There is no satisfaction in immortality. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice proves its thesis by matching the resolve of its protagonist with the potential of its player in a performance choreographed by agonizing lessons and industrious rehearsals. When it’s showtime presentation seems instinctive and proficiency feels powerful. Sekiro demands immense competence, but, once its needs are met, the payoff is irresistible.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has a ridiculous magic to it. The game is one of the best cooperative experiences players can have, not only because six players can wreck through the Foot Clan but because it evokes those nostalgic days of gaming with your friends on a couch during the weekend. Drenched in admiration for the Turtles franchise, Tribute Games has created a beat ’em up that chooses to perfectly encapsulate what the genre was for licensed titles two decades ago. Players seeking bells and whistles and newer mechanics might be disappointed that the game does not push the envelope. Yet Shredder’s Revenge is an immense joy for players who want to be taken back to the past or simply have quick bouts of fun wildly mashing buttons to beat up vibrant villains as some of the best heroes we’ve had in entertainment.

Overall, MLB The Show 20 is another marvel for San Diego Studios. The tweaks they implemented and the gameplay options they have provided only stand to improve the product. They own baseball in gaming and it looks like they’re not ready to give it up anytime soon.

It Takes Two has so much to give for players seeking a deeper connection or just an enjoyable, varied game. When Cody and May’s journey reaches its emotional crescendo, there shouldn’t be a dry eye on the couch. Tucked beneath a hilarious script is a beating heart of human connection, one that is easily shared between the players and their digital counterparts. Few games are able to successfully bridge the gulf between narrative and gameplay like this. It Takes Two is a brilliant fusion of creativity, placing itself at the front of the best games of 2021. More importantly, however, it’s an experience that may teach you and your co-op partner a lot about yourselves, bringing you closer than ever before.

Imaginary Friends Games did a fantastic job with creating a wholesome experience for young and old audiences with Shindig. It’s a unique adventure driven by fun (and flawed) characters, well-written and performed dialogue, and packaged with a fair amount of passion. It might be a short experience, but it’s one that you’ll enjoy.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo is a marvel of a little game that wins at being a “yoyovania.” The yoyo combat and progression are superb, its level design utilizing novel traversal elements without repetitious fluff, and its charm is off the charts. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s worth the payoff if you want a game that is a nostalgia bomb of classic Zelda fused with a yoyo thematic.

News Tower, from developer Sparrow Night and publisher Twin Sails Interactive, is a marvelous newspaper sim that goes above and beyond the typical simulator formula.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by Demon’s Mirror. Whether you’re a hardcore deck-builder fan, or just a casual gamer looking for a fun experience, this game will not disappoint. The combat mechanics are immensely diverse and one could easily sink hours upon hours replaying runs. The game also comes with masterful art direction that is just clean and beautiful all around. Demon’s Mirror is a bit short, but it never overextends itself, which ultimately leaves the player wanting more. Be-Rad Entertainment has done a great job with this game and has certainly set itself up to expand upon it.

Maestro is quite approachable for a rhythm title – something I often have trouble saying given rhythm games’ steep difficulty curves, disparate input methods, and pricy entry points thanks to needing custom hardware. On the Quest 3, all you need is your hands (or controllers, if you choose) to immerse yourself in a novel rhythm game setting. The Complete Edition comes with the full musical experience that will keep you playing for hours!

Metroid Prime Remastered is a solid return to one of the best games in the Nintendo library. Its upgraded visuals, outstanding audio and controls, and timeless adventure is worth the revisit.

With its automation, friendlier UI, and fleshed out playstyles outside of expansion, it’s a grand strategy game that is innately fun, endlessly engaging, and worth the decade’s wait.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake brings gorgeous graphics, wonderful RPG gameplay, and a fantastically retooled front and back-end system. It captures the majesty of the original releases, while putting its own stamp of modern gaming on every aspect of each adventure.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection from Capcom is another wonderful entry in the Ace Attorney family. It brings a new style of gameplay, two great games, and the same amount of traditional difficulty that the series hangs its hat on.

Being that the game is unchanged from last year, it’s no surprise that the Become As Gods Edition doesn’t disappoint. If you’re Xbox-only and haven’t given this game a go, there’s no better time than the present.

Regions of Ruin: Runegate, from developer Gameclaw Studio, is an absolute treat to play. The story is great, the action is simple, and the open-world questing and RPG elements make for a worthwhile gaming time.

