable. Shoddy visuals, audio, and multiplayer hamper what is an otherwise solid rally package.

The Witness offers challenging, if somewhat repetitive puzzles in a world soaked with unique artistic style. If you like maze puzzles, have the patience of a Shaolin monk and are interested in an experience that can only be described as challenging, repetitive and yet meditative - this game is for you.

Beneath the fluff and frustrations lies a truly unique game with a wondrous world and a central mechanic that can often cause moments of pure exhilaration. It's a fun, but deeply flawed experience.

Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is a game that should have everything going for it with its great visuals and setting, established world and an interesting protagonist. Instead we're left with an average game with a bland narration that's frustrating to control and play. It's truly such a shame.

It’s a middle of the road RPG in a sense, because it skimps out on some of the deeper mechanics that the genre is known for while double dipping on others. In a sense it’s the best type of RPG for a mobile device such as the 3DS then – offering bite sized worlds to have fun in for a short time and a combat system that links up with this design perfectly. But it’s deep and long enough to be considered a wholesome adventure, and one that never loses its way in terms of writing, challenge or intrigue along the way.

The second expansion pack for the Sims 4 certainly delivers the goods. There’s lots to be done, a bunch of new goodies to interact with, new areas to explore, and interesting clubs just waiting to be created.

Packed with fan service, beautifully rendered and more challenging than you'd imagine. Star Wars pinball fans are going to feel a stirring of the Force in their pockets with these Resistance and First Order tables.

Though there are some annoyances, Tetris Ultimate preserves the core gameplay that has kept people hooked for three decades. Unfortunately, it does very little to differentiate itself from the norm.

Fast Racing NEO wears its F-Zero inspiration on its sleeve, and manages to fill the void left by that series conspicuous absence. As its name suggests its fast, but it's also clever, beautifully designed, challenging, and above all, fun.

The change in tone set by the last episode continues, and for a while is darker and sombre than a children’s game should be. And, by the end of it, it feels like the story’s come to a close, though there’s still another episode left.

On its own, the Freeze episode isn’t much longer than any of the preceding Arkham Knight episodes that built up the DLC content for most of Arkham Knight, but it’s massively satisfying to see Batman’s cold-hearted cryogenics expert get some much-needed closure – as well as see Batman: Arkham Knight wrap up on at least one post-launch high note.

The second chapter of King's Quest is still as charming as it’s ever been, the writing is sublime, the art-style is still magnificent and its orchestral soundtrack is wonderful - but it's hard not to feel a bit disappointed given the lengthy wait.

Once you get used to all the mechanics, you’ll find yourself, and even though it can get really frustrating at times, Xenoblade Chronicles X remains engrossing even after dozens of hours of play. I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m really feeling it!

Fat Princess Adventures dispenses with the strategy of the first game, instead focusing on hacking and slashing. If you're looking for a light-hearted, casual Diablo-styled romp that's perfect for the whole family, Fat Princess Adventures is worth gobbling up.

When it all comes together, Rainbow Six Siege offers some of the best multiplayer action you'll experience this generation, but the anaemic content and lack of a cohesive single player campaign mar what should be one of this year's best shooters.

It was rather refreshing returning to Guild Wars 2 after an extended absence. With mountains of fresh and exiting content, Guild Wars 2 Heart of Thorns is most definitely worth it if you’re a fan of the franchise. The new map is beautiful to behold, and there is friendship around every corner.

Just Cause 3 is genuinely fun most of the time, but it’s the periods where its not that hurt it most. Add to that some mystifying design decisions around progression and upgrades, and you’ve got a game that attempts to go bigger than its predecessors while forgetting some of the elements that made them so good in the first pace. A fun, albeit flawed game.

It’s quite possibly the most authentic Star Wars shooter ever made thanks to some amazing visual production values, but with shallow action and very little ambition to do more than necessary. Just like the films.

While the franchise still needs to overcome some inherent flaws, Assassin's Creed Syndicate feels refreshingly different and a joy to play. With believable characters and fluid gameplay that feels trimmed of its excess fat, it is the best Assassin's Creed game to come out in years.

Though it doesn't have the emotional weight of The Walking Dead or the witty humour of Tales from the Borderlands, Minecraft: Story Mode's best episode yet shows the series fulfill its promise.

Fallout 4 carries over a number of problems from the past, and some of the more streamlined changes end up hampering the experience - but despite all of that, it’s a fantastic game that delivers one of the most compelling and addictive worlds this year.

Its mere existence proves that the RTS genre, despite the flood of MOBAs in recent years, is very much alive and well. It’s clear that Blizzard have poured every resource at their disposal into making the definitive StarCraft II experience. The result is something truly special. Legacy of the Void should not be missed.

