Grand Theft Auto V is everything you’d expect in a Rockstar product and once again, they have managed to significantly outdo themselves.

However you characterize it -- rebirth, change of direction, or coming of age -- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the most mature game in the series' long history. It is a difficult game from a combat and survival perspective, and a challenging game in the amount of information that players have been trusted to figure out for themselves. Compared to its amazingly interactive and constantly surprising world, Breath of the Wild's relatively rote story and sometimes frustrating controls add a note of disappointment to an otherwise peak gaming experience.

What it comes down to is Rockstar’s intent to build a strongly realized and true to life facsimile of the 1890s — which they’ve done extraordinary well. So well, in fact, that I can’t ever go back to the first game anymore because I'm completely spoiled by this game’s offerings. Red Dead Redemption II is video game escapism at its finest and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything else this year that comes close to matching its accomplishments.

If you held out this long to play Grand Theft Auto V, wait no longer. I wouldn’t call this a “definitive” version, but it is damn near close.

Metroid Prime's strengths are so overwhelmingly impressive that its minor faults quickly become an afterthought. It's quite simply a remarkable game, and a stunning achievement.

After a while it can get tedious, but while it lasts it is excellent to play before going out before you feel the need to go back to something like FIFA or Bust A Move.

Super Mario Odyssey is a lovely experience from beginning to end. The sheer scope of the game can be a little overwhelming and there are some bumps you’ll encounter in your journey. If you’re searching for a solid experience on the Nintendo Switch beside The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you should definitely take this odyssey with Mario.

If you hadn’t had a chance to play it yet at all though, and your computer can handle it, the PC version does definitely feel like the definitive version.

Does it have the best combat system in the world? No. Is it the best looking game out there? No. Does it have the best RPG soundtrack ever? No. Can the game make you feel like you are eight years old again? Hell yes. It certainly had that effect with me. It has been a long time since exploring, fighting, and adventuring has so consistently brought a smile to my face. Breath of the Wild is such a wonderful experience that once you play it, you will likely never look at open world games the same again.

If there is one game for the Playstation 3 this year that I would say is a "must buy" Uncharted 2 is that game, it truly is one of the best games in years and could very well be the best Playstation 3 game of 2009.

Skyrim is the game that I would highly recommend to damn near anyone. It's not too hard to figure out and it's got such an enormous amount of stuff to do that anyone would be able to see what is so special about the game.

The navigation, the combat, the dungeons, the characters, and the peril you must face as that young elf boy in green are all fantastic.

I can't express in words to do the game justice how large and well drawn out these cities are.

The missions are a lot more complex then they were in GTA3, which means you will get more into the character as well as the plot, which means even more fun.

The best game I’ve played all year. It is an extremely fun platformer with stunning graphics not to mention the most extensive level creation tool I’ve ever seen.

The whole Wild West has been a huge missed opportunity for the video game industry, until now where we finally have a game that has put the Wild West back on the map.

This game goes where no Xbox Live enabled game has gone before.

Superby detailed licensed cars, stunning visual effects, multiple modes and top draw sountrack makes this one a winner.

The Last of Us is a masterful tale of two individuals who are both authentic and flawed. It creates one of the most memorable video game experiences I have ever played and I believe its the best game to come out in the last ten years.

Perfection is redefined in Link's latest adventure, and making it easily the best game ever, bar none.

In the end, Persona 5 Royal is basically a remixed ultimate version of Persona 5, following in the footsteps of Persona 4 Golden and Persona 3 FES. Fans of the series should rest assured that it’s a worthy addition to the series and is, without a doubt, the way to play Persona 5 from here on out. Virtually everything you loved about the original game is not only in-place here, but improved upon. If you haven’t given Persona 5 a chance yet, but enjoy JRPGs… boy, do I have a game for you!

Even if you’ve played The Last of Us, owning one of the best games of the last ten years in all its 1080p glory is worth the price of admission.

The whole Wild West has been a huge missed opportunity for the video game industry, until now where we finally have a game that has put the Wild West back on the map.