If I do a top games of 2017 list at the end of the year, I can already tell you that Full Throttle Remastered will be on it. This is point and click adventure gaming done right during the best and brightest days of the genre. Double Fine has done a superb job remastering and re-releasing it; don’t miss it.

Shujinkou from developer Rice Games is a surprisingly entertaining JRPG that features a design that harkens back to early elements of the genre, while mixing in a learning experience to further its beautiful complication.

Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened (2023) is a phenomenal mystery game and sequel with an intriguing storyline, awesome features, and beautiful graphics. Even though the game is shorter than the previous one, I think this is currently my favorite Sherlock Holmes game because the side and main quests never felt like a dull moment. There was always something to look forward to and a motive to keep playing, unveiling the reason for the people vanishing. Although I wished the game continued after Chapter VIII, I understand. Now, I hope there will be a third game in the series. Maybe it will answer the ending. I cannot wait to see the future of the younger Sherlock Holmes series. We might even see him grow.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a strong contender for Game of the Year in 2021. Constantly, the game surprises with its inventive use of the Marvel formula. Eidos-Montreal has managed to do the impossible, creating a vision for the Guardians that isn’t beholden to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and can stand on its own. Featuring rich dialog and a character- and personality-driven story, players will be able to forge their own path as Star-Lord, leading his ragtag group of miscreants across the universe. Combat may not offer many surprises but is explosive and fast-paced enough to allow for exciting tactical teamwork. Guardians of the Galaxy has set a new standard for games based on comics and while there may be competition in the future, this game proves the genre can evolve to new heights.

If all interactive stories are like this, then sign me up. While If Found…starts out slow, it picks up the pace and draws you in with the personal journey of Kasio that is complemented by the beautiful artwork from Liadh Young. It’s a story that everyone, especially younger gamers, should experience.

Balatro from developer LocalThunk is a marvel of a poker experience. While its base-level design is poker, the game’s complicated layers of beautiful strategic ridiculousness driven by upgrades, buffs, and jokers make for a unique experience that is both stimulating and challenging.

LOVE ETERNAL breaks through numerous boundaries in its short time. Deemed a horror platformer, developer brlka posits a game that can be multiple things at once, transcending expectations. Primarily a deeply challenging game about jumping, LOVE ETERNAL uses narrative as a way to wedge itself between the player and predictability, evolving into a thrilling work of entertainment.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered from developers Naughty Dog, Nixxes Software, and Iron Galaxy is a better PC translation than its console versions. It brings high-end graphics, superb sound, and all the story you could ever want to carry with you for a long time.

An outstanding example of a modern RPG and tantamount for any PC players with limited experience in Square Enix’s portfolio.

Triangle Strategy from developer Artdink is a marvel of a tactical RPG experience. While it is heavy on story that is driven by complex and solid branching choices that affect outcomes, and fantastic acting, it still brings some amazing tactical gameplay with new twists and turns.

Ghost of Yōtei is a phenomenal achievement in open-world design, being every bit the spectacle that players should expect from Sucker Punch’s prior efforts. Though it shares the fundamentals of Ghost of Tsushima‘s combat and navigational loops, Atsu’s open-ended journey allows players a gorgeous, profound sense of freedom. This is a world where players are invited to soak up every detail and bask in the natural, vibrant beauty of Japan, becoming lost in each new story.

DOOM Eternal follows in the footsteps of a storied gaming lineage. id Software has done an incredible job at putting care into this series since it was revitalized in 2016. Any player who considers themselves a fan of first-person shooters will immensely love DOOM Eternal because it pays tribute to the genre’s roots and how it has grown over the past three decades. Though it may feel brutal, smearing the entrails of thousands of horrifying hellspawn with a powerful arsenal is one of gaming’s best rewards. Don’t hesitate on this one.

Blood is (perhaps obviously) high on my all-time list. It was such a pleasant surprise when I heard that Nightdive was working on a re-release, and I’m glad they have. Priced at $10 or less ($5 at the time of this writing), there’s no reason not to add this classic to your collection.

While it almost lost me with the incredible amount of story and dialogue, it set me straight when the gameplay finally kicked in. The nearly perfect juggling act between wild visuals, great story, and familiar JRPG gameplay has me sold that I need to check out other Persona games in the series. Hopefully, they make them for the PC. Persona 4 Golden was an excellent PC game that deserves gamers’ time and attention.

