F1 2020 feels really rewarding with its fast-paced and realistic racing with plausible on-track happenings and mishaps, making the game all the more intense than any version before it. Playing the race weekend with all its goodies is almost hypnotic as you drive laps over and over again, searching for those optimal driving lines and set-ups. After the race, you’ll find yourself soaked in sweat as you have been so intensely focused on driving. F1 2020 is a perfect remedy for not getting to see the whole F1 season this year.

I found its story to be genuinely engrossing as it involves much more than eliminating street gangs and taking out the leader of an international crime syndicate. Saints Row IV is a long game as well, taking me close to fourteen hours to finish (and I still had a large number of side quests and Diversions to complete).

I am a huge fan of open-ended action games, and this one just really did the business for me. There is still just so much action in the game and the storyline is so interesting that it's hard not to just sit back and say wow, this is a fun game.

Dragon Quest Builders 2 is the definitive edition of Square Enix’s crafting RPG. Not only does it fix issues from the original, but it also expands upon its predecessor with a larger scale and more content. On the other end of the spectrum, the sequel doesn’t drastically change the formula. Quality-of-life improvements make it easier to customize your structures and engage with the campaign, but it’s more of the same. If the original offering was enough for you or you didn’t like it in the first place, this game won’t change your mind. But if your goal is to enjoy the best version of an immersive and charming crafting RPG experience, then Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a great place to start building.

This is not the second coming, and despite the trumpets blowing, they herald not that which would save us from the rest of First Person Shooter-dom. We find instead, quite simply, a damn fine game and one hell of a good time. And for my money, that’s enough.

A simple rogue-like shoot’em up adventure with tons of replay value that manages to add so much to its original incarnation that I can say without a shadow of doubt that, yes, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth was worth remaking.

One the greatest games ever to grace a console. It's fun, simple and has a great replay value. Once you get past the 16-bit gameplay graphics, you're sure to find a lot to like about Lunar 2.

Thanks to the Switch edition’s versatility, combined with the free and exclusive Super Mario mash-up pack, this is one of the best versions I could have started out with and is an ideal purchase for fans on-the-go and newcomers alike.

Considering the Switch game’s price point is higher than the Wii U version ever was, it may not even be a cost-effective first choice if you happen to have both systems on hand and don’t mind lack of portability. All things considered, Tropical Freeze is one of the best platformers on either system, and regardless of how funky you’re willing to go, it’s worth gobbling up, especially for old-school Nintendo fans.

Anyone who played and enjoyed Dishonored will recognize that its sequel meets or exceeds what players enjoyed about the first game. Excellent level design and a convincing world are coupled with a rich suite of weapons and abilities, guaranteeing that every enemy encounter is an opportunity for creative mayhem (or cleverly avoiding it). An underwhelming story, rote voice acting, and aging graphics aren't enough to do more than tarnish what is at core a fantastic and fun experience.

This is a perfect example of a fighting game that was done right. The only thing that was really lacking in the game was more depth in the offline modes.

It's hard to hide the fact that the game has great replay value, excellent gameplay mechanics, and a very intuitive storyline.

Despite the fact that it came out last year, Pushmo was going to be on my Game of the Year list for this year. After all, I barely played it last year, and that's all the matters. Now that Crashmo is out, though, which features not only better gameplay and production values, but also a better NAME, I'm happy to place it in the position that Pushmo had been occupying in my list before-and probably in an even higher position.

Some may scoff at a Mario RPG, but this turn-based masterpiece is perfect for the increasingly popular DS, featuring solid combat and trademark Nintendo feel.

I really thought fighting games were on there way out a couple of years ago. But with games like Mortal Kombat there is now proof that life still exists in this genre. In fact Mortal Kombat provided some of the most enjoyable gaming I have had in 2011. If you're a fan of the series or looking for a new game to sink your teeth into, Mortal Kombat is definitely worth a look.

This isn’t so much a game as it is an experience and it’s something that I recommend everyone should experience. While the controls can be troublesome and there are a few gimmicky moments, this is probably one of the most emotionally powerful stories of the year.