God of War is the perfect trifecta of innovative gameplay, gorgeous visuals and engrossing narrative. It’s a game that grabbed me from its opening moments and had me holding my breath for almost 30 hours...This is a beautiful game and one of the most engaging experiences I’ve ever had. Unlike previous God of War entries, this is one game that I will be thinking about for many, many years to come.

Batman: Arkham City is the best superhero game available, it is a perfect example of how a license should be used in a game. It's not quite as open world as I would have liked, but it is polished to near perfection.

Mass Effect 2 is a top notch game because of its focus on refined gameplay, a great story, and its commitment to letting the player decide what happens in the end.

Even though the game is just a remake of a twelve year old title it is still the best game currently on a handheld and the only reason to own a 3DS right now.

Bioshock is an absolutely fantastic game and one of the best of this generation first on the 360, and now just as good on the PS3.

Gorgeous visuals, fantastic gameplay, and just one of the most entertaining shooters of a long time.

Bethesda fulfills the hopes of fans with this truly epic RPG, laced with genuinely jaw-dropping next-gen visuals and the customary deep and satisfying gameplay.

Bioshock Infinite is the best shooter I have played in a long time. It is an incredible achievement artistically, narratively, and technically. I can’t think of a better game to close out and define this decade-long console generation.

The hard-as-nails Ninja Gaiden is back, with improved camera system, a new mission mode and bonus game. At a budget price, you'd be crazy not let own this gem.

If you are a fan of the series, or are looking to get into fighting games, Street Fighter IV is one of the best we have seen in many, many years.

By far the best game that the series has produced.

Far from just a lazy rehash, the more user-friendly camera system and online play makes the game even more enjoyable this time around.

What impresses me so much about this game is not only that it has a tremendous amount of hype surrounding it which it does, but that it delivers even through all of that.

Metal Gear Solid 4 is essentially the best game out there on the PS3, and can easily compete with any other game on any system.

Although I have extreme reservations for the nudity incorporated by the developers, which I hope won't carry over to the sequel, God of War provides an engaging storyline, backup with by a stunning graphics engine and solid gameplay elements.

There were too many times in the game where there wasn't a whole lot of fun. And personally the combat system could have allowed you to have more control of the character without having to give up the RPG elements.

This is the new standard for open world role-playing games. There is no such thing as a perfect game, but The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt come as close to perfect as any RPG to date.

What is so amazing about Burnout 3 is not so much its excellent modes but instead its amazing gameplay.

There's no easy way to sum up The Last of Us Part II. It carries all of the flaws of modern video games but also tries to be so much more than that. It's a beautiful game, graphically and in terms of storytelling, but those qualities are coupled with a ridiculous level of violence and gore. Violence and gore that are the point and potentially overshadow the point. It's not perfect, but it's still amazing. It's the most well crafted third-person game that Naughty Dog has made so far, as well as the longest, with impeccable writing, acting, and pacing. Much like the first game and the PS3, anyone with a PS4 should seek out The Last of Us Part II. It is every bit as good as the first game, and together, the two games make Naughty Dog's most exceptional video game experience to date.

Hades is a must-play game this year and you are doing yourself a great disservice not giving it a shot. There is what seems to be an unending plethora of reasons, as highlighted so adamantly above, about why Hades will most definitely be in my top 10 games of the year list. Every aspect of Hades feels nuanced and beautifully crafted. It transforms what I initially thought was a torturous, gimmicky genre into something digestible and fun with a kick-ass narrative sprinkled on top. Hades without a doubt is one of the best games to come out this year and Supergiant Games has yet again proved that they are one of the best developers in the industry today.

Be it presentation, length, variety, or simple gameplay polish, Half-Life: Alyx is one that beats its peers cleanly. If you aren’t yet interested in virtual reality or you have not yet taken the plunge, then I would strongly recommend that you consider investing in the technology to play this game. It’s the closest thing to a killer app that VR is going to get any time soon. The format still has its shortcomings and likely always will, but with Half-Life: Alyx, it’s very close to realizing its full potential. If you think back to the first time that you visualized what VR would look like and feel like, then you probably envisioned something very similar to what Half-Life: Alyx has to offer. It’s immersive, exciting, terrifying, and exhilarating – everything that you would hope for a virtually reality game to be.

