Cyberpunk 2077 is a fantastic game that we have never experienced before, and is a window into the future of next-gen gaming and what it's capable of. We are addicted to its world and everything in it, and we don't mind risking our reputation saying that it's easily our game of the decade, despite it missing out on the Video Game Awards for 2020...This is a brutal, visceral world to live in, where death seeps through the concrete jungle and every job you take on feels like the beginning of your dark end in this unforgiving landscape. Yet every time we complete a quest and receive some EuroDollars for our effort, we find ourselves itching to rush back into the danger and discover what other horrors await us.

It's an essential purchase if you're new to the series and love role-playing games, but a harder sell if you've already explored every nook and cranny of the vast and beautiful game world on a bigger and more capable screen.

The implementation of minimalist strategy is brilliant really, with clever systems that are fun and challenging to learn. And while the experience is short-lived after you have learned everything, it's a unique experience that is well worth taking the time to master.

Fans of the original will wolf down everything this revamp has to offer, and if it passed you by back in 2006, this is the best way to experience it for the first time.

New features like the Hunter Styles and Arts and Prowler mode are a gift to less experienced players, while the sheer wealth of content and great online play will please long-term fans.

The Talos Principle ties its seemingly disparate parts together beautifully, making for a game that is every bit as smart as it purports to be.

Cities: Skylines successfully caters for the audience left disappointed by SimCity with a level of accessibility tailored for casual city builders, combined with enough substance to delight veterans of the genre. Colossal Order has learned from EA's mistakes and brought us a game that steers clear of those pitfalls and emerges as a pioneer in its category.

Pragmata is an incredibly fun experience that's full of satisfying combat, progression and unlocks, providing constant dopamine hits of sci-fi sounds and meaningful upgrades. This charming action-adventure deserves to be a massive hit and you should take a chance on one of this year's best games.

Studio Ghibli, meanwhile, has helped to create a memorable and touching narrative that's sure to strike a chord with gamers both young and old.

The game itself, however, is still out of this world, with Wii U users benefiting from the new and improved ending and a more efficient touchscreen control system. If this is your only opportunity to put an end to the Reaper invasion, we can't recommend the game enough, but if you access to a different gaming system, it's better to look elsewhere.

Bravely Default's more interesting ideas, particularly the mechanics behind the battle system, breathe some life into a very traditional RPG. However, the game is also let down by its fair share of derivative and less ambitious features. Bravely Default disappointingly wastes a lot of its potential, but Square Enix will get another shot with the already-announced sequel.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor surpasses the first game in every way, taking its strengths and flaws and improving every aspect of them to create a force to be reckoned with.

As you’d expect, the difficulty curve is fairly steep and you’ll be challenged from the start, but thankfully Lies of P never feels mean-spirited and offers a lot of chances to learn along the way. It’s a somewhat linear experience, so you won’t have the chance to explore elsewhere while you build yourself up to face a particularly sticky boss as you would in a title like Elden Ring, but if you explore all the nooks and crannies, you’ll always find yourself equipped with the tools you need to tackle the toughest of bosses. Lies of P is an addictive Soulslike with a unique take on the genre and is certainly one not to be missed (especially if you have Game Pass).

Relax – this is very nearly the Doom you've always wanted but never really thought you'd get. By focusing on DOOM's brutal, ultraviolent heart iD has created an all-action FPS in the old-school style, but with next-gen looks and a handful of mod-cons. It's not going to reinvent the genre, but it might help you rediscover all the good stuff that used to make it tick.

A lack of sparkle in Battlefield 3's campaign is offset by engaging and addictive large-scale multiplayer battles that have few equals, along with a co-op game that is thoroughly enjoyable while it lasts.

Assassins Creed Shadows takes ideas from previous entries as well as some bold experimental swings to create a defining entry in the franchise – perhaps as series-defining as Black Flag. We personally think it’s the best the series has ever been, and despite some parts of the narrative not quite sticking the landing, we had an absolute blast with Ubisoft's latest.

