Modern Warfare 3's campaign, while complacent in parts, builds upon the dizzy heights of spectacle set by previous entries and often exceeds them, while Spec Ops once again successfully delivers its own brand of tactical co-operative gameplay.

Mario Kart 8 is a conservative update, choosing to polish and refine rather than reinvent, but it's still as alluring a racer as it ever has been.

Super Mario Maker already has so much potential, but its true brilliance will only be apparent once it's out and it starts to create prodigies. Whether Super Mario Maker is a gateway to infinite Mario levels or an outlet for your creativity, you will still find unlimited value within.

FIFA 14's next-gen tweaks and improvements are largely aesthetic, but then this is a title that, barring some balancing issues, was always as close to the beautiful game as virtually possible.

With excellent characters, emotionally charged storytelling and tense action set-pieces, deciding whether or not to revisit Naughty Dog's stunning game world really is a no-brainer.

It's a breezy, short and fun run through a series of bonkers planets, tense boss-fights, and heartfelt cutscenes. With Sony's exclusives like the upcoming God of War sequel being delayed further beyond 2022, we only have a few games to enjoy, but we think you'll cope if you've got Rift Apart to play.

Make no mistake, Torchlight 2 is nothing revolutionary. It favors a remix of genre conventions over any true evolution of the action RPG formula, but it is a pitch-perfect execution of those traditions that remains satisfying from start to finish and beyond

XCOM 2 is otherwise a follow-up that does everything right by offering the best extraterrestrial skirmishes since Independence Day, coupled with genuine tactical depth that doesn't come at the expense of accessibility.

Most of all, it's a game you'll remember for its settings, its atmosphere, its characters and its stunning art, not to mention some impressively nuanced and fascinating storylines and the feel that how you play has a real impact on this world.

If you loved Zero Dawn and simply wanted more, warts and all, this is easy to recommend. But if you were looking for something groundbreaking with a lot more polish, then Horizon Forbidden West is really a mixed bag.

If you're into RPGs and turn-based tactics, then this is an utterly essential purchase.

Without question it's the best game Microsoft has published since the onset of the Xbox One era and one that's pleasingly, satisfyingly easy to recommend.

The Talos Principle 2 builds on the genius puzzle design of the first game in innovative ways that makes it another masterpiece in the genre. Even with a more story-driven focus, there's nothing else quite like experiencing every mystery its sublime world has to offer...Even after completing every puzzle, collecting every star, and seeing numerous endings, I can't wait to go back and do it all again to uncover all of its secrets – and when I've seen them all, I'll still be trying to solve the puzzles again in creative and unintended ways.

The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition is one of the most engaging and immersive games of this console generation, drawing players into a complex narrative, full of character, an excellent script and a rich gaming environment.

Samus Aran's latest 2D mission boasts consistently high thrills in exploration and combat to provide a worthy sequel to a highly-regarded game that came out 19 years ago. Metroid Dread doesn't quite deliver on the "dread" promised in the title, with atmosphere lacking and the initially-tense EMMI encounters becoming predictable, but nonetheless we had a tremendous amount of fun and hope we don't face another 19-year wait for the next original entry.

There is a lot more to The Stanley Parable, but to reveal the many wonderful surprises and twists crammed into the three hours it takes to see just about everything would be foolhardy. So instead, you'll have to trust us. But you'll be hard-pressed to find a funnier and more delightful game than The Stanley Parable this year.

Platformer fans, especially those fond of Rayman Origins or classic Sonic games, will definitely want to pick up Rayman Jungle Run.

Sever issues aside, players who approach Diablo 3 expecting a definitive dungeon crawler won't be disappointed. The basic formula is largely unchanged, but comes highly polished and bolstered by robust character customisation and strong co-op support. If hacking your way through hordes of demons and gathering loot hold any appeal, you won't find a better alternative.

