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.

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.

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.

Its lack of subtlety in its mechanics, it's rather clunky nature and its somewhat dull, basic setting mean it will never be more than a decent distraction: a game to play in between other games, or while you wait until Bloodborne early next year.

This is not a revolution as far as open-world games go, it's more of a compendium of recognizable elements that have been twisted just enough to make them seem new and different for the uninitiated.

By sticking to tried and tested survival horror staples, The Evil Within effectively creates a sense of tension and fear, something which makes the descent into darkness all the more terrifying.

It's a game capable of delivering real moments of magic, but is too often marred by inconsistent Kinect controls that can turn those feelings of joy into frustration.

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

So who is F1 2014 aimed at exactly? Well, with a 'very easy' difficulty setting, more forgiving handling (unless you turn assists off) and shorter, customised race weekends, F1 2014 is probably the most accessible iteration yet.

The inclusion of playable villains does just enough to prevent a tried and tested formula from turning stagnant, but with Disney Infinity and Nintendo's Amiibo amping up the competition in the toys-to-life category, future Skylanders titles may have to do more to cement the series' position as market leader.

This a remake done right and the care and attention that has been invested in it will delight existing fans - hopefully winning over some new ones, too.

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.

It's a frantic game packed with stunning set-pieces, thrilling boss battles and a fantastic combat system, even if it doesn't deviate too far from the original.

'Curse of Naxxramas' is an expansion positioned towards more seasoned players, acting as welcome respite from the climb of the Ranked ladder or the unpredictable gauntlet of the Arena, and rewards with powerful cards you'll keep using long after it's over.

Driveclub isn't necessarily the innovative or revolutionary game that we were expecting, but that doesn't make it a bad racer. Far from it.

Alien: Isolation is one of the most faithful video game adaptations you're ever likely to play, coming across as an homage to Alien and a like-for-like recreation of the used future Ridley Scott introduced us to in 1979.

It keeps you on edge just enough to pique your curiosity for what the next mystery will bring, and marries that mystery with an eerily beautiful world worth being curious about.

While fundamental gameplay problems make it difficult to create a truly exceptional gaming experience, Disney Infinity 2.0's real strength lies in the creation aspect itself, something which makes it ideal for a younger audience.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is not without its issues, but it is loyal enough to its source material and the adventure genre to make it worth a look if you're a fan of either.

Iron Fisticle can still shine for single-screen co-operative play, since having a friend along allows for co-ordination that cuts through the monotony. But while the random enemy patterns were intended to extend replayability with a different challenge each time, the way they are actually implemented ends up making levels feel more uniform.

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.

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.

D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die may just be the beginning, but it is easily one of the most delightfully bizarre trips of the year. It won't always make sense, but there is a consistent earnestness to its oddity that somehow makes it all work in harmony of '80s saxophone riffs and overly-affected Boston accents.

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.

As a tribute to a franchise's greatest moments, it's almost unparalleled in its breadth and attention to detail, and whether you're a long-time fan or someone who has only skimmed through a few core entries, there's no better way to revisit the series.

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

Wasteland 2 might be daunting to newcomers, then, but its a sequel that successfully captures the strategic depth and black humor of the original...Brian Fargo and his team at InXile have delivered a quintessential role-playing experience with infinite possibilities.

Roundabout is simply overflowing with personality, offering the best bad acting around and clever missions that even make the aggravating city exploration worth plodding through.