Larian studios has yet to make a bad game, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 is among their finest. As a sequel to such a beloved RPG, it gets about as much right as you can reasonably expect. The game doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to when you consider how much its predecessor already got right. It does have its issues – the frame rate could be higher and if you play the game for 50+ hours, there is a good chance that you will get a little worn out from the combat. These issues are easy to overlook though, enough to make the game a must have for fans of PC RPGs.

The sequel to arguably the best action game on the console just got better.

Super Mario 3D World is both gorgeous and about as enjoyable as a video game can be. There is an immense amount of depth that kept me coming back for more, time and time again. This is the rare type of game that I believe ten years down the road we will be coming back and playing again and again. It’s that good.

A great story, genuine humor and excellent combat, Persona 4 Golden is the complete package. There is no reason why this game shouldn't be part of your Vita's library.

Although Persona 5 deals with the everyday angst of your average, magic-wielding teenagers, it is epic in almost every conceivable way, from its combat to its sprawling and surprise-laden story. While some of its large cast of characters strike a sour note and its gameplay can challenge the impatient player, Persona 5 somehow manages the improbable feat of being both an ultimate reward to fans of the franchise and a perfect gateway to newcomers.

Mass Effect 3 is a fantastic game and an even greater achievement upon the landscape of video game that is only held back by some small gameplay issues and its own grandeur. Honestly, the worst part of the game is knowing that there will be no Mass Effect 4 to import my Shepard into. It's like saying goodbye to a friend and it is an experience that, while sort of heart aching, every single person who plays video games should have. But it's nothing without its predecessors. So do yourself a favor, start with the original Mass Effect and see this story through to the end. There is nothing else quite like it.

Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the culmination of decades of an acclaimed series that repeatedly raised the bar with every entry. The storytelling may not please everyone, especially the initiated, but this is unquestionably the best gameplay in a Metal Gear game.

To reiterate, no one takes advantage of Nintendo's hardware like they do themselves. It establishes a new direction for combat, and even justifies motion controls - something that's been a long time coming.

If there is one thing that really stands out to me about Rock Band 3 is that in a time where music games are starting to feel dated, Rock Band 3 manages to still be fresh.

It’s in a class of its own. It’s the most fun I’ve had with a video game since Super Mario World. It’s an absolute treasure that combines action and story in a beautiful concert that I never wanted to end. It’s one of the rare games that years from now I know I will remember exactly where I was when the credits rolled and I said goodbye to Nathan Drake, one of the most prolific video game characters of all time. Bravo Naughty Dog, bravo.

San Andreas is still San Andreas, and although the visuals failed to impress the gameplay is still as solid and engaging as ever.

When old and new conventions meet this flawlessly, RE2 is a true celebration of sincere video gaming, an art that sometimes is lost among Western triple-A developers and their plodding and misshapen movie wannabes where the gameplay is secondary. If only all video games could be reverted back to this, a pureblood gaming pleasure but still look as amazing as Resident Evil 2. Capcom, how about the same gorgeous treatment for Resident Evil 3 next?

Inside takes an already great formula of and improves on it in just about every way. The beautifully designed environments coupled with the cleverly crafted puzzles easily makes this the indie game to beat this year.

Playground Games continues to set the standard in the genre and Forza Horizon 4 is no different. This is open world driving at its absolute finest. The spectacular visuals and stellar roster of cars are great, but the shared world and new weather system is really what makes this one of the best open world racing games this decade.

The question is probably being asked, I own the PS2 version of Guitar Hero 2, do I need to upgrade? My answer is simply no.

With amazing graphics and groundbreaking gameplay Uncharted 3 earns its place among its predecessors and should rank highly with anyone who sits down to play it.

Bloodborne has all the flavors and trimmings From Software fans have come to savor.

No "Gran Turismo 4," but comes close to usurping the throne for the genre with jaw-dropping visuals and impressive online play.