LittleBigPlanet PS Vita in many ways defines the series. The option to create on the move or jump in and out of user-generated mini-games sees the concept take on a new level of significance, and it makes few compromises along the way. Age-old complaints about the complex nature of content creation still apply, but so does every one of the plus points of the PS3 classics.

Thankfully, porting the game to Xbox Live Arcade has lost none of its magic. Offering a more accessible and (dare we say it) fun alternative to Trials HD, the game still musters an addictive and testing challenge for the more hardcore players.

Even with imperfect controls, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is an absolute classic and every bit as worth playing as it was ten years ago. The best experience will still be the PC or Mac version with a keyboard and mouse, but the iPad port is still a worthy addition to the game's legacy.

But thanks to some welcome tweaks and neat 3DS-specific features, for those that want to slowly savour paying a mortgage, picking fruit and making friends with weird animals in short but sweet daily bursts, New Leaf is the best Animal Crossing yet.

Physics complaints, menu screens and minor control issues aside, NBA 2K13 goes above and beyond the rim, packing in an enormous amount of content both on and off the court, providing yet another another slam dunk installment for 2K Sports.

With the option to learn bass, lead and rhythm guitar out of the box, non-stop custom playlists, and lessons that are broken down into skippable parts,Rocksmith 2014 really does offer something to guitarists of all skill levels.

Halo 4's combination of modes offers a very impressive package. The campaign offers a familiar but genuinely captivating ride, while Spartan Ops and War Games both take multiplayer in some welcome directions that'll undoubtedly hold your interest in the coming months.

Between its eerie atmosphere, creative puzzles and clever use of an oft-ignored area of folklore, Year Walk is a brilliant game that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

You will struggle, you will curse, you will encounter liars saying they did things 'easily', and you will achieve redemption through completion... eventually.

Warfare has never looked so good. Battlefield 1 is brutally beautiful, even if you're just admiring the emotional power of a shelled-to-shit landscape that was once a picturesque village. DICE has done something impressive with the War Stories, even if they are a little cheapened by the repetitive death of the multiplayer...It's easily the best Battlefield we've had in years.

Dark Souls 3 must bow its head to its Playstation predecessor - but should be proud that it manages to be a gruelling, challenging adventure, pushing endlessly through horror and weirdness.

Like a faint Pikachu attempting to escape a rare Poke Ball, Pokemon X shouldn't fail to draw you in and hold on tight, even though it's not quite the mega evolution we were expecting.

If you've ever fancied taking on the toughest challenges a game like Dark Souls has to offer, Crypt of the NecroDancer is probably what you're looking for. But now imagine completing it with a dance mat.

Pokémon Sun and Moon is the ultimate Poké adventure. It manages to introduce a lot of new features that greatly enhance the gameplay experience, but retain enough of the original DNA to make sure it doesn't feel totally alien to players who have been Pokémon trainers since 1996.

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and The Lost Legacy are two unmissable experiences for PlayStation players. They're huge, bombastic, and rich stories that go toe to toe with some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters around – and with their upgraded graphics it's hard not to say this collection is worth a look. If you've yet to play either game, this is a must-buy. Ultimately, however, these are a fairly barebones repackaging. So if you've already experienced both games, the high price tag might not be such an easy sell.

Fieldrunners 2 is definitely geared towards tower defense veterans, so newcomers to the genre will quickly become overwhelmed, but those looking for a new strategic challenge to conquer will get a lot out of this sequel.

Catch-22 is one of those perfect games that will keep you playing just one more round long into the night.

Wayward Souls is an intense challenge, but that only makes the feeling of reward all the greater when you finally succeed, and unlock the next multi-floor deathtrap to explore.

The game even features matchmaking based on your skill level, ensuring that you and your opponent are evenly matched. With so many asynchronous multiplayer games popping up, it may seem easy to skip the latest craze, but passing on Outwitters would be a huge mistake for even the most casual strategy fan.