The third iteration in the famous franchise continues to domintae the weapons-based fighting genre with the even larger cast and smoother gameplay engine.

The steps forward for NHL 12 might not be as monumental as NHL 11 was, but at the same time they didn't have to be. NHL 12 is a must purchase for hockey fans or even those who have passing interest in the sport.

NCAA Football 11 is a great game of football, it has some shortcomings, but those are overshadowed by an all around excellent football game that I found to be one of the best the series has put out on this generation of consoles.

I always thought Final Fantasy XII is way ahead of its time when it was first released. Playing the remaster version has cemented that thought. The game still feels fresh and modern even after a decade. Everything I had ever expected from a modern day JRPG is still present in Final Fantasy XII - the open-ended exploration, well-designed interconnected areas, sprawling cities with various NPCs which change as the story progresses on, and seemingly endless side-quests and optional enemies, dungeons and hidden treasures. Final Fantasy XII is nothing short of a timeless masterpiece that I cannot recommend enough.

Star Wars Pinball is a great collection of themed tables, and it manages to fit as many references from the series to please any Jedi or Sith Lord. Of course, if you’re not a fan of either Star Wars or pinball, I would first recommend Zen Studios’ other pinball tables or other Star Wars games. But if you adore the franchise, this is a fun and addictive way to re-experience the galactic fantasy world. The Force is strong with this one.

CrossCode is a superb passion project that has numerous qualities making it definitely worth playing. Even though the story didn’t work too well towards the end, it certainly left me wanting more. The strong character writing made getting to know the colorful cast highly enjoyable. The gameplay has a lot going for it and maintains a solid degree of variety without breaking consistency. CrossCode is definitely a game of the year contender for me that continues to impress.

Nintendo ports over the hugely addictive GameCube sim, and adds more features and online play to the DS. A definite addition to your DS gaming library.

While not every promising idea Tomb Raider has is pulled off successfully, it nevertheless turns in a tense and memorable ride that combines modern game design with its forebears’ adventurous spirit in some exciting ways. Some of its missteps may well come at the cost of your enjoyment, but most can’t hope to hurt the adventure in the long run. Although it never fully finds its identity, this is a game and a story worth seeing through.

I highly recommend Devil may Cry. It’s a great action game that hangs with the best the genre can offer. Combine that with its cool aesthetic and engaging characters, and you have the first can’t-miss release of 2013.

After falling in love with the delightfully quirky original, this sequel proves to be just as fun and addictive. Just don't expect it to last too long.

Dance Central 2 is by far the best Kinect game out to date. It is also one of the only games that actually make you feel like the actions you are doing are being properly scored and accounted for in the game. Whatever Harmonix is doing behind the scenes to get so much out of the Kinect other developers should take note because it truly is incredible and deserving the price of admission.

Gorgeous hand-drawn art fits perfectly the game. The colors are vibrant and the sprites are extremely expressive and detailed. However, the animation and battle effects look really stiff and rough. The worst are the spells effects, as they look more like animated stickers playing over the target than real devastating magical effects. But this is just a small nitpick and doesn’t affect the overall experience. Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark may lack polish and grace but it remarkably pulled off a rewarding gameplay loop that will keep you coming back to it for hours. Pick it up if you’d like to experience a well-made tactical RPG reminiscent of the golden age of the genre.

EA pumps up their premier boxing franchise with genuinely jaw-dropping visuals, realistic back-and-forth action and superb Xbox Live support.

Sonic Mania is a wonderful celebration of what's made Sonic so great in the past while also striving to push it forward. This isn't to say it's perfect – it has some of the problems of the previous games as well – but it's such a perfect encapsulation of old Sonic games, it's impressive. If you've ever been curious about what makes these old games special, or if you're just interested in revisiting the series you loved as a kid, this is the best way to do it. It's the old and the new wrapped together in a way that makes both shine. I hope this team goes on to do more, and eventually break themselves away from needing to remix old levels and just make their own.