Minor AI and control gripes aside, all of which are simply a testament to the times and absolutely manageable to work with, this Remaster is a gem and I really hope it’s just a sign of things to come as more C&C games get remastered with this level of passion, community involvement, skill, and heart.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a delightful game. My sister has asked me more than once to bring it over so we can play. It’s a game the entire family will enjoy. My parents, though not gamers themselves, enjoyed watching us play. The chaos that comes with it is all part of the fun. Just take my advice and watch how loud you get. But I do agree with that officer. It is “one hell of a game.”

There’s a reason why humankind has found space travel to be so alluring. It’s mysterious, expansive, and comprised of limitless opportunity. Starfield taps into each of those aspects incredibly well. Once you get past the ridiculously complicated and information-heavy tutorial, the game opens up into a loop of players’ own imagination rather than a linear highway most are expecting. Starfield changes the RPG game by adding a slow burn of a main quest alongside a character management system that keeps players’ power in check. It’s nearly perfect, and I can’t wait to spend another chunk of my life playing another excellent Bethesda RPG.

Outer Wilds' compact clockwork universe does more with twenty-two minutes than its spacefaring peers can imagine in a lifetime. It treats curiosity as a Möbius strip and trusts its network of divine secrets will drive the player toward a reasoned conclusion. By turning away from the zeitgeist, Outer Wilds' sublime presence can only be defined as otherworldly.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PlayStation 5 is without question an improvement upon last gen. If for any reason you owned the game on PlayStation 4, there’s no excuse not to experience how absolutely crisp and clean the game is on updated hardware. The core experience remains difficult, fun, and nostalgic, hitting all the right notes a classic Crash game would. Is there a chance for a Crash 5? Let’s just hope it’s a matter of time.

Mullet Madjack is a diamond in the rough of a boomer shooter, perfect for anyone wanting an arcade like experience within a stylishly artistic neon setting. One year after its original release on PC, it remains a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner wanting the cartoonish violence of a boomer shooter without a need for arbitrary precision. It’s a bloody fantastic time.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake from developer Artdink and publisher Square Enix has set a new standard with how remakes of old RPGs are done. The release improves and tweaks elements of gameplay while maintaining the core structure that made the original release great. Add in a creative visual comprise between old and new school with a gorgeous soundtrack underneath, and you have yourself one of the better remakes in 2024.

Mushihimesama (Switch) is a great replayable shmup to play on your Switch console. For Switch owners new to the bullet hell genre, Mushihimesama is a fantastic place to get your feet wet. For Switch owners itching to replay a classic bullet hell, look no further than Mushihimesama! Either way, you will have a great time navigating the seemingly endless waves of bullets in beautiful bug-filled arenas.

Harlow is a spectacular experience that brings everything you would want and maybe didn’t expect in a puzzle-driven game. It has great gameplay design, clever levels, and a presentation that will keep a smile on your face.

If you need a challenge that is less forgiving than the Dark Souls’ series, then you want Demon’s Souls. Bluepoint Games brings the very essence of the original 2009 title with this remastered version, upgrades the experience with PS5 hardware, and makes the game more terrifying.

For owners of the content as it was released in 2017, there isn’t much of a case to be made except for maybe gifting your old copies and picking up this shiny new compilation. Regardless, -The Story So Far- is chock full of compelling, charming, quality content, and you can’t go wrong adding it to your collection .

Not only is Huntdown one of the best games I have played this year, it’s one of the best retro-inspired pieces of entertainment released. Think of how Shovel Knight captured the feeling of a Nintendo adventure game or how Super Meat Boy invigorated grueling action platformers. Not only does Huntdown excel at its ability to invoke a time, place, and feeling, it is damn fun. Few games manage to bleed creativity with such purpose across every corner of its programming, but Huntdown is truly a winner and a perfect time capsule.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a new journey with a tonal shift compared to its predecessor, as the narrative is smaller in scope and far more personal. On the gameplay side of the tracks, the new game tightens a lot of loose ends from the first game, expands the world of Death Stranding through new environments and gameplay improvements, and exceeds all expectations with how a game should look on PlayStation 5. This is a solid contender for Game of the Year.

Discounty from developer Crinkle Cut Games is an addictive and ever-expanding cozy game experience. It has enough quests, activities, and grocery store madness to keep you occupied while you take a break from Stardew.

Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is the best iteration of Final Fantasy Tactics yet. Its phenomenally creative job system, engaging gameplay, and gripping storytelling make it top of the list for anyone wanting a good strategic RPG. Best yet, it perfectly encapsulates what TRPGs should be, even with its handful of quirks.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is absolutely the best game currently available for the Nintendo Switch apart from Zelda: Breath of the Wild. For players who have never had the pleasure of experiencing the original Wii U title, this is a must-own and could be qualified as yet another killer app (even though it technically is a port). On the other hand, even if you own the original, this is the definitive Mario Kart 8 experience; in fact, it is the best Mario Kart game to date period.

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is a must-have for anyone that has yet to play these two games or simply wants to revisit them. Oh, if you have savegames from either of these titles on your PS4, Sony provides an easy way to migrate those onto your PS5, by the way. But whether you’re revisiting these games or just playing them for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Naughty Dog have proven themselves as one of the best studios in the business, and these two games do not disappoint. Add this release to the ever-growing list of superb PlayStation-exclusive titles that you can’t miss.

Astro Bot from developer Team Asobi and Sony Interactive Entertainment is a wonderful entry into Astro’s bigger adventure possibilities. The game features creative levels, plenty of personality and positivity, and several reasons to replay it once the main adventure has concluded. While it could have a bit more variety with its common enemies, the bosses, and uniquely built levels deliver more entertainment and joyful meta than should legally be allowed. This is a great big beginning for what should be a long-lasting Sony mascot.

Unravel Two is just a pleasure to play. There is enough personality, charm, challenge, and life in this game to deem it a far better improvement over the original. The two-player complexity was a tough sell, but well worth the buy once you get into it.

Red Dead Redemption 2 on the PC is the top-tier version of the game. It’s the Woodford Reserve bourbon when you’re used to drinking Kentucky Gentleman. It will most undoubtedly look better than the console version and include all the gameplay that you would expect from the title, but the cost of getting it to that Woodford Reserve level is definitely a price only a PC elitist would understand and accept.

Call of Duty: Vanguard is a standout shooter experience. A globetrotting campaign that features some of the franchise’s best visuals features a core mystery that is over far too quickly but remains strong. I also wish the Zombies mode wasn’t impacted by a content drop that is expected a month from launch, meaning that players are given an engaging but sometimes toothless wave-based assault on the undead. Yet the multiplayer is an exceptional entry at the heart of Vanguard. It offers refinement on the standard set by Modern Warfare and gives players an incredible amount of challenges to complete to best show off their combat prowess. While a new Warzone map isn’t here yet, there’s plenty to look forward to in the months to come. Despite skipping a year, Sledgehammer Games is at its peak with Call of Duty: Vanguard, delivering a premium World War II shooter and an incredible Call of Duty game.

Flaws and shortcomings in Control are utterly few and far between, while the gameplay is highly satisfying and fun. The world Remedy created is full of intrigue from the get-go and stays enthralling throughout. Barring any major surprises, Control is my personal game of the year for 2019.

Two Point Museum, from developer Two Point Studios and publisher Sega, brings a fun and wickedly addictive museum simulator that runs deep with its gameplay. While it’s certainly not as complicated as most simulators of its type, it’s still well thought-through and executed in nearly every aspect of its gameplay.

Tides of Tomorrow is a wonderful game that brings a balance of fantastic branching dialogue and consequences of that dialogue, while also creating some meaningful and solid interactive gameplay that complements those dialogue choices. The game feels very well planned and executed.

The Meta Quest 2 release of Iron Man VR shows that Camouflaj is expanding and enhancing the VR experience as the hardware capabilities improve. The game feels like what you would expect from an Iron Man experience and without all the wires to gum up the perceived reality it’s trying to deliver. The game works better, feels better, and looks better than its previous release. You shouldn’t pass it up.

The 7th Guest VR is a homage to a classic game from 1993. Developer Vertigo Games delivers a unique and remade vision of the original title and still includes the ambiance and puzzles that made the first game so memorable. The additional retelling of the narrative and how that narrative is presented in VR format makes this one of the best virtual reality experiences to date.

Umurangi Generation's vibrant ambience validates the rebellion of its doomed youth culture. It also renders the player a transient witness to a surging tragedy. Umurangi Generation's key is its camera, as it allows its protagonist and its player the agency to access and capture a world beyond their control. It creates a vantage point untended since Jet Set Radio, and Umurangi Generation didn't even need skates or spray paint to get there.