Taking somewhat of a gamble, The Lost Crown isn’t just a great Prince of Persia title that digs into and expands what the series can be, with interesting lore and fully leaning into the mythical elements — it’s a truly gorgeous and rewarding Metroidvania in its own right that arguably gives games like Hollow Knight and Metroid Dread a run for their money.

Three games' worth of classic heroes and villains and six years of work come together beautifully in a fitting conclusion to an epic superhero trilogy.

Camera adjustment issues aside, inspired level design and creative puzzle mechanics make Blast-a-way an easy iOS recommendation.

This is probably the greatest tribute and iteration of Spider-Man ever created, computer game or otherwise. This is an essential play for any fan of the wall-crawler, however a few niggles and issues prevent it from being an all-time classic title. There's a great story, beautiful graphics, excellent voice acting and simply lots of fun to play. There's lots of DLC on the way and potential for sequels, so we'll definitely get caught in this spider's web again.

Pokémon Sun and Moon is the ultimate Poké adventure. It manages to introduce a lot of new features that greatly enhance the gameplay experience, but retain enough of the original DNA to make sure it doesn't feel totally alien to players who have been Pokémon trainers since 1996.

Forza Motorsport 6 is a terrific game. It misses a few minor beats, with yet another career mode that throws you straight in there, and good god the serious attitude of the game is sickening at best. But this is one of the best driving simulations out there: it's the game launch title Forza 5 really should have been.

Super Stickman Golf 2 is one of those games that is easy to pick up and play a few holes, or you can dive in and practice to master all of its tricks.

The paper world of Tearaway is a thoroughly original one, loaded with quirk and aesthetic charm. Character animation has a stop-motion look to it, and the result is mesmerising at times.

In many ways Arc Squadron is a better sequel to Star Fox 64 than the official games that followed it, making it a must-have for mobile space combat fans.

Diablo III: Reaper of Souls offers little in the way of earth-shattering innovation, but the game is all the better for the new content it brings to the table.

The Pro Evolution Soccer series has been steadily improving over the past few years, and with PES 2016 it seems the dev team has finally cracked that winning football formula, despite some rough edges.

Not only does it play great, but the fact that Rayman Origins packs one hell of a challenge and boasts some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous visuals we've ever seen, cements its place as the new king of 2D platformers.

Before long each death will seem like a new dare, taunting you to try just one more time. After all, next time will be different, with a new layout offering the possibility of new outcomes. As you slide deeper and deeper into Spelunky's depths, you can almost make out the sound of the game laughing at you.

Between the new enemy placements, greater challenge, the improved visuals and all the additional bonus content, Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is absolutely worth a first look if you're a newcomer to the series - and in the case of returning players, almost certainly worth a second.

It's an evocative story that is beautifully told and has plenty of heart, and one that feels increasingly relevant in the context of the world that we live in.

Pikmin 3 expands and improves upon the systems that made the original games such a joy to play...While we would have liked to seen the development team make better use of the Wii U's features, Pikmin 3's stunning visuals, fiendish puzzles and incredible boss fights have seen it blossom into another treasured Nintendo franchise.

Unlike previous DLC packs, which have left players with more questions than answers, 'Crown of the Ivory King' provides much more information about the world and its inhabitants, giving users a greater sense of closure.

Although World of Warcraft has had its ups and downs during its ten-year lifecycle, dynamic expansions like this might be enough to ensure it lasts another decade.

Graphical niggles aside, Fallout 4 feels like a culmination of the fantastic work Bethesda did on Fallout 3, New Vegas and Skyrim, surpassing them all in terms of scope and scale.

However, what you get out of Gone Home is a top-class piece of interactive storytelling. Considerable care has been put into all aspects of The Fullbright Company's debut title, and the end product is a roaring success that may hit home closer than you would expect.

This glorious compilation is the definitive way to experience the trilogy, whether you're a returning fan after a recap ahead of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End or a newcomer looking to pop your Uncharted cherry. Either way, you're in for a treat.

