Stealth Inc 2 is a remarkably well-crafted and well-paced platformer, and one of the most welcome surprises to arrive on the Wii U this year.

Even so, the fact remains that XCOM: Enemy Unknown is a fantastic strategy game, and one of the best and most robust available on iOS.

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.

A few bugs aside, Cart Life is an astounding achievement.

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.

Atomfall is a distinctly British take on the sci-fi apocalypse, but it’s so much more than that. The different parts of the game work together to provide the player an open-ended experience that’s both thrilling and rewarding, in a harsh world that’s begging to be explored. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of Fallout or not – Rebellion has crafted something special. In fact, I’m already back exploring, cricket bat in hand.

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.

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

Forza Motorsport 4 is authentic yet accessible, educating, entertaining, occasionally silly, always spectacular, but most importantly, faster and more thrilling than riding a V12-powered rollercoaster with no restraints.

Pushing the limits of interaction allows Hyrule to move beyond just being an incredibly beautiful puzzle box setting into something entirely grander. A truly living, breathing world.

What Capcom has done is less of a re-imagining and more a celebratory culmination of all the series' ideas. Resident Evil 4 is an absolute blast, retaining all its bombastic and over-the-top ideas while injecting some more modern horror and quality-of-life changes. It's a must for any Resident Evil fan, and if you’re new to the series, what a great place to start!

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.

Quite simply, the beautiful game is back with a sports car and twin sister in tow - there, we couldn't resist.

Expedition 33's story is a touching and highly emotional ride that, even as the stakes increase, always feels personal in the way that it thoughtfully depicts its themes. It's a stunning game, and stands alongside the best in the genre.

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.

The fact that Journey has so effectively condensed the experience into a two-hour interactive poem is an astonishing achievement. It is the evolution of Jason Rohrer's art game Passage, bringing an unmatched humanity to the experience through its multiplayer.

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.

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.

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.

With a hauntingly beautiful game world, stunning visuals, and a wide variety of ways in which players can approach combat, The Last of Us is another exceptional game from the team at Naughty Dog...However, it's the studio's ability to make this past-pandemic world and its contrasting cast of characters feel so believable and credible that really makes The Last of Us stand out from its peers.

If a deep combat system, an engaging plot, a wonderful cast of characters and a stunning, open-ended game world sounds like something you might be interested in, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim should be at the top of your list.

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.

While it was a risk to move away from the depths of Rapture and into the clouds of Columbia, Irrational Games has once again crafted a dazzling new world, which succeeds in taking the franchise to stunning new heights.

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.

In closing, Guild Wars 2 is a staggeringly ambitious project that makes a bold statement about the future of the MMORPG. It is living proof that a game of this manner can thrive outside of the subscription business model and the genre's established conventions.

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.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an absolute undisputed classic and a legend in the making, plus with Red Dead Online on the horizon, it looks like our adventures in the wild west are just beginning.

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.

Beyond: Two Souls is one of the most poignant and enthralling stories we have encountered in a video game, capable of stirring up the same depth of emotion as great works from the mediums of film and literature.

Aside from that one unbalanced bonus, Joe Danger is still easily one of the most fun games to download on iOS, capturing everything that made the games such a hit on consoles.

The richness of the world is helped by the fact that Arkham City is a stunning looking game. This is one of the most detailed, rich and vibrant open worlds ever created, whether you are gliding over its skyline or striding down the broken-down streets. Considering the size of the world, the rich detail of the interiors is incredible, putting many more linear games to shame.

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.

With three stages to play on and dozens of characters and weapons to unlock, Super Crate Box is easily one of the best games on iOS, if not one of the best games in the last five years. Period.

Nintendo and Intelligent Systems have re-awakened the Fire Emblem series in top form, merging its story and tactical combat as a masterful accomplishment for strategy RPGs.

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.

Painting over any cracks that were starting to appear in the Zelda series, A Link Between Worlds is a refreshing experience and another Nintendo 3DS masterpiece.

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.

