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.