When the whistle blows and the action is go, PES 2013 is easily a match for FIFA, coming closer than ever to wining back its crown.

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.

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

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.

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.

At times, Volume may fly too close to its Metal Gear Solid roots - creator Mike Bithell has unashamedly noted 1998's stealth 'em up as a distinct source of inspiration - but what it lacks in immediate originality, aesthetically at least, it makes up for in innovative, engaging, and challenging level design.

It reaches highs that some Halo recent entries still haven't reached, and due to some unfortunate pacing, some of its biggest lows, too. All in all, its timeless combat ensures that old fans can soundly enjoy it once again, while newcomers can fully appreciate why it's always been so highly regarded.

The different racing styles provide a hugely diverse experience that really highlights Codemasters' strengths as one of the best developers of racing games.

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.

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.

While FIFA Street doesn't have the depth of its annually-updated bigger brother, the latest release is a much more rounded product than past iterations. For the most part, the developers have succeeded in combining the sparkle of street football with the fundamentals that make the beautiful game so appealing.

Horizon: Zero Dawn is simply great fun to play – the open world and fantastic enemies make it easy to get on board with the surreal premise which Guerrilla Games has crafted. The challenging gameplay always tempts you to push past the next mountain, through new cities or delving into caves to discover new beasts, secrets and gear...Its razor-sharp graphics will have you relentlessly hitting the PS4's share button, even if the story can't quite capture you in the same way.

The influence of horror legend John Carpenter has helped create a really spooky and often atmospheric world that may not look great, but it certainly delivers the goods.

While it may suffer from a few technical issues, it's still largely trouble-free and among the more reliable Kinect games available at this point.

Based on my time with the game so far, I would certainly recommend making a date with Destiny.

If it's more surprising, rule-breaking encounters that you're after, then look no further.

Despite the flaws, Alice: Madness Returns is still a really fun game to play. The combat is on the whole fluid and satisfying, making the most of the range of abilities, while the platforming and exploration rolls along at a decent pace. Spicy Horse has done an admirable job of continuing the legacy of Wonderland, but it's just a shame that some of the madness seeped into design choices.

Overall, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron continues the great work of its predecessor and also takes that to new heights. The campaign is visually rich, highly playable and gripping throughout, while the multiplayer offers incentive to come back for more. Most crucially, though, High Moon Studios has again done justice to these much-loved, shapeshifting robots.

Creative Assembly's award-winning strategy now comes in a brand new flavor, and it bears all the hallmarks of a franchise rejuvenated.

The game is almost on par with FIFA 12 on the PS3, though the animation marginally falters on occasion. The player likenesses are impressive, and the stadiums rendered in vivid detail. Overall, it's a fantastic looking game.

With a darker location, additional powers and more varied selection of missions, Assassin's Creed 3: The Tyranny of King Washington: Part Two furthers the potential of Connor's episodic adventure.

The aiming controls are a little finicky in first-person mode, and the tactical view is limited in the types of commands you can give, so neither option would have really been strong enough to carry the game alone. But when combined and given the option to switch between them at will, Call of Duty: Strike Team finds a balance that offers the spectacle you'd expect from the series in a way that feels natural on a smartphone or tablet.

God of War's reboot is a triumph...Our few complaints – and there are very few – would be that the boat sections add little to the actual gameplay other than a cumbersome way to explore the world. Meanwhile, upgrading Kratos' gear sometimes means battling some eye-wateringly tiny text and over-complicated power-ups.

It's a challenging area with a pleasing aesthetic and is set to offer a lot of potential talking points for fans of Dark Souls lore.

Silksong won me over. As someone who didn't have strong feelings towards Hollow Knight, I'm glad I gave the sequel a chance. It's easy to label Silksong as brutal, but it's much more than that. Pharloom may be hostile, but fittingly so and makes for an incredibly rich and rewarding place to explore. Hornet is a delight to play as, and even though the game made me work hard, I never lost my motivation to progress.

With the promise of regular content updates, Carbine's opus has the potential to achieve great things, but whether it realizes this potential largely depends on its success in amassing a community. But for now, WildStar is a massive multiplayer online game done right, blending the traditional with forward-thinking combat, high production values and an engaging world that begs exploration.