Make some room on your hard drive and shelf, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves a permanent spot in your gaming library.

My love for the original Demon’s Souls hasn’t changed with the introduction of the remake. Like Scholar of the First Sin, the remake stands alongside the original - both can be enjoyed in their own unique ways and do different things well. Since Bluepoint largely kept the base game intact, the changes in the remake are mainly quality of life improvements and aesthetic design differences. Most gamers will find a lot to love in the new Demon’s Souls. I'm excited that more people will get to experience this wonderful game.

Through a combination of often relaxed but sometimes tense gameplay, a dreamy atmosphere, and genuine characters that feel like they’re actually alive and all living together in this isolated society of longing, Undertale transcends its medium and becomes a genuinely moving experience I would recommend to anyone who is open to a sometimes sorrowful, sometimes hilarious, always bizarre and engaging emotional journey.

Although not quite the revolution in game play or visual aesthetics that "Super Mario 64" was in its heyday, Super Mario Sunshine still stands as one of the premier platform games of this console generation.

Tactical turn-based combat is something that some won't be able to get past no matter what. As long as that isn't you, Awakening is arguably the best game you can get on the 3DS, sure to be one of the best this year, and a must-play from just about every conceivable angle.

Initially, The Swapper only managed to gain my curiosity, but as I progressed further through the game, I began to realize I was playing something special.

It successfully evokes the feel of playing a classic table-top RPG like no other game before. It encourages you to be imaginative, and rewards your curiosity with appropriate depths and details. This game is a masterpiece you shouldn’t miss.

If you’re looking for a game massive, multifaceted, and fun enough to eat your life for the next six to twelve months, you’ve found it in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Fulfill your fantasy of becoming a rock God with this blockbuster sequel. Get ready for more tracks, more bands and the awesome co-op multiplayer mode.

Journey is an amazing achievement for thatgamecompany and it shows just how far Jenova Chen's studio has come since since flOw. The game controls like a dream, is startlingly beautiful and will be one of those games people will talk about for months.

If there is any criticism to be levied at Deluxe, it is that most of the game’s content is unlocked right out of the box. While this is likely a plus for players returning from the Wii U version, it will inevitably hamper the replayability of the game for its many, many new adopters. That aside, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is undoubtedly one of the Switch’s few must buy titles. Not only does it exemplify the Switch’s capacity for multiplayer, its beautiful visuals, exhilarating races and excellent new Battle Mode make for the best Mario Kart yet. If you missed out on the chance to experience the game on the Wii U, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a no-brainer.

OOTP 17 is the best baseball simulator out there, bar none.

For any platformer fan, or fan of the previous game, LittleBigPlanet 2 is a game worth checking out.

During my time with Inside, I did not experience any technical issue. There is no bug nor horrible dip in frame rate. The port runs perfectly on the Switch in both docked and handheld modes. I think the latter mode is perfect to play Inside as a smaller screen makes the graphics more crisp and sharp. Inside has all the markings of a timeless gem. It is a fascinating experience filled to the brim with rich atmosphere, a mysterious story, an intelligent game design and stellar art direction. It is a short game that will leave a permanent imprint on your mind.

It’s hard to imagine a product as ambitious and complex as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 being technically perfect right of the gate — and it isn’t. But despite some issues, when everything is dialed in and running well, the game is visually stunning and its version of the flight experience is awe-inspiring. At its best, it is a technical and artistic marvel that fully deserves (for once) the “next gen” label.

Bayonetta 2 is a relentlessly entertaining ride from start to finish, with pacing meticulously designed to wring every last drop of adrenaline out of you before reigning things in with a quiet, humorous aside.

Although we would have liked to see some more additions to the single player, the developers made up for it with an extremely fun multiplayer experience.

Combines great stealth action with a superb storyline and excellent visuals.

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a masterpiece of design that balances tradition and subtle innovation and is very bit as entertaining on the Switch as it was on PC or PS4. It’s a generous game with relaxed yet engaging storytelling and despite some minor graphical compromises and hiccups, it’s a near-perfect fit on the Switch, absolutely worth revisiting for those who played another version, and required playing for anyone with an interest in the genre or series.