Hotline Miami is an odd experience. Missions flow between stealth and combat with split-second tactical choices reinforced through trial-and-error. The context for that gameplay is brutal beyond measure, though the game also provides a rare opportunity for reflection.

If you adore Snake Eater, Delta is a chance to fall in love with it all over again, and if you've never experienced it, this is a modernised classic that is a must-play.

New York City is a fantastic setting to step into the world of next-gen gaming, with smooth, consistent frame rates and the mind-blowing ray-tracing capabilities to carry Spider-Man into the future. With Insomniac Games likely planning DLC to extend the campaign, Miles Morales is a brilliant follow-up to a fantastic PlayStation-exclusive franchise that will likely tempt over many gamers on the fence to buy the PS5, just so they can experience this wondrous story.

It will be interesting to see how Forza Horizon fares against Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Criterion's new open world racer that is out next month. But in the absence of that review, it is clear that Playground Games has seriously raised the bar in all areas for the non-linear racing genre with Forza Horizon, and others will now have to play catchup.

Doom: The Dark Ages is a hybrid onslaught of the brutal combat we know and love and all-new intuitive parry mechanics. We're unsure if the game's additions are enough to compensate for what's been lost from Doom Eternal, but the foundation of slaying hordes of demons in visceral and bloody battles remains as fun as ever.

The greatest accomplishment of Super Smash Bros for 3DS is that the core battle system works so well on a handheld device. Once again Nintendo has demonstrated exactly how to bring a home console game to the small screen without compromising on concept and content.

Although they come with a few problems that only the nostalgic will forgive, the HD versions of both Final Fantasy X and X-2 have plenty to offer long-term fans and newcomers alike.

The realism has really been ramped up this year, making every pass, tackle and goal attempt feel accurate and worthwhile. The goalkeepers and graphics have vastly improved too, even if the more realistic referees might frustrate you at first – just as they do in the real game...The only let down is that there are very few genuinely new features, but with this refinement of the excellent work done in PES 2016, PES 2017 could be the new Leicester.

Developer Deconstructeam's latest game is a bold experience in which all of the systems manage to beautifully fall into place. It successfully weaves its magic to create something that is rather special and mesmerising, elevated by a unique twist to deck-building and packed with emotion. Fortuna's journey undoubtedly ranks as one of my highlights of the year, and shouldn't be overlooked.

Oceanhorn may not be as clever as Nintendo's series in its dungeon designs, and few games are, but the sense of exploration and discovery makes it easy to recommend on its own merits.

As only the first of five episodes, it is difficult to tell how the series will play out and evolve from here. However, The Wolf Among Us: Episode 1 - Faith makes a fantastic first impression and has us eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Bigby's story.

Where Kingdom Rush Frontiers really succeeds is its variety though. The sense of monotony that often plagues tower defense games never sets in, with tons of variety both in settings and enemy types so that you're always facing some fresh challenge.

The controls are marvellously intuitive, as a simple tap launches one of the tentacles to latch onto the walls of whatever gut or organ you are currently navigating. Each tap sends out the next tentacle, creating a surprisingly smooth experience as the creature crawls through passages, often fighting against the current of bodily fluids.

2023 has been a banner year for games, and it’s clear that Blasphemous 2 sits in the upper echelons of those releases, a beautifully grotesque Metroidvania that’s deserving of everyone's time. From the gloriously gruesome visuals to its ferociously paced combat and beautiful soundtrack, Blasphemous 2 is an instant classic in the genre.

With a deep character-building system and the endless possibilities offered thanks to its procedurally generated levels, Remnant 2 is an absolute must experience and one we think we’ll be world-hopping in for a long, long time.

While the game is starting to show its age and display a slight lack of imagination, it's safe to say that there aren't too many Nintendo 3DS games that can match the enjoyment derived from Mario Kart 7.