StarVaders from developer Pengonauts is an addictive deckbuilding turn-based game with meaningful content and thick strategic gameplay options.

Sea of Stars excels on so many levels. Much of Sabotage Studio’s work is homage to the games the developers and ourselves played as children, living in these vibrant worlds of fantasy and magic. But rather than work to be a carbon copy of the past to remind players of the fun they used to have, care was taken to play with expectations and design around an updated vision of these classics. Few games can feel as nostalgic and modern as this, while becoming a classic in its their right. And Sea of Stars is a classic.

MLB The Show 18 is another notch in the successful belt of the MLB series from San Diego Studio. It has better mechanics, more meaningful modes, a gorgeous presentation style and it just feels like what you would imagine a baseball game should feel like.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Switch) is a faithful port of an already outstanding RPG. Barring small graphical artifacts, an oversized text box, and multiple loading screens, KOTOR is an easy recommendation for Switch owners that RPGs should strive to emulate: Your character’s stats matter, your character’s actions have consequences, and the worlds you visit are lively. Even more: If this port doesn’t make you excited for the upcoming KOTOR remaster, I don’t know what will. If you’re not the biggest Star Wars fan, I can assure you that you just might be after playing this game. If you’re currently a Star Wars fan and have yet to play this game…what are you doing? Drop what you’re doing and pick up KOTOR.

Nothing can topple Tetris. Tetris Effect accepts this premise and surrounds Tetris’ core with audio and visual cues that tap into subconscious, kaleidoscopic emotion and draw raw optimism out of the player. This combination is now inseparable. It’s essential. I don’t want to play Tetris without Tetris Effect.

There’s more to Pepper Grinder than just digging. Ahr Ech successfully managed to cram fluid platforming and free-flowing traversal in ways that make its hallmark digging mechanics joyous while innovating in using the drill for other utilitarian purposes. Its 2D platforming is refreshing and rewarding when you settle into the groove of being able to move in every direction. I truly dug Pepper Grinder, and I sincerely hope that Ahr Ech continues to make fantastic retro platformers while also expanding the current universe of narwhal pirates. Hopefully those games come sooner rather than later.

Discovery Tour: Ancient Greece encapsulates the majesty and depth of Assassin's Creed Odyssey into a full-blown learning experience. Ubisoft's expansive recreation of Ancient Greece becomes an open book of educational opportunities that should thrill anyone with a thirst for knowledge.

A platforming experience for the ages; superb on console as well as Vita, you can't go wrong.

With Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story, AlphaDream and Nintendo have given us the best handheld Mario RPG to date.

The core combat is probably the simplest in all of RPG-dom, and yet it remains an ideal system to deliver turn-based entertainment. If you're a Pokemon fan and you've yet to pick this one up (now a week after its release date), then I assume you've got a good reason to wait.

All Atlus had to do was faithfully reproduce Persona 3 on PSP and call it a day. Instead, Persona 3 Portable boasts plenty finesse tweaks, realizes fan wishes, and fundamentally doubles the content of the original.

Golden is technically the fifth iteration of a formula established with Persona 3 but it feels just as appealing and engaging now as it did four years ago. No one else (literally) is making games like this and if you've somehow avoided a modern day Persona title you owe it to yourself to give Golden a shot. It's sweet icing on a delicious cake.

Nano Assault NEO is an excellent eShop title that would be a great addition to any growing Wii U game collection. And for $10, there's no reason to pass it up.

A mighty impressive offering from Square for the PSP that your collection isn't complete without.

Not since NFS: Most Wanted have I felt so compelled to 100% a racing game. More to the point, Split/Second is just fantastic on some many levels and is literally the most enjoyable racer I've played in years.

Other than the three new characters, the super fast load times and beautiful visuals are about all that Ultimate has to offer. I will say that it’s a shame that just days after Ultimate was released there came word of yet more DLC for the game (the 1995 movie skin and voiceover pack) which is of course not included in Ultimate. I have had some friends lament some frustration over how monetized MK11 is, and I absolutely see where they’re coming from. It’s not a business practice I like to see because we’re used to games having a final, all inclusive edition released and we just don’t have that with MK11. Maybe we’ll see a Komplete Edition like there was with MK9. Regardless, you can’t really go wrong with MK11U if you’re looking for a superb fighting game on current or next-gen.