Bombcats may have a more cuddly appearance than the developer's past titles, but the impeccable design behind its puzzles stands out as some of Radiangames's best work yet.

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.

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.

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.

Alan Wake 2 is a bold and confident follow-up to its original, and worth the wait in every way. Remedy has crafted something timeless that will be talked about for a long time and has unexpectedly become the game to beat in the survival horror genre. Surreal, tense, funny, absurd and nerve-wracking all at once, Alan Wake 2 is a game all of its own and one you really should experience.

Death Stranding 2 is a unique piece of art in the medium. It deals with the universal feeling of loss, our reactions to it and humanity's need - now more than ever - to connect. Death Stranding 2 doubles down on its core ideas to deliver something that's bigger and better than before and there’s just nothing else quite like it.

If you're new to the series, it's an absolute must to experience this wholly unique game, and thankfully there's more than enough excuse for older fans to step foot once more onto the USG Ishimura.

Breath of the Wild is still very much a traditional Zelda adventure at its heart. Smart puzzles, dungeon-dwelling bosses, charming characters, and imaginative storytelling are still on the agenda. In fact, thanks to inspired new powers spawned from the mysterious Sheika Slate, puzzle-filled Shrines, brilliantly crafted enemy encounters, and a beautiful world brimming with life, the game's more familiar beats are better than ever.

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.

Fans of the series will be delighted at just how much Eidos Montreal has gotten right with this prequel, from the dark cyberpunk visuals to the open-ended puzzle solutions. It tells an epic story full of twists and turns, set atop an incredibly challenging gameplay experience.

With a great cast, a huge list of missions and activities, some novel new gameplay additions and one of the most stunning environments we've ever explored, Grand Theft Auto 5 is a masterpiece and a hugely impressive technological achievement.

It's platforming perfection, brimming with clever ideas and flawless execution.

We had our eyebrow ready to raise at how the D-pad-focused plumber would translate to smartphone taps, but we needn't have – this oozes that classic Nintendo charm, the soundtrack is familiarly strong and the visuals are slick with tonnes of variety.

Gravity Rush is one of the most impressive titles to land on the Vita to date. It's rare to see a project with such lofty ambitions executed so well. The bold new mechanics are complemented by an engaging story, striking visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. If you were looking for an excuse to purchase the Sony handheld, look no further than this must-have gem.

Pillars of Eternity is a masterclass in role-playing game development, recapturing the essence of the genre's past triumphs and repackaging them for a universal audience.

Online in Super Smash Bros for Wii U makes an already brilliant game even better.

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.

Whether it's learning the ropes with Combot, attempting to best a challenging arcade mode, taking on tag teams with friends, or going global with 'World Tekken Federation', the package is always entertaining. Tekken Tag Tournament 2 is undoubtedly one of the deepest and most entertaining fighting games in years, proving that like a well-oiled tag team, both quality and quantity can coexist in perfect harmony.

Suffice it to say though, for puzzle fans Device 6 is hands-down the game that best takes advantage of the iPhone as a gaming platform.

It features a superb plot, contains at least one piece of essential DLC and looks absolutely stunning, making it an essential purchase for newcomers and one to consider for fans of the original.

Blue Prince is a special game full of mysteries, secrets and mind-blowing moments with an addictive gameplay loop. It's so good that labelling this as one of the best puzzle games of all time feels like a disservice. Instead, it's possibly the most memorable experience I've ever had playing a game and I can't stop thinking about it.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is the apex of the series and a fitting way for Kojima et al to bow out: as one, as best, as Big Boss.

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.

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.

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.

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

Tetris Effect remains the best version of Tetris on the market, and the Nintendo Switch port is hardly compromised, successfully retaining what made the game stunning in the first place. The added portability of the Switch version is more than enough reason to double-dip, and it looks wonderful on the OLED Model's new screen if you're fortunate enough to have the upgraded console. The Switch has become our personal platform of choice when it comes to Tetris Effect: Connected, but regardless of platform, this is a special title that absolutely deserves all the praise it's received over the last few years.

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.

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.