There's more love and care lavished on The Master Chief Collection than you see in countless other big-money, brand new blockbuster releases. The fact that the games themselves are fantastic fun online and off is the cherry on the icing.

Ultimax is a fine follow-up to Arena and a no-brainer for anyone who enjoyed its predecessor, whether you're in it for the story or the fighting. The narrative is arguably not as memorable this time around, but it's still a wonderful excuse to spend more time with characters you've already spent a hundred hours with and see the mysteries from the previous game resolved.

It becomes difficult to tear yourself away from Rogue Legacy, as the repetitive flow is brilliantly augmented by randomly generated traits and dungeon layouts.

There's some good fun to be had with BattleBlock Theater and it's a mostly charming title. But its fair share of problems hold it back from being an unequivocally entertaining, must-have game.

Out There is a game about controlling what you can, and adapting to what you can't, as a new story unfolds with each jump across the stars.

A thoroughly enjoyable fighting game, striking a wonderful balance between shallow action and simulation. Personality issues aside, once the bell rings, the action is superb, offering incredible levels of strategy, not to mention some of the most impressive knockouts we've ever seen.

Football Manager 2014 is as much about removing the restrictions of past installments as it is about introducing new content.

Hundreds is certainly worth a look for those craving a challenge on their iPad, but only for the most masochistic gamers.

Stunning graphics, excellent platformer gameplay and a story full of cheeky nods to its origins and multi-faceted jokes make this the game that Ratchet and Clank fans deserve - and everyone else deserves to play.

Flush with a gorgeous and uplifting soundtrack, Forgotten Land is a heart-warming and no-stress experience while providing some fun challenges and deeper upgrades should you want them. Either way, this is a must-have game and yet another instant Nintendo classic that's not only warmly familiar, but also subtly inventive in a way that'll keep you hooked until the end.

Mortal Kombat on Vita is a solid port of a top-drawer fighter, but little more than that. if you already own the home consle edition, it's pretty much a question of how much the opportunity to play it on the go with added mini-games appeals.

Far Cry 4 may not be a huge departure from its predecessor, but it does take the familiar open-world formula to a new height of madness.

While the narrative may have been stripped back, the same can't be said for the combat system, which is more complex than ever, but crucially, never overwhelms.

With two fantastic games in one package, this latest re-release of Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster is very easy to recommend, with a few caveats. On Switch in particular, X-2 benefits from being suited to both long-play sessions on the TV and short bursts in handheld mode. Visually it looks very similar to the PS4 version, which is mostly great news, but it's upsetting to see the developers still haven't fixed character faces going from flat to high quality in cutscenes.

Put simply, Papers, Please is a refreshingly unique game that deserves your attention.

A viable alternative to the mighty World of Warcraft and a seamless marriage of reliable MMO mechanics and components from BioWare RPGs. While there are a few issues to iron out, the character-driven story focus ensures that the game offers something different than its genre counterparts.

It may not be wholly original, but thanks to a compelling Nemesis System, Shadow of Mordor forges its own unique path, which marks it out for praise.

Much more than an amalgamation of two classic series. The game builds on Street Fighter IV's award-winning formula by introducing innovative new mechanics, and the result is one of the most tactically rich fighters on the market.

If you're a FIFA 17 fan, go ahead and buy it – you won't regret your purchase. Just be aware that, right now, EA's game can't match the standard of the new console footie king – PES 2017.

Those already addicted to Tiny Wings' charm will love the new levels, while those still on the fence couldn't have asked for a better invitation to join in.

The main story mode is broken up into 36 stages, each against a set number of enemy waves. Two bonus modes offer additional diversions, with Assault pitting players against an infinite number of enemies, while Endless mode removes attacking completely to make it a pure puzzle game. Both are satisfying for their own charms, and will keep players coming back long after the story missions are over.