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

One excellent new addition is the option to test weapons in a firing range before games begin. Having gone into many a battle with the wrong gun in the past, this is definitely something we found useful.

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.

There's plenty to love about Injustice: Gods Among Us, especially if you are a comic book fan. The game combines a compelling story with polished fighting mechanics and some genuine innovation.

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.

FIFA 15 may not be brimming with new ideas and game modes, but it is the most polished and enjoyable version of the football sim yet.

In the end, Burial at Sea finishes on a much stronger, series-apt note than the one it began on, and it's impressive how Irrational Games drops curtains on its universe with something truly unexpected but wholly fitting.

Everything from the graphics to the gameplay has been amped up significantly and the end result is an excellent sequel. This could easily have attained classic status with a little more refinement, specifically where the level creation mechanic is concerned.

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.

Dustforce demands a lot from its players, but the rewards can be just as great for players who get swept up in its challenges.

Just Dance 4 is less of a sequel and more of an annual update, tinkering and tweaking with existing game modes in order to please its fanbase. Even so, an excellent soundtrack coupled with alternative routines, mashups and dance battles ensures that Ubisoft's latest continues to provide hours of entertainment.

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.

DiRT Showdown is not just a spinoff of DiRT 3, and that is not because DiRT 4 is in development deep within Codemasters. The game is a deliberate shift in the DiRT series to a new direction, without upsetting core rally fans by changing or dropping the trademark precision racing. It could be said that DiRT Showdown is to DiRT what the Zombies mode is to Treyarch's Call of Duty; fun, violent and never takes itself too seriously.

Neither the combat, the puzzle solving or the presentation is overly brilliant on its own, but put it all together and you have a winning package that perfectly suits its target audience.

At its core, Thomas Was Alone is a celebration of the differences between people, and as a celebration its puzzles are far more concerned with offering a hurdle to overcome rather than obstacles to fail. It's a subtle difference, but an important one.

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.

Company of Heroes 2 is a worthy sequel to a classic RTS, honoring its roots and handling its subject matter with the utmost respect. There are times when it will feel very familiar to series veterans, but sticking to your guns is no bad thing when they have never let you down in the past.

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.

Combine spot-on controls with dozens of fish to discover and a wonderful sense of humor, and it would be ridiculous not to download Ridiculous Fishing.

The game isn't as innovative as other recent Mario efforts and not as novel as previous New Super Mario releases. It's still one of the best 3DS games on the market, however, and we strongly suggest saving some of your own coins in order to buy it.

The cast of Midnight Suns is split between members of the Avengers (Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, etc) and the Midnight Suns themselves – a crack squad of younger heroes assembled to tackle demonic issues. All sorts of fun tensions arise from these groups interacting, all supported by some really strong writing. The only thing that lets it down is the sometimes janky production values, and we often felt like particular lines or moments would have been better delivered in a single comic panel with a distinct facial expression, rather than Midnight Suns’ middling character models. If you can look past this, though, then you get some really funny moments with a cast of characters that genuinely feels like it’s been assembled with care – a feeling which extends throughout the entire game and which is a welcome surprise for this big-budget IP-driven title.

Soul Sacrifice is undoubtedly one of the deepest and most interesting games available for Sony's handheld. The dark fantasy style and slightly repetitive missions might put some people off, but if you're looking to invest a lot of time into a game and don't mind sacrificing your social life, Keiji Inafune's latest is just the game for you.

With better server consistency, Hybrid could hold onto gamer attention long after the big hitters like Halo 4 and Black Ops 2 are on shelves. Hopefully the servers will improve in the future and the player base will stick with the game in the long run, but neither of those things can be relied on with any degree of certainty. For now, Hybrid is a fun but flawed experience, with sheer brilliance waiting for those patient enough to join a match.

Whether you're an ardent fan who has logged into Destiny every week since launch, or someone who set down the controller the moment the credits rolled at launch last September, everything has been tweaked and changed for the better for everyone.

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.

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.