I want to keep playing, I want to discover its secrets, I want to fight every monster, try every weapon, discuss theories and explore as many of the community dungeons as possible. To put it bluntly, I want to bleed the game dry.

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.

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.

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.

Balancing a heartfelt story with over-the-top excessive video game action, Ragnarök is completely self-aware. It improves upon the previous title in all the ways we could have hoped for and delivers a huge experience with stunning visuals, beautiful storytelling and buckets of fun. This is a must have for any God of War fan and an easy recommendation for anyone new to the series.

Playing Okami HD is a joyous experience, but it is sad to see that after six years it is still one of the best examples of its genre. Okami HD is fantastic, and hopefully this re-release will inspire a new generation of game designers to play, enjoy and then scoff, "Ha, I bet I could do better".

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.

Not only do you care about the characters and want to see how their stories end, but you want to scour every inch of The Witcher 3's glorious game world. It's a world you want to get lost in, a world where fast travel is an afterthought and a world you want to keep exploring in case there's something you've missed.

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.

Volgarr the Viking feels like the perfect action game, or at least as close to perfection for a side-scrolling action game as there has ever been.

The developers at The Game Bakers already proved they could make a great game with Squids last year, and now with Squids Wild West they have turned it into one of the deepest and most enjoyable franchises on iOS.

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.

There's no getting away from the fact The Division is the best open-world that Ubisoft has ever created, while the gameplay is consistently entertaining and cohesive. The deep RPG elements and tactical gunplay just add to that. Plus, the fact you can get so much enjoyment out of being a solo player, with that experience heightened by buddying up, is quite a feat.

Despite this minor gripes, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception is a masterpiece and a strong contender for game of the year. Like its predecessors, it pushes the boundaries of what's cinematically possible in the medium of video games, and is a thrill ride from start to finish.

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.

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.

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.

It's the great bump in visual quality, the diverse and engaging campaign that never lets up, and a universe that finally catches your interest that impresses the most.

When the teams hit the field and the game kicks off, there's little to choose between FIFA 13 and the latest PES. A wealth of online and offline game modes and a rich supply of extras, however, ensures that FIFA 13 picks up another trophy in the most closely contested virtual football season to date. Like a Manchester United team chasing its 20th league title or Gareth Bale charging at a frightened right back, EA Canada is showing no signs of slowing down in its pursuit of the perfect football sim.

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.

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.

From its celebratory replays to its hero of the match voting and on-the-fly hero switching, it's a game that does everything it can to make you feel good and bring you into the scene. Play it if you love online shooters, play it if you don't: Overwatch is ready to join the likes of Quake and Team Fortress 2 in the pantheon of greats.

Even without the platform versatility of its other versions Skulls of the Shogun is still among the best strategy games to grace iOS, and one that armchair generals shouldn't pass up.

It's rare that a game can be beautiful, gruesome, tense and exhilarating all at the same time, but Inside does just that. Its six years in the making really show. It might be just a sidescroller on paper, but it's so polished and well-put-together that its a showcase of Playdead's mastery. It's captivating and moving, gory and bleak but ultimately, Inside is a piece of art from the first stumbling steps to the closing credits.

It's a hardcore, heart-pounding adventure that's more accessible to newcomers, without sacrificing the series' sense of mystery, awe and wonder.

Whether revisiting Hyrule for the umpteenth time, or paying your first visit, prepare to be dazzled by one of the finest gaming experiences ever created.

The action on the court is fast, fluid and accessible, but with enough depth and detail to keep you hooked for the long haul.

From the tiniest trickle of water to the largest tidal wave, or the smallest grain of sand to the biggest mountain top, every element combines to make From Dust one of the most beautiful and compelling games available on Xbox Live Arcade.

Xenoblade Chronicles doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does add a stylish new body and a slick new engine.

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.

If they dial back the gorgonzola, the product placement and adjust that cover mechanic, this could have been a perfect game...But, for now, you've got the best-looking game on Xbox One, jam-packed full of familiar faces and top-notch acting, complemented by strong gameplay mechanics and a popcorn-crunching TV series.

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.