Doesn't make any ground breaking moves to the RPG genre but it does give Gamecube fans an RPG to be proud of.

As the name suggest, Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty is exactly that. RuptureFarms has never looked and felt so good. Revamped visuals, new mechanics, and an immensely fun adventure revives this classic title and reminds fans why we fell in love with Oddworld in the first place.

Skate is one of those games that managed to really surprise me this year, especially in a year where there haven't been any big surprises. Skate manages to really come out with all engines firing, and manages to make a great skateboarding game.

Resident Evil VII is a great pivot from the formula and also works as a fantastic re-imagining of the original game and a perfect jump in point for newcomers. There’s a warm feeling of familiarity but it never feels gratuitous or as a result of Capcom running out of ideas. Resident Evil VII successfully kickstarts an exciting new chapter in the long running franchise and is certainly worth your attention.

The steps forward for NHL 12 might not be as monumental as NHL 11 was, but at the same time they didn't have to be. NHL 12 is a must purchase for hockey fans or even those who have passing interest in the sport.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is all about its pacing. It’s a game that will throw you into a huge action sequence and then slowly ramp back up. You don’t have to worry about endless waves of enemies. Instead you will move from one area to the next, traversing the world, hunting so you can craft and upgrade, and scouring the world for treasure and tombs. Crystal Dynamics took what worked in Tomb Raider and made it even better. Rise of the Tomb Raider is one of the best games of the year. It’s absolutely beautiful and plays as good as any game on the market today.

The beautiful setting and sensational visuals are one thing, but when you mix it in with heart-pounding races, an extensive car list, intense competitive online play, and a vast explorable world, it all translates to Horizon 2 being the cream of the crop in the genre and the best in its class.

As addictive as any card builder on the market, Monster Train absolutely nails the dopamine drip of fast-paced matches, the promise of increasing power, and enough variety in its gameplay that it will take dozens of hours before the game starts to feel repetitive. A well written story and crisper graphics would elevate the title to another level, but what is here is fantastic and endlessly entertaining.

Beat Saber comes at the end of a really important year for the PSVR, with games like Tetris Effect, Moss, and Astro Bot Rescue Mission giving renewed life to the two-year old device. These games — but especially Beat Saber — are the best evidence for VR being more than a promising but ultimately niche technology. It has mass appeal and gameplay that just about anyone can enjoy.

Steamworld Heist is a ton of fun, and developer Image and Form are doing a great job of trying new things following the surprise success of Steamworld Dig.

Players who enjoyed 2012′s XCOM: Enemy Unknown already know whether they will enjoy Enemy Within. For devotees still playing, or folks who want to pick XCOM back up after focusing on other things for a while, Enemy Within introduces compelling new ways to combat the alien invasion that are well worth the asking price.

Luigi's Mansion 3 is the perfect mix between spooky and fun gameplay, suitable for fans of any age. The mass amount of variation continuously keeps the game feeling fresh as you play. The option for co-operative play also adds another layer to the game, increasing the replayability further. From the gorgeous graphics to the fantastic music, Luigi’s Mansion 3 is nothing but an enjoyable experience. Going in as a new player to the series was also fantastic. I can definitely see why so many people love the series, and we would love to see Nintendo take it to new and refreshing places in the future, once again.

It all adds up to make this the most functional version of the game yet, itself one of the most exciting and polished MMOs around.

The moment-to-moment navigation and ghost-busting is so innately enjoyable that it often negated my complaints, though. Mostly, Dark Moon is an excellent adventure game that smartly builds upon one of Nintendo’s most unique and underutilized properties. It could have used a little more balancing and little less padding, but otherwise, this is a grand start to the Year of Luigi.

DJ Hero 2 is a nice step forward for the series, but it's not a giant leap by any stretch.

It would be legitimate to complain that Dragon Quest XI and the franchise as a whole has not evolved much, and less patient players may balk at the game’s grind-heavy, deliberate pace and missing features like save-anywhere systems, tactical positioning or even character models that don’t reflect worn armor. It’s important to note that while these design decisions are debatable, their implementation in Dragon Quest XI is deliberate, and the game’s overall polish and presentation is excellent. Taken on its own terms, the good-natured characters, interesting story, colorful visuals and exciting combat add up to a very specific, but immensely enjoyable, experience.