A tennis game that lacks motion controls, signature Mario silliness or even the effort for unique cut scenes, the only thing Mario Tennis Ultra Smash has going for it is that it's functional and vaguely entertaining for short periods of time.

If you can look past the terrible controls, barely optimised visuals, useless trick system and erratic frame-rate issues then MX vs. ATV Supercross Encore might appeal to you.

Not the best of reboots, but certainly not the worst, the latest Need For Speed plays it safe with a reborn franchise that is focused on finding the lust for momentum that it had lost in previous installments. A solid start, even if it doesn't finish ahead of the pack.

Crystal Dynamics have effortlessly done the impossible with Rise of the Tomb Raider, crafting a sequel that is superior to their reboot in every single way possible. It’s a bigger, more expansive experience that has a captivating narrative, engrossing gameplay loops and an absolutely stunning presentation. Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the best action games ever crafted, and a generational leap forward as the series looks towards the horizon. Lara Croft is in good hands.

In the end it is still Call of Duty and if you aren’t a fan of the run and gun mechanic then you are probably not going to be a big fan. However if you’ve ever enjoyed any Call of Duty game since World at War you are going to love this. Easily the best multiplayer I’ve experienced in years along with a strikingly unique single player campaign plus a bucket load of extras and a massive community to enjoy it with. You can’t go wrong picking it up this year.

Cut from the same cloth as Limbo, Nikola Kostic's puzzle platformer Albert and Otto exudes a strange, otherwordly charm. It's equally fantastic and frustrating, with the experience hampered by it being not quite as polished as it should be.

Less zip and more of a lashing, Chibi-Robo: Zip Lash has all the basics it needs to be an enjoyable platformer but trips over itself with some baffling design choices and an un-inspired candy center.

A solid city-building and economic management game, one that provides an addictive experience. As the end game draws on however, some players may experience fatigue and move on. Fans however, will find a sim that will eat up dozens of hours of their time, especially if they are out to establish a perfectly balanced economy.

A bigger roster, more finely-tuned gameplay mechanics and a more versatile creation system help make WWE 2K16 the current-gen superstar that it wants to be, even if some inconsistent ideas and bugs do hold it back from time to time.

It's hard to deny that it is a fun thing to play with family and friends – even if the formula is in dire need of a shake-up. Its focus on having fun over meticulously learning dance steps makes its a great game for all ages, though it's “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it" approaches wearing a bit thin.

Broforce is, simply put, a love letter to every action movie ever made. Free Lives have taken the heroes we’ve all seen on the silver screen, thrown them into a 2D pixel environment, and created an insanely addictive, if not a little-too-difficult action game that can be enjoyed alone, or with friends. If you’ve ever enjoyed the likes of Contra, or even Metal Slug, you really shouldn’t miss out on this game.

The second episode of Minecraft Story mode isn't near as charming as the first. Thought it features some genuine character development, its poorer writing and direction leave it feeling flat.

While the franchise still needs to overcome some inherent flaws, Assassin's Creed Syndicate feels refreshingly different and a joy to play. With believable characters and fluid gameplay that feels trimmed of its excess fat, it is the best Assassin's Creed game to come out in years.

The story presented in this first chapter isn’t the most engaging, but the writing, coupled with the detail makes it all come together. As is usual though, I find it hard to recommend until all of its episodes are released and we can judge it as a whole - but this first episode is indeed promising, laying the groundwork for what should be a grand adventure.

A short, disappointing tale makes nearly no progress in 343’s trilogy, and offers nothing that lives up to the billing of a tense showdown between Halo 5’s two protagonists. Thankfully the improved gameplay and consistently great multiplayer shine in Halo's uneven debut on the Xbox One. The multiplayer is fantastic, and the co-op is magical. Bring friends.

Pulse is a great idea, translating the isolation of being blind into a funky adventure of discovery. It's just not much more than that really, as the concept can be short-sighted in the long run.

Played alone it can be a chore, but with a group of friends or like-minded people, Tri Force heroes is inventive and fun; wonderfully distilled co-operative take on the Legend of Zelda.

Guitar Hero Live provides a whole new experience to veterans, yet manages to be accessible enough for those who are only just starting their digital rock careers. It’s a solid title,though the streaming service GHTV could use some tweaking to make the game an absolute must-have.

Overall, Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water is a superb return for the series, and while it will undoubtedly frustrate most players with its archaic and downright atrocious control scheme, it makes up for its shortcomings with a fun and intuitive combat system, a scary and obscure story and stunning sound and art direction

It’s more of the same, then – but when you’re getting more of one of the year’s best games, that’s not something to complain about.

Short and sweet, Transformers: Devastation wears its nostalgia proudly and has plenty of charm packed into those few hours of high-energy action. But it might be worth a wait to scope it out when it goes on sale, instead of paying full price.

Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer looks and sounds like the game that fans were expecting; unfortunately it lacks the depth and addictiveness to keep you interested. Even with its cast of adorable characters and excellent soundtrack, the gameplay becomes stale really fast and you’ll find yourself grasping at what little the game has to offer in order to find something to hold your attention.

A wonderfully remastered trip into Nathan Drake’s past rekindles some of the joy the franchise has brought to its thousands of fans, but also makes some of its more glaring shortcomings far more noticeable. Still, the best Uncharted Collection you could’ve hoped for is finally here.

EA Sports have taken a fantastic game and tweaked it to make it just that little bit better. The passing mechanic feels slightly worse but in the end that is also forcing players to utilise the entire range of passing abilities so it is possible that this is by design. FIFA 16 is the best FIFA to date.

PES 2016 trades authenticity for fun in most facets of its design, but it’s a decision that ultimately pays off. What you’ll get is a fast, tightly-designed football experience that isn’t matched yet anywhere else. EA needs to start taking some notes.

While still definitely a family-oriented franchise, Skylanders: Superchargers is also a whole of fun for adults. Vehicular gameplay adds a whole new aspect to the gameplay, although it also makes the pull to buy ever more toys feel even more necessary.

When actually playing basketball in game, or even managing how your player spends his time, NBA 2K16 is a realistic and fun experience. Unfortunately, it's broken up far too often with online issues and Spike Lee cliches.

I often get frustrated, often spit fire at other players, or the game itself for doing something as simple as moving a Palace Guard onto the village I wanted to move into, delaying me and causing me to lose any time I had to win. But I’m always happy to start the game up again and give it another go, because it’s a type of frustration that’s damned good fun.

A new coat of paint has resulted in a newer and better game, perfect for any initiate or returning Guardian. The foundations for Bungie’s latest franchise aren’t just more solid than ever, but a fun experience that is years ahead of anything else in the genre.

Forza 6 is one of the very best racing games available on any system. If you are a fan of cars and racing then this is absolutely something that you need to play.

A more civilised game for a more elegant franchise, Disney Infinity 3.0 has found its groove this year, with a an improved and flexible Toybox that'll keep the younglings busy for hours.

Nom Nom Galaxy offers some fairly interesting additions to the genre while also attempting to critique Capitalism and human excess. It can be entertaining for a while, but just doesn’t do enough to stop that ‘samey’ feeling from creeping in all too quickly.

Rugby World Cup 15 is bad, really bad. If it was being sold for peanuts it could be forgiven, maybe. But it's a full retail game, and that is shameful. The game is absolutely not worth your time and if you are a fan of Rugby then either wait until something better comes along or go buy the Rugby 15 game that was released last year and is just as terrible as this one, but at half the price.

Mad Max is like an old car with high mileage. It’s got some faults, but if you can ignore them, you can enjoy the ride.

Satellite Reign is a must-have for those of you who fondly remember the original Syndicate. For those of you looking for a real time tactical Cyberpunk title where you control four agents on the field of battle wielding all manner of awesome, then this is really worth a look.

Mashing up platforming and racing is a great premise, even if it's a stolen one. It's a pity though, that sloppy execution makes Giana Sisters: Dream Runners one of this year's worst games.

When Tearaway Unfolded is good, it is stupendous. With an excellent aesthetic and tons to offer. However, the slow points and repetitive aspects rob it of some of its charm, especially when they drag on for far too long. While an excellent kid's title, be warned that some sections might just make them cry in frustration instead of delight.

Super Mario Maker makes creating levels an easy, effortless exercise – letting true design shine through rather than hindering ideas by muddling with software. It’s just a pity that it takes too long to truly wrestle that power from Nintendo’s strict hand-holding.

Enjoyable and immersive mobile adventure with Lara Croft. The fact that I wish there were more to it is a testament to how much fun I had with it. While it's not always as challenging as I might hope, it still offers plenty of fun for puzzle fans.

Terrifying, challenging and disturbing, STASIS is a nightmarish descent into the unknown and the kind of horror game that stays with you even when the end credits have rolled.

Volume is a must play game for anyone who claims to be a fan of the stealth genre, while still being a suitable entry point for stealth game virgins. It's gentle while still posing challenges, even if gaming veterans will find ways to cheese the system. The script and voice acting take it to a whole new level of greatness.

Devil’s Third bears the scars of a game that’s had the troubled sort of development that would lead to other games being cancelled. In this case, it should have been.

With the freemium model, SMITE is worth trying out if you’re a MOBA fan with an Xbox One. There’s zero risk, a massively deep game to jump into and a surprising play-style that actually makes the genre fun, instead of a reason to daydream about drowning the people on the opposing side for rushing you.