A bright, colourful and tasty blend of all your favourite multiplayer shooters, it will leave you with a big smile on your face and feeling good inside.

The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle is an impressive expansion that emphasises not only green living but also community. The biggest success stems from how the core features come together in a cohesive way to make your neighbourhood feel connected, backed by Evergreen Harbor's memorable world.

After an opening act bogged down by tutorials and dodgily scripted story sequences, Watch Dogs removes the shackles, takes some chances and begins to live up to its own hype...Despite its pacing issues, Watch Dogs manages to tell a worthwhile story that's backed up by some novel new ideas in both single and multiplayer.

Mankind Divided is neither as revolutionary as Deus Ex was 16 years ago nor The Witcher III and MGSV were just last year. That doesn't change the fact that it's a brilliant Deus Ex, giving you a rich, exciting cyberpunk world, a compelling storyline within it, and the freedom to explore it almost any way you wish...In terms of both stealth and combat it's a big improvement on the last game, while it still has the deep storytelling and lavish background detail we've come to expect. If you're in a mood for a dark, sci-fi conspiracy thriller with some meaty themes, put those mirrored shades on your face and get stuck in.

Pacing issues aside, Riptide GP2 is the mobile spiritual successor to Wave Race and Hydro Thunder fans have been hoping for.

Much like TV's Strictly Come Dancing, Just Dance 2014 adopts the same tried and tested formula that has seen it become one of this generation's premiere party games. It doesn't take any risks and fails to innovate, but thanks to its superb soundtrack, hilarious dance routines and much-needed online mode, it's worth dusting off those dancing shoes for one last jive.

New Little King's Story should be commended for the way it amalgamates several complex genres into one fun and accessible package. It will almost certainly appeal to RPG fans more than real-time strategy veterans, but the elements it draws from both genres complement each other exceptionally well. Although players familiar with the Wii version will notice more than a few similarities, most of the comparisons drawn will no doubt be favourable.

Like any good vacation, you'll return home at the end of it with lasting fond memories. But unlike most vacations, with Hohokum you always have the opportunity to revisit them whenever the mood strikes.

Despite its often infuriating difficulty, Road Not Taken is a fascinating journey where how you play it makes all the difference.

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.

Mario Party Superstars is the strongest outing for the long-running franchise since at least the early GameCube days. It doesn't take many risks and admittedly lacks imagination, but this party leans on nostalgia and understands why these games are so popular among longtime fans. It's a well-executed and highly enjoyable return to the series' roots while remaining largely accessible to first-time players.

Football Manager has always been more than a game, but it is also more than a football product. It's both of these things in equal measure and updates of this quality will ensure that its legacy remains strong within the sport and among its fan base.

The main slight against Antichamber is its personality, or lack of. It's visually interesting but also feels atmospherically empty and austere. If you can embrace that, though, and you have enough patience to crack the obstacles in your way, there may not be a puzzle game this year more rewarding as this one.

Like Ocarina of Time before it on 3DS, Nintendo once again proves that it has a deft hand at reviving its classics, preserving their timeless essence while making them easier than ever to revisit for new and old audiences alike.

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

Limited multiplayer options aside, Lumines Electronic Symphony blends puzzle, rhythm and visuals together in an almost euphoric way. What looks like a humble block-shifting affair at first glance is actually one of the best titles in the PS Vita's launch lineup. Throw in one of the best soundtracks you're ever likely to hear and we have an excellent purchase on our hands.

Activision has brought its classic platformer Pitfall back in a new iOS game. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the popular mobile game Temple Run, which will likely cause many to write it off as a simple clone.

WWE 12 is an excellent wrestling game with an enormous amount of depth. Matches are exciting, the presentation is great and there are enough extras and customisation tools to keep fans continually entertained. It's remarkable that even with the poorly-executed Road To Wrestlemania mode, WWE 12 still has enough about it to see us through to next year.

While Final Fantasy has lost its way in recent years, Theatrhythm is a warm, wonderful reminder of why you fell in love with the series in the first place. While your mileage will depend on your familiarity with the series, in its own right this is a fun and quirky rhythm game full of neat ideas, but for long-time Final Fantasy fans this is nigh-on essential.