For the first time, Destiny feels like it’s complete. It’s not perfect, far from it in fact, and I still can’t entirely disagree when they speak of the package itself as bad. But I’ve also been unable to put it down for the past month I’ve played it.

Perhaps with time Heroes of the Storm can age into something great, for now it’s worth checking out if you want to experience a different take on a popular genre.

It gives you the tools and skills to be the sickest skateboarder you never were.

With over 30 tracks, hundreds of impressively rendered cars, and a robust and option-rich single player campaign (not to mention endless single, one-off races), Forza 7 has to represent the current apex of the racing sim. While it isn't a decisive leap forward from Forza 6, neither is it a step back. The cars just get better looking, the handling more precise, and the overall experience more comprehensive and immersive. I can't wait to try it on the Xbox One X.

NHL 08 is one of those games that manages to put everything together in one complete package, and NHL 08 is really a complete hockey package.

Persona 4 Arena is an awesome game. There is a lot here for fans of both fighting games and Persona. Though it is difficult to recommend to gamers who are not fans of the genre or the franchise, especially as the story mode can seriously drag at times. Still, this is a great game that is definitely worth a purchase.

Games like this on the Wii didn’t sell anything compared what Nintendo was able to do with Mario, and the majority of 3DS owners don’t have access to the title since it’s a N3DS exclusive. Still, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is worth buying a new system for, and this is a must-have for longtime jrpg fans.

With a flimsy price tag of $5, Heroes offers hours upon hours of enjoyment to help sate your appetite for more Resogun. The only negative thing I think I can say about the DLC is that if Resogun didn’t do anything for you before, the DLC likely won’t change your mind.

Much better than the first Injustice, Injustice 2 is both a top-tier fighting game and a real treat for fans of the DC universe, equally featuring iconic heroes and quirky second-stringers just as lovingly presented. As a brawler, the game is fun for players at any skill level. Between the campaign, Multiverse, and Multiplayer components, Injustice 2 serves up a lot of content. There are some technical hitches in the PC port that need to be addressed, but they barely diminish the overall fantastic experience.

Mini Metro is a really good game for unwinding, even with the more challenging modes and moments of high stress that pop when a poorly placed station suddenly appears. In a way, it’s a sim-without-the-sim, and a management game about managing very little. The UI is crisp and clean, the gameplay satisfying, and while the game doesn’t really do much to motivate you to keep playing aside from going “hey, beat your high score!”, it’s fun enough that you’re going to fire it up to try and make a longer lasting and more efficient metro line anyways.

Cadence of Hyrule is a miracle project, birthed from an indie developer given the keys to Hyrule Castle and surpassing everyone’s expectations. Brace Yourself Games has managed to compose its own worthy Zelda adventure, incorporating its own rhythmic roguelike gameplay with fantastic remixes. The end result is a unique musical experience that’s hard to put down. Needless to say, the game may not be as inviting to those unversed with The Legend of Zelda. But for big fans seeking a new tempo, Cadence of Hyrule hits all the right beats, and I look forward to an encore.

Although not a perfect package, Splinter Cell Conviction is a great game that offers a great single player experience as well as a solid cooperative game that all combines into another must have action game.

It’s a game that constantly entices you to see what the next puzzle or story bit has to offer. In that regard, it rarely disappoints, and the experience stays with you long after you finish it.

This game managed to be everything I had hoped it would be and then some, with all the wonderful attention to little details and customization options. Fans of the genre wont want to miss this one.

There is no doubt that even with this game's shortcomings, PGR4 is still a fantastic racing game that just came up a bit short from the high bar that has been set for this franchise.