If you are keen for a heart-pounding horror game, you could do far worse than Until Dawn, even if it doesn't fulfill its true potential.

The Phantom Pain is an unusual Metal Gear experience, one that not everybody may enjoy if they cling to systems of old. If they’re willing to adapt and accept this new way of exploring Kojima’s world however, they are going to be blown away, absolutely, and one hundred percent guaranteed. This new open world is one that is begging to be played with, in whatever way a player wishes.

Niggling issues and strange presentation decisions aside, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is a must for any fan of the franchise, and an extremely well put together remake of one of last generation’s most defining titles. Gears of War seems in safe, loving hands with The Coalition.

While Payday 2: Crimewave Edition promises to be a worthy update to a beloved last-gen title, Payday 2: Crimewave Edition is a buggy and frustrating mess. It's a real shame, because this version is packed to the brim with content, and when you can finally join a session the game play is as brilliant as ever.

Heavensward builds on the foundation of A Realm Reborn and offers a somber and intriguing story in all new environments. With an increasingly toxic community, something does need to be done to curb bad behavior before it ruins the later parts of the game. If you've already completed the base game of FFXIV, there is no doubt that you need to explore the large and enjoyable expansion.

Zombi loses a little of its charm in its transition from Wii U to other systems, but not enough to detract from it being a great survival horror game. ZombiU has managed what few games in its genre have; it's a real survival horror, with the emphasis on survival - and it's both tense and terrifying.

Airscape is the platformer of the 90s with a ton of 2015 thrown in to shake things up. It does a great job of adding enough that’s new (or downright weird) to interest platforming purists or those just looking to avoid red lasers of death a few levels at a time when they have an hour to spare here or there.

Like Journey, it’s the sort of game that works as a sort of blank slate on which to project your own feelings of loneliness, loss, unease, and perhaps even peace – but as much as I tried, I found no such emotional connection. No sorrow, no joy…just nothing.

Rare Replay is more than a collection of old games from one of the most revered developers in the world. It's a digital museum that stands as a testament to how wonderful and wondrous video games have been, and continue to be.

I think the developers are on to something really special here, and if they properly end it off in the next and final episode, Life is Strange will stand as a giant in the genre. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the finale, and what a long and gruelling wait it’s going to be.

Though not as brutally challenging as its forbears, the first chapter of The odd Gentleman’s King’s Quest is a delightfully charming, funny and beautiful game that any fan of old adventure games will love.

What had the potential to be a great piece of DLC, is instead an all-too brief episode of missed opportunities and squandered potential starring a great heroine who deserves far better.

Pulling on emotional strings throughout, Journey is every bit the masterpiece on PS4 that it was on PS3.

At it’s best, MotoGP 15 delivers a stellar core racing experience that is backed up by a strong use of the official MotoGP license. At it’s worst, it’s an average-looking racer that lacks that certain magic that makes the actual MotoGP so enjoyable.

The game really never settles on what it is or what it wants to achieve - and with a story that is often confusing (or entirely forgettable),the good bits fail to shine through.

It all feels like a bit of a missed opportunity. Had it been a compilation of all three numbered God of War titles, it’d be easy to recommend without hesitation, but as it stands now it’s only really worthwhile for God of War neophytes.

With some polish and refinement; it could be a great series. I really hope that this isn’t its final form.

It lacks the polish and scope of some of the previous LEGO games. But if you’re a fellow dinosaur nut and eager to indulge in some relaxed puzzle solving, collectible hunting or need to add something new to your Jurassic Park collection, then I’ll gladly recommend LEGO Jurassic World.

Desktop Dungeons is a great game that benefits from the mobility of tablets, although it still struggles to deliver bite-sized dungeon fun. Regardless, it's a game that should be on your tablet of choice.

Lord of Magna has all the ingredients for a fun and different strategy RPG but its inconsistent pacing, predictable battles and lacklustre customization options hold it back from being anything more than a pretty average game.

Fun puzzler, until you run out of new things to do and feel the drain of the repetition.

Farming Simulator has a long way to go if it is to be enjoyed by the typical gamer. Lack of proper tutorials, glaring AI problems, and a long grind make it nearly unbearable – at least to those who have zero interest in farming. For those who appreciate agriculture however, Farming Simulator 15 does exactly what it says on the box, and they will likely enjoy the product.

Reinvigorated and ready for the ultimate fight to save Gotham City, Rocksteady's Batman is going out with the biggest of bangs in the definitive Dark Knight game.

Yoshi's Woolly World is a challenging, cleverly designed platformer that as delightful to play as it is to look at. It's unbelievably beautiful, unrelentingly challenging, and undeniably adorable.