While games like Call of Duty and Battlefield make you feel like a warrior, playing Overwatch feels like joining the Avengers. Hell, that’s pretty much what Overwatch is: a loose collection of heroes with special powers in battle.

What ends up happening is that the first few versions were great, but the Wii version is what the original game wanted to be, a truly exceptional find. A must own Wii title.

Just when you thought it was safe to store that PS2 away, Sony presents an absolute gem of an action game with genuinely jaw-dropping visuals.

Forza Horizon 3 is an absolute masterpiece. You’ll be hard pressed to find an open-world racing game that is this visually stunning, sounds this phenomenal, has this much content, and most importantly; this fun to play.

There has been such precise and accurate detail placed on this game that it would be near impossible to point out any faults.

Fans of God of War are going to eat this game up. It really is the complete package just on a smaller screen.

MLB 10: The Show is a great game of baseball and is one that has the staying power to be a game you can continue playing well into the dog days of summer.

Rebuilt for a new generation, Bluepoint has created a stunning tribute to one of the best video game experiences on the PlayStation. I haven’t seen a quality remake of a game like this since Capcom’s Resident Evil REmake. And now that the visuals finally match Shadow of the Colossus’ grandeur and scope, there’s no better time to play it for the first time--or third, fourth, or fifth.

Although maybe not perfect, Killzone 2 has all the right ingredients for what turns out to be one of the best games so far in 2009.

Forza Motorsport 4 is an easy game to recommend to anyone who hasn't played Forza Motorsport 3 or to anyone who just likes racing games. However if you have played Forza 3 then you have to ask yourself, do you want to play more Forza Motorsport 3? If your answer is yes, then buy Forza 4, it is very good, it is just very similar to 3 except for a few added game modes. If you haven't played 3, then this is a game that you should play, as it is the best racing simulator on the market.

Crusader Kings III is utterly engrossing, full to the brim with interesting stories and tough decisions for the player to make. It succeeds as both a strategy game and a captivating RPG. And this is all before the player even thinks about touching multiplayer or what will undoubtedly be an incredibly active modding community. More than anything, it is an immensely dynamic platform where players can voyeuristically partake in medieval stories of war and politics for years to come.

Batman: Arkham City isn't just one of the best games of the year; it's one of the best action games I've played this entire generation of consoles. Rocksteady nailed the combat, exploration, structure, atmosphere, and story in this game and it pulls everything off almost flawlessly.

If you hated the previous games, then steer clear, but anyone with an Xbox 360 should pick up this superb third-person shooter right away, and without hesitation.

Disco Elysium deserves applause for having a singular vision and generally bringing it to fruition through its art, writing, setting, characters and gameplay mechanics which suggest the heyday of classic isometric RPGs. At the same time, it can feel joyless and self-consciously weighted down by its bleak vision of the world, despite a steady drip of cynical, eccentric humor. Disco Elysium was perhaps the best example in years of a game that I appreciated but didn’t much enjoy.

SteamWorld Heist is a phenomenal addition to the Switch library. Its story might not be the most gripping of tales, but its deep and varied combat ensures that players will come back to it time and time again to test their wits and take on more challenging difficulties. Clocking in at around 15 hours, there's also quite a lot of bang for your buck to go around. It might be a spinoff and a port, but for those interested in a deep yet accessible SRPG that you can take on the go, SteamWorld Heist deserves to be on your radar.

Nier: Automata is a really compelling piece of science fiction. It builds on the thematic foundation of sentient robots and takes into a bold and heart-wrenching direction. The emotionally rich saga is further bolstered by an intensely memorable soundtrack that add so much flavor and extra dimension to the multiform narrative.

The game is just as mysterious and obtuse as before and puts the onus on the player to figure it all out. Therefore, players fond of the rich and complex challenge of From Software’s games are going to get the most out of it. To those, I say that Dark Souls II gives more of what you’ve enjoyed from the last two games. With new places to explore, enemies to fight and lore to uncover, it offers a significant amount of content to keep players busy for a great while.