Super Mario 3D Land proves that there is still an innovative direction that platforming can take even after the constant innovation seen throughout the history of Mario. This game may not be as creative as Galaxy (really what is?) but the different camera perspectives and depth based gameplay, along with all sorts of platforming styles meshed into one game make for a worthy Mario title for the 3DS.

God of War: Origins Collections is the best reason yet to embrace these HD collections many publishers are bringing to the PS3. Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta feel right at home here, and I'm really happy to be able to enjoy these again without a PSP.

Another wonderful feature of the Tobii tech is the ability to look around and move the camera in any direction to reveal more of the screen. I know, I know, that sounds like a simple thing, but it does provide a bit more visual girth to the already big world. I’m the type of gamer that doesn’t like to feel claustrophobic when it comes to visuals. I like seeing a big bulky world around me, so this option is good and it doesn’t get in the way of things.

Thunder Lotus has done a tremendous job with Jotun leaving very little in the 'con' column of the equation.

One of the most obvious 'must buy' releases of this generation.

Though Game Freak is sometimes criticized for recycling gameplay in the Pokémon franchise, they've really outdone themselves with these games. Highly recommended.

Though Game Freak is sometimes criticized for recycling gameplay in the Pokémon franchise, they've really outdone themselves with these games. Highly recommended.

These maps are pretty impressive and very well-designed. They range in size from small to large, and contain a lot of unique details. If you are considering expanding your Black Ops experience, the Annihilation Map Pack is the way to go.

Ready At Dawn provides us with another excellent God of War experience that you should not miss.

With aggression as its invitation, Bloodborne invokes a calculated shift in Souls parlance. Its aim isn't necessarily a course correction, but rather a Y-axis slant into an alternative series of objectives. Sacrificed are a few degrees of personal customization, only to be replaced by a renewed sense of distress and wonder. Bloodborne’s demanding novelty, even with its unrepentant focus, feels built to last.

The game is really that good and reminds me so much of the great games Black Isle used to produce.

LittleBigPlanet 2: Special Edition does a great job integrating the Playstation Move into the original game, and in the Rise of the Cakeling levels. It is fluid, nearly flawless and doesn't feel forced.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 brings more intensity and more of everything than the previous installment.

The previous installment was great, but this installment of Call of Duty puts the previous to respectful shame. Packed with the best visuals you've seen on the 360 and fantastic gameplay, you'll have a resonating experience like no other.

Dyad calls to mind the pure sense of wonder that would take over when I was six years old and playing Nintendo games in front of a little television. I was completely absorbed and simultaneously amazed that I was affecting the outcome of what was transpiring on screen. Dyad has this effect on me as an adult. Constantly. I almost can't believe the speed at which it seems to be moving, and I'm equally astounded that I'm any damn good at it. In both instances Dyad is a fantastic example of its medium and deserves to be enjoyed by anyone with an active interest in it.

Batman: Arkham City is The Empire Strikes of the Batman gaming series. It's darker, grittier and adds so much to the original universe that Rocksteady created. If you liked Arkham Asylum then you will love Arkham City.

You won't find a more complete version of one of the best indie games ever than on the Wii U eShop.

I recommend a lot of games to friends, but this is one of those "okay, if you only play one game on this list, make it this one" type of games. I'll go as far as to say if you don't own a Vita, Zero Escape is one of the best reasons to get one.

A stellar sequel and an outstanding game in its own right, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a AAA experience worth your attention.

Another powerhouse from Vigil Games, Darksiders II is a must have.

Go buy this game, simple as that.

Dragon Quest Builders is a stunning balance of build and adventure. I was incredibly skeptical that the two genres would ever evenly mix, but somehow Square Enix found the right spots and put together one helluva package for Dragon Quest and Minecraft fans to enjoy. It’s really quite good and addictive.

More risks have been taken here than in any other high budget, first party offering in recent memory, maybe ever - and it absolutely deserves to be played by anyone with a passing interest in the medium.

Its approach to control, cooperative play, failure, exploration, and gratification are fundamentally novel and indifferent to its peers. These deliberate alternatives might seem unwieldy because we keep implicit rules reserved in our minds, but Journey's pretends none of them ever existed and still manages to treat its audience with the utmost respect. What a joy that it's a lot of fun to play, too.

Improved controls, more modes, better graphics and presentation equal out to be one big non-stop gaming experience that will spoil you rotten.

The Jak and Daxter Collection is probably going to be one of the easiest releases for me to recommend to everyone this year; definitely a great addition to any PS3 library.