It definitely overstays its welcome, and it's far from the best in the series, it's been so long since there was a Metroid game that it's nice to see it back here on the 3DS. I feel like they've built strong mechanics, which can hopefully serve a more varied and interesting quest in a future entry to the series, maybe one that DOESN'T involve doing the same fights over and over the entire game. Samus Returns is definitely a step up from the original Metroid 2, but it is unable to touch the heights of both the series and the genre.

Dragon Quest VIII is a fun RPG that will attract fans looking for that traditional experience. The game is on the lengthy side. The main story took me roughly 60 hours, and that number doesn’t include sidequest completion or the new postgame content. Either way, the game’s rich story and polished traditional battle system will keep RPG enthusiasts engaged throughout. This is one of the most accessible Dragon Quest titles, offering an epic story with fully-voiced cutscenes and likable characters. While the graphics and music may not be the most ideal, Square Enix makes up for it by removing random battles and improving quality-of-life. New characters, cutscenes, and sidequests may even entice veterans to journey on a second time. With all of its upgrades and additions, the 3DS port of Dragon Quest VIII is the definitive version of this classic RPG.

NHL 08 is by far one of the more impressive NHL titles in the past few years.

In the end, for anyone with any love for classic Japanese role playing games, Studio Ghibli movies, or just want a charming adventure in a wonderful colourful world, Ni No Kuni will see right by you.

Followers and fans of the Wasteland franchise will certainly see this third installment as the culmination of the series so far. It’s bigger, better and more varied than earlier entries but with all that ambition comes some inevitable technical issues and bugs. For those gamers without endless time and patience, there’s perhaps a feeling that they’ve seen what the game has to offer long before 50 or 60 hours. It’s a bit messy and could be leaner, but Wasteland 3 is often highly engaging with entertaining and varied combat and a world that rewards exploration.

Madden 09 is a great sports game with its only major flaw being one of many sports games, and that is that it didn’t change drastically from the previous year.

Although Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock for the Xbox 360 is a great game, it didn't improve necessarily on every aspect of the game, but it did enough to make the multiplayer and online content worthwhile.

Lush visuals, solid gameplay and tight controls makes this one of PSP's best thus far.

Despite some minor hiccups, Inquisition is absolutely the realest of deals, and should be missed at your own peril.

MLB 08: The Show is the best baseball game on the market this year, hands down.

The sequel to Unreal comes up tops with solid gameplay, beautiful visuals and super-addictive online play.

For fans of heady science-fiction or winding mysteries, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is nothing short of a staggering achievement.

We are finally beginning to see innovation within sports video games and Fight Night Champion truly is step forward not only for boxing but sports video games in general. It not only proves that stories can be an integral part of a sports video game but can be one of it's best. Fight Night Champion is the best boxing game out and in the conversation of best sports game of this generation.

There’s no denying that The Outer Worlds bears the imprint of earlier Obsidian games and a number of other timeless RPGs as well, but those influences do little to diminish the accomplishment of some amazing worldbuilding, entertaining storytelling and brilliantly realized characters. The Outer World tackles some serious subjects but never feels weighted down by them and it’s a fully realized example of an RPG that allows for an immense amount of player agency while keeping its larger narrative on track.

Dawn of War II is an easy recommendation for me to make it is one of the best PC games in recent year.

Even if you already bought the last-gen edition, the stunning visuals and accompanying glimpse into where this series is headed are worth the upgrade.

Still, as rich in content as Black Ops 4 might be, it does exclude a segment of shooter fans that have no interest in multiplayer or competitive gaming, or don’t have a community of gaming friends to play with. Solo players can have a lot of fun with Black Ops 4, though ranking up in multiplayer can be a bit of a frustrating slog through hours of humiliation at the hands of experienced series veterans. The new Blackout mode is probably the best point of entry and promises to be an entertaining game of choice for months to come.

There is a serious amount of content and creative potential in Realm of Magic and it’s further proof that while The Sims 5 might be in some shadowy state of development, there is still ample fun to be had with The Sims 4. Fans of Harry Potter will rejoice that the Sims can now explore the nexus of magic and everyday life and longtime players now have even more stuff to keep them in the game.

