Bayonetta was the queen of action games when she arrived in 2010, thanks to a vivid debut that set a new benchmark for the genre back then. Fast forward a couple of years later, and the game is as stylish and relevant 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.

Overall, I’m a little disappointed with Luigi’s Mansion 3 - though that's largely down to my own expectations. It’s an undoubtedly good game that’s competently made. It oozes charm and is filled with clever puzzles and fun boss fights. It’s just that all the bits between those start to become tedious before the game’s end.

FFXIV: A Realm Reborn is truly a new and improved MMORPG. It takes all the best features from MMOs and Final Fantasy games and combines them in this fantastic package. The PS4 is its ideal platform - this is the Final Fantasy game that I've been waiting for.

It’s also one of the few 3DS games that I couldn’t imagine playing with the 3D off, as the extra depth really immerses you in Luigi’s Mansion’s world. It does take some getting used to though; the lack of a second analogue makes controlling Luigi a little troublesome until you get used to it, and the lack of Circle Pad Pro support is unforgivable.

Dragon Quest 11 falters in the pacing of its story and features an unimpressive OST but at the end of the day, this game is like getting together with an old friend and hanging out on a cool summer’s day; it’s familiar and oh so comforting.

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.

Heroes of the Storm is the perfect place for newcomers to experience the MOBA genre. It’s simple and easy to get into. It shouldn’t be dismissed by veterans either. There is a layer of complexity that even the most hardcore of MOBA gamers can appreciate.

Returnal is an unrelenting and unforgiving challenge for the ages, but it still captures the magic of what makes Housemarque so special. It has a weirdly unique style and substance, every level is an unpredictable white-knuckle ride and it fully commits to its rogue-like influences. The end result isn’t just a showcase title for what the PS5 is capable of, it’s a thrilling mix of arcade bullet-hell gaming with precision thrill power.

Forza Motorsport 7 is the exhilarating, technical racer you expect it to be when you’ve finally put rubber on the track. But outside of that it’s a mess of randomised loot boxes, microtransaction structures, tepid progression and watered down multiplayer support. A real bump in the road for this illustrious racing franchise.

If you’re a die-hard football fan but also a lover of the behind the scene workings of football, this is a game that will give you all of that to your heart's content. For the rest of us football fans, I’d suggest sticking to the latest iteration of FIFA.

Cyberpunk 2077 tells a compelling story with an excellent assortment of characters but fails to deliver on the promises of a living, breathing open-world. All of these faults are amplified by a messy user interface, unengaging combat, and shoddy performance across multiple platforms.

It’s one of the best JRPGs in a generation, capable of inspiring wonder - and it fits in your hand. It may have been one of the Wii’s swansongs but it’s a great start for the New 3DS.

Picking up the ball that Fire Emblem: Awakening passed to it, Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright is a second chance at jumping into an iconic franchise for the first time and getting lost in the magic of love on the battlefield.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD offers a sharper, more visually appealing version of a game that has already earned its merits in design. One that sometimes doesn’t hit the highest notes the series is capable of, but one that equally manages to keep you engaged in a more though provoking, mature Zelda tale. Whether returning or venturing forth for the first time, it shouldn’t be missed.

Injustice 2 is already a fantastic game, and arguably the best entry in the fighting game genre for 2017. And now thanks to a surprisingly magnificent port, devoid of the headline-grabbing issues that plagued ports of previous NetherRealm Studios games, PC gamers can get to experience all that DC Comics fisticuffs brilliance for themselves in an even shinier package.

The biggest issue I have with this game is that it feels like I’m playing Monster Hunter 4.5 most of the time, and while most of the new features and additions help in alleviating the overwhelming sense of familiarity, Generations never truly goes beyond the precedent set by 4 Ultimate. That said, playing what feels like an updated and upgraded version of 4 is not really a bad thing because that game is just so damn good.

Risk of Rain 2 is an exceptional example of how to combine the rogue-like genre with shooter mechanics. Deep, satisfying and just so addictive, it’s taking every cell in my body to prevent me from taking a week off from work just to play more of it.

As it stands, Dragon Quest 8 on 3DS is the best version of this game right now with fantastic new content and improvements. If you’ve never played it before, and you like RPGs then you owe it to yourself to give this one a go.

It has been a long time since I finished a game and felt goosebumps and had to wipe away a singular tear that escaped before I noticed.

Old at heart but young in spirit, The Outer Worlds is a vibrant and stunning new chapter from Obsidian that doubles down on what the studio does best and throws in some surprisingly fun gameplay on top of that.

With everything you could want in a JRPG, Bravely Default is a must play for fans of the genre.

DOOM is unrepentantly old school. It’s gore porn to the max, a ballet of bullets and blood that I can’t get enough of. Satisfyingly brutal, solid and most importantly, fun.

Although buggy at times, the overall design and experience of the game is immensely satisfying and entertaining. At $15 for the base game and $20 for the Complete Edition on Steam, it may be a bit expensive, but there is plenty of value for money. A must play for any ARPG fan.

Bloodshed’s End concludes the Nioh saga on a high note with amazing bosses and a new challenging mode. Not to mention it has some truly nostalgic throwbacks to Ninja Gaiden, and that alone, makes it a worthwhile experience.

It’s shorter and familiar, but the first solo outing of Miles Morales in his own dedicated video game is nothing short of amazing. A follow-up to an already spectacular first game, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales improves on its core design with creative energy and attitude that sets it apart from the original. A brilliant first step on the PS5 and a final hurrah for the PS4, Marvels Spider-Man: Miles Morales is spectacular.

Control is an intriguing, fascinating experience. The third-person action, while slick and elegant, is perhaps a little pedestrian - but the completely bonkers story and the rewarding sense of exploration and discovery help cement Control as one of Remedy's best games.

More than just a faithful adaptation of a cult TV series. It's a benchmark for translating a favourite property into a video game format, something that other licensed properties could learn from. And it's also the funniest game on the market.