The inclusion of 'Classic' mode is a shred move that is sure to pay dividends, causing many old fanatics to relapse and encouraging newcomers to join the fold, but it still remains miles ahead of its competitors with its sheer level of depth, sophistication and challenge.

If you've got the time and patience to overcome its seemingly ​impenetrable​ exterior, then Dirt Rally is a thrilling racing game that's best in its class. This is a game where satisfaction can be had with a podium finish and one where you'll feel a true sense of pride and joy for every hard-earned victory... as rare as they may be.

The minimalist visuals and soothing sounds of Eliss Infinity hide a deviously challenging and rewarding puzzle game, but those who already played the original Eliss can safely pass on the semi-sequel unless they are desperate to play on an iPad.

Its high level of difficulty means that this remains a franchise not suited to everyone, but its sheer quality means it's infinitely deserving of being given a chance. Take the plunge and allow yourself to be absorbed by the ride - it's well worth it.

Overall, Angry Birds Star Wars is like a "best of" album for the series, combining terrestrial and space levels with fun character abilities all wrapped in a delightful Star Wars shell.

Despite its inspiration lying in classic games, Organ Trail can really stand on its own with a tricky resource management, mini-games well suited to touch control and a bitingly witty sense of humor.

With such a generic narrative and no penalty for failing missions, the story campaign lacks tension and fails to hold the attention. However, in Titanfall's case, the failure to implement a strong narrative is ultimately inconsequential. Players will tell their own stories simply by jumping and jetting through the vertical environments, experimenting with parkour and, of course, causing destruction in the seat of those towering Titans.

Super Hexagon is perfectly designed for mobile.

With a well written cast of characters, mightily impressive production techniques, sumptuous visuals, tight platforming and surprisingly enjoyable combat, Tomb Raider is most definitely a release to be treasured.

Silent Hill 2's remake is proof once again that Team Silent didn't just create one of the best survival-horror experiences of all time, but also a story that stands the test of time. It needs to be experienced to understand why fans have hung onto the franchise for so long, looking for any crumb of life left in it.

A game which dares to be different, something which confidently redefines what should be considered a 'video game', but is as profound and important as any other game available today, telling a vivid and engaging tale which is as rich and colourful as any open world sandbox; its tangents and offshoots as playful as any sprawling side quest.

Taking into account everything the game does right, not least the top-tier racing and the Knockout Tour mode, World is arguably the most fun Mario Kart entry in a long time.

StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel, yet it's a fan-pleasing addition to one of the best real-time strategy titles of recent years that will have a revitalising effect on its multiplayer community.

Horn is by far one of the most substantial games released for mobile devices yet, with a quest spanning several hours that is better suited to setting aside time to focus on your game than a quick session here or there. But for those looking for a mobile game that can live up to its console contemporaries, Horn is a must-have.

While transforming vehicles don't completely change the game from Anomaly 2's predecessors, it does offer a few new strategic twists on the series' already strong gameplay.

All in all, this is an impressive expansion, and comfortably the best one in years. The cohesion between all of its ideas and features, as well as the strong execution of them, helps to metaphorically breathe new life into the game. There are things I could nitpick, but they're easy to forgive as this is the most engaged I've been playing the game in a long time.

Ghost of Yōtei doesn't distance itself from Ghost of Tsushima too much, but the satisfyingly blood-soaked combat, rewarding exploration and intuitive ways of immersing the player make for a highly-addictive follow-up that we couldn't put down.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a wonderful example of video game storytelling done well and a great way to kick off the Summer of Arcade.

There might have been some worries when the series ended up in the hands of new developer Gearbox, but they've proven to be unfounded; Homeworld Remastered Collection has been handled with the care and attention it deserves, and is worth a place in the library of any self-respecting fan of strategy games, spaceships or little things flying around going pew pew pew.