Madden has slowed down a bit in Madden NFL 10, but in terms of performance it has ramped up to a new high.

Although its grim presentation and hearty challenge won't be for everybody, Hotline Miami is a rare game that articulates its own design thesis not only thoroughly, but with palpable enthusiasm. Underneath its moody graphics, stellar sound design and masterfully tuned combat is a strong feeling that this game's creators love making video games.

There are some minor issues with this game, but if your a Guitar Hero fan ready to make the transition to the entire band experience Guitar Hero: World Tour is a fantastic option and definitely worth a look.

THQ's flagship motorcycle racer is back, with even more ultra-realistic racing action, challenging AI and extremely fast tracks.

The fourth incarnation of Tecmo's supreme fighter is another hit on the 360, showcasing jaw-dropping visuals and its trademark solid gameplay.

The style is superb, and the gameplay flows right along with it to make Pure one of the few “must have” racing games in recent time.

If you enjoyed the first, or are interested in getting into the series, then I would highly recommend checking this game out. Plus you can’t beat the $20 price point, that is some serious bang for your buck.

Without repeating myself and filling up pages and pages on what this game is and how it accomplishes what it set out to do, let me wrap up by saying regardless of this being a PlayStation 5 launch title, it is a phenomenal game. I’m not all that steeped into the Spider-Man lore but when I finished this game I turned to my spouse and said, “I don’t want another Spider-Man game, I want Spider-Man 2 to be a Miles Morales adventure.” This character, this world, is what I’m here for and I hope to be swinging as Miles again soon because this first entry is something truly special.

I really thought the developers did a great job of making a very easy yet complex combat system that allowed gamers to really let it loose and have fun.

Forza Horizon is not simply a great racing game; it’s a great game in general. From the handling to the visuals and sound, from the tweaking to the reward system, Horizon has everything it needs to be an enjoyable time. It may lack the challenge and depth that fans of the core Forza series know and love but if you’ve admired the Forza Motorsport games from a distance (like me) then do yourself a favor and play this amazing game.

Shadow Hearts is not a short game by any means, as it will take normal gamers anywhere from thirty to forty hours to complete.

Hands down Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow is one of the best games to ever grace a PSP.

Assassin's Creed III is a huge game. After four games and hundreds of years of history, players will step into an adventure that attempts to bring all the loose ends to a close. While it's a shame that the content tends to get in the way of the bigger picture I find it to be a worthy entry in a storied franchise.

For all the ire thrown in its direction on forums, consider this rebuttal: Dark Souls has never looked better, ran smoother, or had more to offer than it does on PC. And for one of the best games of this generation, that's no mean feat.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series like me, or a curious newcomer, you owe it to yourself to buy this game if you have a 3DS.

Nevertheless, The Ringed City is one of the single best slices of Dark Souls that FromSoftware has ever presented, and for every element that could have stood to be left well-alone, there is a series highlight to be found. The Ringed City is simultaneously Dark Souls at its best and its most tired. The series may or may not be coming to an end, but this final piece of content, due just as much to its faults as its successes, feels conclusive regardless of what happens to the franchise in the immediate future. It is fitting, then, that the impending hiatus feels earned.

Cursed Castilla EX embraces in the arcade games that inspired it, simultaneously differentiating itself as a modern, more forgiving take on the old-school quarter-munchers. The only major drawback is how getting the true ending forces you to locate obscurely hidden items, often giving you only one chance to obtain each one. Otherwise, it’s a short platformer that delivers solid level design and delightfully entertaining projectile-throwing gameplay.

Some building games are fun but ultimately feel aimless. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a solid building game at the heart of a lengthy and well-written RPG, so that the building is always in the service of something, no matter how whimsical or weird. Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a fun and satisfying experience on many levels and the PC version is almost certainly the ultimate way to enjoy it, but like the console versions, it requires time and a commitment to the long game.

The fighting is fast and entertaining, the visual style is bright and well detailed, and the roster doesn't leave any major gaps. All in all if you're a fan of the series this is a worthy addition and one you should pick up.