Plenty of care and attention went towards making sure all of the individual pieces came together in a cohesive way, and as a result, Sulani feels like more than just a holiday destination. It's a living, breathing world that is easy to get lost in. Island Living is a resounding success and one of the finest expansions to date.

Sound Shapes is really what you make of it. The campaign, while a unique and thrilling musical ride, is criminally short and can be completed in under an hour on your first attempt.

Between breathtaking cinematics, slow-paced exploration and blood-soaked gunfights, Gears 5 manages to scratch several gaming itches all at once, without becoming tedious and raw on the skin.

There's isn't much new on offer, though the chance to own all of Kratos's adventures in glorious high definition will prove more than enough for his dedicated followers.

The 90 levels will go by surprisingly quickly for Cut the Rope veterans, though the promise of more levels to come and Zeptolab's history of updating its games gives hope that Cut the Rope: Time Travel will keep entertaining players with new puzzles for a long time to come.

With a campaign offering anything up to 70 hours worth of gameplay, not to mention a comprehensive multiplayer mode, Assassin's Creed 3 is one of the most complete action-adventure games we've ever played. Connor is a wonderful character and the perfect centerpiece for a riveting story that spans hundreds of years when you factor Desmond into the equation.

The multiplayer stuff seems as strong or even stronger while the visuals are absolutely stunning. It's not the blockbuster restart you might have hoped for, but there's enough good stuff here to make you hope The Coalition gets another run.

Halo 5: Guardians features an underwhelming, confusing and surprisingly banal campaign that's not actively bad, but equally not quite good enough to warrant a purchase on its own.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on iOS is easily the worst way to experience a game that many people regard as one of the best games ever made.

Everything is presented with a whimsical charm befitting of the Toy Story name. The levels can get quite challenging, requiring actual planning instead of rewarding random shots, but the simple pleasure of knocking down block structures is so rewarding that it is a difficult game to put down.

With an improved tutorial system, this is the most accessible entry in the series for some time, but there will still be those who yearn for the days when the football management title wasn't so bloated with stats and options.

With such a beautiful and distinct art style of its own, a world ripe for exploration and satisfying brawler combat that is unique among its peers, Guacamelee has as much to teach future games as it has learned from the greats.

Yakuza: Like A Dragon was poised to be the biggest of the series yet and it’s clear that Ryu Ga Gotoku have delivered. Pushing the cult series into brave new places, it’s a rich experience that’ll leave you wanting to explore every inch of Yokohama, and with a cast of characters you’re bound to fall in love with, it's bombastic and fun with a capital F. An essential for fans of the series and even newcomers.

From a gameplay perspective, however, NBA 2K14 is the best it's ever been. Visual Concepts has finally nailed the control scheme, and has introduced lots of minor tweaks across the court, from improved visuals and animations to more realistic physics.

F1 2012 is an example of a franchise maturing and growing as it becomes more established and successful.

Regardless of what label you end up applying to Axiom Verge in your own discussions, the most important one to keep in mind is this: Axiom Verge is a damn fine game.

Oxenfree II: Lost Signals is as unique as its predecessor and once again shows that Night School Studio is onto something with their 'walk and talk' mechanic. We can't wait to go back and dive in once more, and can't recommend the game enough.

It brings together all of its systems to create narratives that unfold organically and that are easy to get lost in. You may encounter the same hitchhikers or the same quests across two different runs, but the stories won't be the same. It's about the journey, not the destination.

The single-player game lacks a bit of structure and the multiplayer is certainly chaotic at first, but the game excels in providing socially connected racing that gets under the skin.

Lone Survivor: Director's Cut improves upon the already excellent original with an expanded story for its most dedicated fans, making it the definitive version of the psychological horror adventure.

While the sequel doesn't reinvent the game, it builds on the original enough that the novelty of dashing steel unicorns hasn't worn out its welcome yet.

This game manages to find new ways to thrill, excite, and stomp all over your poor, terrified little heart – which we suppose is great for people who have that sort of kink. Whatever floats your boat, we suppose.