Just when you might have expected the original Toys-to-Life franchise to be running out of steam, Activision has brought it back, revitalised and exciting. Imaginators might just be the best Skylanders yet.

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.

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.

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.

There is so much to like and discover about Monaco: What's Yours is Mine - just make sure you have some good friends along to share the spoils.

Simple enough that anybody can play, incredibly addictive and offers short bursts of fun in both a single and multiplayer capacity, making it perfect for groups of all ages and skill levels. Quite simply, Fruit Ninja Kinect has all of the ingredients of a classic party game.

Sadly, the touchscreen controls are a bit lacking for the iOS port, making the paddle a little more sluggish than felt natural. The control issues are unfortunate, because Wizorb is otherwise a ridiculously charming evolution of the Breakout formula.

Pivvot falls into the same category as games like Super Hexagon - but is just a little more forgiving, and a better experience for it.

Saints Row 4 may not be perfect, but it will, at least, be remembered for its brazen video game parodies, over-the-top set pieces and outrageous weaponry, rather than being a poor man's GTA. This, in itself, is a certifiable step in the right direction.

​Far Cry Primal ​is the most convincing entry yet, and we can't get enough of having our very own bear.

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.

New Super Luigi U doesn't necessarily improve on New Super Mario Bros. U, and we wouldn't recommend it for those who didn't get on with the original. As an expansion for a Wii U launch game that might be gathering dust, however, New Super Luigi U introduces lots of wonderful levels and an increased challenge.

Mafia: Definitive Edition is a stunning remake that improves upon so much while staying true to its original vision. As you'd expect, this balance between new ideas and old concepts has its advantages – and its drawbacks. But it remains an exciting experience with a nostalgic warmth that'll keep you coming back to explore its expansive yet conservative map, free from the bloat that similar games in this genre have been subject to for far too long now.

The Sims 4 has worked hard over the last few years to give players more options than ever to customise their Sims, and this pack is a continuation of that direction — with its focus on evolving large parts of the gameplay a refreshing attempt at making a Sim's lifetime more colourful and rounded.

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.

The linear campaign structure is a bit limited compared to the first game's branching missions, but with both American and Japanese campaigns to play through and over 180 missions Sid Meier's Ace Patrol: Pacific Skies will keep strategy players coming back again and again.

The abandoned cruise ship setting evokes a sense of fear and isolation that was missing from its predecessor, rivalling early games in the scare stakes.

Sure, Worms 3 isn't exactly groundbreaking for the series, but it hits the right notes to offer fans the complete Worms experience on the go.

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

The time is definitely right to reboot the Assassin's Creed franchise with new characters and settings, but Revelations marks a fitting finale to this magnificent franchise to date.

Another Code: Recollection is a heartfelt experience that’s unique and fun, despite it not being the most challenging game around, and it's hard not to recommend. Now, let’s hope we see Hotel Dusk and its sequel Last Window released in a similar package soon!

Strayed Lights is both a cosy, relaxing experience and an extremely well-crafted Souls-lite adventure game – and honestly, it’s a combination we didn’t even know we wanted. With a lavish world, beautiful soundtrack and addictive combat loop, this is a unique title that's easy to recommend.

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is an enormously enjoyable tag-team fighting game, let down by Capcom's poor sense of timing. Releasing the game so soon after the original leaves a sour taste, especially considering that the 12 new characters - the main attraction - could have been added as DLC.

Teen Sims have become a whole lot more engaging and satisfying to control here, in large part thanks to a variety of features and moving parts that help to capture the teen experience. With an impressive range of clothing and furniture targeted towards teens included as well, the expansion succeeds in turning this previously-overlooked life stage into one that feels unique and worthwhile to play. For us personally, that's a big win and outweighs the pack's imperfections and lack of polish.

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.

Cronos: The New Dawn feels like the first step into a universe we’d love to see expanded upon and is simply a must for any survival horror fan to try. It’s not perfect, but you’ll find plenty to challenge and keep you on edge from start to finish.

NBA 2K15 builds on the foundations laid down by its predecessors, providing an all-star basketball experience marred only by online issues.