Either way, Where's My Mickey? manages to add both new puzzles and a much-needed dose of classic Disney charm, turning it into a game that can stand on its own instead of simply being another Where's My Water? expansion pack.

Rayman Fiesta Run, like its predecessor, sets a new standard for mobile platformers.

The core Plants vs Zombies gameplay is still as strong as ever, so there is still tons of fun to be found in the sequel. But after the first game's carefully crafted difficulty curve, Plants vs Zombies 2's grinding can make it feel like a more inconsistent experience.

Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag isn't perfect, but an intriguing story, great cast of characters and improved stealth gameplay helps steer the series over choppy waters.

However, it is rather irritating that one of those extra units is something so essential as the medic class, which gives those willing to pay more a significant advantage. Even with that drawback, Great Big War Game lives up to its name and is a great pick for any strategy game fan.

Harmonix has clearly listened to and addressed any criticisms levelled at the original, resulting in an improved sequel that rarely misses a beat.

It's a whip smart action title that's satisfying through and through, and gets the Summer of Arcade off to an absolutely rollicking start.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle isn’t just a masterful execution of a licensed game. It takes everything that MachineGames has learned from the Wolfenstein series and The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay to create a deeply fun cinematic experience that explores Indiana Jones as a character and will really have you hooked as you take up the call to adventure.

A lack of decent bonuses makes the Definitive Edition a hard sell for existing fans, but for newcomers it's a slice of platforming perfection that will make the wait for next-gen blockbusters easier to bear.

Diablo 3 was always going to be a great fit for console given its intuitive and infectious gameplay, but Blizzard deserves plaudits for the skill with which it has handled the porting process.

While the puzzles are fun and challenging, it is the game's presentation that puts it over the top. The world of Nihilumbra is gorgeously realized through fantastic artwork, animation and a haunting soundtrack.

Max Payne 3 is an excellent shooter, providing hours of entertainment in both single and multiplayer modes. While it does prove occasionally repetitive, and isn't as sophisticated as some shooters on the market, its compelling plot and stylish storytelling techniques make up for most of the game's shortcomings.

As brilliant as it is bloody, Resident Evil 7 doesn't just give the franchise a refreshing reboot, but also raises the bar for future survival horror games...If we had to nitpick, we'd say the campaign's a bit short and the enemy variety slightly lacking. Those are small gripes, however, for a game that consistently gave us goosebumps the size of golf balls.

And that's Rise of the Tomb Raider in a nutshell. The parts that weren't so great about the reboot are better, while the best bits are bigger, louder and more plentiful.

For a more traditional challenge there is also the survival mode, which drops blocks at timed intervals for a fast-paced challenge. It all plays fantastically on the iPad, and makes for a unique twist puzzle fanatics will enjoy.

Barring a slightly more restrictive career mode, Forza Horizon 2 more than builds on the solid foundations laid down by its predecessor. Forza Horizon 2 easily records a podium finish ahead of what is going to be a busy winter for the racing genre.

FIFA 14 is far from a revolutionary release, and it's arguably inferior to the much improved PES 2014 in terms of pure footballing gameplay. That said, FIFA 14 is the most complete virtual footballing experience available today. Whether in single or multiplayer, there's enough to keep fans busy well into the new football season and beyond.

Final Fantasy XIV newcomers might have to jump through hoops to access the new content, but believe us when we say it's worth the effort.

Dance Central 3 continues to pack in authentic routines and a rigid scoring system, but new multiplayer options, mini-games and story modes make it the most inclusive, innovative and enjoyable entry to date.

While the system has been blessed with multiple must-have Mario adventures, it's a delight to say there's now an essential one from his often overlooked sibling too.

It walks a tightrope of intrigue that balances quirky systems, fun combat and obscure secrets with frustrating circumstances, weird world-building and curious design choices, and somehow manages to make it across, and if you embrace all it has to offer, you might too.