Frozen Synapse on iPad offers everything that made the PC original great, along with multiplayer support between the iPad and PC. Those looking for deep strategy on the go need to look no further.

Into the Dead is one of the best uses of the first-person perspective on iOS, and an absolutely fantastic infinite runner for mobile devices.

Many of Darksiders 2's key ingredients have been borrowed from elsewhere. The dungeon crawling from Zelda, looting from Diablo, and the oversized bosses wouldn't look out of place in Shadow of the Colossus, but Vigil Games has weaved these influences together into an original and varied package.

Double Fine has played it safe with this revival, tweaking it only in ways that were necessary to usher it into the 21st century for fans old and new to cherish.

This was clearly a labor of love for Just Add Water, and fans of the original will no doubt experience a similar degree of fervour when they revisit Oddworld, which isn't to say the game's appeal is limited to this crowd.

Heroes of Loot offers blazing fast action but doesn't overstay its welcome, with each game typically lasting only a few minutes. Death may be frequent, but each one only leaves you eager to dive right back in again to try and reach deeper floors and uncover new treasures.

Outside of multiplayer, New Super Mario Bros. U offers little in the way of innovation, focusing instead on delivering tightly-designed levels, which look superb and can be played when the television is in use.

If you've already played and loved the three original titles plus their DLC then some mild visual upgrades and a handful of extras might not be enough to justify the purchase. If, however, you've never sunk into the haunting depths of Rapture, this is the time to sort it out.

Quite simply, it's an incredibly stimulating and strangely provocative shooter, which is not something that you hear every day.

Although the road may have been initially bumpy, we've been won over by IO Interactive determination and conviction. They've managed to prove to the rest of the industry that AAA games done episodically can work, and can work incredibly well.

Leo's Fortune is a fun ride while it lasts though, filled with clever physics puzzles and unconventional controls.

What's impressive is just how many interesting levels and puzzles the developers have created with such simple and admittedly limited controls. Across 80 levels, One Tap Hero never feels like it's running out of steam, with the exciting promise of more to come in future updates.

Representing the best of both worlds, it improves on the original game in almost every way, adding the challenge that long-term fans have been craving, without sacrificing its newfound accessibility.

Despite slight control problems that can hamper portability - and unfortunately the multiplayer - there's an awful lot to like in Kid Icarus: Uprising, making Pit's return one well worth the wait.

Gunpoint is a game with tremendous respect for the player, essentially giving you a toolbox of spy gadgets and a new stealth playground in every level, then letting you have at it at your own pace.

While the addition of eight new stages might not be enough to lure back fans of the original, but with its accessible new game mode, gorgeous visuals and plethora of challenging and diverse levels, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is almost guaranteed to attract an army of new followers.

Ultra Street Fighter 4 may not be a new game, but it's the definitive version of one of the greatest brawlers of its generation, refined in all the right ways.

Generous checkpoints alleviate some of the control issues, and the unique visual style is almost worth the price of admission on its own, but Type: Rider falls just short of its lofty vision.

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a modernised love letter to Jet Set Radio that combines fun and stylistic gameplay, with a kaleidoscope of updated Dreamcast-era visuals and sound to create a sequel in everything but name. We may never see Sega release another Jet Set Radio again, but this is the next best thing and an exciting foundation for the future.

It may be a little short of original ideas and the controls can be fiddly, but blockbuster titles like this are what we need to take tablet and smartphone gaming to the next level.

While the core of Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulous remains unchanged from the original, the sequel refines the formula to rekindle the addiction all over again.

Not everything new that Black Ops 2 introduces is a success, but what works - from the branching narrative to more flexible multiplayer customisation - makes it the most unique Call of Duty yet.

If you can get past the clumsy controls, you'll see why the Resident Evil series is held in such high esteem and how it kickstarted the survival horror genre.